Genshin Impact : The Divine Gunsliger of Teyvat

"So this is where you've been, Noelle."

Just as Shao Yun and Noelle finished helping the last of Mondstadt's storm-stricken citizens and sat down to catch their breath, a cool, composed voice with a hint of detachment called out from behind them.

"Captain Kaeya!" Noelle exclaimed, quickly standing up and turning around. She smoothed her skirt and gave a polite curtsy, her cheeks slightly flushed.

The voice, coupled with Noelle's address, confirmed it—this was Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius.

Shao Yun rose to his feet and turned to see a handsome man with blue hair, an eyepatch over his right eye, and an air of elegance. He stood there, a faint smile playing on his lips as he studied Shao Yun.

"I saw you helping the citizens of Mondstadt, Noelle. Always so kind-hearted, aren't you? Well done," Kaeya said, clapping his hands lightly.

"You flatter me, Captain. It's just my duty," Noelle replied, her face reddening. She quickly added, "But Mr. Shao Yun here also helped a great deal. We worked together to clean up the alchemy shop and clear the streets of debris."

"Oh, so this is Mr. Shao Yun?" Kaeya feigned surprise, his tone dripping with admiration. "A pleasure to meet you. Your companions, Lumine and Paimon, have already told me about you. A dashing and charming man, indeed."

It seemed the story had progressed to the point where Lumine had already made her way to the Knights of Favonius. However, with Shao Yun's presence, the plot had hit a snag, and Kaeya had come to fetch him.

Shao Yun crossed his arms and gave a slight nod, remaining silent. Kaeya cleared his throat and flashed a perfectly practiced smile.

"I'm Kaeya, Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius," he said, stepping forward and extending his hand.

The two shook hands, and Shao Yun replied with calm confidence, "Hello. You can call me Shao Yun. I suppose you could say I'm a traveler of sorts."

"A traveler of sorts…" Kaeya murmured, his voice barely audible, though Shao Yun caught it.

"Who knows? Maybe one day I'll settle down in a nation. Though I've been wandering since birth, the idea of a stable life is quite appealing," Shao Yun replied, his words laced with meaning as he withdrew his hand.

Kaeya chuckled, spreading his arms wide in a gesture of welcome. "Well, if you ever grow weary, Mondstadt is always open to tired travelers seeking a home." His gaze never left Shao Yun's eyes as he added, "Of course, Mondstadt also welcomes… friendly individuals." He emphasized the word "friendly" with a subtle weight.

Kaeya was testing him, but Shao Yun, with his Red Dead Redemption persona, was no pushover.

Shao Yun raised an eyebrow and leaned forward slightly, his presence unwavering. "I'm quite friendly, of course. But my friendliness is reserved for friends."

The two men's auras clashed, neither willing to back down. Finally, Kaeya broke into laughter, diffusing the tension.

"Haha, Mr. Shao Yun, you're quite straightforward. I like that," Kaeya said, gesturing for them to follow. "Your companions are waiting for you at the Knights' headquarters. Come with me." He then turned to Noelle and waved her over. "Miss Noelle, you're needed as well. There's an urgent task requiring your assistance."

"Understood, Captain," Noelle replied, her tone formal.

Kaeya waved off the title with a casual smile. "Just call me Kaeya. No need to be so stiff."

"Alright… Kaeya," Noelle said, still adding a touch of formality.

At that moment, Shao Yun's quest updated.

[Current Quest: Follow Kaeya.]

As they trailed behind Kaeya, Shao Yun began to reflect on everything that had happened since he and Lumine had parted ways. Overall, he'd gotten to know Noelle, familiarized himself with Mondstadt's layout, and met a few more people. But beyond that, not much had changed.

Wait, wasn't he supposed to find a place to stay? And what about the promised reward of new clothes? Where had those gone?

After climbing a few flights of stairs and passing the Adventurers' Guild headquarters, they arrived at the Knights of Favonius headquarters. The building was grand and imposing, its sturdy stone walls adorned with intricate decorations that exuded the knights' pride and honor.

The door bore the emblem of the Knights of Favonius, and two knights stood guard at the entrance, their expressions stern and vigilant.

"Welcome to the Knights of Favonius headquarters," one knight said, saluting. Recognizing Kaeya, he relaxed. "Ah, Captain Kaeya and Miss Noelle. And who's this?"

"This is Mr. Shao Yun, a guest invited by the Knights," Kaeya introduced, ensuring Shao Yun would be recognized in the future.

"If he's with Captain Kaeya, there shouldn't be any issues. Go on in. Acting Grand Master Jean is waiting," the knight said, stepping aside.

