Genshin Impact: Villain Impact

"I don't really mind if you use force..." Lucas raised his wrist with a amused expression and said, "If you want to take it back, no problem—just go ahead and take it yourself."

"At least you're sensible," La Signora sneered. "That way, I won't have to take your life."

In truth, La Signora had already prepared for the worst, including silencing him if necessary. Lucas's words, however, made her relax a bit.

Perhaps, deep down, there was still a hint of "Rosalyn's" kindness lingering within her. Although she appeared cold and arrogant on the surface, in some ways, she was actually the most "gentle" of the Fatui Harbingers.

As she approached Lucas, she got closer until she could see his face clearly, and then she couldn't help but flinch.

N-no way...

Why did this guy look so much like the Doctor from her dreams?

No, it wasn't just a resemblance—it was as if they had been carved from the same mold.

However, because La Signora concealed her identity, Lucas naturally didn't know who she truly was. He could only tell that she was a tall and slender woman.

Of course, letting her take the bracelet was just a temporary measure. The monster from earlier was definitely related to this woman. Once she took the bracelet, he planned to subdue her and wait for the Knights of Favonius to come and arrest her.

"Hey?" Seeing that the woman in black seemed lost in thought, Lucas waved at her and said, "Aren't you going to take off the bracelet for me?"

La Signora snapped out of her daze and said flatly, "I know, what's the rush? If you push me again, I'll chop your hand off, believe it or not!"

Impossible...

That was just a dream, even if they looked similar, it was surely just a coincidence.

Though she convinced herself of this, La Signora couldn't help but grasp Lucas's hand.

Even the warmth and roughness of his hand felt exactly the same as in her dream.

"Uh..." Lucas was startled by her sudden action. "What are you doing?"

Wait, could this be... a female thug?

Is she one of those women who immediately go for a man's hand?

A guy really needs to protect himself when he's out nowadays!

"I-I'm just transferring the bracelet," La Signora replied awkwardly. "Don't get any funny ideas."

"I didn't say anything..." Lucas wasn't upset. "Take your time."

After all, her slender, soft, and slightly cool hands felt surprisingly comfortable.

And there was something familiar about them.

The [Ring of Manipulation] had a unique trait: it tended to attach itself to the strongest person around.

That's why La Signora used this method to transfer the ring to herself. Only the Doctor knew how to properly remove such a bizarre object.

However, the strange thing was that the ring on Lucas's wrist remained still, as if it had no interest in La Signora at all.

"That's odd; why isn't it working?" La Signora muttered, puzzled.

As the Eighth Harbinger of the Fatui, her strength was unquestionable. She was confident that there were no more than ten people in Mondstadt who could surpass her.

Either the ring was malfunctioning, or... this man's strength surpassed her own.

Perhaps due to her growing anxiety, her palm was now slightly sweaty.

Just then, a flash of light and the sound of footsteps could be seen and heard in the distance.

It seemed that Eula had returned with the Knights of Favonius.

La Signora recognized their identity from the heavy footsteps and the clanking of metal armor.

If the Knights discovered her, it would be impossible to explain herself.

"I have no choice!"

La Signora extended her other hand, forming a sharp ice blade, intending to sever the bracelet.

However, the ring was incredibly tough. With a sharp snap, the ice blade shattered upon contact.

Of course, even if she had aimed for Lucas's arm instead of the bracelet, the effects of his [Diamond Body] would have neutralized the attack.

"Hey! That's going too far!" Even though Lucas knew he had protection, he was still startled. "Going for the hand without warning?"

"Damn it!"

Seeing that the Knights of Favonius were closing in, and unable to retrieve the ring, La Signora had no choice but to retreat temporarily.

But Lucas gripped her hand tightly and smiled, "Trying to escape? Not that easy."

"Let me go!"

In their struggle, the black cloth covering La Signora's face fell, revealing her true appearance.

Upon seeing her face, Lucas was stunned, and La Signora used the opportunity to slip away.

"How dare you humiliate me like this..." La Signora glared at Lucas with hatred. "I'll remember this grudge!"

With that, she leaped into the night and vanished.

Wow, ice-type people really do hold grudges, huh?

Although Lucas had the ability to stop her, he decided to let her go, perhaps because he remembered their past encounters in the simulator.

However, this also confirmed that the matter was indeed related to the Fatui.

At that moment, Eula arrived with the Vanguard Squad, but she was a step too late and could only catch a glimpse of La Signora's retreating figure.

"Huff... huff..." Eula caught her breath and asked, "What did that person say?"

"She said..." Lucas muttered, "She would remember this grudge."

"I'm not joking around!" Eula snapped. "Why are you using my catchphrase?"

"So you know it's your catchphrase..." Lucas replied amusedly. "But I'm not lying, that's exactly what she said."

"Forget it; let's not worry about her for now." Eula scanned the area and asked, "Where's Terrence?"

"Him?" Lucas pointed at the ground, looking a bit awkward. "Everywhere."

"Huh?"

...

After a brief explanation, Eula finally understood what had happened.

"I'm sorry," Lucas sighed. "Even though he was your relative, I had no choice but to kill him."

"You don't need to apologize to me," Eula shook her head. "Terrence, or any member of the Lawrence family, must take responsibility for their actions."

Although Eula spoke as if she was unaffected, a trace of regret still flashed across her eyes.

Although she hadn't interacted much with Terrence, given how the Lawrence family was dwindling, he was one of the few diligent and hardworking members left. She didn't expect him to suddenly go mad, not only killing someone but even trying to attack her.

"I don't think it's entirely his fault," Lucas said, revealing the [Ring of Manipulation] on his wrist. "This was the bracelet he wore, and just now, it attached itself to my wrist like a living thing. Terrence's transformation might be related to it."

"If that's true..." Eula asked nervously, "Does that mean you might also end up like him?"

"I'm not sure," Lucas shrugged. "Looks like I'll need to consult a professional tomorrow to find out what this bracelet really is."

"A professional... I might know someone," Eula said thoughtfully, touching her chin. "But she's usually pretty lazy. With the Wine Festival going on, she's taken three days off, so it's almost impossible to get her help during her vacation."

"Who is it?" Lucas asked eagerly.

"Lisa Minci, the librarian of the Knights of Favonius," Eula raised an eyebrow. "She's a top graduate of the Sumeru Academia and well-read. She might have some clue."

"Oh, it's her," Lucas nodded. "That's fine. I know where she lives, I can pay her a visit."

"What? You know where Lisa lives?" Eula's face showed surprise. "She hates being disturbed during her off-time. In the entire Knights of Favonius, fewer than three people know her address. How do you know? You two... you don't have some kind of secret relationship, do you?"

The other members of the vanguard squad exchanged glances, barely holding back their laughter as they saw their usually calm and dignified captain show such an anxious expression for the first time.

"What nonsense!" Lucas said with an awkward smile. "We just happened to meet during the Wine Festival."

"Seems I was overthinking things," Eula coughed lightly, realizing her outburst. "That woman may look alluring, but she's not interested in any man, let alone someone like you."

"Am I really that unimpressive?" Lucas said, feeling a bit dejected. "I mean, I have some charm, don't I?"

"Stop... stop being so full of yourself," Eula turned her face away, trying to hide her embarrassed expression. "To Lisa, you're just a little brother."

"Oh?" Lucas looked at her with a sly smile. "And in your eyes, Sister Eula, am I also just a little brother?"

The term "Sister" made Eula's body shiver slightly.

After all, that was what her little brother called her in the dream world.

And this man in front of her not only looked exactly like him but even had the same expression when he said those words.

"Yes, you're nothing but a little brother!" Eula quickly turned away and addressed the other squad members who had come along. "Thanks for coming out so late."

"No problem!" one of the members replied with a smile. "After all, since our captain is working so hard, we can't slack off."

"Exactly!" another member nodded. "If you want to apologize, Captain, just treat us to some Moon Pies."

"Moon Pies?" Lucas asked curiously. "What's that?"

"That's Captain Eula's specialty!" The squad member licked his lips. "Don't be fooled by her serious demeanor—her cooking skills are top-notch. If you married her, you'd never go hungry!"

"D-Daring to tease the captain like that!" Eula stammered. "I'll remember this grudge!"

The squad members, of course, knew that Eula's "grudges" were usually just talk.

When they first joined Eula's command, they had some biases against the Lawrence family. But over time, they realized Eula was a truly reliable captain.

"And you," Eula muttered, still looking down and fiddling with her fingers, "daring to call me Sister so casually... I'll remember that too. If you dare call any other woman that, I won't forgive you!"

"As you wish, Sister Eula," Lucas nodded with a smile. "I'll head back and get some rest now. Goodnight."

As she watched Lucas's departing figure, Eula felt a sweet warmth welling up in her heart.

A feeling she had never experienced before.

...

Meanwhile, at the Goth Grand Hotel, inside the Doctor's room.

"What?" The Doctor, dressed in pajamas and applying a face mask, looked so shocked that it seemed the mask might tear. "The parasite was defeated?"

"That's right," La Signora said with displeasure. "Is this your brilliant plan?"

