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Chapter 41: Barbara Wants to Become Stronger
"I only asked Klee to make some bombs. I understand how important this is," Jean clarified. "I have no intention of sending Klee into combat, and I'll do my best to keep this matter under wraps."
"You do whatever you think is best," Diluc replied, crossing his arms. "In the meantime, I'll have my people keep an eye out for this traveler named Lumine. I want to see what kind of person has earned the recognition of the Anemo Archon."
Poor Lumine had no idea that even before she arrived in Mondstadt, she was already under the watchful eyes of its most influential figures.
She was about to walk into a situation that would leave even the most seasoned warriors bewildered.
Jean nodded. "Then I won't disturb your rest any longer, Senior."
---
The Weight of Responsibility
Jean had obtained new insights recently—thanks to the chat group, where she received advice from Keqing and Ningguang. She had even witnessed the history of Earth from Aiden's past life.
These experiences made her realize many hidden dangers within Mondstadt.
There were pressing issues she needed to deal with.
Right now, the top priority was solving the Stormterror crisis and eliminating the monsters plaguing Mondstadt.
She knew she wasn't strong enough to do it alone—yet she had begun to see a path to success.
Unlike Liyue, where reforms often met resistance due to complex power struggles, Mondstadt's system was more flexible.
As long as her policies benefited the people, she could push for change.
Currently, Mondstadt had two major power structures:
1. The Knights of Favonius – Jean was the Acting Grand Master, effectively its second-in-command, but since the Grand Master was away, she was in full control.
2. The Church of Favonius – Jean's own father was one of its highest-ranking figures.
With her noble lineage and commanding influence, very few people in Mondstadt could oppose her outright.
If she moved carefully—implementing gradual, well-planned reforms—she could make significant progress without triggering a rebellion.
Of course, Mondstadt had its own problems.
---
The Struggles of a Free City
The people of Mondstadt valued freedom above all else.
Their carefree attitudes made them resistant to strict regulations.
If Jean's reforms restricted their way of life, they might turn against her—just as they had turned against the Lawrence Clan in the past.
After all, long ago, the tyrant Decarabian had erected a great wind barrier to shield Mondstadt from the harsh cold.
He had done it to protect his people—so they wouldn't freeze to death.
And yet, they saw it as oppression.
They wanted freedom, not shelter.
In the end, Decarabian was overthrown, and Barbatos took his place.
Some even said that if Barbatos hadn't used his power to blow away the eternal snow, Mondstadt's people would have perished long ago.
Teyvat had a long tradition of Archons loving their people—even the ones deemed tyrants had once acted with good intentions.
Even Decarabian, whom history called a despot, had merely wanted to protect his people.
But…
Good intentions were often misunderstood.
And history was written by the victors.
If Aiden's information was accurate, Decarabian's downfall might have been self-inflicted.
After all, at the time, Barbatos was merely a wind spirit.
Could he really have defeated Decarabian on his own?
---
Aiden and Barbara's "Date"
Meanwhile, Aiden was walking through Mondstadt with Barbara.
Every now and then, townspeople would greet Barbara with smiles and waves.
Aiden found himself enjoying the atmosphere.
If Barbara were really his girlfriend, he might have even found this whole stroll… romantic.
But before he could indulge in the thought any further, a notification popped up in his chat group.
Jean: "@Aiden, where are you? Is Barbara with you?"
Aiden blinked. Why is Jean suddenly looking for Barbara?
Still, he responded immediately.
Aiden: "Yeah, we're at the Statue of the Seven."
Jean: "Perfect. Please tell Barbara to head to Angel's Share immediately. Diluc is injured—he needs her healing!"
Aiden sighed and turned to Barbara, who was still animatedly talking about the greatness of Barbatos.
"Barbara, we need to go to Angel's Share," he interrupted gently.
Barbara blinked. "Eh? Mr. Aiden, do you… like drinking?"
A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
Did Aiden enjoy drinking just like that bard?
Aiden chuckled. "No, not at all. But Diluc is injured, and Jean asked us to go there so you can heal him."
Barbara's expression immediately turned serious.
"Mr. Diluc?! Alright, let's hurry!"
---
Rushing to Angel's Share
Barbara had always admired Jean and paid close attention to her affairs.
She knew that Jean and Diluc were often compared to each other.
Their status, backgrounds, and combat abilities were remarkably similar.
For the longest time, Diluc had been ahead of Jean—he had even become Captain of the Knights of Favonius before her.
If it hadn't been for that incident, it might have been Diluc sitting in the Grand Master's chair instead of Jean.
Now, Diluc was injured.
That realization unnerved Barbara.
Did this mean Mondstadt was facing another crisis?
---
Even though they ran as fast as they could, it still took them half an hour to reach Angel's Share.
When Barbara saw Diluc's injuries, her heart sank.
She was a healer—she could tell just how serious his wounds were.
Had the situation in Mondstadt truly become this dangerous?
Even a warrior as strong as Diluc had suffered grievous injuries.
Then… what about Jean?
Barbara clenched her fists.
She hated feeling powerless.
She had always been protected by others—her sister, the Knights, even Aiden.
But if things were getting this bad…
Then she needed to become stronger.
For her sister.
For Mondstadt.
For herself.
(Author's Note: Barbara has always been a kind and gentle healer, but now, she's starting to realize her limits. Do you think she'll truly seek strength? What kind of training would suit her? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!)