The Angel's Share Tavern.
Rosaria downed her dandelion wine in one go, placed enough Mora on the counter, and left alone.
Eula glanced at her and quietly looked away.
Rosaria stood at the door for a moment, thinking of asking Eula what she had gotten out of the Treasure Hoarders. She decided against it; communication with Eula was difficult, and if she wasn't interested in something, there was no way to make her interested.
She walked to the area near the central fountain and saw Barbara's fervent fans crowding around the Good Hunter restaurant, seriously obstructing traffic and the daily business of the restaurant.
With an icy expression, she stepped to the front of the crowd and barked, "If you don't leave now, I'll take you all to the interrogation room to try out my new torture devices."
The fervent fans saw it was the nun who often skipped her duties and loved walking at night like a vampire, her face slightly flushed, clearly just out of the tavern. Although filled with passion, they were smart enough not to challenge this ice queen. Without a word, the fans dispersed.
Good Hunter resumed normal operations. Rosaria ordered a serving of red wine-braised beef, devoured it quickly, left enough Mora, and turned to head for Mondstadt's city wall. She climbed to a high point, letting the wind blow past her while she overlooked the entire city, checking for any dark undercurrents.
The florist Flora carried her delicate frame while running with flowerpots to her stall. The green-clad bard was playing his lyre at the plaza, tricking people into giving him tips. On the bridge outside the city gate, Timmie's pigeons were scared off by the Traveler again. Wagner, the blacksmith, was hammering weapons for the knights, the rhythmic sound echoing through the air.
All seemed normal.
No matter rain or shine, Rosaria always kept a secret watch over Mondstadt, its streets, and its alleyways. If anything suspicious happened, she would shadow it until everything was uncovered.
She let out a long breath, slowly coming out of her tipsy state. Her eyes caught sight of a handsome young man, walking with a blue deer beside him—a deer whose antlers bore seven different colors.
The man and the deer were walking lightly out of Mondstadt. Rosaria immediately grew vigilant, using her Wind Glider to jump down from the city wall, pretending to be a passerby as she trailed behind.
Rosaria followed them to the shores of Cider Lake. She stood on a slope, hiding behind an apple tree as she watched.
Her purple eyes were filled with curiosity. Could this person be an agent of the Fatui?
An ordinary-looking man might just be a notorious bandit in disguise. A seemingly cold-hearted nun might once have been a member of the Treasure Hoarders. Even someone as innocent-looking as Collei, who was close to Amber, had turned out to be a puppet of the Fatui.
These were all lessons Rosaria had learned.
She herself had once been part of the Treasure Hoarders, so she was intimately familiar with the tricks and deceit. For Mondstadt's safety, Rosaria decided to dig into this man's background.
"Come out, Feebas," Takashi said, tossing a Pokéball. Feebas appeared in the waters of Cider Lake.
"Feebas, Feebas..."
Feebas's eyes seemed dull, but its fins beat excitedly against the lake's surface, splashing water joyfully. It was clear it was in a very good mood.
Takashi wanted to touch Feebas's scales but hesitated. "Xerneas, do you think my hand's temperature would make Feebas uncomfortable? I heard that when changing a goldfish's water, it's best not to touch it with bare hands, or you might burn its skin."
Xerneas shook its head and translated gently, "Feebas says its skin is tougher than iron, so it won't mind."
"As expected of you," Takashi smiled, opening a box of Pokéblocks and feeding Feebas.
These Pokéblocks were specifically made for Feebas by Takashi and Xerneas, after spending over half an hour crafting them. They not only filled Feebas's hunger but also increased its beauty.
Feebas's unattractive appearance made it naturally lack self-confidence. This was one of the reasons it often felt inferior. By ensuring enough Pokéblock supply, regular interaction, and encouragement from its Trainer, Feebas could grow more confident and evolve.
Xerneas and Takashi sat by the lakeside, watching Feebas happily swim and splash in the water. The cool breeze carried the fragrance of wine, making everything feel serene.
Rosaria, just from seeing the giant fish, was already surprised. She didn't expect that the deer could also talk.
Suspicious, very suspicious—too suspicious!
Rosaria's thoughts were in turmoil as she considered whether she should report this to the Knights or question the man herself. But the deer could talk—almost like a mythical creature. If it was as powerful as an Abyss Mage, capable of controlling hilichurls, it would be tough for her to handle alone.
Should she charge ahead or go back to make a plan?
While Rosaria was thinking, an apple fell from the tree onto her back. She glanced at it, then noticed Amber standing on the watchtower across the lake, peering through a telescope.
Hmm? Had she noticed something unusual too?
However, Rosaria quickly realized something was off.
Damn it, that girl was laughing. That expression—an "auntie smile."
Was she mocking her?
She was taking down Treasure Hoarders while Amber was still in diapers!
Rosaria picked up the apple and, pretending to be a nun taking a stroll, approached the shores of Cider Lake, gazing out over the shimmering water.
Takashi and Xerneas noticed her but didn't say anything, as she hadn't spoken either.
After all, this nun gave off a frosty air, difficult to approach.
If Eula was an ice sculpture of a goddess, Rosaria was no different—except getting close to her might just give someone frostbite.
With her fair skin, tired purple eyes under dark circles, flushed cheeks that suggested she was slightly drunk, black fishnet stockings over long legs, and a swaying walk that made her figure bounce—Rosaria's presence drew the eye irresistibly.
No wonder she was nicknamed the "White Slime." Even Mihoyo (the developers of Genshin Impact) had to recalibrate her measurements and add more fabric.
Whenever Takashi thought about that, he couldn't help but curse, "Rnm, give me my money back."
Rosaria approached, tossing the apple in her left hand and taking a bite before casually pointing at Xerneas. "Is that your pet?"
Takashi nodded slightly. "This is Xerneas, my good friend."
Keeping a deer as a friend wasn't exactly unheard of. After all, some people kept Shih Tzus as lifelong companions.
Feigning curiosity, Rosaria asked, "Oh? I haven't heard of any hunters in Springvale catching such a strange deer. Did you buy it from Liyue?"