"What's wrong with the plan?" The Doctor showed no hint of remorse. "No one knows the connection between the [Ring of Manipulation] and the Fatui, and it was a perfect opportunity to create some chaos."

"If it results in deaths, that's a different story," La Signora slammed the table. "My mission is to retrieve the Gnosis, not to kill people."

"Why does it matter?" The Doctor shrugged. "They're just Mondstadt citizens, and besides, their deaths would only help the ring accumulate more power."

"Well, you might be disappointed," La Signora sneered. "Your bracelet is now being worn by someone else."

"Ah, it seems my little treasure has found a stronger host," the Doctor said, unperturbed. "No matter. In a few days, that person will be corrupted by the ring, consumed by their own darkness, and turn into a mindless monster. By then, I'll simply retrieve it."

That man... will he also turn into a monster?

Though she didn't understand the connection between Lucas and the "Doctor" from her dreams, deep down, La Signora didn't want Lucas to get hurt. Otherwise, she could have killed him earlier or cut off his hand.

"I told you, I don't want to cause that kind of chaos again," La Signora shook her head, offering an excuse. "Tell me, how can I remove the [Ring of Manipulation]?"

"Isn't it simple? Just chop off his hand," the Doctor said, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. "Or better yet... kill him."

"I... I want a gentler method," La Signora frowned.

"Well, there is a way," the Doctor said with a wicked grin. "But... I doubt you can do it."

"Ridiculous! There's nothing I can't do."

La Signora, proud by nature, hated being underestimated. Seeing the Doctor's response, she immediately asked, "Tell me, what's the method?"

"The [Ring of Manipulation] is, to some extent, connected to the consciousness of its host," the Doctor said, tapping her temple with her index finger and smiling. "In other words, when the host's consciousness enters a state of emptiness and detachment, the ring loses its mental connection and reveals a weakness."

"Emptiness and detachment?" La Signora looked puzzled for a moment. "How does one even achieve that state?"

"For example, through spiritual enlightenment, a massive emotional shock, or a sudden burst of inspiration during artistic creation." The Doctor, though often appearing unreliable, clearly had a wealth of knowledge. "Of course, such moments are incredibly rare. An average person might not experience any of these even once in their lifetime."

---

"How could anyone easily achieve something like that!" La Signora gritted her teeth. "Are you messing with me?"

"Of course not, because for ordinary people, there is another way to instantly reach a state of emptiness," the Doctor whispered softly in her ear. "It's at the peak of ecstasy."

Hearing those words, La Signora's face flushed a bit as she muttered, "Y-You're not just messing with me, are you?"

"I swear by Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, it's all true. If you don't believe me, you can try it out yourself," the Doctor chuckled. "Of course, I doubt you'd lower yourself to do something like that."

"Hmph!" La Signora was too irritated to respond, and she stormed out.

After she left, the Doctor smirked slightly and said, "Come out, Lyudmila."

At his words, a young woman in a Fatui uniform slowly emerged from the shadows of the room, bowing her head. "What are your orders?"

"You must have overheard our conversation just now," the Doctor said calmly. "La Signora is right, the [Ring of Manipulation] must be retrieved as soon as possible. This task is yours."

Lyudmila wasn't aware that the ring's host was Lucas. She hesitated and asked, "Killing someone within Mondstadt's walls, especially someone connected to the Knights of Favonius... that might not be wise."

"Didn't I mention another method earlier?" The Doctor gently lifted Lyudmila's chin with her finger, smiling. "With your skills, it shouldn't be hard, right?"

To the Doctor, everyone—including herself—was merely a tool to be used to achieve her goals. That, of course, included Lyudmila's body.

"I... I understand." Lyudmila's expression was complex, but faced with the Doctor, she could only reluctantly agree.

"Good. Then hurry up," the Doctor waved dismissively. "Don't disappoint me."

...

Due to the gruesome state of Terrence's body, Eula's vanguard squad had to spend the entire night on cleanup duty to avoid causing public panic the next day. They ended up packing his remains into an entire sack.

The Knights of Favonius worked efficiently, especially when dealing with homicide cases. They quickly identified the deceased as a middle-aged widower from Mondstadt with no children or other relatives.

This meant that if no one pressed charges, the Knights could issue a simple statement, even concealing the identity of the murderer.

Furthermore, Terrence's body was so severely mutilated that identifying him was impossible.

Jean, the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, indeed considered concealing the truth. Her intention wasn't to protect the Lawrence family's reputation but to shield Eula.

Over the years, Eula, as a member of the Lawrence family, had worked hard to slowly change the perception of Mondstadt's citizens towards her. If the fact that a Lawrence had committed murder came to light during the Wine Festival, Eula's years of effort would have been in vain.

Not only that, but if the perpetrator's identity were revealed, it wouldn't just damage the already fragile reputation of the Lawrence family. Eula herself would also face immense pressure from within her own family for having killed a member of her extended family.

Jean wasn't a rigid leader, she understood that occasional flexibility was necessary for the greater good.

However, this proposal met with strong opposition from Eula herself. The reason was simple—she didn't want any privileges due to her family name, and she believed her actions were justified.

In the end, Jean had no choice but to agree to Eula's request.

By noon the next day, the Knights of Favonius released a statement. Though the murderer had been brought to justice, the incident still caused quite a stir.

The reason was simple—the perpetrator was a member of the Lawrence family, and the crime happened during the Wine Festival!

It was hard not to suspect that the Lawrence family was involved in some sort of conspiracy again.

...

Meanwhile, in the VIP suite at the Angel's Share tavern, a cute and delicate young bard stretched tiredly as he sat up in bed.

"Ugh, my head hurts..." Venti rubbed his temples. For someone with his high alcohol tolerance, having a hangover headache was quite rare.

However, the sight that greeted him quickly sobered him up.

Laid out in front of him were photos, arranged to spell out the word "bet."

Moreover, the content of these photos... could not be called ordinary—they were downright indecent.

In the pictures, a drunken Venti was dressed in all sorts of embarrassing outfits, posing in various compromising positions.

As he looked through them, even the usually thick-skinned Venti couldn't help but blush.

"How did this happen..." Venti muttered, biting his lip. "Could this be the price of losing a drinking contest? But why would he take these photos, and what's his real intention... Could he have... that kind of interest?"

As this thought crossed his mind, Venti quickly checked his backside.

Thankfully, he was still intact.

Otherwise, if he had been taken advantage of by a man in such a ridiculous way, it would have been a huge loss.

But...

Venti couldn't help but glance at the photos again, a hint of vanity on his face. "I never thought I'd look so cute in these outfits..."

But he quickly shook his head and slapped his cheeks. "No! Now's not the time to think about that. I must find that guy immediately. If these photos get out... I'll never be able to show my face again!"

Although Venti didn't really care much about his reputation or image, he was still one of the Seven Archons of Teyvat. 

If those photos only circulated within Mondstadt, it might not be a big deal. But if they were spread to other nations, like neighboring Liyue, and caught Morax's eye, it would be a colossal embarrassment.

With this thought in mind, Venti hurried out the door without even bothering to tidy up.

He spotted the bartender, Charles, cleaning up the tavern. When Charles noticed Venti, his expression became rather peculiar.

"Charles!" Venti quickly called out, "Where did that man from last night go?"

Charles seemed thoughtful as he nodded and said, "Venti, you're still young. Some things are fine to try out once, but don't get too deeply involved."

"W-What are you talking about?" Venti frowned slightly.

"Take a look for yourself," Charles motioned toward Venti. "Young people these days are really open-minded, huh?"

Venti looked down and saw that he was wearing black stockings on his legs. Paired with his slender legs and delicate feet, they were actually more attractive than those of many women.

"Lucas..." Venti gritted his teeth. "You'll pay for this!"

...

At that moment, Lucas had no idea that he had already made his way onto the Anemo Archon's bad side.

Even though he had a busy night, Lucas wanted to get to the bottom of the bracelet on his wrist as soon as possible. So, after lunch, he followed the business card Lisa had given him the previous night and went to her place.

He had already informed Zhang Luo that the weapons had been delivered safely, so there was no rush to return. Staying in Mondstadt for a few days wouldn't be an issue.

Lucas initially thought finding Lisa's house would be a challenge, but he soon found himself standing before a large villa.

The villa had a unique design, with herbs drying outside and a large, lush tree growing from the roof. It looked like something out of a fairytale—a witch's abode, perhaps.

The door itself was a simple wooden panel with visible twisted grain patterns.

"This should be the place... right?"

Lucas stood at the door and gently knocked, but no one came to answer.

"Excuse me, is anyone there?"

He knocked again, and this time, a displeased voice responded, "Stop knocking, it hurts!"

To his surprise, a face formed on the wooden door, staring at him. "The mistress said she's not seeing anyone during her vacation. You should leave."

This unexpected sight startled Lucas, but he quickly pulled out the business card Lisa had given him. "Miss Lisa told me I could come visit her."

"You have that?" The face on the door nodded. "Alright, you can go in."

