In Mondstadt's residential district, Eula felt the residents' openly hostile gazes pressing in on her. A sudden urge rose in her heart—to distance herself from Su Bai. She didn't want a newly made friend to suffer this malice because of her.
"What's wrong? Tired? Want to take a break?" Su Bai's slightly lazy voice sounded beside her.
Eula shook her head. When Amber had suggested this earlier, Su Bai had agreed without a second thought.
"Su Bai, you made me walk this long with you. I'll remember this grudge."
"Alright, alright, remember it. I just wanted to find a helper."
Watching Eula walk behind him with her chin raised in a classic tsundere posture, Su Bai smiled inwardly. Her tsundere level was about the same as little Diona's. It was hard to imagine someone this proud becoming close friends with Sister Yanfei.
That said, this new friend of his clearly wasn't very welcome in Mondstadt. Su Bai glanced sideways at the surrounding citizens. As an adeptus, his perception was already keen—and the disgust in their eyes wasn't hidden at all.
After spending some time together, Su Bai could tell that Eula wasn't a bad person. Becoming captain of the Reconnaissance Company at such a young age as an ordinary human and protecting Mondstadt—this alone was enough for Su Bai's recognition.
A noble by birth yet not indulgent in luxury. Given a higher starting point than most, yet never arrogant. Strong, yet never abusing her power.
The knightly virtues were perfectly embodied in Eula.
And yet, such a knight was looked upon with hatred by the very people she protected. Once Eula herself was ruled out, the reason became obvious—
The surname Lawrence.
"Eula, we're here."
Su Bai knocked lightly on the wooden door. Moments later, a head peeked out through the gap—Fischl. Seeing Su Bai, she immediately opened the door.
"My loyal retainer, when did this princess ever inform you of her sleeping chambers?"
"I just followed the Electro on Oz. Here—"
Su Bai handed her a pouch.
"This is your share of the Mora from last time. I brought it over."
Fischl's eyes lit up instantly as she accepted the Mora. She'd been wondering how to ask Su Bai for it herself.
"Sir Su Bai, your timing is impeccable. The Queen of the Night is about to celebrate her birthday, and my lady was troubled over how to ask you for her payment. That Mora was meant to buy a gift for Her Majesty."
"Oz! Go back to the room—now!"
Fischl's face flushed red as she avoided Su Bai's gaze. Once he left, she was definitely going to deal with Oz properly. Didn't he know some things shouldn't be said out loud?
"Haha—Su Bai, this is your 'helper'? A little girl?"
Eula sized Fischl up from head to toe. She truly couldn't imagine how a chuunibyou girl could help with tracking down the Darknight Hero.
"No. I'm not asking Fischl for help," Su Bai replied, shaking his head.
Oz immediately caught on—Su Bai's visit clearly wasn't just about him.
"Sir Su Bai, if there's anything I can assist with, please say the word."
"Then I'll trouble you. I'll be waiting at the Good Hunter tonight."
While Su Bai and Oz discussed the evening's arrangements, the two girls—both somewhat ostracized in Mondstadt—looked at each other. Perhaps sensing each other's circumstances, Fischl and Eula unexpectedly hit it off.
Seeing them chatting animatedly, Su Bai shot Oz a subtle look. Oz understood at once and led Su Bai into a small side room.
Inside, Su Bai took out two portions of pastries from his Vision's space. After thanking him, Oz happily started eating.
"Oz, when did you figure out my real intention?" Su Bai asked.
"From the moment I saw Miss Lawrence, I had a general idea," Oz replied.
"So that's why you deliberately embarrassed Fischl—to draw Eula's interest."
Oz nodded. A hint of sharp intelligence gleamed in his small eyes. Fischl was the one he would protect for life—nothing involving her could be treated lightly.
"In that case, I should thank you as well, Sir Su Bai, for helping my lady find a good friend. She has very few female friends in Mondstadt."
Through the wall came the light laughter of Fischl and Eula. The fox and the night raven exchanged glances, both seeing the joy reflected in each other's eyes.
"Oz, you've lived in Mondstadt for quite some time. Do you know why people here hate the Lawrence name so much?" Su Bai asked.
"Sir Su Bai… that matter traces back to a very long time ago…"
In the living room, Fischl was passionately describing her "territory" to Eula in her unique chuunibyou manner. Eula listened with interest—it was clear Fischl suited her surprisingly well.
Taking advantage of a pause while Fischl drank water, Eula asked:
"Little sister, you've talked so much, yet I still don't know your name. I'll remember this grudge."
Fischl instantly set down her cup and leapt onto the sofa. Electro energy gathered at her fingertips, and her exposed eye glowed with a faint purple light.
"I am Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, sovereign of eternal twilight and final judgment—WAAAH!"
In her excitement, Fischl stepped hard onto the table. Whether from age or force, the table let out a protesting creak before collapsing into splinters.
Fischl stumbled and fell—saved only because Eula reacted in time and caught her.
"Fischl, are you hurt?" Eula asked.
"It's over… it's all over! I broke Mom's favorite vase! She'll make Dad beat me with the Seven Wolves—no, she'll probably do it herself!"
Seeing Fischl sitting on the floor in utter despair, Eula burst out laughing before she could stop herself.
Hearing the noise, Su Bai and Oz rushed out of the side room. Oz froze midair at the sight of the shattered remains.
That vase… was Fischl's mother's favorite. Rumor had it—it was an antique.
Oz nearly fell from the air.
"Sir Su Bai… if you have time next year, please scatter a handful of beans before my grave. I will pray for you in the next world."
(T/N: Ts actually way too funny lol.)