Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon all clapped in perfect sync, right on cue.
"No need for such applause... That's just a line from the Knights' official guidebook," Amber said, cheeks reddening with a hint of shyness.
"We could really feel the pride in your words. And you put real effort into welcoming us. That applause came from the heart," Shao Yun replied with a casual smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
They continued walking as Amber introduced Mondstadt's busiest street.
"To the left is the blacksmith—Wagner. He's got great craftsmanship. The weapons he forges are some of the best in all of Mondstadt," Amber explained enthusiastically, then added with a playful wink, "Though, well... Mondstadt only has one blacksmith."
"Ah, so no matter how good or bad the weapons are, they'd still count as Mondstadt's finest?" Shao Yun mused, rubbing his chin as he studied the smithy.
Amber shook her head and held out her hands.
"Not quite. Wagner's not the type to cut corners."
They walked a bit further, and Amber continued, her voice full of spirit.
"This here is the Adventurers' Guild." She gestured toward the ever-stationary receptionist. "That's Katheryne—she never takes a break."
Katheryne waved. "Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Amber waved back. "No thanks, Miss Katheryne. I'm just showing these three travelers around Mondstadt."
"Very well. If you need anything—or if you'd like to register with the guild—I'll be here," Katheryne said with a polite smile.
"On the right is With Wind Comes Glory Souvenirs Shop —Mondstadt's luxury goods store." Amber pointed to the shop, where Miss Marjorie, standing at the entrance, immediately noticed them and called out cheerfully.
"Why, if it isn't Amber! Want to come in for a chat?"
"Not today, Miss Marjorie. I've got things to do—maybe next time."
"Amber, you're quite the local celebrity," Shao Yun remarked. "Feels like your popularity's at least... three or four stories high."
Amber scratched her head, the tips of her ears turning pink. She looked both embarrassed and pleased.
"Not really. I'm just doing what anyone would—helping people. Nothing special."
Though Katheryne and Marjorie were all smiles, many other citizens wore troubled expressions.
"Why does everyone look so down?" Paimon noticed a few townsfolk sighing and frowning.
Amber's smile faltered into a faint grimace. "It can't be helped. There's been a dragon crisis lately... everyone's stressed out about Stormterror."
"So, the Stormterror situation really is a big problem for the people."
Lumine silently observed the worried residents, her heart filling with sympathy.
"Yeah. Mondstadt used to be quite the lively place. Now..." Amber sighed, looking around at the once-bustling commercial street, now nearly deserted.
A few steps later, they heard lively drinking and laughter from a nearby establishment. Amber frowned, her voice tinged with frustration.
"But of course, the taverns—like that one, and the one around the corner—their business hasn't been affected. If anything, it's gotten better."
Shao Yun glanced up at the sign: Cat's Tail Tavern. He wondered if Diona was inside at the moment.
"Ohhh, is this what they mean by 'drowning your sorrows in drink'?" Paimon said aloud, the idiom clicking in her mind as she looked at the tavern—living proof of the saying.
After a pause, she added thoughtfully,
"Drowning sorrows in alcohol... sure, if you drink yourself into a stupor, you don't have to think about unpleasant things. But that's definitely not a real solution."
"Still... I kinda feel like some folks are just using the whole mess as an excuse to drink more," Shao Yun added.
Sensing the group's mood slipping, Amber quickly perked up, full of energy and conviction. "But don't worry. With Acting Grand Master Jean leading us, everything's going to be okay."
"Jean?"
"She's the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius," Amber said proudly, her whole demeanor lighting up at the mention. Her words brimmed with admiration.
"She's amazing! As long as Jean is here, no matter what crisis threatens Mondstadt—whether it's Stormterror or anything else—we'll pull through."
Lumine nodded, deep in thought. She couldn't fully understand yet, but it was clear Jean wasn't an ordinary person.
Shao Yun, of course, already knew the whole backstory. Her name, family, close friends—he had it all memorized from the game.
The group walked together toward the Knights' headquarters to report in. On the way, Amber suddenly remembered something and stopped.
