Bab 54: Barbatos was excessively indulgent towards Mondstadt
"Indeed, it's a weapon known as the AH-64 Armed Helicopter."
"Alright. Traveler, enough about that, it's your first time at the Jade Chamber. What do you think of my Jade Chamber?"
"It's beautiful, imposing, and suits you well."
"Haha, I'm glad you like it too."
Upon hearing Lumine's praise, Ningguang gave a small smile. Ningguang spoke as she moved forward.
"This palace, floating in the air, is higher than all the mountains. From here, you can clearly see the entirety of Liyue Harbor. Ever since I started doing business, I began to save money for its construction. After becoming Tianquan, I invited top craftsmen to continuously expand it... Initially, it was only the size of a room. Now, it can cover the true silver moon in the Liyue sky. I believe that one day... its shadow will cover the seven nations."
As she talked about the Jade Chamber, Ningguang's eyes held a complex look. She built this all by herself. It is solely hers. The Jade Chamber is her old friend, and also like her child.
She watched it grow larger and larger, step by step! Her ambition isn't small, she wants her Jade Chamber to cover the seven nations. That way, no matter where she is in the future, she can always see the silhouette of the Jade Chamber.
Upon hearing Ningguang's words, Lumine fell silent.
(This Tianquan lady, she's quite ambitious.)
"Not many outsiders are eligible to climb the Jade Chamber, but the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius has corresponded with me and highly praised you. So, since the day you arrived in Liyue, I have been watching you closely..."
Hearing Ningguang's words, Paimon was shocked.
"What?!"
"Finally, when you went to the Wangshu Inn, I generally grasped your movements."
"Wait, is the boss of Mingxing Jewelry, your man?!"
Ningguang shook her head and smiled, "No, Everyone in the entire Wangshu Inn is mine."
Paimon was so shocked that she started speaking gibberish.
"Then I have a question about Morax... There are rumors in the market about the Seven Stars of Liyue..."
"Um, you have a lot of dealings with the adepti, so it's natural for you to distrust us. This time, I invited you here to clear up some misunderstandings."
Saying this, Ningguang continued to move forward, walking to the edge of the Jade Chamber before stopping.
"You must have heard of the Archon War, right?"
Lumine shook her head: "Not very clear."
"There were many demons in the world, and there were wars that lasted for a long time, only ending two thousand years ago. During this period, countless lives were lost and blood was shed. In the end, only seven victors were left on the Teyvat continent. They built nations and city-states on the ruins of the losers, and the era of the seven gods began. See the Guyun Stone Forest? That's not a natural landscape, but a giant rock spear thrown down by the lord of geo during the war. Under the Geo spear, it suppressed the defeated generals of the emperor of the past, the former demons who failed to achieve the position of the seven gods. Not only will demons die, but even the 'Seven Governors of Dust World', have changed over the past two thousand years. The departure of the Lord of geo is an unimaginable disaster for Liyue, but the seven god system of Teyvat... will not collapse. The next Geo Archon will inevitably appear, but how could we forget Morax? By then, the relationship between the people of Liyue and the gods will surely be different from the past. Even in the new era, the 'Seven Stars of Liyue' were once Morax's subjects. The crime of someone swinging his sword into Morax ... do you think we can bear it?"
"But why did you hide the Exuvia then?" Upon hearing Lumine's question, Ningguang gave a soft chuckle.
"That day at Yujing Terrace, everything happened suddenly and I was caught off guard. You were there at the scene, you should have seen everything."
"The enemies of the Seven Stars have long been lurking within Liyue Harbor, and if no action is taken, we will be at a disadvantage."
"Hiding the Exuvia is a necessary measure, which allows me to operate covertly." Ningguang's words left Paimon confused.
"Who are these 'enemies' you're talking about?"
Ningguang fell silent for a moment, avoiding Paimon's question and instead turning her gaze to Lumine.
"Traveler, what do you think?" After some thought, Lumine's mind conjured the image of a person: "Could it be him?"
"Hmm? What kind of riddles are you and Ningguang trying to solve?"
Seeing that Lumine had given an answer, Ningguang placed one hand on her hip, "Correct answer."
"Huh----???" Paimon couldn't understand, leaving her even more baffled.
"The view is beautiful out here, but the wind is slightly stronger at high altitude. Both of you, preparations have been made inside the hall, please follow me."
Just as Ningguang invited Lumine and Paimon to enter the hall.
.....
Meanwhile on another place, a customer arrived at the New Century Comic Store. The Acting Grand Master of the Knights of the West Wind, Jean.
