Genshin Impact: My villain system is a little different.

Since they needed to meet with Mondstadt officials later, Huixin didn't drink any alcohol. Like Jiang Ning, she opted for some apple cider instead.

The other members of the party who didn't need to attend meetings could indulge in a few drinks, treating themselves to some rest after their long journey.

The aroma of apples and wooden barrels danced on their taste buds, intermingling to give Jiang Ning a true taste of Mondstadt's essence.

"The flavor is quite nice... I really like it," Jiang Ning said.

Shenhe immediately responded, "Then we can take some with us when we leave."

Jiang Ning nodded, "That would be great. We can bring some back for Senior Sister Ganyu to try. Also, Xiangling asked me to bring back some ingredients, and for Senior Sister Yanfei, it can be a souvenir."

Diluc had already removed his coat and changed into his bartender's attire. Hearing Jiang Ning's words, he replied:

"When you leave, just take what you need from our stock. Consider it a gift."

From Diluc's perspective, gifting some inexpensive apple cider to gain the favor of this mysterious adeptus disciple was a worthwhile investment.

Jiang Ning didn't decline: "Thank you very much, Master Diluc."

After a brief rest, a knight hurriedly arrived, apparently looking for Huixin.

After exchanging a few words, Huixin left with him.

Before leaving, Huixin said, "Jiang Ning, I'll go meet with Grand Master Jean now. I hope you enjoy your time in Mondstadt."

After Huixin's departure, Diluc asked, "Would you like me to have Charles find you a local guide?"

Jiang Ning shook his head: "No need, thank you. My senior sister and I prefer to explore on our own, and I've already heard about the places worth visiting in Mondstadt."

Diluc didn't insist: "Very well then, please make yourselves at home."

After Shenhe and Jiang Ning left the tavern, the bustling noise seemed to fade behind them.

Jiang Ning stretched lazily: "Let me think where to go... Senior Sister, I haven't seen the windmills here yet, shall we take a look?"

Shenhe had no objections and followed behind Jiang Ning.

This attractive pair from Liyue drew quite a bit of attention. Several men were visibly intrigued by Shenhe's beauty, while women couldn't help but notice Jiang Ning.

Their gazes were completely unconcealed – perhaps this was truly the nation of freedom?

However, they were all deterred by Shenhe's ice-cold glare and imposing presence.

Standing beneath the large windmill, Jiang Ning felt somewhat disappointed.

How to put it... Charitably, one could say it was rich with history; less charitably, it was rather worn down.

It was like the Eiffel Tower – impressive from afar, but up close, you could see the rust.

Jiang Ning said, "Not that interesting... let's go."

In Mondstadt city, all that remained to see was the Cathedral and the Statue of the Anemo Archon outside.

As they walked and observed, they came upon the statue of the Anemo Archon.

Although he had only played through the tutorial, Jiang Ning knew some of Mondstadt's storyline.

For instance, about Barbatos who never did his proper duties.

But now, the timeline seemed a bit early?

There was no mention of the dragon's plague, nor had he heard anything about Honorary Knights...

Perhaps the story hadn't begun yet? But it must be close.

Jiang Ning gazed at the massive statue of the Anemo Archon, depicting a cloaked figure with wings, hands cupped forward.

Suddenly, he asked, "Senior Sister, why doesn't our Rex Lapis have such a large statue? Is it because we don't have a cathedral or clergy?"

Shenhe was startled: "I don't know."

Jiang Ning stroked his chin: "They say our Rex Lapis takes countless forms and walks among the people... Perhaps that's the reason."

Shenhe remained silent, just listening. Sometimes, her junior brother's strange musings were just self-talk, forgotten as soon as they were spoken.

Though Mondstadt's cathedral was magnificent, having seen the Jade Chamber, Jiang Ning found it merely adequate. At most, it was interesting for its different architectural style.

Once seen, that was enough.

Outside the cathedral, a group of pigeons surrounded a young girl with golden twin-tails wearing church attire. Her straight, slender legs were covered in white stockings, giving her an energetic yet sacred appearance.

The girl was feeding the pigeons when she sensed someone watching her. She turned around and met Jiang Ning's gaze.

Even by Jiang Ning's discerning standards, having seen many beautiful women, this young lady's appearance was exceptional.

Jiang Ning gave her a friendly smile, then left holding Shenhe's hand.

The young girl stared blankly in the direction of their departure, her face gradually reddening.

In her view, when Jiang Ning smiled at her, the clouds had parted perfectly, letting sunlight illuminate the young man. His snow-white hair gleamed brilliantly, and his smile seemed to radiate light...

The girl's heart began to race.

"What is this feeling..." 

The girl clutched her hands to her chest, her voice as clear as an oriole's song coming from her jelly-like, elastic lips.

This was her first time experiencing such feelings, leaving her confused.

But that young man was really handsome... And the white-haired person beside him, was that his sister?

And judging by their clothes, they seemed to be from Liyue?

The girl's thoughts scattered, leaving her somewhat dazed.

...

"That girl kept watching you," said Shenhe, her fingers intertwined with Jiang Ning's.

Jiang Ning wasn't concerned: "I know."

As it happened, that girl was one of the few characters whose portrait he had seen in his previous life.

A character he had pulled from the gacha.

Barbara, the deaconess of Mondstadt City, supposedly also an idol?

He didn't know much more than that.

In Jiang Ning's view, she was indeed quite cute, no wonder she could become an idol.

But he wasn't the type to eagerly try to get acquainted just because he recognized a character.

[Host, she's an idol! Don't you have any thoughts? Like becoming her manager or investor? Taking advantage would be what a proper antagonist should do.]

The system seemed very excited.

Jiang Ning silently replied: "If I wasn't sure you were female, I'd suspect you were some perverted old man from somewhere, with your mind full of dirty thoughts..."

"Besides, an antagonist doesn't have to be a bad person."

Jiang Ning had thought about many things over these years and felt there was a major flaw in the programming.

The system had always assigned him small villainous tasks.

But who said antagonists had to do evil things? It was just a matter of perspective.

So, Jiang Ning had an idea, though not fully formed yet.

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