[Jean: @Venti, don't go too far!]
[Bennett: @Venti, even though we're close friends, claiming you're the Anemo Archon is a bit too much. No wonder Miss Barbara is angry.]
[Kaeya: @Venti, haha. If you're the Anemo Archon, then I must be the Geo Archon.]
[Hu Tao: Exactly! If Venti can be the Anemo Archon, then my consultant could totally be the Geo Archon too. Zhongli, are you the Geo Archon?]
[Zhongli: Ahem…]
[Keqing: You people are ridiculous. Just anyone can pretend to be Rex Lapis now? Don't be absurd.]
[Archaeologist from the Rex Lapis Research Society: Exactly! Rex Lapis is a being of unparalleled greatness—he quelled rivers and seas, subdued demons, and brought order to the land. A god of such supreme power—how could just anyone claim to be him? And this "Zhongli" name—sounds terrible. Even a dog wouldn't want a name like that. Stop trying to associate yourself with Rex Lapis.]
[Zhongli: Ahem… from a rational standpoint, Rex Lapis could take the form of anyone present. One's name does not determine one's worth.]
[Archaeologist: @Zhongli, you're quite amusing. I've studied Rex Lapis for decades—who understands him better, you or me?]
[Kaeya: Whew… so many Rex Lapis devotees in Liyue. I'll have to watch what I say if I ever go there.]
[Hu Tao: Isn't Lady Keqing supposed to dislike gods? Why is she defending Rex Lapis?]
[Cao Zhong: @Hu Tao, you don't get it. In Liyue, there are only Rex Lapis fans—and twisted Rex Lapis fans.]
[Keqing: You—! @#¥%&…!!]
[Ningguang: We are discussing whether this Mr. Venti is the Anemo Archon. Let us not derail into Liyue matters.]
…
Knights of Favonius Headquarters — Jean's Office
"Barbara, calm down! There's no need for violence—really!"
Cao Zhong held Barbara tightly. The moment he let go, she'd probably rush off to fight Venti.
"Let go of me, Cao Zhong! I'm going to kill Venti right now and teach him that some things are not to be joked about!"
Barbara's face was twisted with rage.
As a devout follower of the Anemo Archon, she could not tolerate anyone tarnishing the Archon's sanctity.
That useless bard—lazy, idle, and shameless. The fact that the Anemo Archon hadn't punished him was already an act of mercy.
And yet, instead of being grateful, he dared to impersonate the Anemo Archon?!
If he wasn't punished today, what would happen next?
Was everyone in Mondstadt going to start calling themselves the Anemo Archon?!
This kind of behavior had to be stopped.
Meanwhile…
Venti stared at the chat, his face full of grievance and frustration.
Why won't anyone believe me?
I'm telling the truth! I really am the Anemo Archon! Since when does telling the truth get you doubted like this?
…
Just as everyone was still doubting Venti's identity—
An unexpected figure suddenly spoke up.
[Stormterror: @Venti, Barbatos… so you finally show yourself. I thought you were afraid.]
[Venti: @Stormterror, Dvalin… must it be like this?]
…
The chat fell silent for a brief moment—
Then exploded.
[Hu Tao: Wait—does that mean Venti really is the Anemo Archon?! I need to take a deep breath—]
[Xingqiu: @Venti, um… Lord Anemo Archon, I admit I may have spoken a bit arrogantly before. Please accept my apology!]
[Kaeya: Hah… my buddy is the Anemo Archon. Does that mean…]
[Venti: @Kaeya, don't even think about it. Not allowed!]
[Kaeya: I didn't even say anything yet… (wronged)]
[Venti: I know exactly what you're going to say. Still not allowed!]
[Kaeya: Things have changed… You become a god and suddenly you forget your brothers. Is this what gods are like?]
Venti felt a headache coming on reading Kaeya's messages.
This was exactly what he had been worried about.
If people knew his true identity, would they still treat him like an ordinary friend?
[Venti: @Kaeya, go ahead. I'll try to help.]
[Kaeya: Great! Then could you settle the tab for all the drinks you owe?]
[Venti: Get lost!]
A vein popped on Venti's forehead.
I shouldn't have worried at all. These people never treated me like a god in the first place.
[Diluc: So Venti is the Anemo Archon… that is quite unexpected. But could you at least settle your wine tab? It's been six months.]
[Venti: Ehe~]
…
Back in Jean's Office
Barbara looked utterly devastated, muttering to herself:
"No… impossible… Venti can't be the Anemo Archon…"
Her faith had collapsed.
The Anemo Archon in her heart was kind, radiant, and a guiding force of freedom for Mondstadt.
How could it possibly be someone like Venti—lazy, carefree, and full of nonsense?
"No… no… no~~~~"
…
Jean looked at Barbara with concern.
This must be a heavy blow for her.
Then she turned to Cao Zhong.
"You already knew about Venti's identity, didn't you?"
At those words, Amber, Eula, and the others all turned to look at him.
Kaeya exclaimed loudly:
"Brother! You knew he was the Anemo Archon, and you still messed with him all the time? You're a legend!"
Cao Zhong shrugged casually.
"Barbatos doesn't do his job. What's wrong with messing with him?"
Kaeya: "Respect!!!"