Lucas expected the door to simply open, but instead, two legs sprouted from its lower end, and it began to walk out, looking rather comical.

"What are you waiting for? Get inside already," the door said impatiently. "Haven't you ever seen a walking door?"

Of course not!

"T-Thank you." Lucas held back his urge to comment and hurried inside.

The room was clean and tidy, with cheerful artwork hanging on the walls.

Just then, a broom floated in from another room, sweeping the floor while swaying back and forth, as if it were dancing.

By the window, a teapot poured water into a potted plant, while a cloth, moving like a spider, cleaned the glass.

Wow, the entire room is fully automated—so elegant!

It seemed that all of this was Lisa's doing.

Though she was only a four-star character, her backstory portrayed her as a woman with unfathomable abilities.

"Well, you really came."

While Lucas was admiring the fascinating setup, a soft and seductive voice drifted in from a short distance away.

When Lucas looked up, his face immediately turned a bit red.

Lisa emerged from the bathroom, slowly drying her damp hair. She was wearing nothing but a small towel that struggled to contain her voluptuous figure, looking as though it could burst open at any moment.

"S-Sorry!" Lucas quickly lowered his head. "I didn't know you were bathing. Maybe I should wait outside."

"Oh my, your face is red again. You're so cute." Lisa didn't seem offended at all and smiled. "It's fine. I can tell you're a good kid."

"Actually, I came to see you because..."

Lucas was about to explain his reason for coming, but Lisa shook her head. "No rush. Sit down. Let's chat over some tea."

With a snap of her fingers, the teapot on the stove lifted into the air and poured tea into the cups on the table.

Since he was there to ask for her help, Lucas felt it would be rude to refuse, so he sat down.

Lisa, however, didn't bother changing clothes. She sat across from him, still wrapped in her towel, completely unbothered by the glimpses she offered with every movement.

"If you want to look, just look. I don't mind," Lisa said nonchalantly. "I'm not the type to be stingy."

Teasing Lucas wasn't because Lisa was overly flirtatious; it was simply that she enjoyed toying with things she found "adorable."

The Lucas in the simulator was unruly and reckless, but the real Lucas... was somewhat timid.

After all, in the simulator, even committing heinous acts only led to a game over. But in reality, if he acted recklessly, he'd be looking at jail time.

"Well, um..." Lucas quickly changed the subject. "This room is amazing. Is this what they call 'magic'?"

"Indeed. But magic isn't all that mysterious," Lisa said nonchalantly. "Even at the Sumeru Academia, it's less popular than fields like medicine or alchemy."

Having visited the Sumeru Academia in the simulator before, Lucas deeply understood this.

In Teyvat, magic was somewhat awkwardly positioned. Its theories were complex and esoteric, its learning curve steep, and its rewards often didn't justify the effort, making many people shy away from it.

Unlike the settings in other fantasy worlds, in Teyvat, the presence of the "Vision" means that there is no concept of "elemental magic" as such. The primary function of conventional magic is mostly limited to object manipulation or shaping.

It is impossible to conjure fireballs with bare hands or create blizzards using magic alone. As a result, magic is rarely practical as an offensive method.

Those with a Vision naturally have no need to go through the trouble of studying magic.

And those without a Vision know that even if they study it to the fullest, they might never achieve powers comparable to a Vision, so most give up halfway.

As for Lisa, her mastery of magic was simply because, for her, magic was not difficult. Plus, it helped her be lazy.

Moreover, publishing papers and conducting research on magic easily earned her generous rewards.

"What's this? If you want to learn magic, I can teach you personally," Lisa said with a slight smile. "But my tuition fees... are quite high."

It was obvious that the "tuition fees" Lisa mentioned were not as simple as Mora alone.

"I think I'll pass," Lucas waved his hand. "Let's get to the point. Actually, I came today because I need your advice on something."

"Could it be... a matter of the heart?" Lisa teased. "Like, should you choose Eula or Jean? Or... both?"

"Please, no more teasing..." Lucas sighed, raising his wrist to reveal the bracelet he couldn't remove. "Do you know what this is?"

"Where did you get this?" Lisa's expression finally turned serious. "Tell me everything, in detail."

Seeing Lisa's serious demeanor, Lucas didn't dare hide anything and recounted everything that happened last night. Of course... he glossed over the details of how he defeated Terrence.

"Based on your description, this bracelet is most likely the fabled Ring of Manipulation," Lisa said as she clapped her hands. "Lany, fetch me the Relic Compendium, please."

"Meow~"

A lazy cat's meow sounded, and a plump blue cat leapt onto Lisa's lap, carrying a book.

"Thank you," Lisa said, flipping open the rather old-looking book and nodding. "Just as I thought. Here, take a look for yourself."

Lisa showed the book to Lucas. On the yellowed pages, there was indeed an illustration of a bracelet that looked almost identical to the one on Lucas's wrist.

However, the text beside the illustration was in an ancient script Lucas had never seen before, making it impossible for him to understand.

---

"Don't be in such a hurry; let me explain it for you, cutie," Lisa smiled gently. "Simply put, the [Ring of Manipulation] can amplify the hidden evil thoughts lurking deep within the wearer's heart."

"Evil thoughts?" Lucas seemed puzzled. "What kind of evil thoughts?"

"Although it's not entirely precise, theoretically, these evil thoughts are based on the seven deadly sins: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust."

With a snap of Lisa's fingers, seven different colored symbols materialized in front of them. "Whenever the wearer experiences one of these sins, the ring amplifies that thought significantly and then absorbs the resulting negative energy from the host."

It seemed that the reason Terrence was controlled by the [Ring of Manipulation] was his envy of Eula's talents.

"But..." Lucas hesitated. "If that's the case, wouldn't the ring be useless if it attached itself to a good person?"

"What a naïve child," Lisa covered her mouth, laughing. "As they say, judge the deeds, not the heart. If we judge hearts, then no one in this world is perfect. It's easy to live a life of good deeds, but it's impossible to go a lifetime without a single evil thought. The moment any such thought arises, the ring seizes the opportunity."

For a moment, Lucas fell silent. It was true. Even someone like him, who tried his best to remain virtuous, couldn't avoid the occasional evil thought.

"Hehe..." Lisa suddenly whispered, "If you don't believe me, why don't we... run a little experiment?"

"An experiment?" Lucas still hadn't grasped her meaning.

Lisa suddenly hooked her finger around the edge of her towel and gave it a gentle tug, revealing her flawless figure entirely to Lucas's eyes.

Lucas tried to look away, but it was as if his eyes were held in place by some invisible force; he couldn't move them at all. The once pure white ring on his wrist had now turned a suggestive shade of pink.

"Just as I suspected. Pink represents lust," Lisa said without a hint of shame, as if she were simply explaining a concept. "No matter how much you try to hide it, seeing this, it's impossible for your heart not to be stirred, right? Your eyes, unable to look away, are proof enough."

In this regard, Lisa was quite confident.

If Lucas wasn't affected at all, wouldn't that mean she had no charm whatsoever?

"Alright, enough teasing," Lisa smiled as she prepared to wrap the towel back around herself. "After all, lust is one of the hardest sins to control."

But at that moment, Lucas's hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.

"You're being naughty," Lisa's expression showed a rare hint of unease. "I'm doing this for your own good. Let's wait until the ring is off, and then you can look as much as you want, okay?"

However, Lucas did not respond to Lisa's plea. His eyes were now covered in an enchanting pink hue.

"Hah..."

A low growl, like that of a beast, came from Lucas's mouth as he leaped and pinned Lisa to the ground.

"Meow!" 

The chubby blue cat, Lany, let out a startled cry. Seeing its owner pinned down, the little cat anxiously circled around, unsure of what to do.

This wasn't Lucas being completely controlled by the [Ring of Manipulation]. In fact, he was fully "aware" of what he was doing, but the moral restraints he usually held onto had been completely discarded.

He was in the same state as when he had furiously slaughtered the Fatui members at the hilichurl camp. Conscious of his actions, but driven by the spread of evil thoughts, he acted uncontrollably in a wicked manner.

It was like how an ordinary person, under extreme anger, might commit murder without realizing it.

"This joke is going too far," Lisa tried to pull herself free from Lucas's grip, but the difference in strength left her unable to move at all. "If you keep this up, Big Sister is going to get mad!"

Although Lisa often acted like she had plenty of experience, it was just an act to tease her cute juniors.

If things got serious, she really wouldn't be able to handle it.

In reality, Lisa did have ways to deal with Lucas. The entire house was meticulously designed by her—not only was it almost fully automated, but she had also set up many weapons to handle unexpected situations.

When it came to finding ways to be lazy, Lisa was anything but lazy.

However, those defensive mechanisms were too violent, and Lisa didn't want to harm the cute man in front of her, who was being controlled by dark thoughts.

Looks like there's no choice.

A small smile appeared on Lisa's face as she said, "If you want it, I'll give it to you. There's no need to be so forceful."

With that, she turned the tables, lifting her head to kiss Lucas.

This took Lucas by surprise. The kiss felt as if it possessed a special kind of magic, making his body go limp. The pink hue in his eyes dimmed significantly.

