With Stormterror gone, the black tornadoes ravaging Mondstadt dissolved one after another.
Kaito descended slowly toward the ground.
Behind him, his Wind Glider gave a sharp crack—then shattered completely, fragments scattering like broken feathers.
"Kaito—are you alright?" Lumine glided down after him, worry plain in her voice.
"I'm fine," Kaito said, lifting his hands to look.
Both palms were split open at the tiger's mouth, blood seeping steadily.
Smacking a creature as massive as Stormterror straight out of the sky meant enduring the full backlash of that force himself.
What he hadn't expected was just how powerful the Four Winds' Temples already were—strong enough that even an attack like that couldn't truly injure the dragon.
"You're hurt," Lumine said quietly.
She tore a small strip from the hem of her skirt and carefully began wrapping his hands.
Kaito hesitated—he'd originally planned to find Barbara. A quick prayer would've closed the wounds instantly.
But stopping Lumine now felt… wrong.
So he let her.
"Boss Kaito! Lumine!"
Amber ran over from a distance. Seeing the shattered glider pieces, she patted her chest in relief.
"Forcing a glider like that… thank goodness it didn't break midair."
The aerial battle above Mondstadt had been visible to everyone.
"Don't worry," Kaito said with a smile. "I knew my limits."
Lumine, still bandaging, poked his wound lightly in protest—clearly unimpressed with the bravado.
"Stormterror attacking the city directly…" Amber scanned the surroundings, her expression heavy.
Though the dragon had left, dark clouds still loomed over Mondstadt. The air was cold, the once-gentle breeze now biting.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Applause echoed from the stairs leading up to the plaza.
Kaeya approached, hands coming together slowly.
"So even putting Boss Kaito aside… this unfamiliar traveler can fight a dragon."
His gaze settled on Lumine, sharp and probing.
"Are you our guest… or the next storm?"
"…Who are you?" Lumine asked, puzzled.
Kaito answered for him. "The Ice-Walking Adeptus."
"Oh, I see…" Lumine nodded politely, though the title clearly confused her.
Kaeya nearly stumbled.
"I said don't introduce me like that!" he protested. "It's Kaeya—Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius."
"Hello. I'm Lumine," she replied.
Kaeya glanced at her hands as she finished wrapping Kaito's injuries.
"Lumine… are you with Boss Kaito?"
Lumine nodded.
Kaito's name carried weight in Mondstadt—he'd said as much. And sure enough, Kaeya's wariness eased almost immediately.
Amber stepped in and explained the situation—how Lumine had been separated from her brother.
"I see," Kaeya said. "Welcome to Mondstadt. Though… I'm sorry you arrived at such a difficult time."
"I won't pry further. For driving Stormterror back, allow me to thank you on behalf of the Knights."
He placed one arm across his chest in salute.
"And the reward?!" Paimon demanded, hands on her hips.
Helping Amber with hilichurls had earned a Wind Glider—and a promised Sweet Madame. This time should be even better!
"…Mondstadt-style Sweet Madame?" Kaeya ventured.
"Sweet Madame again?" Paimon waved a hand. "I don't mind—two portions means double happiness!"
Kaeya burst out laughing despite himself.
Once he recovered, he said, "Would Boss Kaito and Lumine be willing to visit Headquarters? The Acting Grand Master would like to see you."
"Jean?" Lumine looked to Kaito.
"Yeah. Let's go," Kaito agreed.
He glanced at his hands.
Lumine's bandaging skills were… earnest. Very earnest.
They were wrapped so thickly he couldn't even grip a sword.
Lumine noticed too, her cheeks warming slightly.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters
Acting Grand Master's Office
"Jean, don't rush around like that," Lisa drawled from the library steps, leaning lazily on the railing.
"If you're meeting them as Acting Grand Master, just wait in your office."
Jean, already at the door, paused and returned.
"Stormterror is still active outside the city. After I see them, I want to—"
"No need to hurry. I'll help as well," Lisa cut in, eyes shifting toward the door.
"And look—aren't they here already?"
Footsteps approached.
Kaeya opened the door. "Acting Grand Master. I've brought them."
"Finally…" Jean exhaled softly, relief easing her expression. "Welcome back."
"Lumine, we meet again so soon."
"Mm."
"This is Lisa, our librarian," Jean introduced.
Lisa stood in elegant mage attire of blue and violet, brown hair tied into a loose ponytail draped over her shoulder. Emerald eyes, a composed smile—and a presence that felt both relaxed and dangerous.
Even Lumine flushed slightly, suddenly aware of herself.
"Hello," Lumine said politely.
"Oh my," Lisa smiled warmly. "Are you the kind helper who came when we were short-handed? How adorable."
Then her attention slid to Kaito.
"And you, Boss Kaito…" Lisa stepped close, draping an arm over his shoulder and leaning in.
"Have you finally decided to come see me?"
"Cough."
The sound came from two directions.
Jean and Lumine both cleared their throats at the same time.
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