The four of them were now back at the Lawrence Estate,
Both to have Amber and Eula prepare for their stay in Liyue,
And also to decide who is going to be the Acting Clan Head in the meantime...
...
"I can stay in the Estate and make sure everything is going well. I learn fast, so I should be fine doing your work for a short time!
...And if there's a problem, your subordinates will help me with it, right...?"
As much as Collei wanted to help, she didn't have the necessary skills for this,
She didn't have the upbringing that Eula had, being taught of this from a young age,
And not only that, but just less than two years ago, Collei was finally taught how to read and write...
*It was definitely because what that...Harbringer did to her in the past,
Simply using her as a tool for his inhumane experiments and...
...
"Approximately a year ago Amber befriended a child from Sumeru named Collei.
...A sickly child whose condition was taken advantage of, as she was used as a test subject for the Fatui's Archon residue experiments. And because of her sickness, she was treated poorly by everyone she came across..."
...
...
"...Amber came to befriend Collei, making her realize that Mondstadt is not a dangerous place; it is a place where you are free to be happy, to smile, to cry, and be whoever you want to.
After some more complications, with the help of Cyno from Sumeru Academia, they managed to put Collei's Archon Residue into a dormant state.
...Now, she is studying in Sumeru with Cyno, and occasionally exchanges letters with Amber."
...
The first time he heard about Collei's situation...
*Back then, Lisa was the one who...
-Captain Eula, whoever the Acting Clan Head is going to be, I promise to help them with all of my power! -His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the familiar voice of Noelle, her eyes shining in great determination. -From moving light stacks of paperwork and to heavy crates, I will...
-I know, Knight Trainee Noelle. You are a hard worker. -Eula interrupted her, as she was clearly trying not to sigh aloud. -...But we still have not decided on who is going to replace me during the next few days up to a week.
At these words, her other subordinates also looked like they wanted to say something,
But seeing their Captain's current expression, they soon decided not to...
*Even if it was just for a few days at the minimum and to a week maximum,
The one to replace Eula needs to know how to do her Clan Head duties or trouble might arise...
...
Which is why not just himself, Eula, Amber and Collei were now gathered at her office,
But also the rest of Eula's subordinates, the members of the Reconnaissance Company.
*It was a shame that both Diluc and Kaeya were currently away, both of them being a good choice,
While both Jean and Frederica on the other hand, had their work to take care of...
...
...
"Oh, you must be wondering why I am doing your work.
You always work so hard and barely take any breaks. You desperately need to take a Vacation. Which truthfully, is long overdue.
So, I decided it's about time to send you on a week long Vacation. One which starts today."
...
...
Right, that time he sent Jean on Vacation and was doing her work...
*Except for him getting, uh..."Crazy" after a while, he wasn't doing a bad job, right...?
-I can act as the Temporary Clan Head and do the necessary work. I did it for Jean before and...-He started, his words soon trailing off as he saw everyone's concerned expressions. Seriously, did they really think he would make the same mistake as before...? -...Unlike that time, I am going to do the work little by little and take small breaks when needed. Besides, there would be people I can ask for help with some of it, right...? So there is no danger of me suddenly turning cra...
-I am going to write a list assigning the work between those gathered. It is going to take some time, since it needs careful consideration on my part. -Eula interrupted him, looking a little tired now, yet sounding quite serious, as she glanced between those gathered. -...I ask that you respect my decision and follow the assignment list.
She ended upon stopping her gaze on him for a few seconds, before turning around,
As she proceeded to go around her desk, sit in the chair and start writing the aforementioned list...
"...Eula, is this really all you want me to do...? I can easily do those things just by using my Anemo Power.
...And now that I look at the 'assignment' you left for me some more, anyone can do this if they just ask the Winds for help...!"
Was what he couldn't help but say in disappointment upon seeing "THE LIST",
Eula's following answer of admittance making his disappointment rise considerably...
*He probably also started pouting, but he didn't care about that,
Eula didn't trust him enough to give more important work!
...
Returning items to their previously high-up locations, really...?
*Was this truly all she could trust him to do...?
...
...
Well, this was certainly enough reading for one day,
Enough of learning THAT kind of information.
*It would be best to take a break...
...
...
The children have probably finished with their studies by now and want to play.
*But first, he should find and meet up with Amber, Eula and Collei.
...
...
Right, before going to meet with Amber, Eula and Collei, he...
*What were the children doing right now...? Were they free...?
...
"...It looks like they recently ended their music classes, Barbatos.", the Winds soon told him, sounding quite thoughtful, "...They are currently discussing what to do next. Either return to each one of their homes, play around or do another activity in the Cathedral, or..."
-Find me so we can spend time together, right...? -Venti interrupted them, his earlier pout shifting into a grateful expression, as he already started wondering what all of them could do together. Knowing those Adorable Children...-...They don't really care what sort of activity we do, as long as we can spend time together. And this is one of the reasons why all of them are so 'gosh-darn' ADORABLE!~ -He couldn't help but soon say, as he started teleporting to their location. -Hello, everyone, I heard that you recently ended your mu...
-Venti!
-It's Venti!
-Papa Venti arrived!
-Good early evening to you, Father!
-Are you here to play with us, Daddy...?
This and more was soon heard from the children, who ran towards him in enthusiasm,
As moments later they literally surrounded him, talking over one another about how they wanted to spend time with him.
*Seeing them like this, the Archon couldn't help but feel fondness about their enthusiasm and how Adorable they all were.
...
...
But as for what exactly they could do together, let's see...
