บท 65: Villain Simulator, Ch 65
Oz did not immediately answer Fischl's question. His small beady eyes glanced at Lucas before responding respectfully, "My lady, I did not see anything suspicious."
"So, it was just a dream after all," Fischl yawned lazily, "Oz, this princess will retire for the night. Stay with Lucas and keep watch for a while longer."
"Yes, my lady." Oz flew onto Lucas's shoulder, nodded towards Fischl, and said, "Sweet dreams to you."
Once Fischl's figure had completely disappeared, Lucas whispered, "Why did you hide the truth for me? Aren't you afraid I might be a bad person?"
"I'm merely a familiar; human concepts of good and evil have nothing to do with me," Oz responded calmly. "I know that you protected my lady and treat her well. That's enough for me."
"You're quite smart," Lucas nodded. "Smarter than many humans."
"No offense, but... could it be that some humans are just too foolish?" Oz remarked indifferently.
This made Lucas chuckle.
Though the comment was somewhat mocking, considering the fallen nobles, ignorant commoners, and reckless rebels he had seen in the simulator, it didn't seem wrong at all.
---
Mondstadt, Goth Grand Hotel.
The hotel's owner was Ludwig Goth. While the Goth name wasn't noble, it had quite a bit of history in Mondstadt.
The Goth family had been in the inn and banquet business for generations, starting with the modest Morning Breeze Inn, which eventually grew into one of the largest establishments in Mondstadt, the Goth Grand Hotel.
However, in recent years, business hadn't been great for the hotel, which catered mainly to nobles and the wealthy. The Gunnhildr family promoted frugality, the Lawrence family, though still aristocratic, had long since declined and lacked the financial resources. As for the Ragnvindr family, Master Diluc was wealthy, owning many properties in Mondstadt, so he had no need for a hotel.
Yet, recently, Goth Grand Hotel had struck a major deal—the entire hotel had been "indefinitely" booked by the Fatui. The reason? They were apparently dissatisfied with the accommodations provided by the Knights of Favonius.
Initially, the hotel's owner, Goth, refused the deal, since the hotel's mission was to serve the people of Mondstadt. But ultimately, he caved... because they were paying far too much.
At that moment, in one of the VIP rooms, the third Harbinger of the Fatui, "The Doctor," had just finished receiving a mission report from her subordinates.
That's right, she had arrived in Mondstadt along with La Signora and Scaramouche. Her reason? "To conduct some necessary research."
"So, Lyudmila..." The Doctor, sitting in her chair, stood up with a slight frown. "You didn't manage to gather any information either?"
"My deepest apologies, Doctor," Lyudmila replied with her head bowed. "I used the Electro Cicins to search the target area, but found nothing."
She tried to remain calm, knowing the Doctor was known for her ruthless methods. If her role as a double agent were exposed, her end would be equally brutal.
"Lyudmila, you know I hold you in high regard and wish to promote you," the Doctor said, walking up to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't disappoint me again."
"I understand!" Lyudmila bowed her head even lower, struggling to hide her nervousness.
"Go rest now," the Doctor waved dismissively. "I'll summon you if needed."
"Yes!" Lyudmila sighed in relief and quickly turned to leave, but she overheard the Doctor muttering to herself, "Time is running out. I must complete this before the Tsaritsa finds out..."
Lyudmila felt a chill run through her.
Could it really be true, as the Twelfth Harbinger, "The Villain," had said? That the Doctor harbored treacherous thoughts against the Tsaritsa?
This eased her guilt a little. After all, the Fatui served the Tsaritsa, not the Harbingers.
Distracted by her thoughts, Lyudmila exited the room, not noticing where she was going until her head bumped into something soft.
In front of her stood a tall, cold, and beautiful woman. What she had bumped into was self-evident.
"My deepest apologies, Lady La Signora!" Lyudmila quickly stepped back and bowed. "I was careless."
Lyudmila wasn't too familiar with La Signora, who had only recently arrived in Mondstadt, but she had heard that the woman was quick-tempered and arrogant—a figure not to be trifled with.
As Lyudmila braced for a scolding, La Signora merely glanced at her and said indifferently, "No matter. Just be careful next time... And while Fatui doesn't prohibit members from having romantic relationships, do take care to straighten your clothes after getting intimate."
