Just as Dvalin was embarking on a new life as a dragon, the turmoil in Mondstadt continued to escalate.
The wave of protests against the Knights of Favonius surged, one higher than the last, showing no signs of stopping.
Even though Jean personally stepped forward, repeatedly promising the public that the Knights of Favonius had never withheld the compensation Dvalin was due, this did not fully earn the public's trust.
While the full truth remained unclear, people consistently tended to sympathize with and support the seemingly weaker party.
In addition to the public's protests, the Church of Favonius also exerted significant pressure on Jean.
Most high-ranking Church officials believed it was precisely due to the Knights of Favonius, who managed the finances, failing to properly compensate Dvalin, the Eastern Wind Dragon, that led to Mondstadt's dragon disaster and the subsequent compensation dispute.
Therefore, they believed the Knights of Favonius should rightfully bear responsibility for this series of events.
The Church recommended that the Knights of Favonius first compensate Dvalin with a portion of Mora to show their apology and appease his anger, and then gradually settle the remaining compensation.
However, this seemingly reasonable suggestion was rejected by Jean.
This decision drew strong displeasure from the Church of Favonius; Senior Sister Grace even leveled sharp criticism against Jean and the Knights of Favonius on several public occasions.
Jean was truly suffering in silence.
In fact, she had considered accepting the Church's suggestion, but the harsh reality was that the Knights of Favonius's financial situation was already severely strained.
The enormous costs of Varka's expedition had already severely depleted the Knights' reserves.
Now, the Knights of Favonius could only barely maintain their daily operations.
If they allocated additional funds to compensate Dvalin, the Knights' salaries for the month would not be able to be paid.
In such a dilemma, Jean could only choose to bear all the responsibility alone, constantly apologizing to all parties.
Although the effect of doing so was not significant, it at least bought her some time and prevented the situation from worsening further.
However, the situation quickly worsened again.
The Lawrence Family once again launched a large-scale protest and demonstration, demanding the Knights of Favonius quickly deal with Kaeya, calling him a scoundrel, a beast in human skin.
Jean understood that the wisest course of action now was to cut the Gordian knot and punish Kaeya directly.
Doing so would undoubtedly violate the spirit of knighthood.
But if she continued to delay and be indecisive, the credibility and authority of the Knights of Favonius would suffer an even more severe blow.
As she was caught in this dilemma, Diluc's steady steps approached her desk.
He looked at her tired but still resolute face, his heart filled with complex emotions.
If he hadn't chosen to leave the Knights back then, perhaps they could have been a great team.
Unfortunately, the Knights of Favonius were not as virtuous as he had imagined; instead, bureaucracy was rampant.
"Master Diluc, have you come about Kaeya?" A complex emotion flickered in Jean's eyes as she asked.
Diluc nodded slightly, responding in a low voice, "Yes. I have decided to accept the cooperation with West Factory."
Jean felt a heart-wrenching pain, her voice trembling uncontrollably. "Why?"
"My father once bravely sacrificed himself for the Knights, but his sacrifice is still defined as an 'unfortunate accident' to this day." Diluc gazed at Jean. "I don't want Kaeya to also bear an undeserved bad reputation for the rest of his life because of the Knights."
Jean remained silent for a long time.
Finally, she spoke with difficulty, "This is all my fault. I knew perfectly well that West Factory would..."
Her words were cut short by Diluc's angry voice. "Jean, I truly don't understand why you always take all the responsibility upon yourself?
We all know perfectly well that the person truly responsible for Mondstadt being in this state is Varka!
As the Knight of Boreas, he is incredibly lax and irresponsible, spending his days holed up in taverns with Seamus, and shoving all the work onto you."
"Diluc, please stop," Jean said in a tone of unquestionable finality. "My name is Gunnhildr. From the day I was born, I was destined to bear this great responsibility."
Upon hearing this, Diluc's anger intensified. "You always preach about fighting for freedom, yet you yourself are bound tightly by family honor and responsibility, with no freedom whatsoever. Doesn't that seem absurd?"
Facing his intense questioning, not a trace of wavering appeared in Jean's eyes. "Freedom always requires someone to pay a price, and I am that price."
Diluc took a deep breath, trying to compose his turbulent emotions. "You are willing to make sacrifices, but I am not."
With that, he turned resolutely and left, leaving behind a determined figure.
…
It was another beautiful afternoon. The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze blew, carrying the fresh, humid air of Cider Lake.
In a quiet spot by Cider Lake, Lin Yide was comfortably lounging on a carefully chosen deck chair.
He held an exquisite fishing rod, the line cast into the lake, waiting for a fish to bite.
Dvalin was also fishing by the lake, but it was clear he lacked the patience required for the activity.
After trying a few times to no avail, he simply tossed the fishing rod aside, his massive body lying on the ground. Soon, the sound of even breathing could be heard; he had fallen into a sweet slumber.
Not far away, Lumine also found a comfortable chair and settled in.
She held a copy of "Sherlock Holmes Detective Stories" borrowed from Lin Yide, reading with full concentration.
She was immersed in this peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, as if she had returned to the days long ago when she traveled around with her brother Aether.
Just then, Kaedehara Kazuha and Thunderclap walked side-by-side to stand before Lin Yide.
"Head," Kaedehara Kazuha was about to speak but was gently silenced with a gesture from Lin Yide.
Lin Yide didn't say much, just took out a beautiful table and two comfortable chairs from his system space, indicating for them to sit down.
Then, Lin Yide began to personally brew coffee for them.
The coffee beans were finely ground, the aroma filled the air, and the brewing method was skillful and elegant.
Soon, two cups of aromatic, rich coffee were placed before Kaedehara Kazuha and Thunderclap.
The aroma of the coffee drifted through the air, carrying a warm and peaceful feeling.
Kaedehara Kazuha and Thunderclap sat in the chairs, holding the hot coffee in their hands, a feeling of indescribable warmth welled up within them.
They took a sip of the coffee; the rich, aromatic taste spread through their mouths, refreshing and uplifting.
Dvalin was also attracted by this aromatic coffee smell.
He opened his eyes, twitched his nose, and then slowly walked over.
He gazed longingly at the coffee in Lin Yide's hands, his demeanor exactly like a pet dog watching its owner eat.
Lin Yide found his intense gaze a bit hard to bear, so he smiled helplessly, took a large wooden barrel from his system space, and brewed a barrel of coffee for Dvalin too.
When he finished, Lin Yide suddenly felt a piteous gaze from behind him.
He turned around and saw Lumine putting down the novel she was holding, with a hint of expectation in her eyes.
Lin Yide mentally sighed, then smiled and said to Lumine, "Come on over and have a taste of the coffee I brewed."
Upon hearing this, Lumine's face broke into a satisfied smile. "Since you've sincerely invited me, I suppose I'll give you face."