[T/L: Please read my author note after this (ᵕ—ᴗ—)]
After spending a few minutes explaining how she had enthusiastically interacted with the Abyss Order, Jibril thoroughly recounted the abilities and physical characteristics of the Abyss Mages she remembered, along with a small strategy guide she had made for Lumine.
For example, she explained the location of certain mysterious farming spots in Mondstadt, how to dispel curses cast by Abyss Mages, or how to use Anemo with the surrounding environment to interact with their shield.
Upon hearing this, the Traveler looked troubled, but Venti became excited as he raised his hand and exclaimed. "I've also been poisoned too~!"
Jibril narrowed her eyes as she scrutinizingly gazed at the young man repeatedly, making his expression grow increasingly nervous.
Seeming desperate to prove that he was actually suffering from poison of the Abyss, he paused and then hastily added. "It happened back when I was trying to communicate with Dvalin, to which I was interrupted!"
...
"Uh... so... that's because of us..?"
"Yes! It's because of you all!"
Venti said as he crossed his arms and nodded at the floating fairy.
Hearing Venti say this, Lumine stared wide-eyed while her body leaning slightly backward.
"Ugh... I'm sorry..." Lumine lowered her head, unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes with her fingers.
"So—"
Venti's voice cut off abruptly. His eyes darted between Jibril's slightly upturned lips and the Dandelion Wine she held high, the sound of the Flügel's fingertips tapping the bottle lingering in his mind.
"So?"
"So..." Venti instantly adopted a sincere expression as he clasped his hands together. "I would like you all to sincerely go with me to the Cathedral... to claim a certain Holy Lyre der Himmel."
Jibril set down the bottle and raised an eyebrow.
Is this claiming you speak of... is it legitimate?
Venti: When it comes to the Anemo Archon, you can't possibly call it stealing, right!?
Lumine nodded almost without hesitation. "If it's just this, then I will definitely help."
"In that case, let's not delay, we should go to the Cathedral right now!" Venti said happily.
The green-clad Bard ran off and under the Flügel's scornful gaze, he casually snatched his wine back.
——
In front of the Cathedral.
"So this... Holy Lyre der Himmel is..." Paimon finally couldn't help but ask.
This was actually Lumine's question too. She truly couldn't figure out how a lyre... an instrument? Could help in saving Dvalin.
"...Lumine, you're oversimplifying things." Jibril said, looking at the confused blonde and gently shaking her head. "Something kept in the Cathedral certainly wouldn't be an ordinary instrument. That is—"
"—It is Mondstadt's greatest treasure! It's the lyre that Barbatos used to play, and with it, I can perhaps help Dvalin draw his gentle nature back out of this nightmare that he's going through."
Venti said with a smile, while Paimon's expression gradually broke down.
"How are we going to get something this precious out!?"
Lumine, however, didn't question Venti but instead asked with some confusion. "...Will this really help stop Dvalin from causing destruction?"
"Ha! Of course! I'm the best bard in the world. There's not a single song I do not know, no matter if it's from the pest, present, or future." Venti leaned closer, stars practically sparkling in his eyes. "Look me in the eyes. Do you not find me trustworthy?"
Lumine nodded, but her legs honestly took a few steps back and she wrapped her arm around Jibril's.
"In any case, I'll go take a look around. You can come if you guys want."
Venti let out a strange "ehe" sound and quickly walked into the Cathedral.
Lumine and Jibril exchanged a look and immediately followed him.
Passing through the clean white stone archway, light filtered through the glass enveloped them like a curtain, flowing gently over the angel's feathers, and dust motes danced within the light beams.
[Hey Little Chicken, do you know where the highest success rate for confessing to a girl is?] The System's voice rang out in her mind.
Jibril tilted her head, her gaze passing Paimon to look at Lumine, who was walking in front.
The blonde didn't seem to be in a hurry, walking slowly and treading steadily across patches of light. Her golden hair tips bounced with her steps, looking very cute, as if melting into the equally warm sunshine.
'The aquarium or... the Ferris wheel?'
[Look at you! Hmph... Have you ever even held a girl's hand before in your past life?] the System's voice became smug.
Jibril's eye twitched. She no longer wanted to offer any rebuttal to defend herself.
'Well then, what is your esteemed opinion, Commander?'
[It must be in a church, of course! Preferably during a wedding. The newlyweds on the altar, making their vows, while you and your beloved stand face to face...]
Jibril's ear feathers twitched, her thoughts drifting as that scene seemed to emerge in her mind.
Two girls holding hands, their hearts beating at the same time and tightly clasped hands echoing the words "I do" as the bells chimed.
[...And then you successfully bag Lumine! What girl could refuse this method? Your trashy old approach won't work!]
...This bastard isn't even pretending anymore!
Moreover, compared to the aquarium and the Ferris wheel... no matter how you look at it, the church is for weddings!
Meanwhile, on the other side, Venti had already struck up a conversation with the sister.
[T/L: What's the difference between a nun and a sister???]
"Hello there, sister."
"May the Anemo God bless you, young bard. How can I help you?" The sister turned around and said in a gentle voice.
Venti crept closer again, lowering his voice. "Actually, I know a secret that can save Mondstadt from it's current predicament."
"Oh, What a blessing from the God of Anemo!" The sister crossed her hands over her chest, offering an awkward yet polite smile. "But you should report this to the Knights of Favonius. Why have you come to me?"
"Hahaha, because you, dear sister, are able to help! I'd like to borrow... the Holy Lyre. With it, I'll be able to help Stormterror—"
"Please see yourselves out." Without waiting for Venti to finish speaking, the sister sternly refused him.
"What!?"
Seeing Venti's shocked expression, Lumine covered her face, while the Flügel was already shaking as she tried to suppress her laughter, pointing a finger at his slightly discomfited back.
"It's a vicious dragon indeed, but once the Acting Grand Master makes up her mind, nothing can stand in the Knights' way."
Seeing that the sister was about to drive him away, Venti quickly spoke up. "That's simply not acceptable. Wouldn't Stormterror end up getting killed that way?"
"That foolish beast betrayed the winds. Not even the God of Anemo themselves would forgive it!" The sister said stubbornly.
"Mmm..." Venti suddenly clasped his hands together. "Please, I beg of you!"
"I'm afraid not, little bard." The sister's tense expression relaxed.
He changed his tone, his aura suddenly growing serious. "Then... I guess I'm left with no other choice. I cannot hide anymore!"
"My disciples, rejoice! Behold, the God of Anemo, Barbatos has descended!"
"Shocked, aren't you? Don't you just want to cry out and rejoice? How does it feel to finally meet the god you've been serving?"
The sister remained silent as she continued to smile.
After a few short yet long seconds, Venti slowly lowered the hand he had raised.
"Lumine, why aren't you laughing."
Lumine forces a smile as she watches Venti's.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going back to handle the Cathedral's paperwork now."
The sister gave Venti a warning look as she turned and left.