Two weeks of travel passed as the wheels of their carriage finally arrived at the lands of Mondstadt. They took camp at a nearby shade and got ready to cook food for lunch.
Leo Wiped his forehead, sweat trickling down his skin. "Is it just me or is the weather quite hot?"
"You'd better get used to it, young master. Liyue's much hotter than Mondstadt."
Leo groaned while wiping his face. "Can we back down? I'm kinda regretting my decision."
Polochko ignored him and continued to clean his spear, sweat falling from his body. "I'm afraid we are far from Snezhnaya now. I will not stop you if you'd like to take another few weeks of travel. Just know that it takes longer to return to Snezhnaya."
Leo smiled wryly. "That's rich coming from you, you're also sweating buckets."
"W-Well... Adapting is a good training too, young master." He stiffly commented.
"Yeah sure, whatever you say."
He turned his attention to the vast grasslands stretching in the distance. The wind was abundant, and animals could be seen toiling around the plains as they foraged for food. Birds soared high in the sky, and the trees swayed gently in the temperate breeze.
This place takes me back. He stood up and raised his hands to his sides—Feeling the wind as he closed his eyes. I guess this is a good change of pace. Hopefully, nothing stressful happens or it will make me go bald. A nine-year-old child should enjoy life, and not fix things that I didn't even create.
The memory of the House of the Heart flickered in his mind—how he had started it all, and how it ended. I guess it was my fault...
His thoughts broke as an apple thudded to the ground. Startled, he turned, picked it up, cleaned it with water, and bit into it.
"Young master, the food's ready." A guard called as he bowed slightly.
Leo followed behind him. He sat at the chair reserved for him while all the other members of his caravan sat with their legs crossed on a blanket laid on the ground.
As they ate, Leo asked Polochko. "So, what am I supposed to expect on Mondstadt? You said it's about time for the Windblume Festival, I barely have any knowledge about this."
Polochko answered after gulping the food in his mouth. "From what I know, Mondstadt is very different than Snezhnaya, their customs and the way they carry themselves are vastly different than ours."
Polochko held his chin and looked far beyond the horizon, recalling any information he had received during his years of servitude. Leo listened quietly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"There's also the Ordo Favonious, they are the main law-keepers and the main army of Mondstadt, and they're also quite easy to talk to. Aside from that, there are also the nobles."
"About the nobles," Leo cut in, "What are the names of the families?"
"There's the Gunnhildr Clan, the Lawrence Clan, and the Ragnvindr Family—though I'm not sure if the Ragnvindrs are true nobles." A frown crept up his face as he murmured. "I'm sure there's one more, but I don't think they still exist in the present day."
"Hey, Polochko," Leo asked as he looked at him eagerly, "do you think I can get a chance to talk with their heirs? That would be great, no?"
A suspicious look appeared on Polochko's face as he said flatly. "What are you planning again young master."
"What's with that look? I'm not planning to do anything, I promise. I just want to get to know them and get the privilege to export their wine to other nations."
Polochko's frown deepened as he pressed. "And how did you know that they sell wine?" His eyes widened, and a realization hit him. "Don't tell me you... Young master, you are too young to drink wine!"
Leo rejected his accusation and waved his hand. "Wait, no! I'm not drinking wine! I-I just..." his eyes darted across the camp, and finally, he caught a glimpse of a book on the carriage. "I learned it from books! Yeah, that's it."
Polochko started to write something in his notebook. "You're not convincing at all, young master. I'm reporting this to Lord Pantalone."
"Wait! No!!!!!"
A few grueling minutes of convincing Polochko passed, and it was finally time for them to leave. The guards already packed the camp and taken out the fire before hopping into their carriage.
"You should have told that at the start, young master."
"I was telling you! I don't drink wine!"
A soft chuckle escaped Polochko's lips which Leo noticed immediately. "Wait, are you just messing with me?!"
Polochko continued to chuckle as he spoke. "I'm sorry young master, you are just so cute whenever you panic."
His face reddened. "You-" Polochko cut in before he could speak anything else. "Young master Leon was right, you are pretty gullible, young master."
Fists clenched, he groaned and lashed. "I'm not talking to you anymore! Go to the other carriage!"
Polochko straightened his posture and replied. "I have the duty to protect you, young master. I could not comply with your request."
"Then get some other guard here! Get out!"
Polochko was immediately pushed out of the carriage, and replaced by another guard. "Tch, bastard."
Four days passed, and their caravan finally arrived at the gates of Mondstadt.