Dvalin's departure allowed the people of Mondstadt to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The evil dragon's power had been truly terrifying.
People slowly emerged from their hiding places. They looked up at the sky, still shrouded in dark clouds, giving off a heavy, oppressive feeling.
...
High above Mondstadt
Having just finished her battle, Lumine took a deep breath. She scanned her surroundings and carefully descended toward the city using her Wind Glider.
"That was way too close." Lumine muttered to herself. She hadn't expected to run into something like this the moment she arrived in Mondstadt.
At least two mysterious voices had helped her in her moment of need. Otherwise, who knew what might have happened.
She was certain one of those voices belonged to the Anemo Archon. It had to be. That was her intuition.
She had to find that Anemo Archon and ask about her brother.
A short while later...
Lumine finally landed on solid ground. The moment she touched down, a girl named Amber grabbed her arm.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" Amber asked, her face full of worry. She had been terrified when the Traveler was swept up into the sky.
Seeing her safe was such a relief.
"I'm fine. I'm not hurt. My hair's just a little messy." Lumine patted Amber's shoulder gently and smiled reassuringly.
"That's good. When you were swept away, I was so scared!" Amber patted her chest and let out a long breath. She could finally relax.
"Traveler! I'm so glad you're okay. Good thing you're so strong!" Paimon popped up beside her, hands behind her back, looking at Lumine with concern.
"Speaking of which, where were you when I got blown away?" Lumine crossed her arms and looked at Paimon suspiciously.
"Hehe, I grabbed onto Amber's headscarf. I'm small, so I could've been blown away easily." Paimon said sheepishly.
The wind had been so strong. She had held onto Amber's headscarf to keep from being swept away.
"Amber and I made it to a safe spot. When we turned around, you were gone." Paimon rubbed her head.
"Alright. I was just asking. As long as everyone's safe, that's what matters." Lumine shook her head helplessly.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Just as they were celebrating Lumine's safe landing, a man with an eyepatch emerged from the shadows, clapping his hands rhythmically.
"To possess the power to fight Stormterror... are you our guest, or a new storm?" The speaker was Kaeya, who had just returned from investigating the mysterious events outside the city.
Lumine turned to look at Kaeya. At first glance, she could tell he was dangerous and mysterious.
"Kaeya! Stormterror attacked the city directly. We need to see Grand Master Jean right away." Amber said urgently.
"Hold on, Amber. There are still two people here you haven't introduced." Kaeya chuckled. This girl was always in such a hurry.
"Ah, sorry. Let me introduce you..." Amber rubbed her head and began introducing everyone.
It didn't take long for Amber to introduce both parties. Kaeya didn't get the information he was hoping for, but he didn't press further.
After all, everyone had their secrets.
"I see. First, on behalf of the Knights, I thank you. The citizens who witnessed your battle with Stormterror saw everything." Kaeya gave a proper knightly salute, expressing his gratitude.
"Additionally, the Acting Grand Master is very interested in meeting you both. She would like to invite you to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters." After expressing his thanks, Kaeya finally revealed the purpose of his visit.
He had returned to Mondstadt through the storm, and Jean had sent him to find the outlander who had fought Stormterror. That was why he was here.
"Alright. Lead the way." Lumine nodded in agreement.
Kaeya turned and led the way. Amber and Paimon followed close behind.
...
Outside Mondstadt's City Gate
"Any casualties?" Captain Ireland asked the logistics officer beside him.
"No deaths. We got lucky this time. Only a few minor injuries. Thanks to Noelle and that mysterious elemental power." The logistics officer held a piece of paper and looked relieved.
"That's good to hear." Captain Ireland breathed a sigh of relief. As their leader, he dreaded losing any of his men to the monsters.
With the tension gone, Ireland walked over to Noelle and gave a proper salute.
"Thank you, Knight Noelle. Without your help, we wouldn't have had such an easy time."
A few other knights who had witnessed Noelle's battle also gathered around, smiling.
"Noelle really is reliable!"
"Noelle is already a fine knight!"
Hearing the praise, a blush crept onto Noelle's cheeks. Being praised by her seniors was so embarrassing.
"I didn't do much! I'm still just a trainee knight. It was only easy because of all of you!" Noelle said humbly.
The knights laughed heartily. This junior was just too cute.
Their laughter was interrupted by another knight who rushed over. He gave a proper salute and said,
"Excuse me. The Acting Grand Master requests Knight Noelle's presence in her office. And Miss Fashui as well."
The knights stopped laughing and made way, signaling Noelle to go.
If the Acting Grand Master was calling, it must be important. They couldn't keep her waiting.
Noelle nodded, gave a quick salute to the group, and ran toward the city.
Along the way, she climbed up the wall to retrieve Bonanus, and the two headed toward the Knights of Favonius Headquarters together.
"Hmm? Grand Master Jean wants to see me?" Bonanus asked uncertainly. Why her?
"Yes. That's what the knight said. Maybe she needs your help with something." Noelle nodded.
"Alright. I guess we'll find out when we get there." Bonanus shrugged. Would the Acting Grand Master really ask a Liyue merchant for help?
"Oh, Sister, I've been meaning to ask you something." Noelle turned to look at Bonanus as they walked.
"Go ahead." Bonanus said casually.
"I'm curious. If you're so strong, why did those Hilichurls manage to knock you out back then?" Noelle asked, genuinely puzzled.
This question had been bothering her ever since she heard about Sister Fashui hunting monsters around Mondstadt.
The other knights might not care, but she did.
"Ah." Bonanus sighed. There it was. She had exposed her strength, and now she had to answer for it.
"It's nothing really. Just a family thing. Sometimes I just pass out. Bad timing, I guess." Bonanus made up an excuse on the spot.
Aside from "family reasons," she couldn't think of a better excuse.
"That sounds dangerous. Why didn't you tell me?" Noelle asked, worried. She had no idea her sister was lying.
"It only happens once a year. I guess I just got unlucky that time." Bonanus said without flinching.
She would be returning to Liyue soon anyway. A little white lie wouldn't hurt.
No one would bother verifying it. She wasn't some celebrity. Who would waste time investigating her story?
If someone did, they'd have to be really bored.
"Alright. But please be careful, Sister." Noelle nodded, looking at Bonanus like she was a worrying wife.
"As for why I didn't show my strength when we went out together, I wanted you to get some real combat experience. It helps you grow." Bonanus put on her "I'm doing this for your own good" face.
"Hehe, thank you, Sister. I used to feel like I wasn't making progress, but today I really felt it." Noelle said, blushing.
"Someday, you'll become a great knight. When that day comes, I'll be here to celebrate with you." Bonanus ruffled Noelle's hair.
"Alright, Sister." Noelle happily linked her arm through Bonanus's. This time, she was much bolder than before.
"Let's hurry to the Knights headquarters. We can't keep Grand Master Jean waiting."