I'll admit, I didn't expect to see anything that was powerful enough to affect me so much after only a few bottles after leveling up this much, but I'll be damned; this world really does have impressive alcohol, especially in the hands of that talented child.

If it were in my hand, I would've taken her to my homeworld and recruited her. Such talent should be cultivated; I know several ways to have her go beyond her limits. Alcohol is one of the few things I take seriously, after all. Diona is an uncut diamond, and I'd love nothing more than to refine her talent.

Shame she doesn't like it herself, though. I'm sure that with enough time and practice, she'd be able to impress even my mother of all people, which isn't something to be said for most mortals in the infinite multiverses I've been to.

I sigh to myself as I walk through the bustling streets of Mondstadt. I hate letting talent like this go to waste in this primitive world. It's a fun world, yes, but Diona would do so much better where I live.

Now I'm not sure this is part of her talent/superpower, but I woke without any headache at all. This is most likely contributed by my own high level in comparison to when I started, but perhaps her magic hands had something to do with it.

Though, I still don't remember what happened after getting drunk, not even how I got to the tavern. Something in the back of my head tells me I did something very, very stupid, and not the funny kind of stupid. It's the 'there are big consequences that will end up with me beaten half to death' kind of stupid.

It is… a bit worrying. I can't exactly tell what it is that I did, but so far, I don't see the consequences of it, so it can't be that terrible, right? What could I possibly do in my current state that could lead to that type of thing? Reveal terrible secrets of the Ama Clan? Highly unlikely. I put a spell on myself that prevents me from doing that eons ago, and it persists to this day.

Even if I somehow did, I'd be struck by cosmic powers so hard that the very reality I'm in would shatter several times over. Courtesy of my lovely, beautiful, and absolutely terrifying mother. But that couldn't have happened. I'm still here, after all.

…I still don't like this. I feel like I've made a mistake of some kind.

I shake those thoughts out of my head. Regardless, I shouldn't let it get to me. I'm here on vacation, after all. Away from the stressful life of drinking and sleeping all the time. Messing with the people in my world is no fun. Everyone knows and likes me.

Well, I like them too, but that isn't the point.

I put a hand on my chin as I hum in thought. Speaking of being a nuisance, how should I annoy Jean today? I don't want to go overboard now. Maybe continuing to seduce Barbara would be ideal? Or find Klee for a second picnic. She seems to care about that child a lot.

I can still feel the knights following me. Just how bad of an impression did I make? I've only just woken up a few minutes ago. Maybe I should mess with them instead? It would more than likely let it slip that I know about them following me, but it would mess with Jean, at the end of the day.

Yes, this should be fun.

I continue my casual walk, intentionally going through a crowded space then take a sharp right at a crossroad, and the instant I don't feel their eyes on me anymore, I rush with all my speed to another side of the city, making it there in the blink of an eye.

I chuckle quietly to myself. There you go. I'd confront them directly just to see the looks on their faces, but that might be a little too much. Better if I am subtle about this. Making them panic too much might turn them completely hostile.

Slow steps and I'll have their proud grandmaster on her knees eventually, and the key to that is none other than pure, innocent Barbara. Honestly, I'd be doing her a much-needed service. Who would want to be a paranoid, stressed mess? I'm sure she'd appreciate some form of relief, and I was raised to be a gentleman.

As I come up with multiple devious plans for Jean, I'm stopped by the tip of a very familiar sword. I blink at the scowling Eula and sheepish Amber, giving them a polite smile. Ah, free breakfast. And I was just getting hungry.

"Good morning." I greet her.

"It's afternoon." Eula squints.

Ah, free lunch. And I was just getting hungry.

"So it is," I reply. "Would you like to join me for–"

"Same place." She says, pulling back her sword. "Ten minutes. Don't be late."

Who would've thought? Well, some exercise should be fine. Though, there isn't much satisfaction when I can't stretch my wings. It feels the best in my opinion, and I've almost forgotten that sensation of pure bliss.

"Sure." I nod, my smile unmoving regardless of her lack of respect.

