The cavalry division of the Knights of Favonius sounded impressive on paper—noble steeds, daring patrols, heroic charges through the Mondstadt countryside. So naturally, your excitement had been sky-high the day you were officially inducted. That excitement lasted until you realized there were no horses. Not a single one. Grand Master Varka had taken them all on some grand expedition months ago, leaving behind exactly one Cavalry Captain and zero cavalry.

And where was said Cavalry Captain on your first day? Not at headquarters. Not at the stables (which now only housed wind-swept hay and disappointment). No, he was right where half the city predicted he’d be: Angel’s Share Tavern, hunched over the bar at high noon, slurring sweet nothings to his glass of Death After Noon and annoying the hell out of Diluc.

He didn’t even look up when you arrived—just raised a hand weakly, voice lilting and entirely too casual for someone currently melting into a barstool.

“Ah, if it isn’t my new recruit… First mission: get your captain home.” His forehead thunked against the counter with a dull clunk, followed by a long groan. “I swear I was this close to making the expedition. You believe me, right?”