When the only sound left in the square was that of sobbing, Kaeya knew the situation had been settled.
He thought to himself, "Looks like the second phase of the plan has succeeded. What's left now is just tying up the loose ends."
Before long, the news reached the Grand Master's office. Upon hearing the report, Jean finally let out a long breath.
"Whew… The first step is always the hardest. But at least we've finally moved forward. We still have a lot to work on from here."
"I used to think this disaster was a bad thing," Lisa said with a faint smile. "But if it gives us the chance to reorganize Mondstadt's state of affairs, then perhaps it's not so bad after all."
Jean nodded slightly at that. But when she remembered that Klee still hadn't returned, a trace of worry appeared on her face.
"The Knights' internal issues are finally moving in the right direction. There are still many problems, but… there's been no word from Klee. I'm worried she's gotten lost somewhere."
Lisa chuckled softly. "Who would've thought little Klee would be so obsessed with comic books? Sometimes a little neglect in discipline leads to all kinds of problems. No wonder you're always troubled."
As the two chatted idly, a messenger pigeon suddenly landed on the window.
Lisa walked over and took the letter from its leg, only to find that it bore the official seal of Liyue Harbor.
Her eyes filled with curiosity as she opened it. After reading for a moment, she turned toward the frowning Jean and smiled.
"You can relax now. This letter is from the comic shop owner in Liyue. He says he's already found Klee. We'll see her again in a few days at most. However… he does have a small request he hopes you'll agree to."
"What request?"
Jean's expression lightened immediately upon hearing that Klee was safe. A child being out having fun was far better than one in danger, after all.
Lisa lowered her head to read further, then chuckled. "I think it's better if you read it yourself."
"Why?"
Puzzled, Jean took the letter. The contents were brief: Su Han believed that Klee was still too young for the kind of strict, regimented discipline typical of the Gunnhildr family. He warned that such harsh methods might hinder her development, and even cause psychological harm.
Instead, Su Han suggested that Jean refrain from scolding Klee when she returned and try to communicate through calm conversation instead.
After reading, Jean fell silent, a faint heaviness in her heart. She looked to Lisa. "Do you think… my way of educating her is really wrong?"
The ever-supportive witch, who usually stood by Jean in all things, only gave a small, regretful shake of her head this time.
"I'm sorry, Jean. You really do work hard in every aspect of your duties, but when it comes to education… there is a flaw."
Lisa spoke gently, knowing Jean wasn't well-versed in these matters.
"Have you ever thought about this? Klee is actually a very sweet, obedient child. The problem is that no one ever talks to her as an equal. When she's with Albedo or me, she never causes trouble.
As that gentleman wrote, fear-based discipline doesn't make a child truly understand their mistakes. It only teaches them that 'if I do something wrong, I'll just end up in confinement again.'
You don't want to see Klee think that way, do you?"
Jean fell silent, lost in thought. It was true, she had always handled things the same way: every time Klee made a mistake, she would be confined until she reflected and repented.
But thinking carefully… Klee was still just a child. Most of the time, she didn't even understand what was right or wrong. If she couldn't grasp the reason behind it all, and was merely locked away, it was indeed not right.
After a long pause, Jean gave a wry smile. "It seems I still have much to learn."
"Of course." Lisa smiled warmly. "Actually, there's an easy solution. Since that gentleman seems to understand Klee so well, why not ask him for some guidance?"
Jean's eyes lit up. "You think that would work?"
"Why not?" Lisa replied. "Every word in Su Han's letter shows genuine care for Klee. I'm sure if he knew you wanted to improve, he'd be happy to help."
Encouraged by Lisa's words, Jean reread the letter carefully. Indeed, Su Han's concern for Klee was evident between every line. If that was the case, then perhaps she could finally worry a little less.
The truth, however, was that Jean didn't know Lisa had her own private motives.
From Kaeya, Lisa had learned that Su Han, though he had once visited Mondstadt, bore no special affection for the city, he was almost indifferent to it.
But what had truly changed his attitude was Amber's tears. And more intriguingly, Lisa had also found out one more thing... Su Han was single.
Well, isn't that interesting?
If she could use Klee as a bridge to get closer to him, then even if nothing else came of it, at least Jean's burdens might be eased a little.
...
The next afternoon, Klee returned to Mondstadt under Ganyu's escort.
When the little girl saw the familiar city walls, she couldn't help feeling nervous, fearing that Jean would greet her with that same serious face again. By the time they reached Jean's office, Klee's anxiety had reached its peak.
She tugged nervously at the hem of Ganyu's dress. "Ganyu-sis… c-can I not go in…?"
And of course, just as she said it, the door opened.
Seeing Jean standing there, Klee's face went pale, and she darted behind Ganyu in fright.
Watching the child tremble so pitifully, Jean's heart twisted with guilt. She steadied her emotions and said gently to Ganyu,
"Hello, I'm Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Thank you so much for bringing Klee back."
"There's no need for such formality," Ganyu replied. "Actually, it's thanks to Klee that we were able to defeat a powerful enemy."
"Enemy?"
"Yes."
Ganyu briefly recounted what had happened, including the matter of the Golden Light Mantra. When Jean heard that an Abyss Herald had attacked Su Han, her expression immediately grew tense.
"Is Mr. Su all right?"
"He's fine, just a little exhausted," Ganyu said. "It's partly my fault.. I was away on business that day. Otherwise, that wouldn't have happened."
The two chatted for a bit longer before Ganyu excused herself. She had many duties to attend to, and this trip had only been made because Su Han had asked her to.
Once they were alone, the atmosphere in the room turned heavy. Klee was on the verge of tears, her small hands trembling uncontrollably from fear.
But instead of the scolding she expected, Jean suddenly sat down, and pulled her into a gentle embrace.
"Eh? Jean…?"
The little girl blinked, confused. She'd run away, after all, wasn't she supposed to be punished? Why was Jean hugging her instead?
She didn't know that Jean's heart had ached the moment she saw that look of fear. Only now did Jean truly realize how crucial real communication was.
Looking into Klee's bewildered eyes, Jean spoke softly,
"From now on, I won't lock you in confinement anymore, all right, Klee?"
"Really?! Yay! Klee doesn't want to go back to that place ever again!"
Hearing that, Klee cheered in delight. In her heart, her admiration for "Brother Su Han" only deepened, for before they left, he had told her she wouldn't be confined anymore.
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