Chapter 58 — Ying: The Abyss and I Are Inseparable
Ying glanced sideways at Kael, who walked beside her, calm as ever. He seemed utterly unconcerned with the events unfolding around them, his expression serene, unreadable.
After a long moment of silence, she finally asked in a soft voice,
"Would this be too much trouble for you?"
Before Kael could answer, Barbara waved both hands frantically. "Not at all! My sister is a very kind person, and you've already helped Mondstadt so much by defeating all those monsters outside the city. She'll definitely be grateful to you!"
Ying blinked in surprise at Barbara's enthusiasm. Then her golden eyes shifted toward Kael again, her thoughts clouded with quiet suspicion.
She could tell Kael was far stronger than her—perhaps even stronger than anyone she had met so far. Yet he hadn't lifted a finger to help Mondstadt. The monsters that plagued the city could have been swept away by his power in moments, and still, he watched from the sidelines.
He clearly had a good relationship with the people here, so… why the restraint?
But Kael didn't explain himself, and Ying, sensing his quiet boundaries, decided not to pry further.
"Well," she said finally, smiling faintly, "then thank you. But I still hope to meet Captain Jean."
Barbara nodded eagerly. "Of course! I'm not sure if my sister's back in her office yet, but I can take you to check!"
Kael glanced toward the sky as they walked, his sharp gaze tracing the drifting clouds. Strange… Dvalin hasn't appeared yet.
In the original flow of events—what Kael knew from the echoes of fate—Dvalin had attacked during Venti's attempt to calm him. But now, things were shifting. The pattern of Teyvat's story was changing.
"Then we'll leave it to you, Barbara," Ying said kindly.
After traveling together, she had grown fond of the deaconess. Barbara was sweet and genuine—a bright soul untouched by the political weight of Mondstadt. As long as one didn't insult the Anemo Archon, she was easy to befriend.
"You don't have to thank me! It's nothing at all!" Barbara smiled brightly. "This way, please."
---
The Knights of Favonius Headquarters stood tall and pristine, the symbol of order in a city swaying in the storm's shadow.
When they arrived, they found Jean already in her office, diligently sorting through paperwork. The faint scent of tea and parchment filled the air. Upon seeing them, she immediately rose and offered a knight's salute.
> "May the Anemo Archon bless you. Welcome to Mondstadt, travelers from afar."
Having already seen Ying and Paimon's profiles in the mysterious group chat, Jean had been expecting them. She had even returned early to ensure she could greet them personally.
"Hello, Captain Jean!" Paimon piped up before Ying could speak. "This is the Traveler, and I'm Paimon—her guide!"
Ying sighed, shooting her floating companion a helpless look, but said nothing.
Jean chuckled softly, then turned her gentle gaze to Ying. "I've heard of you, Traveler. If you are looking for your brother, I can issue a missing-person notice to assist you. However… as for Lord Barbatos, I'm afraid we haven't seen him in a very long time. Unless he chooses to appear himself, we have no way of summoning him."
"I understand," Ying replied. Her voice was calm, but a faint trace of disappointment lingered. "Then… what do I need to do in return?"
Jean blinked in mild surprise at her straightforwardness—then smiled. "I'd like to say we're helping purely out of goodwill, but…" Her tone softened. "You've seen the state of Mondstadt. The city is struggling. You're very capable, and I'd like to formally request your aid. Would you consider becoming Mondstadt's Honorary Knight?"
"Honorary Knight?" Ying echoed, thoughtful.
The meaning was clear enough. This wasn't binding service—she would remain free to travel, to search for her brother, while lending Mondstadt her strength when needed. In return, Mondstadt would extend its resources to aid her search.
"Honorary Knight?" Paimon's eyes sparkled. "What's the difference between that and a regular knight?"
Jean smiled patiently. "You'll hold the same privileges as a Knight of Favonius while within Mondstadt. However, you won't be bound by duty or oath—you'll act freely, in cooperation."
"Ying, let's do it!" Paimon cheered. "Being a knight sounds fun—and we'll get free food!"
Ying sighed inwardly. One day, Paimon's going to sell me off for a dinner coupon.
Still, she nodded. "I accept. I'll become an Honorary Knight and do whatever I can to help while I'm here."
Jean's shoulders visibly relaxed. She already knew that Ying's arrival was crucial—Venti's hopes, and perhaps the city's very future, rested partly on her. This partnership was exactly what she needed.
> "Welcome to the Knights of Favonius, Honorary Knight," Jean said warmly. "Have you found a place to stay yet? If not, you're welcome to stay at my home—with Kael."
"That would be helpful," Ying replied gratefully. She glanced toward Kael. He seemed indifferent, but not displeased.
Looking out the window, Ying noticed how restless the city seemed. The air itself carried tension. "There are so many monsters outside the walls," she murmured. "Is there a plan to deal with them?"
Jean nodded gravely. "It's due to ley line disturbances and corruption spreading from the Four Winds Temples. We also suspect the Abyss Order is behind it."
At that name, Ying's face hardened. The word Abyss resonated deep within her—like an echo from another world. Wherever she went, it followed.
So even here… the Abyss hunts me.
Her thoughts drifted, memories flashing like broken stars. She could never escape it—because, deep down, she was part of it.
She looked at Kael again. He said nothing, just listened quietly, as if he already knew the truth and chose not to speak it aloud.
"You must be tired," Jean said, breaking the silence. "Let's get some food. Consider it a small celebration for Mondstadt's new Honorary Knight."
At the mention of dinner, Paimon's eyes lit up. "Food! Oh, oh—Paimon wants honey-roasted meat, sweet flower-stuffed chicken, fish-flavored mushrooms, and—"
"Paimon!" Ying groaned, but everyone laughed, Jean included.
Jean couldn't help but find Paimon endearing. The little companion's cheer reminded her of Klee—another bundle of chaotic energy she both adored and feared.
Smiling, Jean led them to Good Hunter, the city's most popular restaurant.
---
The square was buzzing with evening chatter, the scent of grilled meat drifting through the air. Every table was full—except one, tucked into the far corner.
There, sitting alone, was a woman with long sky-blue hair, her every movement graceful, almost ethereal. Her figure drew glances, but her expression—calm, distant—kept everyone at bay.
The air around her seemed colder, sharper.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
> "Isn't that the half-qilin from Liyue?"
"I heard she's some kind of Adeptus… or maybe a monster."
"No one dares sit with her. Gives people chills, that one."
The woman ignored them all. She quietly took another bite of her meal, her crimson eyes lowered, betraying neither irritation nor pride.
Her composure was absolute—unshaken by gossip, untouched by scorn.
Ying's gaze lingered on her. That woman… she's not ordinary.
Even Kael's expression shifted slightly. The faint trace of divine power in the air was unmistakable.
> "An Adeptus… from Liyue," Kael murmured softly. "Interesting."
The wind carried the faint scent of lotus and ice.
And as night deepened over Mondstadt, the threads of fate quietly began to weave tighter—connecting the Traveler, the Heavenly Principle, and the Abyss itself.