"Welcome to the New Century Comic Store, Master Jean."
Upon seeing Jean's arrival, Noelle was more enthusiastic than she was with other customers. After all, Jean was Noelle's idol. Moreover, Noelle aspired to be a knight of the West Wind Knights in the future.
"Noelle, how has your work at the New Century Comic Store been recently?" Jean looked at Noelle with a slight smile.
"Thanks for your concern, Master Jean. I've been doing well at the New Century Comic Store, and the boss has taught me a lot."
Just during Noelle's time working at the New Century Comic Store, Takarou had indeed taught her a lot. For instance, how to wield a greatsword more smoothly Or battle techniques to use during combat. Noelle was thrilled to be a part of the New Century Comic Store.
"You must continue to work hard." Jean looked at Noelle with a joyful expression, feeling happy for the girl.
"Mr. Owner, I'm here to bother you again."
"Everyone who comes to the comic store is a customer, it's no bother."
Takarou gave Jean a smile, then said, 'Jean, are you here to read comics, or do you have a question for me?'
"Hmm..Mr. Owner, I think I'll take a look at the comics first, it's been a while since I've read any."
"Very well." Jean nodded, then went to the bookshelf to pick a comic.
Finally, Jean chose a Pokémon comic book. Even though she had a Digimon, she wanted to see if the Pokémon comic was any different from Digimon. Having got the Pokémon comic, Jean found a spot and started reading attentively.
Meanwhile, Noelle began preparing a beverage. By the time Jean had read a third of the book, Noelle had placed the prepared drink next to Jean. However, Jean was so engrossed in the book that she didn't notice the drink Noelle had prepared for her.
"Master Jean, your tea is ready." Seeing how focused Jean was, Noelle couldn't help but speak up.
"Hmm, Noelle, just leave it here for now, I'll have it once I'm done reading." Jean didn't take her eyes off the Pokémon comic.
_______
She discovered that the creatures in the Pokémon comic book were quite different from those in the Digimon comic book.
Creatures in Pokémon naturally exist in their world, but those in Digimon are summoned. So, there are quite a few differences. However, Jean, the acting leader of the Knights of Favonius, found that both comic books feature children as the main characters. Making children the protagonists indeed appeals to a lot of people.
After all, doesn't everyone fantasize about becoming a great hero someday when they're young?
Take Jean for example, she had dreams of being a hero when she was little. After a while, Jean finally finished the Pokémon comic book. Only then did she remember that she hadn't drunk the tea placed on the table beside her. Although it had already cooled, Jean still took it and had a sip.
"Hmm?" After a sip, Jean noticed something was off. The taste was familiar to her.
"Mr. Owner, did you add dandelion to this tea?"
Seeing Jean's question, Takarou laughed, "Indeed, there is dandelion in the tea, and I also added black tea. Dandelion tea is a kind of cold drink. People often brew and drink it as it can detoxify, cool the blood, and reduce swelling. It can prevent throat inflammation, oral swelling, and hoarseness. Moreover, when people have tonsillitis, mumps, and cholecystitis, drinking more dandelion tea can alleviate symptoms quickly. "Dandelion + black tea" Dandelion has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and it can detoxify. Drinking it with black tea can reduce dandruff. Dandelion black tea can also be used to wash hair, not only to remove dandruff and relieve itching, but also to make hair denser and shinier." Hearing Takarou say so much about the benefits of dandelion, Jean was surprised.
As a citizen of Mondstadt, she also liked dandelions. She even had a move called Dandelion Breeze in her repertoire. But she never expected that dandelion could have such effects. It seemed that Mr. Owner indeed knew more than her.
"These are just some small pieces of knowledge, Jean. I believe you would also discover them if you were not so busy," Takarou waved his hand.
If anyone in Teyvat was busiest, it was probably Jean. After all, there were too many "babies" in Mondstadt. Many small things required Jean's help. Bluntly put, it was because the Anemo Archon was too indulgent.
Actually, Takarou was not particularly fond of the city of Mondstadt. However, the location of his first comic shop given by the system was in Mondstadt, so he had no other choices. And regarding the branches, he also could not choose. The locations of the branches given by the system were fixed.
"All right, Jean. Now let's get your reward," Takarou said.
[Customer Jean, for finishing reading the comic book Pokémon, you get the reward: Clefairy.]
"Clefairy?"
Takarou couldn't help but laugh when he heard Jean's reward.
Soon, with a flash of white light, a pink little creature appeared in front of Jean. This little creature was pink all over, with blue eyes and a round body, looking very cute.
"What a cute little creature."