Eula's glare only deepens as she walks away, with Amber giving me an apologetic bow before running off after her. Her girlfriend is a lot nicer than her. She also doesn't seem as apprehensive and suspicious of me as the rest of her comrades. Perhaps I should make more effort into… getting to know her more.

But enough of this for now. What should I have for lunch?

– Eula –

"You know," The bastard started smugly as he nibbled on a piece of toast. "I'm not going to keel over and die no matter how hard you glare at me."

Eula's hand balled into a fist, but she did not respond verbally. Staring directly at the thug enjoying his food in front of a fairly expensive restaurant, she simply clenched her teeth in frustration and seethed in silence.

Three times, she'd lost to him three times.

How was that even possible? How was he able to consistently defeat her? What was she doing wrong? No matter how hard she swung her blade, how much she used her Vision, the result was the same.

She was making progress, yes, but that was only because she was getting used to his fighting style. He wasn't that much more skilled than Eula now that she understood how he moved, but the gap in strength and speed was still vast and absolutely infuriating.

Insane. That's what he was. She did not know what kind of training he'd done to gain this much power, but it clearly wasn't your run-of-the-mill martial arts practice. You don't become this powerful just because you know how to throw a punch.

How was she supposed to beat something like that? Unlike the giant Lawachurls, he was intelligent and knew how to fight, so she couldn't exactly rely on wit to beat him. Plus, her Cryo Vision did no damage to him, no matter how much power she put behind it.

More than that, the smug brute enraged her no end. Like he knew just how much she needed and wanted this, and was so satisfied with himself for successfully defeating her. Not because he wanted to win, but because he wanted her to lose. Like he didn't care about staying in Mondstadt, but just wanted her to be mad.

Eula had to admit, It was working.

The silver lining of this whole situation was that his demands have been relatively nothing that's been noteworthy. Sure, the money she'd gotten from that Treasure Hoarder hunt being given to him was a bit annoying, but she was wealthy anyway. And lunch at a high-class restaurant wasn't exactly that bad either. At least he was keeping his word.

Crimson blinked at her lack of response and tilted his head with his grin widening.

"There is no shame in defeat, Ms. Lawrence." He said. "It's what drives us to be better, after all."

"Are you mocking me?" Eula said behind gritted teeth, her frustration flaring.

"Not at all." He shook his head, sipping from his iced tea. "I only think that a smile would look so much better than this scary scowl you have on your face."

For some reason, the sincerity in his tone made her heart skip a beat, her face glowing red from embarrassment, anger, and shame. She clicked her tongue and finally tore her glare away from him, deciding to look at the side of the very interesting streets made of stone brick.

She did not know how to feel about his compliment, but she also knew that she did not like it one bit. Eula would have her vengeance on him, and he was going to regret picking this fight with her. Exiling him from Mondstadt was not enough– she had to humiliate him like how he humiliated her.

Just because he was polite to her once or twice didn't mean she was going to forget what he did. No, she internally swore on her family's name that he was going to pay for it a thousandfold. Besides, he was probably just gloating about his victory, no matter how genuine he sounded to her.

Seeing that he did not get a response from her, Crimson leaned to the side, where her coworker sat.

"I think she hates me." He muttered.

More than he could comprehend.

"Y-yeah…" Amber, who was silent the whole time, finally spoke up after clearing her throat. "S-So, um, Mr. Crimson? How did you learn to fight so well?"

"Me?" He raised a brow with an amused look. "Do you think I would spill my secrets that easily?"

"O-oh no, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to–"

"Relax, I'm joking." He chuckled. "Well, most of my skills came from training under my teacher."

"You have a teacher?"

"Yes. She is also my mother, but that is beside the point." He nodded. "Though, after a certain point, she told me to go and figure things out on my own."

"What did she mean by that?"

"Hmm, to make a short story shorter, she wanted me to gain as much experience as I possibly could, and build up from what I've learned from her." Crimson shrugged, biting and swallowing his hashbrown. "By forcing me to fight warriors that are leagues above me in strength."

Eula listened to this intently, even if she refused to look at his face again. She physically had to stop herself from leaning forward.

"How did you do?" Amber asked, looking interested as well.

