Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon all clapped in unison, their applause perfectly timed to Amber's grand introduction.
"You don't have to be so enthusiastic! It's just something from the Knights of Favonius handbook," Amber said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"We can feel the pride in your words, and you put so much effort into introducing the city to us. This applause is genuine," Shao Yun replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.
As they strolled through the bustling streets of Mondstadt, Amber continued her tour.
"On your left is the blacksmith's shop. Wagner is one of the best craftsmen in Mondstadt. His weapons are top-notch," Amber explained, though she couldn't resist adding, "Of course, Mondstadt only has one blacksmith, so..."
"Wait, so anything he makes automatically becomes the best in Mondstadt by default?" Shao Yun mused, stroking his chin as he eyed the shop.
Amber shook her head, waving her hands dismissively. "Not exactly. Wagner isn't the type to cut corners. His work speaks for itself."
They walked a bit further, and Amber eagerly pointed out another landmark.
"This is the Adventurers' Guild," she said, gesturing to the building. She then introduced the ever-diligent receptionist standing outside. "And this is Katheryne from the Adventurers' Association."
Katheryne gave a polite wave. "Welcome to the Adventurers' Association. How may I assist you today?"
Amber shook her head. "No need, Miss Katheryne. I'm just showing these travelers around Mondstadt."
"Understood. If you ever need assistance or wish to join the guild, I'm always here to help," Katheryne replied with a gentle smile.
Amber then pointed to a shop on their right. "And over here is the 'With Wind Comes Glory,' Mondstadt's luxury goods store." The shopkeeper, Marjorie, noticed Amber and greeted her warmly.
"Amber! Care to come in for a visit?"
"Not today, Miss Marjorie. I'm a bit busy. Maybe next time," Amber replied with a friendly wave.
"Amber, you're quite popular in the city. It's like your reputation is as tall as a three-story building," Shao Yun remarked with a chuckle.
Amber scratched her head shyly, the tips of her ears turning red. "It's nothing special. I just try to help people when I can. It's not as grand as you make it sound."
Despite the warm smiles from Katheryne and Marjorie, the other townsfolk they passed seemed burdened with worry. Their faces were etched with concern, and some even sighed heavily.
"Why does everyone seem so down?" Paimon asked, noticing the somber atmosphere.
Amber's smile faded slightly, replaced by a hint of bitterness. "It's the dragon crisis. Everyone's worried about Stormterror. It's been hard on the city."
"It seems like Stormterror has caused a lot of trouble for the people here," Lumine observed quietly, her heart heavy with sympathy.
"Yeah, Mondstadt used to be so lively, but now..." Amber sighed, her gaze falling on the once-bustling streets that now felt eerily quiet.
As they walked a bit further, the sound of clinking glasses and raucous laughter spilled out from a nearby tavern. Amber frowned, her tone tinged with frustration.
"Meanwhile, the taverns are doing better than ever. Especially this one and the one around the corner."
Shao Yun glanced at the sign above the door: The Cat's Tail. He wondered if Diona was inside.
"Is this what they call 'drowning your sorrows'?" Paimon piped up, her tiny voice filled with curiosity. She looked at the lively tavern, the phrase suddenly making perfect sense.
"Drinking to forget your troubles... It might help for a moment, but it's not a real solution," Shao Yun mused, his tone thoughtful.
"Though I suspect some of these 'patrons' are just using the crisis as an excuse to drink more," Amber added with a sigh.
Realizing the mood had grown somber, Amber quickly tried to lighten the atmosphere. "But don't worry! With Acting Grand Master Jean leading the Knights of Favonius, we'll overcome this crisis. I have complete faith in her."
"Jean?" Lumine asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Jean is the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius," Amber explained, her voice brimming with admiration. "She's incredible. With her leadership, we'll handle Stormterror and any other threats to Mondstadt."
Lumine nodded, though she still felt a bit in the dark about who Jean really was. Shao Yun, on the other hand, knew all about her—her family, her friends, her role in the game. It was all familiar territory to him.
As the group made their way toward the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Amber suddenly stopped and turned to them. "Oh, I almost forgot! I promised you all gifts. Hold on a second..."
She rummaged through her bag, her fingers quickly finding what she was looking for.
"Here you go! These are for Lumine and Shao Yun," Amber said, handing them each a small package.
Shao Yun opened his to find a pair of Wind Gliders. They looked... tiny in his hands. "Uh, are these supposed to carry me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lumine tried hers on, and it fit perfectly. "Thank you, Amber," she said with a smile.
But when she glanced at Shao Yun, she couldn't help but laugh. The Wind Glider looked comically small on him.
Amber noticed the awkwardness and quickly tried to smooth things over. "Don't worry, Shao Yun! I'll find a larger one for you in the Knights' storage. It's no problem at all."
"What about Paimon? Paimon wants a gift too!" the little floating companion exclaimed, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Amber looked at Paimon's tiny frame and chuckled. "I don't think we have Wind Gliders in your size. How about I treat you to some Mondstadt specialty food instead? Like the honey-roasted carrots and meat from the Good Hunter?"
Paimon's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Deal!"
As they neared the end of the commercial district and approached the stairs leading to the Knights' headquarters, a notification popped up in Shao Yun's mind.
Quest Update: Find Accommodation on Your Own.
Reward: Changeable Outfits.
Huh? Why do I have to do this alone? Shao Yun thought. Oh, right. Lumine has her own storyline to follow.
He checked the reward details. There were outfits for cold weather, hot weather, and normal weather. But one of them was labeled "Impervious to Heat and Cold," with a question mark icon.
Hmm, must unlock that through the story, he realized.
Deciding there was no harm in completing the quest, Shao Yun suddenly stopped walking. "I think I'll head off on my own for a bit," he announced.
"Why?" Paimon asked, her face falling as if they were about to part ways forever.
"Someone needs to find us a place to stay, or we'll be sleeping on the streets tonight," Shao Yun explained, shrugging. "Besides, I don't really have any business at the Knights' headquarters. It makes sense for me to handle this."
Paimon nodded, though she still looked a little sad. "Oh, right..."
"You could stay at my place!" Amber offered enthusiastically. "My house is plenty big enough for all of you."
Lumine hesitated, feeling it might be too much to impose on someone they'd just met. "That's very kind of you, Amber, but we wouldn't want to trouble you or your family."
"It's no trouble at all!" Amber insisted.
Shao Yun considered the offer. Staying at Amber's place would solve the problem instantly. But the system still insisted he find his own accommodation. *What's the deal? Is there something I'm missing?*
"How about this?" Shao Yun suggested. "If I can't find a place, I'll take you up on your offer. But if I do find something, I'll let you know."
"That sounds fair," Paimon agreed, nodding vigorously.
"Of course! No problem at all," Amber said, smiling. But as Shao Yun turned to leave, she called out, "Wait! Do you even know where to look for a place to stay?"
Shao Yun paused, trying to recall if there was a specific landlord in Mondstadt. Then it hit him—Goth, the city's biggest property owner.
Amber breathed a sigh of relief. "If you're looking for a place, I recommend talking to Goth. He owns a lot of properties in Mondstadt, including the Goth Grand Hotel."
"Thanks, Amber. You've been a huge help," Shao Yun said, nodding in gratitude.
He turned to Lumine and Paimon. "I'll meet you at the Knights' headquarters once I find a place. If I don't, well, I'll still meet you there."
Lumine smiled warmly. "Take your time, and don't stress too much. If it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world."
With a confident wave, Shao Yun set off on his new quest, his mind already racing with possibilities.