"The land of Mondstadt, huh?"
Standing up, Isaac looked at the vast sprawling lands on the horizon, of the green verdant plains and the coastal sea not far away.
He inhaled the air and felt its crisp coldness wafting through his lungs before being exhaled out into the wind.
It felt refreshing.
Fontaine might be more humid in its climate, and that he had grown used to it, but he still much preferred a climate such as this.
It was truly a wondrous experience.
After taking in the scenery around him, Isaac then turned to the bard beside him, Venti.
"I must say, it's a great nation to visit. Not only for its culture, but also its land that just hits the right spot."
"Why, thank you for your review of our nation." Venti smiled warmly. "It's truly one of a kind isn't it? Our beloved Mondstadt."
Isaac agreed with a nod. "It sure is..."
Then came another strong breeze, prompting him to hold on to his cloak as it flailed in the wind.
"A bit windy though." He chuckled.
Venti shrugged. "That's just how things are here in Mondstadt. Myths and legends even tell that these very same winds carry a part of the Anemo Archon himself, watching over his lands no matter where he was."
"I see." Isaac smiled as he looked back at him. Then, while maintaining that smile, he added, "The Anemo Archon must be one hard working fellow. To watch over his land this much, dare I say he might even be the most responsible and active Archon out of all the Seven."
Venti remained silent as Isaac spoke, but the latter didn't miss the moment that he avoided his gaze at that moment, as if he was embarrassed or outright flustered of the claims Isaac was making of the Archon.
Meanwhile, Isaac quietly enjoyed Venti's entertaining gestures. He knew full well what he was doing, and enjoyed seeing Venti's reaction out of it.
After a while, Venti cleared his throat and said with a wry smile, "Th, that is just a myth though. There's no need to take it seriously."
"Well, you are the bard." Isaac shrugged, still amused. "I'll take your word for it."
Then, having had enough, he sat his gaze on the distance, where he could see the silhouette of a windmill slowly churning.
If memory serves right, then that should be...
"That's the City of Mondstadt over there, right?" He asked as he gazed at the distance.
Venti glanced at him briefly before nodding. "Indeed. Right there is the city of wine, bards, and knights. Are you planning to go there?"
Isaac nodded. "That's right. I have someone to meet there, and I don't want them to keep waiting."
It was probably better to meet Klee there than have her meet him out here. Archons know how much trouble he'd get dragged into if she did.
Venti lingered for a moment before walking in front of him. "Ehe, then can I come with you?"
"Come with me?" Isaac repeated with a raised eyebrow. He thought of it for a moment before saying, "I have no problems with it, but why?"
Traveling with the Anemo Archon himself was something Isaac did not expect, much less even accounted for before leaving the café. So, naturally, he was a bit curious as to why this God of Freedom suddenly decided to offer him something like this.
Meanwhile, Venti remained as elusive as ever like the drifting winds that blew around them, while still maintaining that nonchalant and carefree smile of his.
"Well, I have been wanting to go to the tavern lately..." He said as he eyed Isaac quite intently. Specifically, his pockets. "And so, I'm offering you a deal!"
"I'll travel with you there and keep you company with songs and melodies. Well? Pretty great deal, isn't it?" Venti said with enthusiasm. "In exchange, how about you support your local bard with some drinks, eh?"
'Ah, of course...'
To be honest, he should have expected that.
With a shake of his head that was accompanied by an amused smile, he held on to his cloak as he walked off.
"Alright then, you have a deal. Pleasure doing business with you, Venti."
At least with him here, there shouldn't be too much of a trouble with Klee. Or at least he'd hope so.
He doesn't really want to rely on the guy who is as free as the wind.
"Ehe, wonderful!" Following right beside him, Venti conjured his lyre. "Then, as a start, I'll sing you a fine melody. Consider this a bonus from your considerate bard, friend!"
And with that, he began strumming the strings accompanied by his voice that, surely enough, soothed Isaac as the two of them walked over to Mondstadt.
"♫There will come a soldier
Who carries a mighty sword
He will tear your city down, oh lei-oh lai-oh Lord
Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh Lord
He will tear your city down, oh lei-oh lai-oh Lord ♫"
His song continued as the two of them ventured through the plains and lush trees of Mondstadt, playing as they walked.
