Chapter 32: Rock-Paper-Scissors
Jean: "Among the Four Winds, the Dragon of the East, Dvalin—I could never imagine the reason for its betrayal."
"But if it was afflicted by poisonous blood during the war to protect Mondstadt many years ago..."
"And then corrupted by an Abyss Mage upon awakening, it truly would be beyond its control."
"But these words are something I, as Acting Grand Master, absolutely cannot say aloud."
"Due to diplomatic pressure from the Fatui, the Knights of Favonius can't publicly show goodwill toward Stormterror."
"That would be seen as indulgence and inaction, so I can only act in private."
Diluc: "Hmph, that's one of the reasons I dislike the Knights."
"Though I didn't expect you to just believe a stranger of unknown origins like that..."
"Is it his charm that's enough to make you ignore the risks of blind trust, or does he really have the ability to convince you?"
Jean smiled faintly: "Even someone as strict and cautious as you, Senior, is willing to believe them, aren't you?"
Diluc: "Fine, I'll cooperate just this once."
Jean: "I already have a rough idea of the true whereabouts of the Holy Lyre der Himmel."
"The conflict between Mondstadt and Snezhnaya is, in essence, a conflict between the Seven Nations and the Seven Archons."
"The Fatui, led by the Tsaritsa, are coveting the power left behind by the Anemo Archon."
"If their plot to openly slay the wind dragon is thwarted by the Knights, then... the Holy Lyre der Himmel is the only remnant of the Anemo Archon's power they can obtain."
Diluc: "There are plenty of isolated Fatui members in Mondstadt City."
"I've already pried some information from their mouths. The Holy Lyre der Himmel isn't being kept at the Goth Grand Hotel."
Jean: "Even they wouldn't be so brazen as to store a stolen relic in their semi-public residence."
Paimon nodded repeatedly: "I get it, I get it... If things escalate too much, it could turn into a major diplomatic crisis."
Diluc: "Heh, that's how relations between the Seven Nations work."
"However, the location of the Holy Lyre der Himmel that I got from them conflicts with the intelligence Mr. Su Han has."
Jean: "Presumably, either that Fatui member lied, or Mr. Su Han's information is wrong."
Diluc: "Hmph, no need to provoke me."
"Given your personality, since you're willing to trust Mr. Su Han unconditionally, there's only one possibility."
"That Fatui was spreading misinformation. If we searched the location he mentioned, the Holy Lyre der Himmel would probably have been moved by then."
Paimon: "Hee hee, even though you're saying that, Diluc, I think you're trusting Su Han completely too."
Lumine: "That's right. Logically, splitting up would be the safest."
Diluc: "Hmph. Additionally, while I was searching for Stormterror's tears, I encountered people from the Abyss Order."
Jean: "As expected... The Abyss Order is behind this..."
Su Han: "Then, no time to waste. Let's head out as soon as possible."
—
Soon, the group arrived at the outskirts of Mondstadt and boarded the carriage Diluc had prepared in advance.
Venti: "Earlier, Jean said the Fatui's goal is to obtain Dvalin's power for the Tsaritsa."
"But that might be underestimating their determination."
"Their true aim could be to use the 'wind' connection to locate the Anemo Archon, Barbatos."
"Just like how Lisa was searching for the storm's source to pinpoint the three temples, as Lumine and I mentioned."
Diluc: "The Anemo Archon? The Anemo Archon left Mondstadt a thousand years ago... Why do you think their goal is to find the god himself?"
Venti: "Ehe?"
Diluc: "Never mind, I don't like prying. Mr. Su Han, Lumine, here, these are for you."
With that, Diluc took out the black robes and masks he had prepared and handed them over.
Paimon: "What are these?"
Diluc: "Disguises to conceal your identities. Put them on before we encounter the Fatui."
"After all, the Fatui are still Mondstadt's unwelcome foreign allies."
Su Han waved his hand in refusal: "No need..."
Diluc frowned slightly: "Why not?"
Su Han: "Jean and I have already discussed a strategy. This time, we're heading straight to wipe out the Fatui outpost."
"Their base is outside Mondstadt City anyway, with no ties to Mondstadt."
"As long as we eliminate everyone in the Fatui outpost, leaving no survivors, and stage the scene to look like a monster invasion..."
"Then, the Fatui will just have to swallow their losses in silence."
"Heh heh heh... That's a great metaphor. Let me introduce myself again—I'm Diluc, the behind-the-scenes owner of Angel's Share."
Diluc was stunned for a moment, then actually burst out laughing and extended his hand toward Su Han.
Charles, driving the carriage, silently thought: It's been a long time since I've seen the master laugh so happily...
Just as Su Han was about to smile and grasp Diluc's hand, the options appeared again.
[Option 1: Shake hands with Diluc normally to show friendship. Reward: +1 Fire Elemental Resistance.]
[Option 2: Hold Diluc's hand and don't let go, slowly rubbing it back and forth. Reward: 30% increase in Fire Elemental Resistance.]
[Option 3: Pretend to shake hands normally, then do something shocking when Diluc isn't paying attention. Reward: (Kido #4: Hainawa).]
Su Han smiled and extended his hand as well. Everyone in the carriage watched with smiles as the two men formally forged their friendship...
"Rock-paper-scissors, scissors! Yay, I win!"
Su Han swiftly changed his gesture to scissors.
[Congratulations, you have obtained: (Kido #4: Hainawa).]
Diluc: "??"
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