Mondstadt, Adventurers' Guild.
Hiroshi greeted Fischl, who was standing confidently in front of him, with a cheerful wave and a smile.
"Good morning, Little Amy."
"Hmph~!"
Fischl froze mid-pose, folding her arms with an annoyed expression. "Hiroshi, how many times have I told you not to call me Little Amy?!" she exclaimed. "I am Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung! Such a soft name does not befit me."
"But don't you think Little Amy is a cute name?" Hiroshi teased, turning to Oz, who had landed on his shoulder. "I bet Oz agrees with me."
"Ahem."
Startled by the question, Oz turned to face Fischl's intense gaze. "I believe my lady is splendid, whether she is called Fischl or Little Amy. After all, she remains herself regardless of her name."
"Oz~"
Fischl let out a shy murmur, her face flushing as she glanced away. Then, turning back to Hiroshi, she asked, "So, Hiroshi, why have you come to see me today?"
"Well," Hiroshi began, gesturing toward Mona, "this is Miss Mona, an astrologist from Liyue. She's a very talented astrologist who's planning to settle in Mondstadt for a while."
Fischl's eyes lit up as Hiroshi continued. "You mentioned that your investigative team was recruiting. I thought someone with Mona's skills, who can see through fate and possesses a Vision, would be a perfect fit."
"Mm-hmm!" Fischl nodded enthusiastically, her gaze full of admiration for Mona's aesthetic attire.
"I am Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, summoned by fate to this land," she declared dramatically. "All realms bow to me, the ruler of the Midnight Garden. Are you prepared to become my servant?"
"Fate? Midnight Garden? Princess?"
Mona raised her head, puzzled by Fischl's extravagant gestures. "I am Mona, Astrologist Mona Megistus, which means 'The Great Astrologist Mona.'" She tilted her head slightly. "I'm not sure which nation you're a princess of, but if you want me, the greatest astrologist, as your servant, I'll first have to see through your kingdom and your fate."
"Miss Mona, please wait!" Oz interjected, flapping his wings nervously. "My lady's kingdom has long since faded into the dust of time. It's a painful memory she has worked hard to forget. Please don't remind her of it."
"Oh, I see."
Mona paused her hand mid-gesture and glanced at Fischl, who remained lost in her fantasy. Sighing, Mona remarked, "It seems everyone has their own burdens."
Turning to Hiroshi, Mona asked, "So this is your solution?"
"Didn't I tell you I can't use my astrology to earn Mora?" she added, her voice tinged with frustration. "While I appreciate your effort to find me work, I cannot compromise the sanctity of my craft."
With that, Mona turned to leave Mondstadt. Though initially disheartened by her struggles, she quickly regained her resolve as she muttered to herself, "So what if I have to eat wild mushrooms and sleep under the stars? I've done it before, and I'll do it again!"
Her eyes glinted with determination. "I can survive like this for a month. Maybe fortune will turn in my favor next month."
"Miss Mona."
Hiroshi grabbed her arm, stopping her mid-stride. With a sigh, he said, "Could you at least let me finish explaining?"
He continued, "Joining the Adventurers' Guild as an investigator doesn't mean you'll use astrology to directly earn Mora. Instead, you'll work alongside other adventurers to investigate dangers and explore domains, using your astrology to ensure their safety. The Mora you earn will be your reward for protecting Mondstadt."
"Oh~!"
Mona's eyes widened in realization. Resting her chin on her hand, she pondered, "You're right. I'm not directly selling my astrology; I'm using it to safeguard others. In return, I'll earn rewards. That sounds fair."
Her confidence returned, and she turned to Fischl with a grin. "While I can't be your servant, I'd be happy to join you as a teammate. I'll use my skills to unravel all fates and perfectly complete every mission, protecting Mondstadt and earning a generous income to fund my research. One day, I'll outlast my stingy master and finally be free!"
She bowed slightly to Hiroshi. "Thank you for helping me and explaining everything so clearly."
Mona smiled warmly. "From now on, I'll work hard to survive until payday. Soon, I'll be able to settle in Mondstadt properly. I'm truly grateful to you!"
"It's nothing," Hiroshi replied with a smile. He ruffled Klee's hair as she clung to his leg. "Besides, my little Klee played a part in this, so it's only right to help."
Seeing the hope in Mona's eyes, Hiroshi asked curiously, "But if you have no Mora, how will you get by this month?"
"That's no problem!" Mona waved dismissively, grinning confidently. "The month is almost over. I just need to endure a few more days in Mondstadt's wilderness, and I'll make it until payday. Back in Liyue, I survived a whole month eating mushrooms in the wild!"
"Uh..."
Hiroshi scratched his head awkwardly, pretending not to hear Mona's revelation about her survival methods. Instead, he pulled a key from his pocket and handed it to her.
"Miss Mona, I have an empty house in Mondstadt. You can stay there for now," he said with a reassuring smile. "Consider it a rental. Since my Klee contributed to your troubles, I'll set the rent at the lowest possible rate. You can pay it two months later when you're more stable."
"The fridge is stocked with food, enough for one or two months. Consider it an apology from Klee," he added.
"Really?" Mona clutched the key tightly, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"Take it, Mona," Lumine said, patting her shoulder. "Hiroshi's quite generous."
"Hey!" Hiroshi flicked Lumine's forehead lightly. "I don't like that nickname."
Turning back to Mona, he smiled warmly. "Please accept my help. When I first arrived in Mondstadt, many people helped me survive here. It's only right to pass on that kindness."
Mona tightened her grip on the key, bowing deeply to everyone. "Thank you so much!"
Raising her head, she smiled at Hiroshi, who was still holding Klee. "Just call me Mona."