Chapter 19: I Want to Be Miss Lisa's Dog
Mondstadt, Grand Library.
Lisa lounged lazily on the sofa, her long fingers flipping through the pages of a book with effortless grace.
"So… does that mean Amber has a thing for that boy?"
Amber's cheeks flushed slightly as she hugged Baron Bunny to her chest, mumbling, "I…"
"I can't really explain it. I don't even know what this feeling is called, because I haven't known Su Han for very long either."
"I just… I think he's really handsome. When he smiles, my heart feels at ease. When he compliments me, I feel happy. And… he said I'm cute…"
"Oh, and right, he saved me at the temple once."
Lisa sighed softly. "You're still too naive. I could tell at a glance—he's the kind of person who takes care of everyone around him. That's why he gave you this illusion."
Amber looked a little dejected. "R-Really…?"
Lisa continued, "But… that doesn't mean you have no chance at all."
Amber blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Lisa took a gentle sip of her tea. "Little cutie, the path you're meant to walk isn't the same as his."
"You're searching for your brother, and for that, you're determined to traverse all seven nations."
"Su Han, on the other hand… he's different. He's more like someone who has drifted for a long time and now just wants to find a place to settle."
"I've said all that needs saying. Whether you seize your opportunity… that's up to you."
A spark of determination lit Amber's eyes. "I will…"
Lisa nodded. "Oh, right. Qiqi plans to have Su Han and the others stay in the mansion next to yours. If I'm not mistaken, that should also be one of your grandfather's estates, right?"
Amber: "Yes…"
Lisa smiled faintly. "That makes things easier. They should still be somewhere in Mondstadt City. Go look for them."
Amber hesitated. "Wouldn't it be better if Lisa came with me?"
"I'm planning to treat them to honey-glazed carrot pancakes, and I'd feel a little nervous going alone…"
Lisa's expression softened with a hint of helplessness. "Honestly, I can't say no. It just so happens I have some matters to attend to anyway."
——
Night had just fallen, and the Fountain Square was already packed with people.
As she walked through the crowd, Amber recognized many familiar faces: Flora, the flower shop owner; Timaeus, the alchemy scholar; Miss Blanche from the Mondstadt General Store; and Sara, the hunter's server…
She spotted the green-clad bard, eyes closed, delicate white fingers lightly strumming the seven-stringed lyre.
The lively, flowing melody swirled through the air, enchanting everyone around. Every listener seemed mesmerized.
"The story I am to tell begins in ancient times. Back then, the gods still walked the earth. The dragon of the skies descended from above, curious about all the world's affairs."
"The dragon sought answers, but could not comprehend the chaos of mortal life."
"The wind's bard strummed the strings, and the Sky Harp replied in kind."
"The dragon was merely a curious child, flying carefree, forgetting all worries, until the present age."
"It listened to poetry, wishing to learn song, so all living things might understand its heart."
Suddenly, the once-light melody darkened, striking the audience's hearts with a heavy blow.
"The bard and the dragon became legend, and an age of darkness followed."
The listeners seemed to witness furious storms, lightning, endless darkness swallowing the dawn—the age of shadow approaching.
Venti's voice grew lower, heavy, pressing upon everyone like a stone on the chest.
"At this time, the Lion's Fang fell into ruin, the Eagle Banner was unraised, and another vile dragon drew near Mondstadt."
"Suffering cast its shadow over the cathedral, lamentations formed anew through the poet's verses."
"The Sky Dragon answered the call, engaging the evil dragon in battle through the storm."
"…
"The Sky Dragon swallowed the poison of the evil dragon and fell into slumber, only to awaken years later to a world that no longer remembered it."
Venti's tone carried a faint sorrow, shaking his head slightly, as if questioning the audience in the guise of Dvalin.
"Now, humans… why have you abandoned me?"
"The Sky Harp remained silent…"
"Anger and sorrow, life and venom—flowed as tears from the dragon's eyes."
"The poetry fell silent, corruption took hold, and the Sky Harp could speak no more."
When the song ended, an awkward weight seemed to settle over the crowd.
The people of Mondstadt had long held grievances against the Anemo Dragon. Many wished the Knights of Favonius would finally defeat it, ending their suffering.
But tonight, hearing Venti's performance, they realized—Dvalin had become the Wind Dragon in part because of them. Perhaps their actions had even acted as a catalyst.
Many wore guilt on their faces, though a few stubbornly refused to acknowledge their role.
Those few insisted that, regardless of the facts, the Sky Dragon's fall was entirely its own doing, having nothing to do with them.
Su Han, clad in black stockings covering his head, lightly applauded. "Truly worthy of Mondstadt's most beloved bard. Scholarly and admirable."
Venti blinked his emerald eyes, grinning mischievously. "If you liked it, a cup of dandelion wine would be appreciated too—"
He glanced at Lumine and Paimon. Seeing Lumine wink and playfully make a "gotcha" gesture, Su Han relaxed.
"Though your skill and mastery in poetry performance surpass mine, I will not admit defeat."
"Now, everyone, please listen to my piece."
Thunderous applause erupted, instantly dispelling the prior awkwardness.
Paimon clapped enthusiastically, asking, "Traveler, do you think Su… uh, Su Skinflint can win?"
"I don't know where he gets his competitiveness from—insisting on a duel with Venti, and in the crowded Fountain Square, of all places," Lumine muttered.
"Winning or not is uncertain," she added. "He's the type who always finds a new trick to pull on you."
Su Han accepted the seven-stringed lyre Venti handed him and began playing the piece he knew best—and only—Bandari's Morning.
The melody flowed like a mountain stream, natural in its rhythm, soothing the listeners. Just as they began to sink into its beauty—
The tune suddenly shifted. What had been harmonious became jarring and chaotic, shocking the audience.
He hadn't played in a while; the unfamiliarity showed, and he stumbled toward the end, revealing his true form.
Clearing his throat, Su Han delivered his words with feeling:
"I… really want to be Miss Lisa's dog—"
Lumine: σ(っ°д°;)っ
Paimon: (°д°)
Venti: (｡･ω･｡)
Amber: [・_・?]
Lisa: (o_o)??
Audience: !!∑(ﾟдﾟノ)ノ
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