Kaeya's expression turned curious at Jean's hypothesis. "Kairo and the new Traveler… connected?" He shook his head lightly. "Unlikely. But the Traveler helped drive off Stormterror—you'll want to meet her."
Jean nodded. "Power aside, her identity alone could be invaluable to Mondstadt. And Kairo… appears to be a 'simple' adventurer, yet his conduct and outcomes are anything but." She glanced at the notes stacked by her elbow. "Albedo and I are confident he isn't tied to the Fatui. As for the Abyss Order… uncertain. That calls for a conversation."
"A convenient opportunity, then," Kaeya said. "Invite them both."
Time slipped by. Morning noise thinned; Mondstadt's streets found their rhythm again. Knights called out directions, adventurers carted debris, residents swept glass. The air smelled of fresh lumber and damp stone—as if the city itself exhaled.
Kairo, Fischl, Lumine, and Paimon worked shoulder to shoulder. Weariness dulled their arms; satisfaction warmed their faces.
"Whew!" Paimon stretched into a grin. "Streets look normal again! I'm starving."
"Then let's eat." Kairo tipped his head toward Good Hunter. "My treat."
"Yay!" Paimon brightened at once; Lumine and Fischl shared the same hungry spark.
"Pity the Crimson Witch is nowhere to be seen," Fischl murmured, scanning for a small red hat.
Kairo hid a smile. If Stormterror had struck, Klee was almost certainly confined to headquarters by Jean.
Inside Good Hunter, warmth and the scent of roasted meat rolled over them. Plates came fast; Paimon's eyes went wide.
"So good! So, so good! Paimon could eat this entire table!"
"It's been a while since I sat down for a proper meal," Lumine said—and immediately proved it by digging in. Paimon peppered Kairo with questions about adventuring; he answered what he could. By the time he paid, all four were in better spirits.
"Perfect timing," came a familiar, easy laugh as they stepped back outside. Kaeya approached, gaze flicking between Kairo and the others. "Traveler, Paimon—you've aided Mondstadt. Acting Grand Master Jean would like to meet you." His eye slid to Kairo. "And you as well, Kairo."
"No problem," Kairo said, unsurprised. In truth, he'd expected the Knights to approach days earlier—ever since Albedo took custody of the Whopperflower remains. Perhaps the storm had delayed them. Either way, this was the chance he wanted.
Kaeya's brow ticked up at Kairo's quick assent. He'd half expected resistance.
They crossed the square to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, its tower like a bastion spearing the blue. Stone underfoot, measured boots in the halls, banners stirring in drafts—duty, grace, and the city's backbone in one place.
"The Knights really are something," Paimon whispered, awed.
"Guardians of Mondstadt," Kairo said with a soft chuckle, "first to stand when storms arrive."
Kaeya glanced back, faintly intrigued at how well this 'adventurer' knew the order's heart.
Through a long corridor and a heavy door—Jean was already waiting. She rose from a tidy desk, the steadiness in her eyes softening at the edges.
"Welcome, Lumine, Paimon. Mondstadt welcomes you both." Her voice was clear and warm. "Your arrival is timely, wind-borne travelers."
She gestured to the woman by her side. "I am Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. This is Lisa, our librarian."
"My, my," Lisa smiled, studying the pair. "Kind helpers at a time like this—how adorable. Shame about the timing… Since Stormterror's revival, the city's been in a tangle. The elemental flow and the leylines are a cat's cradle—terrible for mages. Skin and mood both suffer, you know." She winked. "Were it not for these disruptions, we'd have far better tools than missing-person notices to aid your search."
Jean picked up the thread. "Please lodge in Mondstadt for now. Let the Knights shoulder the city's burden."
"Thank you," Lumine said, bowing. "But we can't just leave it all to you."
"Paimon will help too!" Paimon declared.
Jean's gaze moved to the other pair. "Kairo, Fischl—thank you for what adventurers do for this city."
Fischl "hmph"ed imperiously; Oz translated it as, "Her Highness expresses gratitude." Kairo only inclined his head. He knew exactly what Jean meant—adventurers took contracts that protected Mondstadt, whether knight-issued or citizen-posted.
"I asked you here, Kairo," Jean continued, "because of Klee's bombs. Did you… help modify them?"
"Yes," Kairo said without evasion. "Klee's 'fishing' at Starfell Lake was her handiwork. The blast in Starsnatch Valley as well."
"That explains a great deal." Relief tempered Jean's focus. Candor saved time she couldn't spare. Questions about Fatui agents in the city could wait—especially with guests present.
Kairo exhaled and decided to test the waters. "I bear no ill will toward Mondstadt," he said evenly. "I can also offer you a trade."
Jean's eyes sharpened. "A trade?"
"I can assist in resolving the Stormterror crisis." Kairo's smile thinned. "I know more than a little about what's behind it."
"The Abyss Order?" Jean's pupils tightened. Kaeya and Lisa traded startled looks.
If the Abyss had a hand in this, it changed the picture.
"What would you ask in return?" Jean asked at once.
Kairo considered his 'system' and the wool he hoped to shear from it. On the surface he remained courteous. "I grew up here. Stormterror's rampage affects me as much as anyone. If I can help, I will. In return, I'd like an accord—nothing extravagant. When I have a reasonable request within Mondstadt, the Knights assist where it's within your power. No more than that."
It was, in truth, modest. And a solved dragon crisis would be worth far more.
Jean weighed it—and nodded once. "That seems fair."
"Then some information up front," Kairo said. "During the last attack, the hurricane blanketing the city betrayed its source. Stormterror borrowed remnants of power from the abandoned Four Winds Temples to raise winds of that magnitude."
Lisa's eyes widened; Jean looked to her. Lisa inclined her head. "That matches my scrying exactly."
"Then we set a plan," Kaeya said, clapping his hands lightly. "Three of the four temples are within reach. We move on them next."
A cool shimmer bloomed at the edge of Kairo's sight. The panel returned, text unfurling like silk.
With your help, the Trailblazer found March 7th, skirted Sampo's traps, and—through you—met Seele, a core member of Wildfire in Belobog's Underworld. The Trailblazer has now established contact with Wildfire.
Upon meeting you, Bronya—even in the Overworld—recognized your name. Finding you in the Underworld surprises her. Among unfamiliar faces and a murky situation, she recalls your reputation with the Silvermane Guards and asks for assistance: intelligence, a steady hand, a guide. Faced with Bronya's request, you choose…
Option 1 — Gladly accept. You know this could invite more trouble, but you also understand her position. Bronya is pivotal among the Silvermane Guards; she needs someone she can trust. This is an opportunity. You nod: "If you need me, I won't stand by."Option 2 — Name your terms. Help is fine—but not for free. Information for information, a favor for a favor. Set clear conditions before you move a step.Option 3 — Politely refuse. Belobog's politics are a maze, and you've no interest in getting snared. Wildfire has its own goals; the Silvermane Guards theirs. You keep your distance—and your schedule.
The final line blinked, waiting.
Kairo's fingers hovered, a heartbeat stretched thin between wind and snow, between a dragon's song and an iron city's heartbeat.
Which path—and whose future—would he claim this time?
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