Of course, "magic" wasn't just a metaphor.

The kiss was indeed one of the many spells Lisa had mastered—the Kiss of Paralysis.

As the name suggested, the kiss caused the target to fall into a temporary state of paralysis. Lisa had specifically learned this spell for situations like this.

She just never expected the first one to fall victim to it would be Lucas.

Lisa gently pushed Lucas aside, and he lay on the floor, slowly regaining consciousness.

"I-I'm sorry!" Lucas apologized as he came to. "I just..."

"No need to explain," Lisa didn't seem angry; instead, she comforted him. "I underestimated the power of the [Ring of Manipulation]... or perhaps I underestimated the depth of your dark thoughts."

The [Ring of Manipulation] could only amplify existing dark thoughts; it couldn't create them out of nowhere.

If Lucas's repressed thoughts were weak, he wouldn't have reacted so strongly just now.

"This won't do; it's too dangerous..." Lucas said urgently. "How can I remove the [Ring of Manipulation]?"

If the reaction to a mere hint of lust was that intense, triggering other dark thoughts could be disastrous!

"Apologies, but even I am not omniscient," Lisa shook her head. "There is very little information available about the [Ring of Manipulation]. I'll need some time to conduct a thorough study. Maybe then, I'll find a solution."

"In that case, I'll leave it to you, Miss Lisa," Lucas said sincerely. "Whether or not you find a solution, I'll compensate you for your efforts."

"Do you think I'm someone who lacks Mora?" Lisa waved her finger playfully. "But, I don't want to work for free either. Let's do it this way—once everything is settled, you'll agree to one condition from me as payment."

"No problem!" Lucas agreed without hesitation.

After all, Lisa wasn't a bad person; she likely wouldn't ask him to do anything unreasonable.

As for dealing with the [Ring of Manipulation], Lucas had already prepared for the worst. If it came to that, he'd end his life and trigger the [Try Again] ability. That way, the ring would likely detach from his body.

If the thing actively sought a host, it probably wouldn't want to stay on a corpse.

"But how much longer can I hold on?" Lucas suddenly realized something and asked, "Will I eventually lose my sanity, like Terrence did?"

"Take a look at the bracelet's surface," Lisa lifted Lucas's wrist. "Every time it absorbs your dark thoughts, a black mark appears on its once pure-white surface. Once it turns completely black, you'll become the puppet of the [Ring of Manipulation]."

Sure enough, there was already a twisted black line on the bracelet's surface. It must have been a result of the lust from earlier.

"I'll do my best to suppress these thoughts." Lucas clenched his fist.

"Well, I guess I'll give you a little extra help," Lisa said as she turned around, bending down to rummage through a drawer behind her. "It should be in here somewhere."

When she bent down, the small towel revealed its limitations once again.

And as Lucas caught a glimpse of the abyss, the pink hue in his eyes started to stir once more.

"No, I can't!"

This time, Lucas grabbed the now-cold tea from the table and splashed it on his face, snapping himself back to reality.

Man, I really can't let my guard down for a second.

"Huh, what's going on with you?" Lisa turned back, laughing. "Here, let me wipe that off for you."

"N-No, that's okay!" Lucas quickly declined. "I'm afraid I... won't be able to take it."

Just a glance almost made him lose it. If she actually got close... Forget splashing tea, even a sleep potion wouldn't help!

"Here, take this." Lisa handed Lucas a small, delicate bottle. "It's a calming potion I concocted earlier. When dark thoughts start to overwhelm you, drink this to suppress them."

"Thank you!" Lucas gratefully accepted the bottle. "This will be a huge help!"

"However, this potion only suppresses dark thoughts; it doesn't eliminate them," Lisa warned. "So, don't use it recklessly, or it could have the opposite effect."

"I'll keep that in mind." Lucas nodded. At that moment, a knock came from the door outside. "Lisa! Is Lucas in there?"

"That's the voice of Acting Grand Master Jean?" Lucas was surprised. "Is she looking for me?"

"She sounds urgent. You should go," Lisa yawned. "I won't see you out. It's my nap time."

"Goodbye!"

As Lucas left, a faint smile curled at the corner of Lisa's lips as she murmured, "He really is an interesting kid."

"Master, I don't understand..." At that moment, the blue cat Lany spoke in a human voice. "Judging by your expression earlier, you seem to know how to remove the [Ring of Manipulation]. Why didn't you tell him?"

"There is indeed a method, but I don't want to use my body as an experiment," Lisa said with a slightly sinister smile, biting her lip. "Besides, don't you think it's more interesting to let him wear it for a while longer...Of course I wouldn't let him die"

Lisa's comment made the chubby blue cat wrinkle its non-existent brows as it muttered, "You're the real devil here..."

"What are you saying, Lany?" Lisa suddenly grabbed the scruff of the blue cat's neck. "And by the way, when I was pinned down earlier, why didn't you use the transformation magic I gave you? Were you just enjoying watching your master being bullied? Bad kitty—you'll have to be punished..."

"Meow!" 

A pitiful yowl echoed through the treehouse, but outside, the two people seemed not to notice.

Jean was indeed standing outside, and unlike her usual composed and calm demeanor, her expression showed a hint of anxiety. As soon as she saw Lucas, she rushed forward and said, "I'm afraid I have to trouble you for help!"

"Don't worry," Lucas quickly reassured her. "What's the matter? Take your time explaining."

"It's... it's about Eula," Jean finally caught her breath. "After the murder case last night, and after we released the statement, Eula was immediately summoned back to the Lawrence estate."

Lucas had already heard a bit about this. Although Eula's actions were carried out in the line of duty, the incident had a severely negative impact on the Lawrence family's reputation. It was no surprise that she had been summoned.

"At first, I didn't think it was a big problem," Jean said, handing Lucas a brief note. "But I just received a message from Eula's personal maid."

The note contained only a few words: Lady Eula is about to face severe punishment. Please help!

Generally, the fewer the words, the more urgent the situation.

"Technically, Eula is a member of the Knights of Favonius, so it should be my responsibility to handle this," Jean said, clearly conflicted. "However, the Lawrence family has long-standing grudges against my family and the Knights. If I intervene, it will only make things worse."

"So, you need someone related to the case but unaffiliated with the Knights of Favonius," Lucas immediately understood Jean's intention. "That's why you came to me."

"Exactly!" Jean nodded. "I know this request may be sudden, but..."

"No need to say more," Lucas placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Leave it to me!"

"Are you sure you can handle it?" A glimmer of hope appeared in Jean's eyes. "The Lawrence family isn't easy to deal with."

"It's fine," Lucas cracked his knuckles with a grin. "I'm curious to see what the Lawrence family is like nowadays."

Jean didn't quite understand his words.

But for Lucas, in the simulator, he had a thousand-year-long connection with the Lawrence family. He was eager to see how far they had fallen in reality.

...

At the Lawrence Estate.

Even though the "Lawrence" name had been in decline for a thousand years, these former nobles still clung desperately to their past status.

Like destitute aristocrats from fallen dynasties who, despite having nothing but pickled vegetables to eat, would still slice them thinly to maintain a semblance of elegance—essentially, it was poor pretense.

The grand front gates, although still polished to a shine, could no longer hide the cracks that told the tale of the Lawrence family's decline and disgrace.

This was not like the Lawrence family in the simulator. Lucas placed his hand on the gate, and for a brief moment, he felt as if he had become the master of the Lawrence family once again, the uncrowned king of Mondstadt.

"Lawrence, your master has returned."

...

Meanwhile.

The Lawrence family's assembly hall was filled with family members.

This was the most solemn and austere location in the Lawrence estate. Portraits of past family heads lined the walls on either side, symbolizing the watchful gaze of the ancestors.

In the most prominent spot stood a sword pedestal, holding an ornate blue greatsword—the Song of Broken Pines, the family's treasured heirloom, which only the head of the family had the right to wield.

Today's central figure, Eula Lawrence, stood in the middle of the hall, the icy emblem on her chest shining brightly.

The current head of the family, named Joseph, was well into his eighties. Sitting in the central seat, he appeared drowsy and unfocused.

Of course, this so-called head of the family no longer held the power or influence of the past. The Lawrence family was now divided into several factions, each maintaining a fragile and precarious balance.

Terrence's father, Hubbard, was the leader of one such faction.

"Eula!" Hubbard glared at his niece, his voice cold. "Why did you commit such a treacherous act against our family?"

"I did nothing to betray the family," Eula replied calmly. "Terrence was a murderer and attacked me. It was only right for me to put him down."

Her words caused several family members present to frown.

The statement released by the Knights of Favonius did not specify who killed Terrence; it simply mentioned that it was done by a "vanguard squad."

----

Eula took the blame upon herself because she didn't want the Lawrence family to trouble Lucas.

Moreover, everyone knew she was much stronger than Terrence; even if she denied it, no one would believe her.

Ultimately, today's "family trial" wasn't just Hubbard's way of avenging his son's death—it was also a move to weaken Eula's influence within the family.

