NOVEL NEXT Chapter 43: Princess Who Brings the End
The Knights' Hall's sides were lined with windowless rooms, no sunlight streamed in. Learning Noelle was watching Klee and unavailable, Nolan could only leave for now.
He continued to wander around the HQ for a few more rounds, and also passed by Anemo Archon Statue Plaza, but didn't find Noelle.
In a city as big as Mondstadt, finding someone wasn't easy. Seemed he could only think of another way.
After pondering, he could only go check on Bennett's situation first.
The landscape shrubs along the street were neatly trimmed, quite relaxing to behold. Nolan spent some time arriving at Mondstadt's most famous tavern, "Angel's Share".
He wondered if he might encounter the famed night hero - Master Diluc.
In Mondstadt, people loved wine.
Most of Mondstadt's wine industry was tied to Dawn Winery. Even "Angel's Share's" biggest rival, "The Cat's Tail" tavern, collaborated with Master Diluc.
After a tiring day, adventurers always came to the tavern for a drink.
So it made sense for Bennett to look for teammates at the tavern.
As it was daytime, there weren't many drinkers outside "Angel's Share". Pushing the door open, Nolan saw only a sparse few inside. No Diluc either.
At this time, how could Bennett find willing teammates?
With this doubt, Nolan declined Charles the bartender's new wine recommendation, and looked around for Bennett.
"Really? You're really willing to team up with me?"
A familiar voice came from the side. Following it, Nolan spotted Bennett at one of the tables inside.
A girl with a night raven at her side sat opposite him with arms crossed - Fischl.
"Why would this princess deceive her own attendant?!" Fischl's head tilted arrogantly to the side.
The dark wings fluttered lightly as Oz said:
"Miss, he hasn't agreed to become your attendant yet."
"Oz, shush!"
Fischl glared at the spectral night raven with her right eye that wasn't covered by the black eyepatch.
"Hehe, it's fine as long as you're willing to team up with me."
Bennett rubbed the back of his head, an honest grin on his face.
Oh? Nolan didn't expect Bennett to meet Her Highness, let alone that they seemed to have come to an agreement based on their chat.
Quite surprising.
Nolan walked over to them.
Oz's senses were sharp. Realizing Nolan approached them, he said:
"Sir Bennett, is this the other teammate you mentioned?"
"Huh? Why are you over here Nolan? Did your friend agree?" Hearing this, Bennett turned and showed slight confusion in his emerald eyes.
"Seems she's busy, didn't find her."
Nolan shook his head in response.
"I see. No worries, I found a teammate on my end. We can go sign up with Miss Katherine now."
Bennett spoke excitedly.
"I am Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung! Strange one, do you also wish to become my attendant?"
Fischl's fair face looked to Nolan. Her left eye is covered by the eye patch, some golden hair also obscures the black accessory.
Before Nolan could reply, the raven Oz fluently relayed:
"The princess says it's nice to meet you."
Nolan nodded. Knowing Fischl's personality, her way of speaking wasn't strange at all. He played along with a couple of lines:
"I heed your call, Your Highness!"
"Oh? Impressive."
A slight surprise flashed in Oz's dark eyes. Not many could follow the princess's lines.
"Hmph. I suppose you understand. This princess accepts your loyalty!"
Fischl's gaze brightened somewhat, her words nearly slipping into a kindred spirit tone before hastily correcting herself.
Not bad at all, this one.
[ Fischl Has Developed a Favorable Impression Of You, Obtained 150 Affection Points. Current Affection Level Lv.2 (50/200) ]
Did she actually develop so much affection directly towards him? Nolan secretly marveled in his heart.
Though this was also unsurprising to him. Most would find Fischl's speech a bit strange.
Even with the raven Oz, she would still feel a little lonely at times. When someone willing to be on the same wavelength appeared, feeling happy was unavoidable.
"Um, haha, thank you for willing to team up Miss Fischl, and you too Mr. Raven. I'm Nolan Walker from Liyue, a novice adventurer currently."
Nolan introduced himself to the newly met friends.
He didn't completely adopt Fischl's speech patterns. After all, they just met. Displaying such a deep understanding of her would seem suspicious from the perceptive of Oz.
Following for a line or two could still pass off as playing along with the joke.
But overdoing it might make Oz suspect ulterior motives.
"Hmph."
Fischl gave a somewhat disappointed harrumph, responding with a princely aloofness.
"Greetings, I am Oz the raven, the princess's familiar. Nice to meet you, adventurer, from afar."
The wing-flapping Oz spoke earnestly.
"With this, we meet the minimum three-person requirement. Let's hurry to Miss Katherine for registration!"
Bennett stood excitedly. He was someone passionate towards adventure.
"Very well."
Fischl pushed her chair back and stood up. Raising her left hand to adjust her eyepatch and flicking her right hand into a cool pose, she declared:
"The time has come!
"The forgotten realm emerges once more, and causality crossing time's torrent seeks us again.
"The ruler of the 'Ashen Darkness', the Princess Who Brings the End, shall lead her champions to stamp out the smoldering embers of evil!"
Unsure what to make of it, Bennett scratched his hair puzzledly. Oz calmly paraphrased:
"The princess says she'll surely lead everyone to the ruin's treasures."
The three plus one raven successfully registered with Katherine. She also said Fischl was one of the investigators sent to scout the secret ruins.
This made Bennett feel somewhat idolizing. Nolan thought it unsurprising.
Among the Adventurers' Guild investigators, Fischl was outstanding, mainly because she could access Oz's vision. Whatever Oz saw, she saw.
It felt like sitting at home while sending Oz out to survey the world.
Next, Katherine briefed them on what to take note of.
Firstly, the exploration was scheduled for 6 am tomorrow. They would gather at the city gates to depart under Guildmaster Cyrus's lead.
Upon reaching Thousand Winds Temple, a supply camp would be set up temporarily.
Exploring secret ruins wasn't quick work. Thoroughly excavating a large secret ruin could take up to half a month. Sufficient provisions must be ensured, along with the most crucial medical teams.
Adventurers came for treasure and couldn't leave empty-handed, much less lose their lives.
(End of Chapter)
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