"Huh?" Lyudmila finally realized what had happened. Lucas had slipped his hand inside her collar earlier, leaving noticeable creases that she had forgotten to fix.
She considered explaining but then realized that doing so might expose "The Villain's" identity, so she blushed and said, "I... I understand! Thank you for the reminder."
La Signora paid her no further attention and entered the Doctor's room. Lyudmila, meanwhile, couldn't help but feel puzzled.
Why had La Signora noticed that someone had touched her collar, yet the Doctor, also a woman, had completely missed it?
Could it be that La Signora had once experienced a similar situation, where a lover had slipped a hand into her collar?
Impossible.
Lyudmila shook her head, dismissing the thought.
Such a perfect woman—no man could be worthy of her.
---
"Well, if it isn't Miss La Signora."
As La Signora walked into the room, the Doctor's beautiful yet unlikable face twisted into a malicious smile. "Coming to see me so late—do you have something on your mind?"
La Signora frowned. She clearly disliked the Doctor but restrained her disgust as she said, "This is about Her Majesty's mission."
"The mission to collect Gnosis?" the Doctor rubbed her chin. "Then you should be looking for the Anemo Archon, Barbatos. What use am I to you?"
"If I could find him, I wouldn't need to come to you," La Signora shot her a glare. "Unlike the gods of other nations, Barbatos hasn't appeared in ages. But since no new god has taken his place, that means he must still be in this world. I suspect he's hiding right here in Mondstadt."
The Doctor shook her head. "Mondstadt has thousands of citizens. Finding a hidden god among them won't be easy."
"That's why I don't plan to search," La Signora sneered. "I plan to lure him out. You must have some ideas."
"I do have a few toys that might work, but..." the Doctor's tone shifted. "Helping you—what's in it for me?"
La Signora held up two fingers. "You can take 20% of the credit for this mission."
"30%," the Doctor countered.
"Tch..." La Signora clicked her tongue. "Fine, 30%."
After La Signora left, the Doctor turned and carefully took a sealed box from her drawer, a twisted smile on her face. "Don't disappoint me, my little darling."
---
The next day.
It seemed the events of the previous night had gone unnoticed by anyone.
The convoy continued its journey and by noon, they were passing by a large vineyard, surrounded by an endless expanse of orchards.
The grapes looked bountiful, thick-skinned and small—ideal for winemaking.
Naturally, such orchards were located in well-lit areas, and by noon, the convoy members were parched under the sun.
Lucas, leading the group, pulled his hood over his head to block the sunlight.
At the entrance of the vineyard stood a young man with light hair, who appeared to have been waiting for them. As the convoy approached, he stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, "Please stop for a moment. I am Elzer, the steward of the Dawn Winery. May I ask, are you Mr. Lucas?"
"That's me," Lucas nodded. "Is something the matter?"
Dawn Winery?
It was one of the most renowned wineries, not just in Mondstadt, but in all of Teyvat, and its owner was none other than Mondstadt's wealthiest man, Diluc Ragnvindr.
"Yes, the Yuheng of Liyue, Master Keqing, has written a letter requesting that the Dawn Winery provide you with some rest and refreshment," Elzer said politely. "A feast has already been prepared inside. Please, make yourselves at home."
The group, having traveled for two days and even been kidnapped by Hilichurls, was weary. Hearing Elzer's words, their spirits lifted.
"Brother Lucas, let's take a break," Zhang Luo chimed in. "This is indeed the Dawn Winery, and I've met Mr. Elzer before. There's no problem."
"Very well, then. We'll accept your hospitality," Lucas agreed, dismounting first. "Everyone, take some rest."
Lucas walked up to Elzer and removed his hood, revealing his face. "Lead the way."
But the moment Elzer saw Lucas's face, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.
"Is something wrong?" Lucas asked, puzzled. "Is there something on my face?"
"N-No, not at all." Elzer quickly composed himself and shook his head. "A maid will guide you to the dining room. I must take my leave for now."
With that, Elzer bowed slightly and hurried off.
"What an arrogant steward..." Fischl, who had just stepped out of the carriage, crossed her arms and huffed. "He acts so high and mighty."
"Miss Fischl, surely you know," Zhang Luo said seriously. "Mr. Elzer is not just a steward. His other role is as the chairman of Mondstadt's Wine Guild."
