121 121. Going Back to Mondstadt

With a sense of gratitude and warmth in his heart, Dvalin extended his thanks.

"Thank you for saving me, little friend," he expressed, his gaze directed at Rimuru. The dragon's words were filled with appreciation and recognition for the role that Rimuru had played in his restoration.

Rimuru, with his usual nonchalance, brushed off Dvalin's gratitude.

"Umu. Don't worry, be happy! Something like that is too easy," he replied, his words seemingly casual but eliciting shock from Jean, Diluc, Fischl, Aether, and Paimon. Venti, who was already aware of Rimuru's ability to communicate, remained unsurprised. As for Dvalin, the revelation that Rimuru could talk didn't seem to faze him, suggesting that he might have sensed something extraordinary about the slime.

Jean and Diluc exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and astonishment. It was evident that Rimuru's ability to speak had caught them off guard, and they were trying to process this newfound surprising fact.

Aether, who had witnessed the startling exchange, couldn't help but voice his astonishment.

"Rimuru can talk?" he asked in surprise.

Paimon, who had initially found herself in a peculiar situation after her previous comments about Rimuru being emergency food, felt a mix of surprise and anxiety. Given Rimuru's ability to swallow a dragon whole, she couldn't help but express her unease.

"Um, Paimon is not on his menu, is it?" she inquired tentatively, her tone revealing her lingering apprehension.

Ryūhei found it hard to contain his amusement upon hearing Paimon's words. He felt a strong urge to burst into laughter in response to the ironic situation.

Fischl exclaimed,

"Mein lieber Archont! The little slime dost possess the gift of speech?" Her cryptic words carried an element of astonishment.

Oz translated Fischl's words,

"My dear Archon! The little slime can speak?" Oz's translation was delivered with a touch of surprise, mirroring Fischl's astonishment at Rimuru's unexpected ability to speak.

Venti couldn't help but chuckle at the group's reactions.

"You're all quite surprised, aren't you? Well, me too, ehe," he admitted, sharing in their astonishment earlier than them.

Venti turned to everyone, acknowledging the group's efforts in saving Dvalin.

"Thank you all. Because of you, Dvalin has been saved. I owe you my gratitude," he said appreciatively, extending his thanks to the group for their assistance in the battle.

Jean, "We're glad we could help, Ba–Venti. Dvalin's safety is crucial."

She almost said Barbatos.

Venti, "I'm glad you still call me Venti."

Then, the others said one by one.

Diluc, "Dvalin is a powerful ally. It's only right we did our best to help him."

Aether, "I can't stand it if I just let it be."

Fischl, "The enigmatic cosmos weaves its mysteries, and we are but its vessels."

Paimon, "Paimon's glad we could help, too! And not be eaten by Rimuru..."

Ayaka, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute, although not much."

Rimuru, "It's all in a day's work, but I'm glad Dvalin is safe."

Veldora, "Gya ha ha ha ha. How is it, little dragon? If you want to be stronger, I can teach you!"

It was evident that everyone in the group didn't mind assisting in Dvalin's rescue. After the intense battle and successful rescue of Dvalin, the group took some time to chat and relax, sharing stories and experiences as they enjoyed a moment of respite. It was a well-deserved break to catch their breath and bond over their recent endeavors.

Fischl's interest was piqued when she learned that Ryūhei was the owner of Shueisha Publishing Company, a company known for manga publications.

Fischl, in her unique manner of speech, expressed her fascination,

"Oh, thou art the proprietor of those majestic and otherworldly tomes of the written word. This Prinzessin der Verurteilung hath an affinity for such genres of literature."

"I beg your pardon?" Ryūhei said.

This was troubling. The more she spoke, the more puzzled he was. Fortunately, Oz conveyed Fischl's message in a more understandable manner,

"Mein Fräulein, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, finds those magnificent and otherworldly literary quite appealing. She has a fondness for such types of literature."

Ryūhei couldn't help but silently appreciate Oz for doing an excellent job in translating Fischl's cryptic words, which made it much easier to understand her unique way of speaking.

On the other hand, Fischl found a sense of delight within, knowing that her way of speaking left Ryūhei slightly bewildered.

Then, Ryūhei expressed his curiosity, "I don't recall you ever visiting my shop in Liyue. Where do you usually read the manga?"

