For an ordinary diplomatic visit, Mondstadt would arrange for foreign diplomats to stay in the finest hotel, such as the Goth Grand Hotel.
However, the visiting guest this time was an Archon.
Forget the new Mondstadt—even during the era ruled by Decarabian, they had never encountered a visitor of such status.
Following Barbatos’s suggestion, Vennessa arranged for His Majesty and the Grand Duchess to stay at the Favonius Cathedral.
The rest of the honor guard members were lodged at the Goth Grand Hotel.
Mondstadt at this time was not yet as prosperous as it would be over two thousand years later, and its layout and location were somewhat different.
However, the Favonius Cathedral and the Headquarters of the Knights were quite similar to those of later generations.
The former stood atop the high point of the city, with white walls and pointed spires, solemn and grand; the latter was situated along a main thoroughfare, bustling with activity, pragmatic and efficient.
To welcome their distinguished guests from the northern realm, the entire city had been decorated.
Woven garlands and banners were hung along both sides of the streets, and flower pots were displayed on window sills across every household.
Most extravagant of all was Barbatos using the wind to sweep in countless Cecilia flowers.
The pure white petals fell from the sky, drifting down to blanket the entire city.
Now, this city of wind was covered in blossoms, filling the air with a faint, sweet fragrance.
The arrival of the fairies injected a fresh vitality into Mondstadt.
Throughout the streets and alleys, these beautiful, pointed-eared guests from the north dressed in luxurious attire were a common sight.
The fairies of the snow realm had only ever known winter snow, rarely catching a glimpse of greenery even in summer.
Finding themselves suddenly immersed in Mondstadt’s spring scenery, every last one of them was utterly enchanted.
Green grass, red flowers, blue sky, white clouds.
Warm sunshine and a gentle breeze.
Along with Mondstadters who were almost overly enthusiastic.
“Hey! Beautiful lady—care for a drink?”
“Brother, that outfit looks incredible! Come try some Mondstadt Sunsettia wine!”
“Wow, are those ears real? You’re so gorgeous!”
Seeing the stunning appearances of the fairies, several outgoing Mondstadters were already approaching with drinks in hand to strike up a conversation.
At first, the fairies maintained a sense of restraint, holding themselves to the cool, noble demeanor of northern aristocrats.
However, they couldn’t withstand the overwhelming warmth of the Mondstadters.
Three drinks down, and their dignity was thrown to the wind.
Some fairies had rather unique appearances—wolf-headed, bear-headed, or even bird-like with bodies covered in feathers.
They were monstrous fairies that had existed since the Hyperborea era.
Built upon the foundation of ordinary beasts, they had been bestowed with intelligence and beauty, making them appear both majestic and elegant.
Walking down the streets of Mondstadt in tailored suits, these wolf-headed and bear-headed fairies commanded a hundred percent turn-around rate.
Mondstadt’s demi-humans at most grew animal ears or tails; pure beast-headed demi-humans were extremely rare.
To say nothing of those dressed in suits, looking dapper and refined.
It was safe to predict that for a long time to come, the diversity of the Mondstadters’ tastes would broaden significantly.
His Majesty had granted everyone time off.
Including the royal guards.
“Go enjoy yourselves,” Moh said, leaning against the window sill as he flipped through a book of Mondstadt poetry without raising his head.
“Just don’t pack your bags too full; Liyue still has local specialties to buy.”
The guards looked at each other.
“His Majesty’s safety…”
“If there’s a threat even I can’t resolve,” Moh flipped a page, “do you think you can?”
The guards fell silent.
And so, the royal guards were granted their leave as well.
In the end, even Grand Duchess Anastasia was urged out by His Majesty.
“Go take a stroll,” Moh said.
“After taking in Mondstadt’s local customs, tell me about how the humans live here.”
Anastasia stood at the doorway and glanced at him.
“And you?”
“Me?” Moh finally looked up from his book.
Anastasia remained silent for a moment.
“…I understand.”
She turned and left, stepping out of the Favonius Cathedral to stand on the steps, gazing at the city of Mondstadt before her.
The sunlight was pleasant and the breeze mild.
People came and went along the streets, their laughter drifting faintly through the air.
In truth, she had little interest in Mondstadt.
When it came to wondrous landscapes, she had already seen many images of exotic planets aboard Moh’s train.
The vistas from the sea of stars were far more breathtaking than any scenery in Teyvat.
Still, she decided to go for a walk.
Anastasia avoided the main thoroughfares.
Mainly because the Mondstadters were simply too enthusiastic.
At the plaza, several fairies were surrounded by groups of locals, being dragged into sampling various wines and foods.
Not wanting to be swarmed, Anastasia headed toward quieter paths.
Cutting through a small alley and navigating past a residential area, she arrived at what appeared to be a side gate of Mondstadt, where Mondstadt soldiers were standing guard.
The area was sparsely populated and exceptionally quiet.
Then, she spotted a tavern.
It was a small two-story building with a refined exterior.
The wooden door frame was carved with vine patterns, several potted flowers rested on the window sills, and the sign depicted a cluster of grapes alongside a wine glass.
The decor appealed to fairy aesthetics—elegant and dignified.
However, since it was daytime and foreign fairies were drawing all the attention on the main streets, the tavern was practically empty.
What caused Anastasia to pause was an old acquaintance standing by the door.