Eula was simply too exceptional, so much so that all her Lawrence peers were overshadowed by her brilliance. If nothing unexpected happened, she was poised to be the next head of the family.

This trial, however, could strip Eula of her right to inherit the position, giving Hubbard's other sons a chance.

Of course, it wasn't just Hubbard; other family members shared the same idea.

"So, you admit that you killed your own cousin?" Hubbard pressed.

"I admit it," Eula responded firmly, "but I did nothing wrong."

"Nothing wrong?" Hubbard slammed the table, shouting, "What is the thirteenth rule of the Lawrence family?"

Eula hesitated briefly before responding, "If a family member tries to kill another, fifty lashes shall be the punishment. If the act results in death, the offender will be exiled."

"Exactly!" Hubbard snarled. "But, in line with the Lawrence family's tradition of leniency, we'll wait for you to recover from your injuries before banishing you."

"I object!" Eula frowned. "I still maintain that I did nothing wrong!"

"Then, according to the rules of the Lawrence family, we'll settle this with a vote," Hubbard said confidently. "Everyone, raise your hands if you agree with the judgment."

As Hubbard's voice fell, the other members began to raise their hands one after another.

"Agree!"

"I agree…"

"I… agree."

Even those who initially wanted to oppose the decision felt pressured by the oppressive atmosphere and changed their stance.

Soon, nearly everyone's hand was raised, and it seemed the outcome was set in stone.

"Bang!"

At that moment, the doors of the council hall were kicked open.

"I object!"

A medium-built man with black hair and delicate features raised his hand as he strolled in leisurely from the entrance.

Everyone was shocked. This was the Lawrence family's council hall, where important family matters were discussed, and for a stranger to barge in was no small matter.

Of course, the most surprised was Eula, because this uninvited guest... was Lucas.

"Ahem…"

Lucas casually walked in, coughing a few times as he waved his hand in front of his nose and smirked. "Did something rot in here? Why does it smell so bad?"

"How dare you!" Hubbard roared. "To insult the council hall of the Lawrence family! Guards, seize him!"

Several Lawrence guards immediately rushed at Lucas, but they were no match for him. Before they could even react, they were all swiftly knocked to the ground.

"Tsk tsk, the current Lawrence generation is really disappointing," Lucas pinched his nose, running his finger along the length of the hall as he sneered. "I know what that stench is. It's coming from all of you, isn't it? It seems the rot... is in you."

Indeed, in Lucas's eyes, these members of the Lawrence family, who held their titles yet did nothing, were already rotting, exuding a stench of decay.

"Shut your mouth! Who are you?" Hubbard demanded, seething with rage.

"Me?" Lucas smiled. "I'm the one who killed your son."

"What... what did you say?" Hubbard trembled. "It was you?"

"Exactly. Want to hear how it happened?" Lucas made an exaggerated gesture. "I used a weapon this long... and then… your son's ass... Boom!"

Lucas finished with an over-the-top explosive motion.

Hubbard looked as if he might faint from fury.

Not only had his son been killed, but the insult went straight to the heart!

"I… I'm going to kill you!"

Nearly losing his mind, Hubbard lunged at Lucas.

But Lucas remained calm, saying, "This is the Lawrence family's council hall, a place for reason. If you start a fight here, what do your family rules dictate?"

Eula quickly answered, "Thirty lashes."

"So, what's it going to be? Are you going to take the punishment first?" Lucas sneered. "Or will you let me finish speaking?"

Hubbard managed to rein in his anger slightly. "Speak, then."

"First of all, I killed Terrence, not Eula. She didn't break any family rules," Lucas said, patting Eula's shoulder. "Second, even if Eula had killed Terrence, according to Mondstadt law, she wouldn't be punished... unless, of course, you believe the Lawrence family's laws should override Mondstadt's."

This statement was a heavy accusation. If Hubbard admitted it, it would mean openly challenging Mondstadt's laws.

"But, I think..." Lucas's tone shifted. "Eula, why don't you take this opportunity to leave the Lawrence family altogether?"

"W-What?" Eula murmured in disbelief.

"Wouldn't that be better? With your talent and hard work, you should have achieved great things long ago, but because of the Lawrence name, you've been held back," Lucas said, eyeing the scowling Lawrence members with disdain. "I really don't understand why you choose to stay with these gutter rats."

At this moment, Lucas didn't seem to realize that the [Ring of Manipulation] on his wrist had taken on a faint purple hue, representing the Sin of Pride.

Lucas was unaware that he was already being influenced by dark thoughts. He was simply enjoying the feeling of looking down on others from a superior position. The [Ring of Manipulation] couldn't control the mind but amplified emotions linked to dark thoughts.

Lucas walked toward the sword pedestal like a performer on stage, glancing at the dazzling family heirloom sword. "Is this the Lawrence family's treasured sword? Eula, take it. No one in this family, except you, is worthy of wielding it."

Even Eula now noticed that something seemed off with Lucas's demeanor.

The Lucas she knew was a kind and gentle person. But now, he was acting haughty and cruel, as if he were an entirely different person.

"Enough!" Eula shouted. "Stop it!"

"You!" Hubbard's face showed clear panic. "Don't you dare touch it!"

"And what if I do?"

Lucas smirked as he reached for the hilt of the Song of Broken Pines.

The origin of this greatsword was quite interesting. It had played an important role a thousand years ago during the rebellion against the old aristocracy.

Back then, as both a rebel and a former Lawrence himself, Kreuzlied left this greatsword behind for the Lawrence family to pass down through the generations.

Its purpose was to serve as a reminder to the Lawrence family, to prevent them from repeating the mistakes of the past.

But as time passed, the proud and decaying Lawrence family naturally didn't want to be reminded of their past humiliation. However, being an heirloom, they couldn't just dispose of it.

So, they erased the sword's story, turning it into a mere family heirloom.

Using a weapon that had once been used to overthrow their own power as an heirloom was ironic enough.

What was even more ironic was that Kreuzlied had placed a curse on the sword: only a Lawrence descendant with a repentant heart could wield it.

The result was obvious; over a thousand years, only a few had ever managed to wield the greatsword. By now, its symbolic significance had long surpassed its practical use.

Seeing the sacred family sword held by an outsider, the members could no longer hold back. Some even stood up, cursing.

These "noble" Lawrences couldn't tolerate a commoner touching their sacred relic.

But then, something even more astonishing happened.

With a crisp "clang," Lucas effortlessly drew the Song of Broken Pines from its pedestal.

"Hahaha! So this is your so-called family heirloom?"

To Lucas's surprise, the greatsword, despite its massive appearance, felt as light as a feather in his hand. He could easily swing it with one hand. "They say only the heads of the family are worthy of wielding it, but it doesn't seem like much after all."

He didn't realize that the reason he could wield the sword might be because... he had indeed been the head of the Lawrence family before.

"P-Put it down!" Hubbard's voice trembled. "Just wait—you'll be cursed by the ancestors of the Lawrence family!"

"And what of it?"

Lucas even began twirling the Song of Broken Pines in front of everyone. Although he hadn't learned any techniques for wielding a claymore, the sword was so light that it was no problem to handle it like a one-handed weapon.

"If your ancestors were so powerful..." Lucas performed a few elegant sword flourishes, the blue glow of the sword dazzling the onlookers. Then, with a swift motion, he struck the floor with the sword, smirking. "Then why did they get overthrown in the first place?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a crisp "crack" echoed through the hall. The blue blade snapped when it hit the ground, and a third of it flew off.

The Lawrence members fell silent.

Hubbard was silent.

Eula was silent.

Even Lucas himself was silent.

In the quiet council hall, the only sound was the steady snoring of the family head, Joseph.

This sudden turn of events snapped Lucas back to his senses, and the "pride" that had taken hold of him quickly retreated.

Oh, crap!

He'd messed up!

Lucas couldn't understand why he had impulsively put on such a performance just now.

Logically, all he needed to do was deliver his message and ensure that Eula avoided punishment—then his task would be complete.

But now, not only had he insulted the entire Lawrence family, but he had also broken their treasured heirloom sword.

If they demanded compensation, would the Mora in the card Diluc gave him even be enough?

Eh.. Maybe not.

Well he just have to deceive these foolish nobles.

With this thought, Lucas hesitated no longer. He suddenly knelt down, and when he rose, his eyes had transformed from black to a vibrant purple, radiating a powerful aura as he regarded everyone with an air of indifference.

The sudden act stunned everyone.

Eula rushed forward in worry, exclaiming, "Lucas, are you... are you alright?"

"I am not Lucas."

Lucas suddenly flipped back up, standing upright. His entire demeanor changed from before. "I am Kreuzlied, the ancestor of the Lawrence family! Who dares act presumptuously?"

Kreuzlied.

Even if a Lawrence couldn't remember all the names of their famous ancestors, the name Kreuzlied was etched into their history like a symbol.

Back during the rebellion led by the Lionfang Knight, Vennessa, Kreuzlied's organization played a significant role. After the war ended, it was due to Kreuzlied's efforts that the Lawrence family managed to survive.

