Hearing that familiar voice, Eve’s expression shifted instantly.
She glared daggers at the blue-haired, one-eyed man.
It was this exact man who had not only poked her backside but also soaked her entire body through.
This grudge was one Eve swore to settle.
“Stormterror actually started launching attacks right inside the City of Mondstadt.”
“Kaeya, you’re just in time, we need to hurry…” Amber said anxiously.
“Hold on, Amber.
Aren’t there some people here who haven’t had a chance to introduce themselves yet?” Kaeya said, crossing his arms.
“Ah…
right.
This is Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain of our Knights of Favonius,” Amber introduced to Lumine and the others.
“And these are travelers from afar: Lumine, Eve, and Paimon,” Amber introduced them in turn to Kaeya.
Kaeya scrutinized Lumine from head to toe, seeming to ponder something.
But when his eyes landed on Eve resting in Lumine’s arms, his expression shifted slightly.
*Tch, why does this slime look so vaguely familiar?*
Still, Kaeya quickly brushed the thought aside.
He already knew about this peculiar Dendro slime from Amber’s earlier report.
Hence, he didn’t dwell on it, assuming the traveler had simply formed some sort of contract with it.
After all, there were people in Mondstadt trying to converse with Hilichurls anyway!
As for Eve, her hostile glare hadn’t changed one bit.
Yes, it was the quintessential look of someone trying to book a one-way trip to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for him.
Seeing that Kaeya made no further moves, Amber continued briefing him on Lumine’s background.
“I see.
Welcome to Mondstadt,” Kaeya said after listening to Amber’s explanation.
“Though it’s a pity it’s during such a wretched timing…”
“I can fully understand the agonizing pain of being separated from one’s blood relative, Lumine,” Kaeya added.
This wasn’t merely Kaeya spouting empty pleasantries; he had genuinely experienced that exact kind of heartbreak before.
“It’s fine,” Lumine let out a soft breath and said.
“Alright, alright, let’s not dwell on such heavy topics,” Paimon chimed in from the side to smooth things over.
“Indeed.
Besides, though I don’t know why you’re looking for the Anemo Archon, everyone has their own secrets.”
“That goes for you and me alike, so I won’t press,” Kaeya said with a half-smile.
“Mm,” Lumine nodded faintly.
“In any case, first of all, allow me to thank you on behalf of the Knights,” Kaeya said respectfully.
“We couldn’t just stand by and ignore a disaster,” Lumine replied modestly.
“How about this?
On a personal note, I’d like to gift you a specialty of Mondstadt,” Kaeya continued.
“What is it?” all three asked in unison.
Eve mentally noted: *If you’re giving me a gift, this grudge still…
can’t just be brushed off like that.
At the very least, it’ll take two portions.*
Lumine’s face also wore an expectant expression.
“Mondstadt’s specialty: Sweet Madame!” Kaeya announced excitedly.
“Uhm…” Disappointment was written in capital letters across all three of their faces.
*Eve:* *Yup, no forgiveness.
Straight to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor with you.*
“W-What’s with those looks?!
This stuff is genuinely delicious!” Kaeya stammered, assuming they disliked the dish.
“No, it’s just…
we literally just heard that exact same line a moment ago,” Lumine said awkwardly.
“Huh?” Kaeya blinked, completely bewildered.
A second later, realization seemed to dawn on him, and he whipped his head around to stare sharply at Amber.
Amber chuckled sheepishly, sticking her tongue out in a playful gesture.
“Alright, let’s set that aside for now,” Kaeya steered the conversation back on track.
“The citizens you protected witnessed your battle against the dragon with their own eyes.”
“The Acting Grand Master is also very interested in the two of you and hopes to have a chat at the Knights’ headquarters.”
Kaeya extended a hand in invitation toward Lumine.
“Mm, no problem,” Lumine replied.
“Then please, follow me!” Kaeya took the lead, guiding the way.
Lumine and the others followed closely behind, with Amber tagging along as well.
After a short walk, Kaeya soon led them to the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius.
“Acting Grand Master, I’ve brought them,” Kaeya said, pushing open the doors.
At that instant, Jean and Lisa immediately turned their gazes toward Lumine.
Kaeya promptly briefed Jean on the sequence of events, including Lumine’s origins and her objective.
“Mondstadt welcomes you, travelers borne upon the wind.”
“I am Acting Grand Master Jean, and this is Lisa, the Librarian of the Knights.”
“Hello, my name is Lumine, and these two are Paimon and Eve,” Lumine introduced them in return.
“Oh?
Are you kind children who came to help out because we’re short-handed?
How adorable!” Lisa murmured with a hint of teasing playfulness in her tone.
“Ah…” Lumine immediately blushed, feeling a bit flustered.
“It’s just unfortunate timing,” Lisa continued.
“Why is that?” Paimon asked.
“Ever since Stormterror awoke, it has been active around the outskirts of the city, causing a great deal of chaos.”
“Right now, Mondstadt’s elemental currents and ley line circulation have become as tangled as a ball of yarn batted around by a cat,” Lisa explained with a helpless sigh.
“So that’s how it is!” Lumine nodded.
“Sigh, for a witch, this is the absolute worst-case scenario…
It ruins both your skin and your mood,” Lisa murmured, gently stroking her own cheek.
On that front, Eve felt deeply sympathetic.
Just thinking about that massive mess in Sumeru gave Eve a headache; her mood soured instantly.
“Right, speaking of which, I’ve had my eye on you for a while, you magical little creature.” With that, Lisa shifted her gaze toward Eve.
She had already learned about Eve from Amber’s report, including her ability to speak and her unique attachment abilities.
As a witch, she was endlessly fascinated by this extraordinary slime.
“How about it, little one?
Would you like to come with Sister Lisa and do some very interesting things?” Lisa bent down, drawing close to Eve as she purred with a seductive charm.
Gazing at that deep cleavage, Eve felt a brief flush of heat, though only briefly.
Such petty tricks were no longer enough to distract Eve.
*Do not let desire pierce through your willpower.*
“First things first: I don’t sell my body,” Eve declared solemnly.
*Ahem, after all, who doesn’t love a mature, glamorous older woman?*
Eve’s current gender was female, but her preferences leaned firmly toward females as well.
“Hahaha, what a fascinating little creature!” Lisa burst out laughing, amused by Eve.
“Alright, Lisa, let’s keep to the main business!” Jean reminded her from the side.
“Sigh, if we weren’t bogged down by these disruptions, the Knights would have far better ways to help you search for your family than mere missing-person posters,” Jean said regretfully.
That was indeed true, but Jean’s words also carried a deeper subtext.
Namely: *You help us resolve the dragon crisis, and we’ll be in a much better position to help you find your kin.*
“For now, please lodge in Mondstadt temporarily while we in the Knights of Favonius work our hardest to resolve this crisis!” Jean continued.
“We can’t just leave all the worrying to the Knights alone!
I’ll help out!” Lumine said earnestly.
“Paimon will help out too!” Paimon added, hovering in mid-air.
“Mm, me too,” Eve chimed in flatly.