<h4>Chapter 149: Viin Simtor, Ch 148</h4>


    Lisa stretched leisurely and gave Jean a knowing look. "Jean, dear, I think you''d better leave me out of this one," she said, her usualid-back tone taking on a note of amusement. "This is shaping up to be quite the dangerous little venture, and someone has to stay behind to keep Mondstadt in one piece."


    Jean nodded seriously. "Precisely why I''m asking you to remain in the city. With the Knights focusing on the expedition, Mondstadt''s defenses will be weaker than ever. Someone reliable must oversee things here, and I can''t think of anyone better."


    Despite Lisa''s oftenckadaisical attitude, Jean knew that she was one of the Knights'' strongest assets. Having Lisa hold down the fort would provide a much-needed safety.


    "I''ll volunteer!"


    A lively voice rang out as a girl with chestnut hair, golden eyes, and goggles on her head jumped to her feet. "Acting Grand Master Jean! Outrider Amber reporting for duty!"


    "Don''t even think about it."


    A cool voice came from beside her as a tall, blue-haired girl pressed a firm hand on Amber''s shoulder, pushing her back into her seat. "Reconnaissance isn''t the same as front-linebat. Leave this to the professionals."


    "E... are you worried about me?" Amber looked up at her with wide, sparkling eyes, her expression melting into one of heartfelt gratitude. "You''re the best partner ever!"


    "Don''t say such silly things..." E muttered, her expression tightening as she pushed Amber away, her lips curling into a wry smile. "For all you know, I could use this opportunity to get rid of Acting Grand Master Jean."


    Though many in Mondstadt harbored suspicions about E due to her lineage as a Lawrence, those who worked closely with her knew her true character. The Knights chuckled softly at her self-deprecating humor, the tension in the room easing a little.


    With that brief moment of levity, the roster for the expedition was finalized.


    "Everyone, I''m counting on you!" Jean dered, drawing her sword with a resolute gleam in her eyes. "For Mondstadt! For freedom!"


    The assembled Knights stood as one, raising their swords in a shared oath.


    But just as E unsheathed her own weapon, a small cloth object fluttered from her belt andnded lightly on the conference table.


    The room fell into silence.


    Everyone stared at it, eyes widening in unison—it was a pair of men''s boxer shorts, embroidered with a dragon motif and exuding a mboyant ir.


    An awkward stillness hung in the air.


    The implications were clear: E had a boyfriend and was carrying around something as personal as his underwear.


    "AAAAHHH!"


    E''s face flushed bright red as she drew her ymore, mming it down with a thunderous crash that splintered both the offending garment and the conference table into countless fragments. She shouted, "This destruction will mirror the end of Stormterror!"


    The Knights immediately picked up on her intent, collectively pretending they had seen nothing. Only Jean looked troubled, her brow furrowed as she stared at the shattered table.


    After all, that embroidery looked distinctly like Liyue craftsmanship. Who else could it belong to but Lucas?


    <strong>Nightfall</strong>


    At Lucas'' temporary quarters, a soft <i>click</i> broke the silence as a window swung open.


    A tall figure cloaked in shadows slipped inside, bringing with her a faint chill. The intruder, with flowing silver hair and a half-mask concealing her face, was none other than the 8th Fatui Harbinger, La Signora.


    Signora''s spies had confirmed Lucas''s participation in the expedition against Stormterror. While she had rejected the Doctor''s proposal, she couldn''t shake her concern—after all, the modified weapon known as "Ursa" radiated a sinister aura that even she found unsettling.


    Still, her pride wouldn''t allow her to meet Lucas face-to-face again, especially after vowing never to see him. Thus, she had written an anonymous letter to dissuade him from joining the mission.


    "So, this is his room..." she murmured, her sharp gaze scanning the space. Even in the dim light, her vision was clear and precise.


    Pulling the letter from her cloak, Signora exhaled softly. But just as she ced it down, a sudden gust of wind blew the window shut with a loud <i>bang.</i>


    And then—fate''s cruel sense of humor—a series of approaching footsteps echoed from outside the door.


    Lucas entered the room, flipping on the lights and opening the window again to let in some air.


    Unbeknownst to him, a hint of crimson fabric had disappeared into the gap of his wardrobe door.


    Signora, caught off guard by Lucas'' early return, had no choice but to conceal herself inside the closet.


    While spacious, the wardrobe still felt stifling given Signora''s tall and curvaceous figure. She barely dared to breathe, aware that any motion might cause the door to burst open.


    <i>Damn it...</i> Signora thought, gritting her teeth. <i>Why did he have toe back so soon?</i>


    Hiding in the wardrobe, Signora found herself at a loss. She could march out boldly and exin herself, but how could she justify breaking into his room when she had sworn never to meet him again?


    Her pride wouldn''t allow it. The only option was to wait for Lucas to fall asleep and then make her escape.


    But then, Lucas stepped toward the wardrobe, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I know you''re in there."


    Signora''s breath hitched. <i>Did he... already notice me?</i>


    "I suggest youe out on your own," Lucas teased. "Or else I might have to spank you."


    <i>What?!</i>


    Signora''s face turned bright red. The tone in his voice carried an unmistakable yfulness, yet the words were undeniably suggestive.


    Debating whether to reveal herself, she heard Lucas continue. "Alright, I''m just kidding. Bute on out—I''ll feed you well, give you milk until your little mouth is full, and then let you go. How about that?"


    Her blush deepened, her skin practically glowing with embarrassment. What on earth was this man talking about?


