Skirting around Springvale, they quickly reached the moat. The road was very safe, and they occasionally saw merchants passing by. It seemed this dragon disaster had caused very little disruption.
At this moment, Lisa moved to Su Han's side and asked, "How does it feel to be back in Mondstadt again?" (TL/N: MC lied about having went to mondstadt in case anyone wondering)
Su Han looked at the knights at the city gate and smiled. "Better than before. At least there aren't any disgusting Fatui stationed at the gate."
"Hm? Sounds like you really dislike them. Is there some history between you?" Lisa asked.
"You don't know, Miss Lisa? Su Han was attacked by the Fatui when he was in Liyue. If he hadn't hidden his strength, who knows where he would have been sold off to by now," Hu Tao said.
Lisa gave a small laugh at that. But thinking about it again, it was understandable. If she had been attacked, she wouldn't like the Fatui either.
Su Han said calmly, "I'm a simple person. If someone treats me well, I remember it. If someone treats me badly, I also remember it, even for a lifetime."
Since the Fatui dared to provoke him, they could wait for their retribution.
After entering Mondstadt, Su Han put away the Green Bamboo Flute. It was already evening, but he could still faintly hear the sound of hammering nearby.
Su Han smiled. "Master Wagner's business is still as good as ever?"
Lisa nodded. "Recently the Knights ordered a batch of armor from him. After seeing the Stormterror incident, I guess he didn't want to rest."
"No one wants disasters," Hu Tao said with a sigh. The last time she came, Wagner still took breaks every now and then. Now he was working overtime at night. Clearly, he also hoped the city would return to peace soon.
As they moved forward, Su Han saw the Floral Whisper flower shop. Donna was helping Flora organize flowers. When they saw Lisa and the others return, their eyes lit up and they immediately called out.
"Captain Jean has returned!"
"Really? How is Lord Dvalin?!"
"I just saw a terrifying storm heading toward Springvale. It scared me to death."
"You're telling me. My grandfather is still in Springvale."
The once peaceful street instantly became crowded after Donna's shout. It was now clear that the calm earlier had been false. Although the townsfolk kept up with their daily routines, deep down, they were still afraid.
After all, the threat was a dragon.
Jean said to Lisa, "Take Su Han and Hu Tao to headquarters first. I'll calm everyone down and explain the situation."
"Be careful."
"No problem."
Watching Su Han and Lisa leave, Jean cleared her throat and addressed the crowd. "Everyone, please remain calm. The offering this afternoon was effective. The investigation into Lord Dvalin's condition is nearly complete. Peace will return soon. And I have good news: earlier today, a servant of the Anemo Archon appeared."
Among the crowd, Venti's face stiffened. He sighed. "So he still exposed me. But this is fine. A 'servant' sounds better than the actual Archon."
It was the best explanation. Otherwise, claiming someone could communicate with Dvalin and stop him would sound absurd. Venti decided to accept the role.
On the other side, Su Han walked with Lisa down the street. Compared to Liyue's prosperity and liveliness, Mondstadt had more people drinking and having fun.
Several taverns were lively, especially Diluc's tavern and Cat's Tail, already packed even though the sun hadn't fully set.
Past the taverns was the famous Good Hunter restaurant, also filled with people.
Lisa noticed Su Han's gaze and smiled. "Want to go in for a simple meal?"
"No, I'd like to hire some people first and clean up the shop. This time I mainly came to open the store."
Compared to eating, Su Han cared more about his manga shop. The earlier he opened, the more manga he could sell. He had thought his strength was impressive, but facing a lifeform like Dvalin truly exposed his shortcomings.
For example, his accumulation of power was not enough.
Hu Tao asked, "When will Ningguang's people arrive? Do you need temporary workers? If you're short on people, I can loan you some."
"In around three days. Ningguang said they'll hurry. If you have people, I'd appreciate a few."
"No problem."
While they were discussing, Lisa cut in. "If it's just cleaning, you don't need to worry. Jean already arranged for people to clean before you arrived. As for sales, I think there are reliable people within the Knights."
"So thoughtful?"
Su Han was a bit surprised. He hadn't expected the Acting Grand Master to be so considerate. It saved him a lot of trouble.
"Jean told me your business was booming and you'd probably come. So we sent someone weekly to keep the shop clean. We just didn't expect you so soon."
"Then I really must thank her."
Night had fallen. The streetlamps lit one by one. Lisa gazed toward the hazy outline of the cathedral and said, "We should be the ones thanking you. Mondstadt used to be a mess. The Grand Master left on business, and Jean was supporting everything alone. It was heartbreaking to watch."
Hu Tao asked, "Didn't the Knights have other people?"
"They did, but they fought among themselves. For example, the extremely capable Diluc left the Knights because of internal conflict."
"So when Jean found outside help, I was very surprised."
As they chatted, they reached the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Su Han handed the sleeping Klee to a female knight, who took her to rest.
After about half an hour, Jean finally returned.
"Sorry. Even though the people trust us, we still needed to explain clearly."
"It's fine. And thank you for cleaning the shop."
"Hehe, as long as you like it. By the way, if the store opens tomorrow, should I send Noelle to help?"
"Noelle?" Su Han asked. "Doesn't the Knights need manpower? If she helps me, what will you do?"
Jean shook her head. "The current missions are too dangerous. Whether it's investigating the mountain or going to Stormterror's Lair, she shouldn't go. And simple serving tasks aren't suitable for her. But helping in your shop, that I feel comfortable with."
The all-purpose maid Noelle was indeed powerful, but her one flaw was over-dedication. On dangerous missions, that trait could get her hurt.
"Alright then. Let her come tomorrow. I do need people. If there's nothing else, I'll head back. Hu Tao is waiting."
As he turned to leave, Jean suddenly remembered something. She hurried after him.
"Please wait."
"Hm? What is it?"
"That… do you… do you have… the newest volume of the manga?"
Jean's voice was tiny. By the last few words, she was almost whispering like a mosquito. Her face was completely red, looking ready to collapse from embarrassment.
Su Han froze. He had never expected someone as serious as the Acting Grand Master to have such an adorable side.
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