Jean listened carefully to Albedo's conclusion, her brows tightening as she tapped the desk in thought.
Klee's bombs had always been produced by Albedo.
But the effect today had been abnormal.
Either someone had given Klee something unusual, or there was another explanation entirely.
"Bring Klee's backpack here."
Jean glanced toward the door and gave the order.
A Knight soon carried the oversized backpack in and placed it on her desk.
Albedo stepped forward, unclasped the top buckle, and examined the contents.
Inside were small fish, handfuls of trinkets, and rows of neatly arranged bombs.
Klee's treasured cargo.
He picked up one and studied it closely. His expression grew more serious with each passing second.
"These are indeed mine," he said, turning the bomb in his hand. "But their power is not enough to cause the explosion that occurred today."
Jean's brows knit even tighter. "Then something here does not make sense. If your bombs cannot do it, how did such a blast happen?"
The explosion at Dawn Winery Lake had been intense.
If it were a strong Pyro-aligned monster, that was one thing.
But a bomb causing that scale of destruction was far from normal.
Albedo paused in thought, then spoke. "Did Klee mention using anything special recently? Or meeting anyone unusual?"
Jean shook her head. "She only admitted to causing trouble with her bombs. Nothing else."
"I see…"
Albedo set the bomb back into the pack, eyes thoughtful.
"I will investigate further. This may not be a simple accident. We need more information."
Jean nodded slowly. "Then I leave it in your hands. Take the bombs with you. The backpack can stay with you as well. She can have it back after confinement."
Albedo nodded, amused as he glanced toward the hallway. "This child… every time something happens, I can only tell myself that a little chaos is part of her growth."
Jean allowed a small laugh, though her tone soon steadied. "She still needs to reflect. Seven days means seven days."
"I will check on her."
Albedo closed the bag, lifting it with ease. "And next time she causes a disturbance like this, please detain her before she reaches the lakes. It will save the environment."
Jean sighed quietly. "When she was younger, bombing Dawn Winery Lake was harmless. But with this kind of impact, we cannot have a repeat. I will send someone to calm the workers there."
"If nothing else, I will return to my lab," Albedo said, bowing his head slightly.
He left with the pack and the bombs, heading back to his research.
Jean turned back to her paperwork. She had barely lifted the first document again when a sudden flutter of wings swept past the window.
A Windborne Eagle landed neatly on her arm.
Jean blinked, surprised. She removed the message capsule quickly.
It was from Eula.
And it was marked urgent.
The message was brief:
"Massive explosion traces near Starfell Lake. Unknown energy residue detected. Stronger and more dangerous than Pyro. High priority.
—Eula."
Jean's breath caught for a moment.
The investigation at Dawn Winery Lake was far from resolved, and now Starfell Lake presented a new problem.
If it were only Klee's bombs, the power would never reach the level Eula described.
"Starfell Lake…"
Jean murmured. "Could that also be related to Klee?"
She tapped her finger lightly on the desk, tracing the possibilities.
Klee's bombs were not weak, but they were still conventional explosives charged with fire-elemental energy.
They were absolutely not capable of producing a residue Eula would label more dangerous than elemental fire.
And Klee had spent the day near Dawn Winery Lake, not at Starfell Lake.
Jean shook her head. "This energy does not align with fire-elemental explosives. Something else caused it."
Before she could continue her analysis, the door burst open.
A Knight hurried in, saluting with clear urgency. "Grand Master, bad news. The Fatui are causing trouble again."
Jean straightened. "Explain."
"They are in the commercial district. They confronted several merchants and demanded to purchase materials by force. After the Stormterror incident, many shops lost inventory, and the Fatui are insisting on collecting orders."
He swallowed, then continued. "When the Knights intervened, the Fatui produced diplomatic trade permits. They claim we have no authority to interfere. Their numbers and aggression have frightened the citizens. The district is nearly out of control."
Jean's expression cooled.
She placed Eula's letter aside and stood. Her voice carried calm authority. "The Fatui may enter Mondstadt as diplomats. They may not act without restraint. I will handle this."
"Yes, Grand Master."
The Knight stepped aside quickly to open the way.
Jean left the office with steady steps, though her thoughts were anything but calm.
The explosion at Dawn Winery Lake.
The unknown power at Starfell Lake.
And now the Fatui stirring conflict inside the city.
One incident after another.
Mondstadt felt like it was standing on the edge of a deeper storm.
The Fatui were always troublesome.
They operated under legal protection yet continuously pushed the boundaries of Mondstadt's laws.
If handled poorly, the situation could escalate into a diplomatic disaster.
Jean stepped out of the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
Several Knights were already assembled outside, armored and ready.
Jean's gaze swept over them. Her voice was crisp and firm. "We head to the commercial district. Restore order immediately. Do not allow the Fatui to create more chaos."
"Yes!"
The Knights followed her swiftly as she led them into the heart of Mondstadt.