Smith still enjoyed milk tea very much.
In this world, not many people had the habit of drinking milk. Some did, but it wasn't a staple in every household, nor was it a common drink for every child. Large-scale cattle farming for milk production was nearly nonexistent.
After all, the widespread consumption of milk was largely due to marketing. In reality, most teenagers and adults were lactose intolerant, making it normal for them to experience digestive issues after drinking milk. However, due to heavy promotion by certain capitalists, milk was advertised as highly nutritious and essential, gradually turning it into a common dietary habit.
In the continent of Teyvat, few families consumed milk regularly. Smith realized that finding a stable and sufficient source of milk for his future endeavors would be difficult. If his milk tea shop became too popular, there might not be enough milk to meet demand.
Diluc hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "I can give you five percent of the sales price, but you must promise not to share this technology with other wine merchants in Mondstadt."
"Exclusive authorization? I agree!" Smith responded without hesitation.
Then he changed the subject. "Now, let's talk about business."
"Oh?" Diluc raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected Smith to have other matters to discuss. Even the previous business arrangement, which involved tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of Mora annually, didn't seem to be Smith's primary focus.
"I want to recruit you into my organization," Smith stated firmly. "In this organization, you will have access to power, ensuring Mondstadt's protection and aiding in your personal quest for revenge. I think you understand what I mean."
Smith's gaze locked onto Diluc's. "There are very few people in Mondstadt that I respect. You are one of them. Besides you, I would consider recruiting Barbatos, the wind god, and Jean. However, Jean is not yet qualified."
"Jean is not qualified?" Diluc echoed, momentarily taken aback. Jean was the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, the one responsible for managing Mondstadt. It was unexpected that Smith would place him above her.
"Jean is an excellent knight, no doubt. But as a leader, she falls short," Smith explained. "The current state of the Knights of Favonius is unacceptable. A leader doing everything personally may seem admirable, but it allows complacency to take root among subordinates.
"If I were in charge, I would publicly expose the knights who shirk their duties. Their negligence must have consequences."
Diluc nodded in agreement. He shared this perspective. Among the current Knights of Favonius, there were few he respected, and Jean was one of them. However, he, too, recognized the organization's decline. Despite this, Mondstadt was his homeland, and he was committed to protecting it from the shadows.
As for the Knights of Favonius? He had no interest in them anymore.
"The second Harbinger of the Fatui, the Doctor, is an incredibly dangerous figure," Smith continued. "His power is comparable to that of a demon god. Furthermore, he has fragmented himself into multiple clones, and when they work together, their strength is formidable.
"He is highly intelligent, constantly conducting unethical human experiments and delving into forbidden research. But more importantly, he is backed by the nation of Snezhnaya. You and your current organization cannot oppose him alone."
Smith folded his arms and watched Diluc's expression carefully. "But my organization has the necessary resources to help you deal with the Doctor."
"You mean Liyue?" Diluc asked, frowning slightly.
"Not just Liyue," Smith shook his head. "I came here not only to recruit you but also to recruit Barbatos."
Diluc's frown deepened. "You can find Barbatos?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Smith shrugged. "Locating him isn't difficult, and I suspect he'll show up soon.
"Barbatos maintains Mondstadt's climate with his divine power, which weakens him significantly. He even has to sleep occasionally. But the winds carry information to him."
Diluc remained silent. He had long wondered why Barbatos had remained absent despite the numerous crises in Mondstadt.
The true identity of the Wind Dragon had been revealed—it was Barbatos' loyal companion, Dvalin.
If that was the case, then perhaps Barbatos wasn't unwilling to intervene but simply lacked the strength to do so.
Mondstadt's climate was the most favorable in Teyvat, all thanks to Barbatos. Despite his weaknesses, he remained a responsible god.
But weakness was still weakness. Mondstadt's military strength had deteriorated. The Grand Master had left for an expedition without warning, leaving the city vulnerable.
It was the Knights of Favonius' fault.
"So, what's your decision?" Smith asked, sipping the apple wine in his hand. It tasted much better than the fruit juices of his previous world.
"Don't worry, I won't ask you to betray Mondstadt."
Diluc exhaled slowly. "Fine. I agree to join your organization."
After saying this, he couldn't help but find the situation ironic. A few years ago, he had joined an underground intelligence network operating across the northern continent. And now, here he was, agreeing to join yet another secret organization.
But his decision was not made lightly. His judgment was based on intelligence analysis—Smith had indeed brought significant changes to Liyue in recent times.
If he could leverage Liyue's influence to combat the Fatui and the Doctor, then joining Smith's organization was a worthwhile move.
After all, the Fatui posed a considerable threat to Mondstadt.
Diluc had his suspicions—was the previous Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius a spy planted by the Fatui?
Mondstadt was not aligned with Liyue. Instead, it had an alliance with Snezhnaya.
Not long ago, Snezhnaya had even attempted to conscript Mondstadt's people into their military.
Diluc clenched his fists. If he uncovered the truth and found evidence of treachery, he would stop at nothing to bring justice.
Even if it meant digging up graves.