"Honorary Knight?"
Lumine had never heard of such a title before.
Jiang Yan explained casually,
"It means you enjoy the honor and benefits without having to work day-to-day—but when a crisis hits, you're expected to step in as support."
"There's something this good?"
Paimon's eyes sparkled instantly.
Jiang Yan spread his hands.
"Like right now. This is a crisis."
Jean felt distinctly uncomfortable hearing that.
It sounded as if Jiang Yan were implying that she was using the title to bind them into continued service.
If he truly thought of her that way…
Just imagining it made her chest feel tight and irritated.
"Jiang Yan," Jean said earnestly,
"This is genuinely the best form of thanks I can offer."
Lumine looked at her in surprise.
The Jean before her now felt completely different from the one she had seen yesterday—and from the one who had just confronted the Fatui diplomat with such steely resolve.
"I know."
Given Mondstadt's current situation, and the Knights' predicament, Jean truly needed help.
It just so happened that the most valuable thing she could offer was the title of Honorary Knight.
In the end, she was still only the Acting Grand Master.
"Jean wouldn't think that something even Grand Master Varka and the Cardinal couldn't persuade me to accept would suddenly change now, would she?"
Jiang Yan looked at her with a faint, teasing smile.
Jean's expression dimmed slightly. A quiet sense of disappointment welled up inside her as she forced herself to speak.
"…So it's still not possible?"
"My answer hasn't changed."
The Knights of Favonius had never truly belonged to Jean, Kaeya, or Lisa.
Real authority remained with the expeditionary forces far from Mondstadt.
Those currently stationed here were merely caretakers.
And even then, the higher ranks of the Church of Favonius kept a close watch over everything.
How much power could Jean truly wield?
That was the fundamental reason Jiang Yan refused to join the Knights—or even accept the title of Honorary Knight.
"Jean looks really sad…"
Paimon whispered, covering her mouth.
Lumine also sensed the tension in the air.
"But," Jiang Yan continued, his tone shifting,
"if Jean asks me personally, I'll still help."
The smile he gave carried deeper meaning.
Jean froze.
Then, slowly, light returned to her eyes.
A faint blush crept onto her refined cheeks.
She took a deep breath, discreetly pressing a hand to her chest to steady her racing heart.
"Thank you, Jiang Yan," she said softly.
Jiang Yan raised two fingers.
"On one condition—actually, two."
"Please, go ahead."
"First," he said,
"I want a Favonius Warbow."
"…Hmm."
Jean considered the difficulty.
For most people, that would be nearly impossible—but for Jiang Yan, it might just be doable.
If necessary, she could take a firmer stance with the Church. They likely wouldn't dare oppose her outright.
Even if it bordered on shamelessness… she was willing.
She did wonder, though—Jiang Yan already possessed a Favonius Sword gifted by the Grand Master. Why did he also need a bow?
"Approved," Jean said after a moment.
"Second," Jiang Yan continued,
"I want Barbara. And you'll handle things with the Church as well."
"You want to take Barbara with you?"
Jean didn't misunderstand his meaning at all.
"Yes."
Jean immediately nodded and bowed.
"Then I'll leave Barbara in your care."
Compared to the first request, this one was far easier to arrange.
"Can we make a request too?"
Paimon piped up, clearly thinking about Mora.
Lumine also felt that Mora was a very practical reward.
Jean was just about to agree—
When Jiang Yan spoke first.
"Lumine will accept the title of Honorary Knight."
"What? Why?"
Not only Lumine and Paimon—even Jean was startled.
Jiang Yan sighed, rubbing his temples.
"If Stormterror's problem is completely resolved by us outsiders, how do you think the Knights of Favonius will look?"
Not just in Mondstadt—but across all seven nations.
The Knights losing face wasn't the issue.
Jean was the Acting Grand Master.
In the end, the blow to reputation would land squarely on her.
Rumors like 'Jean is unfit to lead the Knights' or 'The Knights under Jean achieved nothing' would spread through Fatui channels and merchant caravans alike, becoming jokes whispered across Teyvat.
"So someone from the Knights has to be involved," Jiang Yan said calmly.
"Honorary Knights count."
If an Honorary Knight helped resolve the crisis, at least people could say 'Acting Grand Master Jean had a keen eye for talent.'
"Jiang Yan…"
Jean finally understood.
Her chest filled with emotion.
"Is that okay with you, Lumine?" Jiang Yan asked.
"It doesn't really matter to me," Lumine replied honestly.
"Then let's proceed with the appointment ceremony."
Lumine becoming an Honorary Knight posed no downside.
All of Mondstadt knew she was under Jiang Yan's protection.
He had every reason—and justification—to intervene in any matter involving her.
The premise was simple:
He himself must never become a Knight of Favonius.
Half an hour later, the three of them left the Knights' headquarters.
Jiang Yan silently calculated their current lineup.
If they were going to confront Stormterror, everyone's level had to rise.
A single death was unacceptable.
Death here meant gone forever.
"Paimon," Jiang Yan suddenly said,
"Help me call someone."
"Who? Someone I know?"
Paimon perked up immediately.
After all, Jiang Yan fed and housed her—this was the time to show loyalty!
"Just keep calling 'Noelle' all the way back."
"Huh?"
Paimon was still confused—
When a figure appeared silently behind her, without the slightest sound.
A calm voice spoke.
"I'm here."
"GHOST—!!"
Paimon shrieked and flew straight into Jiang Yan's arms.
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