Outside Mondstadt's City Gate
At the Knights' makeshift fortifications
Captain Ireland couldn't help but smile wryly when he saw who it was. This lady had gone out again without the Knights noticing. Probably out hunting monsters once more.
He really hadn't expected someone who looked so frail to possess such terrifying power. Was it because she had a Vision?
There was one thing they had to admit. Her combat efficiency was even faster, stronger, and more effective than their Acting Grand Master's.
It was hard to believe she was a merchant. The Knights had initially thought this girl was just a weak, helpless merchant. They never expected this.
Those blessed by the gods were truly enviable.
Come to think of it, the decorations on Miss Fashui's head were quite intriguing. But out of politeness, he wouldn't ask.
"Miss Fashui, it's dangerous out here. Please head into the city." Ireland said gently, with a gentlemanly tone.
He stepped forward and led Bonanus around the complex defensive barricades, intending to escort her inside.
"No need. Those monsters can't hurt me. I can stay and help." Bonanus shook her head, refusing without hesitation.
"Please don't. You're putting us in a difficult position." Ireland smiled bitterly.
"Hmm..." Seeing his troubled expression, Bonanus bit her lip slightly. She really wanted to earn some karmic debt, but she wasn't the type to make things difficult for others.
She had been ignoring the Knights' dissuasions before, but now... she could find another way to help.
"I'll still help, but I'll do it where no one can see me." Bonanus smiled. She already had another plan.
She could just hide somewhere and fire off some elemental attacks at the monsters from a distance.
As long as the kills were credited to her, the karmic debt would still come her way. It was basically the same thing.
If anyone asked about the elemental attacks, she could just say it was the Anemo Archon's blessing. That Venti had used his power to protect the people of Mondstadt.
She was basically pinning it all on Venti.
"Ah? That could work. But why go through all this trouble, Miss Fashui?" Ireland asked, confused.
Most people would prefer to stay safe, wouldn't they?
This lady, on the other hand, always rushed to the front lines, and she was a stranger too.
"Just think of it as a kind person from Liyue who can't bear to see the people of Mondstadt suffer." Bonanus said casually, crossing her arms as she looked around curiously.
These defenses looked sturdy. She wondered if they could withstand a Mitachurl's axe swing.
Fortunately, there were no Lawachurls attacking Mondstadt this time. Otherwise, without a Vision wielder, the Knights would be in serious danger.
"Alright then. Please use your elemental power where no one can see. Thank you for your help."
Ireland glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, then continued.
"If you need anything, just call us. We'd be happy to assist." Ireland said politely.
"Got it. I'll hide on the city walls where no one will see me. You all keep doing what you're doing. I'm heading in."
Bonanus nodded, stretched lazily, and walked into the city at a leisurely pace.
To all the Knights watching, it looked like Miss Fashui had been persuaded by the captain and wouldn't be participating.
Some of them felt a little disappointed. They weren't as complicated as the others. They would have appreciated having someone powerful on their side.
Watching Miss Fashui enter the city, Ireland let out a sigh of relief. This foreign friend was truly kind, going to such lengths for Mondstadt.
He turned back to his squad and said, "All right, stop staring. Focus. Don't let any monsters slip through."
"Yes, sir!" The knights responded in unison, their attention snapping away from Bonanus and toward the front.
...
Back inside the city
Bonanus slipped back in. She waited until the patrolling knights weren't looking and quietly climbed up onto the city wall.
She had hoped to get up there without anyone noticing.
But the moment she stepped onto the wall, she ran into a familiar face. It was Noelle.
At that moment, Noelle was holding a broom. It looked like she was sweeping.
Seeing who it was, Noelle looked a little confused. She asked, "Sister, what are you doing here?"
Normally, aside from the knights, no one else would be on the city wall.
So why was her sister here? Was she also here to help?
As for why there were no patrol knights in this area, that was because Noelle was there. Everyone trusted the reliable Noelle.
"Shh, don't make a sound. I'm here to help the senior knights down there." Bonanus raised a finger to Noelle's lips.
"Ah? Sister, really. You told me before that you weren't good at fighting. It looks like you fooled me." Noelle sighed helplessly.
"Ah! I didn't mean to hide it. You know me, I'm always low-key!" Bonanus said without flinching.
"Fine, I'll take your word for it." Noelle covered her mouth and laughed. Over the past three days, she had also heard about her sister's exploits out in the wild and in the ruins.
Her sister was truly strong, in every way.
"By the way, why are you here? And sweeping?" Bonanus asked, confused. This was a tense moment, yet Noelle was sweeping. It was puzzling.
"I volunteered to sweep here. I'm worried something might happen to the seniors. You know how weak I am, Sister, but I do have a Vision. Just in case."
Noelle spoke seriously. As she said this, her gaze drifted toward the bridge.
She sighed softly. The bridge used to have many cute pigeons and a boy who fed them. Now, there was only the howling wind and the Knights standing guard.
After a moment of reflection, Noelle turned back to Bonanus.
"Sister, did you like the lollipop I gave you?"
Noelle smiled. Lollipops were delicious sweets, but you had to eat them in moderation, or you'd get cavities.
"It was delicious. I didn't know this world had lollipops." Bonanus said casually.
"Sister, you say the strangest things. If you have time, we should visit a dessert shop. There are many more sweets there. Let's go together in a couple of days." Noelle chuckled.
"Alright. It's a deal. Make sure to call me when you go."
Bonanus nodded. She wondered why she suddenly felt so excited. She really did love sweets.
She took a deep breath and leaned on the city wall, looking at the scenery across the bridge.
Mondstadt was beautiful. It would be even better if the sky weren't so gloomy.
Just as she was resting there, feeling the wind, two familiar figures appeared on the bridge opposite.
One of them was clinging to the other's hair. If you didn't look closely, you might miss it.
Noelle noticed them too. Or rather, three of them—there was a floating fairy as well.
"Oh, isn't that Amber? She's back. And she's brought... a foreigner? And a floating fairy?" Noelle tilted her head. The clothes didn't look like anything she recognized.
It was a girl with short golden hair and bright golden eyes.
At the top of her hair, two Inteyvat flowers were pinned. The stamens glowed with a soft white light. Near her ears, feathers were attached.
She wore blue and white clothing with bunny-ear sleeves and wooden sandals. Golden diamond-shaped accessories adorned her outfit. A white scarf with two long ribbons hung down to her legs.
The ribbons, boots, and transparent diamond decorations on her dress glowed with a constant white light, especially noticeable in the dim environment.
This was the legendary Traveler. The protagonist of this world had finally arrived at her first destination.
...
Mondstadt City.
"So she's finally here. I wonder if having an outsider's soul like mine will cause any butterfly effects..." Bonanus muttered under her breath, so quiet that only she could hear.