At the entrance of the Church of Favonius—
Gu Chen took out a Kamera and snapped a photo.
Golden patterns spread across the photograph in his hand, forming his signature. The image then began duplicating itself.
"This is a one-time opportunity. Next time, don't interrupt me when I'm trying to spend time with my wife."
He handed a stack of signed photos to the Mondstadters nearby.
"One per person. No more, no less."
"Yay!"
"I'm going to enshrine the Grand Master's photo at home!"
"This is the Leader's blessing! Praise be!"
"As long as I believe in the Leader, keep him in my heart, and hold him in my hands—I feel bathed in holy light!"
"Is it really that exaggerated?"
"You fake fan!"
Fortunately, Gu Chen's fans were well-behaved. After receiving their signed photos, they squatted to the side with auntie-like smiles, whispering excitedly.
"You know… the Grand Master and Barbara really look perfect together."
"Isn't Barbara a bit short though?"
"Brother, do you understand anything? She's still young! Give her two more years!"
"Good point!"
"Meeting Gu Chen today… I can die happy."
"His autograph… hehe…"
"She's gone crazy. One encounter with the Leader, and her life is over."
The crowd gradually dispersed.
Barbara stood quietly in place as Gu Chen walked toward her.
Just like in her memories.
Only now, at such close distance, she still had to tilt her head slightly to see his face.
"My height is still lacking…" she murmured.
"What does that matter?"
Gu Chen chuckled.
Standing nearly 1.9 meters tall beside her did feel a little disproportionate—
But considering her age, it wasn't strange.
"You already went to see my sister, right?" Barbara asked.
"I did. She's busy with Knights reform proposals."
He tilted his chin slightly.
"Shall we?"
Barbara nodded and reached out to hold his hand.
Her lively steps betrayed the joy in her heart.
Mondstadters who passed by tactfully refrained from disturbing them, silently offering blessings.
Eventually, they reached a quieter street and sat on a bench.
"It really feels like a dream," Barbara said softly. "So surreal, yet so real… Oh! I can sing so many more songs now~"
"You're truly destined to become a superstar," Gu Chen smiled. "Alice's Teyvat Idol Group plan may have failed, but Teyvat's about to gain its greatest idol."
"That idol is you," Barbara teased.
After what happened earlier, his terrifying popularity was undeniable.
Not just in Mondstadt.
Across the Seven Nations.
"If you became an idol," she grinned brightly, "you'd be insanely famous!"
Gu Chen only laughed.
"Let's go to Windrise?" she suggested.
"Let's."
Windrise.
Where they first met.
Where they became friends.
Now they returned as lovers.
A gentle breeze flowed beneath the great tree.
Barbara softly sang a love song, her voice filled with emotion.
Gu Chen listened quietly.
They sat side by side at the roots, enjoying the peaceful afternoon.
Evening.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
After dinner, Lisa tricked Klee away under the excuse of having the Spark Knight inspect Mondstadt's hotel fire safety.
The meaning was obvious.
Jean and Barbara flushed with embarrassment precisely because they understood.
As night deepened, the building emptied.
Jean led Gu Chen and Barbara to the rooftop.
Outside—
Venti and Kaeya crouched nearby.
"The Leader sure is blessed," Kaeya sighed.
Venti snickered.
"You're not bad yourself. Find someone."
"I'll just admire from afar."
Soon, the top-floor lights went out.
Venti clicked his tongue.
"That's our cue to leave. Drink?"
"You paying?"
"Brother, underestimate me not! I'm technically a consultant for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
"Hehe, saving Mora then."
They walked off toward Angel's Share.
The next morning.
Knights of Favonius conference room.
Gu Chen sat at the head.
Diluc, Kaeya, Eula, Amber, Albedo, Lisa—present.
Jean was absent. No one asked.
"The Knights need reform," Gu Chen began. "Jean has already drafted proposals."
"Diluc, you're returning. If you're dissatisfied, then you must change it."
Diluc nodded.
"Only the Knights from the video are the Knights I recognize. I'll work toward that ideal."
"With Diluc back, I can relax," Kaeya smiled.
"You wish," Gu Chen replied calmly. "After reform, Diluc will be sole Chief Instructor. You'll take on multiple posts—including resuming your role as Quartermaster."
Kaeya scratched his head.
"So much for slacking."
"Varka took four-fifths of our elite forces. The rest must train hard—and we need recruits."
"I don't want to see the Fatui swagger in and pressure the Knights again. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Mondstadt's military was never weak.
It had merely been hollowed out by Varka's expedition.
Given time, they would stand tall—even without relying on Gu Chen or Venti.
Later, Gu Chen returned upstairs.
Jean, though slightly sore, was physically strong from years of training.
Barbara, however, was far less resilient.
Jean was caring for her when Gu Chen entered.
"All arranged?" Jean asked.
"Of course."
He turned to Barbara.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm… okay."
Less shy than last night—but faint pain lingered in her expression.
"I'll stay with you today."
"You're leaving tomorrow?" Jean asked.
"No. But tomorrow we should visit Madam Frederica of the Gunnhildr Clan."
Jean understood.
"Mother will be happy."
At the Gunnhildr estate—
Frederica welcomed him warmly.
"Son-in-law!"
She was exceedingly satisfied.
Regardless of timelines—
She believed Gu Chen was worthy.
Even if he had multiple wives.
After lunch, she pulled Jean and Barbara aside to teach them the virtues of being good wives.
Gu Chen basked in the courtyard sunlight.
Meanwhile, the chat group exploded over the commercial value of his signed photos.
Requests for figurines.
Autographs.
Even gods wanted merchandise for "blessings."
Then—
BOOM.
Thunder roared across the heavens.
A luminous screen appeared.
[New Series Added: Chronicles]
Zhongli pondered. "Chronicles… Perhaps a narrative from someone's perspective?"
Kaeya mused. "If Past Life was Gu Chen's series, this might not be."
Heizou speculated, "A witness perspective… Perhaps the Traveler?"
Ying blinked. "Me?"
Paimon sparkled. "Does that mean rewards?!"
Then—
Text formed in the sky.
[Chronicles Series — Episode 1][The Dance of the Guilty]Main Characters:
Ying
Paimon
Furina
Neuvillette
"Fontaine?!" Kaeya exclaimed.
Zhongli murmured, "The title… 'Guilty'?"
Ying's eyes widened.
"So it really is our journey's continuation…"
Furina froze.
She had hoped for answers about the prophecy.
A way to avoid it.
Now—
It had arrived.
And she was one of the main characters.
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