Seeing the stunned expressions of the people around him, Lucas continued in a booming voice, "The Song of Broken Pines was left behind when the Lawrence family fell a thousand years ago. I left this sword as a reminder for you to reflect upon yourselves. But it seems you have learned nothing. Today, I have descended upon this young man's body to teach you ungrateful descendants a lesson!"

This tactic was inspired by Stephen Chow's movie King of Beggars.

However, while Stephen Chow's character, So Chan, deceived a group of uneducated beggars, "So Chan's" audience now consisted of a group of self-proclaimed elite nobles.

As expected, Hubbard was the first to express doubt, sneering. "What a pathetic act! You think you can really fool us?"

"Hmph, Hubbard, those two mistresses you're keeping, Shaline and Cici, haven't been very well-behaved lately, have they?" Lucas countered. "I've been watching the Lawrence family, watching all of you. I know all your dirty secrets."

Lucas was taking a gamble.

Every Lawrence family member present, including Eula, had appeared in the simulator.

As a former Enforcer in the simulator, Lucas Lawrence had been well aware of all the internal affairs within the family.

For example, Hubbard's mistresses—this was something that had happened in the simulator. Lucas speculated that it might also be true in reality, so he used it as leverage.

"W-What are you talking about?" Hubbard, who had been calm earlier, now looked flustered. "I'm utterly loyal to my wife!"

However, the expressions of the other members turned subtle. Hubbard's affairs weren't exactly a secret; many people knew about them.

A middle-aged woman suddenly rushed out of the crowd, wailing and pounding on Hubbard's shoulder. "I knew it! That night you were drunk, you called out those two names! You... you even lied, saying they were your stray cats!"

"D-Darling! Don't listen to his nonsense!" Hubbard stammered, clearly embarrassed. "He's just trying to deceive you!"

"Hubbard's wife, you're no saint either," Lucas shrugged, grinning. "Of your husband's three sons, do you even know how many are actually his? And what about that stable boy who was dismissed three years ago—are you still in touch with him?"

"W-What!" This time, Hubbard's face turned green. "You wretched woman! I knew it! That's why you always smelled like horse manure back then!"

----

The sacred council hall had turned into a chaotic scene of farce.

However, what shocked the members more than the commotion was how an outsider could possibly know so much about them. Could it be... that he truly was possessed by their ancestor?

Seeing that some of them still seemed doubtful, Lucas decided to go all out, revealing everything he knew:

"Gray, you still owe two million Mora in high-interest loans from gambling, don't you?"

"Morritt, you visit those brothels every day—be careful, or you might catch some unspeakable disease."

"And Rutherford, that anonymous novel you published, portraying the Lawrence family as the biggest villains... I must say, you've got guts."

As it happened, these people were ones Lucas had persecuted in the simulator.

Who would have thought they'd end up persecuted again in reality?

Of course, this was just the beginning. Since he had already revealed so much, Lucas thought he might as well take this chance to expose everything rotten about this decaying family. It was time to turn them upside down and give them a thorough clean-up!

As Lucas continued revealing more secrets, the hall grew increasingly restless. The reason was simple: everything he said was true. If he weren't really possessed by an ancestor's spirit, how could an outsider know so many secrets?

Every so-called "noble" Lawrence had hidden filth of their own.

By the end, all the members were on edge, silenced into submission. Lucas was now ready for his final move:

"Look at you all! Which one of you isn't supposed to be the backbone of the Lawrence family? Which one of you isn't my descendant? You've all decayed, and it breaks my heart! I entrusted the Lawrence family to you, and you've turned it into this mess. It pains me deeply. Perhaps I should never have saved the Lawrence family back then!"

"And you, pretending to be noble aristocrats—are you really so clean? I know some of you are even filthier than those I've mentioned! More corrupt!"

"Think about it—how did the Lawrence family fall back then? Have you forgotten? This sword, Song of Broken Pines, has stood here, watching you all every single day!"

As he spoke, Lucas waved the broken sword in his hand. A blue light shot skyward, and to everyone's astonishment, the shattered Song of Broken Pines miraculously restored itself.

Even Lucas hadn't expected this.

He was puzzled. Could it really be that the ancestors of the Lawrence family were manifesting themselves?

Not just Lucas; the other Lawrence members were now firmly convinced that this man was indeed possessed by the spirit of their ancestor!

[Talent Activated: "Liar's Bane"—almost everyone believes your lie.]

Meanwhile, no one noticed a green-clad youth sitting on the beam above, leisurely swinging his legs.

Of course, it was none other than Venti, who had recently been tormented by Lucas.

After what happened yesterday, Venti's legs were bare, unlike his usual white socks. His slender, pale legs still bore faint red marks.

"This time, you owe me a huge favor," Venti whispered to himself with a smile. "I'm definitely getting those photos back!"

Holding the restored greatsword in his hand, Lucas's expression of surprise lasted only for two seconds. He quickly composed himself, walking confidently over to Eula with a smile. "Eula Lawrence, based on my observation, you are the only descendant in this family worthy of wielding this sword. Take it!"

Eula was skeptical, but at this point, even if Lucas was acting, she had no choice but to play along.

She knelt on one knee, raised both hands, and solemnly received the Song of Broken Pines.

"My spirit now resides within this sword!" Lucas spread his arms. "If anyone dares to insult or harm her again, I shall descend upon this vessel once more and deliver punishment!"

With that, Lucas's body shivered, and his eyes slowly changed back to black, feigning confusion. "Strange... what just happened?"

Everyone remained silent. If Lucas had truly forgotten what had just transpired, that was for the best. After all, everything he had said earlier was deeply incriminating family scandal.

"Ahem..."

At that moment, the long-sleeping family head, Joseph, suddenly coughed lightly. He opened his slightly cloudy eyes and said in a deep voice, "There's no need to pretend like nothing happened. The Lawrence family... does need to reflect on itself."

"Eula, having already obtained the Crest of Frost and now receiving the family's heirloom and the blessing of our ancestor's spirit, I, Joseph Lawrence, officially declare Eula Lawrence as the successor of the family head."

"W-Wait a moment. Wouldn't that be like appointing her directly..." Hubbard, still unwilling to concede, protested, "Family Head, I suggest we hold a vote instead..."

"A vote for this, a vote for that—does my word no longer hold any weight as family head?" Joseph replied coldly. "Do you really think I'm just a sleepy old man?"

Even if his power had waned, the family head was still the family head. No one dared openly defy him, not even if Joseph was a frail old man.

"Besides, if Eula isn't made the successor, should we allow one of your sons to inherit the position?" Joseph added nonchalantly. "Are you even sure they're really yours?"

Hubbard's face turned pale at those words, and he quickly lowered his head.

"After I pass, Eula will inherit the position of family head..." Joseph's voice suddenly grew faint. "I... I..."

At that, his head slumped forward.

Everyone was stunned. Eula quickly stepped forward in alarm. "Family Head, you—"

A strange, rancid smell filled the air.

No way...

Lucas felt speechless. Did he really just die? And how could it smell this bad already?

At that moment, Joseph lifted his head again and muttered, "Old problem... couldn't control it, let out a little..."

Everyone: "..."

...

Despite everything that had happened, the farce eventually came to an end. Not only did Eula escape punishment, but she also unexpectedly gained the Song of Broken Pines and the right to succeed as family head. It was truly a big win for her.

"Thank you for helping me today," Eula said, her expression somewhat complicated as she stood at the entrance of the Lawrence estate. "What happened just now... was it real, or were you acting?"

"Does it matter if it was real or an act?" Lucas gave a vague response. "The important thing is that everything was resolved, right?"

"That was just luck," Eula frowned. "Do you realize how dangerous that was? Not only could you have failed to help me, but you might have gotten yourself into trouble as well."

"Of course, I knew that," Lucas smiled. "But even so, I had to help you."

"Idiot..." Eula's face softened with a hint of emotion. She hugged her arm and murmured, "Why go this far? We've only known each other for a day."

"Only for a day?" Lucas replied with a teasing smile. "I feel like we've known each other for much longer."

Deep down, both of them felt a sense of connection, as if they were "soulmates from a past life." 

Of course, neither of them could voice this out loud—whether it was a simulator or a dream, either explanation would sound absurd.

"You know, you're not using this line on every girl you meet, are you? I'm not that easy to fool," Eula narrowed her eyes. "And how did you know I was in trouble?"

"Actually, it was Jean who asked me to save you." Lucas then recounted how Jean had requested his help earlier.

"Jean, huh?" Eula mused. "Don't think for a second that this will make me go easy on her when we duel."

"Are you heading back to the Knights now?" Lucas asked. "Since you're safe, it's best to let Jean know."

"Could you inform her for me?" Eula shook her head. "I need to return and handle the matters related to my succession."

"Oh, I almost forgot," Lucas chuckled. "Then let me congratulate you in advance on becoming the head of the family."

Eula seemed to think of something and handed the Song of Broken Pines back to Lucas. "Here, take this for now."

"Huh?" Lucas was surprised. "Are you giving me your family heirloom? Isn't that a bit much?"

