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Chapter 6 — Wanted: One Confused Dad
Walking toward Mondstadt with Klee's hand in his felt unreal.
Silas had survived the Depths, bargained with a god, crossed worlds—but nothing prepared him for escorting a tiny child who kept handing him bombs like they were toys.
"Papa, look! This one sparkles!" Klee said proudly.
Silas held the humming thing as if it were a live animal.
"…Does it explode?"
"Yes!"
He handed it back immediately. "Keep that in your bag."
Klee giggled and tossed it into her backpack. Something inside clanked. Silas prayed silently.
As the bridge to Mondstadt came into view, a pair of guards spotted them. Their eyes widened.
"THERE SHE IS!"
"IT'S KLEE!"
"AND SHE'S WITH—A MAN?! A BIG ARMED MAN?!"
Silas blinked. "What?"
The guards scrambled.
"Sound the alarm!"
"Spark Knight Klee is being kidnapped!"
"Mister, step away from the child!"
Klee waved happily.
"Hi Swan! Hi Huffman!"
The guards didn't relax. In fact, they raised their weapons higher.
Silas instinctively stepped in front of her, just enough to shield her.
Gasps.
"He's threatening her!"
"Everyone be ready!"
Silas muttered, "Your entire city is insane."
Then a swirl of wind cut through the shouting as someone landed lightly on the bridge.
Venti.
The bard waved at Silas like this was a festival. "Wow, Mondstadt really rolls out the red carpet for visitors."
Before Silas could react, another figure approached fast—boots hitting the stone, posture tense.
Jean.
The Acting Grand Master looked like she'd sprinted the whole way.
"Klee," she called, trying to sound calm, "come here. Slowly."
Klee frowned. "Why? Papa's right here."
Jean froze. "…Papa?"
Silas rubbed his forehead. "This is getting stupid."
Jean's hand slid to her sword. "Sir, release the child. Now."
"Harm her?" Silas snapped. "She's my—"
"STOP!" Klee shouted, hands on her hips. "He's not kidnapping me! He's my Papa!"
Everything went silent.
One guard dropped his spear.
Another fainted.
Someone whispered, "Alice had a husband?!"
Another: "No way… Alice lied AGAIN!?"
Jean looked like she had just been hit in the face.
"That—that can't be right," she stammered. "Alice never mentioned—she never said she—"
Silas crossed his arms. "She never told me she had a daughter either. So maybe she's keeping a lot to herself."
Klee proudly nodded. "Mama likes surprises!"
Jean exhaled shakily.
Silas crouched a little so he didn't tower over her. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just came to find Alice."
Jean searched his face. The scars, the heavy look in his eyes, the way Klee held onto his coat like she'd known him forever. Something in her softened.
Still, she straightened. "We have to confirm everything before Mondstadt lets you walk free."
"Fine," Silas said. "Then let's talk."
Klee hugged his leg tightly.
Jean's voice wavered. "Knights… stand down."
The guards slowly lowered their weapons.
Venti drifted behind Silas, grinning. "This is going to be fun to watch."
Silas glared. "Who are you supposed to be?"
"Just a bard," Venti said. "A bard who loves drama."
Jean cleared her throat.
"Silas Veylor… welcome to Mondstadt. We'll sort this out inside."
Silas nodded.
Klee smiled like the sun.
Mondstadt collectively panicked.
And somehow, this was only the beginning.
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