Chapter 21: Acting Grand Master Jean's Astonished Speculation: Where Did Such a Strong Enemy Come From in the City?
"Uh…"
The Knights exchanged glances.
Although they didn't say it explicitly, their shocked reactions clearly implied they already considered Kaeya the culprit.
"This is a huge misunderstanding."
Kaeya rubbed his temples, saying lazily, "Come on, as much as I'd like to take credit, what happened tonight has nothing to do with me. I just happened to pass by and dealt with the scene."
"But…"
A Knight whispered, "Besides Captain Kaeya, who else could achieve this?"
Kaeya's mouth twitched.
He could even see the evaluation of "Knights of Favonius's living textbook, proficient in all high-difficulty battles" in their eyes.
"If you don't want me to report you to Acting Grand Master Jean, then swallow that statement immediately."
Kaeya narrowed his eyes, his tone clearly threatening.
The Knights immediately straightened up and quickly withdrew their suspicious gazes.
After all, offending Kaeya would definitely not be a good idea.
"In any case, no one can discover this place."
Kaeya dropped his smile, his tone becoming serious.
He surveyed the scene, then quietly instructed, "The death of Fatui members in Mondstadt must not be noticed by ordinary citizens, or it will inevitably cause unnecessary panic. Not to mention, the Fatui will surely notice their elites are missing and launch an investigation."
The Knights nodded in unison, immediately entering a lockdown state.
They swiftly set up defenses to prevent unauthorized personnel from approaching.
Seeing this, Kaeya nodded in satisfaction, then stepped forward, preparing to leave.
"I'm going to Acting Grand Master Jean's office to tell her about this."
Kaeya said, his indigo hair slightly fluttering in the wind.
He looked back at the still vigilant Knights of Favonius, a faint, unreadable smile playing on his lips: "When I return, if you're still suspecting I did it… then prepare for extra training."
The Knights of Favonius immediately straightened their backs and quickly responded, "Understood!"
Only then did Kaeya turn, walking briskly and lightly towards the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
The night wind brushed his cape, and the white fur on his collar swayed slightly under the lamplight.
Soon, he arrived at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
Under the night sky, the lights of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters were still on.
Symbolizing that the order of Mondstadt was still operating.
"Captain Kaeya."
Seeing Kaeya arrive, the Knights of Favonius guarding the entrance were startled, but immediately performed a Knight's salute.
"Is Acting Grand Master Jean still in her office?"
Kaeya asked as he walked.
"Acting Grand Master Jean has not left yet; the light in her office is still on."
Hearing Kaeya's words, the Knights of Favonius guarding the entrance quickly said, "Captain Kaeya, please urge Acting Grand Master Jean to make sure she gets some rest."
Their words were useless.
But Captain Kaeya's words would be different.
As the Acting Grand Master's most trusted subordinate, his words would surely have a better effect than theirs.
"I will."
Hearing this, Kaeya sighed softly and nodded.
Even if he said it, the Acting Grand Master wouldn't really listen.
Thinking this, Kaeya walked into the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
Kaeya walked slowly down the corridor, his boots making rhythmic soft sounds on the floor.
He reached the end and saw the office with the light still on.
Acting Grand Master Jean… was indeed still busy.
Thinking of Acting Grand Master Jean's busy appearance during the day, Kaeya sighed softly.
Then he raised his hand and knocked on the door.
"Please come in."
Acting Grand Master Jean's steady and gentle voice came from inside the office.
Kaeya pushed open the door and slowly walked in, his gaze falling on Acting Grand Master Jean.
Acting Grand Master Jean was still sitting behind her desk, which was piled high with documents.
She had clearly just finished a batch of official duties.
Acting Grand Master Jean looked up, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes when she saw Kaeya enter.
Then she put down her pen.
"Kaeya? It's so late, why are you here?"
Acting Grand Master Jean put down the official document, sat up straight, her gaze filled with inquiry.
"Acting Grand Master."
Kaeya shook his head: "I didn't come here just to tell you to rest, though I should mention it in passing—Acting Grand Master, overworking isn't a good habit."
Acting Grand Master Jean shook her head helplessly: "You didn't specially come all this way just to say that, did you?"
"Of course not."
Kaeya's smile vanished, his gaze slightly sharpened, and he slowly said, "The Fatui's elites were wiped out in the city."
Acting Grand Master Jean's expression immediately froze, her brows furrowed deeply, and a hint of shock flashed in her eyes.
"…What?"
Acting Grand Master Jean quickly stood up, her tone low and grave, "You mean… the Fatui's elites were wiped out in Mondstadt?"
Kaeya nodded: "Yes, the location is on a secluded street in the East City. I happened to be on patrol and sensed a strong elemental fluctuation."
"By the time I arrived, several Fatui elites were all dead."
"And… their deaths were quite gruesome."
Acting Grand Master Jean's face immediately darkened.
Although the Fatui were not entirely illegal within Mondstadt.
They had always acted arrogantly, but direct combat within the city was extremely rare.
And now, even their elites were completely wiped out… this was by no means a small matter.
"Let's go, take me to see."
Acting Grand Master Jean decisively stood up, put on her coat, and quickly walked towards the door.
Kaeya followed suit, and the two discussed in low voices as they walked.
"What are the specific details?"
Acting Grand Master Jean asked as she walked, her tone showing a hint of urgency.
"There are five bodies, all of them Fatui elites."
"From the wounds, their opponent was extremely powerful, leaving them almost no room to fight back."
Kaeya's tone also became serious: "Not only that, but there was also the Black Flame aura of the Delusion remaining at the scene. They had already used the power of the Delusion in battle."
Acting Grand Master Jean's steps faltered slightly, and a hint of astonishment flashed in her eyes: "They actually used Delusions?"
"Yes."
Kaeya nodded: "But… even so, they all died."
Acting Grand Master Jean didn't speak, but her brows furrowed even tighter.
She was well aware of the combat capabilities of the Fatui elites.
Their ability to operate unhindered across Teyvat itself indicated that their strength far surpassed that of ordinary soldiers.
However, even with Delusions, they were still thoroughly defeated, even "completely wiped out"… this meant that the opponent's strength probably far exceeded that of average Fatui members.
"Is this… an internal conflict? Or an attack by an external force?"
Acting Grand Master Jean pondered, her tone low.
Kaeya shrugged: "That's what I'm confused about too."
"From what we can see, it doesn't seem like an internal conflict. After all, once the power of the Evil Eye is used, the Fatui's opponents are likely external parties."
"But the problem is, where did such a strong enemy come from within the city?"