"Ah, right! Didn't I say I'd give you all a gift? Just a sec..."
She rummaged through her pouch, her fingers moving quickly until her eyes lit up—she'd found what she was looking for.
"Here—these are for Lumine and Shao Yun."
Shao Yun took the item in hand. Wind Glider, huh? It felt oddly tiny. Could this really support my weight...?
Lumine tried hers on and found it fit perfectly.
"Thank you, Amber."
She glanced at Shao Yun and immediately felt a bit awkward. It looked great on her, but on him... well, it looked tiny.
Amber noticed too. Her eyes flickered nervously, clearly unsure of what to say.
The two girls had similar builds, so the wings were just right for them. But Shao Yun, with a grown man's physique, made them look miniature.
"Um, maybe you should take this back. Doesn't seem like it'll work for me." Shao Yun handed it back to Amber.
Not wanting him to feel disappointed, Amber promised, "I'll head to the Knights' storage later and find one that fits you properly."
"What about me? I want a gift too!" Paimon said, not wanting to be left out. Amber gave her a once-over, carefully considering her size.
"Paimon's... well, your size probably isn't in the Knights' storeroom."
"How about this—I'll treat you to a Mondstadt specialty: Sticky Honey Roast from Good Hunter as a substitute gift."
Between wings and food, Paimon was far more tempted by the latter and immediately agreed.
…
Just as they were about to leave the commercial district and head up the stairs toward the Knights' headquarters, Shao Yun's system pinged.
[Quest Update: Find a place to stay—alone.]
[Reward: Interchangeable clothing.]
Alone? Oh, right—Lumine still had story progression.
Let's see what kind of clothes were included... options for cold weather, hot weather, and normal weather...
Wait, what's this? There's one called "weatherproof"—but the icon is a question mark?
Apparently, it unlocks with story progression...
Might as well finish the quest. Nothing to lose.
"I won't be going with you guys." Shao Yun suddenly stopped and said.
"Huh? Why not?" Paimon froze, her face clouding over with concern, thinking they were parting ways.
"Somebody's gotta find us a place to stay, right? Otherwise we'll be sleeping on the street tonight," Shao Yun spread his hands. "Besides, I don't really have business at the Knights' headquarters. Better to split up—I'll handle accommodations."
He had a point. He wasn't looking for a brother like Lumine, and he didn't need to report to the Knights.
Paimon, misinterpreting the situation, scratched her cheek. "Yeah... good idea."
"You can stay at my place!" Amber offered. "It's pretty spacious—more than enough for you guys."
Lumine hesitated. They'd only just met—wouldn't it be a bit much to stay at her house? Wouldn't that trouble Amber's family?
"It's okay. You've helped us so much already. Staying at your place might be asking too much."
"It's really no trouble at all!" Amber reassured them repeatedly.
Honestly, staying at Amber's would've solved everything—but the system insisted on Shao Yun personally finding a place. That had to mean something. Some hidden plot point, maybe?
"How about this—if I can't find a place, I'll take you up on your offer. But if I do, then..." Shao Yun offered a compromise.
"Great idea!" Paimon beamed. "Amber, you don't mind that plan, right?"
"Not at all," Amber said, totally fine with it. But as Shao Yun turned to leave, she called out,
"Wait—do you know how to find a place to stay?"
Shao Yun thought for a second. He vaguely remembered an old man named Goth in Mondstadt—basically the city's biggest landlord.
Amber saw him thinking and was glad she'd stopped him.
"If you're looking for a place, go find Goth. He manages a lot of properties in Mondstadt. Goth Grand Hotel is one of his."
"Thanks, Amber. You've been a huge help." Shao Yun nodded in gratitude.
He looked at Lumine and Paimon. "If I find something, I'll meet you at the Knights' headquarters. If not... I'll still head there to find you." Then he turned to Amber again, "If I really can't find anything, I'll be counting on you."
Seeing his confident expression, Lumine smiled and offered a gentle reminder.
"Do what you can. If you can't find a place, don't beat yourself up about it."
Shao Yun made a graceful arc with his arm and wiggled his fingers lightly. "Got it."