*Should it be the usual, such as flying or splaying them the lyre,
Or perhaps it should be something different, such as...
...
...
"Which reminds us, don't you want to inflict another punishment on the Dottore Clones...? The one with the slugs was quite amusing and those..."Things" do deserve as much misfortune as possible~"
...
It should also be something that fits that..."Gentleman"...
...
...
"Who let the dogs out?
(Who? Who? Who? Who?)
Who let the dogs out?
(Who? Who? Who? Who?)
Who let the dogs out?
(Who? Who? Who? Who?)
Who let the dogs out?
(Who? Who? Who? Who?)"
...
"...I am really sorry, poor dogs, but this has to be done.
...Perhaps I could ask someone how to make dog treats...? But whom...?"
...
Right, that time when he decided to give that...Harbringer this kind of punishment...
*And then, later on, when he was already in Sumeru...
...
His words suddenly trailed off, as his expression turned thoughtful.
*It felt like there was something he forgot, but what...?
...
"...We just asked around and the Sumerian Winds are saying that the dogs and wolves are from a family called Caninae or Canines, which includes animals like coyotes, foxes and jackals. So asking people who know about those animals would also be a good idea. And since we are currently en route to Sumeru, we could ask some people there about how to make Dog Treats.
...Like Dog Lover Nilou or Part-Fox Tighnari."
...
...
"Now you finally remember it, Barbatos! You were way too embarrassed to do this before, didn't you...?~" , the Winds soon "helpfully" said, sounding quite amused, before there was a small pause, "...Part-Fox Tighnari is currently discussing something with Mahamatra Cyno and Cute Teen Collei on the other side of the theater."
...
...
And then, after meeting with Tighnari...
...
"So, let me get this straight, you want me to tell you how to make Dog Treats...Since I am a descendant of the Tighnarians, a humanoid, foxlike race…
…My parents have a very bad naming sense, I know that well, Cyno. Don't even think of joking about this!
Anyway, me being a Tighnarian descendant apparently puts me into the same family as dogs...? Is that it…?
...Cyno, I see that smirk you are trying to hide. Don't you dare laugh about this!
But yes, I do know what kind of treats dogs like and even came up with my own recipe. This is an important part of my knowledge as a Forest Watcher, Cyno. Nothing else.
...Let me write a copy of the recipe for you, Lord Barbatos. Seeing as you are an animal lover yourself, I am certain it would be put to good use."
...
Later on , he and the others were at Mahavanaranapna,
While Amber, Collei and Rana left to gather the ingredients for the dog treats, but...
...
"We apologize for interrupting you, Barbatos, but there is a message we must convey." , the Sumerian Wind Spirits said, upon appearing before him, all of them looking and sounding quite serious, "...You have been summoned to attend the upcoming Banquet at the Hanayomi Estate."
...
He wasn't able to make or enjoy those treats in the end,
And during the actual Banquet he was really embarrassed and...
...
...
...
Either way, making the Dog Treats together with the ADORABLE children...
*And seeing how full of energy they were even after finishing their Music Lessons...
...
...
...
Yes, this sounded like a nice idea...!
-...I should have taken some Starshrooms and Rukkhashava Mushrooms with me when I was still in Sumeru, but I think we can do without. -Venti couldn't help but say a few minutes later, as he looked through the ingredients in the food cabinet, his gaze stopping on certain vegetables stored together in a basket. -...After all, normal Mushrooms should be more than enough, right...? -He wondered aloud, upon taking the basket out. There were quite a lot of mushrooms there, but since they were going to use more of them instead of the two missing sorts...-...Grace, how many of them can we actually take...? How much do you need for...?
-You can take as much as you want Lo...Venti. I can ask someone to buy more of them later. -Grace interrupted him while looking and sounding reassuring, as she proceeded to crouch down and take the basket out of his hands, much to the Archon's confusion. -...I am here to assist both you and the children, so this much is nothing.
She added with a small smile, as she took the basket towards a nearby cooking counter,
As moments later she started to take the Mushrooms out and organize them on top of the table...
*Right, they were now at the Cathedral's Kitchen together with Grace,
About to make Dog Treats based on Tighnari's special recipe...
...
-Papa Venti, when is Lily going to help...?
-That's right, Venti! I want to help, but Sister Grace...
-Mom is just helping us prepare the ingredients, right...?
-Right! Once she is done preparing the ingredients, we can start making the Dog Treats!
-...But we still have to wait, right...? Venti, can you play a song until everything's ready...?
At these words, as if on cue, the children turned to look towards him with eyes of anticipation,
And he was quite certain that if he didn't do as asked and play them a song, they would soon show him...
...
The "Puppy Eyes"...
*That was fast...And surprisingly organized,
He should have expected it, really...
...
-Alright, I will do as you ask and play a small tune~ -He couldn't help but soon say, upon summoning his Lyre. -...But I will warn you now: I stop as soon as Miss Grace is done, so don't feel disappointed, alright...?~
In reply to his words, they looked confused for a few seconds, glancing between him, Grace and one another,
Before finally, as if coming to a mutual decision, they soon nodded with a determined expression on their faces...
*This unified, yet still completely adorable reply told him all he needed to know,
And as he soon started playing the lyre, he couldn't help but imagine how their cooking activity was going to go...
...
...
Seeing how much the children were enthusiastic to start making the Dog Treats,
Perhaps not just based on Tighnari's recipe, but they could experiment making a few of their own...
*And since Grace was helping them out, there was no way they could mess this up...~