However, the severity of the scandals was different.
Fiora's father had resorted to poisoning his opponent to win a duel to the death.
This violated the most basic code of honor.
At most, it caused a huge impact within noble circles.
But Eula's Lawrence clan was different.
This was a family that had once ruled Mondstadt for a long period of time.
During that era of aristocratic rule, the people of the Lawrence clan had committed countless atrocities.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have been universally condemned and ultimately overthrown.
Even now, after Mondstadt had entered the era of the Knights of Favonius, the Lawrence family's reputation among the common people was still abysmal.
What was worse—
Some members of the Lawrence clan still dreamed of restoring the old aristocratic regime.
For example, the faction led by Eula's uncle.
"So… what should I do?"
Thinking of her own situation, Eula felt conflicted.
If she truly wanted to follow the path Fiora took, then whether within her family or in Mondstadt itself, the resistance would be enormous.
This wasn't something that could be changed overnight.
She was worried she might not be able to do it.
In the end, Eula's gaze fell on Boss Han behind the counter.
In her eyes, with Boss Han's profound insight, he should be able to give her guidance.
"Boss Han… What should I do about my family?"
Hearing Eula's question, Han Feng immediately understood.
She had clearly been influenced by Fiora.
To be honest, Han Feng actually sympathized with Eula.
She herself was an exceptional swordswoman, intelligent, courageous, and strategic.
She had received high praise from Grand Master Varka and Acting Grand Master Jean alike, earning the title "Spindrift Knight."
Yet because she was the last scion of the old aristocratic Lawrence clan— with blood tied to those who once shackled Mondstadt in darkness—
she was shunned.
Han Feng couldn't exactly judge the citizens from a god's-eye view and blame them.
After all, when your ancestors committed such severe crimes— oppressing and exploiting Mondstadt's people—
being merely disliked was already a form of mercy.
As for how to solve the problem…
Han Feng pondered briefly before giving his opinion.
"The treatment the Lawrence clan receives now is something it has earned.
Running away will never solve the problem.
If you want to restore your family's reputation, you must be willing to cut away the rot and carry out a complete, decisive reform."
Hearing this, Eula fell silent.
She understood what Boss Han meant.
Although she wanted to change things, she had been subconsciously avoiding the issue.
Being a so-called "Vengeance Knight" solved nothing.
Only by fundamentally changing the Lawrence clan from its core could there be any hope of restoring its honor.
"I understand. Thank you, Boss Han."
After a long moment, Eula performed a formal knight's salute, solemnly expressing her gratitude.
She would use Blade Waltz to erase the sins of the old aristocracy.
Eula made up her mind.
But before doing that, she would need to gather intelligence.
She wouldn't wrong a single innocent person— nor would she let anyone with treacherous intentions slip away.
With that in mind, she turned to Amber, who was still lying on the floor.
"Amber, let's go."
"Okay!"
Whoosh!
Amber immediately reverted to her normal form.
Although she'd flopped on the floor like a salted fish earlier, she had heard the entire conversation between Eula and Boss Han.
She never imagined her friend would make such a decision.
But deep down, she supported her wholeheartedly.
She didn't want to see her friend continue being rejected by the people of Mondstadt.
As a friend, Amber felt she had to do something.
"Eula, if you need help later, I can assist you—privately."
"No. I'll handle it myself."
Eula shook her head.
This was an internal matter of the Lawrence clan.
It should be resolved by Lawrence.
Seeing her friend's resolute expression, Amber didn't insist further, but she added,
"Alright. But if you ever need me, just contact me directly. Use your phone."
"Mm."
Eula smiled and nodded.
Amber's concern warmed her heart.
To protect everything she cherished now, she had to bring this to a conclusion.
"It seems Mondstadt is about to gain an extraordinary new matriarch."
Watching the two girls leave, Han Feng's eyes flickered with anticipation.
He wasn't particularly worried about what Eula planned to do.
With her recent rewards, combined with her already formidable strength—
dealing with those scheming individuals wouldn't be a problem at all.
Previously, she simply hadn't faced it head-on, or had been subconsciously avoiding it.
Changing regrets.
Changing predetermined fates.
Perhaps—this was one of the reasons he had come to Teyvat in the first place.
Meanwhile, in Liyue
Outside the branch store of Solace Book House.
At this moment, Cloud Retainer, Xiao, and several other adepti had arrived.
"So this is that miraculous manga shop?"
Xiao looked up at the signboard, curiosity in his eyes.
"Not exactly. This is only a branch.
The real manga shop is over in Mondstadt.
This place functions more like a teleportation array."
Cloud Retainer shook her head.
She hadn't noticed this detail the first time either.
It was only after Ganyu told her that she realized.
She had been utterly shocked at the time.
"I see…"
Xiao was stunned.
Using a teleportation array as a branch store— that was truly extravagant.
"Oh right—Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver.
You two should probably take on human forms."
Cloud Retainer suddenly remembered something and spoke to the two adepti beside her.
She still remembered how people had pointed and stared at her the last time she read manga.
After all, this wasn't Liyue— not everyone recognized them.
It was better to be careful.
Otherwise, a crane and a deer reading manga would inevitably look… strange.
If she herself weren't currently stuck in this slime-like form, she would've transformed already.
(⊙_⊙)
Hearing Cloud Retainer's words, Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver froze.
Wait.
What?
Reading manga now involve species discrimination?
What—
are immortal cranes and adepti deer not allowed to read manga or something?!
—------------------------------
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