    Just as Signora resolved to step out and confront him, she heard a small, distinct <i>meow.</i>


    Reaching down, Lucas pulled a plump orange tabby cat from beneath the wardrobe.


    "Gotcha," he said, grinning at the chubby feline. "Stealing food again, huh?"


    The realization hit Signora like a wave of relief. <i>It was just a stray cat...</i> But inexplicably, a faint sense of disappointment settled in her chest.


    After feeding the orange tabby and letting it go, Lucas stretched and yawned. "Big day tomorrow," he muttered. "Better turn in early."


    Hearing this, Signora rxed. She could finally n her exit—until another knock sounded at the door.


    <i>You''ve got to be kidding me!</i> she fumed silently. <i>How am I supposed to get out of here now?</i>


    From her vantage point inside the wardrobe, she couldn''t see much, but her sharp ears picked up the voice of the new arrival.


    It was a girl.


    Lucas'' heart skipped a beat as he saw two figures standing at the door. It was Lumine and Paimon—the same duo he had met earlier in the day.


    When Stormterror attacked the city, Lucas had been too preupied with protecting civilians to talk to them for long, yet here they were now.


    <i>Does everyone in Mondstadt know where I''m staying?</i> he thought incredulously.


    Sensing his confusion, Lumine smiled apologetically. "Sorry to bother you sote. I asked Klee for your address."


    "What''s the matter?" Lucas asked directly.


    "Aren''t you going to invite us in first?" Paimon interjected, clearly at ease. "We''ve got serious business to discuss!"


    "Of course," Lucas replied with a smile, stepping aside to let them in. "Please,e in."


    "This feels amazing!" Paimon eximed as she plopped onto Lucas''s bed, a blissful expression on her face. "It''s been so long since I''ve slept on an actual bed."


    "Wait, what?" Lucas asked, bemused. "Where have you been sleeping?"


    "Mostly... outside," Lumine said with a sigh. "Mondstadt is the first city we''ve entered."


    <i>So it''s the same as in the game,</i> Lucas thought. As the protagonist, Lumine was exploring the seven nations in search of her brother, with Mondstadt being her first stop.


    "That sounds... tough," Lucas said awkwardly. "So, what brings you here?"


    "I heard you''re joining the expedition against Stormterror tomorrow," Lumine said seriously. "I''d like to join you and help in the battle."


    "That''s a dangerous mission," Lucas replied, frowning. "Why risk your life? You''re not even from Mondstadt."


    "We''re not helping for free," Paimon chimed in. "In return, we want a favor."


    Lucas eyed them thoughtfully, already having a good idea of what they might want.


    "I''m looking for my missing brother," Lumine admitted, her gaze softening with sadness. "Someone as strong as you might be able to help me find some clues."


    Lucas folded his arms, considering her words. "Returning a favor like that isn''t a problem, but I''m curious... why choose me, of all people?"


    Having gone through many simtions, Lucas had learned that most "coincidences" were anything but. Lumine wouldn''t have chosen him on a whim after a brief encounter.


    "Because..." Lumine hesitated, then smiled shyly. "I think you''re a good person."


    <i>Wow, a Good Person Card before I even confess?</i> Lucas thought dryly.


    "Don''t get me wrong," Lumine quickly added. "I just feel like you wouldn''t refuse me. This world is still so unfamiliar to me. Of course, if you want to say no, that''s fine too. I''ll still help tomorrow."


    "Yeah!" Paimon grinned. "Consider it paying you back for that half a meat pie!"


    Meanwhile, in the closet, Signora was silently panicking.


    <i>Don''t agree. Whatever you do, don''t agree!</i>


    She knew full well that the Doctor''s n left no survivors. Not the Knights, nor any outsiders helping them—everyone would be targeted by his terrifying creation.


    "I''ll help you."


    Despite her silent pleas, Lucas nodded. "I don''t have many leads, but if I find anything, I''ll let you know."


    "Really?" Lumine''s face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you! I''ll definitely repay this kindness."


    Lucas wasn''t just agreeing because he couldn''t refuse people. As the protagonist of the original story, Lumine was undoubtedly tied to extraordinary events. Befriending her was likely to bring more benefits than drawbacks.


    Of course, there was also a more personal reason.


    <i>I used to y the game with a female avatar too,</i> Lucas thought. <i>And let''s be honest—whether it''s treating her as a daughter or as waifu material, there''s no way I''d leave her hanging.</i>


    "Let''s meet tomorrow at the city gates," Lucas said, noticing thete hour.


    "No problem!" Paimon said cheerfully. "We''ll sleep there and wake up bright and early. We won''t bete!"


    "Sleep there?" Lucas asked, puzzled. "I don''t think there''s an inn near the city gates."


    "We don''t need an inn," Lumine said with a resigned smile. "There''s a vacant lot nearby. We''ll pitch a tent."


    "Yep!" Paimon added, hands on her hips. "The food here in Mondstadt is just too delicious. We spent all our Mora on it!"


    "And you''re proud of that?!" Lumine scolded, grabbing Paimon''s chubby cheeks. "We could''ve stayed in a proper house tonight if it weren''t for you!"


    It seemed that, like yers just starting the game, Lumine was still struggling financially. Unlike the game, however, ying Hilichurls in real life didn''t drop Mora, and early materials weren''t worth much.


    "Well, if you don''t mind..." Lucas scratched his cheek, looking a little embarrassed. "I have a spare room. You''re wee to stay here."


    "We don''t mind at all!" Lumine and Paimon said in unison.


    "I knew it!" Paimon said smugly. "There''s no way someone as nice as you would let cute girls sleep outside. Finally, a real bed!"


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