When Jean saw this little creature, she thought it was incredibly adorable.
"Mr. Owner, what is the name of this Pokémon?" she asked.
"It's called Clefairy, and it's as round and chubby as its name suggests," replied Mr. Owner.
"It uses its big round eyes to charm its opponents, singing a pleasant lullaby that lulls them into a slumber. When it swivels its cute, large eyes, it sings an unbelievably soothing song that will cause its opponent to sleep. Whenever its big round eyes move around, it sings a lullaby that would make anyone feel drowsy."
Jean was puzzled after hearing Mr. Owner's introduction to this Pokémon. She wondered, wouldn't she fall asleep too if this little creature started to sing during her work? Wouldn't that delay her work?
Seeing Jean's concern, Mr. Owner asked curiously, "Jean, are you worried that Clefairy might suddenly start singing and make you sleep, thus interrupting your work?"
Jean blushed slightly when her thoughts were exposed. But indeed, Mr. Owner had guessed it right.
"Yes, Mr. Owner, I indeed have such thoughts," she admitted.
"In fact, you don't have to worry at all. As the owner of Clefairy, you can train it to know when it can sing and when it can't," Mr. Owner assured. "However, I believe, Jean, you should also arrange your time reasonably and not overwork yourself."
"After all, you are the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. If something happens to you, the people of Mondstadt will be worried," he continued.
"As a leader, if you do everything by yourself, the other knights of Favonius will have a leisurely time. And when people have too much leisure time, they tend to be lazy. Isn't that the case with Kaeya, who often slacks off?"
At this point, Kaeya, who was drinking at the Angel's Share, suddenly sneezed.
"You can also ask someone to investigate how many Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt are actually doing their job," Mr. Owner suggested.
"I understand that you don't want to disappoint the Grand Master, but some things do not require your personal involvement."
This was the second time Mr. Owner had given Jean this advice. It was too much for Jean, who liked to do everything by herself. After all, she was not yet twenty and already so busy. If she became the Grand Master in the future, wouldn't she be even busier?
Jean, the boss is right. You can't overwork yourself. Since the Grand Master has gone on an expedition, all matters of Mondstadt have been handed over to you," Noelle advised.
"If you collapse from overwork, what would the Knights of Favonius do?"
"Mr. Owner, I will consider what you have said," Jean responded. "I do delegate some things to Kaeya. But there are significant matters that I need to personally oversee and handle."
Mr. Owner knew that Jean would not readily let go of these tasks. But he had already reminded her twice, and whether she would accept his advice was up to her. To put it bluntly, everything that was happening in Mondstadt was related to Barbatos. It was because of his excessive indulgence that Mondstadt was full of so many "big babies".
________
"Mr. Owner, my visit to the comic shop today is actually to discuss something about the railway with you."
"Oh, the railway?"
"That's right, Mr. Owner, we are formally laying the railway tracks now. However..."
"However, the old nobility of Mondstadt are hindering your efforts, right?"
Before Jean, the acting Grand Master, could finish her words, Takarou seemed to understand her concerns. The railway project, if successfully executed, would greatly benefit the people. However, the old nobility of Mondstadt, especially the Lawrence clan, who long to regain their lost glory, would certainly be opposed.
Jean did not seem surprised by Takarou's insights. After all, it seemed like the Owner had knowledge about many issues across Teyvat. Having someone who can understand her thoughts before she even finishes speaking might not be a bad thing.
"Then, Grand Master Jean, what do you think has led to the people of Mondstadt's approval of the Knights of Favonius?"
"Hmm?"
Seeing Takarou asking this, Jean paused for a bit, then replied.
"Ever since the old Mondstadt was overthrown, Lady Vennessa led the people of Mondstadt to build the city of Mondstadt and established the Knights of Favonius, a just and benevolent order. Lady Vennessa, the first Liontooth Knight, was the initial Grand Master. The Knights of Favonius are responsible for maintaining order in Mondstadt and protecting the creed of 'freedom. The Knights of Favonius are there to help people and will lend a hand whenever someone is in trouble, right"
"You're right. However, it's precisely because the people of Mondstadt trust you that they turn to the Knights of Favonius, or you, Grand Master Jean, when they are in trouble." Takarou said and continue reply.
"The Lawrence clan, as part of the old nobility, has hurt the people of old Mondstadt. People trust the Knights of Favonius, so naturally, they won't trust the Lawrence clan. Since they want to resist, you can do the same. Communicate the benefits of the railway to all the people of Mondstadt, and also let them know about the Lawrence clan's resistance. I believe that once the people are informed, they will naturally stand with the Knights of Favonius. Consider this: when someone picks up a single chopstick, they can easily break it. But when they grab a bundle of chopsticks, they have to exert a lot of strength and may not even be able to break them. The will of the people is a powerful force. They know who is good for them and will stand by that person. A person who wins the hearts of the people can rule the world." Takarou said and Give example from a figure from the past.