"Don't flatter yourself!" Eula huffed. "It's just temporary custody. Right now, I'm not qualified to wield it. When I'm strong enough, I'll come and claim it from you."

"I... look forward to that day," Lucas said solemnly as he took the sword back.

[Song of Broken Pines]

[Grade: S]

[Effect: Each time an attack hits, it accumulates a Whisper Rune. Each rune can trigger one of the following effects: (1) Physical damage +5%, (2) Elemental damage +5%, (3) Attack speed +5%. (Whisper Runes can stack infinitely, but each lasts for 20 seconds.)]

[Description: As light as the breeze brushing through the trees, yet as destructive as the hurricane uprooting them.]

Indeed, an S-ranked weapon had extraordinary effects.

Though it differed slightly from the in-game version, it remained extremely powerful. In simple terms, the faster one's attack speed, the higher the stacked effects would be.

Additionally, the Song of Broken Pines had a "hidden attribute"—its weight was astonishingly light, even lighter than a one-handed sword. This ensured the wielder could attack quickly and accumulate Whisper Runes more efficiently.

...

Watching Eula turn and walk through the gates, Lucas finally felt relieved and prepared to leave.

But as he turned, he noticed a familiar figure standing behind him with arms crossed, waiting.

"Isn't this Venti?" Lucas greeted him with teasing friendly smile. "So, did you enjoy last night's drinks?"

"Don't play dumb!" Venti's cheeks flushed. "You know perfectly well what you did last night!"

"I was just fulfilling the bet we made during the drinking contest," Lucas said shamelessly. "Relax, it's just a few photos."

"A few?" Venti bit his lip slightly. "How many exactly?"

"Three... three or four hundred, I guess." Lucas responded.

"T-Three or four hundred?!" Venti exclaimed. "Let me see!"

Lucas didn't expect Venti's first reaction upon hearing the number was not to ask him to delete them but to want to see them himself.

"Sure, you can take a look," Lucas said, glancing around. "But are you sure you want to look at them here?"

If the Knights of Favonius caught them, they'd definitely be charged with distributing indecent materials in public—no question about it.

"Just hand them over already!" Venti demanded firmly for once. "I helped you back in the Lawrence estate earlier, didn't I? That's why you were able to trick them all."

At that, Lucas finally realized why the Song of Broken Pines, which he had accidentally broken earlier, had magically repaired itself.

It had to be Barbatos's doing.

Still, Lucas feigned ignorance. "And how could a simple bard like you pull off something like that?"

"I'm a—" Venti nearly blurted out his identity but quickly regained his composure, adopting a pleading tone. "In exchange for the favor, please... just give me the photos."

As Venti made a face as cute as a kitten, Lucas, of course... chose to refuse. "Even if you did help, I never asked you to."

Lucas's words made Venti clench his teeth in frustration, while Lucas himself felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

This was payback for all the times Barbatos had teased him in the simulator.

"But I'm not ungrateful," Lucas said, pretending to be generous. "I'll return half of the photos to you. As for the other half, I'll keep them for now."

The great Anemo Archon, Barbatos, had never been blackmailed like this before. Frowning, he asked, "What do I have to do for you to return the rest?"

"I'm sure I'll need your help in the future," Lucas grinned mischievously. "You wouldn't want these photos falling into the wrong hands, would you?"

If not for his divine vow to avoid interfering with humans, Venti might have already lashed out at Lucas.

"I... I understand." Venti reluctantly extended his hand. "I'll keep my promise. Now, give me half of them."

"Hold on a second," Lucas said as he casually pulled out a large photo album from his pocket dimension. He began flipping through it. "Hmm, I like this one. And this one too..."

"You even made an album!" Venti was on the verge of losing his mind. "And there's no way this is just three or four hundred photos!"

"Some of them are high-res close-ups, taking up an entire page," Lucas explained, turning the album toward Venti. "Look at this one—every detail is crystal clear!"

"I don't want to look!"

Despite his protest, Venti covered his eyes with his hands but still peeked through his fingers.

In the photos, his expression was dreamy, his pose seductive—a disgrace to the Seven Archons.

He felt humiliated!

"And while I was taking the photos, I noticed a little secret about you..." Lucas whispered close to Venti's ear. "It seems like... you're missing something down there."

Hearing those words, Venti's already grim expression turned to complete stone.

According to the lore, the body Venti currently uses was modeled after an old friend from long ago.

Barbatos's true form is merely a wisp of wind among the thousand winds, without a defined gender.

Assuming a human form was purely for convenience while interacting with mortals, so there was no need to make the body too detailed. Barbatos had only created two channels for basic metabolism.

This body was neither male nor female.

Just like when Raiden Ei crafted the first puppet, Scaramouche, some "unimportant" details were left out.

"I've been... completely exposed..." Venti murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief.

---

"Don't worry," Lucas said softly. "I won't tell anyone about this. After all, we're good friends, right?"

"Please... just stop!" Venti pleaded, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Give me the photos, I'm begging you."

"Sure, here you go," Lucas said, slowly pulling out a thick stack of photos and handing them over to Venti. He smiled mischievously. "There are no negatives, so be careful not to lose them."

"You better not be lying..." Venti hurriedly reached for the photos, but just as his hand was about to grab them, Lucas "accidentally" let go. "Oops, my hand slipped!"

The moment the photos fell to the ground, a sudden gust of wind swept through, sending the pictures flying in all directions.

Venti's compromising photos were now scattered in the air like confetti.

"Look what you've done!" Venti exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?!"

"Ehe," Lucas teased, playfully tapping his head and sticking out his tongue. "Rather than blaming me, I suggest you hurry up and gather those photos."

"Damn it!" Venti, who loved playing pranks himself, had never been on the receiving end like this. He raised his hand toward the sky, and with a flick of his fingers, an invisible gust of wind gathered all the photos into a swirling vortex, pulling them back into his hand like a vacuum cleaner.

Normally, Venti avoided using his powers openly, but this was a special situation.

Lucas clapped his hands in admiration. "Impressive!"

"Don't underestimate me," Venti boasted as he held up the stack of photos proudly. But then, his expression changed. "Wait... why does it feel like a few are missing..."

"Are you talking about those ones?" Lucas pointed up, where a few remaining photos had already drifted far away on the wind.

"Don't you dare!" Venti immediately kicked off the ground, using wind currents to launch himself into the air in pursuit of the photos. As he flew off, he yelled back at Lucas, "You better keep the rest safe for me!"

"Got it, see you~" Lucas waved casually.

As Venti disappeared into the distance, Lucas smirked. "By the way, about those 'no negatives'—that was a lie."

...

With the Lawrence family matter resolved, Lucas finally felt some relief. He had originally planned to head back to the Knights of Favonius, but his stomach growled with hunger. It suddenly dawned on him that he had been running around all day and hadn't eaten a single meal.

Luckily, the marketplace wasn't far. How could he visit Mondstadt without trying the local delicacies at the famous "Good Hunter" restaurant?

Unlike the bustling commercial city of Liyue, Mondstadt's economy was much more modest. Many merchants didn't even have proper shops; they simply set up stalls along the street. Even many of the restaurants were open-air, giving the city a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

This city felt both strange and familiar to Lucas. As he entered the marketplace, the sound of clanging metal caught his attention.

In the nearby blacksmith shop, a burly, bearded man was swinging a hammer, shaping a blade. Behind the counter, a young man with thick eyebrows and a frustrated expression was buried in a ledger.

It was Wagner the blacksmith and his apprentice, Schulz!

In the simulator, Lucas had caused the deaths of both of these men, but here in reality, they were still alive and well.

Seeing them alive filled Lucas with a strange sense of comfort, as if their existence was proof that the terrible things he had done in the simulator weren't real.

Interestingly, the name of the blacksmith shop was "Schulz's Forge," named after the apprentice. This had been the result of a drinking contest Wagner had lost, and as punishment, he'd had to name the shop after Schulz.

Lucas entered the blacksmith shop, and as he expected, despite Wagner's weapons being of exceptional quality, his gruff and arrogant demeanor meant business wasn't exactly booming.

As Lucas stepped inside, Schulz greeted him with a smile. "Welcome, welcome! All weapons and equipment are 20% off today, and we offer even better discounts if you buy more!"

"There's no discount!" Wagner snapped, shooting a glare at Schulz. "Just because I lost a bet and named the shop after you doesn't mean you're the boss here!"

"Master, now's not the time to be stubborn," Schulz replied helplessly. "Selling at a discount is better than not selling anything at all. If things keep going like this, we'll have to close the shop for good!"

"This isn't about money," Wagner said firmly, shaking his head. "These weapons are the result of my hard work. If I sell them for less than they're worth, they'll be heartbroken."

"I think the weapons will be even sadder if they stay here unsold," Lucas chimed in. "With such high-quality craftsmanship, how could business be slow?"

"Ah, you must not know," Schulz sighed. "Ever since the attacks by Stormterror, the monsters outside the city have become much more aggressive. As a result, ore prices have skyrocketed, making production costs higher than ever. Master Wagner refuses to lower prices, which is why our business is suffering."

