"But Dvalin's hatred didn't start because people stopped worshiping the Four Winds," Venti said softly.
"That anger isn't natural—it's the product of corrosion."
"C-corrosion?" Paimon blinked.
"Black blood seeped into his heart and tormented him," Venti explained. "He couldn't rest, even in long slumber. When he woke, the Abyss Mages' curse had already taken root in his mind."
"The Abyss… the same 'Abyss Order' the Knights of Favonius warned us about?" Lumine asked. She'd heard the name earlier from Amber—along with another group: the Fatui.
"I don't know their true origin," Venti said with a sigh. "Only that they bear malice toward humankind. Even the hilichurls roaming the wilds will obey them and become their weapons."
He glanced around at the vast oak of Windrise swaying overhead. "Before coming here, I was afflicted much like Dvalin. But this place—the symbol of a hero, the spring of all that Mondstadt has become—the wind in these boughs carries the scent I like. If I rest in this shade with you, it helps purge the venom… much like you purified the dragon's tears."
He drew a deeper breath and smiled. "Better already."
"How did you get poisoned in the first place?" Paimon asked, baffled.
"I tried to talk to Dvalin earlier," Venti admitted, rubbing his neck, "but I was… ah… interrupted. I failed to drive out the curse and ended up tainted by abyssal toxins myself."
"So… that was because of me?" Lumine's voice sank.
Venti nodded, meeting her eyes. "Mm."
Lumine stiffened, guilt pricking. She'd only meant to help.
"So, as compensation—Travelers," Venti brightened suddenly, "come with me to Favonius Cathedral. Let's fetch something called the Holy Lyre der Himmel."
"Huh?"
Paimon and Lumine exchanged a look—but Venti had already started off, so they hurried after him.
"Whoa, you've got an Anemo Vision, too," Paimon noticed, then squinted. "You're sure you're not the Anemo Archon?"
"If he really were Barbatos, he wouldn't need a Vision… right?" Lumine murmured. She watched his dangling jewel with complicated eyes.
Venti only smiled, not answering. The breeze met his steps as if it were carrying him, and the three of them made quick time back to Mondstadt. With Kairo's speed buff still lingering and Lumine's own Anemo at her heels, they reached the cathedral doors in short order.
"So… what is this 'Lyre of the sky,' exactly?" Paimon asked, staring up at the stained glass. "And why come here?"
"A Mondstadt treasure—the instrument Barbatos once played," Venti said. "With the Lyre, I can call Dvalin's true self back from the nightmare."
"That'll… actually stop the destruction?" Paimon tilted her head. "That easy?"
"Of course. I am the finest bard alive," Venti replied, brimming with confidence. "Past, present, future—there's no song I don't know. Look into my eyes. Don't I just radiate trust?"
"…Suspicious," Lumine deadpanned.
From the plaza to Windrise and back again—this bard really had nothing better to do?
"So how do we get it?" Paimon asked. "You're saying the Lyre is inside the cathedral?"
"Kept deep within, in a safe place," Venti said. "I'll scout. You can tag along if you like. Watch and learn—"
He pushed through the doors. Lumine and Paimon followed into the quiet nave, where a young nun stood with a prayer book.
"Hello, Sister," Venti said brightly.
"May the Anemo Archon bless you, young bard," the nun replied. "Do you need something from Sister Victoria?"
"I know a secret that can resolve Mondstadt's current crisis," Venti said.
"Then you should report to the Knights." Sister Victoria's tone was gentle but firm. "I'm merely a sister. What help could I provide?"
"Hehe… there is one thing you can help with," Venti grinned. "For example—the Holy Lyre der Himmel. With its power, I can make Stormter—"
"Please stop," Sister Victoria cut in. "The dragon is vicious. If the Acting Grand Master gives the order, the Knights can fell it."
"No, that would kill him," Venti frowned.
"An ungrateful beast turned from the East Wind—" Sister Victoria shook her head. "Even if Barbatos himself descended, forgiveness would not be so easily given."
"Mm…" Venti paused, then straightened solemnly. "In that case… I can't keep pretending."
Sister Victoria's eyes narrowed. A Vision wielder, claiming hidden truths—this could be trouble.
Hands on hips, Venti declared, "Rejoice, faithful one! The god you serve stands before you—Barbatos in the flesh! Are you shocked? Moved to tears? At last you behold your god! Wonderful, no?"
Sister Victoria: "..."
Paimon: "..."
Lumine: "..."
Paimon whispered, "There's no way this guy's the Archon."
Lumine nodded. "He only sounds informed."
Sister Victoria inhaled, mastered her temper, and said evenly, "If you have no further business, I must return to my duties." She turned on her heel and left without looking back.
