["What… my grandfather?"]
["You know my grandfather?!"]
Amber barely managed to stand up, her emotions instantly spiraling out of control.
[Aerin nodded, smiling lightly.]
["This story begins four years ago—with Ursa the Drake."]
[Four years ago, Ursa the Drake attacked Diluc and his father on the road.]
[Diluc's father used a Delusion to repel Ursa, but paid for it with his life.]
[The Knights of Favonius Inspector, Eroch, in order to protect the reputation of the Knights, stole the credit and classified Diluc's father's death as an 'accident.']
["Your grandfather,"]
["as Mondstadt's most outstanding Outrider, knew the entire truth."]
["So tell me,"]
[Aerin said slowly, his tone filled with amusement.]
["during a time when bureaucratism was rampant within the Knights of Favonius—what do you think would happen to someone who knew everything?"]
Aerin lay atop Benares, enjoying the gentle Mondstadt breeze.
Being a riddle-speaker felt incredible.
Amber's grandfather had indeed felt immense pressure after that incident and eventually left Mondstadt, returning to Liyue to live a reclusive life.
But the real reason was far more mundane.
He was getting old.
He knew that one day, Amber would have to face his death.
Before that day came, he wanted her to learn to grow on her own—to become someone capable of standing independently.
He even hoped that, in her heart, she would believe he was already dead.
Unfortunately…
Once those facts passed through Aerin's mouth, the meaning twisted entirely.
Someone who knows the truth—what kind of fate would they face?
It was impossible not to imagine that Amber's grandfather had been silenced by the Knights' higher-ups.
Grief.
Anxiety.
Pain.
And the collapse of trust.
All the ingredients were there.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters — Mondstadt
Amber was completely stunned.
"My grandfather…" she muttered repeatedly, unable to accept such a cruel version of the truth.
"Was he… killed by the Knights' higher-ups?"
She clutched her head in agony, as if her lifelong beliefs were collapsing all at once.
"Amber, pull yourself together."
Jean placed both hands firmly on Amber's shoulders.
As someone trained early for high-level responsibilities within the Knights of Favonius, Jean knew parts of the truth.
"Don't let the Fifth Descender deceive you with sweet words."
"Eroch did conceal the truth for personal merit—that much is true."
"But Grand Master Varka investigated the incident soon afterward and uncovered everything."
"Eroch was punished severely."
"His actions were driven by greed for recognition, not by intent to murder anyone who knew the truth."
"Diluc and Kaeya were both witnesses back then—and they're still alive, aren't they?"
"Your grandfather may have left the Knights for the same reason Diluc did—utter disappointment in Eroch."
"Do not fall into Aerin's trap."
Jean grew angrier the more she thought about it.
Not only had Aerin burned Mondstadt using mutated hilichurls—
Now he was even trying to drive a wedge between Amber and the Knights themselves.
Jean silently swore that when the day came—
Even if she lacked the strength, she would bite that damn Fifth Descender if she had to.
[Aerin's psychological pressure was devastatingly effective.]
[Amber collapsed to the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably.]
[Her thoughts spiraled toward terrifying conclusions.]
["You already know what happened next."]
["After your grandfather disappeared, the remaining Outriders became lazier by the day."]
["Their reconnaissance work stagnated."]
["Eventually, they grew tired of scouting and transferred to other divisions."]
["And now?"]
["All reconnaissance in Mondstadt relies on a single, underaged girl."]
Aerin's voice grew more animated.
Amber's pain deepened with every word.
["Isn't it ridiculous?"]
["Such a massive Knights of Favonius—relying first on an old soldier from Liyue, then on his granddaughter."]
["Everyone else enjoys the results while indulging in bureaucratic comfort."]
["Tell me—what is there worth protecting?"]
["You and your grandfather worked tirelessly."]
["And all you achieved was paving the road for others."]
Aerin stepped closer.
He lifted Amber's chin.
Their eyes met.
At the same time, Aerin produced a strange vial, gently shaking it before her eyes.
["Come, Amber."]
["I admire your spirit."]
["Follow me."]
["Drink this."]
["You will gain power beyond imagination."]
["You will surpass the gods of this world."]
["And together—"]
["We will rise against this rotten Mondstadt."]
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