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Chapter 99 - Chapter 99: Seeking Diluk’s Cooperation

Yae Shenzi subconsciously felt uncomfortable. The fox orthodoxy was in Liyue? How could this be possible? It should be in their Inazuma.

She felt that she had embarrassed the Inazuma fox lineage and the Lord Kitsuzai Palace.

However, thinking of her old friend, Yae Shenzi sighed silently. If such a fox appeared in Inazuma, he would probably be cut down by the general without hesitation.

And that Smith—Yae Shenzi was sure that the changes in Liyue were caused by him. Why couldn't such a person appear in Inazuma?

Oh, if he appeared in Inazuma, he would probably be regarded as an existence that hindered eternity and executed immediately.

At that time, let alone recruiting Smith, it would be a miracle not to offend him.

The turmoil caused by the Eye Hunting Order and the Locking Order was worsening, and those in power were growing greedier. Maybe she had to do something.

Yae Shenzi was not a sentimental being like the demon gods. She was a fox. Compared with the people of Inazuma, she only cared about Raiden Ei and the memories of Raiden Makoto and Kitsuzai Palace, who had sacrificed everything to protect Inazuma.

How could such a beautiful Inazuma be destroyed by corruption?

As the chief priest of the Narukami Grand Shrine, Yae Shenzi could suppress the unrest, but it was only a temporary solution. If things spiraled out of control, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Moreover, she knew that as long as the Raiden Shogun did not rethink her rule, Inazuma would remain in the hands of her puppet. Even if the corrupt officials were removed, a few years later, the cycle would repeat itself.

It was better to let the situation develop until a strong enough force pushed Raiden Ei to see the true wishes of her people and emerge from the Plane of Euthymia.

Though this could bring suffering to Inazuma's people, Yae Shenzi had prepared resources in secret. Once the corrupt were purged, the people's lives would improve.

She just wondered—could Smith be the wind that brought change?

Yae Shenzi glanced at the intelligence reports on Smith, then at another document revealing the Fatui's involvement in Inazuma's turmoil. Her gaze turned cold.

Raiden Ei, you should have destroyed that puppet.

---

At the Angel's Share tavern in Mondstadt.

"Bartender, give me an apple cider and sweet flower wine chicken," a well-dressed man from Liyue requested with a gentle tone.

Charles, the bartender, was momentarily surprised to see Smith but quickly responded, "Wait a moment."

Clearly, he recognized the man's identity.

Interesting. So he recognized me? Smith smirked slightly as he glanced around the lively tavern. As expected of Mondstadt—though it was only five or six o'clock, the place was bustling with activity.

Smith even spotted a few West Wind Knights in uniform, drinking heavily. Judging by their timing, they had likely left work early.

Indeed, Mondstadt was in decline.

After lunch, he had walked around Fontaine with Furina. Compared to Fontaine's order and efficiency, Mondstadt felt too free-spirited.

When he had first played the game, Mondstadt was where the journey began, making him see it through a nostalgic filter. Despite its relaxed nature, it seemed like a pleasant place for retirement.

But after visiting in person, he was disappointed. If he recalled correctly, Stormterror was still causing trouble!

According to his information, Jean had been overworking herself, barely sleeping or eating, while these knights not only refused to help but also came here to drink.

This Mondstadt was doomed.

In Smith's opinion, this nation had not suffered enough. If the Fatui invaded or if disaster struck, perhaps its people would finally learn their lesson.

Oh wait—no, Mondstadt never learns.

Five hundred years ago, they faced crisis, and now they had forgotten.

Of course, this was the tragedy of human nature. Unlike gods and immortals, humans had short lifespans. Five hundred years meant many generations had passed, making forgetfulness inevitable.

Perhaps Barbatos had protected them too well.

Since arriving in Mondstadt, Smith could sense a different wind—

A wind infused with Barbatos' power, constantly shielding Mondstadt's people. Smith had no doubt that Barbatos had already taken notice of him.

Now, he just had to wait for the god to appear.

Smith found a quiet spot on the second floor and checked the guild chat, choosing to remain silent.

Watching Ningguang negotiate with Neuvillette was amusing. Even someone as formidable as Ningguang found it difficult to handle the Chief Justice of Fontaine.

Smith could imagine how fascinating it would be to see Neuvillette and Morax, two beings of immense wisdom, negotiate.

Fortunately, both Ningguang and Neuvillette were pragmatic. Though their interactions were awkward, they prioritized cooperation over personal differences.

---

"Your apple cider."

A cold voice interrupted Smith's thoughts. He turned to see a red-haired man with a noble demeanor—Diluk.

"I didn't expect Mondstadt's famous Diluk to personally serve my drink," Smith said with a gentle smile.

"The consultant of Liyue's Seven Stars visits Mondstadt in person, yet we have no official record of his arrival. What is your purpose?"

Diluk's sharp gaze locked onto Smith.

At a glance, Smith appeared to be an ordinary man with no martial prowess. But intelligence reports suggested otherwise—his strength was formidable.

"Mondstadt, of course, would not notice me. When I entered the city, one of the gate knights was dozing off, while the other was busy chatting."

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