Chapter 68

Arriving at the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt, Jiang Ning addressed the knight at the entrance:

"Hello, I'm here to see Acting Grand Master Jean. Is she available?"

The knight was polite, though his tone was somewhat odd:

"If you're looking for the Acting Grand Master, you can go right in, traveler from afar."

This response left Jiang Ning puzzled.

Wait, are the Knights of Favonius really this casual? Anyone can just walk in to see the Acting Grand Master?

"You're just going to let me in like that?" 

Jiang Ning couldn't help but ask.

The knight replied, "Many people come seeking the Acting Grand Master's help every day. If we were to screen everyone, the line would stretch all the way to the Cathedral."

Jiang Ning wanted to say more but ultimately kept quiet, leading Shenhe inside.

Although the knight's explanation made sense, and the other guard hadn't objected either, something still felt off to Jiang Ning.

Inside the Knights of Favonius headquarters, there was an atmosphere of solemn dignity. The grand door seemed to separate two worlds – outside was freedom and ease, while inside was gravity and authority.

"Sister Huixin said that Acting Grand Master Jean's office is... ah, found it."

Jiang Ning knocked on the door and, after hearing a "Come in," pushed it open.

"Hello, how may I help you?"

Upon first seeing Jiang Ning, there was a flash of surprise in her eyes, followed by a professional smile.

Jiang Ning said, "Hello, I'm from Liyue. Ningguang of the Liyue Qixing asked me to deliver a letter to you."

Jean looked puzzled: "But the Liyue delegation already delivered their letters to me yesterday."

Jiang Ning explained, "Yes, Sister Ningguang mentioned this was a personal letter that couldn't be sent through official channels."

As they spoke, Jiang Ning was also observing Acting Grand Master Jean.

Her posture was dignified and solemn, her eyes full of spirit and vigor.

Her golden hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her knight's attire accentuated her impressive figure.

Unfortunately, Jean was sitting and facing him, so he couldn't verify certain rumors about her.

She was truly a beautiful knight princess with an extraordinary presence.

Jean paused at hearing Jiang Ning's familiar way of addressing Ningguang, then quickly understood.

"You must be Jiang Ning. Ningguang mentioned you in her letters – a youth with extraordinary potential... and this must be Shenhe."

She discreetly noticed their interlocked hands, somewhat puzzled.

Had Liyue's customs become as liberal as Mondstadt's? As far as she knew, Jiang Ning wasn't even of age yet.

However, this was their personal matter, and Jean didn't feel it appropriate to comment.

After confirming their identities, Jean's smile became more genuine and less formal.

"Please, have a seat, Jiang Ning, and Shenhe – if I may call you that?"

"Yes... here's the letter."

Before sitting down, Jiang Ning handed the letter to Jean.

Jean set it aside to read later.

"How are you finding Mondstadt's scenery during your visit?"

Jean asked while preparing tea for her two guests.

"It's quite different from Liyue's style. I like it very much."

Jiang Ning replied.

"That's good to hear. Feel free to explore within Mondstadt's borders during your stay. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come find me."

Jean found herself quite fond of this well-mannered young man.

"Yes, thank you."

Jiang Ning said.

He thought to himself that he must have met two of the three famous noble families now – Jean and Diluc. Only Eula remained.

After some more small talk, Jiang Ning asked, "By the way, Acting Grand Master Jean, do you have an Outrider Knight named Amber here?"

Jean nodded: "Amber? Yes, we do. Do you need to find her?"

Jiang Ning explained, "My senior disciple asked us to find Eula, and Diluc suggested we ask Amber about Eula's whereabouts."

Jean thought for a moment: "Amber should return tomorrow. As for Eula... I apologize, but the Reconnaissance Company operates quite independently due to the nature of their work, so they can't always report their location in real-time."

"For Eula's whereabouts, you'll need to wait for Amber's return."

"I see. If Amber returns, could you please have someone notify us at the Good Hunter tavern?"

Jiang Ning requested.

Jean nodded: "Certainly."

"Then we'll take our leave. There are still many interesting places in Mondstadt waiting for us."

Jiang Ning was eager to explore.

They'd seen Mondstadt city; now it was time to venture into the wilderness.

Jean performed a knight's salute and said, "Have fun, and may the Anemo Archon protect you."

As Jiang Ning left Jean's office, he didn't notice the door opposite quietly opening.

Through the crack, someone was curiously observing him.

"Is this the little cutie from Liyue?"

"How interesting he seems."

...

Jiang Ning was unaware he'd caught someone's attention.

Right now, he just wanted to explore the wilderness with his senior disciple.

He wanted to visit Starfell Valley, where the Statue of The Seven stood.

The Statues of The Seven, sculptures of the Seven Archons, seemed to possess some of their divine power.

Each nation had statues of their respective deity, standing guard over Teyvat like dutiful sentinels.

Not to mention, the enormous tree in Starfell Valley was quite intriguing.

"Senior Sister, I think next time we should bring a Kamera... or ask Master to make one for us when we return."

Jiang Ning could already imagine asking for a Kamera.

Cloud Retainer would probably get all flustered, declaring that mortal crafts couldn't compare to an adeptus's creations.

Then spend all night tinkering, producing a Kamera Plus version.

Shenhe nodded slightly.

"We can discuss that later... we have some unwelcome visitors."

Jiang Ning flexed his wrists, spotting several masked, fierce-looking treasure hoarders.

About a dozen of them had surrounded them with ill intent.

"Hehehe, where might you two be heading? Looking so wealthy, shouldn't you spare some thought for us poor folk without any mora?"

A bald man sneered.

Another with a scar said, "Why waste words? Hand over your money if you know what's good for you! Save yourself some pain."

"Boss, this boy looks delicate. Let's take him with us – might fetch a good price from those nobles."

"Take the woman too!"

Crude laughter and vulgar words rose from all around, as if they were certain of their prey.

Jiang Ning smiled and said:

"We've barely left Mondstadt city... Well, if the Knights of Favonius won't handle this, I suppose I will..."