"Take Vennessa, for instance, would Mondstadt be as it is now if she hadn't stood up and resisted the old nobility? Back then, Vennessa dared to step forward, and people, who were fed up with the old nobility's rule, followed her in resistance. In fact, the Knights of Favonius can do the same. If the Lawrence clan wants to hinder the railway, then use the power of the people to fight against them. Every country needs its people for development. However, it depends on whether the ruler of the country is determined." Takarou said
"If Ningguang were in charge of Mondstadt, how would she allow the Lawrence clan to cause trouble?" Jean Ask.
"At that point, she would simply pin some charges on them, gather evidence, and arrest them straight away." Takarou answer.
But, the education in Mondstadt differs from that in Liyue. After all, Jean's family is also of noble lineage. However, the Gunnhildr family is an ancient knight's family. From the day the first epic was written, they have been guarding Mondstadt. But the ancient lineage inevitably carries a heavy burden. Jean was trained as the heir to the knight's path by her mother since she was a child.
The physical form and etiquette that symbolize chivalry, the history and poetry that forge the knight's soul, and the swordsmanship and physical strength that equip the knight's spirit, Jean has trained in all. Only in this way, can she practice the Gunnhildr family motto, 'Forever protect Mondstadt'.
There was a joke in the old tavern: the eldest son or daughter of the Gunnhildr family can recite 'Forever protect Mondstadt' before they learn to call 'mom'. As a child, Jean, who raised her head from the 'Story Highlights in the Woods', saw her peers holding windmills, laughing and running past the window. She naturally understood the meaning.
And now, raising her head from the piles of official documents, she sees the future of Mondstadt holding windmills, laughing and running down the street. Acting Grand Master harbors no regret for those past years.
'This is the right thing to do. No matter how hard, one should give their all to what is right.'
So, the two nobilities are not the same. One for power, and one to protect Mondstadt, the Gunnhildr family, which has been protecting Mondstadt for so many years, has never changed.
'But, Mr. Owner, I am not a ruler, and Mondstadt has no ruler. I just do what I should do as the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.' Jean Reply.
'Hehe, To put it bluntly, Mondstadt has become like this because Barbatos is too indulgent. If this continues, and people do not strive for improvement, then Mondstadt's demise won't be too far.' Takarou smile and continue speak.
"Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a country that felt its wealth and military power were very strong. This led the king of the country to become very arrogant. He even felt that no enemy could invade his powerful country. So, the people of that country didn't strive for improvement. Although the people lived well, the country's weapons remained the same. Until one day, the enemy came, bringing weapons far more powerful than this country.'
'I don't need to explain the rest, do I?' Jean is a smart person, she understands even though Takarou did not finish.
All Jean needed to do was give a little thought to Takarou's story. And her heart began to flutter.
Yes, Takarou was right. Any country, if it does not develop its industry, technology, weapons, etc. Without striving for improvement, if one day an enemy suddenly comes with weapons far more powerful than those in Mondstadt. With Mondstadt's weapons, they would not be a match for the enemy. The Grand Master has not returned from the expedition. And the God of Wind does not manage Mondstadt much now. So this heavy burden has fallen on her. She does not want to see Mondstadt destroyed by other enemies in the future. This is something she would not like to see.
"Mr. Owner, you're right, I know what to do now."
"As Acting Grand Master, you mustn't be soft-hearted when dealing with enemies. If you show them mercy, they will not thank you. Given the chance, they will continue to bite. For such people, if I were in charge, I would kill a batch and keep a batch who obey." With this, a fierce look appeared on Takarou's face.
Since they're unwilling to obey, why keep them?
Better to kill a batch and keep those who obey. Then, by supporting an obedient clan leader, wouldn't this nobility be under my control?
If the one being supported becomes disobedient, then they can continue to be killed off. Seeing the killing intent on Takarou's face, Jean was startled.
She didn't expect that if Takarou were to do this, he would be even more ruthless than herself. However, Takarou doesn't seem to be wrong either. Unconsciously, Jean's mindset was slowly being changed by Takarou.
"I remember that Eula is from the Lawrence clan, why doesn't Acting Grand Master Jean discuss this with Eula? Let Eula support her own forces."
