Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions

3. Return to Mondstadt (1)

The “Down Winery” is a brewery located in the south of Mondstadt. It was not just a simple “brewery,” but a place that was treated as a kind of village due to its immense size and the fact that several people, including employees, lived there.

The symbolism of the “Down Winery” in Mondstadt was significant. When people called Mondstadt, they commonly referred to it as the “land of poetry, wine, and freedom,” and the “wine” part was represented by the Down Winery. Of course, the Down Winery was not the only brewery in Mondstadt, but it had gained a reputation that no other brewery could compare to in terms of size and tradition, and no Mondstadt resident would deny that fact.

So, in the end, “wine” in Mondstadt was synonymous with the “Down Winery.” This could be seen simply by knowing that Elzer, the person in charge of the winery, was also the head of Mondstadt’s liquor association. According to Elzer, “The Down Winery is practically the liquor industry of Mondstadt.”

Moreover, the Down Winery was also the main gateway to Liyue due to its location. If you went a little further south from the Down Winery, you would reach the “Stone Gate,” which led to Liyue. Of course, there were other roads leading to Liyue, but most merchants who traveled between Mondstadt and Liyue would pass through the Down Winery and the Stone Gate, as they had to cross dangerous areas such as Dragonspine or the vicinity of the Stormterror’s Lair.

Of course, I was no exception. On the contrary, I had more reasons to visit the Down Winery.

Because I had to pay the sales proceeds to Down Winery.

Originally, I planned to buy necessities and make more profit before paying the proceeds. However, the situation had changed. We already had enough necessities worth 300 million Mora, and above all, I couldn’t betray Dyluke, who trusted me enough to give me a major contract on the first meeting.

It was common knowledge that it’s better to receive money quickly and pay money later. Moreover, Down Winery was struggling with financial difficulties due to the malicious inventory, so I thought that paying the sales proceeds as soon as possible would be a way to repay Dyluke’s trust to some extent.

And also, there was a lot of fatigue from Hailey’s betrayal and the attack incident. I felt that both Peasle and I needed to rest in a safe place, especially Peasle, who had experienced violence close to abuse.

So, I was at Down Winery now.

Time had passed and it was already night. As soon as I arrived at Down Winery, I met Mr. Elger and expressed my intention to pay the proceeds. Mr. Elger, who had been skeptical of me until our last meeting, jumped with joy as soon as he heard those words.

Of course, he had every reason to be happy. It was almost like the malicious inventory that had been stuck in the warehouse had magically turned into Mora and came back.

So, our group, who had become a burden and returned after a month, decided to spend the night enjoying the lavish treatment from Down Winery employees, including Mr. Elger. It finally felt like we were being rewarded for our hard work.

A soft bed, dim lighting, clean clothes, and warm water. I couldn’t help but realize once again that even if my homelessness was luxurious, I couldn’t just rest in my accommodation. I thought I had lived quite luxuriously as a homeless person using the “backpack” function, but as soon as I lay down on the soft bed, that thought disappeared.

Yes, this is life.

Of course, Peasle and I were assigned separate rooms. Peasle sent me a slightly disappointed look, but even so, it was impossible for two grown men and women to share a room. It couldn’t be helped that she seemed unstable the day before, but now she had Oz by her side, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.

So, I was enjoying the feeling of being alone for the first time in a long time. Having suffered for so long, I planned to rest without worrying about anything today.

…until Hailey’s face kept coming to mind.

After tossing and turning for a while, I woke up with cold sweat. It was my first murder. The thought of having killed someone didn’t leave my mind.

Hailey was a woman who deserved to die. That’s why I killed her. If I hadn’t, either Peasle or I would have been killed. No matter how many times I tried to convince myself otherwise, as soon as I closed my eyes, that sensation came back to life. The strange sensation that the blade penetrating human flesh conveyed, and the eyes that begged to be spared.

“…Damn it.”

I sighed and cursed. Until yesterday, everything seemed fine, but it seemed like a temporary phenomenon caused by my concern for Peasle taking precedence.

It seemed strange to fall into a deep sleep tonight. I eventually got up. Since I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway, I thought I might as well take a walk at night.

The mansion of Down Winery was like a kind of old house. The deep history of the Ragnvindr family was engraved all over the mansion. Coats of arms symbolizing the family’s authority and honor were hung on the walls, and antique artworks added a nostalgic atmosphere to the mansion.

Relying on the faint light, I descended to the first floor of the mansion and suddenly stopped.

Someone was there. In the darkness of the dim mansion, a faint light was shining.

It was a table. Various documents were spread out on it, and a handsome man of detection was reading through the scattered papers, leaning against a single lantern.

Beside him, there was a bottle of liquor. Judging by the color, it was ‘apple wine.’ A non-alcoholic beverage from a well-known winery, boasting a refreshing taste without alcohol.

I hesitated for a moment. Should I pretend to know or just pass by, not to disturb the work?

But my dilemma didn’t last long. Soon, a dignified voice hit my ears.

“…A rare occurrence.”

The handsome man of detection, or rather Mr. Dairuke, added without turning to look at me.

“You must be tired from your travels. Can’t sleep, I suppose?”

At those words, I let out a deep sigh. Deep down, it seemed like a stroke of luck.

Since being alone would only bring up negative thoughts, and if there was someone to talk to, there was no reason to refuse.

I walked down the stairs with a heavy step. Then, I plopped down in the seat opposite to Mr. Dairuke, who was organizing documents.

Only then did Mr. Dairuke glance at me briefly. I took dandelion wine and a glass from my backpack. Then, I asked Mr. Dairuke.

“Would you like a drink?”

Mr. Dairuke glanced at my complexion with his mysterious reddish-brown eyes. After a while of maintaining silence, Mr. Dairuke finally sighed and put down the documents with a sound.

“…Something happened.”

“Well, you know… It’s just that I’m a bit disturbed, so I can’t sleep.”

Mr. Dairuke, seemingly unable to help it, tilted the glass. It was the same glass that had apple wine in it just a while ago. I poured dandelion wine into the glass.

A refreshing aroma spread along with the distinctive crisp scent of alcohol. Mr. Dairuke didn’t say anything. He just seemed to have an attitude of listening to my story first.

“Um, this might be an intrusive question, but…”

I cautiously started speaking. The handsome man with a mature charm had an atmosphere that became a source of support. It was as if he carried the unique air of someone who had experienced various hardships in life.

Moreover, despite not being Dai Rook, he surprisingly had a gentle side. Even now, he was willing to listen to my concerns, even though it hadn’t been long since he saw my face.

Perhaps because of that, I was able to share my worries with a slightly relieved heart.

“Dai Rook, have you ever killed someone?”

At those words, Dai Rook fell silent for a moment. He swirled the dandelion wine in his glass. It was a tough yet restrained movement, the posture of a nobleman who had been trained in etiquette since childhood.

Dai Rook let out a sigh. It was an attitude that seemed to indicate that he now understood what had happened.

“How many have you killed?”

“…Just one. They fell into a trap and were kidnapped. I had no choice but to kill them to save Fiesel.”

In response to Dai Rook’s question, I found myself confessing even the unasked facts, as if I were a guilty prisoner undergoing interrogation. It might have been because of the guilt I couldn’t shake off for committing an unforgivable murder.

“…I’ve lost count.”

At those words, I sealed my lips. I once again observed Dai Rook’s complexion.

Dai Rook’s pupils were focused on the alcohol in his glass. While watching the swirling whirlpool inside the glass, he must have been lost in thought.

“At first, I thought it was justice. I had learned and believed in it since I was young. But as I lived on, I realized that what I believed to be ‘justice’ wasn’t so great after all.”

I swirled the dandelion wine without saying a word. Dai Rook, objectively speaking, was born with blessed conditions.

Not only was he born with good looks, but he also grew up without any shortcomings as the heir to the Down Winery. Moreover, he had exceptional abilities, and anyone would envy his life.

But it was strange. Dai Rook, the protagonist of a life that everyone would envy, had a sharp aura around him, and there was always a cold silence surrounding him. And above all, those eyes, whose depth couldn’t be fathomed, were not something that a person without regrets could possess.

Perhaps what I’m talking about now is the hidden side of Dai Rook, the deep remorse that only he possesses, which others are unaware of.

“I realized that what I believed to be justice wasn’t justice. I no longer know what I’ve been doing all this time, or what I should do now… Siu, are you still tormented?”

I remained silent. Then, soon after, I spoke with certainty.