"Bad." He chuckled, looking back at this memory quite fondly. "Before it, I was hot-headed and arrogant, and I thought too highly of myself, claiming to be the most powerful in the organization I used to serve. Then a certain obnoxious tin can called Nemesis came along and beat me to an inch of my life without even having to try. That was a humbling experience for sure."

Eula did not know who this 'Nemesis' was, but if they were here, she'd gladly buy them a drink for sure.

"But I was also very stubborn." He pointed out. "So every time I recovered from his beatings, I'd go and challenge him over and over again. So much that I lost count of how many times we fought."

"And?" Eula narrowed her eyes, finally speaking up. "Did you beat him?"

"Who knows?" An insufferable smirk made its way onto Crimson's face. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't."

The veins in her forehead throbbed at his non-answer but Eula held her tongue and did not press him for anything more. Fine, she didn't care about this stupid story of his anyway. Hearing about someone beating him up was more than satisfactory.

"The moral of this story is very simple." He added, finally finishing up his food. "You don't lose when you are defeated, but when you give up on trying."

Amber seemed to have taken this advice to heart, looking at Crimson with newfound respect. Eula wouldn't admit it, but she also kept it in mind.

"There he is!" A familiar voice called out, prompting all three to look at the floating child and the approaching Traveler.

"Finally, we've been looking for you for hours." Lumine sighed, pausing at the surprising tense atmosphere between Eula and Crimson. "Is… everything okay?"

"Uh, yeah," Amber responded. "...For the most part."

Lumine was becoming visibly more uncomfortable after an awkward moment of silence passed, meeting her floating companion's eyes and scratching her cheek nervously.

"I feel like we're missing something here…" Paimon muttered.

"Nothing," Eula interjected swiftly, standing up from her seat. "You missed nothing important."

"But–"

"Come, Amber." The blue-haired captain cut her off. "We have a duty to fulfill. And you."

Eula glared at the smiling Crimson.

"Don't think this is over."

Not even waiting for a response from him, she walked away with Amber in tow, frowning deep in thought. You lose when you give up, huh…

Surprisingly wise words for someone like him.

– Crimson –

"Ah, Lumine and Fat Fairy. My favorite people in this world." I greet her, making her smile. "Take a seat, please. You had lunch already?"

"Stop calling me that, you dumb lizard!" Paimon whines.

"This world specifically?" Lumine raises a brow, taking my offer. "And we did."

"Sorry, but as much as I like you, you don't come close to Carmine." I shake my head. "My twin sister is my favorite person. Period."

"I can relate." The cute blond says, not one bit hurt or offended by my words. "...So what was that all about?"

"Ah, are you referring to how Ms. Lawrence was looking at me? Well, the captain decided to test my might not long ago," I answer. "But I may have used a bit too much of my power and defeated her too easily."

And my plan has been progressing very smoothly so far. I held back just enough to make her think she got better, but not too much so I don't make this harder on myself in the future. She's foolishly eating it up and I absolutely love it.

Furthermore, I decided to subtly implant the idea that she doesn't lose until she gives up, and with someone as prideful as Eula, she will keep trying no matter what she has to do. So now, in case the knights interfere with her constant demands to spar, she will probably disobey her grandmaster's orders.

This, of course, ties to my plan for Jean, who will be all the more stressed and more likely to do something incredibly unwise. A simple domino effect– the moment one of them falls for or to me, the other will do so right after.

Still, if I want either of them to do what I want, I must give them a hint of what I want, and that should be very simple as well. Perhaps Barbara is the key to Eula as well, and not just Jean. If that is the case, then I should focus on that sweetheart more.

…I can't remember the last time I schemed like this. I forgot just how fun and satisfying it is when all the pieces fall into place. I usually let my mother or Carmine do it because they're smarter than I am, but now that I can't rely on them…

Hmm, I'll give it to my sister. Perhaps using your brain to find your own solutions is fun.

I should get her a gift when I see her again.

Lumine freezes, and so does Paimon. The two look at me in exasperation, with the latter responding first.

"Why was she having lunch with you, then?" Paimon asks. "Knowing her, she'd just try to take your head off the next time she saw you."

