"Isn't Amber's weapon a bow?"
Paimon asked, a little confused.
"If it's standard-issue equipment, then naturally there are other weapon types with the same designation," Amber replied irritably.
"The acquisition process is the same for all of them."
She crossed her arms and added with clear dissatisfaction,
"I still don't have a Favonius Warbow, you know!"
"So that means this sword is really valuable?"
Paimon grew even more excited.
The more expensive something was, the more she liked it.
"Of course it's valuable. Aside from its excellent craftsmanship, it represents recognition from both the Knights of Favonius and the Church."
Amber's voice softened slightly.
"That's the goal I'm working toward."
If she could one day wield a Favonius-series weapon, that would mean she had finally become a fully fledged knight.
That thought quietly lingered in her heart.
"Jiang Yan… isn't this a bit too precious?"
Lumine looked at him hesitantly.
Jiang Yan shook his head.
"I believe it's only a matter of time before you earn the recognition of Mondstadt's people, the Knights, and the Church as well."
"I'm just handing it to you a little earlier."
There was a clear note of encouragement in his voice.
"Exactly, exactly!"
Afraid Lumine might refuse, Paimon chimed in eagerly.
"When there's another one someday, I can keep one for my collection, hehehe."
"You said the quiet part out loud."
Lumine deadpanned.
"This Little Paimon…" Amber sighed.
"She wouldn't happen to be related to some legendary dragon, would she?"
"In that case, I'll accept it."
A faint smile appeared on Lumine's face.
She took the Favonius Sword and tested its balance. She was immediately satisfied—and quickly grew quite attached to it.
"There are also some ordinary artifacts inside the chest."
Jiang Yan spoke up at that moment.
"They're perfect for a beginner adventurer."
"Artifacts?"
Lumine looked into the chest in confusion.
Inside were a glowing feather, a pocket watch, a small goblet, a headpiece, and a vividly lifelike flower.
The aura flowing between the five artifacts formed a subtle, harmonious cycle.
A full set.
"They're items infused with mysterious power," Jiang Yan explained.
"For those who can wield elemental energy, they provide both enhancement and protection."
"And if they're worn as a set," he continued,
"they can even activate additional effects unique to them."
"This set—the Adventurer set—is one of the most popular artifact collections among adventurers across Teyvat."
"Mm."
Lumine carefully secured four of the artifacts close to her body, then pinned the final flower beside her hair.
"Thank you."
She gently touched the flower of life at her temple as she spoke.
Ever since falling into this world—losing both her kin and her power—an unease had lingered within her.
At this moment, it finally began to settle.
"That's really enviable…"
Amber muttered sourly.
"The Adventurer set isn't cheap at the Adventurers' Guild. You even need contribution points to buy it."
"And we Knights of Favonius don't even have access to it."
Jiang Yan had already given the entire set to Lumine. She didn't believe there would be a second one for herself.
What he'd said earlier about giving her equipment was probably just politeness.
"Why not?"
Lumine asked.
"The Adventurers' Guild is basically a mercenary organization," Amber replied matter-of-factly.
"We're an official national defense force. There's no way the Knights of Favonius would join something like that!"
She planted her hands on her hips, pride in her identity evident.
"Then don't the Knights have their own special artifacts?"
"Kaeya occasionally brings back a few scattered artifacts to strengthen the Knights," Amber admitted, her round face falling instantly.
"But those never reach me."
She waved her hand, quickly perking back up.
"Anyway! Didn't I say earlier that I had a gift for you?"
"Even if it can't compare to what Boss Jiang Yan gave you—in terms of value or raw power—I'm very confident in its practicality!"
"Oh?"
Lumine grew interested.
"Amber, what is it?!"
Paimon, who had been sitting on the table munching an apple, immediately flew over.
"For now, just go wait for me under the Statue of The Seven in the city."
"If you don't know where that is, ask Boss Jiang Yan. I'll go prepare it."
With that, Amber flipped out the window in one smooth motion.
Clean. Efficient.
"…"
Jiang Yan watched the maneuver, speechless.
If her seniors in the Knights of Favonius saw that, she'd definitely get another lecture.
"Jiang Yan, what is Amber going to give me?"
Lumine asked curiously.
"If I say it now, it won't be a surprise anymore, will it?"
He added,
"The Anemo Archon's statue is on high ground, right in front of the cathedral. You can spot it just by looking up from the fountain plaza."
"Mm, then I'll go."
Lumine said so—but didn't move immediately.
She looked at him.
"Will you come too, Jiang Yan?"
"I have something else to take care of."
Jiang Yan shook his head.
"Oh…"
Lumine replied softly, a trace of disappointment slipping through.
Unlike Amber, she didn't jump out the window.
She and Paimon obediently took the stairs instead.
"Watch the wind—and watch your safety."
Just before she left, a voice drifted down from above.
"Mm!"
Lumine pressed her lips together slightly as she responded, her steps becoming noticeably lighter.
Even though she didn't quite understand why he'd said that.
"Then I should head to the Knights' headquarters as well."
Jiang Yan watched Lumine and Paimon in the fountain plaza, craning their necks to find the Statue of The Seven.
He closed and locked the windows between the loft and the second floor.
"Sara, we're closing for the day."
He went downstairs and spoke to his waitress.
"So early, boss?"
Sara asked in confusion.
Business hadn't been good lately, but it wasn't that bad.
"Is there something you need me to handle?" she asked.
"No."
Jiang Yan shook his head.
"Put everything back inside."
"Today's a paid day off."
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