Amber and Barbatos both froze, their expressions stiffening. Clearly, neither had anticipated Gu Sanqiu’s train of thought veering off in such an unexpected direction.
“Uh… I mean, this is gliding. It shouldn’t count as fatigued driving, right?” Amber weakly defended herself. Barbara had delivered the Acting Grand Master’s orders, but they certainly hadn’t suggested she rush to the scene using her wind glider in such a state.
“The definition of ‘driving’ isn’t something I need to explain, is it? Wind gliders could be considered vehicles in a sense,” Gu Sanqiu sighed dramatically. “But whatever. Considering the large-scale elemental fluctuations across Mondstadt, your situation is minor by comparison.”
Amber, being the diligent type, wouldn’t be easily swayed. Even if Gu Sanqiu tried to distract her with a casual, “I didn’t see anything, why don’t you head somewhere else?” it would only trigger her sense of duty.
And with a certain drunken “observer” lingering nearby, it was even less likely he’d get any alone time with Aether.
By alone time, of course, he meant Aether lying flat on an operating table, surrounded by knives and instruments while he conducted a thorough study.
“Oh, come on now. That’s a small matter, nothing to worry about,” Barbatos interjected with a cheerful laugh, trying to diffuse the tension. After all, he had played a significant role in speeding Amber along to the scene.
Technically, if one counted gliding as a form of driving, then Amber had not only flown while fatigued but also well over the speed limit. Fortunately for her, Mondstadt didn’t have detailed air traffic laws for wind gliders.
And even if it did, Barbatos thought smugly, as Mondstadt’s Archon, I’d just declare Amber innocent! (He quickly scratched that thought.)
Turning toward Aether, Barbatos pretended not to recognize him. “And this is…?”
Aether raised his right hand to his chest, giving the three strangers a polite smile.
Still as awkward in real life as in the stories, Gu Sanqiu thought to himself, suppressing a snicker. He couldn’t help but study Aether again, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
The strange, intrusive thoughts from earlier were gone, leaving behind only a deep curiosity. This guy is absolutely worth investigating further.
“Hello there!” a cheerful voice called out from above.
The small floating creature, Paimon, waved enthusiastically. “I’m Paimon! This is my travel companion. Thanks for helping us drive off those nasty monsters!”
Gu Sanqiu extended a hand with a smile. “Paimon, is it? Nice to meet you.”
“Huh?” Paimon blinked in surprise, but then cautiously reached out with both hands to shake his.
“Uh, nice to meet you. Is this a common greeting now?”
“Pretty standard,” Gu Sanqiu said with a shrug. “Of course, waving works too. But a handshake’s a bit more formal.”
“Wait, this flying little… uh, creature can talk?” Amber asked, her expression one of genuine wonder.
Paimon stamped her feet angrily in mid-air. “Hey! What do you mean, ‘little creature?’ I’m Paimon! Of course, I can talk!”
Amber clasped her hands together apologetically, though she couldn’t suppress a teasing grin. “Ah, sorry about that. As an apology, how about I treat you to a meal later?”
“Food?!” Paimon’s eyes sparkled. “Alright, deal! Thanks in advance!”
“No problem at all,” Amber replied with a laugh. “I’m Amber, an outrider knight of Mondstadt. Honestly, I was surprised at how much faster my wind glider was today.”
“If not for that, I might not have made it in time to help chase off those Hilichurls.”
Amber extended her hand to shake Paimon’s. “It seems even the winds of Mondstadt are welcoming your arrival.”
Gu Sanqiu instinctively glanced at Barbatos, who was grinning like an idiot.
Wind gliders were technically gliding tools, and Mondstadt’s climate made short-distance flights easy to accomplish. Considering the small localized storms Gu Sanqiu himself had encountered earlier, it was obvious who had manipulated the wind to speed Amber’s arrival.
This drunkard… He clearly doesn’t want me getting near Aether with my blade!
“So, where are you two from?” Amber asked. “As an outrider knight of Mondstadt, it’s my duty to ask. I hope you understand.”
Aether and Paimon both stiffened at the question.
Gu Sanqiu, ever the opportunist, added in a leisurely tone, “Judging by the looks of it, they probably don’t have proper identification.”
The travelers’ nervousness was palpable, and even Amber’s expression grew serious.
“Could they be refugees?” Gu Sanqiu continued. “Or perhaps treasure hoarders in disguise?”
Amber adjusted her goggles, her tone now formal. “If that’s the case, then I’ll need to escort you both back to Mondstadt for an investigation.”
“Hey! We didn’t do anything wrong!” Paimon shouted, glaring at Gu Sanqiu. “And you! Why do you keep assuming the worst about us?”
Barbatos, meanwhile, was at a loss for how to handle the situation.
From the moment Amber mentioned “Mondstadt’s winds welcome you” earlier, he knew Gu Sanqiu would piece together his involvement. And now, Gu Sanqiu was pushing to have Aether and Paimon treated as suspicious individuals. This can’t be good…
Amber shook her head firmly. “It’s not about assuming the worst. I don’t think you’re bad people, but we still have procedures to follow.”
“If you’re just ordinary travelers, the Knights can evaluate your situation and issue a temporary ID. That’ll make your travels easier—a win-win for everyone.”
Hearing the words easier travel, Aether’s eyes brightened. He tugged on Paimon’s sleeve, and after a brief, silent exchange, Paimon nodded in realization.
“Oh, that’s right! With an ID, it’ll be much easier for you to travel around and search for your sister!”
“Sister?” Amber asked, tilting her head.
After a short explanation, Amber finally understood.
“So, you’re a traveler from a distant land, here in Mondstadt to search for clues about your sister.”
Amber’s smile was as warm and bright as sunshine, reminiscent of Bennett’s. Her endless energy radiated optimism, though the dark circles under her eyes slightly dampened the effect.
“Well then, how about this? Come back to Mondstadt with me for the investigation. I can help you post missing-person notices near the city. How does that sound?”
Aether’s face lit up as he eagerly grasped Amber’s hand, shaking it fervently. “Please… thank you.”
What a graceful waist… such a gentle man… I want to—
Gu Sanqiu’s black willpower slammed down on the intrusive thoughts like a heavy hand, suppressing them instantly.
What’s with this guy’s voice? It sounds like a kid learning to speak.
His observations only solidified his earlier judgment. During the time Aether had been “disconnected,” some higher power must have drained everything from him. Even speaking seemed like a struggle.
Expressionless, Gu Sanqiu kept his thoughts to himself. Whatever strange allure Aether had, he was prepared for it. Amber, however, was clearly not.
—
T/N: O///O
This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. 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!
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