"On top of that, the Knights of Favonius had ordered a batch of weapons from us, but Liyue sent over a shipment of equipment as a gift, so they canceled the order," Schulz explained further.

Lucas felt a bit awkward upon hearing this.

So, it turned out that Keqing's goodwill gesture of sending free equipment had inadvertently put Wagner's forge in a tough spot.

"Hmph!" Wagner grunted. "Free equipment? There's no way those weapons are as good as mine. The Knights will regret their decision!"

"Not necessarily." Lucas pulled out his [Lion's Roar] sword from his inventory. "This is one of the weapons Liyue sent. Want to take a look at the quality?"

Wagner's gaze was immediately drawn to the [Lion's Roar] sword. He held it in his hands, inspecting it from every angle. After a while, he let out a deep sigh and said, "This is definitely Liyue craftsmanship. The blacksmith who forged this sword must have skills on par with mine."

Of course, Lucas had played a little trick. Although the [Lion's Roar] was indeed crafted by a Liyue blacksmith, it was one of the highest-quality weapons from the batch, which was why Keqing had specifically set it aside for Lucas.

While Wagner's personality was less than agreeable, there was no denying his talent as a blacksmith. He glanced at Lucas and asked, "Where did you get this sword?"

"Well..." Lucas replied awkwardly, "I'm actually the one responsible for delivering that batch of weapons from Liyue."

Upon hearing this, both Wagner and Schulz's expressions changed slightly.

"So," Wagner sneered, "you came here just to mock me, didn't you?"

"No," Lucas shook his head. "Actually, I want to purchase this shop. I will supply you with ores, tools, and even blueprints. All you have to do is continue forging weapons as you always have. You can set your own prices, and I'll pay you based on a percentage of the profits."

"R-Really?" Schulz's face lit up with excitement. "Master, this could save the shop!"

Wagner, despite his stubbornness, wasn't a fool. He eyed Lucas with suspicion. "Why should I trust you? Supplying ore is one thing, but blueprints? You think they're that easy to come by?"

"Your skepticism is understandable," Lucas nodded. "Give me a moment, and I'll be right back."

With that, Lucas left the shop and found a secluded spot to summon the Serenitea Pot.

It had only been a few days since he last entered the teapot realm, but already there had been significant changes. What had once been a few scattered wooden huts had now grown into a small village. The Hilichurls, once clad only in animal skins, were now wearing proper clothes.

Lucas couldn't help but feel that the Hilichurls were starting to resemble humans more and more.

"Ha!"

Suddenly, a loud shout echoed in the distance. Surprisingly, none of the Hilichurls reacted to the sound, as if they had grown accustomed to it.

Lucas followed the sound and saw two figures engaged in a fierce battle—it was the female Hilichurl chieftain sparring with Raiden Mai, Lucas's loyal puppet.

The chieftain wielded a massive iron rod, swinging it fiercely at Raiden Mai, but the latter calmly dodged the attacks with ease. With a quick sidestep, Raiden Mai maneuvered behind the chieftain and struck her in the back of the neck with a single precise hand chop, knocking her unconscious. As the chieftain collapsed, Raiden Mai caught her gently before she hit the ground.

"Looks like she hasn't given up yet," Lucas chuckled as he approached Raiden Mai. "How's managing the Hilichurls going?"

"Master," Raiden Mai greeted him, her tone as calm as always. Perhaps due to her being a puppet, she didn't show much emotion, even upon seeing Lucas. "They are a bit wild, but strong. They excel at gathering and mining, but when it comes to tasks that require patience, like weapon forging, only a few are capable."

That result didn't surprise Lucas. Most Hilichurls wielded crude weapons, which indicated they lacked the aptitude for more intricate craftsmanship.

"No worries. I've found a more suitable blacksmith," Lucas smiled. "I need a few samples of ore, and can you help me analyze these weapon blueprints?"

Lucas handed over the weapons he had obtained earlier, asking Raiden Mai to analyze them. She quickly processed the simpler weapons, but when she reached the blueprint for the [Song of Broken Pines], her expression shifted slightly—an unusual occurrence for her.

"Master," Raiden Mai said with a rare hint of hesitation, "this weapon's grade surpasses my current forging capabilities. Moreover, the materials required to forge it are extremely rare. Reproducing a weapon of this quality is nearly impossible."

Lucas wasn't surprised.

In the lore of the game, weapons of this caliber, like five-star weapons, often had extraordinary origins—crafted by gods or tied to significant historical events. They weren't something that could be easily replicated through conventional means.

Even with Raiden Mai's talent, or even with Raiden Ei herself, it would be a challenge to recreate such a weapon.

"That's fine," Lucas reassured her. "What you've already done is more than enough."

"While I cannot fully replicate the weapon, I can try to create a simplified version of the blueprint," Raiden Mai offered. "Allow me to try."

Even though Raiden Mai always appeared stoic, her unwavering loyalty to Lucas was evident in her desire to help him in any way she could.

"Of course," Lucas nodded. "But don't push yourself too hard."

After about half an hour of analysis, Raiden Mai finally produced a blueprint labeled [Prototype Song of Broken Pines].

Although Lucas wasn't familiar with weapon forging, the complexity of the blueprint—filled with intricate steps—was obvious even to him.

The fact that Raiden Mai had managed to replicate even a simplified version of the artifact was astounding. It was as if she were the blacksmithing equivalent of Doraemon!

"You're amazing, Mai," Lucas praised her, patting her on the head. "Thank you so much."

"Helping Master brings me great joy," Raiden Mai responded, though her face remained expressionless.

After Lucas left the Serenitea Pot, Raiden Mai's body began to tremble slightly, with faint wisps of smoke rising from her ears and mouth.

"Overloaded... I pushed myself too hard," she murmured. "But for Master's praise... it was worth it."

...

Back at the blacksmith shop, Lucas spread the ores and blueprints across the counter.

"Schulz, go check the quality of these ores," Wagner instructed, picking up the blueprints with a skeptical look. "As for these blueprints, don't think you can fool me with some third-rate designs."

However, as Wagner flipped through the blueprints, his dismissive expression slowly faded. By the time he reached the final blueprint, his eyes were wide with excitement, practically glowing with awe.

"Well, Mr. Wagner?" Lucas asked confidently. "Do these meet your standards?"

A skilled chef can tell the flavor of a dish just by glancing at the recipe.

Similarly, a master blacksmith like Wagner could immediately see the brilliance in the blueprints laid before him. The final design, in particular, the [Prototype Song of Broken Pines], far exceeded his expectations.

"Please... please let me forge these weapons!" Wagner exclaimed, visibly excited. "I don't care if you take over this shop—no, you can have it for free! Just let me forge these weapons!"

His apprentice, Schulz, was equally taken aback, not because his master was willing to give the shop away, but because Wagner, a man known for his foul temper and harsh words, had just said the word "please."

"Don't worry, I won't take advantage of you," Lucas said calmly as a contract appeared in his hand, as if out of thin air. "Just sign here."

[Talent Activated: "Capitalist." Paid 6.4 million Mora (discount applied, tax-free), acquiring full ownership of "Schulz's Smithy."]

[Ownership acquired. Would you like to rename the shop?]

"Rename it, huh?" Lucas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Let's go with... 'Dragon's Breath Smithy.'"

[What a tasteless name.]

"Who asked for your opinion?" Lucas snapped back.

At that moment, Lucas had no idea just how far this "tasteless" name would go in the future.

It's worth noting that the [Capitalist] talent wasn't just about getting discounts. Once the purchase was complete, the shop fully belonged to the user in every sense. A new [Assets] section appeared in Lucas's system interface, allowing him to monitor the shop's financial status, employee details, and other information as if he were playing a management simulation game.

As for the 6.4 million Mora he used to purchase the shop, along with the capital needed to run it, it was all paid with the black card that Diluc had given him.

Luckily, Diluc didn't care about money; otherwise, he might have been a bit puzzled as to how Lucas had managed to spend nearly 10 million Mora in just two days. 

Even if he found out, Diluc probably wouldn't mind—he might even be pleased. After all, being the heir to Dawn Winery meant knowing how to spend money was a valuable skill.

…

After grabbing a quick bite at "Good Hunter," Lucas headed to the Knights of Favonius headquarters to report on the situation with Eula.

However, the gatekeeper informed him that Acting Grand Master Jean had been up all night dealing with a murder case and was currently resting. He also mentioned that if Lucas came by, he could wait in Jean's office.

With nothing else to do, Lucas settled into Jean's office and began flipping through the novels she had on her shelf.

At that moment, the long-silent voice of his system, Xiao Xi, suddenly chimed in:

[Ah~ Little Xi's simulator has been so lonely without its host playing~ I miss your presence, Host~]

For some reason, Lucas's mind immediately translated this into, "Ah~ Anya! Waku waku!"

"Come to think of it..." Lucas mused. "I really haven't used the simulator in a while."

[Let's play! Waku waku!]

"Stop copying other people's catchphrases!" Lucas groaned, rubbing his forehead. "You're not as cute as Anya, you know."

----