Jean strode toward Warehouse 16, her mind ticking over its purpose.
The Knights of Favonius had built it anew, a sprawling logistics hub.
It was meant to hoard ores for crafting blades and armor.
Freshly finished, it stood empty, its guards yet to be assigned.
Falga's absence stretched the order thin—priorities shifted elsewhere.
She approached, curiosity mingling with the faint hum of duty.
Why had Ye Ruo summoned her to this vacant shell?
No knights patrolled, no clamor of work filled the air.
Her steps faltered as a primal instinct sharpened her gaze.
Beasts loomed within—hulking shadows dwarfing wild boars.
Years as a captain honed her senses; she'd faced the wilds aplenty.
Before rising to Acting Grand Master, she'd led squads through peril.
Her eyes narrowed, scanning the warehouse with seasoned precision.
How had such creatures slipped past the Knights' watch?
The numbers alone—dozens, perhaps—defied stealth.
Yet their aura puzzled her, calm and gentle, not feral.
No snarls or menace—just a placid stillness she couldn't place.
Ye Ruo's voice broke her reverie, warm and steady from within.
"Jean, come inside—don't stand there puzzling it out," he called.
"You'll see soon enough," he added, a tease in his tone.
"Alright, Senior—I'm coming," she replied, tension easing.
His presence disarmed her guard; she stepped into the dim expanse.
The sight hit her like a gust—twenty massive beasts sprawled before her.
Thick brown fur cloaked their stone-like bulk, black horns jutting skyward.
They lounged, unbothered, ignoring her entrance with lazy grace.
"What are these?" she breathed, awe threading her voice.
Ye Ruo stood nearby, a faint smile playing on his lips.
She turned to him, questions tumbling out in a rush.
"Senior, what's going on? Why are these animals here?" she pressed.
"Your stealth's unreal—I didn't sense you at all," she marveled.
He chuckled, a knowing glint in his storm-blue eyes.
"Stealth's a skill forged in fire—without it, I'd be long gone," he said.
"Lisa'd peg these in a heartbeat," he continued, nodding at the herd.
"They're Sumeru Yaks—pack beasts for caravans and gilded crews," he explained.
Jean's jaw dropped, disbelief warring with admiration.
"Senior, you've been writing—when did you slip off to Sumeru?" she gaped.
"How'd you haul these here?" she added, floored by his reach.
Ye Ruo's feats never ceased to dazzle her young heart.
At nineteen, she led with poise, but he, at twenty, outshone her.
He'd joined the Knights before her, rising swift to captain.
Her senior by rank and time, he was a beacon she revered.
He sidestepped her barrage with a grin, producing a notebook.
"Here's a knight training primer—spread it through the ranks," he said.
"The yaks are yours now—docile, perfect for a transport brigade," he instructed.
"Use them fresh or revamp the old crew—it's your call," he finished.
With that, he turned to leave, a breeze trailing his steps.
Jean's breath caught; she blurted out before she could stop.
"Senior, are you off again? Can't you stay with me?" she pleaded.
Her words tripped over themselves—she flushed, scrambling to clarify.
"I mean, your skill steadies me—I'd feel stronger with you here," she amended.
Ye Ruo paused, then turned back with a soft laugh.
He rested a hand on her shoulder, his touch firm yet kind.
"Jean, you're diligent, disciplined—a leader with real spine," he praised.
"Mondstadt'll thrive under you, warm and bright," he assured her.
"I'm a wind knight—freedom's my pulse, my Vision's root," he mused.
He tapped the Anemo Vision at his waist, mirroring hers.
Their wind-bound fates diverged in style, not strength.
He towered over her, a head taller, his presence a quiet storm.
"The Knights run smooth now—no need for my shadow," he said.
"When danger strikes, I'll be at your side—count on it," he vowed.
His smile flashed, bold and bright, sealing his promise.
Jean exhaled, relief mingling with a wistful pang.
"Fine—you're as restless as Falga, Senior," she sighed.
"I'll rise to this role and make you proud," she resolved.
"Hah! Falga drilled me well," he laughed, voice ringing out.
In a blink, he vanished, a swirl of wind marking his exit.
Jean stared at the empty space, determination hardening within.
His faith fueled her, a spark to stoke her inner fire.
That touch lingered, though—her heart had skipped too fast.
She pressed a hand to her chest, alone with her thoughts.
On duty, she was steel; in secret, romance novels softened her.
A girl's shy bloom stirred, unspoken beneath her calm.
Then realization crashed in, yanking her back to earth.
"Wait—Senior, how'd you sneak these yaks in?!" she yelped.
"You didn't explain a thing!" she groaned, exasperation flaring.
The warehouse echoed her cry, unanswered by the wind.
***
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