"Eh—? Sister, wait—" Venti reached out, but she only quickened her pace.
"Hehe," he said at last, eyes gleaming. "Even so, our visit wasn't for nothing."
"At the very least, she didn't deny the Lyre is in the cathedral."
He looked to Lumine. "And since you're the Knights' newest star—how about you give it a try?"
Lumine: "..."
"…Alright," she sighed, jogging after the nun. She caught up in the aisle.
Sister Victoria turned, braced for another tall tale—then softened. "May the Anemo Archon bless you."
"Hello," Lumine said, a little sheepish. "I'm the Honorary Knight—Lumine."
"I know," Victoria smiled. "You and Amber helped save Mondstadt. What brings you here? Orders from Acting Grand Master Jean?"
"Mm… The Knights would like to borrow the Holy Lyre der Himmel," Lumine said—cheeks coloring.
"Truly?" Victoria's brow twitched. "I don't doubt you, but a suspicious bard asked to borrow it earlier. He spouted nonsense—claimed he was Barbatos. He clearly meant no good."
"The Lyre is used only during festival rites—Ludi Harpastum, for instance," she added. "Loaning it requires signatures from the Grand Master's office, the Bishop, and citizen representatives. Do you have the paperwork?"
Lumine froze. "…I left it at headquarters. I spoke with Jean earlier—"
"In any case, documents are required," Victoria said kindly but firmly. "If there's nothing else, please excuse me. There's much to do."
She departed. Lumine returned to the nave, looking chagrined.
"So even you couldn't do it," Venti said, sighing in mock tragedy.
"Even her?" Paimon grimaced.
"I just wanted to see whether Mondstadt's rising hero could, say, lift a legendary blade from the village square—perfect story fodder," Venti said, scratching his cheek.
"That analogy is rude," Paimon sniffed.
"You misunderstand me," Venti said lightly. "It's disappointment in Mondstadt—hesitating to lend a sword to a hero standing at the gate."
He clapped his hands once. "Looks like borrowing won't work. We'll have to be… creative."
He swept an arm. "This is the city of freedom—speak freely. Which creative method do you prefer?"
Lumine: "..."
Paimon: "..."
Lumine clenched her jaw. "I don't want to steal anything."
Honorary Knight by day, cathedral burglar by night? And the target was the Archon's relic? If they failed, she'd be branded a thief.
"Ahaha—off topic already," Venti laughed. "Seriously, you're better suited than me. Aside from singing, I've no talents to boast. I've no backing in Mondstadt—if I'm caught, who would plead for mercy?"
Paimon rolled her eyes. "If you steal something and get caught, that's not misjudgment, that's justice."
"But you, Traveler, are Mondstadt's benefactor," Venti persisted. "If you bungle it, a good explanation might smooth things over."
"Stop assuming we'll bungle it!" Paimon yelped.
Venti looked to Lumine. "Well, Traveler?"
"You just claimed you're Barbatos," Lumine said, studying him.
"Just an excuse," he said, scratching his head. "And your point is…?"
"If you are a god, you can't stand by," Lumine said steadily. "If you're not, I'll still save Dvalin. I'll bring the sky back for you—because I don't want to see more partings."
She was ninety percent sure now. The flippant bard really was the Anemo Archon. Why he needed her to pinch his relic… that was a riddle for later.
"Let's wait outside," Venti said, eyes narrowing with a smile. "Not now—we move at night."
"Okay," Lumine said. They stepped out of the cathedral.
"Meet again after midnight," Venti went on. "Weather like this is perfect for a good drink. If you succeed, come to that tavern—Angel's Share. I'll be waiting."
He pointed down the street.
"We're splitting up already?" Paimon asked.
"Of course," Venti chuckled. "Lingering at the cathedral door will draw Knights and sisters alike. No need to spook the pigeons."
"…Fair," Paimon admitted.
"See you in the small hours," Venti said—and jogged off.
"Back to our room to rest?" Paimon asked. "Big heist tonight—gotta plan and conserve stamina."
"No," Lumine said, shaking her head. "We're going to Good Hunter. We need Kairo."
Paimon's eyes popped. "Right! With Kairo's help we can nab the Lyre way easier! Worst case, he boosts our speed. Best case… he does that super sneaky thing!"
"Exactly," Lumine said, and they hurried to the restaurant.
Inside Good Hunter, Kairo sat at his usual corner, relaxed, sipping cider.
"Kairo! Kairo!" Paimon zoomed over.
Kairo looked up at the two returning in a rush and smiled faintly. "Well?"
To be continued… Midnight plans, a borrowed relic, and whether a ripple in fate can outpace Mondstadt's watchful eyes.
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