Along the way, Isaac felt like he had just been dropped into a story with Venti's songs. Coupled with the scenery...
Truly, Mondstadt held a special place in Isaac's heart.
---
The sun rose up high in the sky, and soon, the city walls of Mondstadt came into view.
Isaac looked around and saw many people, ranging from the common folk up to those that had considerably more status than others entering through the main gate.
"We're finally here." Pulling down his cloak's hood, Isaac stopped just before the bridge leading to the main gate. "That didn't take long... Especially with your songs accompanying me. They were great, by the way."
"Why thank you." Venti, who had sat unto the stone edge of the bridge, chuckled. "Ehe, it's been a while since I sang like that while traveling. Ah, it sure brings me back to the good old days."
"You sure do speak like you're in your late eighties." Isaac scoffed.
"Hey, that's not a nice thing to say!" Venti eyed him with a pout. "I'd very much like to tell you that I am a quiant person at heart, thank you very much."
Isaac smiled. "Must be why you're a great bard then, or so I believe."
He paused briefly then looked back at the main gate. "Well then, let's get going. Don't want to keep my friend and your dandelion wine waiting."
"Oh-ho! I never stated I wanted a dandelion wine to you, have I?" Venti smirked.
In turn, Isaac shook his head nonchalantly as he began to walk. "Yeah, but take is a sign of a good will from someone who really liked your music."
"Ehe, then this humble bard shall accept your token of gratitude."
The two of them entered through the main gate, and after briefly clarifying their intentions, they were let in for inspection.
For Venti, he had already been known as a bard in the city, so he was easily let through. But for Isaac, he had to show his identification documents as an envoy from Fontaine.
For the last few days, he had been preparing for this mission, and he specifically requested Neuvillette to grant him papers that could allow him to travel to other nations.
Isaac just wanted some normal papers that could be used in borders, but the Iudex just had to give him the status of a special envoy. Which basically means...
Whatever he did here, it was all seen as diplomatic and political.
So to not jeopardize the relationships between Mondstadt and Fontaine, Isaac had to be extra careful with what he does.
'What a headache...'
He didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse from Neuvillette.
"Have a pleasant stay in Mondstadt." The Knight told him as he let him through.
"Thank you." Isaac politely nodded as he walked together with Venti.
Meanwhile, the latter couldn't help but whisper to him, "I didn't know you were someone that special, oh my."
Isaac sighed. "Yeah, well, it's nothing special. Just some words on the paper."
"Oh, sure, Mr. Envoy."
"Hah..."
The two of them walked on, until finally, they were in the middle of the plaza. There were people everywhere and the entire city looked as vibrant and lively as it was yesterday, and in Isaac's memories.
Isaac looked around, and after setting his sights on the Knights of Favonius headquarters not far, he nodded to himself.
Then he turned to Venti and gave him a bag of Mora.
"Here's your pay, Venti. Get yourself a hard earned meal and wine down in the tavern."
"Why, thank you for your support, dear patron." Accepting the bag, Venti chuckled. Then, he looked up at Isaac. "But will you not be coming with me?
Isaac shook his head. "I can't. Remember? I have some I need to meet. Well, then if you'd excuse me."
"Ah, it can't be helped." Venti sighed. "Very well, let us part ways, Isaac. It was fun traveling with you."
Isaac paused and laughed. "Aha, why did you have to make it sound like we're never meeting again? Relax. If things go well, you just might find me stumbling down the tavern later and join you in your meal. If you're still there, of course."
Hearing that, Venti's eyes sparkled. "Really? Great! Then, this humble bard will be waiting for you! Ehe, I hope your alcohol tolerance meets the people of Mondstadt's expectations!"
At that, Isaac smirked. "Oh, it will. Trust me."
He had trained his liver with Snezhnaya's fire water when he was in Nod-Krai as part of his training with the Captain.
Surely Mondstadt's wines won't punch him in the gut, right?
Well, he could only wait and see.
After parting ways with the bard Venti, Isaac started heading his way to the Knights of Favonius to finally meet Klee in her home turf.
...which would later be followed up by an explosion that shook the entire headquarters itself.
---
A/N:
youtube . com / watch?v=SG_N_6Kv494
Venti singing.
Watch it.