Outside Mondstadt.
Lush green forests gleamed like gems set into the hills. Sweet spring water ran clear and murmuring. Fragrant flowers carpeted the meadows, and pure white lotuses bloomed quietly.
A girl with sun-golden hair stepped slowly out of Whispering Woods. Her amber eyes gazed toward Mondstadt, clear as flawless glass.
"Paimon, is that Mondstadt up ahead?"
Her blue-and-white outfit rippled with the gentle breeze. Her short golden hair, bright as scattered gold dust, was adorned with two Intivat flowers, symbols of "the gentle warmth of home."
Floating beside her was a white-haired little being.
"That's Mondstadt ahead—the city of wind and dandelions, blessed by the Anemo Archon. Now that you're here, Traveler, maybe we can find news about your brother."
The floating Paimon bobbed and nodded, eyes full of excitement.
All right!
After so long eating and sleeping in the wild, they could finally get a proper meal in a real city.
"Mm. I hope we can find some lead on my brother."
Lumine exhaled softly. Her light steps on the green lawn sent a few butterflies fluttering.
But just as the two reached the edge of Whispering Woods, a red figure suddenly appeared.
"Welcome to the city of wind and dandelions—may the Anemo… Eh? Lumine?!"
The bright, sprightly figure in red was none other than Outrider Amber.
Ever since receiving Ken's tip, Amber had been scouting around Whispering Woods, hoping to find the traveler mentioned in the video.
She hadn't expected she'd actually run into her.
"It really is you! The traveler from another world looking for her brother—Lumine—and emergency food Paimon…"
Amber pulled the scroll from her back and hastily compared. Once she confirmed she wasn't mistaken, she couldn't contain her excitement.
So Ken's prophecy really was true.
Just like the video described—Amber met Lumine first.
"You're the emergency food!"
While Lumine was still a little bewildered, Paimon planted her hands on her hips and snapped back.
"Ah—sorry." Amber hurried to explain. "Welcome to Mondstadt. I'm Amber, Outrider of the Knights of Favonius. We've been waiting for you."
"Knights of Favonius?" Lumine's golden eyes wavered with curiosity. "Your Knights already know about me and Paimon?"
After overthrowing the old Lawrence aristocracy, the Knights of Favonius had safeguarded Mondstadt.
To Mondstadters, the Knights were a dependable pillar of strength.
But even so… Lumine didn't think they were strong enough to know her identity in advance.
"That's right… Traveler. Once you come into the city and meet Acting Grand Master Jean, you'll understand. Of course, I'll explain as much as I can on the way."
Amber, bow in hand, spoke with warm enthusiasm.
Whispering Woods wasn't close to Mondstadt. As they traveled, Amber laid everything out.
The story left Lumine repeatedly surprised.
Someone had prophesied Mondstadt's future—and had also foretold her and Paimon would set foot here.
Even for Lumine, who had journeyed through many worlds, this kind of prophetic ability was surprising—because it implied the person might be able to foretell her brother's whereabouts.
At that thought, Lumine's heart leapt.
…
Knights of Favonius.
After confirming Lumine's identity, Jean—just back from Windwail Highland—wore a delighted smile.
"Hello, Lumine, traveler from another world. I'm Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Welcome to Mondstadt."
Jean placed her right hand over her heart and greeted her earnestly.
Lumine's appearance meant Ken's prophecy was one hundred percent accurate.
Which meant resolving the Dvalin issue could be put on the schedule.
"Hello, Acting Grand Master Jean. Amber told me there's a man named Ken who prophesied Mondstadt's future—and even predicted that Paimon and I would arrive."
"Acting Grand Master, I'd like to meet this Mr. Ken."
If it were anyone else, they might have needed time to accept all this.
But Lumine herself was a traveler from another world. She'd seen much and had a high tolerance for the unusual.
If someone had the power of prophecy, they might be able to help with many of her doubts.
"Well… Mr. Ken is currently on Blue Star. If you want to meet him…"
A hint of worry crossed Jean's flawless features. But before she could finish, a door of swirling vortex silently bloomed in midair above the office.
The moment she saw it, Jean's breath hitched.
She had seen this mysterious door more than once now. If she wasn't mistaken… this was Mr. Ken's invitation.
"What's that?"
Paimon stared wide-eyed at the air, full of wonder.
Lumine was taken aback as well.
They quickly felt a force spill from within the door, drawing all three of them toward it.
…
"Lumine?"
"Jean?"
"Paimon…?"
Ken blinked at the three visitors this invite had brought, a bit surprised.
He hadn't expected the vortex door to bring three guests at once.
Especially Lumine… he knew her all too well.
The famous odd-jobber of Teyvat—the blonde goof who cheerfully runs around helping everyone.
…
<><><>>><><><><><><><>
Advanced chapter here: p-atreon.com/Sajaboyzzz
<><><><><>><>>><><><><>
Keep the Chapters coming - Support with Power Stones!
Every 200 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter!