The finally freed Wind Dragon let out a cheerful roar, summoning the power of Anemo to disperse the clouds above Mondstadt. Warm sunlight bathed the land in golden light.
"Bye-bye, big guy!" Paimon waved excitedly at the sky.
Watching the dragon disappear into the distance, Shen Qin felt slightly disappointed. He had hoped to ride the "dragon taxi," but due to his interference, the plot had deviated from the game's events, and he'd missed his chance.
"Sigh! Let's head back to the city. I really need a long vacation. The workload I've taken on recently could match a whole year's worth!" Lisa stretched lazily, showing off her elegant curves.
All the knights assembled. After confirming that no one had been injured in the battle, the squad, led by Jean, took to the skies and flew in formation toward Mondstadt.
As before, the team landed at the gates and continued on foot.
Word of their victory had already reached the city thanks to a scout, so citizens had gathered early along the road. When the Knights of Favonius passed through the gates, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.
Hastily prepared balloons were released, and flowers rained down on the knights. Unlike the solemnity of their departure, the return was filled with warmth, and the knights waved joyfully to the people on both sides of the street.
A triumphant return should feel triumphant, joy was perfectly appropriate.
Shen Qin walked quietly beside the Sun's Annihilator. As if sensing something, he looked up and saw Tartaglia waving at him from the crowd.
Tartaglia pointed in the direction of the cathedral. Shen Qin nodded in acknowledgment.
Back at the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Jean announced that all knights who had participated in the campaign would get two days off. Regular duties would resume the day after tomorrow. For now, each team captain would host a celebratory feast for their squad at noon.
"Captain Jean, let's get together again tonight, just the few of us!" Amber suggested cheerfully. "It won't feel like a true celebration without it!"
"Yay! Klee wants to eat lots of yummy food!" Klee was overjoyed. The others had been so busy with the development of the Sun's Annihilator that no one had played with her for days.
To keep her occupied, Jean had assigned her to help manufacture bounce bombs at the workshop. Klee had been excited at first, but quickly got bored with the repetitive mechanical work. It was nowhere near as fun as creating new bombs.
Now that the dragon crisis was over, she could finally go play again with Brother Shen Qin and Sister Sucrose!
"Not a bad suggestion. Let's hold the feast at Angel's Share tonight. It's on me," said Diluc.
Holding it at Dawn Winery would've been more traditional, but with the crisis just concluded, everyone still had responsibilities. Staying in the city made things easier. After the party, they could head straight home to rest.
"But there's still so much work…" Jean began, scanning the hopeful faces around her. Finally, she gave in. "Alright, let's go to Angel's Share tonight!"
"Yeah!" Amber clapped hands with Klee in celebration.
Jean even cracked a smile. It was a rare moment to unwind—but come tomorrow, it'd be time to return to hard work.
Diluc noticed Jean's relaxed expression and smiled faintly.
Everyone split off to prepare: team captains to handle their squads' celebrations, Diluc to organize the evening feast, Lisa went off to "slack," and Noelle dragged Sucrose and Klee off to help with cooking.
"Master Shen, do you have a moment? I'd like to speak with you privately," Keqing said.
"Can we do this this afternoon or tomorrow?" Shen Qin replied honestly. "I've made an appointment with Tartaglia, he's waiting at the cathedral right now."
Jean frowned. "The Fatui Harbinger... Be careful when dealing with him."
"No worries. I'll be with him," Albedo added.
Everyone had been shocked that morning by the "attack" on Shen Qin's side. Even Sucrose's group and the scout team had been caught off guard. It reminded them of their earlier vows to protect him, and they couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed.
It wasn't their fault. Aether's strength was overwhelming, and he held no real hostility toward Shen Qin. Even Haro hadn't reacted in time.
Later, when reviewing the event with Haro and Ms. Butterfly. Haro admitted it hadn't detected any malice from Aether. By the time Noelle and the others lost consciousness, it and Ms. Butterfly were already isolated by Abyssal energy.
Of course, Shen Qin had quietly told them not to reveal Kong's appearance. If that got to Lumine, things could get complicated. It wasn't the right time for a reunion.
Keqing agreed to meet the next day. She planned to spend today relaxing in Mondstadt, maybe shop for some local specialties.
Shen Qin and Albedo arrived at the cathedral. Tartaglia, due to his status, couldn't enter without escort. He was talking with Victor, a Fatui envoy, at the entrance.
Patting Victor's shoulder, Tartaglia said, "Don't worry. I'll get you transferred back to Snezhnaya soon… or would you prefer Sumeru? The work there's much easier. It's like getting paid to go on vacation."
Victor hesitated. "Hmm… I'll think about it, Lord Tartaglia. Anything's better than being stuck in Mondstadt where everyone glares at me."
"Alright, let me know once you decide. I'll arrange it."
Tartaglia noticed Shen Qin and waved. "You're finally here!"
Victor quickly made himself scarce, muttering, "Gotta ask the Traveler to help me grab some local Mondstadt goods before I leave…"
"Let's go."
Shen Qin brought Tartaglia into the basement, retrieved the Gnosis from Haro's stomach, but didn't hand it over immediately. "So, are the Fatui still interested in making a deal with me?"
"Of course. Trading Mora for a Gnosis, who wouldn't jump at that?" Tartaglia handed him a contract. "Rosalyne has been reassigned. From now on, as long as you're in Mondstadt, she won't set foot here."
"But 25% of Northland Bank's shares is too much. We're offering 20% and 50 million Mora. The rest of the conditions remain unchanged." Tartaglia looked sincerely at Shen Qin.
The other Harbingers had originally been against it, 'why trade away benefits for something they could take by force?'
But after witnessing the Sun's Annihilator severely wound a corrupted Dvalin in one shot, Pierro who had heard it from a line, had issued a secret order to Tartaglia to proceed with the deal.
Mondstadt, now backed by that weapon, was no longer easy prey.