“…Yes, I am tormented. Very tormented. If I close my eyes, it resurfaces, and the feeling from back then still makes my hands tremble.”

Dai Rook closed his eyes, seemingly relieved at those words. Then he nodded and said,

“Keep suffering in the future. Endure the pain and don’t force it out. You don’t have to make murder your profession. Remember the agony now and never commit murder again.”

That’s how Mr. Diluc concluded his story. I felt my heart tremble a little as I listened to his words.

Yes, there was no need to force it out. I just needed to carry this sense of guilt and refrain from committing murder in the future. Of course, there might be situations where I would have to kill again if Lumine or Paimon were in danger, but it was a story that would end if I could prevent such situations from happening.

So, I had to gather my strength as soon as possible. To prevent myself from being foolishly caught off guard, to ensure that no one would dare to touch me or anyone around me.

With that determination in my heart, I drank the dandelion wine in one gulp. It had a refreshing scent that filled my nostrils as it rode on the wind.

“Thank you, Mr. Diluc. Your words have helped me clear my thoughts.”

“…I’m glad I could be of help.”

Although Mr. Diluc received my gratitude with indifference, I felt a faint understanding of his kindness hidden beneath that indifference.

Mr. Diluc was a good person. I smiled softly, feeling a sense of relief as the complex thoughts in my mind unraveled. And then, I asked.

“Mr. Diluc, may I ask for your advice if I face difficult situations in the future?”

Mr. Diluc didn’t answer. He simply cleared the dandelion wine he had been sipping and raised the glass of apology again. It seemed like he was about to finish some paperwork.

Just for a moment. Mr. Diluc paused in his movements of organizing the documents and sighed.

“…In the ‘Share of the Angel,’ there is no bartender who turns away guests.”

In Mr. Diluc’s voice, which seemed indifferent yet kind, I felt even better.

Yes, this was Mr. Diluc. He was an adult worth emulating, and he would be a good person to maintain a business relationship with in the future. There would be no harm in building a friendship.

That night, I was able to get closer to Mr. Diluc as we shared our concerns.

…Perhaps, we became closer. At least, that’s what I chose to believe.

**

“Mondstadt Castle,” as the name suggests, was undoubtedly the center of Mondstadt. Most of the commercial districts were concentrated here, and both the powerful organization in Mondstadt, the Knights of Favonius, and the religious organization, the Cathedral, were also located in Mondstadt Castle.

And Mondstadt Castle held a special meaning for me as well. It was the first major city I visited and my first base after I fell into the Teyvat continent. And now, it was also where I missed Lumine and Paimon.

I went to the Adventurers’ Guild with Pisel and reported the completion of the request. Then, I paid Pisel her reward and gave her an additional share equal to Oz’s.

“Sir Siwoo, I am Lady’s attendant, so there’s no need to give me such a share…”

“What are you talking about? Since you did your part, you should receive your fair share.”

Saving money was not a good thing. The more money I spent on socializing, the better. Oz seemed hesitant and refused the money pouch I handed him several times, but eventually, he reluctantly took it with his claws, as if there was no choice against my coercion.

Looking at him like that, it was quite amusing. A crow clutching a money pouch.

Returning to Mond and feeling good, I chuckled as I watched Oz in that state. Then suddenly, I noticed Pisel’s expression.

Since the incident that night, Pisel’s attitude had changed a bit. She used to get closer, but recently, even if I approached a little, she would startle and distance herself.

And she blushed and kept stealing glances at me, making me wonder if there was something she was dissatisfied with.

But today, she was showing a different side than the past few days.

Somehow, her gloomy appearance and hesitancy seemed like she had something to say.

“Why are you like that, Pisel?”

In response to my question, Pisel lifted her head as if she had prepared something. But then she seemed embarrassed again, lowered her head, and asked in a hesitant voice.

“Um, can we meet again…?”

At her words, I burst into laughter. What was I thinking? I couldn’t have imagined that she would worry about something so obvious.

“Of course, Pisel. No, wait. It would be a shame to end it like this, so today, I’ll treat you to a meal. And while we’re at it, if you get to know where I stay, you can come visit when you want, right?”

“R-really?!”

At my suggestion, a flush spread across Pisel’s face. She looked at me with sparkling eyes.

At times like this, she looked like an ordinary cute child of that age, I thought as I nodded.

