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However, despite searching extensively, they found nothing. The child's cries grew louder, attracting more onlookers.
"Little one, what's wrong?" someone approached and asked.
"That must be from the Lawrence Clan! She definitely bullied this kid!"
"Hold her back! Don't let her escape; she even picks on children!"
Given Eula's consistently icy demeanor, constant talk of grudges, and being associated with the Lawrence Clan, people naturally viewed her through prejudiced lenses.
"Can you not speak nonsense? This child lost money meant for their mother's treatment, and we're kindly helping to find it. Seriously!" Lin Feng stopped searching and retorted sharply, his temper never one to remain subdued.
Realizing they wouldn't locate the missing money, Eula took out a pouch. After a moment's hesitation, she placed 10,000 Mora inside, then walked over to stand beside Lin Feng.
"Little one, were they bullying you? We've got your back!" The crowd chimed in, expressing their support for the child.
The kid hesitated, fearing the consequences of returning home without his money. Noticing that everyone seemed to dislike this older sister, he timidly pointed at Eula and sobbed,
"S-she...she stole my money, waaah..." With those words, he closed his eyes and burst into tears.
Lin Feng was momentarily stunned. Who said humans inherently possess goodness from birth? He couldn't tell if this was a simple scam or something more elaborate.
"Look, she still has a pouch with her!" Suddenly, someone angrily pointed at the bag in Eula's hand.
"No wonder she came to Mondstadt! Must be short on funds, trying to rob kids' money, huh?"
***
The crowd continued to grow, now completely surrounding Lin Feng and Eula.
Lin Feng, feeling slightly angry, questioned the child, "We kindly helped you find your money just moments ago, yet you're accusing us of theft now. Why?"
"Waaah..." The child wiped away tears, crying even louder.
"Trying to intimidate a kid? Hmph!" A burly man stepped forward with a cold snort.
"Let's go," Lin Feng said, casting a chilly gaze at the crowd. "There's no reasoning with these ignorant fools." He guided Eula, intending to leave.
"You think you can walk away after stealing our money? Mondstadt isn't under the Lawrence Clan anymore!" The crowd didn't budge, instead taunting them further.
Feeling disheartened, Eula tossed the pouch back to the child.
However, Lin Feng swiftly intercepted it, showcasing his quick reflexes.
"Don't touch me! I am Favonius Knight, consider well the consequences of attacking a knight!" Lin Feng pointed at several individuals who seemed eager to intervene, issuing a stern warning.
Upon hearing this, they hesitated momentarily and lowered their hands. Only someone as kind-hearted as Eula would have let it slide; otherwise, he'd teach them what disrespecting public officials truly meant!
"Come on, tell me, how much money is in this pouch?" Lin Feng weighed the pouch, asking coldly.
"Waaah..." The child continued sobbing without answering.
"Ha ha, anyone care to tell me how much Mora is inside?" Lin Feng glanced around at the so-called "righteous individuals," seeking their input.
Everyone remained silent; it wasn't their pouch, after all, so they had no way of knowing.
Suddenly, someone slowly approached.
"Ah ha ha, I, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, bestow upon thee the divine grace of the heavens!" Fischl placed her finger by her eye, laughing audaciously.
"Erm, what Miss means is, she's here to repay you this time!" Oz accurately translated for Lin Feng.
"While wandering through the abyssal depths, I chanced upon a child who dropped this item—it must be of great importance!" Fischl produced a money pouch, still chuckling heartily.
"What Miss means is, while strolling, she saw that child drop a bag of Mora!" Oz looked towards the child and explained.
"Well then, my subjects await my royal presence..."
"In simpler terms, goodbye..."
With those words, Fischl and Oz departed, leaving the crowd utterly speechless. The money pouch was returned to the child, but the lost dignity of the accusers could not be regained.
The child silently lowered his head, remaining quiet. However, Lin Feng took note of him, determined to teach him a lesson next time!
"Come on, step forward! Who was trying to frame Eula just now?" Lin Feng looked at the crowd, his voice icy.
No one spoke and gradually dispersed. With a triumphant demeanor, Lin Feng contemplated renting a Vision if it weren't for the Knights of Favonius' presence, just to teach these people a lesson!
Had Eula been alone earlier, he shuddered to think how far they might have gone, hmph!
Lin Feng turned back to Eula, noticing her slightly downcast mood, perhaps due to her kind heart being deeply hurt.
"Well then, let's head home. Let the Stormterror gobble them up!" Lin Feng smiled reassuringly at Eula.
"Don't be upset; you still have me. If you're unhappy here, we can move to Liyue. I've earned quite a fortune already, enough to buy a big house!" Lin Feng cheerfully said, gazing at Eula.
Eula composed herself, lifting her chin and speaking with feigned arrogance, "Hmm... since you're so wealthy now, maybe you should find another place to live!"
"I was just pretending earlier; honestly, I'm completely broke, almost resorting to eating scraps!" Lin Feng pleaded pitifully, looking at Eula.
"Hmm... well then... I suppose you can stay temporarily, for a little longer."
***
Paimon and Lumine arrived at the large tree beneath Windrise as Venti began to gently strum his harp. A melodious song resonated, drifting towards Mondstadt nearby.
Eula and Lin Feng had just left the city when they heard the enchanting melody, promptly rushing over.
"Lin Feng, Eula, heehee!" Paimon waved excitedly, giggling.
The sound of the harp instantly awakened Stormterror, who swiftly flew towards Windrise.
"It's...it's coming!" Trembling, Paimon pointed at the approaching Stormterror, clutching tightly onto Lumine's shoulder strap, fearing she might be swept away by the wind.
"Barbatos, can't you focus on something important for once?" Stormterror roared angrily upon seeing Venti.
He was perfectly content in the ruins of Wind Dragon's Bane until a red witch mysteriously appeared and destroyed his home.
Then, an underhanded Abyss Mage appeared at his home, attempting to sow discord between him and Venti. It spewed nonsense about how Venti merely saw Lin Feng as a tool, blabbering incessantly.
However, Venti was known for slacking off, so the sly mage's attempts failed miserably. In frustration, it splashed black substance on itself, leading to... well, this outcome!
As the mighty Anemo Archon, Barbatos should have been able to protect his own domain. How could neglecting such responsibilities be considered doing anything worthwhile?!
"Barbatos?" Paimon stared at Venti, shocked, recalling her previous nicknames like "Green Hilichurl" and "Tone-Deaf Bard," sending chills down her spine.
"Hehe!" Venti chuckled sheepishly before addressing Stormterror, "Go back now; don't let yourself get ambushed again. You've wasted enough of my time!"
With another roar, the Stormterror soared towards Stormterror's Lair.
"That's it?" Lin Feng watched Dvalin depart, bewildered. According to his memories, shouldn't there be many more events unfolding?