Chapter 294: A Feast to Enjoy
Dan Heng moved silently toward the temporary casualty collection area set up within the Holy Fire Arena. The air was thick with the mixed scent of medicinal herbs and blood, a grim proof of the recent battle.
There, scores of Natlan warriors, injured during the defensive stand and the subsequent mop-up operations, were receiving treatment. Dan Heng's gaze swept over them. Even with grievous wounds, their eyes still burned with an unyielding fire. A deep respect settled in his chest. These brave individuals, who had shed their blood to protect their homeland, were more than deserving of his aid.
He did not announce his presence. Instead, he simply walked among the rows of the injured, quietly activating the power of the Dragon Sovereign that slumbered within him. A clear, gentle, sky-blue luminescence began to emanate from his form, enveloping the wounded warriors like a soft spring rain. Though it couldn't perform miracles like regenerating lost limbs, the life-giving energy greatly accelerated the mending of their wounds, soothed their pain, and nourished their depleted bodies. His quiet work drew surprised and deeply grateful glances from the soldiers, but none broke the reverent silence.
Even Venti, who usually seemed the most carefree of them all, had serious business to attend to. He held his lyre, Der Frühling, but the usual frivolous twinkle in his eyes was gone, replaced by a rare solemnity. He had a sacred duty to perform: to safely guide the souls of the Natlan warriors who had fallen in this war to the Pyro Archon, Mavuika.
The Night Kingdom, Teyvat's conventional afterlife, had already fallen completely, now fully occupied by the Hollows. If these bravely fallen souls were to follow the normal path, they would be like lambs walking into a tiger's den—nothing more than sustenance for the ever-growing Void. Venti had to find a temporary, safe haven for these heroic spirits, a place for them to rest until the day the Night Kingdom could be restored.
As everyone attended to the aftermath in their own ways, time slipped quietly by.
The grand celebration banquet was finally ready. The aroma of roasted meat grew richer, permeating the entire arena. The lids of huge wooden barrels were pried open, and mellow wine flowed freely as the sounds of laughter and cheer reached a new crescendo.
It was only then that Lumine, holding Paimon's hand, finally arrived at the edge of the festivities.
Paimon's eyes were still slightly red and swollen, but her face had returned to its usual lively, cheerful state, her gaze now filled with an infinite longing for delicious food. She floated beside the Traveler, chattering incessantly and occasionally letting out a silly "hehehe," clearly in excellent spirits.
Lumine watched her re-energized companion, a gentle, relieved smile gracing her lips. As for how many lavish meals, how many novel desserts, or what other "unequal treaties" she had promised to finally appease her best friend, only the two of them would ever know. Looking out at the vibrant, joyous feast before them, Lumine felt that whatever promises she had made, they were worth it.
She squeezed Paimon's hand and said softly, "Come on, Paimon. Let's go celebrate the victory, too."
The grand banquet, much like Natlan's eternal Holy Fire, burned long into the night, fueled by laughter, singing, dancing, and the clinking of cups. Fat from massive cuts of meat sizzled and dripped into the bonfires, releasing an intoxicating charred aroma. Huge wooden barrels were filled to the brim with Natlan's rich specialty wines and sweet fruit juices, which were shared freely among the people in rustic clay bowls.
An endless procession of dishes with unique Natlan flavors was brought to the long tables—brightly colored, fragrant, and utterly irresistible. Paimon completely forgot her earlier fear, her tiny figure zipping between the tables as she ate until her lips were greasy, thoroughly enjoying herself.
At the climax of the banquet, the Pyro Archon, Mavuika, personally raised her cup and walked to the center of the venue. A faint divine aura still clung to her, but her face bore a rare, genuinely bright smile.
She gazed at all the Natlan citizens present, her eyes then moving to the reinforcements from other worlds. Her voice rang out, clear and full of power.
"Warriors of Natlan! And our most distinguished friends! Today, we gather to celebrate the hard-won victory we achieved together! The shadow of the Hollows has been dispelled by our combined efforts, and the sky of Natlan once again belongs to us!"
A tumultuous cheer, like a tidal wave, erupted from the crowd and echoed for a long time.
Mavuika's gaze turned to the members of the chat group, her eyes filled with sincere gratitude. "Here, I must represent all of Natlan and extend our highest respect and most heartfelt thanks to these friends who extended a helping hand in our most critical moment!"
She bowed slightly, a solemn gesture of thanks from a deity.
Straightening up, she faced her people and made the solemn introduction. "They are the reliable companions and seniors the Traveler met on her journey, from Mondstadt and Liyue!" she announced. "It was they who, at the most crucial moment, fought alongside us, defeated the minions of the Hollows, and protected our homeland!"
This introduction was a cover story, an unspoken understanding reached between Mavuika, Lumine, and Stelle. The true identity of "otherworlders" was ultimately a sensitive topic in Teyvat. In contrast, the titles of "disciples of a reclusive Liyue sect" and "friends from Mondstadt" were far more easily accepted and understood.
The Astral Express crew had no objections; in fact, they found the new identities rather interesting.
As expected, Mavuika's words caused a huge stir among the Natlan people. They looked at Zhongli, Venti, Stelle, and the others, each with their distinct and powerful aura, their eyes now filled with a mixture of curiosity and deeper respect.
"So, they're powerful individuals from Liyue and Mondstadt!"
"That gray-haired hero... she's actually a disciple of a Liyue sect?"
"Liyue... I heard it's a nation of contracts and wealth. I didn't expect it to have such powerful hidden legacies!"
"And that green bard, he's from Mondstadt? His lyre playing is so beautiful!"
"If I get the chance, I must visit Liyue! To see the nation that can cultivate such heroes!"
"Yes! One is not a true hero until they've visited Liyue!"
In that moment, various beautiful imaginings and a deep yearning for Liyue and Mondstadt sprouted in the hearts of the Natlan people. The saying, "One is not a true hero until they've visited Liyue," began to circulate, planting a vibrant seed for future exchanges between the nations.
Of course, these were all matters for another time.
Regardless of what identity these reinforcements were given, for the many Natlan warriors who had fought alongside them, their faces, their strength, and their courage were now etched deep into their memories. It was a precious bond forged in the heat of battle, a camaraderie that transcended the boundaries of region and origin.
However, all good things must come to an end. The more fervent the celebratory atmosphere became, the closer the moment of farewell approached.
Stelle was attempting to teach a group of young Natlan locals a strange dance step from Penacony, drawing peals of laughter from everyone around.
March 7th and Belle were huddled together, sharing interesting stories and small souvenir gifts from their respective worlds.
Hu Tao, meanwhile, was eagerly questioning Wise about the "Hollows" in his world, already scouting for opportunities to expand her business into new markets.
Dan Heng sat quietly to the side, carefully wiping down Cloud-Piercer. He watched the lively scene unfold, a subtle, gentle smile playing on his lips.
Venti, having procured a bottle of wine from who-knows-where, now had his arms slung around a few old Natlan warriors, the group of them singing off-key but enthusiastic songs at the top of their lungs.
But beneath the revelry, everyone tacitly sensed the countdown timer from the chat group ticking away within them.
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