25. The Nation's Idol Traveler (Minor Revision)

The Traveler moved with the agility of a nimble leopard, leaping and vaulting across cliffs, eaves, and tree branches with effortless, wind-like grace. Soon, they cleared the adventurer’s camp and reached a desolate corner.

There stood a mysterious, floating object resembling a barbell—narrow in the middle and wider at both ends—emitting a soft, blue, mystical glow. This was a Teleport Waypoint.

The Traveler reached out to touch the waypoint and closed their eyes, picturing the central fountain of Mondstadt in their mind. A wave of vertigo washed over them, and when they opened their eyes again, they were standing in the bustling heart of Mondstadt.

The six-armed windmill turned lazily, carrying a fresh, floral breeze. The Traveler let out a breath of relief and offered a faint smile. (Finally back.)

Paimon tapped his head in annoyance, hands on her hips, and huffed, "Tra-ve-ler! You still haven't answered my question!"

The Traveler sighed helplessly. "Little Paimon, are you really not worried at all? With Nana’s physical condition, can she truly adapt to this world? And can Master Diluc really take good care of her? I don't mean that Master Diluc isn't diligent, but Nana’s constitution is different from the locals'. If he treats her like an ordinary person, there are bound to be things he overlooks."

Besides... that woman held such a massive secret about his sister and him; how could he dare let her out of his sight for too long? He hadn't expected to lose his way, which had caused such a long delay. The longer he was out of control, the more Aether couldn't help but let his imagination run wild. Had she betrayed them? Was a new bounty already on its way?

Thinking of the frail, narcissus-like constitution of Pei Nana, Paimon was left speechless. "Y-you have a point. Then let's not waste any more time! Let's go to the tavern! There are strangers everywhere, and Nana is so timid—she must have been terrified all these days!"

With that, she zipped ahead. Aether followed close behind, and soon, the two arrived at Angel's Share.

It was dark, and the people of Mondstadt, finished with their work, had flocked to the tavern for a drink. The resident bard, Six-Fingered Jose, was plucking his strings in his usual seat, his fingers dancing nimbly. The air was thick with the aroma of wine, servers in uniforms bustled about, and patrons were laughing and clinking glasses with boisterous enthusiasm.

Some were tipsy, howling off-key songs at the top of their lungs, while others danced on tables, swaying their hips and shaking their cups as their friends roared with laughter, nearly falling over themselves.

The cacophony of voices made it impossible to distinguish individual words, only a tide of jubilation and excitement. Caught in the atmosphere, one’s own mood couldn't help but be infected by the joy and intensity of the crowd.

"Wow... so, so many people..." It was Paimon's first time seeing such a chaotic scene. As soon as they entered, she covered her mouth and drifted back half a meter in shock.

Aether caught her, tucked her into his arms with one hand, and pushed through the crowd of boisterous patrons toward the bar.

"Yo! Is that the Honorary Knight?!"
"The Traveler!"
"Traveler, here for a drink? Hahahaha, it's on me!"
"Long time no see, Honorary Knight! How have you been?"

Some in the tavern recognized him, and a wave of warm greetings washed over him. Though he was a traveler from afar, every resident of Mondstadt remembered his deeds. The people, who loved poetry and wine, had woven the "Hero's" feats into songs that would be sung forever, holding him in as much reverence as a legendary hero from an epic. They believed that a thousand years from now, a page in the continent's chronicles would surely belong to him.

Yet, as people of the wind, they were free-spirited and understood the value of liberty; they wouldn't crowd him fanatically or let his fame become a burden.

Aether smiled and nodded in return. Paimon, both shy and proud, giggled bashfully and waved in every direction, "Hello, hello~"

The high stools at the bar were nearly full. Colorful glasses and wooden mugs were brimming with spirits, and several glass bottles flew through the air in Charles’s hands, dancing like a circus performer's juggling act.

"Charles! We're back!" Paimon cheered.

The people at the bar turned, and those who recognized the savior of Mondstadt were pleasantly surprised. They hurriedly and warmly made space. "Long time no see, Traveler! How have you been?"

Aether acted like a polite, emotionless machine, smiling and repeating, "I'm doing well, thank you all. Thank you. It’s good to see you too. Thank you." There were simply too many people greeting him; it seemed every person who saw him had a word to say, and he couldn't even keep track of who was who.

Charles was overjoyed to see them. Without stopping his flair-tending, he laughed heartily, "You've finally returned, Traveler! It's too busy to host you properly right now! Why don't you head to the third floor? Miss Nana has been waiting for your return all these days! She’ll be thrilled to see you!"

"Thank you, I'll go right away!" Aether replied, and, as if escaping, he hurried toward the third floor.

Compared to the bustling first and second floors, the third was as quiet as a grave. Every door was tightly shut, save for the one where Pei Nana stayed, from which a gentle light spilled out through the crack.

Paimon rushed over and knocked: "Rat-tat-tat!"

A woman’s voice, laced with caution, came from inside: "Who is it?"

"Nana! It's us! The Traveler and Paimon! We're back!" Paimon shouted.

"Paimon...?" There was a moment of silence in the room. Just as Paimon began to wonder, the sound of frantic footsteps erupted, the door flew open, and a white shadow lunged out.

"Paimon!"

"Hey, hey??" Paimon didn't have time to dodge and was tackled head-on. She widened her eyes, flailing her short, chubby arms and shrieking as she was knocked backward.

"Careful!" Seeing the two of them about to hit the floor, Aether lunged forward and caught them in his arms with lightning reflexes. He twisted his body, absorbing the momentum and shifting them away from the dangerous railing and into the hallway.

Pei Nana instinctively pushed against him, looking up with wariness, but upon seeing Aether’s dark expression, she was startled. Without a second thought, she threw her arms around his neck.

The boy broke into a cold sweat, equal parts shocked and furious. Before he could lecture her on her reckless behavior, he found himself being clung to like an octopus, and she burst into loud, wailing sobs. "—You finally came back! I thought you didn't want me anymore! Waaaah..."

Aether: "...??"

The boy was stunned, his ears ringing. He instinctively pulled back, forgetting all about his lecture.

She hugged him even tighter, as if afraid he would run away.

Paimon, squeezed between them, was nearly suffocated. She struggled to free one hand from the gap and reached out tremblingly. "Hel... p..."

"Waaaah, I was so scared, waaaah..."

"...me..."

Aether: "..."

Aether’s forehead creased with frustration. He grabbed Paimon from between them and tossed her aside to fly freely. He tried to pull away slightly, but couldn't break free—of course, if he used force, he could easily disengage, but he couldn't risk hurting her.

Since she was crying so miserably, how could he be so cold-hearted? Aether had no choice but to let her vent. At the same time, he couldn't help but reflect: (Am I really that terrible?)

Paimon zipped a few meters away, dizzily adjusting the star-shaped crown that was threatening to fall off her head, patting her chest in lingering fear. Pei Nana’s sudden outburst had truly startled her; her little heart was still pounding.

But seeing how heartbroken Nana looked, Paimon’s heart softened. She seemed truly distressed, like a child who had found their family after getting lost. Had Master Diluc been mean to her?

Paimon clutched her chest, hovering over timidly, and patted Pei Nana’s shoulder gently. "Na, Nana~ don't cry~ The Traveler and I are back now. If anyone bullied you, just tell us! We'll make the Traveler teach them a lesson!"

Pei Nana: "Waaaah..."

Paimon glanced downstairs. "Oh no... someone noticed us."