Relations among the Seven Nations of Teyvat had always been… ambiguous.
Even the seven branches of the Adventurers' Guild didn't fully grasp how their host nations viewed the other six on the diplomatic stage. Because of this, communication between branches deliberately avoided local power structures—such as Mondstadt's Knights of Favonius or Snezhnaya's Fatui.
It was all to prevent unnecessary trouble—and to keep the Guild's intelligence from leaking.
That was why the Adventurers' Guild maintained its own secret correspondence routes.
This was the route Jiang Yan intended to use to send his letter to Fischl.
As for issuing a commission and having an adventurer deliver it?
Out of the question.
Finding a merchant caravan heading the same way would be more reliable than trusting an adventurer.
A frightening number of adventurers across Teyvat had… questionable judgment.
Even when the pay was generous, if a task lacked excitement or challenge, they'd look down on it.
More often than not, they'd run into something "interesting" along the way, forget the original mission entirely, and turn a one-month delivery into a half-year journey.
"Is this letter for Investigator Fischl?"
Katheryne asked.
Fischl was internal Guild personnel—very different from ordinary adventurers recruited on the spot. And within the Guild, the name Prinzessin der Verurteilung carried no small amount of recognition.
"Since it's for an internal member, there's a discounted rate," Katheryne calculated quickly.
"Delivery to Inazuma City via our secure route—fifty-six thousand Mora, guaranteed."
"Wha—!?"
Paimon was stunned.
Fifty-six thousand Mora… just to send a letter!?
How long would she have to save for that!?
She seemed completely unaware of how much Mora she herself had eaten the night before.
Jiang Yan took out several bank notes.
"Notes from the Northland Bank. That okay?"
"Of course."
Katheryne verified them, then stored the notes together with the letter.
"You may rest assured—this will be handled properly."
"Good."
Jiang Yan nodded.
"That expensive?"
Lumine couldn't help but be amazed.
She'd gone shopping that morning—she knew exactly what that amount of Mora represented.
But when she thought about the fact that Jiang Yan was the owner of Good Hunter, it suddenly felt… reasonable.
After all, the restaurant's pricing wasn't exactly modest either.
"Cross-border delivery, secret route," Jiang Yan said calmly.
"That's a normal price."
He then led Lumine and Paimon toward the Knights' headquarters.
Mondstadt was built atop massive stone foundations rising from the lake, designed in tiered layers to conserve space.
Stairways were everywhere.
As they reached the central terrace, Paimon suddenly shouted—
"Jiang Yan! Lumine! Look!"
She pointed toward a corner of the Goth Grand Hotel.
"Isn't Acting Grand Master Jean arguing with someone over there?"
Her gossip instincts immediately ignited, and she flew straight over.
Jiang Yan and Lumine had no choice but to follow.
"It's someone from the Fatui," Jiang Yan said.
Their uniforms were unmistakable—and the female agents' black stockings were… very eye-catching.
The two parties weren't even trying to lower their voices.
This was clearly a formal diplomatic exchange.
"Our stance is quite clear," the Fatui diplomat said coolly.
"If the Knights of Favonius are unable to swiftly eliminate the rampaging dragon, then perhaps Mondstadt's city defense should be transferred to the Fatui."
She continued smoothly,
"The dragon crisis is solvable—so long as you allow us to handle that beast—"
"Beast?"
Jean cut her off.
The diplomat paused, confused by the sudden ferocity that flashed through Jean's composed expression.
"Hmm? Acting Grand Master, is something the matter?" she asked politely.
"Ha…"
Jean drew a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
"I sincerely hope Snezhnaya's diplomats can conduct themselves with greater professionalism," she said coldly.
"You are speaking of one of Mondstadt's Four Winds."
Her gaze sharpened.
"I will not tolerate such madness being spoken in front of the Knights of Favonius."
The diplomat finally understood the source of Jean's anger and couldn't help covering her mouth with a soft laugh.
"Oh, surely it isn't that mad."
She folded her arms leisurely.
"It seems the Acting Grand Master is in no condition for further negotiations today. Let's conclude here."
She glanced toward the small crowd that had gathered—her eyes lingering briefly on Lumine and Paimon—then smiled faintly and turned back toward the Goth Grand Hotel.
Jean noticed them as well.
"Jiang Yan, Lumine… I apologize for letting you witness something so undignified," she said.
"The Fatui really are used to being arrogant," Jiang Yan remarked, shaking his head.
"So—are we still going to the Knights' headquarters?"
"Of course," Jean replied immediately.
"It would be improper to receive you here."
Only by meeting them in her office, with full formalities, did she feel she could show sufficient respect.
After dispersing the crowd, they climbed the steps from the central terrace to the Knights' headquarters.
Knights of Favonius — Acting Grand Master's Office
Jean stood behind her desk and placed one hand over her chest in a formal salute.
"Thank you sincerely for your assistance in yesterday's operation," she said.
"The elemental circulation around the city has finally stabilized."
She paused briefly.
"The aftereffects of Stormterror's assault have, for the moment, come to an end."
As she spoke, she instinctively glanced at someone who seemed to be smiling far too knowingly. A faint blush flashed across her refined features.
He's definitely laughing at how rigid I sound again…
Jean quietly steadied herself and continued,
"However, as you saw earlier, the pressure exerted by the Fatui delegation has reached a level we can no longer ignore."
She straightened.
"This brings me to my second request—one I hesitate to ask."
"Jiang Yan. Lumine."
"Please accept the title of Honorary Knights of Favonius, along with my personal gratitude."
"And I ask that you assist us once more—
in uncovering the truth behind Stormterror's attack on Mondstadt."
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