"Oh no, she simply got me lunch." I wave it off. "I've beaten her for the third time and she paid the consequences. Quite literally in this case."

"Knowing her, she's going to try again." Lumine sighs. "I don't know what you're trying to do, but I already feel bad for her."

"Please be nice to her, Crimson," Paimon pleaded. "She barely has any friends. She's kinda lonely."

I know this fat fairy was being genuine for the blue-haired captain's sake, but with such a tone, it came off as extremely pathetic and hilarious. I managed to resist the laugh, of course, but with how hard Lumine is trying to hide her own laughter, I know she had the same thoughts as I did.

"Changing the subject, you said you were looking for me, no?" I ask the blond. "Did you need something?"

"Ah, yeah. I saw you last night, and you were very drunk by the way." She nodded, her tone turning a bit… worried. "Do you remember what happened?"

"Unfortunately not." My smile drops. "I didn't do anything inappropriate to you, did I? If I did, I apologize."

"Well, I didn't know if it counts, but you called her cute." Paimon quipped, looking at her companion smugly. "And she got all red from it~"

Ah, well done, drunk me. I knew you were always on my side.

"S-shut up!" Lumine hissed with a blush.

"Well, I was telling the truth there." I tease. "And I will never apologize for it."

The blush on her face deepens, but I can very easily tell that she appreciated the compliment if the tiny smile on her face is anything to go by. However, Lumine quickly shakes it off and looks at me seriously, pulling something out of her pocket.

"Y-you just gave me something that I think you shouldn't have." She says with a stammer, putting a Heavenly Confidant Card on the table between us, which makes me freeze. "Dunno, I thought maybe you wanted it back or something."

So this was what that horrible gut feeling was all about. That was fully warranted, especially seeing just what this card truly meant, and how commonly I give it to other people. This… could have turned into a difficult situation.

Seeing that the card hasn't turned into ashes, this means she hasn't dialed that number yet, and I'm very grateful for that. I've put the Ama Management through so much shit that they have no qualms about breaking every single bone in my body, even though I'm one of the highest-ranking members of the entire clan.

This could've been bad. Very bad. I could've promptly ended my vacation right there and then.

"I see," I respond, still calm. "Well, first of all, thank you for not calling the number."

Lumine flinched at the implication and whipped her head at Paimon.

"See?! I told you calling it would've been a bad idea!" She said to the sheepish Paimon. "Thank the stars I don't have a phone."

"I-I just thought whatever this is could help you find your brother," Paimon muttered, twiddling her thumbs.

"No, there would be no consequences for you if you called it." I quip. "It would've fallen on me instead unless you got the password wrong."

"I Love Carmine?"

"I love my sister too."

"N-no, I meant the password."

"Ah, yes. That is the password indeed."

I told them the password too.

Damn you, drunk me. I knew you were always praying for my downfall.

"W-what is this, anyway?" Lumine asks nervously. "You weren't very clear when you gave it to me."

"This calls an organization that spans across the infinite multiverses. I work for them," I answer, somewhat vaguely. I don't want to get into details. "The card is given to trusted friends who aren't part of said organization, and should only be used when absolutely necessary because it only works once."

"I–I see…" Lumine glances at the card, calms herself, and then slides it back to me. "Well, I don't want to be the cause of you suffering whatever consequences on my behalf. You can have it back."

I'm almost touched by the gesture. She has a sibling she wants to find and would still pick the hard way for my own sake.

How kind.

I look at the card for a moment as an idea forms in my head, then slide it back, making her blink in confusion.

"No. Keep it," I say. "You already know about it, so might as well."

"Are you sure?"

"You said you don't have a phone, didn't you?" I raise a brow, my smile returning. "You won't benefit from it much, but do consider it a keepsake from me since you plan on leaving Mondstadt soon. As Travelers, I think we should stick together, no?"

Of course, I've intentionally withheld that this card works with any kind of communication device, no matter how primitive or advanced it is, so the chances of her calling the number are close to zero, as I don't think she's clever enough to figure it out. Unless this place has phones specifically, which I very much doubt.

Is this a bit scummy? Perhaps. Do I care? No. After all, I've now decided to help in her investigation and search for this Aether individual whenever I'm able to. Once I've had my fill of Mondstadt, I will follow her to wherever she is and lend a hand.

