Chapter 30: Tavern Meeting

After our date, we both headed home, and we cuddled throughout the night. It was the next day and we were headed to Angel’s Share. On our way, we met up with Lumine

“Morning Lumine, how did you do yesterday?”

“We slept for the whole day and Paimon was eating her way through our budget.”

“Hey, Paimon did not eat that much.” Lumine narrowed her eyes at Paimon

“Okay, Paimon may have a bit too much to eat.”

“Anyway, what is Amber doing here?”

“She heard about our little escapade in the cathedral. When I got home she grilled me and had no choice but to tell her everything.”

“Yes, that is why I’m joining you guys. The fate of Mondstadt is on the line as the Outrider; it is my duty to help.”

“Thank you for helping us, Amber,” said Lumine grateful for Amber’s assistance

“Come on, let's all go to Angel’s Share. Don’t want to keep them waiting.”

We all headed to the tavern and when we entered we were greeted by Diluc, Venti unexpectedly Jean was also there, but I already knew so I was not surprised

“You're here,” said Venti

“Wait you three…”

“Jean?” Lumine was confused why was Jean here

“Well, first of all, I contacted more than one person,” Diluc explained

“Secondly, she came here as "Jean" herself, not as the Acting Grand Master. A Jean you would never see, even as an Honorary Knight.”

“I heard about the Holy Lyre, but I never suspected it was you three and Amber. What are you doing here?”

“I came to help Master Jean. I’ve heard everything from Jun so I decided to help out.”

“Thank you, Amber, but I came here as Jean not as the Acting Grandmaster. Please call me Jean.”

“Yes!, Mas… I mean Jean.” Jean nodded thankful at Amber

“So, the sound of the Holy Lyre can purify Stormterror and return it to normal... Is that true?”

“That's right! Lumine is putting themselves on the front line to try and resolve this Stormterror issue.” Venti said with confidence

“Now that's the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius I'm talking about.”

“Feels like we're breaking the law though…” Paimon said with mixed feelings

“I understand this kind of absurd explanation is hard to believe.” Diluc interrupted

“But, we can ask the bard to play the song again to try and persuade—”

“I believe you,” Jean said firmly

“To persuade our stubborn comman— Wait, what?” Diluc was surprised

“I can't think of any reason for Dvalin's betrayal, given it was once one of The Four Winds. However, if it was poisoned in the battle over Mondstadt all those years ago… And then corrupted by the Abyss Mage after it woke up — we can't really blame it. But as Acting Grand Master I obviously cannot make such a statement publicly.  Diplomatic pressure from the Fatui makes it hard for us to seek a peaceful resolution to the Stormterror issue. People would think I've lost grip on the gravity of the situation. That's why I can only do this in private.”

“Hmph.” Diluc grunted

“That's one of the reasons I don't like the Knights of Favonius. What surprises me is that you would believe an outlander so easily...”

“I already told you not to call me sir... Never mind. We don't often get to work together after all.”

“Sir?” Lumine was confused as to why Jean was calling Diluc Sir

“…”

“...”

Both Jean and Diluc were silent meaning they didn’t want to talk about it

“Wow! Um... This is really awkward…” said Paimon breaking the mood

“I have a rough idea of where the Holy Lyre der Himmel is.” said Jean moving the conversation along

“The conflict between Mondstadt and Snezhnaya stems from the conflict between the seven nations and their respective gods. The Cryo God's Fatui seems to be after the Anemo God's power.”

“...” Venti was silent

So they want to kill Dvalin?” Lumine asked

“Right. If the Knights of Favonius publicly prevented an attempt on Dvalin's head, then… The only other way to affect the Anemo God's power is to take the Holy Lyre.``

“The number of Fatui that have come to Mondstadt is far from limited.” said Diluc

“I've already managed to... coerce a few reports out of them.”

“Diluc has determined that the Holy Lyre is not being held in the Goth Grand Hotel. I imagine they don't want to leave something stolen in a place where it could be so easily found.” said Jean

“Paimon gets it. If too much of a scene gets made then it becomes a big diplomatic issue.”

“Hmph, such is the diplomacy between the seven nations.” Diluc said displeased

We all went out to the Fatui’s hidden base and on our way Venti spoke his thoughts about the Fatui’s intentions

“Jean just said the Fatui are trying to take Dvalin's power for the Cryo God… I fear this might fall short of their true intentions. I think they intend to use Barbatos' connection to the wind to draw him out. Just like Lisa traced the source of the storm to the temples.”

“The God of Anemo? ...Hasn't been seen for more than a thousand years. What makes you think that's their intention?” said Diluc

“Oh... ah…” Venti stuttered trying to come up with an excuse

“... Forget it. I don't like having to pry. Lumine, Amber here. Take this.”

“What is it?” asked Paimon

“A disguise, to protect your identity. Put it on before you run into the Fatui. Unfortunately, they are still one of Mondstadt's allies. At least that's the facade we're maintaining… Our actions are going to get them stirred up. Better to not implicate yourself on a personal level.”

“What about me?” I asked

“Your armor already masks your face so it will be useless.”

“Right…”

‘I wanted a mask too…’ I thought a little bit sad

We arrived at the domain where the Fatui were hiding and Jean gave us a warning.

“Everyone, be careful when we head in. The Fatui are formidable and not to be underestimated. Your safety is of much higher importance, so I want everyone to come back well. Understood.”

“Yes!” we all said except Diluc who was silent

“Then let us proceed.”

We all headed inside to confront the Fatui and take the Lyre back