Amidst the serene and profound darkness, a towering throne faintly appeared.
The throne was empty, but before it, a shadow knelt on the ground.
"Any recent news about that mysterious alchemist in Mondstadt?" A distant, ethereal voice emanated from the empty throne. It was neither male nor female, neither old nor young—a low hum, as if from an ancient deity.
"For over a month after the release of what they called the hoverboard, he remained quiet. But around ten days ago, he suddenly developed a bionic prosthetic…"
The shadow recounted the details of the invention.
"A commendable alchemical invention. Given the current level of alchemy in Teyvat, creating something like this... Heh, I'm starting to take an interest in him."
An invention that had shaken all of Mondstadt received only a faint "commendable" evaluation from the voice.
"His inventions might pose some obstacles to our plans. Shall we get rid of him?"
"If you can't overcome even such minor obstacles, what use are you to me?"
The shadow bowed lower, pressing their forehead to the ground in fear and trembling.
"Find an opportunity to bring him to me. I wish to have a word with him."
"Understood!"
….
….
"What? A banquet?" Shen Qin stared at Diluc in surprise.
"Yes. With the hoverboard and bionic prosthetics gaining popularity, Dawn Winery's reputation in Mondstadt has soared, and its assets have grown substantially. I want to host a banquet to celebrate." Diluc handed over an invitation.
"So formal?" Shen Qin took the invitation, seeing the Ragnvindr family crest on it.
"As a friend, it wouldn't usually be this formal. I just didn't want you to miss it," Diluc replied calmly.
"I'm afraid it's inconvenient for me…" Shen Qin glanced at Klee and Sucrose, who were sitting nearby enjoying snacks.
"No problem. I've also invited Klee and Miss Sucrose." Diluc, prepared, produced two more invitations.
"Fine. Tonight, then. We'll attend on time," Shen Qin agreed, as he couldn't refuse Diluc's personal invitation.
After Diluc left, Sucrose sighed, "Banquets are so boring. I'd rather stay in the alchemy workshop to research."
"Banquets are fun! There's lots of delicious food and juice," Klee said, puzzled by Sucrose's disinterest.
"If you had to choose between frying fish and attending a banquet, what would you pick?" Shen Qin asked Klee with a smile.
"Frying fish, of course!" Klee answered decisively.
"Exactly. Everyone has their likes and dislikes, as well as things they like even more."
"Then let's skip the banquet," Klee said seriously. "Let's go fry fish!"
Shen Qin: "…"
Sucrose: "…"
"Better not. I don't want Captain Jean to lock me in the confinement room," Shen Qin admitted defeat.
…
…
By mid-afternoon, Shen Qin and the group set out. Dawn Winery was a half-hour flight from Mondstadt via hoverboard, but they planned to take their time and enjoy the journey.
Unexpectedly, just reaching Mondstadt's gates was a challenge.
At the square near the Favonius Cathedral, they encountered Godwin and Glory, who stopped to chat. Soon, a crowd of people with prosthetics surrounded Shen Qin, expressing their gratitude.
At the Good Hunters, Miss Sara gifted them grilled mushroom skewers, mentioning how her aunt regained her hearing thanks to the prosthetics.
On the streets, an elderly man knelt in thanks, explaining how he had been blind and bedridden, ready to die, but was saved by the prosthetics.
Knights eventually dispersed the crowd and escorted them to the city gates. One knight shared how many comrades had resumed training and planned to rejoin the Knights of Favonius with the prosthetics' help.
"Making people's lives better—that is the true purpose of alchemy," Shen Qin said with a sigh. His main task was now halfway done; only a bit more reputation was needed.
Sucrose gazed at him with admiration. Many alchemists pursued alchemy for profit or to uncover the world's truths, but Shen Qin's inventions primarily benefited ordinary people. This strengthened her resolve to follow him.
"Please be careful crossing the bridge and don't scare the pigeons," Timmy reminded them from the bridge's edge.
"Ah! Okay!" Sucrose stammered, uncomfortable speaking with strangers.
"But pigeons will come back after flying away!" Klee tilted her head, confused, as she often startled them and was scolded.
"Usually, yes…" Timmy murmured the rest to himself.
Shen Qin glanced at him sympathetically, sighing quietly.
Timmy was likely waiting for a letter from his father that he always sent to pigeons. However, his father had already passed away during a hunt, and he would never receive it. Perhaps Timmy sensed this deep down but refused to accept it.
Shen Qin led Klee around the pigeons and continued westward.
Freed from Mondstadt's flight restrictions, Klee zoomed around on her skateboard at full speed, while Sucrose anxiously chased her, fearing trouble.
"Klee, you didn't bring bombs, right?" Sucrose asked nervously.
"Bomb? Nope! Klee just brought these round sunsettias!" Klee replied, pulling out a round bomb.
Sucrose: "…"
Under Sucrose's stern gaze, Klee reluctantly handed over her bombs.
"We're visiting as guests today. Why bring bombs? Do you plan to blow up Dawn Winery?" Sucrose scolded.
"But what if we meet bad guys? I want to protect Brother Shen and Sister Sucrose," Klee pouted.
"I'll protect you, Klee. It's my job, not yours," Sucrose assured her.
"Fine, but you also have to protect Brother Shen. He's even weaker than me!"
At that moment, they smelled a rich aroma of meat.
"What's that smell?" Shen Qin wondered.
"Springvale is nearby," Sucrose explained. "Its roast meat is a famous dish in Mondstadt, attracting many visitors daily."
"Roast meat is so yummy!" Klee exclaimed, looking expectantly at Shen Qin.
Seeing her eager face, Shen Qin nodded. The enticing smell had piqued even his curiosity about Springvale's roast meat.