Knights of Favonius.
Conference Room.
Besides Inspector Diluc, Cavalry Captain and Chief Instructor Kaeya, and Vice Captain Jean, there were ten others seated.
Everyone present held real authority within Mondstadt.
Gu Chen pushed the door open, walked to the head seat, and glanced around before speaking calmly:
"I've heard there are differing opinions regarding the Lawrence Clan's descendant applying to join the Knights?"
Diluc nodded.
"There are indeed disagreements. Personally, I support it."
Jean added softly, "I'm inclined to agree. In fact, I plan to personally invite her to join. Protecting Mondstadt is what matters."
The others exchanged looks. Clearly, not everyone was on board.
Gu Chen took a sip of tea and tapped the table lightly.
"What the Lawrence Clan did is ancient history. Whether her intentions are malicious or sincere, the Knights must show our magnanimity."
"If she harbors ill intent, then it proves that after a thousand years, the Lawrence Clan remains rotten to the core."
"But if she seeks redemption and wishes to protect Mondstadt, then we should give her that chance."
"Your thoughts?"
His tone was calm—
But in Mondstadt, Gu Chen's words carried weight.
Out of habit. Out of prestige.
Few ever opposed him outright.
A senior official spoke up hesitantly.
"If the Grand Master has decided, then I will support it. But should she prove treacherous, I request severe punishment."
The scars left by the Lawrence Clan a millennium ago were not easily forgotten.
That dark era birthed both a reviled noble house—
And Vanessa, the hero who ushered in freedom.
After discussion, Diluc concluded:
"There's no need for surveillance. If we've decided, then we should commit boldly."
"I agree," Kaeya added lightly. "Restrict access to sensitive intelligence if necessary. As a trainee knight, she won't touch that level anyway."
The matter was settled.
Soon after, Jean personally visited the Lawrence estate and invited Eula Lawrence to join the Knights.
The news stunned Mondstadt.
But since Jean—Gu Chen's "eldest girlfriend"—supported the decision, public opinion gradually leaned toward acceptance.
After all—
What if the Grand Master had deeper intentions?
Meanwhile—
Venti sat atop the Statue of The Seven, overlooking Mondstadt with satisfaction.
"Mmm~ Mondstadt's getting better and better~"
Humming an ancient tune, he slipped unnoticed into the Knights' headquarters.
"Grand Master~ Spare some attention for a poor bard! Poverty alleviation time!"
Gu Chen shot him a glance.
"You earn money busking."
Venti scratched his head sheepishly.
"I, uh… got caught sneaking wine at Angel's Share. Master Diluc wants compensation. My pockets are… empty. Haha!"
Gu Chen's lips twitched.
"You truly embody freedom."
"Of course! I'm the one who understands freedom best!"
Gu Chen sighed.
"How about you join the Knights? At least you'd get paid."
"Ghehe~ Do I have to work?"
"Absolutely," Jean's firm voice cut in.
"Lord Barbatos, please do not abuse your freedom."
"You could teach the Knights about ancient history. Deepen their understanding of past heroes."
Venti considered it.
"Not a bad idea!"
"Then it's decided," Gu Chen declared.
"Ghehe~ I won't disturb your office romance~"
He dissolved into wind and vanished.
Jean's cheeks flushed.
"That bard…"
"He's not wrong," Gu Chen chuckled. "We are technically the top bosses. No one can stop us."
Jean rolled her eyes.
"Recently, novel authors are publishing less frequently. It's hard to find something new to read…"
Gu Chen smiled.
"Still thinking about novels? Our lives are practically a light novel."
Jean blinked.
He was right.
What she once read—
She was now living.
"Alright," Gu Chen said. "Back to work. Klee made a super big bomb and keeps pestering me to go out. Once you're done, let's bring Barbara and have a picnic."
Jean nodded without hesitation.
"Okay!"
Noon passed.
Klee skipped ahead on the path, occasionally stopping to wait for the trio walking behind her.
The warm scene gradually froze.
[Past Life Series — Episode 8][The Best Grand Master][Completed]Rewards Granted to Major Characters:
Gu Chen — Past Life Memories, Crown of Freedom
Embodiment of pure free will.
Jean Gunnhildr — Past Life Memories, Wind of Freedom and Justice
One of the Authorities of the Thousand Winds.
Barbara Pegg — Past Life Memories, Complete Song Archive of Blue Star
Contains all songs from another world.
Diluc Ragnvindr — Past Life Memories, Crepus Ragnvindr Single-Line Historical Integration
The chat exploded.
"Crown of Freedom?!"
"Authority of the Thousand Winds?!"
"Barbara gets a full music database?!"
Barbara blinked.
"I… suddenly know countless songs."
Venti gasped dramatically.
"There's such a blessing?!"
Alice cheered.
"Concert time! Teyvat's next superstar!"
Meanwhile—
At Dawn Winery.
Diluc stood before his father's grave, emotions complicated.
One buried below.
One about to arrive.
Technically the same person.
Still—
Surreal.
[Notification: Crepus Ragnvindr has joined the chat group!]
"Kaeya? Aren't you in Liyue on inspection?"
Explanations followed.
Soon, Crepus understood.
"So… in your timeline, Diluc killed 'me' with his own hands?"
"Yes… Father."
"I understand. Dottore truly deserved death."
Moments later—
A video surfaced of Crepus casually pulverizing a massive boulder with one punch.
"…Perhaps joining the chat requires being a martial arts master," someone joked.
Diluc spoke again.
"I now retain all body-refinement memories. Should we adjust the Knights' standards before widely promoting it?"
Jean responded instinctively:
"Ask my husband."
The chat went silent.
Jean froze.
"…That slipped out."
All eyes turned to Gu Chen.
Diluc tagged him.
"Grand Master?"
Gu Chen replied:
"Hold on!"
"The magnificent Grand Master is about to descend upon his loyal Mondstadt!"
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