Inside, the headquarters opened into a spacious hall with polished stone floors and walls adorned with shields bearing the Knights' emblem. The building housed various rooms and areas, including the Grand Master's office, the confinement room, and the library.

Kaeya first pulled Noelle aside and whispered something to her. Noelle's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly covered her mouth before rushing out of the headquarters to attend to the "urgent task."

Shao Yun couldn't help but twitch his lips. Noelle was far too trusting and naive—no wonder she hadn't become a full-fledged knight yet.

"What did you send her off to do?" Shao Yun asked, curious.

Kaeya placed a finger to his lips, grinning mischievously. "An urgent task."

"…" That explained nothing.

Deciding not to dwell on it, Shao Yun figured it was probably something trivial, like delivering a package.

Kaeya pushed open the door to the Grand Master's office and announced, "I've brought him."

As soon as Shao Yun stepped inside, a high-pitched, cheerful voice called out.

"Shao Yun! Are you okay?" Paimon zipped over, circling around him like a worried bee, checking for any injuries.

"Relax, I'm fine," Shao Yun said, stopping her mid-flight. "If you keep spinning around me, I'm going to get dizzy."

"Paimon was so worried! When Stormterror attacked, Paimon thought something terrible had happened!" She flew back to Lumine's side. "Thank goodness Lumine drove it away, or things could've gotten really bad."

"Well done, Lumine. If it weren't for you, we'd be in serious trouble," Shao Yun said, giving her a wink.

"You're too kind," Lumine replied, a little embarrassed.

As Kaeya began explaining the situation in Mondstadt, Shao Yun's eyes scanned the room. Aside from Kaeya and Amber, there were two others present.

First was Lisa, the librarian, wearing her signature purple witch's hat and a flowing robe that accentuated her elegance. Her long legs, clad in black stockings, were crossed as she appraised Shao Yun with a sly smile. He gave her a slight nod before turning his attention to Jean.

Jean, the Acting Grand Master, had golden hair tied into a practical ponytail. Her clear, determined eyes and delicate features gave her an air of both strength and gentleness. She wore a tailored outfit in shades of black, blue, and white, with a long coat and high boots that complemented her noble demeanor.

After Kaeya finished his briefing, the room fell into a somber silence. The storm outside had weakened but not disappeared. Jean took a deep breath and straightened her posture.

"Mondstadt welcomes you, travelers who come with the wind."

Shao Yun lightened the mood with a chuckle. "Well, we didn't exactly come with the wind. At least we didn't get blown away by it."

Lisa laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, you're quite the charmer, aren't you?" she said, glancing at Lumine. "Your companion is quite the entertainer, dear."

The tension in the room eased slightly, and Jean managed a small smile. She introduced herself and Lisa before addressing the group with a hint of regret.

"I'm sorry that Mondstadt is in such a state. We're dealing with the Stormterror crisis and can't offer you the hospitality you deserve."

Lisa sighed, leaning back lazily. "The elemental flow and ley lines in Mondstadt are as tangled as a ball of yarn after a cat's been at it. For a mage, this is the worst possible scenario. It's ruining my skin and my mood."

Jean turned to Lumine. "For now, please stay in Mondstadt. You've already done us a great service by driving Stormterror away. Now, it's our turn to help you."

Her expression grew troubled as she continued. "If it weren't for the crisis, the Knights would have better ways to assist you in finding your sibling. But as things stand…"

Shao Yun cut in, finishing her thought. "But as things stand, the Knights are stretched thin. That's what you wanted to say, right?"

All eyes turned to him, and Jean nodded, her discomfort evident. With Grand Master Varka and most of the Knights away on an expedition, Mondstadt was left vulnerable and exhausted from dealing with Stormterror.

"No need to beat around the bush. Being direct is often more effective than dancing around the issue," Shao Yun said bluntly.

Lisa's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned on the railing, resting her chin on her hand. "My, my, this tall, handsome man is quite straightforward," she said, glancing at Jean. "Jean, perhaps it's best to be honest with them."

Jean took a deep breath and nodded. "Very well. Since Mr. Shao Yun has brought it up, I'll be direct. We need your help. Will you assist us?"

Shao Yun felt a twinge of unease. Why were they only asking Lumine and Paimon for help? Was he being overlooked because he hadn't fought Stormterror? Well, he had only been helping citizens with Noelle, so perhaps they didn't see him as a fighter. Fair enough.

"Even if you hadn't asked, we would've offered our help," Lumine said, placing a hand over her heart. "We'll do what we can to resolve the Stormterror crisis."

Jean's gratitude was genuine. "Thank you. I truly don't know how to express my appreciation."

Shao Yun crossed his arms, a small smile playing on his lips. It seemed the adventure was just beginning.