Early morning in Mondstadt
The party had lasted until the early hours. The floor and tables were covered in empty bottles. Plates held leftover food scraps.
Some people were still boasting under the influence of alcohol. Others couldn't handle it anymore and had passed out on the tables.
Most people were still in high spirits, but the party that had lasted for hours was finally coming to an end.
Outside the Angel's Share
A group of knights who had just finished their shift change, still wearing their armor, were helping their colleagues and seniors. The civilians and merchants were being picked up by their families.
The people being supported had rosy cheeks, completely unconscious from drinking.
No one knew how many bottles of wine they had freeloaded.
"Senior Ganser, you're drunk again..." A tall young knight supported an older knight. He looked worried.
This young knight's name was Stell. He was a very responsible Knight of Favonius with brown hair and a handsome face.
Knight Stell had just finished his day of patrolling the city. He was dragging his tired body home to rest when he heard that his senior had gotten drunk at the Angel's Share again.
Looks like he wouldn't be off work so easily.
Even though Ganser was a kind and respected senior, adding to his workload wasn't exactly ideal.
He complained a little inside, but Stell still went. He had always been taken care of by Senior Ganser. Even though he was young, he understood the importance of gratitude.
Ganser was a very experienced old knight. But soon, he would be retiring to enjoy his golden years.
"Mmm... itsh a rearry good stwuff~"
Ganser's tongue was numb. His words were slurred and hard to understand. His hands trembled uncontrollably, and his body kept moving around.
He probably didn't notice, but Stell, who was supporting him, was struggling. Everyone knew that drunk people became very heavy.
Stell wasn't as strong as Ganser, nor as heavy. With the old knight moving around so much, it was a miracle they hadn't fallen flat on their faces. Stell's solid footing was the only thing keeping them upright.
"Yes, yes, of course. But Senior, you're still a knight. Getting this drunk all the time isn't good for your image. Your family must be worried." Stell said helplessly.
"..."
Something in that sentence must have struck a nerve. Ganser fell silent. His excitement slowly faded into gloom.
Family. Ever since his wife passed away unexpectedly, he had been like this for a long time.
Ganser's wife was an adventurer. They were a loving couple that most people envied.
His wife wasn't famous in the adventuring circle. She didn't have professional equipment, extensive experience, or a strong team.
But it was her passion. She was a girl who loved adventure. Even though it was dangerous, Ganser never opposed her.
Until that day. He received the terrible news from the Adventurers' Guild. That day was also Ganser's birthday.
His wife had gone out to explore some ruins, hoping to find treasures for his birthday gift. Unfortunately, it all ended in tragedy.
This painful memory had stayed with him. He never talked about it with anyone. He thought it would make him seem weak, and his wife didn't like weak men.
"Senior, what's wrong?" Stell noticed Ganser's sudden drop in mood and looked at him in confusion. This was the first time he had seen his senior like this.
Had he said something wrong? That was terrible.
"I'm sorry. You know I'm not good with words." Stell's face was full of guilt.
"It's nuffing, nuffing. Jus' take me home." Ganser shook his head lightly. He still hadn't moved on from that day, even after all these years.
...
On the other side
"Sister, are you going home? Do you need me to walk you?" Noelle asked with concern. It was very late, and she was worried something might happen to Fashui.
Even though her sister hadn't been drinking and had a Vision, Noelle was still uneasy. Especially since she was dragging along a bard who was too drunk to find his way.
"Don't worry about me. I'm not much of a fighter, but this Vision on my waist should be enough to scare off anyone stupid enough to cause trouble." Bonanus pointed at the Vision on her belt.
That shiny Vision hanging there should be enough to keep any troublemakers in the city from messing with her.
"Okay. But please be careful." Noelle nodded. Since her sister said so, she would trust her.
"I'll take Ms. Formal home now. Please get some rest early, Sister." Noelle helped up Ms. Formal, who was slumped over the table. She nodded at Bonanus and left.
Watching Noelle leave, Bonanus put her hands on her hips and looked down at the unconscious Anemo Archon sitting on the bench.
Really? Drunk again. She was genuinely afraid Venti would throw up on her halfway home.
She didn't want her blue qipao to end up stained with vomit. If that happened, the dress would be ruined.
"Hehe, boss, anoder Dandelion Wine~" Venti was slumped over the table, his head spinning. After speaking, he let out a hiccup.
"All you know is drinking. You never do anything useful. You freeload and now you want more. Get up. We're going home."
Bonanus shook her head helplessly and rubbed her forehead. She reluctantly helped the drunkard up.
"Snore..." Venti didn't respond. He made snoring sounds from the table. He was about to fall asleep.
"Don't fall asleep. You'll throw up if you do." Bonanus quickly pulled him upright and let out a helpless sigh.
She rubbed her thin arms and dragged Venti out the door.
...
After everyone had left
At the Angel's Share bar
"Here's your bill for tonight." Diluc placed the check on the counter with a cold expression.
"Come on, talking about money ruins the mood." Kaeya was standing beside him, responding with a mysterious smile.
"The Angel's Share does not accept credit." Diluc crossed his arms, his face still cold.
"Fine, fine." Kaeya shrugged casually. He picked up the check, folded it, and put it in his pocket.
Seeing Kaeya put the bill away, Diluc snorted softly and turned away.
"Don't be so cold all the time."
Kaeya shook his head. His eyes drifted toward the drinks on the counter. Just as he reached for one, Diluc snatched it away.
"The tavern is closed." Diluc said flatly.
"Fine, Master Diluc. Always the same. I'm leaving." Kaeya shrugged indifferently, stood up slowly, and walked out.
After Kaeya left,
Diluc stood up, one hand on his hip, the other rubbing his chin. The girl with the Hydro Vision who had come to his tavern tonight struck him as a bit strange.
Strange wasn't the right word. He felt like she had some big secrets, but nothing that threatened Mondstadt.
"Hmph. I hope so."