Since someone had asked directly, Jean didn't hold back. She invited everyone to the meeting room, gestured for them to sit, and began speaking seriously.
"Ever since Stormterror awakened, it has been active around Mondstadt, spreading chaos everywhere. The people of Mondstadt have suffered greatly." Jean rubbed her chin habitually as she looked at the group, her tone heavy.
The others listened attentively, saying nothing. Unless it was absolutely necessary, they wouldn't interrupt the Acting Grand Master.
"This attack on Mondstadt, while troublesome for the Knights and the city, has also given us an opportunity to end the source of this disaster."
"Through Lisa's magical detection, the source of the storms plaguing Mondstadt has been revealed." Jean glanced at Lisa.
Everyone's eyes turned to the elegant lady, waiting for her answer.
"The abandoned temples of the Four Winds." Lisa looked at the group and revealed the answer.
"To cause storms of this magnitude, Stormterror has been drawing on the residual power within those temples."
Lisa spoke slowly. Though Stormterror was powerful, creating such fierce winds still required borrowing power from other temples.
"So that's it." Kaeya muttered to himself. Just as he had suspected.
"Our targets are three of the four abandoned temples. The reason we're only choosing three... I think everyone understands." Jean nodded.
The Knights present nodded silently. They understood Jean's meaning.
"But I don't get it." Paimon scratched her head in confusion. Why were Jean and the Knights speaking in riddles?
"Maybe it's something the locals just understand?" Lumine patted Paimon's head with a smile.
"Paimon, the four abandoned temples in Mondstadt are the Temple of the Dragon of the East, the Temple of the Lion of the South, the Temple of the Wolf of the North, and the Temple of the Eagle of the West." Bonanus patiently explained.
"And Stormterror is the former Dragon of the East. That power is already his, so he only needs to borrow from the other three temples. That's why we're only going to three."
Bonanus wasn't sure if this explanation was entirely correct, but she figured that was the gist of it.
If there were any mistakes, surely the other Knights would correct her.
"Oh, you know quite a bit! Seems like you're familiar with this stuff." Kaeya clapped his hands with a smile.
"Who knew such a cute little one would know all this. Big sister is getting more and more interested in you." Lisa said with a charming smile.
"Oh, now Paimon gets it!" A light bulb seemed to appear above Paimon's head.
The heavy atmosphere in the office lightened up instantly. Having such a cute and silly companion around made everyone want to laugh.
"Ahem, Knights of Favonius, friends from Liyue, and our traveler from afar, time is of the essence."
Jean cleared her throat to interrupt. She didn't want to spoil the mood, but there were more important matters to attend to.
"The storm is raging. There's no point in just defending. Before the dragon disaster worsens, let's take the initiative and head for the abandoned temples."
"Acting Grand Master, with the help of our enthusiastic friends, our manpower shortage is temporarily solved. But how should we split up?" Kaeya asked.
Jean rubbed her chin and thought for a moment before speaking.
"Kaeya, you'll take Noelle to the Temple of the Wolf of the North. Noelle doesn't have much experience yet, and as her senior, you'll be a good guide."
"As for Lisa..." Just as Jean was about to assign the next group, Lisa interrupted.
Lisa propped her chin on her hand and struck a pose, smiling as she said, "I'll take cute little Fashui to the Temple of the Lion of the South."
Jean nodded and turned to Lumine and Amber.
"Then Traveler, Paimon, and Outrider Amber will head to the Temple of the Eagle of the West. Any questions?"
Everyone shook their heads in unison. They knew the problem, they knew the source, and now they just had to go and deal with it.
No need for too many questions.
"Alright then... may you all return victorious." Jean gave a proper knightly salute. The other Knights rose and returned the gesture.
Watching them leave, Jean let out a deep sigh. She wished she could go to the temples and deal with the trouble herself.
But she couldn't. She was the Acting Grand Master of the Knights. Mondstadt and the headquarters needed her here. Otherwise, things would fall into chaos.
...
In front of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters
"Well then, I'll take the Traveler to the Temple of the Eagle of the West. Good luck everyone." Amber nodded to the group.
"See you all later! If you run into danger, don't forget to run away first!" Paimon waved from behind Amber.
"Haha, that's so Paimon. The 'Running Away Fairy.'" Kaeya joked, giving her a new nickname.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean? Running away from danger is perfectly normal! And you dare give me such a terrible nickname! Fine, I'm giving you one too! A super, ultra, awful one!" Paimon stamped her foot, rubbed her chin for a moment, then said,
"I'll call you... One-Eye! From now on, you're One-Eye!" Paimon put her hands on her hips, looking very proud of herself.
"Haha, whatever you say, Paimon." Kaeya didn't seem bothered. It was just a nickname, nothing more.
"How adorable." Lisa covered her mouth and laughed.
"Everyone's so energetic." Noelle nodded.
Lumine didn't say anything. She glanced at Bonanus. Whatever this person knew, she would find her after this was over and get some answers.
She took a breath and followed Amber and Paimon as they left.
"Amber and the Traveler are off. Noelle, we can't fall behind." Kaeya said to his junior.
"I understand, Senior Kaeya." Noelle nodded. She walked over to Bonanus, her expression worried.
"Sister, please be careful."
"Don't worry. With Sister Lisa around, I probably won't even need to lift a finger." Bonanus ruffled Noelle's hair reassuringly.
"Okay. Then, Senior, let's go." Noelle nodded, gave Bonanus one last look, and followed Kaeya.
Once everyone had left...
"It seems you have a lot of confidence in my abilities, cutie. What makes you think I can handle those things?" Lisa covered her mouth with a light laugh.
"Being part of this mission shows how strong you are, Sister Lisa. And I trust my instincts." Bonanus grinned. Teaming up with a big sister was always a good thing.
"I'm starting to like you more and more. Well, enough chatting. Time to go." Lisa stretched lazily, her voice drowsy.
"Honestly, the elemental flow and ley line circulation in Mondstadt right now are like a ball of yarn a cat's been playing with. For a mage, this is the worst case scenario... it's bad for the skin and the mood..."
As she said "mood," crackles of Electro energy flickered around Lisa.
What a dangerous woman. Bonanus thought to herself.