"Hmm?" Jean let out a soft sound of confusion. She followed Lisa's gaze and saw the merchant who had been attacked.
Actually, the moment this Liyue friend had walked in with Noelle, Jean had already noticed her. But she didn't approach because she didn't want to bother her.
Jean, the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, full name Jean Gunnhildr. A talented and hardworking Acting Grand Master who devoted herself to duty, bringing peace to the people. Her title was "Dandelion Knight," and she was highly trusted by her subordinates and well respected throughout the city.
Jean had gray-purple eyes. Her naturally wavy blonde hair was tied back into a ponytail with a bow, with two strands falling on either side of her face.
She wore a white outfit with gold trim. A black leather tailcoat cape hung from her back and waist, reaching down to her legs.
She often wore a black outer cloak with a blue inner lining and a gothic standing collar. A belt with gold decorations hung diagonally across her waist. She wore white arm sleeves and black leather gloves.
Below, she wore white fitted pants and white boots with gold pattern accents.
Jean had received a strict upbringing since childhood. The spirit of chivalry was deeply rooted in her soul. It could not be easily changed or shaken.
The Gunnhildr clan's motto was to protect Mondstadt forever. They would never allow anyone to harm their home.
In others' eyes, Jean was a strong knight, a kind girl, and a reliable leader. Her strength alone was enough to put people at ease.
After all, she could destroy a Ruin Guard's core in a single strike. That showed just how powerful she was.
Whether in the Knights or in Mondstadt, Jean held great prestige and honor. But she never let it make her proud. She always reflected on whether she could do better.
Could she become stronger? Should she work even harder?
She never seemed content to stop. She always strived to become better, to be an even more dependable Acting Grand Master.
"So, should we go say hello? Just to get acquainted." The woman sitting beside Jean and speaking was Lisa. Well, not "auntie." She was definitely "big sister."
She said it casually. She was just bored and making conversation. It was up to Jean.
"Let's not. We might bother them. Lisa, let's leave them alone."
"Fine. But that merchant is very cute. I'd like to get to know her. But since you said so, I'll let it go." Lisa covered her mouth with her pale hand and chuckled.
Lisa, full name Lisa Minci, was the librarian of the Knights of Favonius. An elegant lady with a vast knowledge.
She was also a genius. Lisa was a once in two hundred years prodigy of the Sumeru Akademiya. Few scholars in Sumeru didn't know her name.
Lisa had green eyes and beautiful chestnut hair tied into a side ponytail over her left chest. A purple rose adorned her hair tie, making her look very ladylike.
She often wore a large purple witch hat with a purple rose pinned to it, lined with white lace on the inside.
Her Electro Vision hung on her chest. A purple cape with a white inner lining draped over her shoulders. Her inner shirt was white, and a purple robe wrapped around her waist, hanging down.
She wore black shorts with diamond trim, her legs covered by black lace patterned thigh-high stockings. She wore black high heels with butterfly patterns and purple anklets.
In Mondstadt, the Knights' librarian had unmatched wisdom. Wherever she went, many called her the prodigy of the Akademiya.
But even this genius had things she feared. No, it wasn't fear. She simply disliked trouble. She often passed troublesome tasks to others.
"Alright. But don't worry. There will be other chances." Jean clinked her glass with Lisa's. It had been a long time since she had come to a place like this.
Come to think of it, that senior had become a bartender too. After that incident, they had rarely contacted each other.
In the past, knight duties had kept her too busy. She had to set a good example, so she rarely had time to rest. Coming to places like this was even more impossible.
But today was different. She couldn't refuse the invitation of a hardworking junior. Jean still remembered Noelle's dejected look after failing her exams.
And that determined expression when she saw Jean again.
Regardless, Jean believed Noelle would become an excellent knight one day. She looked forward to seeing her junior grow into a fine Knight of Favonius.
By then, Noelle's title would probably be "Rose Knight." After all, roses had become her symbol.
Roses that kept secrets. Noelle, the girl who was like a rose.
"Jean, you're lost in thought again." Lisa said helplessly. Jean always did this. Either spacing out or getting lost in her own head.
It was all because she was too tired.
"Ah? Sorry. Did you need something?" Jean smiled.
"Knight Reese wants to toast you." Lisa chuckled, pointing at the female knight standing by the table.
This knight, Reese, looked a little shy. She seemed to have gathered her courage to speak to such an important person.
Actually, she could see Grand Master Jean at work every day. They worked in the same place, after all. But she was always too shy to approach her.
"Hello." Jean smiled gently. Her smile was warm and kind, yet also carried a hint of tiredness and relaxation.
Jean stood up and raised her glass. The wooden cups clinked together. Reese had finally mustered the courage to speak to her idol.
---
Meanwhile
Amber and Bonanus
"May I ask what you sell? I heard you're a merchant. Can you tell me?" Amber's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Seeing that look, Bonanus couldn't help but facepalm internally. Were all Mondstadters like this? They had to ask about everything.
And she wasn't even a real merchant. How was she supposed to answer this? What a headache.
"Um... I sell... adult products?"
Bonanus rubbed her not so bright head. She had meant to say decorative items, but her brain had short circuited and said "adult products" instead.
"Ah? Ah!" There was a moment of silence between them. Then Amber's face turned bright red as she covered her face with both hands.
"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have asked!" Clearly, Amber knew what adult products were. How embarrassing.
"No, no, don't be like that. This is our secret. Noelle doesn't know either." Bonanus quickly covered Amber's mouth. If she shouted any louder, people might think she was being harassed.
"Mmph mmph!" Amber made muffled sounds and nodded vigorously, promising to keep the secret.
At that moment, Bonanus really wanted to slap herself. Why did she have to say that? She wished she could dig a hole and hide.
She sighed internally, rolled her eyes, and quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, Amber, do you know Collei?"
"Collei?! You know her? Have you seen her? How is she doing? Did she make any new friends? Is her condition any better?"
Bonanus had barely finished speaking when Amber fired off a string of questions. She was completely caught off guard. Only Collei could get this reaction. Truly the legendary Eula's rival.
Amber: Now you've got my attention!