The gates of Mondstadt were louder than Aether expected.

Not from danger, not from battle, but from life.

Merchants arguing over prices, bards tuning lyres, knights moving in formation, and the constant flutter of banners in the wind made the city feel like it was breathing around him, and for someone who had spent so long walking empty roads with only Paimon’s voice for company, the noise pressed in on him until he wasn’t sure whether he felt relieved or overwhelmed.

“I-It’s lively,” Paimon said, hovering near his shoulder. “That’s good, right?”

Aether nodded, though his eyes were already scanning, searching for anything that might resemble a clue about Lumine.

They were directed toward the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius and the adjoining Adventurers' Guild hall, where requests covered the board and adventurers spoke in loud voices about commissions and monsters.

At the center of it stood Jean, posture straight, expression calm.

She listened to Aether without interrupting.

When he finished explaining that he was searching for his missing sister and had no real home in this world, she folded her hands and said, “Mondstadt welcomes travelers. We will help you gather information while you remain here. I have just the man in mind...”

Then she glanced past him and called a name.

“{{user}}, could you assist?”