Everyone in Mondstadt knew that Varka intended for Gu Chen to inherit the position of Grand Master.
But he had never said it so openly before—today was the first time.
Although those present had long expected it, they were still momentarily stunned.
Today was Gu Chen's coming-of-age ceremony.
That meant he had only just turned eighteen!
Varka had made his name early. He was the living legend of the Knights of Favonius. Subconsciously, people tended to associate him with the kind of figures who would slowly fade into legend and become tales sung by bards.
But if one thought about it calmly, they would realize—
Varka was still very young.
He was even younger than Diluc's father, Crepus!
He was in his prime, yet he was already asking Gu Chen to take over as Grand Master?
Most had assumed Varka would step down only when he could no longer continue. This sudden announcement left everyone astonished.
"I'm still young. There are many matters that still require your judgment," Gu Chen said, shaking his head.
Varka burst into laughter.
"Ten years, you know that? For many decisions, you were the one who made them. I was just the tool signing my name."
"You're more than capable of this position!"
His tone was certain. Then he continued:
"I understand you—and you understand me. You should know that I yearn for freedom. I love adventure."
"Either the body or the soul has to be on the road, right?"
"All these years, I thought maybe my soul was on the road. But the endless affairs tied me down mentally. I only felt relaxed when I handed a pile of work to you."
"Now I finally have the chance to lay down the title. My body and my soul can both be on the road!"
"Kid, in all these years, have I ever really asked you for anything?" Varka said with a grin.
Gu Chen raised an eyebrow.
The moment those words left Varka's mouth, he knew there was no more room to refuse.
Unlike others who worshipped the Anemo Archon, Varka's understanding of freedom was different.
He didn't just want spiritual freedom.
He wanted physical freedom too.
The adventure-loving Knight of Boreas would likely soon leave the Knights of Favonius.
"I understand," Gu Chen said seriously. "Let me know before you depart."
"Of course." Varka nodded.
After exchanging glances, the crowd began congratulating Varka.
Everyone knew Gu Chen would ascend to the position of Grand Master. Though it seemed early—far too early—no one believed he still needed much growth.
He was too outstanding.
So outstanding that even if he had taken the position a few years earlier, it would have seemed natural.
…
That afternoon, the coming-of-age ceremony officially concluded.
Guests began to disperse.
Varka called Simon away to discuss something.
Frederica left with several noblewomen after speaking briefly with Jean.
Jean watched Barbara, who lingered but seemed oddly alone. She wanted to step forward and speak—but Barbara looked flustered.
"Um… I'll head back first."
Barbara turned and hurried away.
Jean stood there, lips parted, feeling a trace of loneliness.
"What's wrong?"
Gu Chen's voice came from beside her.
Jean hesitated before speaking.
"I don't know how to approach Barbara."
She voiced her thoughts.
Though their parents had separated due to emotional reasons, she believed that shouldn't affect the bond between sisters.
She truly wanted to grow closer to her younger sister.
Yet Barbara seemed afraid of her.
That left Jean confused—and troubled.
"When Bishop Simon took her away, she was too young to fully understand the situation," Gu Chen said after a moment's thought. "Even if she understands now, there's still a barrier in her heart."
"What you lack is a proper chance to clear everything up. She doesn't seem to dislike you. She probably just doesn't know how to face you. After all… although you're her sister, you feel a little too unfamiliar."
Unfamiliar.
They were sisters—yet strangers.
Jean inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.
"I understand."
"Sometimes, don't be so serious," Gu Chen added. "You're only sixteen. You carry yourself so sternly all the time. Not just Barbara—even Klee gets a little scared around you."
"G?"
Jean blinked.
Too serious… made others afraid?
She hadn't really considered that.
"Of course, being serious has its place—it helps you lead. But when you're with people close to you, you don't have to be so stern."
Jean nodded firmly.
"I understand!"
"Gu Chen, over here!"
Varka's voice called out.
"I'll leave the rest to you," Gu Chen said.
"Understood."
