One's Own Freedom [Genshin Impact]

Chapter Nine - Mondstadts Strange Alchemist

Amber led us to the bridge that entered Mondstadt. The sun shined on my skin as we kept walking on the stone walkway. There was a flock of pigeons that stood in the middle of the bridge. A little boy who stood at the opposite end of the bridge fed the small birds as they scrambled to catch the seeds.

As we approached the entrance of Mondstadt, two guards stood on both sides, who greeted the Outrider as she passed them, to which Amber responded with a friendly wave.

The large stone wall that surrounded the city was huge and towered over the front side of the city. The place almost seemed like Tafoot in a way. The buildings had similar architecture to the houses down in the village. Soft music played in the background from some bards nearby. It really did remind me of my old home. I also took note of the merchants who were propped by the entrance, which I assumed was good marketing for newcomers who wanted to enter the city.

Amber stopped a few feet away from the entrance and faced the both of us, "Let me officially introduce you to the city of the wind, dandelions, and freedom-" She explained, "Under the protection of the Knights of Favonius -- Welcome to Mondstadt!"

"City of Freedom?" I questioned as I continued to look in awe at the beautiful building above.

"Yep! Monstadt doesn't rule under any person or being, and it's been like that for a while," Amber answered, and I nodded in satisfaction of an answer.

"Finally no more camping outdoors!" Paimon exclaimed as she exhaled sharply. "But, the folks here don't look too cheerful..."

"That's because everyone's been put out of place because of Stormterror," The Outrider explained. "But everything will turn out fine as long as Jean is with us!"

"Who's... Jean?" Aether spoke up for the first time in a while.

"She's the Acting Grand Master for the Knights. When she's on our side, surely even the vicious Stormterror is no match against us."

I leaned over to Aether as Amber turned around to greet a fellow citizen.

"This Jean person sounds pretty impressive, don't you think?" I whispered.

Aether nodded and the Outrider turned around back to us. "Before I take you guys to the Knights' headquarters, I have a gift for the both of you as a reward for helping me clear out the hilichurl camp,"

"Hey! Why doesn't Paimon get a reward?" The floating creature complained.

Amber rubbed the back of her head in slight embarrassment, "Because this reward is useless for you Paimon,

"But since you love to eat, I'll treat you to a traditional Mondstadt delicacy, Sticky Honey Roast!"

I looked over at Paimon to witness her reaction, and I already saw the small drool that was sliding down the side of her small mouth. I raised an eyebrow in slight concern.

"Alright then, come with me to the city's high ground."

Amber led us through the almost empty streets of Mondstadt. I took the time to observe the people's behavior and their tasks. The Outrider smiled and waved at almost every person that we passed by, making sure to make light conversation. We then stopped at a certain food stand, to which the Knight made friendly chatter with the owner. Amber turned around at us and smiled,

"Say, I'll meet you three up by the Statue near the Cathedral," She pointed up towards the large set of steps leading up the higher ground of the city. "Feel free to look around and get comfortable here while you can, I'll be right back." The store tender of the doos stand left with Amber, holding some food packages to a nearby wagon.