"What a troubled time…"
Staring at the intelligence pinned to the wall—news that the Fatui had somehow obtained "Sigils of Permission"—Ningguang couldn't help letting out a sigh.
A "Sigil of Permission" was an adeptal talisman. Although there weren't many left anymore, nowadays it was mostly treated as a token—an item used to request an audience with the adepti.
But there was definitely something bigger behind this.
Ningguang didn't believe the Fatui were just bored and collecting these things to go ask the adepti for a meeting.
Spending a huge sum to get a single talisman paper, just to request an audience with the adepti?
That would be insane. Not only did Liyue's adepti rarely meet people, but the Fatui themselves had several figures with archon-level combat power.
Why would they travel all the way to Liyue to request an audience with the adepti?
If you said that out loud, forget Ningguang—even the Fatui wouldn't believe it.
So the Fatui obtaining "Sigils of Permission" had to be for some other purpose.
But of all times, they just had to stir trouble during the Rite of Descension.
Everyone knew that locals rarely went to the Rite of Descension.
Unless you were some high-ranking official or noble, most ordinary people would rather snack around Chihu Rock, stroll the streets, and relax than go cram themselves into the crowds at Yujing Terrace.
Plenty of people hadn't attended in years—some even for decades.
Hu Tao, for example—she basically never had time to go.
During the Rite of Descension, that was usually when she slept the soundest.
It couldn't be helped. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's schedule was what it was.
Holding funerals in the morning, handling mourning affairs—how would she have the energy to attend some so-called Rite of Descension?
If you told her to organize the Rite of Parting instead, that would be more like it.
The reason the Rite of Descension was so lively every year was because most of the attendees were foreigners.
That day was also when Liyue Harbor had the highest number of foreign visitors—and the best opportunity for people to muddy the waters and fish in troubled waters.
Especially after last year, when Keqing had publicly questioned Rex Lapis during the Rite of Descension.
This year, as the Tianquan Star, Ningguang was responsible for arranging it.
She had to prevent anyone from causing trouble.
If something really happened, where would the Tianquan Star's face be?
So this time, she had to be on full alert.
On top of that, Mondstadt's Knight King was stepping onto the public stage of Teyvat for the first time.
That made it even more important for her to be grand and proper.
Perhaps the Knight King could even become another trump card for Liyue.
Thinking back to Rowan's meaningful glance before he left, Ningguang felt she really might have a chance.
Even heroes struggled against beauty.
The Knight King was only human, not a god.
He was completely different from Rex Lapis—so he still had emotions and desires.
Beauty, treasure, power—so long as Rowan asked…
To gain the aid of a god-level existence, she was willing to offer everything she had.
Including herself.
She loved Liyue more than she loved herself.
For this land, she was willing.
As for Rowan arriving in such a high-profile manner—she ignored that entirely.
Because the reason he was so high-profile was for Mondstadt.
This was the first time since taking office as Mondstadt's Knight King that he had left his country.
Naturally, he needed to loudly announce his presence. Otherwise, if people treated Mondstadt like a soft persimmon, it would be troublesome.
Even though he had already proven himself to the Tsaritsa…
Who knew if one or two idiots would still show up?
Wangshu Inn.
After Verr Goldet received Ningguang's message, she immediately began making preparations at full speed.
First, she had the VIP room on the top floor thoroughly cleaned. If the guests wished to stay the night at Wangshu Inn, they could check in the moment they arrived—no further cleaning needed.
Then she repeatedly reminded Yanxiao to give it his all today, to make sure the honored guests truly felt they were getting what they deserved.
Wangshu Inn was a crucial hub between Liyue and Mondstadt.
You could say many people came here purely by reputation.
Especially the food—one of the best.
Compared to that chef at Wanmin Restaurant, it was not inferior in the slightest.
So part of Wangshu Inn's fame truly did come from how delicious the food was.
On top of that, the inn's signboard had stood for many years, so passing merchants usually chose to stay at Wangshu Inn.
Today, Wangshu Inn welcomed a new group of guests.
The moment they arrived, it caused a sensation.
The commotion caused by the Golden Vessel was no joke at all.
In all of Liyue, the only one who could freely travel across the land like that was the Tianquan Star—and now, this was the first time anyone else had done it.
But when the merchants saw Rowan—the Knight King—they immediately understood why.
Only those who had never been to Mondstadt, and didn't know what was going on there, were left scratching their heads.
Who was this, daring to fly a ship across Liyue?
And the ship was made of gold—this was beyond extravagant.
Even Ningguang-sama probably couldn't pull off something like this, right?
Before they could keep speculating, Rowan and his group were respectfully welcomed inside by Wangshu Inn's owner, Verr Goldet.
Along the way, Paimon hovered in midair, inhaling the rich aromas that rushed at her from all directions, and drool shamelessly slid down the corner of her mouth.
"Whoa, it smells so good!"
"Lumine, I've decided—I'm going to eat until I'm completely stuffed!"
"Otherwise, coming all this way would be a waste!"
Lumine rolled her eyes, grabbed Paimon out of the air, and held her in her arms.
"Stop flying around. If someone snatches you, that'll be trouble."
"Just behave for a bit. If you want to eat something, tell Rowan later."
Only then did Paimon obediently lie in Lumine's arms without talking.
But the way her little head kept swiveling made it obvious—she was still picking what to order.
A moment later.
Verr Goldet led them into a very large private dining room.
It was only one level below the top floor—basically the most prestigious private room.
But Rowan was still dissatisfied. Eating in a private room—how could it compare to eating outdoors on the rooftop?
On the rooftop, you could enjoy the cool evening breeze and look out at the beautiful view of Guili Plains and Yaoguang Shoal in the distance.
Inside the private room, aside from expensive furniture, there was nothing.
Nothing to see. He didn't like this kind of setting.
Verr Goldet noticed Rowan's expression and cautiously asked, "Knight King-dono, this is the best private room our Wangshu Inn has."
"Is there anything you're dissatisfied with?"
(End of Chapter)
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