For a typical diplomatic visit, Mondstadt would arrange for foreign diplomats to stay at the best hotels, such as the Goth Grand Hotel.
But the visitor was an Archon.
Not to mention the new Mondstadt, even in the era ruled by Decarabian, they had never encountered a visitor of such status.
Following the advice of Barbatos, Vennessa arranged for His Majesty and the Grand Duchess to stay at the Favonius Cathedral.
The remaining members of the honor guard checked into the Goth Grand Hotel.
At this time, the city of Mondstadt did not yet have the prosperity of two thousand years later, and its layout and location were also somewhat different.
However, the Favonius Cathedral and the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius were quite similar to those in later generations.
The former stood high above the city, with white walls and spires, solemn and dignified; the latter was located on a main thoroughfare in the city, bustling with people, pragmatic and efficient.
To welcome the distinguished guests from the North, the entire city had been decorated.
Woven garlands and banners were hung along the streets, and every household displayed fresh flowers on their windowsills.
The most extravagant part was that Barbatos had used the wind to blow in many Cecilias; those snow-white petals drifted down from the sky, fluttering and covering the entire city.
Now, this city of wind was covered in flowers, and a faint floral fragrance drifted in the air.
The arrival of the fae injected a new vitality into Mondstadt.
In the streets and alleys, one could often see these beautiful, pointed-eared, and luxuriously dressed guests from the North.
The fae of the snowy nation had only ever seen winter snow; even in summer, it was hard to find greenery.
Now, suddenly placed in the spring sunshine of Mondstadt, they were all dazzled.
Green grass and red flowers, blue sky and white clouds.
Warm sunshine and gentle breezes.
And those Mondstadters who were a bit too enthusiastic.
“Hey!
Beautiful lady — would you like a drink?”
Come and try Mondstadt’s Sunsettia wine!”
“Wow, are your ears real?
You’re so beautiful!”
Some enthusiastic Mondstadters, seeing the striking-looking fae, had already approached them with drinks to strike up a conversation.
The fae were initially a bit reserved, putting on airs and maintaining the aloof demeanor of Northern nobility.
But they couldn’t withstand the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Mondstadters.
After three cups of wine, their reserve was thrown to the winds.
There were also some fae with more unique appearances—some with wolf heads, some with bear heads, and even a few resembling birds, covered in feathers.
They were the variant fae that had existed since the era of Hyperborea; based on ordinary beasts, they had been endowed with intelligence and beauty, looking both majestic and elegant.
At this moment, these wolf-headed and bear-headed fae, dressed in suits and leather shoes, walked the streets of Mondstadt, drawing everyone’s gaze.
Mondstadt’s demi-humans at most grew animal ears or Tails; purebred beast-headed demi-humans were extremely rare.
Let alone the kind that were dressed in suits and were handsome and dashing.
It was foreseeable that for a long time to come, the diversity of the Mondstadters’ preferences would be further expanded.
His Majesty had given everyone time off.
Including the Imperial Guards.
“Go and have fun.” Morgan leaned against the window, leafing through a book of Mondstadt poetry, and said without looking up, “As long as you don’t pack your bags too full, there are still specialties in Liyue to buy.”
The guards looked at each other, “Your Majesty, your safety…”
“If there is a threat that even I cannot solve,” Morgan turned a page, “do you think you can solve it?”
The guards fell silent.
Finally, even Grand Duchess Anastasia was persuaded by His Majesty to go out.
“Go for a stroll,” Morgan said, “after you see the customs of Mondstadt, come back and tell me how the humans here live.”
Anastasia stood at the doorway and glanced at him, “And you?”
“Me?” Morgan finally looked up from his book, “I’ve been a bit tired lately, you go and have fun.”
Anastasia was silent for a moment, “…I understand.”
She turned and left, walking out of the Favonius Cathedral.
Anastasia stood on the steps, looking at the city of Mondstadt before her.
The sun was shining, and the breeze was mild.
People were coming and going on the streets, and laughter could be heard faintly.
She was actually not very interested in Mondstadt.
When it came to exotic scenery, she had already seen many pictures of alien planets on Morgan’s Astral Express.
Those landscapes from the sea of stars were more stunning than the scenery of any nation in Teyvat.
But she still decided to take a walk.
Anastasia did not choose the main road.
Mainly because those Mondstadters were too enthusiastic.
In the square, several fae were surrounded by two or three Mondstadters, being pulled to taste various drinks and foods.
Anastasia did not want to be surrounded, so she walked further and further into the secluded areas.
Passing through an alley and circling around a residential area, she arrived at what looked like the side gate of the city of Mondstadt, where she saw Mondstadt soldiers standing guard at the entrance.