With long blue hair, pointed ears, and a slender frame, he was looking up, studying the tavern’s sign.
“Lord Chudomir,” Anastasia inquired in a flat tone.
“Did the smell of alcohol in the alleys drag you all the way here?”
The blue-haired man turned around.
His amber-yellow eyes seemed to lack focus—a trait of the lamp fairies, whose gaze always appeared unfocused, as if they were blind.
Yet when the elegant gentleman saw Anastasia, he bowed slightly with flawless etiquette.
“Good day, Grand Duchess Fyodorovna.”
Kirill Chudomir Filins.
Although on paper only His Majesty and the Grand Duchess were nobles among the honor guard, any fairy who had fought alongside His Majesty in past wars had been granted a title.
Since the members of this honor guard had been meticulously selected, most of them were nobility, and the man before her was one of them.
He had not yet adopted the various disguises he would later use when posing as a human, including his surname.
At this moment, Filins was still the elegant, cold lamp fairy, his blue hair gleaming with a chilly luster under the sunlight.
Among the fairies, he possessed titles far more famous than his lengthy Snezhnayan name: “Spear of the Holy Guard” and “Spectral Flame.”
As his titles suggested, he was a veteran who had followed His Majesty through battle.
His spear formations and blue flames had once carved through enemy front lines for both the Winter Covenant Army and His Majesty.
On this diplomatic visit, he was serving as a ceremonial officer—an easy job with no real work required.
Anastasia appraised him.
“Leaving you as a mere lord is a waste of talent,” she remarked with casual encouragement.
“With your achievements, a little effort could easily make you another favorite minister alongside Filippov.”
Filins offered a gentle smile, though it lacked deep emotion.
“I am not adept at scheming in court politics, Your Highness. Rather than becoming a musician or dancer at His Majesty’s ball, I am better suited to be the spear in His Majesty’s hand that pierces the enemy’s throat. His Majesty has plenty of fairies who know how to please him; he doesn’t need me. Besides, gaining a higher title means managing a fief, and I prefer solitude.”
He shook his head.
“I’ll pass.”
“Still as smooth-talking as ever,” Anastasia said, twirling a lock of hair around her finger.
“Kirill, why haven’t I heard you say such things in front of His Majesty?”
“His Majesty dislikes slick-tongued men,” Filins answered promptly.
“You know that, Your Highness.”
“You’re hardly slick-tongued. His Majesty even told me to learn how to speak from you, saying you’re very good at complimenting others.”
“I am grateful for His Majesty’s favor.”
Anastasia didn’t pursue the topic further.
“Care to join me for a drink?”
“My honor, Your Highness.”
He walked over to the door and gentlemanly opened it for Anastasia.
Inside, the rich aroma of alcohol washed over them.
A network of tables occupied the first floor alongside the bar, while the second floor presumably housed private rooms.
The interior decor was even more refined than the outside, with polished wooden tables and chairs gleaming, and oil paintings depicting vineyards hanging on the walls.
Behind the bar stood a full wall of liquor cabinets.
Bottles of various colors were neatly arranged, glowing softly under the warm lighting.
By the bar counter near the entrance stood a red-haired young woman with her hair tied in a high ponytail.
She wore a crisp shirt, trousers, and a dark apron tied around her waist.
Her features were bright and striking, with a spirited air about her brows.
She was wiping a glass when she heard the door open and raised her head.
“Welcome to the tavern, guests.”
Her gaze landed on Anastasia and Filins, and she paused briefly.
—Pointed ears, luxurious attire, outstanding aura.
They were fairies, the distinguished guests from the north.
Her smile became noticeably warmer.
Anastasia looked at her.
“Your appearance and hair color… you are of the Ragnvindr family.”
The girl blinked.
“You know my family?”
“I met them earlier. Grand Master Vennessa introduced Mondstadt’s prominent figures to me. Your father and elder brother were among them.”
Realization dawned on the girl.
She set down the glass and bowed politely.
“I see. I am the second daughter of the family, Lia Ragnvindr.”
She straightened up, her smile open and direct.
“I don’t have the talent to manage a great family, but I am somewhat skilled at mixing and brewing drinks. Since you two are guests who have traveled far from the northern realm, I should fulfill my duty as a host and treat you to Mondstadt’s specialties—consider it making new friends.”
Anastasia observed her.
The human girl’s eyes were clear and her smile sincere.
She possessed neither the flattery common among nobles nor any deliberate coldness.
Anastasia liked this attitude.
“It is our honor,” Filins replied warmly.
“Just call me Kirill.”
“Anna,” the Grand Duchess offered her name simply and concisely.
Lia’s eyes brightened.
“Ms. Anna, Mr. Kirill.” She turned to retrieve a few glasses from the cabinet.
“Judging by your luxurious attire, I hear the Fairy Court is also divided by noble titles?”
“In a sense,” Anastasia replied briefly.
“Then what are your drinking preferences?” Lia asked while preparing her bartending tools.
“I would like something sweet,” Anastasia said.
“Please make mine a strong drink,” Filins added.
Anastasia glanced at him.
“I hope you don’t get lightheaded and end up burning down the young lady’s shop.”
Filins put on an innocent expression.
“How could I?” His tone sounded slightly aggrieved.
“I am hardly that rude—that is slander, Your Highness.”
Lia’s hand paused as she reached for a bottle.
*Your Highness?*
She quietly looked up at the female fairy named “Anna.”