"I said no. That means no."
Jean spoke firmly, leaving no room for discussion.
"Stay here. Don't go anywhere. Leave everything to Kaeya and the others."
Just moments ago, Cao Zhong had demonstrated his strength.
His sword moved like flowing clouds and lightning—graceful yet terrifying. Even Jean felt a sense of overwhelming pressure from it.
She looked at him with complicated emotions.
This was the same man she used to chase around and beat.
So… he had been holding back all along?
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
"No, Jean! Focus! This isn't the time to think like that!"
She shook her head and steadied herself.
"I'm not refusing out of stubbornness," she said seriously.
"If the Knights rely on others every time something happens, they will never grow."
"Three thousand years ago, we relied on Barbatos. Five hundred years ago, we relied on Dvalin."
"And now… because of our neglect, that guardian has become Stormterror."
Her voice grew resolute.
"Today we rely on you. But tomorrow—who will we rely on?"
As soon as she finished speaking, her body went weak.
She almost collapsed.
Cao Zhong reacted instantly and caught her.
Looking at her delicate face, he sighed inwardly.
Someone like her should have lived a carefree life.
Instead, she carried the burden of Mondstadt.
Jean felt his gaze and blushed.
She wanted to push him away—but his chest felt too steady, too reassuring.
So she only lightly tapped his chest in protest.
At that moment, the door suddenly opened.
Kaeya froze.
"…I think I've gone blind."
He immediately shut the door.
"If they silence me, I'm done for…"
Just then, Barbara, Amber, and Eula walked over.
"Why aren't you going in?" Amber asked.
Kaeya's eyes darted.
"…Maybe we should come back tomorrow."
Inside the room, Cao Zhong and Jean quickly separated and adjusted themselves.
That was close.
Outside, Amber frowned.
"If Jean isn't inside, we'll just come later. Why are you acting strange?"
Kaeya panicked.
"What Cao Zhong? I didn't see him! I know nothing!"
Amber: ???
Eula: ???
Barbara: ???
"I see."
The three girls' expressions darkened.
"Move."
The door burst open.
Inside, Jean and Cao Zhong were sitting properly.
But Jean's flushed face exposed everything.
Kaeya also slipped in, pretending innocence.
"I tried to stop them… but I couldn't…"
"Go to hell!"
Jean and Cao Zhong shouted at the same time.
Barbara looked heartbroken.
"Jean…"
"Don't call me!"
Amber covered her ears.
"I'm not listening!"
Eula crossed her arms.
"I'll remember this."
Barbara looked at Jean in disappointment.
"My dear sister… didn't we agree to stay united?"
Eula added coldly, "Someone tried to get ahead… but got caught."
"…Not that I care."
Amber looked like she was about to cry.
"Jean… is this true?"
Jean waved her hands in panic.
"No! It's not like that!"
But she couldn't explain.
In desperation, she grabbed Cao Zhong's arm.
"Say something!"
Barbara, Amber, and Eula stared at that gesture.
Their suspicion only deepened.
Yeah… this really doesn't look innocent.
Glossary (Updated)