Chapter 34 — The Powerful Witches' Association
"Miss Alice?" Jean's calm expression stiffened slightly at the name.
The mention of that woman always stirred a mix of respect and apprehension in Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master.
She had heard countless stories about Alice, the legendary adventurer and scholar who had managed to offend nearly every major nation and still walk away unscathed. Alice was reckless, brilliant, and untouchable — a woman who seemed to treat even the Archons as equals.
But there was one person Jean worried about above all others.
Klee.
If the world ever discovered that the infamous Witch of the Stars and Sparks had a daughter, who knew what kind of chaos would follow?
Powerful enemies held grudges against Alice — and while the woman herself was far beyond their reach, her innocent daughter was not.
Officially, Albedo served as Klee's guardian. But in truth, Jean was the one who raised her day by day — making sure she ate properly, stopped blowing up fish ponds, and got tucked in before bedtime.
To Jean, Klee wasn't just a responsibility.
She was family.
---
A Request Regarding Alice
"I only need to ask her something," Kael said calmly, his tone measured but resolute. "If you ever see Miss Alice, please let her know I'm looking for her."
Jean tilted her head slightly, still wary. "What could you possibly need from her?"
Kael's golden eyes glimmered faintly. "Knowledge. She's a master of technology and alchemy — someone capable of interacting with forces that don't belong to this world. If anyone in Teyvat understands interdimensional travel, it's her."
Jean's eyes widened a little. "You mean… she can reach other worlds?"
Kael nodded. "Possibly. I have my own methods of traversing between worlds, but they're unstable. I can't control where — or when — I arrive. If Alice can refine that process, it could change everything."
Jean let out a slow breath, relaxing slightly. At least he wasn't after Alice for revenge or power. "I see… You're fortunate then. Miss Alice isn't easy to find. But when she wishes to find you—believe me—she will."
Kael smiled faintly. "So I've heard."
---
The Hexenzirkel — The Circle of Witches
Kael's mind wandered for a moment.
The Hexenzirkel, the legendary Witches' Circle, was an enigma that few in Teyvat truly understood.
Rumors painted them as hermits of godlike ability — immortal scholars, ancient mages, and wanderers of impossible wisdom.
Many had once believed Lisa Minci, the Witch of Purple Rose, to be one of them. But that was only a misconception born from her epithet and brilliance. Lisa was powerful, yes, but she had declined the title long ago. Her talents, though immense, did not bind her to that order.
The true members of the Hexenzirkel were different. They were forces of nature, each a legend unto herself.
There was Alice, the boundless explorer whose inventions defied logic.
There was Rhinedottir, the ancient alchemist known to the world as Gold, whose creations had changed history — and nearly destroyed it.
And there were others, hidden across the lands, watching from the shadows of centuries.
To Kael, the existence of such mortals — powerful enough to rival Archons — was both thrilling and dangerous.
"Strange," Kael murmured. "How could someone like Alice befriend someone like Rhinedottir?"
Jean looked puzzled. "Rhinedottir? You mean the alchemist from Khaenri'ah?"
Kael nodded. "One and the same. And yes… they were friends. Perhaps before Rhinedottir fell into the Abyss."
Jean frowned, troubled by the thought. "Then… that was before the Cataclysm?"
Kael's expression hardened. "Exactly."
The Witches' Circle had existed long before the fall of Khaenri'ah — a gathering of intellect and power that could have changed the fate of Teyvat itself. And yet, they had chosen to vanish, leaving only whispers behind.
If Kael could find them, he might unlock truths even the Archons had buried.
---
An Invitation to Drink
Jean's voice drew him from his thoughts. "Kael, may I ask—do you drink?"
Kael blinked. "Drink?"
Jean nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Mondstadt's wine is the finest in all Teyvat. Since I'm your host, I'd like to treat you to a proper introduction."
Her words carried a hint of formality, but Kael could sense her intention — to relax, even if only for a night.
"You still have work, don't you?" Kael asked with a small smile. "The Temples of the Four Winds?"
Jean exhaled softly. "True. But it's already late. The Knights are tired, Kaeya is handling the reports, and even Acting Grand Masters need a moment to breathe."
Then, she added thoughtfully, "Besides… there's someone I've been meaning to speak with. Someone whose help we'll need before long."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Diluc?"
Jean gave a small, tired laugh. "You're well-informed."
"Then let's go," Kael said, smiling. "I'm curious about Mondstadt's famous wine."
---
The Angel's Share Tavern
The moment Jean and Kael entered the Angel's Share Tavern, the room fell into respectful silence.
Jean's presence carried the quiet authority of Mondstadt itself. Even in times of chaos, she remained a symbol of order — calm, dependable, and kind.
To the weary citizens, her mere appearance was a comfort.
Jean nodded politely to familiar faces before approaching the bar. "Is the owner here, Charles?"
The bartender, polishing a glass, straightened immediately. "He returned not too long ago, Acting Grand Master."
His eyes flicked briefly to Kael, his curiosity obvious. The man beside Jean was clearly foreign — his clothing bore Liyue's refined aesthetic, and his posture radiated quiet confidence.
Charles had seen many guests, but few who carried that kind of presence.
"Would you like me to inform him?" he asked.
"Yes, please," Jean replied. "And prepare a private room for us. Tell Diluc that I have important matters to discuss."
Charles gave a curt nod and disappeared into the back.
Moments later, a familiar voice filled the doorway.
"Jean."
A tall man stepped in — crimson hair flowing like wildfire, eyes sharp as molten gold. He carried himself with a quiet, unshakable power.
Diluc Ragnvindr.
Owner of the Angel's Share. Former Knight of Favonius.
And the shadow that protected Mondstadt when the sun set.
His gaze landed on Kael, sharp and assessing. Then, without a word, he crossed the room and sat opposite them.
"Speak," he said curtly. "What is this about?"
---
A Meeting Between Fire and Wind
Jean straightened, unflinching before his intensity.
"Senior," she began respectfully — the same title she had always given him. "This is Kael, an envoy from Liyue. He's been assisting us with information about the recent disturbances. He believes the ley line chaos is connected to the Temples of the Four Winds."
Diluc's eyes narrowed.
He glanced toward Kael, his expression unreadable. Then, after a long pause, he gave a soft, derisive huff.
"So the Knights of Favonius have fallen so far," he said coolly. "You needed a foreigner to point out what should've been obvious?"
His tone wasn't cruel — it was bitter. The kind of bitterness born from betrayal and disappointment.
"I see now," Diluc continued quietly. "Leaving the Knights was the best decision I ever made."
Jean didn't rise to defend herself. Her eyes softened, filled with quiet sorrow. "Perhaps you're right. But even if the Knights faltered, Mondstadt still needs its protectors. That hasn't changed."
Kael leaned back in his chair, smiling faintly. "Then it seems Mondstadt is blessed with more than one."
Diluc turned his gaze toward him. "And what about you, traveler? What brings a man from Liyue into our troubles?"
Kael's golden eyes met his evenly. "Because Teyvat's troubles don't stop at borders."
A spark of respect flickered in Diluc's eyes, just for a moment — quickly hidden behind his usual stoicism.
Jean smiled faintly, sensing the shift in the air.
"Good," she said softly. "Then perhaps… Mondstadt still stands a chance."
Outside, the wind stirred, carrying the faint scent of wine and dandelions through the tavern window.
The city of freedom was restless — and the storm was only beginning to rise.