Chapter 3: The Dawn of a New World
"Wait—hold on a second, system," Nathan said, halting mid-stride as the glowing blue interface hovered before him. "Does Jean even handle… real estate stuff? I thought the Knights were more into fighting hilichurls and keeping the peace, not land paperwork."
The holographic text flickered, and the familiar chime echoed in his mind.
> **[System Response]:**
> *The Knights of Favonius is a multifaceted organization responsible for safety, public welfare, and the administration of Mondstadt and its surrounding territories.*
> *Acting Grand Master Jean Gunnhildr possesses the authority to oversee civic requests, including land allocation and business permits.*
Nathan blinked twice. "Oh… she actually *does* handle that."
He gave a resigned sigh. "Guess I'm about to bother the most overworked woman in Teyvat. Hopefully she doesn't smite me with a stack of paperwork."
With a lopsided grin, he adjusted his satchel strap and made his way through Mondstadt's central plaza. The towering headquarters of the **Knights of Favonius** loomed ahead, its vine-draped stone walls basking in the afternoon light. The crest of Barbatos fluttered proudly from the banners above the entrance, catching the steady rhythm of the Anemo wind.
Knights and clerks passed briskly by—armor polished to a silver sheen, voices low and efficient. The faint scent of parchment and wax drifted through the air as Nathan approached the marble staircase leading up to the great oak doors.
Two guards stood watch at the entrance. One stepped forward with polite curiosity.
"Greetings, Traveler. What brings you to the Knights of Favonius today?"
Nathan offered a small bow. "Good day, sir. I'm here to request an audience with Acting Grand Master Jean. I need authorization to acquire land for… a new type of shop."
The guards exchanged a quick glance, but the first one nodded. "Understood. Please, follow me."
The doors swung open with a low creak, revealing a spacious hall bathed in sunlight. The air inside smelled faintly of old paper, ink, and polished oak. The rhythmic click of boots echoed against the marble as they passed mission boards pinned with requests, and portraits of past knights watching solemnly from the walls.
At last, they stopped before a tall door lined with gold trim. The guard knocked twice.
A calm voice answered from within, warm yet composed. "You may enter."
The guard slipped inside first, spoke quietly, then returned moments later and gestured for Nathan to follow.
The office that awaited him was elegant yet orderly—sunlight poured through tall windows, casting bright rays across stacks of documents and a neatly arranged desk. And there, seated with poised grace, was **Jean Gunnhildr**, her golden hair catching the light like threads of dawn.
"Greetings, Traveler," Jean said kindly, setting aside her pen. "My knights informed me of your request. However…" Her tone softened into apology. "I'm afraid I cannot approve the construction of a personal shop *within* Mondstadt at this time. All remaining lots are registered to citizens or existing businesses."
Nathan nodded, not disheartened. He had expected as much.
"I understand, Acting Grand Master," he said respectfully. "But… what about the outskirts? Could I establish it *outside* the walls—perhaps near Springvale?"
Jean paused, studying him for a moment. The young man's amber eyes held a rare light—an earnest, unwavering confidence that reminded her faintly of those who once carried Visions of their own. He wasn't like the usual adventurers chasing fortune. There was something deeper here, something unspoken.
She leaned back slightly, considering. "Outside the city's jurisdiction, it's possible," she said at last. "You'll still need to register the establishment here to ensure it's recognized and not mistaken for an illegal operation."
Nathan's face lit up instantly. "That's perfectly fine! Thank you, Acting Grand Master!"
Jean couldn't help a small, amused smile at his enthusiasm. She reached into a cabinet, retrieved a folder, and handed him a stack of parchment. "These are the official registration forms. Once completed and approved, they'll serve as your permit and land title. The designated plot is just north of Springvale—quiet, near the trade road. Ideal for a modest business."
"Perfect!" Nathan said eagerly. His **system** automatically filled in the required details as he signed with confident strokes. When he handed the papers back, Jean reviewed them quickly, stamped them with the Knights' wax seal, and slid the final parchment toward him.
"Congratulations, Mr. Morningstar," she said with her characteristic composure. "You are now the registered proprietor of a commercial lot under Mondstadt's watch. May the winds guide your new endeavor."
Nathan bowed deeply, sincerity in every movement. "Thank you, Acting Grand Master. I promise—you won't regret this."
As he turned to leave, the gentle wind from the open window stirred the papers on Jean's desk. She watched him go, a faint smile lingering on her lips. Something about that boy's resolve felt… different. As though the breeze itself had brought him to her door.
Outside, sunlight flooded the plaza. The wind swirled around Nathan's coat, carrying faint motes of Anemo light that danced playfully in his wake—like a quiet blessing from Barbatos himself.
He looked up at the endless sky, the mysterious egg warm against his chest.
A thrill coursed through him—a sense of destiny taking shape.
"Alright then," he whispered, eyes gleaming with renewed purpose. "Time to build the first Pokémon Shop in Teyvat."
With that, he broke into a jog toward the city gates, his laughter carried by the wind.
Beyond the walls, the valley awaited—bright, alive, and untouched.
And somewhere within that landscape, the pulse of a new era had begun to beat.