Knights of Favonius, Mondstadt.
"Someone who can foresee Mondstadt's future?"
"And it's Klee's dad?"
Even after Jean clearly explained the whole story, Venti still looked surprised in the Knights' great hall.
There are very few people in Teyvat who can easily traverse worlds and possess the power of prophecy.
Most importantly—
When it came to matters involving Klee, the Spark Knight of Mondstadt, Venti thought he knew her well.
He'd never heard of her having such a powerful father.
Had something major happened in Teyvat while he was asleep?
"That's right—Bar… Master Venti, we hope you'll join us in resolving the matter of Dvalin."
Facing the youthful-looking boy before her, Acting Grand Master Jean felt somewhat ill at ease.
Although she had already learned Venti's true identity from Ken, speaking to him face-to-face still felt strange.
"Of course. Dvalin is my companion. I hope my old friend can be freed from his suffering as soon as possible."
Mentioning Dvalin, Venti's expression turned regretful.
His old comrade-in-arms had been tormented for so long—Venti felt guilty.
"Then let's set out at once!"
"As for the Abyss Mages… we've already prepared countermeasures."
Receiving Venti's agreement, Jean spoke immediately.
In the prophecy's words, Abyss Mages would launch a sneak attack during the Dvalin incident.
But thanks to Ken's forewarning, they were ready.
Hearing the name "Abyss", Lumine's eyes wavered slightly.
Brother…
Didn't expect this, did you? I already know who you are—the Prince of the Abyss Order.
…
Goth Grand Hotel, Mondstadt.
The delegation from Snezhnaya had arrived in Mondstadt several days ago and was currently staying at the luxurious Goth Hotel.
However—
At the moment, the hotel was wrapped in a biting chill, as if a snow goddess were voicing her silent anger.
The source of this frigid aura was the top-floor luxury suite.
And in that suite resided the Eighth of the Fatui Harbingers, the one who represents the will of the Tsaritsa: "La Signora."
"The Holy Lyre der Himmel was a fake?!"
A cold, alluring voice, edged with barely hidden fury.
Signora, voluptuous and dazzling like a bewitching rose, wore only a white bathrobe. Large swathes of her fair skin lay exposed.
Her elegant bare feet, walking across the carpet, were adorned with a vivid red.
The delicate crystal pattern on her right side, framed by her crimson toenails, looked even more wickedly enchanting.
But—
Right now, the frosty air radiating from her body made plain her seething anger.
"My Lady, we didn't expect the Knights of Favonius to be prepared in advance. They took the real Holy Lyre away and put a fake in the cathedral…"
Anastasia, a Fatui Diplomat, reported with a frown.
The Snezhnayan mission had come to Mondstadt intending to try to win an advantage amid the dragon calamity and obtain the Anemo Archon's Gnosis.
They hadn't expected the Knights to be so vigilant.
"Damn it!"
Signora's beautiful, proud face exuded a brutal chill.
Many of the hotel's valuables turned into ice sculptures under the wave of cold.
The piercing cold made Anastasia tremble.
Though Signora looked as delicate and lovely as a rose, her temper was anything but gentle…
"My Lady, this failure might be due to an internal leak. Otherwise, the Knights couldn't have prepared so thoroughly. I suggest we investigate for a mole."
Anastasia hurried to offer an explanation for their failure.
"Hmph."
"Even though we didn't get the Holy Lyre, tripping them up from the shadows is still worthwhile. We mustn't let them resolve Mondstadt's wind calamity so easily."
Signora's voice was icily cold, like a glacier that never melts.
So far—
They hadn't determined Barbatos's whereabouts. The more chaotic Mondstadt remained, the better for them.
"Yes, My Lady!"
Anastasia quietly exhaled in relief and withdrew from the room.
The chill in the lavish suite slowly receded. The soft white bathrobe slipped to the floor as Signora's bare, flawless body stepped into the bath.
…
Starsnatch Cliff, outside Mondstadt.
A green-clad youth stood at the summit, plucking the Holy Lyre. Gentle melodies rode the breeze, carrying time into the distance.
"Roar!!!"
As the lively music drifted on the wind, a great field of Anemo energy gathered near Starsnatch Cliff. A thunderous roar shook the sky—Dvalin appeared.
The colossal dragon's eyes were pained and cold. He alit before Venti, as if separated by countless years as they gazed at one another.
"Dvalin…"
Venti looked at his old comrade, his intimate companion. In his eyes—pure as the sky—rose tenderness and sorrow.
"So it's you… There's nothing left for us to say."
Dvalin beat his wings, as if to cast away his one remaining trace of fondness and attachment.
Just then—
Abyss Mages revealed themselves among the steep faces of Starsnatch Cliff.
"Heh heh heh…"
Chortling, an Abyss Mage lifted his staff, sending an icy streak of light toward the Holy Lyre.
But—
"Flames… burn it all!"
In the instant the icicle shot forth, a tall, silent figure suddenly appeared. He swung a greatsword, blasting the Abyss Mage and the icicle away in one blow.
The blazing Pyro aura left the Abyss Mage stunned.
His ambush… had been thwarted?
But why was this red-haired man lying in wait here? How did he perfectly predict his move?
As if… he already knew their plan?
The Abyss Mage died, never understanding.
"Just as Mr. Ken said."
Seeing the Abyss Mage felled by Diluc, Jean breathed a sigh of relief. In her mind surfaced Ken's handsome face.
So lucky to have him.
…
…
…
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