Venti, Barbara and Vennessa were currently busy eating late breakfast,
Yet the Archon couldn't help but recall his earlier worries once again,
His earlier deep thoughts which ended with...
"...Not like this...
...Not with a sacrifice, please..."
...
...
It was some time since then, after which Vennessa found him crying...
*She didn't ask him any questions, but carefully led to the dining room,
Where their late breakfast was already prepared by Barbara...
...
His Adorable Deaconess, who looked really worried when she saw him back then,
And who was looking towards him in some worry even now...
...
-Venti, I don't know what SHE told you, but...-Barbara slowly started, looking and sounding a little sad, as well as thoughtful. -...Don't forget that you are not alone, alright...? -She soon added, trying to look and sound as reassuring as possible, before she paused in thought for a few seconds. Oh, right! -The Talent Show should be starting soon, in about an hour I think? We should all go and see it!
"Hopefully, once it's over, Venti is going to feel that much better.", was left unsaid,
Yet it needed not be, as the Deaconess' thoughts were clearly seen in her wishful expression...
*And it soon made Venti remember her earlier reassuring words...
...
"Don't worry, Venti. I still see you as family, same as my parents and big sister do. So I am glad to be spending time with you now."
...
"Whatever happened, is happening or is going to happen in the future, we are in this together, Venti.
You are not only my beloved Archon, Lord Barbatos, but also a precious friend and family member."
Right, she did tell him this just yesterday...
*And he was truly grateful to hear those words, but,
That realization about (another) possible sacrifice...
...
For his sake...
...
...
He didn't want it to be this way...
*He really didn't...
...
So he should do something about it...
*So that it wouldn't come to this...
...
"Barbatos, I don't know if you can hear me, but please take care.
Those..."Individuals", THEY know of our connection and are surely watching you more closely now.
No matter what you do, don't let THEM know the extent of your Time powers.
Make sure to quietly and slowly develop them, but don't let THEM see how much you have grown.
The way THEY are now, your life won't be spared if THEY see you as a threat!"
...
...
Right, this "message" of HER's...
*From the very start, it was apparent what he had to do...
-Just as SHE warned me before, I have to be very careful while using my Time Power. -He couldn't help but say aloud, looking and sounding quite serious now, before he turned to glance between Barbara and Vennessa. -Don't worry, I am going to follow that warning, it's a promise.
"So that no one would need to sacrifice themselves for my sake.", was what he didn't say,
And thankfully, it didn't look like Barbara realized his intentions,
While Vennessa on the other hand...
...
His old friend looked towards him in some concern,
As if soundlessly asking him "Just what did SHE tell you, Venti...?!"...
*Perhaps she realized why he made that promise, even if partly,
In spite of him still having their telepathic connection closed.
Almost an hour later,
The trio were arriving at the event location…
…
"This plain bathes in an everlasting breeze. An ancient, monumental tree left behind by an ancient heroine speaks softly amidst the winds."
Windrise, "The Place Where the Wind Rises",
This was the area where the Talent Show will take place...
*For everyone to choose this location specifically...
...
The place where Vennessa ascended in the past,
As well as...
...
The time when he died, but was revived...
"Rex may still be alive...?
...He might not be...Dead after all...?
...
...Wait...Why is everyone here...?
...And you even brought tents...?!
...Barbara...?
...Why would she...?
...
Did you all came here and left the city unguarded?!
What if monsters attack it while everyone is here...?!"
He was truly so reckless back then...
*He was so suicidal, worrying everyone...
...
This started to change when he "saw" those "horrible scenarios"...
"...I-I wanted to know what those "horrible scenarios" were...A-and why you looked at me with such heartbroken expressions...
...B-but I never though...I-I never realized...T-that the reason for that was...
...I-I though you were just grateful for the blessings and...T-that you will be fine if I...T-that you will be sad at first but then get over it when a new Anemo Archon...
...Y-you all...Y-you were worried about that...? A-about me...T-that much...? I-I never though...I-I...B-but, why...?"
"...You said you would have revived everyone if we were killed in the fight against Dvalin, even if you would have used your own life to do it...
...Why did you decide on doing something like that?"
"Isn't that obvious?!
It's because you all are importa…!"
...
"...Important to you? Is that what you were about to say...?
You do realize that it can go both ways, right...?"
"...B-but I...I-I wasn't even around most of the...!
...I-I...I-I..."
...
...
...
"It feels so warm...And so safe as well...
...I am truly blessed...
...To have you all here with me..."
...
That time, he still remembered it clearly...
*The time when he found some inner peace...
...
...
And months later, he stayed by the tree with his friend,
As Barbara and Amber were giving them all the time they could need...
"Hey, how about we climb the tree? The view from up there is really nice!
I can help you climb up to the highest point, so it's going to be just fine!"
"You two should climb it, spend some more time together.
Amber and I can stay here and make some flower wreaths in the meantime, right...?"
...
"Yes, there are so many Windweel Asters growing around here, it would be a shame not to make flower crowns!
Besides, considering how those flowers look and what they mean, they would surely fit nicely with my outfit!
...I might need some help making the crowns, though, so I will be relying on you, Barbara!"
"I will be glad to help you out, Amber.
As you can see, us two are okay with staying back here while you both stay at the tree. So don't worry about us and have fun!"
...
...
"Alright, I will respect your wishes.
...Well, looks like it's just the two of us, Venti. Quite a shame since the view from up there is truly breathtaking!
...Well, as promised, I will be helping you up. So give me your dainty hand, my dear friend~"
...
"I would have normally told you that you are cheating, my friend, but since this is not a competition, I will let this one go.
I still remember that stunt you pulled during our "little race", though, so be prepared for tea...Wow...
