Entering the city was effortless. With Lumine, an Honorary Knight, acting as their guarantor, Su Ming and Shenhe weren't even questioned about their purpose.
Once inside, they split up. Su Ming led Shenhe through the winding streets with practiced ease, quickly finding the city's most popular tavernAngel's Share. The process was so smooth that Shenhe was left speechless.
"Have you... been to Mondstadt before?" she asked.
"No, this is my first time," Su Ming replied.
"Then how are you so familiar with the way? You're like a local."
Su Ming smiled. "Angel's Share is famous; I did my homework before coming. If you asked me to find anywhere else, I couldn't guarantee I wouldn't get lost."
As he spoke, Su Ming felt a wave of nostalgia. To a veteran player who had been playing Genshin since launch, Mondstadt held a very special meaning. During the long "quiet periods" between updates,
he had spent countless hours wandering between Mondstadt and Liyue. That was the real reason for his sudden whim to visitit was a chance to revisit the "starting village" of his past life.
In reality, Mondstadt was more than ten times larger than the city depicted in the game. The region had three major settlements: Mondstadt City, Springvale, and Dornman Port. As the largest population center,
the city couldn't possibly be as small as it was in the game. Fortunately, while the scale had changed, the layout had remained consistent. The main roads were still the same, so he hadn't lost his way.
Su Ming followed his memory and soon arrived at Angel's Share. He pushed open the door. Perhaps because it was only noon, there were very few people inside. However, the fact that a tavern was open and serving this early spoke volumes about Mondstadt's drinking culture.
"Welcome. What can I get you?"
A cool, somewhat indifferent voice greeted them. Su Ming looked toward the bar to see a handsome young man with fiery red hair, looking every bit the noble knight, lazily wiping a glass.
Su Ming was surprised, then teased, "I didn't expect to find you working as the bartender today, Master Diluc."
Diluc turned. When he saw Su Ming's face, his expression tightened. "The Sword Immortal who slew Osial... why have you appeared here?"
Su Ming laughed. "Master Diluc's intelligence network truly lives up to its reputation. You recognized me at a glance? No need to be tense. I'm just here for a drink and a short trip to Mondstadta final bit of relaxation before a long period of work."
"Also, no need to call me 'Sword Immortal.' Just Su Ming is fine. Hearing that title from you feels like the art styles are clashing."
Su Ming took a seat at the bar and gestured for Shenhe to do the same. "I've heard Mondstadt's Dandelion Wine is excellent. I'll take a glass. Shenhe, what about you?"
"Whatever you are having is fine," she replied.
Truthfully, Shenhe knew nothing of alcohol. In her life as an ascetic, she had never touched the stuff. But since she was accompanying Su Ming, she was willing to try.
Diluc glanced at Su Ming, then at Shenhe. "This wine is quite strong. I am not worried about you, Mr. Su Ming, but if this lady has never drunk before, I suggest starting with the Apple Cider."
As the tavern owner, even though he didn't personally care for alcohol, Diluc could tell at a glance who could handle their drink. Su Ming looked like the type who knew his limitssomeone who drank for the taste and wouldn't easily get drunk. But Shenhe... despite her ethereal, fairy-like appearance, he could tell she had never touched a drop.
Su Ming agreed. "True. Shenhe, you've never had alcohol. Start with something low-proof. Apple Cider is quite popular even in Liyue. It's more like alcoholic apple juice than real wine. It'll be much better for a first-timer than jumping into the hard stuff."
Shenhe nodded. "If you say so... alright."
"One Dandelion Wine and one Apple Cider, then."
Diluc nodded in response. He turned to the shelf, took down the bottles, added ice to the glasses, and poured.
"Dandelion Wine and Apple Cider. Enjoy. If you need anything else, just let me know." Diluc handed over the drinks and went back to his work.
Su Ming took a small sip. "Mm... this really is different from Liyue's wine! It has a hint of bitterness, but it brings out the richness of the alcohol. Interesting. It's far better than the watered-down stuff at Three-Round Knockout!"
As he marveled at the taste, Su Ming glanced at the price list. "Tsk... the price is much higher too. No wonder Venti can't afford to drink even though he makes decent money busking. Though, given his style, the sheer volume he drinks is probably the bigger problem."
After a few more sips, Su Ming turned to ask Shenhe how she liked the Apple Cider. But when he looked over, he saw that her eyes were already glazed over. Her cheeks were flushed a deep crimson.
Bang!
Without warning, Shenhe's head slammed onto the counter. The loud noise startled several patrons, Diluc included.
"What happened!?" Diluc was genuinely alarmed by her sudden collapse. He didn't even consider the possibility that she was drunk. This was Mondstadt, after all. Could someone actually get drunk off Apple Cider? To Master Diluc, that was practically impossible. He feared the cider might have spoiled and produced toxins.
But that didn't make sense. The stock in Angel's Share was rotated at least once a month, especially the Apple Cider, given the sheer number of drinkers in Mondstadt.
Su Ming raised a hand to calm Diluc. He placed a hand on Shenhe's face, using his magic to sense her condition.
"Oh, it's nothing. She's just drunk."
Su Ming clicked his tongue. "I didn't expect it. Shenhe's tolerance is that poor... looks like my plans for a nice afternoon of drinking are ruined."
"Sorry for the trouble, Master Diluc. Here is the payment. By the way, do you know if there are any available inns nearby?"
Diluc, being the local powerhouse he was, easily provided an address. Although the famous Goth Grand Hotel had been booked out by the Fatui, there were still many smaller inns with vacancies for travelers.
Su Ming carried Shenhe on his back, winding through the streets and asking for directions until he finally found the inn. Indeed, unless it was a landmark from the game, finding his way was much harder. Fortunately, he found it eventually. The decor was nice, and the room was clean.
He paid for the room and laid the lightly snoring Shenhe onto the bed. If he wasn't waiting for Lumine and Paimon, he would have just taken her back to their home in Liyue.
But just as he set her down, Su Ming felt a sudden, massive surge of strength. Shenhe, who he thought was fast asleep, snapped her eyes open. Her hands locked around Su Ming's neck, and she pulled him forcefully into her embrace.
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