“Yes, come along. I’ll guide you to where I’m staying.”

And so, I took Pisel’s hand and set off towards my beloved lodging.

I wonder how Lumine is doing? As I thought about her, the faces of Faimon, Amber, and the people I met in Mondstadt flashed through my mind.

And finally, in front of the accommodation where Lumine was staying, I stopped in my tracks.

In the distance, I could see a familiar figure. Shining golden hair and a white flower decoration. And a girl with silver hair floating around her. Although I could only confirm that much from afar, just that alone made my heart start racing.

I couldn’t hold back any longer and shouted a name I hadn’t missed.

“Lumine!”

At the sound of my voice, she turned to look at me.

I felt my breath catch. The slightly surprised pumpkin-colored eyes and the finely detailed features. Milky-white, flawless skin and delicate, beautiful arms. If there was ever an artwork made by a god, it would probably be referring to her.

And she, Lumine, also seemed breathless as she looked at me. From afar, she stared at me for a moment and then slowly started to approach.

I also took steps towards her. The pace quickened, eventually turning into a run. And then, the moment Lumine and I met.

“Xiao!”

Lumine threw herself into my arms. There was a slight shock from the impact of her running towards me, but I didn’t pay it any mind.

Yes, Lumine was right. The sensation of being held in these arms, the soft skin, and even the fragrant scent. All of it was telling me that the girl in my embrace was Lumine.

Lumine, with a slightly damp voice from being in my arms, said,

“I missed you, Xiao…”

As she started to choke up, I held her in my arms and let out a bitter laugh. She worried about me so much, that Lumine.

It wasn’t just Lumine who ran towards me. Although a little late, Faimon also flew over and started fluttering around me.

“You finally came back, Xiao? Do you know how worried we were?!”

Faimon started nagging, asking if I even bothered to write a letter.

I thought I had a lot to say to Lumine and Faimon when I saw them again. But now that we were actually meeting like this, I couldn’t say anything. I just felt relieved. It felt like returning to the scenery I missed.

In the end, I could only say one word to Lumine.

“…I’m back, Lumine.”

Whether that phrase was enough or not, Lumine tightened her grip on the hand clutching my chest. It seemed like she wanted to truly feel the fact that I had returned.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Paimon who ruined this emotional reunion between Lumine and me.

A rough voice behind me stabbed through me like a needle.

“…My Traveler?”

Oh, I finally snapped out of it, distancing myself from Lumine. She looked a bit puzzled by the unfamiliar voice.

I turned around to face Fischl. For some reason, she wore a very displeased expression. Her sharp gaze swept over me and Lumine.

Hmm, did I forget to introduce myself properly? Certainly, I hadn’t given the guest I invited much hospitality. Clearing my throat, I introduced.

“Well, greetings. This is Fischl, a senior adventurer from the Mondstadt Adventurers’ Guild, who has been escorting me. And this is my colleague, Lumine.”

At that moment, Fischl and Lumine’s gazes collided in mid-air. Silence lingered for a moment.

Fischl broke the silence. She opened her mouth as if realizing something trivial just now.

“Oh, you are as you are. The famed Knight of Favonius.”

With her characteristic arrogant posture, she walked towards Lumine. And the puzzled look on Lumine’s face gave way to a chilly expression as Fischl continued speaking.

“The ‘former’ companion of my Traveler.”

Now it was my turn to be puzzled. Why was the atmosphere like this?

Fischl had shown interest in Lumine before. Since Fischl was role-playing as someone from another world, she was curious about Lumine, who actually came from another world. So, I thought they would become good friends. It was a natural assumption.

However, the current atmosphere was beyond cold. No, it was downright frosty.

Lumine, who had been scrutinizing Fischl with a cold gaze for a moment, soon smiled. It was a smile I had seen before. A smile where the mouth smiled, but the eyes didn’t.

“Thanks for ‘temporarily’ protecting Xiao. So… Fischl, was it?”

With those words, Lumine slowly wiped away her smile. That chilly face, it made me feel a hint of the fear from days gone by, and I took a slight step backward.

Piesel, too, responded to Lumine’s cold gaze without the slightest hesitation. The chilly gazes of the two women clashed in the air.

Something was off, distinctly peculiar.

In the end, I could only send an earnest gaze to Paimon once again.

Help me, Paimon…!