"Jean, this is not your fault. After all, Tevarin has not appeared for five hundred years, and neither has Lord Barbatos," Lisa reminded her friend, her expression serious. "Now the people of Mond are at their limit with Tevarin. They are calling for us to get rid of the Wind Dragon."
Jean seemed to have thought of something and asked, "Lisa, do you think we could reveal Tevarin's identity? It might make people more tolerant if they understand his significance."
Lisa sighed. "But that would also damage the reputation of the Four Winds Guardian. The Fatui might use this against us. They could spread propaganda claiming that even the Four Winds Guardian has turned against Mond, questioning whether we, the Knights of Favonius, have done something wrong."
Jean's expression stiffened at the thought. She understood the implications.
Lisa continued, her tone laced with frustration. "Mond is filled with 'troublesome people.' If we tell them not to urinate or defecate in public, they'll claim it's their freedom. If we ask them not to get drunk in public, they'll argue that it's their right. And if the Knights of Favonius try to manage them, they'll accuse us of restricting their freedom. If we impose stricter regulations, they'll accuse us of returning to the oppressive old ways of Mondstadt, like slavery and exploitation."
Jean let out a breath. "So, what are we supposed to do?"
Lisa raised a hand to her forehead. "How can we manage Mond if every time we try to enforce order, they accuse us of infringing on their freedom?"
Jean remained silent. The situation was difficult. "If we reveal Tevarin's identity, people will blame Mond's rulers for disappointing him. They'll refuse to take responsibility for forgetting him, even though the Knights of Favonius and the Church of Favonius didn't recognize him. They'll never admit their fault."
Jean thought about it deeply, her face stiffening as she imagined the chaos that would follow. "What should we do then?"
Lisa glanced at her, trying to offer comfort. "We still have time. The people are patient with Tevarin for now, so we can delay the issue for a few months. Maybe we can figure out why Tevarin destroyed Mond in the first place. I doubt Tevarin, as a follower of the Wind God, would attack Mond just because he was forgotten."
Jean nodded, though doubt still lingered in her eyes. Lisa smiled weakly. "We need to find out the truth. I don't believe that Tevarin would destroy Mond without a reason."
Jean rubbed her brow in frustration. "The Knights of Favonius don't have much information about Tevarin, and neither does my family. This is our fault. As Mond's people, we've forgotten the Four Winds Guardians who protected us. It's cruel, really."
She paused, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "This isn't just my fault. It's the fault of the previous generations of the Knights of Favonius and my ancestors."
Jean's voice grew firmer. "Lisa, I've made up my mind. I'm going to Liyue. If they can analyze Tevarin's identity, they likely know more about him than we do. They may even know why Tevarin has been harassing us in Mond."
Lisa frowned but nodded. "Alright, but you have to return quickly. I can't manage everything in Mond by myself."
Jean's best friend knew how much burden Jean carried. The situation in Mond alone was enough to keep her busy, not to mention the new threat posed by Tevarin and the looming Fatui troubles. It all required Jean's personal attention.
Jean stood up and made her decision quickly. "I'll travel light. It will only take me seven days to go back and forth. We've had problems with supplies recently due to Tevarin's interference, so we can take this opportunity to buy special supplies from Liyue."
Mond had always been a country with abundant grain supplies, thanks to its favorable climate. Even without much effort, Mond would never run out of food. The region could even produce enough to make wine. However, other supplies were currently in short supply due to Tevarin's interference, making imports from Liyue necessary.
---
Later that day, Keqing stood facing Smith in a training area. "Lower the angle of the sword by 3 degrees," Smith instructed. "Maybe this will work better."
"Look at this Taiyi Xuanmen Sword; it's no worse than your previous technique. The world may try to restrict them, but their moves are helpful to us humans. You need to incorporate these techniques into your own combat style. Do this, and you'll be the Sword Master of Liyue."
Keqing nodded, taking the advice seriously. "But, Smith, what about the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams Sword? Wouldn't it be better to connect them?"
Smith nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, but keep in mind that in battle, things change rapidly. What works in one scenario might not be effective in another. Adaptability is key."
Keqing adjusted her stance but suddenly stiffened when she realized Smith had placed his hand in an inappropriate spot. Her face flushed, and she protested, "Smith! What are you doing?"
Smith, oblivious to her discomfort, continued with his guidance. "Keqing, don't tighten your waist so much."
Keqing blushed even more, her voice turning slightly angry. "A-are you serious? Where are you putting your hands?"
She had always thought Smith would be more of a gentleman, but this sudden closeness was overwhelming. They were supposed to be just practicing swordsmanship—she never expected it to develop like this.
Keqing admired Smith, and she'd always respected the way he learned martial arts from the Rock King. Smith had the Eye of the Rock God, and his training reflected that. But was he moving too fast?
Keqing couldn't help but think of the differences between their cultures. In some places on the continent of Teyvat, relationships between men and women developed rapidly, like in Mondstadt or Fontaine, where people could marry and even sleep together on the first day they met.
Keqing didn't know how to feel about it. It was all so fast. But one thing was for sure—Smith's teaching was effective. Her combat skills were improving rapidly, and she found herself enjoying her time with him, despite her confusion about their growing bond.
She shook her head, trying to focus on the training. "Let's just continue," she said, her tone more composed, though her face remained flushed.
Smith smiled, and they resumed their practice, the tension easing between them.
---
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