"You always show up just in time," Shen Qin remarked helplessly.
Kaeya patted his shoulder, a smile playing on his lips. "Ever since I accidentally caught you testing that flying hoverboard, I've been keeping a close eye on your inventions. So, after all this time, what groundbreaking innovation have you conjured up this time?"
Shen Qin replied nonchalantly, "This is just an appetizer—a little gadget that lets the blind see the world again."
'You call that a little gadget?'
"Shen Qin, really? Can it restore sight to the blind?" Jean asked, astonished.
"Strictly speaking, it doesn't restore their vision—it replaces their eyes," Shen Qin clarified, correcting her misconception. He continued in a softer tone, "Sucrose and I are currently researching bionic prosthetics—artificial limbs, eyes, and ears to compensate for the physical disabilities people face."
Both Kaeya and Jean were stunned. Initially, they thought his new invention would be something with heavy commercial potential like the flying skateboard. Instead, it turned out to have profound societal implications.
While bionic prosthetics might not mean much to the average person, for those with disabilities, they could offer a chance at a vastly improved life.
"If what you're saying can be achieved... No, I believe you can make it happen," Jean said firmly, pledging, "The Knights of Favonius will provide full support during your research!"
"You've outdone yourself this time!" Kaeya exclaimed, giving him a thumbs-up. "Quietly working on something this significant, huh?"
At that moment, Godwin and Glory approached hand in hand.
"Master Jean." Godwin bowed his head respectfully. "Godwin, deserter of the Expedition Force, reporting to you."
"Deserter? Godwin... What's going on?" Jean asked, confused.
Kaeya clapped his hands together. "Godwin, are you going to tell her yourself, or shall I do it for you?"
Shen Qin thought to himself: As expected, Kaeya had already known about this.
"I'll explain it myself," Godwin said, his face filled with shame.
As Godwin recounted his story in detail, Jean finally pieced everything together. Glory's expression shifted from surprise to disappointment, and then finally to understanding. She stepped forward and held his hand tightly.
"That's what happened. I realize my mistake and feel deeply ashamed. Whatever punishment the Knights see fit, I'll accept it, as long as I can remain in Mondstadt and stay by Glory's side..."
Jean pulled Kaeya aside. "You knew about this all along, didn't you?"
"Yep. A year ago, I spotted him sneaking around outside Mondstadt. After investigating, I pieced together the story."
Jean frowned. "Then why didn't you report it to the Knights immediately? According to our rules, deserters and traitors must face the harshest penalties—ranging from several years of imprisonment to permanent expulsion from Mondstadt!"
Kaeya shrugged. "Exactly. That's why I pretended not to know. You just heard their story. Imagine if I had reported this a year ago—how would their lives have changed? Even you wouldn't have had the heart to do it, would you?"
Jean remained silent for a long time. Finally, she said, "No matter the circumstances, the rules of the Knights must be upheld. Every Knight of Favonius must adhere to them, and I must enforce them! Strict and stable regulations may restrain us, but they're also the foundation of the Knights' strength."
"Alright," Kaeya said, clapping his hands suddenly, his face lighting up with a smile. "Then let's deal with this according to the rules!"
Jean was taken aback.
"First, let's review the definition of desertion. One, a current Knight intentionally avoids their duties or flees the Knights. Two, fleeing from battle in violation of orders. Did Godwin attempt to avoid his responsibilities? No, he left to retrieve a keepsake for his loved one. When he fell behind, the Expedition Force was not yet engaged in battle. He even tried to rejoin the team later but failed."
Kaeya continued confidently, "So, which rule applies to his behavior? If a Knight leaves their assigned area without permission during a mission but does not disrupt the mission, they are discharged. If their departure disrupts the mission, they face three to ten years in prison. If their actions cause mission failure, they face a minimum of ten years' imprisonment. Which category do you think he falls under?"
Jean hesitated but eventually gave a firm response: "Leaving without disruption to the mission, leading to discharge."
"See? Problem solved! According to the rules, he ceased being a Knight a long time ago. The hardships he endured over the years were just his way of punishing himself." Kaeya smirked.
"But if that's the case, then why didn't you just tell me a year ago…" Jean trailed off, recalling the harsh battles the Expedition Force faced back then. Many deserters had been caught and punished severely, while others remained fugitives, living as treasure hoarders or vagrants outside Mondstadt.
During such a tense period, Godwin's case would likely have been mishandled.
"I see. Let's proceed with your suggestion." Jean nodded firmly and returned to the group.
Glory clung nervously to Godwin's hand, though he himself appeared calm. Having returned to Mondstadt, he was prepared to face whatever fate awaited him.
"Godwin, after discussing with Captain Kaeya, I hereby announce that according to the Knights' regulations, you left your assigned area without permission during a mission but did not disrupt the mission. Therefore, you are discharged. Do you accept this judgment?"
Godwin was stunned. He had prepared himself for years of imprisonment, but the result was simply discharge—the least severe outcome possible.
"I accept! Thank you, Master Jean." He bowed deeply, and Glory threw herself into his arms, weeping with joy.
Jean glanced at Godwin's tattered Knight uniform. Though reluctant, she said, "You are no longer a Knight. You may not wear the uniform. Please return it to the Knights as soon as possible."
This rule existed to prevent anyone from using the Knights' attire to deceive others.
"Of course! I'll change immediately."
The two approached Shen Qin, bowing deeply to him before walking off hand in hand.
"Godwin, you can stay at my place tonight. My mother will be thrilled to see you..."
"A happy ending, huh?" Sucrose said, watching them leave with a satisfied smile.
Jean turned to Shen Qin. "Shen Qin, when will the bionic prosthetics be ready?"
Shen Qin looked at Sucrose.
"Three more days on my end," Sucrose replied promptly.
"Five days then. Come to the alchemy workshop," Shen Qin confirmed.