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"Ha ha, is it over now?" At that moment, La Signora leisurely approached with a smile on her face.
"You're from the Fatui?" Paimon asked, puzzled, noticing her mask.
"I am La Signora, the Eighth Harbinger of the Fatui!" she replied, looking at Paimon.
Without wasting any more words, La Signora headed straight for Venti, while other members of the Fatui began encircling Eula and the others.
"Hmph! Do you realize how many families have been shattered by your incompetence? If you cannot bear the responsibilities of a God, then don't become one!" La Signora glared coldly at Venti, emitting a disdainful snort.
Once, she had a happy family until a magic beast killed her husband. Yet, the deity she devoutly believed in remained nowhere to be seen during her time of need.
"My apologies!" Venti sounded somewhat dejected; indeed, he was asleep at the time, feeling genuinely remorseful towards Rosalyne.
"It's too late now!" La Signora looked furiously at Venti, reaching out directly towards his heart.
Venti's hand twitched slightly, causing a sudden gust of wind to surge, but it quickly dissipated.
Soon, La Signora retrieved Venti's Gnosis from his heart. Still unsatisfied, she slapped him twice before making her exit.
Meanwhile, Lumine and Eula had successfully dealt with the remaining Fatui forces.
"Tone-Deaf Bard, are you okay?!" Paimon flew over, concern evident in her voice.
"Heh heh, why the rush? Stay for dinner!" Lin Feng taunted La Signora with a grin.
Eula charged towards La Signora, swinging her massive sword at her.
La Signora braced herself against Eula's strike, feeling her internal organs shift painfully - clearly, she had underestimated her opponent.
"Hmph..." With a cold snort, La Signora transformed into a fiery butterfly and swiftly flew away.
Eula didn't pursue; she knew she couldn't guarantee capturing La Signora.
Shortly after, Jean arrived with the Knights of Favonius, fearing that Dvalin might cause destruction here.
***
The next day, Mondstadt was filled with a joyful atmosphere. The gloom cast by Stormterror had dissipated entirely. Additionally, the signal base station was restored, bringing back internet connectivity to the city.
However, Lumine found herself quite busy, clearing debris from rooftops. Despite this, she seemed to enjoy the task.
In his office, Lin Feng edited a video to inform the citizens of Mondstadt about the recent events.
"Yesterday, the Honorary Knight and Spindrift Knight bravely battled the Stormterror. Together, they defeated the dragon menace and thwarted the Fatui's plot. As recognition for their efforts, the Knights of Favonius express their gratitude and will award them both with the 'Hero of Mondstadt' medal tomorrow..."
***
"Go, go, go! Victory Royale, ha-ha-ha..." Venti's excited shouts echoed throughout the tavern, nearly getting him kicked out by the bartender.
"Gulp, gulp..." After downing several drinks, Venti left the tavern, slightly tipsy, carrying a bottle as he headed to the back of the church.
"Venti, do you see Mondstadt now? Is it what you envisioned?" Venti murmured to himself through blurred vision, unable to hold back a tear rolling down his cheek.
Overcome with emotion, he took out the Holy Lyre der Himmel and began playing the most significant tune associated with that young adventurer. In truth, Venti didn't particularly enjoy drinking; he merely sought to numb himself with alcohol...
***
The people inside the church naturally heard this singing as well. They rushed out immediately and restrained Venti on the spot.
And just like that, Venti successfully found himself imprisoned under the accusation of theft.
***
"Traveler, Paimon, over here! I'm right here!" Inside his cage, Venti frantically waved at Paimon.
"Traveler, the Tone-Deaf Bard is there; let's hurry!" Upon spotting Venti, Paimon swiftly guided Lumine towards him.
"Do you have any wine with you?" As soon as he saw Lumine, Venti eagerly asked.
Lumine's lips twitched slightly before she produced a bottle of wine from her inventory.
"Hmph, it was my idea to have the Traveler bring it!" Paimon placed her hands on her hips, expecting praise for her foresight.
"Paimon always knows what I need, heh heh!" Smiling, Venti grabbed the beer and took a large gulp.
"Tone-Deaf Bard, how did you get caught?" Paimon looked at Venti, puzzled. After all, she knew that Venti was the Anemo Archon, so how could he be imprisoned?
"I stole Jean's lyre!" Venti replied somewhat resentfully, gazing at them both.
"Hee-hee!" Paimon scratched her head awkwardly, feeling embarrassed as she glanced at Venti. It was actually she and the Traveler who had stolen Jean's lyre, inadvertently leaving Venti to take the blame.
"Well... It's not entirely our fault; you said it was just borrowing," Paimon countered with a grin.
"Why don't you use your divine power then? Aren't you Anemo Archon Barbatos?" Lumine looked at Venti, puzzled.
"Divine power? Gods obtain their strength by fulfilling their duties, and I haven't done that for quite some time! So..." Venti explained, gazing at both of them.
"But why haven't you fulfilled your duties? Is it difficult?" Paimon asked, curious.
"I don't wish to interfere with Mondstadt's freedom. If governed by a god, can it truly be called free?" Venti looked into the distance, his words carrying deep meaning.
"Hmph, you just want to slack off, right?" Paimon observed Venti, giving him a knowing look.
"Oh, right! Since Jean arrived so abruptly yesterday, did you have any questions for me? Considering this bottle of wine, I'll reluctantly answer them!" Venti grinned mischievously at the pair.
"Have you seen my brother?" Lumine asked earnestly, her eyes fixed on Venti.
"Nope." Venti shook his head.
"Then do you know if the other Gods might stop outsiders?" Lumine looked at Venti and asked again.
"I don't know..." Venti scratched his head sheepishly, responding to Lumine.
"Hey, how come you're always saying 'I don't know' this or that? Humph!" Paimon crossed her arms, clearly annoyed.
"You can go to Liyue and find Morax," Venti suggested, gazing at Lumine. "He is the oldest among The Seven, also the most powerful!"
"Traveler..." Paimon turned to Lumine, seeking her thoughts.
"All right, let's head to Liyue then!" Lumine nodded, realizing there was no further purpose for staying in Mondstadt.
"Thank you!" Lumine expressed her gratitude softly before leaving the prison.
"Wait! Next time, don't forget to bring me a Diona special from Cat's Tail Tavern, okay...?" Venti called out after Lumine, truly feeling trapped behind those iron bars!
After speaking, Venti gradually vanished within the prison cell.
***
The next day, Mondstadt's square was teeming with people—it was the day Eula and Lumine were to be honored for their deeds.