Jean watched him leave, murmuring softly:
"With those close to me… I don't need to be so serious…"
…
Inside the Grand Master's office.
Varka and Simon were both present.
Gu Chen sat down, crossing one leg over the other.
"So? Decided?"
Simon chuckled and adjusted his glasses.
"At first, I didn't know what he wanted. Turns out he thinks my staying in Mondstadt might affect your governance. He wants to take me along—under the pretext that having a great adventurer makes adventures more convenient."
Varka laughed heartily.
"Tell me it doesn't make sense!"
Simon smiled helplessly.
"Once Vice Captain Gu Chen officially becomes Grand Master, Mondstadt will belong to the younger generation. Old men like us shouldn't be in the way… So I've decided to accompany the Grand Master on this journey."
"I see."
Gu Chen took a sip of tea.
"And after you leave, Bishop—who will manage the Church?"
"No need to worry," Simon replied. "There are many priests and sisters. They're more than capable."
Gu Chen nodded.
"Then let me wish you both a smooth journey."
"When I have time, I'll bring you souvenirs from other nations," Varka grinned.
Simon added, "Aside from the planned destination at the world's edge, the rest will be aimless wandering. I hope we'll return with something meaningful."
"Tomorrow morning, I'll formally announce my resignation," Varka said. "Simon will as well. You can decide who should become the next bishop—or leave it vacant."
"You make it sound like the bishop isn't important," Simon shook his head.
Varka snorted.
"Back before this kid became a Knight, you were one of my top advisors. Unfortunately…"
He trailed off with a laugh.
Simon, once known as the Cardinal of Dawn, had never been just a bishop. He had participated in many affairs.
But after Gu Chen rose to prominence, Simon had almost nothing left to do.
…
The next morning.
Knights of Favonius Training Grounds.
Aside from those unable to leave their posts, everyone under the Knights' jurisdiction had gathered.
Today, Vice Captain Gu Chen would officially ascend to Grand Master.
And Varka would truly depart to pursue his adventure.
There was no time for sorrow.
Because the new Grand Master was the best possible choice.
On the high platform, Varka kept it brief.
He explained his reason for stepping down, then declared:
"I hereby appoint former Vice Captain Gu Chen as the new Grand Master!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
Gu Chen stepped forward, surveying the crowd.
He could feel the weight of expectation in every gaze.
Calmly, he spoke:
"I'm not good at grand ideals or ambitious plans. I simply love this land and this city. I instinctively want to make it better. I believe you all feel the same. Let us strive together."
Simple words.
Very much like him.
"Dismissed. Return to your duties. I'll see the former Grand Master off."
Varka clicked his tongue.
"As if I'd let anyone else send me off?"
"If too many people go, the main bridge will be packed," Gu Chen shrugged.
Varka considered it.
Fair enough.
They walked together.
Simon soon joined them.
Jean, Diluc, Kaeya, and others came to see them off.
At the end of Mondstadt's main bridge, Varka stopped.
"This is far enough. This will be the starting point of our next road."
His tone carried anticipation.
Simon smiled gently.
"Until next time."
"Take care," Gu Chen nodded.
"Grand Master, Bishop Simon—please stay safe," Jean said solemnly.
Varka nodded.
Simon hesitated before saying softly, "Thank you."
They turned to leave.
Gu Chen spoke quietly beside Jean.
"Perhaps… you should use a different title."
Jean froze—then understood.
"Father! We'll wait for you to come back!"
Simon's steps faltered.
He turned.
His gaze briefly caught Frederica standing atop the city walls.
He smiled, eyes glistening.
"Alright."
Gu Chen watched Varka's retreating back.
The free-spirited Knight of Boreas.
A conqueror. A legend-maker.
This journey would likely birth yet another legend.
After they disappeared into the distance, Gu Chen stood quietly for a moment.
Then he said softly:
"You all head back. I'll take a walk through some old places."
"Grand Master…" Diluc began.
Gu Chen waved him off.
"I'm not that fragile."
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