By the time they finished dealing with the mountain of paperwork, dusk had already settled outside the window.
Yi Chen stretched exaggeratedly, his joints cracking crisply, then sprang to his feet full of energy.
"All done! Come on, Acting Grand Master—time to visit our wayward-but-repentant Guardian of the East Wind!"
Jean looked at him, clearly surprised by his efficiency, which was nearly on par with her own. A trace of nostalgia flickered in her eyes.
"I didn't expect that after being away from Mondstadt's affairs for so long, your speed would still be this fast. You haven't grown rusty at all."
Yi Chen lifted his chin smugly and replied casually,
"Of course! Back when I was in Liyue, I often helped Ningguang handle documents too. That workload was several times heavier than Mondstadt's."
He tossed out the name without the slightest hesitation.
Jean's smile froze—just for a moment.
Tianquan Ningguang.
Of course Jean knew her. As Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, she frequently corresponded with one of the Liyue Qixing to discuss inter-nation affairs. Ningguang's wisdom, decisiveness, and foresight had always impressed her deeply.
But due to their respective duties, they had never met in person.
Jean asked, keeping her voice as steady as possible,
"…I heard from Kaeya that the Tianquan seems to value you quite highly?"
Heaven only knew how many of Yi Chen's so-called "romantic legends" in Liyue Kaeya had exaggerated.
"Eh, it was alright~"
Yi Chen remained blissfully unaware, still wearing an open, honest expression—and even praising his former superior.
"Ningguang really was an excellent boss. Capable and generous! I learned a lot from her—especially about commerce and contracts. It was eye-opening!"
He continued enthusiastically, completely missing the subtle change in Jean's gaze.
Finally, she couldn't help herself. The words slipped out almost involuntarily, cutting him off:
"Then tell me—
was it better working as her secretary, or working here with me?"
The moment the question left her lips, Jean regretted it.
As Acting Grand Master, such a personal comparison was improper—unprofessional even.
But… she really couldn't stop herself.
She had known Yi Chen first.
Yi Chen was a knight of Mondstadt.
And yet—
Yi Chen blinked, momentarily stunned by what felt like a fatal-choice question.
He looked at Jean's seemingly calm expression, which inexplicably sent a chill down his spine. Even someone as dense as him finally sensed danger.
He recalled Venti's teachings from Volume One, Chapter 25.
At last, survival instinct defeated straight-man logic.
"Uh… well…"
He scratched his head, eyes drifting as his brain worked at full speed.
"The nature's different, you know? With Ningguang, it was about learning—gaining experience. But with you, Acting Grand Master…"
He paused, then suddenly flashed a dazzlingly sincere smile.
"—it's home."
"Of course being at home is more comfortable. Right, Grand Master?"
Jean was completely caught off guard by the sudden emotional straight shot. Warmth crept up her cheeks, and most of her earlier mood dissolved instantly.
She turned her head away slightly and gave a soft huff, her tone noticeably gentler.
"Smooth talker… come on. If we're any later, Dvalin will get impatient."
But as she turned and walked on, the corners of her lips lifted ever so slightly.
Not long after, chatting along the way (mostly Yi Chen talking, Jean listening—and occasionally narrowing her eyes at certain names), they reached a quiet clearing far from the main roads.
There, the Dragon of the East Wind, Dvalin, lay resting with eyes closed.
Golden sunset light washed over his gemlike scales, serene and majestic.
Yi Chen, naturally, ignored all atmosphere.
He strode up and thump thump—patted Dvalin's massive claw.
"Hey! Wake up! The sun's almost down! How can you sleep at your age? Have some self-awareness as a guardian dragon!"
One massive amber eye cracked open.
Dvalin snorted, releasing a gust of elemental wind that blew Yi Chen back two steps, hair flying.
Jean couldn't help but smile helplessly at their interaction. She stepped forward and bowed gracefully.
"Dvalin, I'm glad to see you restored to clarity.
On behalf of the Knights of Favonius and the people of Mondstadt, I sincerely apologize for failing to recognize your suffering—and thank you for choosing to continue protecting this land."
Dvalin's demeanor toward Jean was noticeably more formal. He raised his head and responded in a deep voice.
Just as their serious exchange continued, Yi Chen suddenly clapped his hands.
"Oh right—Dvalin! One more thing!"
"Can you contact Barbatos?"
Dvalin's eyes flew fully open.
He stared down at Yi Chen in disbelief, his expression overflowing with unspeakable internal commentary.
What is this kid saying?!
That bard clearly values him immensely—practically treats him as a backup Anemo Archon!
And he still hasn't told him the truth?!
What is Barbatos thinking?!
Leaving someone this talented—someone who forcibly dragged him back from Abyssal corruption—completely in the dark?!
Is he not afraid Liyue or Snezhnaya will poach him?!
Dvalin suppressed his torrent of internal complaints and kept his dragon face composed.
"…Why do you need him?"
Yi Chen, oblivious to the internal storm, replied casually,
"I've got a newly met Traveler friend who needs to find him for something important. I can't reach that guy, so I thought I'd ask you."
Dvalin: "..."
After a long breath, Dvalin finally spoke.
"Fine. I'll attempt to invoke him through the ancient contract. I'll contact that… individual later."
The pause was very intentional.
"Thanks! You're the best!"
Yi Chen patted his scales cheerfully.
"We'll head out then—don't let us interrupt your nap!"
He waved Jean over.
"Let's go, Acting Grand Master—I'm starving!"
Then he suddenly turned back.
"Oh! One more thing! One week from now—same day next week!
Be sure to come to Mondstadt on time! No oversleeping or hiding away again!"
"We'll throw you a huge welcome-back ceremony!
Make sure everyone remembers the name—Dvalin, Dragon of the East Wind!"
His voice echoed across the dusk-lit field.
Dvalin watched the two figures walk away—Yi Chen shouting, Jean smiling helplessly beside him.
Something stirred in the dragon's eyes.
Annoyance… anticipation… and perhaps a quiet warmth at being remembered so earnestly.
He gave a low reply.
Then, resting his chin on crossed claws, he gazed toward Mondstadt.
As for summoning Barbatos…
Dvalin sighed and began focusing, reaching for that elusive, probably-drunk wind god.
Please… be reliable this time.