“Isn’t Amber’s weapon a bow?” Paimon asked, a little confused.
“Standard-issue weapons come in other types with the same prefix, but the way to get them is the same,” Amber said, a bit exasperated.
“I still don’t have a Favonius Warbow, you know!”
“So this sword is really valuable?” Paimon grew even more excited at that.
The more expensive something was, the more she liked it!
“Of course it’s valuable.
Beyond its excellent quality, it represents recognition from the Knights of Favonius and the Church.
That’s something I’m still working toward.”
If she could own a Favonius series weapon, wouldn’t that mean she was already a full-fledged knight?
Amber muttered to herself.
“Jiang Chen, isn’t this… too much?” Lumine hesitated, looking at him.
Jiang Chen shook his head.
“I believe Lumine will eventually earn the recognition of Mondstadt’s people, the Knights, and the Church.
I’m just giving it to you a little early.”
There was a hint of encouragement in his tone.
“Exactly!” Paimon chimed in, afraid Lumine might refuse.
“And if another one shows up later, I can keep it for my collection, hehehe.”
“You said that out loud!” Lumine teased her.
“This little Paimon… is she secretly related to some dragon?” Amber said, equally speechless.
“Then I’ll accept it.”
A faint smile crossed Lumine’s face.
She took the Sword of Favonius, gave it a few test swings, and found it quite satisfying.
Soon, she was reluctant to put it down.
“There are also some ordinary artifacts in the chest, perfect for a novice adventurer,” Jiang Chen added.
“Artifacts?” Lumine looked curiously into the chest.
Inside were a glowing plume, a pocket watch, a small cup, a circlet, and a lifelike flower.
The five artifacts’ energies formed a subtle, harmonious cycle.
“They’re items imbued with mysterious power.
They enhance and protect those who can wield elemental energy,” Jiang Chen explained.
“If you happen to assemble a matching set, it can unlock some of their inherent abilities.
This Adventurer set is a favorite among adventurers across Teyvat.”
“Mm.” Lumine tucked the four artifacts close to her, then pinned the flower to the side of her hair.
“Thank you,” she said softly, gently touching the Flower of Life at her temple.
The unease she’d felt since falling into this world, losing her sibling and her power, finally began to settle.
“I’m so jealous,” Amber said wistfully.
“This Adventurer set isn’t cheap at the Adventurers’ Guild, and you need a certain number of contribution points to buy it.
We Knights of Favonius don’t even get a chance.”
Jiang Chen had already given the set to Lumine.
Amber didn’t think there’d be a second one for her—his earlier offer of gear was probably just politeness.
“Why?” Lumine asked.
“The Adventurers’ Guild is basically a mercenary organization.
The Knights of Favonius are an official national defense force—there’s no way we’d join something like that!” Amber said, hands on her hips, always proud of her identity as a knight.
“So the Knights don’t have special artifacts?”
“Kaeya occasionally brings back a few scattered ones to strengthen the Knights, but they’re way out of my league.” Amber’s round face drooped into a grimace, but she quickly waved it off and perked up again.
“Enough about that.
Remember I said I had a gift for you?”
“It can’t compare to what Boss Jiang Chen gave you in terms of rarity or power boost, but I’m pretty confident in its practicality!”
“Oh?” Lumine looked intrigued.
“Amber, what is it!?” Paimon, who had been sitting on the table munching an apple, flew up again.
“Anyway, wait for me under the Statue of the Barbatos in the city first.”
“If you don’t know where it is, ask Boss Jiang Chen.
I’ll go prepare.”
With that, she flipped over and jumped out the window.
“…” Jiang Chen watched her practiced move in silence.
If any of her seniors in the Knights saw that, she’d probably get a good scolding.
“Jiang Chen, what’s Amber giving me?” Lumine asked curiously.
Jiang Chen spread his hands.
“Wouldn’t it ruin the surprise if I told you?”
He added, “The Statue of the Barbatos is at the highest point of Mondstadt, in front of the cathedral.
If you look up from the fountain below, you can just see it.”
“Mm.
I’ll go then,” Lumine said, but she didn’t move right away.
She looked at him.
“Are you coming too, Jiang Chen?”
“I have other things to do.” Jiang Chen shook his head.
“Oh.” There was a hint of disappointment in her voice.
She didn’t copy Amber’s exit.
Instead, she and Paimon obediently took the stairs.
“Watch the wind direction, and stay safe.”
Just before she left, she heard his voice from upstairs.
“Mm!” Lumine pressed her lips together in response, her steps feeling a little lighter.
Even though she didn’t understand why he’d give such a warning.
“Well then, I need to head to the Knights’ headquarters too.”
Jiang Chen watched Lumine and Paimon searching for the direction of the Statue of the Barbatos in the fountain square, then closed the attic and second-floor windows, locking them.
“Sarah, we’re closing up today,” he said to his waitress as he came downstairs.
“So early, boss?” Sarah asked, puzzled.
Business had been slow lately, but closing this early?
“Is there something you need me to do?” she asked.
“No, just bring everything back inside the shop,” Jiang Chen said.
“You’ve got the day off, with pay.”
Happy reading!