...So, this is Mondstadt...
...It's truly breathtaking just like you said, friend. From the mountains and the wide open plains, to Mondstadt city sitting in the middle of the lake...
...The land itself feels vast and colorful, free and inviting. It's not extravagant in any way, but doesn't feel empty either. More than anything, it feels like a home you can always return to, free and boundless...
...Seeing this view and feeling the wind warmly embracing my body, I wish I could play a song to engrave it into my memory...
...I don't have my lyre anymore. Friend, could you...?"
"Gladly, it was originally your lyre, after all.
...Thanks to everyone's efforts, even after 2600 years, it's still as splendid as it was back then...
...Let's play a song together, friend, to show our appreciation to those who shaped this land to what it is...
...Venti, I know of a certain melody that could fit this situation, want me to explain to you how it's played...?~"
...
It started with them playing the lyres together,
And ended with Albedo arriving and asking to paint them...
"Now that I am here and seeing the intriguing situation you are currently in, I can't help getting inspiration for my artistic pursuits.
If you two could model for me, it would be greatly appreciated.
...Not just for myself and my artistic pursuit, but I am certain other people would love to see the united scene of both Mondstadt's Archon and the Rebellion Hero immortalized.
So much so, it could easily turn into a national treasure. A priceless relic for Mondstadt and its people."
...
...
After which they left to continue the "Mondstadt sightseeing",
That ultimately ended with...
"...Friend, how long are you going to play this charade...?
...How much longer are you going to gamble with your life...?"
...
...
And recently, he found out that his friend's death...
...
That his death was somehow necessary…
…
"...'Did "Kairos" really have something to do with my friend's death...?' is what you must still be worrying about. I summoned you here to give you the answer to that question.
...
...She..."We" didn't lead to your friend's death, but "We" didn't prevent it from happening either...When "We" could have done so easily. I can't tell you the reason why this decision was made, as it might change the favorable future event from occurring. A precaution of sorts that should be able to save your very existence when THEY..."
...
...
He already decided,
Making it another one of his promises...
*One of the many that he already made to his people...
"Just as SHE warned me before, I have to be very careful while using my Time Power.
Don't worry, I am going to follow that warning, it's a promise."
...
'So that no one would need to sacrifice themselves for my sake.'
...
...
So for now, he should put those thoughts aside for the moment,
And simply enjoy the "Talent Show" event that everyone prepared...
...
...
As much as he knows his people now,
The event's preparation was partly for his sake...
*And he was truly grateful that they were trying to make him feel better.
-...While on our travels in Fontaine, we ran into Xiangling! She told us that she is busy collecting ingredients for her new recipes, including her 11th try at the "Wind Brewed Cider". -Julie was currently telling Yaoyao about the Gourmet Supremos culinary adventures, with the Adepti disciple attentively listening to her every word. -Her ambitious spirit and sheer perseverance is admirable!
She added in great respect, with Xudong and Parveh soon agreeing,
As Kamei Munehisa couldn't help but go through memory lane...
*To the last exchange between Mondstadt's Archon and Liyue's famous cook...
"WIND BREWED CIDER?!
I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT IT!"
...
"Did you just say "Windbrewed Cider"...?!
...Is this some new exotic drink?!"
"...Uh, no. There is no actual drink like that.
"Windbrewed Cider" is just a drink I was dreaming of making before, but now I realize that I no longe..."
"I AM GOING TO MAKE IT! I WILL BE GOING ON A JOURNEY TO MAKE THIS EXOTIC DRINK REAL!
Let's go, Gouba! Our journey for the creation of this exotic drink awaits!
I promise to be back once I perfect it and will give you a sample as thanks for giving me such a revolutionary idea, Venti!
...I should probably get some pointers from Diona first...Yes, that will help me out tons...!"
...
This was during last year's Ludi Harpastum, when Miss Julie won the cooking competition and was given the improved "Adepti Seeker's Stove" as a prize,
After which their group left to travel the nations of Teyvat, with the intention of perfecting their culinary skills,
Only returning to Mondstadt now in order to sample the new Windblume Festival dishes...
*And currently they were all gathered by the stage before the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero,
Waiting for the Anemo Archon to arrive, so that the event could finally start...
...
...
"... Traveler, do you know why people just can't forget I am an Archon and stop trying to pay homage/give offerings/act overly formal and respectful towards me...?
For at least one single day, why can't everyone forget that I am the Anemo Archon?!
THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE NATION OF FREEDOM! THERE IS NO NEED FOR SUCH THINGS!"
...
...
"...Venti, what exactly happened...?"
"They "mutually decided" (Without telling me of this until a few minutes ago, even!) that I should be one of the judges for the competition, because I am "Mondstadt's Archon"...
... Even though it's just going to be a waste of food, because I don't even need to eat!
It's going to be 21 dishes that they want me to taste! 21 whole dishes!"
Hopefully Lord Barbatos would not dislike what they have prepared this time,
As it was certain that everyone worked hard to make this event "a success".
...
...
"You know, Venti, I heard that Mondstadt always has an abundant harvest thanks to the good climate around the nation.
It's thanks to the warm winds, isn't it...? The winds that you provide.
So, this is just a way for Mondstadt's people to return the favor, grateful that they always have food in abundance."
...
...
"...You are right, traveler. That must be the reason why everyone decided on it. Even though it's still embarrassing, nonetheless.
I was so fed up with all the overwhelming devotion, that I misunderstood their intentions and took things too far.
I am okay now, I am not going to suddenly get mad or anything like that.
So now that the Traveler is here with the rest of the ingredients, how about we start the cooking competition?"
The Traveler placated the Archon back then,
But it didn't look like they were here at the moment...
*Wherever they were at the moment, he wished them well.