Fischl responded in her distinctive manner of speech, "Verily, those tomes reside within the sacred chamber of this town's guardian, where the wisdom of venerable forebears is preserved."

'Ugh, tomes? Guardian? Venerable? Wtf is this little girl saying?' Ryūhei scolded inwardly, failing to understand her words. He turned to Oz, who then spoke to translate her words.

"Mein Fräulein is referring to the manga collection within the Favonius Library, where a treasure trove of books, handed down through the ages, finds its sanctuary."

'Uohh, you're so helpful, Oz. I wonder what kind of creature you are since your body is similar to an Electro elemental creature.' Ryūhei expressed his silent gratitude and found himself pondering about the nature of Oz.

As he glanced at Fischl, Ryūhei couldn't help but consider her peculiar mannerisms. Yet, she was undeniably renowned, having the privilege to access the esteemed Favonius Library. Or perhaps he had made an incorrect assumption.

But in all seriousness, Fischl is quite stunning in appearance. Furthermore, her attire is rather revealing for someone of her age. Her outfit appears to be designed akin to a swimsuit with various transparent sections, adorned with decorative ribbons, a collar, and more.

'Ugh, please stop, my wicked thoughts! Ayaka already glared at me.'

Ryūhei could see Ayaka's jealous expression, which confirmed her presence beside him. But it was challenging to ignore something so revealing right in front of him. A swimsuit, or leotard-like outfit.

At least, let him burn his eyes first!

Let him enjoy the tempting scenery!

Well, perhaps later.

Ryūhei suddenly placed his hand on Ayaka's head, giving her a gentle pat. But somehow, Ayaka just pouted. How cute. Ayaka's little pout was undeniably adorable.

'Let's forget about any other girls. I couldn't even properly take care of my fiancée for now.' And, Ryūhei decided that he would be more intimate with Ayaka after this, to forge his feelings for her.

—————

With gratitude, Dvalin allowed them to ride on his back as he carried them through the skies toward the City of Mondstadt.

While on Dvalin's back, Ryūhei addressed the group, making a request to keep his true strength a secret, at least for the time being, as he had some important matters to deal with in Inazuma without showing his strength.

Aether, who was unsure about the situation, asked for more information, and Jean, who had knowledge of the events in Inazuma, proceeded to explain what had occurred there.

Ryūhei nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Jean's explanation accurately reflected the events that took place in Inazuma.

They realized that Ryūhei, Ayaka, and Veldora had arrived in Liyue Harbor approximately three months ago. Given Veldora's ability to fly, they surmised that the trio had likely fled from Inazuma by air.

But, sometimes the truth can be more complex and different from what people might assume.

"Ah, I recall the days when she was a kagemusha, seeking to perfect her martial prowess. And now, she is obsessed with eternity, eh? But, ehe, do you want to know her weakness? I can tell you."

Since everyone already knew Venti's identity, it didn't matter if he talked about the other Archons.

Ryūhei furrowed his brows, while Ayaka displayed unexpected interest as she recognized the significance of knowing the Raiden Shogun's vulnerabilities.

Seeing both of them intrigued by his words, Venti continued with a mischievous smile on his face, "Sweets and desserts."

Ryūhei thought Venti was joking. However, his eyes told otherwise. He wasn't lying.

Before Ryūhei had a chance to speak, Dvalin landed exactly in front of the Knights of Favonius HQ before Venti dispersed himself into the wind.

The dragon was encircled by the members of the Knights of Favonius, who prepared their weapons. From his vantage point on the dragon's back, Ryūhei observed several formidable figures among the knights. These individuals included Lisa, a battle-ready maid wielding a greatsword, a man with an eye patch and a striking tan complexion, and a noble-like woman with remarkably well-proportioned thighs, effortlessly handling a greatsword.

"Stop! Don't harm him!" Jean's voice resonated through the air, issuing a commanding order to cease their aggression. "I need to clarify something for all of you, and I hope you'll help spread the word to the citizens. In truth—" Jean commenced recounting the tale of Dvalin, a young dragon who had formed a friendship with the Anemo Archon long ago. She explained how he had been infected by the Abyssal blood 500 years ago while protecting Mondstadt, enduring years of suffering and suppressing his rage as a result. She went on to detail how the Abyss Order had recently exploited him, compelling him to attack Mondstadt.