Meanwhile at Angel's Share
Warm lights illuminated the interior of the tavern, filled with the aroma of wine and aged wood. The evening atmosphere at Angel's Share was always lively—not with excessive hustle and bustle, but with relaxed conversation, the clinking of glasses, and low laughter mixed with soft music from the corner.
Behind the bar, a man with striking red hair polished a glass with calm, precise movements. His face was impassive, almost expressionless, as if the world around him rarely disturbed his composure. His aristocratic attire—a neat, sharply cut black coat—
conveyed a cold yet dignified impression.
He was Diluc Ragnvindr, the owner of Angel's Share.
Without taking his eyes off the glass in his hand, Diluc spoke to the man sitting at the bar. "You've had too much to drink, poet," he said flatly. "Make sure you pay for it."
Across from him, a feminine-looking man chuckled. She wore a white lace top with a midriff-baring bodice, green shorts embroidered with gold, a green robe tied with a dark blue ribbon, and white stockings with a gold diamond motif. On her head sat a beret-like hat adorned with the Cecilia flower—an icon of Mondstadt.
The man raised his glass with a cheerful smile. "Don't worry, Master Diluc. I'll definitely pay you back later… hic." His voice was cheerful, though clearly a little slurred.
This person was none other than Venti, the bard. Or, as no one else knew, the archon anemo, barbatos.
Diluc snorted softly. He had heard such phrases too often.
But before he could respond further, the door to Angel's Share opened. A small bell rang softly, drawing the attention of some of the patrons.
A man with silvery white hair stepped in. His dark blue coat lent a calm and mysterious air, while his blue eyes swept the room with a relaxed air. There was a distinct aura about him—neither aggressive nor flashy—but enough to put even the most discerning on guard.
Diluc stopped polishing his glass.
Meanwhile, Venti, who had previously appeared drunk, suddenly lost his careless expression at the bar. His cheerful smile faded, replaced by a fine frown. He turned his head, eyeing the newcomer with appraising eyes.
It was none other than Kaito.
As soon as he stepped inside, Kaito immediately felt two pairs of eyes fixated on him. However, he showed no reaction. With leisurely steps, he sat down in the empty chair next to Venti.
"Boss," he said lightly, "give me your best drink."
Diluc stared at him for a few seconds longer than usual, assessing him from head to toe. Finally, he picked up a bottle of wine and poured it into a crystal glass, then pushed it toward Kaito.
"I've never seen you in Mondstadt," Diluc said simply. "A foreigner."
"Thank you," Kaito replied, accepting the glass and taking a slow sip. The wine was strong, rich, and mature—not unlike the fine wines he had known in his previous life. "I've just arrived. A traveler from afar. I registered as an adventurer this afternoon. My name is Kaito."
"Diluc," replied the red-haired man. "Welcome to Mondstadt."
His tone remained cool, but the wariness in his eyes eased slightly. Kaito nodded politely, then turned his attention to the man beside him.
Venti was staring at him with barely concealed curiosity. As if sensing his gaze had been caught, Venti immediately smiled broadly and raised his hand.
"Hello, stranger!" he greeted cheerfully. "My name is Venti. The greatest poet in Mondstadt!"
"Kaito," Kaito replied with a faint smile. "Nice to meet you."
"To celebrate our introduction," Kaito continued casually, "I'll treat you to some wine tonight."
Venti's eyes immediately lit up. Without hesitation, he shook Kaito's hand enthusiastically. "Hahaha! Thank you! From now on, we're best friends!"
Diluc simply shook his head slowly. However, seeing the interaction, he lowered his guard a little. Kaito showed no signs of ill will—at least, not tonight.
Time passed unnoticed. The sky outside darkened completely, and Angel's Share grew more crowded. Glass after glass was raised, laughter grew more frequent. Kaito and Venti engaged in long conversations—about music, about Mondstadt stories, about food from around the world.
Somehow, they were already entwined around each other's shoulders, holding their glasses high. Strangely, despite drinking quite a bit, neither of them looked drunk.
"Master Diluc!" Venti exclaimed cheerfully. "More drinks!"
Before Diluc could answer, Kaito interrupted with a chuckle. "That's enough for tonight, Venti. My Mora won't be enough if we keep drinking like this."
Venti scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "Haha… sorry. Next time, I'll treat."
Kaito nodded, then turned to Diluc. "Boss, do you have rooms available here? The other inn has been rented by an organization called the Fatui."
At that name, Diluc paused for a moment. His eyes sharpened, before he finally answered, "We have several empty rooms. The rate is five thousand Mora per night."
"Okay," Kaito said without hesitation.
He handed over the Mora he had earned through system points, and Diluc handed him a room key.
After saying goodbye, Kaito climbed the wooden stairs. "Second floor. Don't make a fuss."
"I'll try," Kaito replied lightly.
He headed to the second floor. As soon as he entered the simple but clean room, he closed the door and immediately flopped onto the bed. The fatigue of his journey finally caught up with him, making his body feel heavy but comfortable.
He stared at the ceiling for a moment, letting his thoughts drift. This world—Teyvat—had just opened up to him. Adventure, conflict, encounters with familiar characters, all awaited him ahead.
After confirming there were no urgent system notifications, Kaito closed his eyes. A faint smile spread across his face.
[Mission: Register as an Adventurer
Status: Completed
Rewards: 1x Rare Ticket, 1000 XP, 1000 PS]
That night, in the heart of Mondstadt, a traveler lay asleep—ready to begin his long story in the land of freedom.