"I... I don't even like wine," Fischl's face flushed as she stammered. "Why would I need to know who he is?"
"So, this is the winery owned by Master Diluc?" Lucas was curious. "I wonder if we'll have lunch with him?"
"That's unlikely," Zhang Luo replied regretfully. "Master Diluc hates socializing. Many officials and nobles have tried to dine with him—some even offering large sums just to share a meal and learn some business insights."
Wow, lunch with Diluc? This guy is practically the Warren Buffett of Teyvat!
---
While Lucas and his group headed to the dining hall, Elzer had already entered a study.
Inside the study, a tall young man in a robe was reading at a desk. His handsome features and long, fiery red hair, tied in a ponytail, made him stand out.
This man was none other than Diluc, the owner of Dawn Winery and the undisputed leader of Mondstadt's wine industry.
"What is it?" Diluc asked without looking up.
"Master Diluc..." Elzer spoke respectfully. "The people Master Keqing mentioned have arrived."
"You don't need to report such things to me," Diluc said, still disinterested. "Just take good care of them. Don't forget to send them some fine wine as a gift."
"No, there's something important I must tell you!" Elzer said urgently. "The leader of that convoy, Lucas... his appearance..."
After hearing Elzer's words, Diluc, normally composed, showed a rare expression of surprise. He immediately stood up. "Are you sure? You didn't mistake him?"
"Master Diluc, though my skills are limited, I'm rarely wrong when recognizing faces," Elzer said confidently. "If not an exact match, then at least an 80 to 90 percent resemblance."
"Hmm, this is interesting," Diluc said thoughtfully. "I understand. You may go. I'll prepare and meet this... Lucas."
At this moment, Lucas had no idea that he had caught the attention of a very important figure.
In the dining room of Dawn Winery...
A long table was filled with a variety of sumptuous dishes, but the guards and escorts, who were used to life on the road, were not eating with the most refined manners. The previously quiet and elegant dining room had now become a bit noisy.
"So, this is Mondstadt's dandelion wine? It doesn't pack the same punch as Liyue's old baijiu!"
"This Sweet Madame is absolutely delicious!"
"But I still prefer the flavors of Wanmin Restaurant..."
Seeing this, Lucas could only smile wryly.
Luckily, Master Diluc hadn't shown up. Otherwise, this would have been quite embarrassing.
"Hello, everyone. I hope you're enjoying your meal?"
Suddenly, a man with black clothes and red hair entered the room from outside and said, "I am the owner of this winery—Diluc Ragnvindr."
In an instant, the room fell silent.
After all, Master Diluc's reputation wasn't just well-known in Mondstadt; even many people from Liyue had heard of him.
In the minds of most Liyue citizens, when they think of the richest person, their thoughts immediately go to the Tianquan Star, Ningguang, one of the Liyue Qixing. But if they were to name the second richest, most would think of Diluc.
However, Diluc only gave the group a quick glance before fixing his gaze on Lucas. Walking straight up to him, he politely asked, "You must be Mr. Lucas, correct? Might I have the honor of joining you for lunch?"
Well then, the wealthiest man in Mondstadt inviting him to lunch—what an honor.
Naturally, Lucas didn't dare be disrespectful. He quickly made space and said, "Please, take a seat."
"My apologies," Diluc said as he sat next to Lucas, speaking in a calm tone, "I had some business to attend to, so I couldn't greet you earlier."
"No need to apologize," Lucas replied, feeling a bit flustered by the attention. "Master Diluc is a busy man, it's completely understandable."
"There's no need to call me 'Master'; it sounds too formal." Diluc gracefully sliced a piece of steak and casually asked, "May I ask, Mr. Lucas, are you a native of Liyue?"
Though it seemed like an ordinary conversation starter, Lucas found himself momentarily unsure of how to respond. He finally said, "I'm from a village near Liyue Harbor."
Diluc narrowed his eyes slightly and continued, "And your parents—are they in good health?"
"They... have both passed away."
Lucas felt puzzled. Why did this conversation suddenly feel like he was being interrogated about his family background?
----
Author's Note: Did it click in your mind yet... 👀
P.s I'll post more chaps tomorrow! The numbers can increase if you vote more!
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