She could've pocketed the card and simply acted ignorant, but she didn't, and I do appreciate it, so I'll do her this favor.

Lumine seemed very touched by this gesture, as she gives me a warm and appreciative smile. Hmm, this is a simple observation, but she strikes me as the type to be easily manipulated. I've only just met her, yet my words already have this strong an effect on her. Perhaps being separated from her sibling for this long affected her mentally, and seeing someone in a somewhat similar position made her get attached.

A certain unwanted memory passes through my mind, but I squash it immediately. Heh, we're far more alike than I initially thought, it seems. What a pain. It almost makes me want to leave her untouched.

Almost.

"You're right!" Paimon responds before she could, sitting on my shoulders as she puts her tiny hands on my head. "And I will be the greatest and best guide you'll ever see!"

Lumine giggles before getting up from the chair, smiling at me gratefully.

"Thanks, Crimson. Really." She says before addressing her companion. "C'mon Paimon, those Commissions aren't going to finish themselves."

Paimon blinks and then looks down at me.

"Why not come with us?" She offers, tilting her head. "It'd be fun if we all went together, right?"

I glance up at the fairy on my shoulders, who has a very wide grin, making me blink in confusion. Paimon gives me a knowing wink, and I quickly understand her intentions. Clever child…

"Well, I don't really mind," Lumine says, oblivious to her companion's intentions. "Unless you have something to do?"

"My schedule is open." I accept the offer.

"Great!" The blond beams as she starts leading me. "It's nothing too tough. We're hunting a Ruin Hunter. Big automaton. More dangerous than Ruin Guards. There were also some sightings of Abyss Mages in the area, so we might run into one of those."

"Sounds fun." I stand and follow her, Paimon still on my shoulders.

"Hehehehe…" She giggles to herself quietly.

"You're a devious little fairy, aren't you?" I whisper to her.

Paimon responds with a painless smack to my cheek.

"I'm not a fairy darn it!" She hisses. "I'm Paimon!"

Funny. She certainly acts just as mischievous.

Thankfully on my side this time around.

Once I say my goodbyes to the two, we walk our separate ways as the full moon shines right above us. The commission was as easy as the rest, and there was nothing particularly interesting that had happened while on our way to that Ruin Hunter. Lumine said it was more dangerous than its smaller counterparts, but it was the same in my eyes.

But I didn't come along for the thrill of the hunt. I only did so to get closer to the adorable world-traveler a bit more. She seemed to have enjoyed my company much more than I thought she would, which practically proved my theory.

She was getting attached to me because of our similar circumstances, and how relatable I am to her. This makes it so much easier to seduce her in comparison to, say, Eula. Lumine was very obviously developing a crush at a rapid pace, and I won't do a single thing to stop it. And although I don't know what Paimon's true goal is in pushing the blond my way, I do know it will benefit me.

Lumine is much more comfortable in my presence. Too comfortable, considering I've known her for less than a week.

But that is never a terrible decision. I'm a simple dragon. If I'm fond of someone, I will shower them with affection, and I do like her. Lumine's pure and innocent nature is very attractive to me because I would love nothing more than to corrupt it and make her mine.

Funny how she says she's older than some stars, though. She acts nothing like her age, but her optimism and naivete are simply more points in the attractiveness score. She's somewhat like Barbara, but even better in certain ways.

Just how hard do I have to go on her to make her completely forget about her brother? I wouldn't do it, of course. I hate getting in between family members, but it'd be interesting to know the full extent of her love for Aether.

And with how she talks about him, he seems… average, to say the least. For my standards, anyway. Should've been expected considering her personality, really.

Though, perhaps I should put more focus on her if she's this easy. She's gorgeous and has the body to back it up. Large chest and big butt hidden behind her very obviously constricting outfit. I'm not sure if she's aware of how she looks with them threatening to burst out of their confines whenever she's fighting.

Well, all I need to do is to play my cards right and she'd be bouncing those assets for my pleasure in no time. With her brother at the forefront of her mind at all times, it must be exhausting, so I'm sure she needs it too.

