The emotions provided by Mondstadt to Lucian were nothing more than "anger" and "guilt," all of which were converted into strength.
It's worth mentioning that the system only exchanges the quantity and control of elemental power, as well as physical stamina. The specific techniques for using them still require personal exploration.
In simple terms, the system only provides numerical values—skills must be comprehended on one's own.
The Knights of Favonius of Mondstadt stepped forward to guarantee that such a future would not occur—the Anemo Archon's Gnosis would never be stolen.
This matter was also deeply embarrassing for the Knights of Favonius, so it was only natural for them to make such a guarantee.
The Fatui, on the other hand, were forced to make diplomatic concessions for a future that had not yet happened, bringing the matter to a close.
It could be said that this was a rare instance where Snezhnaya suffered a diplomatic setback against Mondstadt.
Had the future not changed, even with concessions, the citizens of Mondstadt would never have let the Fatui off the hook.
Though the Fatui were temporarily spared, the people of Mondstadt still detested them, often making their displeasure known.
While Mondstadt was in an uproar, Lucian had already returned to Fontaine.
Navia and Clorinde were waiting for him at his home.
"You're back?" Navia wasn't surprised by Lucian's sudden appearance.
Lucian had mentioned the Teleport Waypoints to them before.
What did surprise her, however, was why the Hydro Archon was standing beside him!?
Furina was holding the gifts and desserts Lucian had bought for her, frozen in place.
Lucian had tried to help carry them, but she refused. Now, they'd been seen.
Ahem. "Miss Navia, it's a pleasure to meet you," Furina said elegantly, shoving the items into Lucian's arms.
"The pleasure is mine, Lady Furina," Navia replied casually.
In her impression, it wasn't strange at all for the Hydro Archon to do something like this.
Furina was exasperated. Back in Liyue, opening the door revealed one girl.
Now, returning to Fontaine, opening the door revealed two?
Lucian! Don't you have some explaining to do!
"Today, I met someone who kept calling your name and wanted to see you."
As it turned out, Navia had come because of Mona.
She hadn't brought Mona directly because she wasn't sure of the latter's intentions.
What if she was here to cause trouble?
"Who?" Lucian asked.
"She said her name is Mona," Navia replied.
Mona! Hearing the name, Lucian immediately understood.
She was here for nothing other than the prophecy.
I may not know prophecy, but I know how to bluff. I just met the Anemo Archon—take me to her!
The two arrived at the Spina di Rosula's secret base.
Furina and Clorinde didn't accompany them—Furina had to return to the Palais Mermonia, and Clorinde was escorting her (and helping carry the items).
Mona was currently feasting, cleaning up the leftover food in the shop.
"I just used hydromancy to divine that Lucian would come here. Why hasn't he arrived yet?"
After finishing the last of the food, Mona grew puzzled.
She'd been waiting for so long—where was he?
Mona couldn't quite figure it out. This Lucian guy kept jumping between Fontaine and Liyue, and now he was back in Fontaine again.
She wasn't even sure if she'd actually meet him, as she'd only divined his "trajectory."
As for matters concerning her own fate, Mona wouldn't look—that was a taboo among astrologists.
Just as she was thinking this, Lucian arrived.
Mona let out a sigh of relief. It seemed her skills were still intact, and she hadn't missed him.
"Astrologist Mona Megistus."
Lucian recited Mona's full name right off the bat.
Mona's name, when translated, means "The Great Astrologist Mona."
Her master's name is even more amusing: "Astrologist Barbeloth Thrysmequistus," which means "The Thrice-Great Astrologist Barbeloth."
Navia's brain short-circuited for a moment. Did Lucian just recite an incantation?
He'd spoken so quickly that Navia couldn't even catch it clearly.
"As expected of the Prophet, Lucian. You even know my full name." Mona nodded approvingly.
Not many people actually knew her full name—she usually only introduced herself as "Mona."
Though she published articles under her full name, few remembered it.
Since they'd never met before, she assumed Lucian must have divined her arrival and identity.
With that thought, Mona couldn't wait to engage in a deep discussion about astrology with Lucian.
"May I ask, what method of astrology do you use? What instruments? What books?"
Mona's eyes were practically sparkling.
She was convinced Lucian must possess some powerful astrological technique—otherwise, how could his prophecies be so precise?
Even the title of his book, Love and Teyvat, matched that person's "Constellation of Destiny"—something ordinary people wouldn't know.
To this, Lucian thought: What instrument? A computer! What book? Genshin Impact!
Of course, he couldn't say that to Mona directly.
"That… is a secret," Lucian said.
Mona understood. Many astrologists only passed down their techniques to their disciples, so it was natural for him to be unwilling to share.
But if he didn't want to say, that was fine—she could just observe, learn, and exchange ideas by sticking around, right?
Besides, she was planning to submit an article to The Steambird anyway, so staying in Fontaine for a while wasn't an issue.
"However, I can tell you something about your fate," Lucian continued.
"Oh? What is it?" Mona's interest was piqued.
Astrologists generally avoided using hydromancy on themselves, as it was dangerous.
Even matters related to their own fate would become blurred, as astrologists subconsciously avoided seeing their own destinies.
This was also why the old hag sent Mona to retrieve items—she wasn't incapable of divining it herself, but she didn't want to see her own fate.
However, if someone else revealed it to her, that was perfectly fine.
"Later, the old hag—I mean, Barbeloth—will send you to Mondstadt to retrieve something."
"At that time, you'll meet a little girl named Klee. She'll have a book—just read it."
"Your fate lies within." Lucian smiled.
"Really? I'll keep that in mind." Mona didn't doubt him.
This man had even spoken her master's name—he was clearly capable.
The only regret was that the old hag was going to assign her a mission to Mondstadt, meaning she couldn't stay in Fontaine.
After exchanging a few more words, Mona prepared to leave.
She planned to collect her payment from The Steambird first, then head straight to Mondstadt.
Since she already knew the future, she might as well act early.
The only thing that made Mona grit her teeth was that the old hag had only just granted her freedom to travel, and now, after such a short time, she was already assigning her another task.
In truth, Barbeloth had released Mona early precisely because she had foreseen that Mona would meet Lucian.
She had divined that Lucian would send Mona to Mondstadt to retrieve her belongings—but the details involved her own fate, so she didn't look further.
Thanks to Lucian's interference, the Stormterror crisis ended early. Xiangling had gone to Lucian's house to tidy up for him before heading to Mondstadt.
As it happened, Xiangling would encounter the Traveler on her way, as Lumine was en route to Liyue.
At the same time, [The Knave] was also on her way—riding a horse.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice: Mona – About Lucian II
"That scoundrel!"