"So, you should at least be entitled to basic employee benefits like the Five Insurances and One Fund, right?" Lin Yide continued to press.
Dvalin shook its massive dragon head, its voice deep, "I have never heard of such treatment."
At these words, Lin Yide was immediately filled with righteous indignation. "Barbatos' actions are simply too unfair!
The members of his Knights of Favonius and Church of Favonius enjoy high salaries, while you, as the Protector of the East, are dedicating yourself without compensation!
Why can't dragons have equal rights to humans?
Why is this world filled with such deep malice towards dragons!
Outrageous! I'm shaking!"
Although Dvalin completely couldn't understand his words, it felt as if some kind of awareness within it had awakened.
From today onwards, it would no longer be a free dragon.
"However, although I sympathize with your plight, the medical expenses still need to be paid," Lin Yide said, demanding the cost from Dvalin.
As Barbatos' familiar, Dvalin was even poorer than Barbatos.
It said awkwardly, "I don't have any money right now. When Barbatos wakes up, I'll demand my past wages from him and pay you back immediately."
Lin Yide snorted dismissively, saying sarcastically, "The dignified Protector of the East, surely you're not planning to default on your debt?"
Dvalin was so shamed it couldn't bear it, blushing bright red, yet could only explain helplessly, "Yide, I truly have no Mora."
Lin Yide pondered for a moment, revealing a conflicted expression. "Since your purse is empty right now, you can only pay with labor."
Facing such a proposal, Dvalin had no choice but to nod and agree. "Alright then, I will do my best to repay."
Lin Yide cleared his throat and slowly said, "Based on your situation, I've calculated it out. Roughly, you'll only need to work for me for one year to clear the medical expenses."
"One year?" Dvalin hesitated slightly, but ultimately agreed.
For a long-lived race like it, a year's time passes in the blink of an eye, merely a moment in the long river of life.
A subtle smile appeared on the corner of Lin Yide's mouth.
One year?
Heh heh.
At the West Factory, there's nothing else, just endless schemes.
He had enough means to make Dvalin willingly work for him, year after year.
"Dvalin, have you heard of the Mondstadt 1040 Sunshine Project?"
....
In Mondstadt City, the winter sun gently shone upon the ground at noon, covering the city in a layer of golden light.
The Knights of Favonius headquarters, usually quiet and solemn, was now bustling with noise.
Hundreds of emotional citizens were gathered in front of the main gate, holding various signs and banners, shouting protest slogans.
Leading them was a middle-aged man wearing glasses, dressed meticulously, with an impassioned expression, leading everyone in shouting, "As long as the Dragon Disaster persists, the protests won't cease!"
Schubert had never thought in his life that he would one day lead citizens in protesting the Knights of Favonius.
As a descendant of the old aristocracy, the Lawrence clan, he had been scorned by the public since the day he was born.
At this moment, however, he had transformed, becoming a representative figure of resistance against authority, leading this large-scale protest activity.
Just as he was shouting enthusiastically, a young female knight walked over lightly and elegantly.
She was wearing a knight's attire that was both sharp and elegant, with a black form-fitting bodysuit clinging perfectly to her nearly perfect figure, showcasing her graceful physique while also highlighting her competence and strength as a knight. What was particularly eye-catching was her pair of long, fair, jade-like legs, tightly encased in a pair of over-the-knee high-heeled boots, which not only made them appear longer and straighter but also added a touch of sexiness and allure.
She gracefully walked up to him and calmly persuaded, "Uncle, I implore you to stop leading the citizens in protest. The Knights of Favonius are doing their utmost to find a solution to the Dragon Disaster."
However, Schubert looked displeased and retorted unsatisfactorily, "Eula, you should recognize your position. As a member of the family, you ought to obey my leadership, not stand here obstructing me."
When she heard the words "family," Eula couldn't help but frown slightly.
She knew the true motive behind her uncle inciting the citizens to protest.
Therefore, she responded without reservation, "Uncle, if you continue to disturb the peace of Mondstadt City here, then I will personally escort you to the prison."
These words completely enraged Schubert; his thin face turned ashen with anger, and he roared, "Fine then, Eula, you monster of the family, go ahead and put me in prison right now!"
Eula was furious; she immediately drew her knight's greatsword on the spot, wanting to intimidate him.
This drawing of the sword caused the originally somewhat harmonious protest scene to instantly take a sharp downturn.
Certain "passionate youths" hidden in the crowd seized the opportunity to shout, "Murder! The Knights of Favonius are killing people! Mondstadt's freedom is dead!"
These inflammatory remarks quickly ignited the anger of the protesting citizens who had only come to join the fun, and they all accused Eula's act of drawing her sword as overly aggressive.
For a time, Eula became the target of everyone's attack. Because she usually had poor social standing and often had "I'll have my vengeance" on her lips, the protesting citizens demanded that the Knights of Favonius immediately dismiss her.
Just as the scene was about to get out of control, a vibrant red-clad young female knight stepped forward.
She quickly walked up to the bewildered Eula, gently pulled Eula aside, then bowed deeply to the angry citizens, sincerely apologizing, "Everyone, I am truly sorry! Eula was just acting on impulse, she absolutely had no intention of harming anyone."
This young woman was extremely popular in Mondstadt City, and the citizens held a good opinion of her, so the calls for punishment gradually subsided.
Eula looked gratefully at this young woman; had it not been for her timely intervention, she might not have escaped being dismissed this time.
However, just as the tense atmosphere had just eased, suddenly an egg flew out from the crowd and hit the young woman.
This act completely enraged Eula!
She fiercely drew her claymore, the tip pointing directly at the direction the egg came from, and angrily shouted, "Who did that! Step forward!"