Signora also read this passage.
Though she was reluctant to admit it, the Anemo Archon and Dvalin had indeed done much for Mondstadt.
One could even say that they appeared whenever the people of Mondstadt needed them.
Perhaps this was why Signora resented the Anemo Archon.
If you appeared before, why not this time?
Am I not one of your people?
She didn't know that the Anemo Archon had already fallen into slumber at that time.
Signora also knew she shouldn't blame the Anemo Archon.
But she didn't know where else to direct these emotions. How could she not hate herself?
She hated herself, and so she became what she was now—yet even this could not bring her forgiveness.
"Barbatos..." Signora murmured under her breath, lost in thought.
===✧✦✧===
Beyond Mondstadt, some people in Liyue also read this passage.
"So this is the 'contract' between the Anemo Archon and the Guardian of the East Wind?" Zhongli sipped his tea, pondering silently.
"No, perhaps there should be no such thing as a 'contract' between them. A 'contract' would only restrict them." Zhongli shook his head.
The nation of wind was a land of freedom. There should be no contract between the Anemo Archon and the Four Winds.
Protecting Mondstadt was simply the 'freedom' they had chosen.
"The story of Dvalin and the Anemo Archon... I wonder if Yun Jin could adapt it into an opera?" Hu Tao grew excited.
She and Yun Jin were acquaintances, and she silently planned to share the story with Yun Jin—perhaps it would inspire her.
"Ms. Yun? If it's her, she could likely adapt it into a play that's both true to the original and entertaining." Zhongli nodded in approval.
Tartaglia, however, didn't quite understand.
Though he had watched operas with Zhongli before, he wasn't well-versed in Liyue's theatrical culture. For him, it was just a bit of fun.
Just then, the door was knocked open, and a Fatui Agent entered.
The Fatui Agent glanced at those present, then signaled Tartaglia with his eyes.
Tartaglia nodded, indicating that he could speak openly.
"Lord Childe, the new book by the author 'Shikikan' has already been released in Liyue."
"Oh? That quickly?" Tartaglia was surprised.
So Director Hu had only gotten the book a little earlier than everyone else?
Hu Tao was also puzzled.
You little trickster, Lucian! In your letter, you said you sent it to me days in advance, but it only just went on sale?
"Quick?"
The Fatui Agent was taken aback.
Had Lord Childe already known the book's release date, and now it had been moved up?
Otherwise, why would he say it was fast?
Tartaglia pointed at the book in Hu Tao's hands. "The second volume is already here. You may leave."
"Second volume?" The Fatui Agent realized it was a misunderstanding.
"Lord Childe, the newly released book isn't the second volume."
This piqued Tartaglia's interest. Shikikan had released a new book, but it wasn't the second volume.
Did that mean it was part of a new series?
"Let me see it."
"Understood."
The Fatui Agent handed the book to Tartaglia. The title was Love and Teyvat.
It included three chapters upon release: [Pavo Ocellus Chapter], [Lepus Chapter], and [Tempus Fugit Chapter]—featuring the three main heroines.
"This... Which one should I read first?" Tartaglia looked between the book in his hands and the one Hu Tao held.
He was more inclined to read the second volume in Hu Tao's possession since he didn't have it.
Clearly, Hu Tao and Zhongli felt the same way. Who would stop halfway through a story?
And so, everyone continued reading the second volume.
===✧✦✧===
Having witnessed Venti speaking with Dvalin, the Traveler knew he was no ordinary person.
After meeting and conversing, the Traveler took out the Dragon Tear, asking him to examine it.
But this time, when the Traveler produced the Dragon Tear, its color shifted from red to blue.
The previous ominous, corrupted aura had completely vanished, leaving only pure Anemo energy.
["Oh!? What's this?"
Venti was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected the Traveler to possess the ability to purify corruption.
"This is Dvalin's—this is the tear shed by the Stormterror in his anguish."
As he spoke, Venti also took out a Dragon Tear.
As the Anemo Archon, he had no need for a Vision and was unaffected by corruption of this degree—but he hadn't purified it.
"Can you purify it?"]
The Traveler took the Dragon Tear and slowly absorbed the corrupt energy until it was completely cleansed.
===✧✦✧===
Mondstadt, inside the Angel's Share.
Though Venti appeared to have drunk himself into a stupor, the winds had been whispering the book's contents to him all along.
After all, Venti was someone who could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk—how could he pass out after just two bottles?
He simply had no money left to buy the book, so he hoped Master Diluc would let him freeload a little.
"She can purify the corruption in the Dragon Tear? How fascinating. I knew I wasn't wrong about her." Venti smiled inwardly.
When he first saw the Traveler, he sensed she was no ordinary person—so he deliberately altered his plan to rescue Dvalin. Now, it seemed his instincts were correct.
===✧✦✧===
At this point, the Knights of Favonius turned their gazes toward Lumine.
Lumine scratched her head in slight embarrassment. She hadn't realized she had such an ability.
In truth, it wasn't surprising. Most corruption stemmed from the power of the Abyss, and as one of the twins, she could naturally absorb and purify Abyssal energy.
But in her current amnesiac state, she hadn't known she possessed this power.
Lumine took out her 'Dragon Egg,' and upon inspection, everyone noticed that the corrupt energy within seemed to have weakened slightly.
It appeared that even unconsciously, Lumine was gradually absorbing its power.
Holding the Dragon Tear in her hand, Lumine focused on drawing out the corruption.
The red Dragon Tear slowly turned azure-blue, and a surge of pure Anemo energy filled the air.
"It's really purified?" Lisa was astonished.
She had been planning to scour the restricted section of the library for a way to deal with the corruption—yet the solution had been right in front of her all along.
Honestly, was there any better 'tool' in this world than the Traveler? Her skill set was just too versatile.
"Impressive, cutie." Lisa smiled slyly.
Lumine proudly placed her hands on her hips, basking in Lisa's praise.
"Of course! The Traveler is the best!"
Paimon, who had no concept of modesty, mirrored Lumine's pose.
Everyone laughed. It was impossible to dislike the Traveler and Paimon—their personalities were endearing, and they were always eager to help.
Most importantly, Paimon had an incredible appetite.
This led to Lumine taking on countless Adventurers' Guild commissions in Mondstadt, making the surrounding areas much safer.
It even boosted Mondstadt's economy, as trade routes became more secure.
"The Honorary Knight's abilities are indeed reliable." Jean nodded in agreement.
Noelle also nodded. She even saw Lumine as a role model.
If I want to become a knight, I should strive to be even more helpful.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice-Over: Zhongli — About Barbatos and Dvalin
"Protecting Mondstadt was not their 'contract'—it was the 'freedom' they chose."