Bonanus was still out in the wilderness, rushing back to Mondstadt as fast as she could. Inside the city, the Knights of Favonius were already overwhelmed with work.
Following their captains' orders, the Knights set up temporary fortifications. Some carried supplies. Others polished their swords. A few escorted civilians back to their homes for safety.
...
Knights of Favonius Headquarters
Acting Grand Master's Office
Jean sat in her office chair, holding a newly arrived report. Her expression was grave.
Before her stood a young knight, currently reporting on various matters.
"Acting Grand Master, we've followed your orders and told the people of Mondstadt to stay inside with their doors and windows closed. But some merchants refuse to leave. They claim they still have shipments coming in."
"As for repelling the monster attack, Captain Ireland has already led four squads to defend the perimeter. Reinforcements are on the way."
"The windstorm came suddenly. Many residents are panicking. The people of Mondstadt need you to address them, Acting Grand Master."
"Also, the Snezhnayan diplomatic delegation is causing trouble again. The Fatui's diplomatic tactics are becoming too aggressive. They're requesting your personal attention."
The young knight spoke with concern. Mondstadt had faced too many misfortunes lately. You could tell from the dark circles under Jean's eyes that their Grand Master was exhausted.
It was truly worrying. The Acting Grand Master worked so hard.
"Where's Kaeya?" Jean's voice sounded tired. If she could, she would have gone to bed right now. But as Acting Grand Master, she knew she couldn't.
"Captain Kaeya has already left Mondstadt. I heard it was for a secret investigation. We don't know the details." The young knight shook his head.
"I understand. For now, go assist the others. If anything comes up, report to me immediately. Thank you for your hard work." Jean rubbed her forehead. That guy Kaeya could at least have reported before leaving on an investigation.
"Yes, Acting Grand Master. You've worked hard too." The young knight gave a proper salute, nodded, and left the office.
"Lisa, any news?" Jean leaned back in her chair. She was so tired.
"Not yet. Should we ask that Liyue merchant for help?" Lisa sighed. After speaking, her gaze drifted toward the window.
This weather really wasn't good for shopping. Mondstadt would have to weather another storm.
"No. She's a Liyue merchant. Mondstadt's problems should be handled by Mondstadt. Otherwise, the Snezhnayan delegation will use it as ammunition against us." Jean shook her head.
"If you ask me, you should just give that cute girl the title of 'Honorary Merchant of Mondstadt' and grant her some privileges. That would ease the pressure." Lisa shook her head.
"I'll consider it. For now, let's focus on what's coming." Jean nodded.
She took a deep breath, her tired eyes fixed on the ceiling, whispering to herself.
"Anemo Archon, please protect the people of Mondstadt."
Watching from the side, Lisa frowned. Jean really needed to rest. If this continued, the Acting Grand Master's health would suffer.
But knowing Jean's personality, she probably wouldn't listen.
...
Outside Mondstadt's City Gate
The Knights had already set up their defenses. They gripped their weapons tightly, waiting for the enemy to strike.
"Hey, don't you think this wind is stronger than usual?" A female knight asked her boyfriend, who was also a knight.
"Don't worry. Acting Grand Master Jean is here. She's Mondstadt's protector. Everything will be fine." The male knight reassured her.
Hearing this, the female knight nodded in agreement. That was Grand Master Jean. In their eyes, she was unstoppable.
With that thought, she changed the subject.
"Hey, when are we getting married? It's been so long. You're not going to keep putting it off, are you?"
"Next week. I'll come take you home." The male knight gave a cool smile.
"Hey, you two, enough with the lovey-dovey stuff. All you ever do is flirt. Focus on work!" A mature, steady looking knight scolded them.
This was Captain Ireland, the leader of the monster defense operation. Though he wasn't the most senior, his skill was well known among the Knights.
Captain Ireland was handsome, with brown hair and emerald green eyes. A scar above his eye gave his face a fierce, imposing look.
In the Knights' gossip circles, Captain Ireland was known as a man who could cook and keep house.
Too bad such a fine man was still single.
"Captain, when are you going to find us a lady captain? We're waiting for the wedding feast." The male knight joked, pulling his girlfriend closer.
"Later. Kids are too much trouble." Ireland shook his head. At his age, he shouldn't be bothering any young ladies.
"Hey, haven't you heard? The ones who flirt too much die young. That's how the stories go." A roguish looking knight said with a grin. He was just joking.
"Hey, don't say such unlucky things!" The female knight scowled. If you're so clever, go find a girlfriend yourself!
Seeing them chatting so lively, a few other knights joined in.
"I'm telling you, Captain's a real blockhead. Remember when we went drinking last time? That 19-year-old girl from the decoration shop was clearly into him. I think her name was Ani." A knight with a scruffy beard chimed in.
"Really? Tell us more!" The roguish knight leaned in, clearly a gossip enthusiast.
"Well, we went drinking last time, and the shop owner was there too. Halfway through, he started trying to set the captain up. Next thing you know, he called his daughter over." The bearded knight rubbed his chin, recalling the memory.
"Let me tell you, the moment that girl laid eyes on the captain, she was smitten. She was beautiful too, and capable. But our captain was as dense as a rock."
"That's enough. Stop talking." Ireland gritted his teeth. This big mouth was asking for trouble.
The bearded knight shut up immediately. He knew if he kept going, the captain would give him a face full of knuckle sandwiches.
"Don't stop! Tell us more! I'll buy you a couple drinks later." The roguish knight laughed heartily.
Hearing this, the forty or so other knights burst out laughing. Some laughed at the conversation. Others just joined in without knowing why.
"You! If you want to buy drinks, just say so. After this mission, we're all going to the Angel's Share. You're buying the most expensive drinks for all of us." Captain Ireland gave a very friendly smile.
"No way! You're trying to bankrupt me, Captain!"
The laughter grew even louder. Good jokes and good drinks. What more could anyone ask for?
Just as the knights were enjoying themselves, a slender figure appeared on the bridge across from the wall, walking toward them slowly.
"Everyone! On alert!"
The shout snapped all the knights to attention. They gripped their weapons, thinking a monster attack was coming.
But once they recognized the figure in the distance, they relaxed and lowered their weapons.
"Stand down. It's Miss Fashui."