"So this is my fault?!" Jean quipped playfully at Shen Qin's resigned tone.
Shen Qin simply shrugged.
"Actually, I wanted your opinion, could the Academy City's governance model apply to all of Mondstadt?" Jean's expression turned serious. "After studying your plans, I believe many of your ideas have merit. I'd like to refine the Knights' administrative approach."
Every competent leader could spot the brilliance in Shen Qin's framework, and Jean was undoubtedly competent.
"You already have your own thoughts on the matter," Shen Qin observed with a smile.
Jean nodded. "True. But... I'm uncertain whether to implement changes or what consequences they might bring."
"Hmm... Perhaps wait and observe the Academy City's results first. You may have missed it, but the presentation's ending labeled it as an Experimental Academy City. It tests both technology and governance, though I can't guarantee success."
"Understood!"
….
….
Meanwhile, Sucrose glided toward the parked Brightcrown on her hoverboard—only to spot Klee clinging to the massive vehicle's side, her face pressed against the cockpit glass like a mischievous squirrel.
"Klee?! What are you doing here?" Sucrose hastily scooped her down.
"Sister Sucrose, Klee wants to drive!" The girl latched onto Sucrose's arm, deploying her ultimate weapon—sparkling puppy-dog eyes.
"Absolutely not! This is a critical demonstration, no mistakes should be allowed." Sucrose cupped Klee's cheeks firmly. "Besides, didn't you drive yesterday after practice?"
"Okay..." Klee pouted but relented. "Then Klee rides behind like yesterday!"
"That much is fine."
After buckling Klee into the co-pilot's seat, Sucrose initiated the startup sequence, then remembered she'd skipped the mandatory pre-drive inspection in her haste.
"Stay put," she instructed before hopping out to circle the vehicle.
Klee, left alone, resumed humming a Barbara-inspired tune while swaying cheerfully, until her gaze inevitably drifted to the steering wheel.
"No no! Sister Sucrose said todays super important! Driving comes after!" She physically turned her head away.
Suddenly, Shen Qin's voice echoed through the cabin: "Sucrose, begin when ready. First test: maximum speed trial."
Klee blinked. "Big Brother Shen, Sister Sucrose's not here~"
Unaware the comms required pressing a button, her reply went unheard.
….
….
After issuing the order, Shen Qin addressed the crowd: "First, we'll demonstrate the Brightcrown's top speed of 300 km/h through that marked section."
Minutes passed with no movement.
"My apologies, seems the message didn't transmit." He tried again via smart bracelet. "Sucrose? Can you hear me? Proceed when ready."
….
….
Inside, Klee grew anxious. With Sucrose gone and no explanation, the weight of responsibility pressed down.
"Important showcase can't be late..." She wrung her hands before brightening. "If Sister Sucrose missing, Klee will help! Heehee!"
She scrambled into the driver's seat.
'Let's be real, you just wanted to drive, didn't you?!'
…
…
As Sucrose rounded the vehicle's rear, Shen Qin's call came through. "Sucrose, didn't you get my signal? Begin the—"
"O-of course! I'll just—" Her words died as the Brightcrown launched forward, leaving her coughing in a dust cloud.
"Ah, I see you've started. I'll let you foc—"
"WAIT!" Sucrose shrieked. "That's not me driving, it's Klee! I'm not onboard!"
Shen Qin: "..."
Across the field, he watched in horror as the behemoth accelerated toward them, his mind superimposing blaring alarms and crimson warnings:
FBI WARNING!!!
Albedo, Diluc, and Jean, having overheard—exchanged glances before urgently herding spectators to safety.
"Klee! STOP! Let Sucrose take over!" Shen Qin hissed into the comms.
But exhilarated by speed, Klee only cheered louder: "Wind three knots, bearing 274, range one kilometer. Trust Klee, Big Brother Shen!"
"Aren't closer views better for demonstrations?" a confused client asked.
Gritting his teeth, Shen Qin chose faith. "We've switched to our lead test pilot for a full performance showcase. Her... enthusiastic style may kick up debris, best observe from here."
The AI would protect Klee, and stopping her now risked disaster. 'Believe in the Spark Knight!'
"Don't trouble yourself on our account," a merchant declared, stepping forward. "We want the full experience, dust is trivial!"
No sooner had he spoken than 50 tons of steel blurred past three meters away. The shockwave sent his toupee flying as his legs buckled, just before the dust tsunami swallowed him whole.
Shen Qin: ...I tried to warn you.