"Eula is indeed from the Lawrence family. If Eula becomes the tribal leader, even if the others are unwilling, there won't be much conflict," Jean considered.
Upon hearing Takarou's words, Jean's eyes brightened.
Yes, this matter can be entrusted to Eula. When she returns, she can gather evidence against the Lawrence family. After dealing with those individuals, the Knights of Favonius can assist Eula in taking over as the leader of the Lawrence family. And since Eula is also a member of the Knights of Favonius, Jean can trust her in that position. After all, Eula despises the Lawrence family for their past actions; otherwise, she wouldn't want to abandon her own family identity.
"Mr. Owner, I understand," Jean said. "Thank you for sharing all this with me."
After saying that, Jean stood up and saluted Takarou as a knight would.
"Captain Jean, you should seriously consider my words. When facing such situations, you can't afford to be soft-hearted," Takarou advised. "Although Mondstadt needs a merciful god, it doesn't need a merciful ruler."
"Yes, Mr. Owner, I'll keep that in mind," Jean replied.
"Now you have a lot to do. Go and handle the matters regarding the railway. I look forward to the day when the train can connect Mondstadt with Liyue, Inazuma, and other nations," Takarou said. "By then, you can travel through all seven nations on the train."
"Travel through all seven nations?" Jean pondered. "If such a day comes, I wonder if Mr. Owner would be willing to accompany me?"
Jean momentarily indulged in the thought that if she were to sit on the train and explore each nation one by one, it might be quite enjoyable. Hence, she blurted out those words without realizing it. But after saying them, Jean quickly realized and her face turned red. She hastily tried to explain, "'Mr. Owner, what I meant was, last time you took me on a tour of Liyue, remember?"
'..." Takarou feel silent don't know how to reply.
"But I haven't thanked you for the trip to Liyue. So, when the train can reach the other six nations, I would like to invite Mr. Owner to join me on the train and enjoy the scenery of those six nations together."
As Jean explained, Takarou smiled slightly.
"Very well, I look forward to the day when the train can reach the other six nations."
"Well... Mr. Owner, I'll take my leave now," Jean said as she turned and quickly left the New Century Manga Store.
Shortly after Jean left, Venti arrived and entered the New Century Manga Store.
"Mr. Owner, I overheard what you were discussing with Captain Jean," Venti said upon seeing Takarou.
Takarou responded with a somewhat annoyed tone, "Barbatos, is what I said wrong?"
"Barbatos?" Noelle, who was nearby, froze in place upon hearing the owner refer to this bard as Venti. "Owner, is this person really Venti, the Anemo Archon, Barbatos?"
Seeing Noelle's shocked expression, Takarou chuckled. "That's right, Venti is Barbatos, the Wind Archon."
"So, Mr. Barbatos, greetings to you," Noelle respectfully addressed Venti.
"Heh," Venti responded. "Noelle, my name is Venti, not Barbatos. Just because the owner said so..."
"Um... what I mean is, as long as you know my identity, please don't call me Barbatos in front of others," Venti explained. "I wouldn't dare to show my face in Mondstadt if everyone knows who I really am."
"But..." Noelle started to protest.
"Alright, Noelle, since Barbatos said so, from now on, when you see him, just call him Venti," Takarou intervened.
"Alright," Noelle nodded in agreement after hearing the owner's words. But she still had some trouble accepting the fact that the mighty Archon Barbatos was a bard who loved drinking and singing. It was completely unrelated to the education she received. For a moment, Noelle felt dazed.
Takarou glanced at Noelle, seeing that she was struggling to accept the truth. Instead of interrupting her, he let her contemplate on her own.
"Venti, did you come today because of what I told Captain Jean?" Takarou asked.
"Heh," Venti responded. "What's with that 'heh'? Do you think I'm wrong?"
"The Wind Archon doesn't manage Mondstadt, but the current rulers of Mondstadt are the Knights of Favonius, who have always followed the benevolence of the Wind Archon," Takarou explained. "However, continuing on this path won't benefit Mondstadt. Take Liyue, for example. Even though the Geo Archon has temporarily retired, he still walks through Liyue, observing and improving the areas in need. And with the Qixing's efforts, Liyue has been doing well. As for the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt, there's only Captain Jean. If there were a few more people, Captain Jean wouldn't have to shoulder all the responsibilities, big or small. So, all of this is inevitably connected to you, the Wind Archon, Barbatos."
Although Venti was an Archon, Takarou was not afraid of him. In fact, with his current strength, even if Zhongli were to take action, he couldn't defeat Takarou.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Otaku_Weaboo
Otaku_Weaboo Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone