Lumine: "Who…?"
"Does Eula know about this?"
The current Lawrence Clan was no different from a thousand years ago—its once-noble bloodline, the single remaining sprout of purity, had long been smothered by corruption.
If there was anyone who could still be called a lotus blooming from the mud… it was Eula.
Raised under her clan's oppressive teachings and surrounded by twisted adults, she somehow grew up normal—too normal.
Faced with the people's hostility and discrimination, she carved out her own gentle, humorous path of "revenge."
Jean shook her head.
"No… I haven't told her."
It wasn't because Jean doubted Eula's loyalty.
Jean judged people by character, not bloodline—thus, they were close friends.
She simply didn't want Eula to be placed in an impossible situation—torn between her corrupt family's expectations and her duty to Mondstadt.
No matter what she chose, someone would be hurt.
Luo Li nodded slowly.
"This is simple. Just send someone to approach the Lawrence family and dig up evidence."
A fallen clan hungry for power would welcome anyone who appeared willing to join them—so long as they knew the proper aristocratic etiquette.
And Luo Li knew that so-called "ancient noble etiquette" inside and out; it was hardly complicated.
Jean hesitated.
"Is it really that easy? Wouldn't that be too obvious?"
A deliberate infiltration attempt should raise suspicion—anyone with half a brain should see through it.
Luo Li snorted.
"Anyone foolish enough to believe they can overthrow Mondstadt by colluding with the Fatui is too stupid to recognize danger. Even the simplest scheme will work on them."
Fighting clever enemies required caution.
Fighting idiots only required effort equal to lifting one's foot.
Lisa, lounging with crossed legs wrapped in sheer black lace stockings, chuckled in full agreement.
"The wise often solve the hardest problems using the simplest methods."
Her emerald eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Speaking of which… I also ran into a tricky problem yesterday. If Mr. Luo Li is free, why don't you come by my place for some afternoon tea?"
Her tone was innocent, but to Jean's ears it somehow sounded… not like tea was the only thing on the menu.
Instantly, Jean grew flustered.
"Lisa! Don't say things like that! Mr. Luo Li is married! That could easily be misunderstood!"
As she yelled, she stole a glance at Luo Li's expression.
"Oh relax~" Lisa smirked. "Even Mondstadt nobles used to have multiple partners. And besides—some people hide their feelings too deeply… they may regret it later."
It was obvious who she meant.
Jean blushed all the way to her ears.
Seeing this was about to escalate, Luo Li tapped the table to interrupt before the poor Acting Grand Master died of embarrassment.
"Alright, enough teasing. What's the real problem today?"
Jean regained composure and continued:
"The dragon crisis worsens every day. The upper council demands immediate resolution, or the public unrest will spiral out of control."
Luo Li waved a hand dismissively.
"No need to worry about that. Someone is already taking care of it."
Jean didn't question it. When Luo Li spoke with certainty, she trusted him.
She continued:
"There's also the Fatui. They've been approaching the old aristocrats—especially the Lawrence clan. I suspect they're planning something."
Jean's expression tightened. The Knights were constrained by Mondstadt's political structure.
The Fatui were officially diplomats; without evidence, she couldn't touch them.
And the Lawrence clan… rotting, resentful relics dreaming of restoring aristocratic tyranny.
Left unchecked, they were dangerous.
Luo Li murmured,
"The Lawrences…"
Once second only to the Gunnhildrs, now reduced to pitiful schemers.
If not for a single Lawrence youth long ago—who hated his family's cruelty and protected the people during the uprising—the clan would've been erased completely.
A strange cycle of cause and effect indeed.
Jean exhaled softly.
"So… who should we send?"
Lisa hid a laugh behind her book. Luo Li felt it but ignored her teasing.
He answered calmly:
"I do have someone in mind—capable, adaptable, strong, and best of all, asks for nothing in return… except one very simple request."
Lisa raised an eyebrow.
"Oh my~ There are still fools that selfless in this world?"
"You've both met her," Luo Li added.
Lisa blinked.
"We have?"
Jean guessed, "The blonde traveler from yesterday?"
Lisa thought it over.
"That girl… yes. Anyone brave enough to repel Stormterror, and with that unusual aura… she might be the perfect candidate."
An outsider, unknown to the aristocrats—ideal for infiltration.
Luo Li only smiled secretly.
Teyvat's No.1 Tool-Person… well-deserved title indeed.
Starsnatch Cliff.
At that very moment, the "tool-person" in question sneezed.
"Huh? Weird… why do I feel like someone's talking about me behind my back?"
Lumine rubbed her nose but quickly forgot about it—because Venti was now holding Oz's delivered Skyward Harp in his hands.
He gazed at it with nostalgia.
"My performances are rare and precious, you know. But today, I'll play especially for you." Paimon muttered,
"Why does he talk big when he's friends with that terrifyingly strong guy from yesterday…"
Venti ignored her and plucked the strings.
A serene melody drifted across the wind. Even Fischl looked impressed.
Minutes passed.
"Is this really going to work…?" she whispered.
But because Luo Li trusted Venti, she forced herself not to doubt. Then
A violent storm erupted.
A massive azure dragon burst from the depths below, wind tearing through the sky.
"He's here!" Paimon shrieked.
But something was off.
Hovering above the dragon's head was a sinister Abyss Mage, laughing gleefully.
"You are too late! Dvalin now belongs to the Abyss! Go weep for your helplessness!"
Venti's eyes dimmed.
"Dvalin…"
But the dragon, stained by hatred and corruption, had already been pushed to madness.
"Barbatos… if you wish to slay me, bring more than this!"
Even so, Dvalin did not attack Lumine's group. Instead, under the Abyss Mage's command, he flew away.
Fischl snapped to attention.
"Oz! Follow them!"
"Y-yes, my lady!"
Thanks to the Skyward Harp's protection, Oz could pursue safely this time.
None of them noticed—
In the shadows of the trees below, someone else was silently observing… and following.