Cloud Retainer's arrival startled all three. They quickly separated and bowed respectfully.
She nodded lightly, her gaze settling on Ganyu.
Ganyu startled, then remembered the reason she came. She pulled out a dust-stained letter and handed it to Yi Chen.
"Yi Chen, this was urgently delivered from Mondstadt this morning. It's addressed to you."
Yi Chen opened it—and his smile vanished.
Jean's familiar handwriting detailed Stormterror Dvalin's increasing attacks on Mondstadt and its surroundings, the devastation, and rising panic.
The Knights were struggling.
Yi Chen looked up sharply.
"Mondstadt is in danger. Dvalin is attacking the city. I have to return immediately."
Ganyu covered her mouth in alarm.
"Stormterror? The Anemo Dragon? Is it dangerous? Yi Chen, you—"
She wanted to stop him—but seeing his resolve, she fell silent.
She knew him.
He would never abandon his homeland.
Shenhe reacted instantly, stepping to his side.
"I will go with you."
Her future husband was heading into danger. She would protect him.
That was her duty.
Cloud Retainer nodded thoughtfully.
"Since it concerns the safety of one's homeland, I will not obstruct you. Go carefully. Cultivation may resume once you return."
"Thank you, Master!"
"But—" Cloud Retainer added, glancing meaningfully at Shenhe and Ganyu.
"Do you intend to go alone?"
The atmosphere tightened again.
Before anyone could speak—
Yi Chen's one-track brain activated.
Dangerous mission = go alone.
He surged with Anemo energy.
"Emergency! I'll go first!"
He vanished into the sky in a streak of green.
"Bye—!!!"
Silence.
Shenhe: "..."
Ganyu: "..."
Cloud Retainer: "..."
Both women stared, stunned.
He left alone?!
And went somewhere dangerous?!
Their eyes met—wariness flaring.
Cloud Retainer rubbed her forehead.
This mess again?!
She released a pressure that froze them in place.
"Shenhe. Ganyu."
She spoke firmly.
"You cannot intervene. Mondstadt's crisis is internal. Your involvement would be diplomatic interference."
She looked at Ganyu pointedly.
"You know this best."
Ganyu clenched her lips, lowering her head reluctantly.
Shenhe resisted—until Cloud Retainer added:
"Do not burden your junior brother further."
That stopped her.
At last, Cloud Retainer sighed in relief.
Looking toward the sky, she muttered:
Foolish disciple… I can only hold them back for now.
She waved her wings.
"Enough. Return to your duties."
She flew off, already planning the inevitable aftermath.
Leaving Shenhe and Ganyu behind—
Both staring toward Mondstadt.
Bound by rules.
Burning with worry.
And rivalry.
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