The Knights of Favonius

"All right, after more than a month of hunting, the beast populations in the Whispering Woods and Windwail Highland are back to normal. They won't surge again anytime soon. After a solid month of work, I need a good rest and a proper drinking session. From now on, you'll have to rely on yourself!"

The sunset caressed the green earth, bathing Teyvat in an intoxicating golden glow.

After selling off his game once again, Draff, whose mustache and beard were neatly groomed, stood at the far end of Mondstadt Bridge and patted Li Qiuzhi on the shoulder as he spoke earnestly.

After all, the younger man had spent over a month learning from him. Draff hoped Li Qiuzhi would make something of himself, whether as a hunter or an adventurer.

"Don't worry, Mr. Draff. I won't let you down."

After a month of growth, Li Qiuzhi was far more confident than when he had first arrived in this world, lost and bewildered. Even his words came more easily now.

"Haha, good! Come visit me in Springvale when you have time."

Draff laughed and waved, ready to leave. His hunting companions back in town were getting impatient.

"Of course. I'll ask the best bartender at the Cat's Tail Tavern to mix up a bottle of the finest drink and bring it along."

Li Qiuzhi smiled as he called after Draff.

Sure enough, Draff jolted at those words. He immediately turned back and hurriedly said:

"No, don't bring anything from the Cat's Tail Tavern!"

Li Qiuzhi gave him a look of feigned confusion.

Realizing he had lost his composure, Draff gave a light cough to ease his embarrassment.

"What I mean is, the drinks at the Cat's Tail Tavern aren't quite to my taste. The wine at Angel's Share suits me better. Yes, that's it."

If Li Qiuzhi went to the Cat's Tail Tavern and said he was buying a drink for Springvale's Chief Hunter, little Diona would surely throw another tantrum if she found out, saying how much she hated her drinking daddy and all that.

He knew perfectly well that his daughter was the Cat's Tail Tavern's best bartender.

"Haha, all right. Take care, Mr. Draff."

Li Qiuzhi chuckled and waved.

Draff turned and said, "All right, then. If you want to learn more hunting skills from me, remember to bring some wine!"

With a full month of hunting keeping him busy, it had been a long time since he had enjoyed a proper drinking session with everyone in town, one where nobody went home sober.

After all, alcohol affected the brain, and failing to keep a clear head in the wilderness was dangerous.

Now that the work was over, it was time to head back and celebrate. The thought put a spring in Draff's step.

Under the golden sunlight, the hunter hummed a tune along the grassy path as the evening breeze drifted gently around him. The younger man watched him leave for a long while, deeply grateful to someone who had been willing to help him.

Back in Mondstadt City, residents getting off work gathered in twos and threes. Adventurers who had returned safe and sound arranged to have a drink at Angel's Share, toasting the Anemo Archon's protection.

During his month or so in Mondstadt, Li Qiuzhi had kept a low profile. Perhaps because of his personality, he had not made many friends, but that was neither introversion nor social anxiety. It was simply how he lived.

Even so, he had gained a deeper understanding of every aspect of Mondstadt City and could be said to have fully settled into the city.

Rather than heading straight back, Li Qiuzhi walked toward the Knights of Favonius headquarters.

It was time to repay the Mora he owed Amber. Over the past month or so, she had occasionally visited the relief shelter to see how he was getting on and even asked whether he needed more Mora. Her kindness had truly touched Li Qiuzhi.

So, now that Mora was no longer an immediate concern, he wanted to pay Amber back as soon as possible. Li Qiuzhi did not like being in debt.

Mondstadt City's layout was rather unusual. Starting at the city gate, the terrain rose steadily, with the residential and commercial districts occupying the lowest section.

The middle section was where the Knights of Favonius headquarters stood. It was a fair distance away, and there were stairs to climb. Honestly, getting there was quite tiring.

Above that was the plaza with the enormous statue of the Anemo Archon. People liked to stroll there in their spare time, and events or public announcements were generally held there.

At the very highest point in Mondstadt City stood the Church of Favonius. This reflected the people's respect for Lord Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. After all, this was a nation with something akin to Earth's "divine right of kings."

Of course, the representative of this "royal authority" was the Anemo Archon himself, whose approach to governing Mondstadt consisted of a single principle: "The people of the wind are free. Do whatever you like."

The defining feature was his complete lack of involvement. Calling it freedom sounded nice, but in truth, the Anemo Archon simply spent every day slacking off and did not want to bother.

As a result, the Knights of Favonius generally governed all of Mondstadt, and they did a rather good job of it. Of course, long ago, there had also been a darker era when the nobility ruled.

As Li Qiuzhi's thoughts wandered, he finally reached the Knights of Favonius headquarters. It was a three-story stone building in pale colors, with two Knights of Favonius guarding the entrance.

It was probably almost time for them to get off work, but they still looked quite alert.

One wore square-framed glasses, while the other did not. Li Qiuzhi had visited this place many times in the game, but he could not remember their names.

Or rather, most players would not bother remembering names beyond those of the main characters.

Li Qiuzhi could enter the headquarters directly, since Mondstadt's largest library was inside. It was open to the public and managed by the librarian, Ms. Lisa.

Of course, visitors were still asked routine questions to prevent anyone with ill intentions from entering and causing damage, however unlikely that might be.

After all, this was the Knights of Favonius headquarters, where Mondstadt's strongest people gathered. Only someone out of their mind would cause trouble here.

Just imagine stepping into the headquarters' lobby: Acting Grand Master Jean's office was on the left, and the library was on the right, with a librarian known as the Rose Witch inside.

The nature of their work meant both women were usually stationed here. Just imagining that situation was frightening.

"Hello." Li Qiuzhi was stopped by the Knights of Favonius guarding the entrance. Bolto first greeted him with a knight's salute, then asked, "What brings you to the headquarters? If you're here to borrow books from the library, it's closed now. Miss Lisa, the librarian, has already finished work."

Someone visiting the headquarters at this hour surprised Bolto a little, and anything "unusual" always attracted extra attention.

Moreover, the visitor was a man from Liyue dressed as a hunter.

Things had hardly been peaceful lately. First, Cavalry Captain Kaeya had spotted suspicious individuals near Falcon Coast. Then, Outrider Amber had brought back a young man from Liyue who had been robbed by the Treasure Hoarders in the Whispering Woods.

It felt as though something was about to happen, so he had to carry out his duties carefully and diligently.

Still, could you be that unfortunate young man from Liyue? Bolto wondered, studying Li Qiuzhi without letting any of his thoughts show.

(The contract is signed! Dear readers, please support this story by adding it to your favorites, keeping up with new chapters, and voting~)