Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence. [229]

At Venti’s enthusiastic insistence, everyone ordered takeout from Angel’s Share and enjoyed a grand feast.

After stuffing themselves, a drunken Venti promptly passed out in the tavern—only to be unceremoniously dragged by Diluc into a storage room full of old crates.

Outside the tavern, Jean turned to Aether and extended an invitation: “Traveler, how about joining me tomorrow in the plaza? As Mondstadt’s new Honorary Knight, the one who saved both our city and Dvalin, it’s only fitting to formally honor you and introduce you to the Knights and the citizens.”

Seeing an opportunity to bask in glory, Paimon eagerly accepted on Aether’s behalf.

“Absolutely! How could we miss a heroic moment like this?”

“Don’t forget to give him some Mora,” Jiang Bai casually reminded. “They’re completely broke, you know. They don’t even have a place to stay and had to borrow money from me just to eat.”

Paimon had borrowed ten thousand Mora from him. If they didn’t pay it back, he’d be the one losing out!

Jean suddenly realized she had overlooked something important. Slightly embarrassed, she addressed Aether and Paimon. “My apologies for being thoughtless. Why don’t you both stay at my place tonight?”

“Wow, Jean’s house! I can’t wait!” Paimon bounced excitedly, and Aether gave a grateful nod.

Jean turned to Jiang Bai. “And Jiang Bai, thank you again for your invaluable help during this crisis. If you have any requests, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Really?” Jiang Bai’s eyes immediately lit up.

Aether and Paimon exchanged worried glances, a sense of dread creeping over them.

Sure enough, Jiang Bai whipped out a thick stack of flyers. “Then please help me promote Wangsheng Funeral Parlor’s services! Anyone in need can just contact me!”

“I knew it,” Aether and Paimon sighed simultaneously, folding their arms.

This guy truly seized every chance to hand out flyers—calling him a walking advertisement was absolutely fitting.

Jean stared blankly at the flyer Jiang Bai handed her, speechless.

“This…”

“You can’t?” Jiang Bai’s expression became crestfallen.

“It’s not exactly that…” Jean hesitated awkwardly, unsure how to explain.

Sensing her hesitation, Jiang Bai generously backed off. “Well, I suppose our services really aren’t suitable for the Knights to directly promote. But perhaps you—or the Knights—could act as guarantors or endorsers of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?”

“Most adventurers in Mondstadt don’t trust Liyue’s funeral customs, so having an official endorsement from you would significantly boost our credibility.”

Aside from Tartaglia, their few clients were exclusively from Liyue. Despite promotional efforts and the bestseller status of “Tales of the Snow Country,” only Diluc in Mondstadt had shown any interest—and even he had ulterior motives…

Although Mondstadt adventurers had a different view on death from Liyueans, this was Jiang Bai’s livelihood after all. He wouldn’t mind serving clients who had unique requests like Diluc.

Jean had heard about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, known throughout Liyue for funeral services, but she couldn’t vouch for their credibility yet.

Whether personally or through the Knights, endorsing a foreign organization required careful consideration. Any negative repercussions could tarnish the Knights’ reputation, making Jean hesitant to commit.

“Could you give me some time to think it over?” she finally asked.

“Of course!” Jiang Bai agreed easily.

…

The next day, beneath the Statue of the Seven, Jiang Bai attended the ceremony honoring Mondstadt’s newest Honorary Knight, standing alongside Aether as an honored guest.

The citizens cheered enthusiastically for their heroes, and bards strummed their lyres, preparing to immortalize them in poetry.

Amid the festive crowd, a Fatui diplomat watched indifferently before turning silently away.

At the Goth Grand Hotel, La Signora observed the bustling plaza from afar, an icy, mocking smile on her lips. “Enjoy your moment of triumph, Barbatos. Soon, you won’t be smiling anymore.”

The ceremony ended quickly. The citizens readily accepted Jean’s explanation for the dragon incident and unanimously condemned the Abyss Order.

Though their condemnation had little practical impact, it symbolized the will of Mondstadt’s people. In the foreseeable future, the Knights planned to significantly intensify their surveillance of Abyss Order activities and clear out Abyss Mage hideouts.

For the moment, the Fatui were conveniently overlooked.

“With everything resolved, it’s time we returned the Holy Lyre der Himmel.” Venti produced the beautifully restored instrument. Although it seemed odd for the Anemo Archon himself to return his own lyre, Venti had no intention of exposing his identity.

“Let’s head to the Cathedral,” Jean said, looking at Aether and Venti. Jiang Bai joined as well, knowing Aether had questions for the Anemo Archon—questions Jiang Bai also shared.

They’d have plenty of time to discuss after returning the Lyre.

At the cathedral’s quiet entrance, Jean led the group inside, where Barbara waited.

Venti presented the Holy Lyre, fully restored and vibrant with Anemo energy. Barbara gasped softly, gently taking the lyre and marveling at its pristine condition.

“How did the Lyre become as good as new?” Barbara asked Jean curiously.

Jean glanced discreetly at Venti, who smiled innocently. “Perhaps it received the Anemo Archon’s blessing.”

“Really?” Barbara, an ardent devotee of the Anemo Archon, beamed with joy. “Then this year’s Windblume Festival will have the magnificent Lyre fully restored!”

While Jean and Barbara chatted happily, Venti winked conspiratorially at Aether and Jiang Bai, quietly slipping away. Paimon followed quickly, confused.

“Why are we sneaking away?” she whispered loudly.

Venti playfully stuck out his tongue. “Just giving the sisters some privacy.”

“What? Jean and Barbara are sisters?” Jiang Bai exclaimed, genuinely shocked.

He’d never guessed such a connection existed. Though now that he thought about it, they did look alike…

“Ehe!” Venti laughed mischievously, clearly unwilling to elaborate.

They continued chatting as they pushed open the cathedral doors, which swung shut softly behind them.

Stepping into the bright sunlight, Venti suddenly felt an unsettling premonition.

At the same moment, Jiang Bai sensed a chilling killing intent surging around them. Silently, heavily armed figures emerged from the shadows—debt collectors who had been waiting patiently for this exact moment.

—

This is a fan translation of 胡桃拿我冲业绩 by 余溯. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!