…Now that's two blonds in need of some stress relief. Funny coincidence.

As I quietly head toward the tavern for the night, something grabs me by the arm and forcefully pulls me into a dark alley. I'm about to reflexively cut the head of whomever it was that dared to surprise me like this, but I pause as I see Venti's hungry look, her hand rubbing my crotch.

"Finally…" She breathes heavily, and I could've sworn I saw hearts in her pupils for a moment. "It has been too long, Crimson. How could you abandon me like this? Have you no shame?"

As she crouches in front of my crotch and unbuckles my belt, I realize that she's drunk. I don't stop her of course, as this slutty display from the goddess of this land was sexy in its own way. I like my women with a bit of fight in them, yes, but I won't say no to someone with little to no willpower to resist.

"Ironic," I smirk as she pulls out my dick and begins to stroke it before immediately putting it in her mouth. "You're the one who can't control herself, slobbering on my cock the moment you see me like a whore. Some Archon you are."

I should've known that verbal abuse only manages to arouse her some more if the intensifying trembling is anything to go by. Venti's free hand slithers down to her crotch before she pumps two fingers in and out of her wet entrance.

Wet is an understatement in this case. A waterfall is more like it. She orgasmed the moment she put it in her mouth. Just how horny was she? Is this the goddess of freedom or some random succubus? Regardless, I know how to handle bitches like her.

I grab her by the hair and roughly force her to take my entire length, beginning to facefuck her with no mercy. I assume she loves the treatment from her loud moans and continue up until I reach my limit, cumming in her throat before quickly pulling out.

"Swallow," I order with authority, making her flinch.

Venti obeys and gulps, shivering in delight and pleasure. With her still trembling, I force her back on her feet and tear out her underwear, getting behind her as I line up my throbbing member to her bubble butt.

"Y-you have some nerve, treating me like this~," She says shakily. "I-I'm still a god, you know. S-show some respect, mortal~"

"Me? You're the one who sexually assaulted me first, you know." I say, tightening my hold on her. "So I decided to teach you a lesson. In fact, for this insolence…"

Instead of her drenched pussy, I thrust my cock into her tight ass instead, forcing a piercing scream out of her. Of course, I act quickly and put a hand over her mouth as I give her a moment to adjust, a small mercy in the grand scheme of things.

"Bratty goddesses like you need correction."

Once I deem the moment of respite over, I begin thrusting my hips with no mercy. Venti moans and squeals as I stretch her asshole, her soaked pussy staining the ground. She has a mini-orgasm each time I force myself inside her, so much so that I'm beginning to think that I made her discover a new fetish.

I doubt it, though. With her offering me to fuck her in her male form, I'm fairly certain she's done this before.

She is completely out of it by the time a minute passes, meeting my own thrusts with her own as she cums over and over again that I lost count. This, of course, wasn't easy for me either, because as a shapeshifter, she has nearly full control of her body.

Meaning she can turn any hole into a dick guillotine, which is exactly what she is doing right now. I manage to resist for a while though, not content to give her what she wants just yet. I've had worse than this…

I immediately regret thinking that as I feel my own orgasm approaching, and I try my absolute hardest until I'm not able to resist, grunting and filling her back hole with more of my seed than I did when she sucked me off.

…I should spare some time for leveling.

Still, I am still victorious the moment I let go of Venti, for she collapses with a face of pure bliss as my spunk leaks from her gaping hole. Damned shapeshifters. They're almost worse than Succubuses.

I'm not satisfied, though. Not yet.

"I know you're still conscious, Barbatos." I use her true name in a mocking way. "So I'll be waiting for you in my room. Unless you're finished, which would be very disappointing."

Venti visibly flinches, and I can almost sense her annoyance. There, I secured a partner for the rest of the night. I'd carry her, but I wouldn't look good carrying her when she is in that state, and I can't be bothered to clean her.

…Slightly regret my choice of perk tree now.

Ah well.

I make eye contact with one of the knights that are following me for a split second before grinning.

I wonder what she's going to do now?

I am using a busty version of Lumine because Fukuro's bangers convinced me. Check out their work. Awesome artist.