Across vast plains and rolling mountains, the wind of freedom carried the scent of dandelions, sweeping over the crystal-clear waters of Cider Lake.
This city-state in the northeastern reaches of Teyvat—hailed as the City of Wind and Song—stood radiant beneath the open sky.
Today, the Knights of Favonius had donned freshly polished armor, standing tall and proud along both sides of the bridge at Mondstadt's gate. As part of the honor guard, they awaited the inspection of the Snezhnayan delegation arriving from Inazuma.
Just three years ago, Snezhnaya had been little more than a mid-ranking power among the Seven Nations. Now, it was universally acknowledged as the strongest. Its meteoric rise over the past three years bordered on the miraculous.
And the architect of that miracle—the low-profile Prince of Snezhnaya—was due to arrive in Mondstadt today at the head of the delegation.
Mondstadt revered freedom, but as a nation of etiquette and culture, it could not afford to appear discourteous—especially when even isolationist, xenophobic Inazuma had welcomed the Snezhnayan delegation with the highest ceremonial honors.
Thus, Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, found herself racking her brain: how to make the delegation feel at home, while still displaying Mondstadt's spirit of standing unbowed before power.
First, the highest level of courtesy was non-negotiable.
Snezhnaya rarely sent formal diplomatic missions. More often, other nations dealt directly with the Fatui rather than the state itself. Moreover, the visiting Prince ranked just below the Tsaritsa—there could be no slight.
Second, Jean personally led the reception, summoning the Knights' core members to greet the delegation outside the city.
The librarian Lisa, Cavalry Captain Kaeya, the maid Noelle, and the captains of each Knightly squad were all present.
Strictly speaking, Noelle's presence was irregular—she was not yet an official knight. But Jean believed such a grand occasion would temper her resolve and insisted on including her.
Finally, Jean ordered Mondstadt decorated with welcome banners. Flowers and balloons filled the streets, creating an atmosphere like a citywide festival.
Such meticulous preparations demanded enormous manpower and expense.
Unsurprisingly, some Knights and citizens objected, arguing that the Fatui had caused no end of trouble in Mondstadt and that Snezhnaya deserved no courtesy.
Jean silenced the protests with a single document.
Behind the warm welcome lay a carefully prepared "gift"—a compensation agreement for the damages inflicted by the Fatui over the past decade, totaling several billion Mora.
If paid, it would be enough to renovate all of Mondstadt.
As the golden sun rose, its rays filtering through Sunsettia-laden branches, flocks of white pigeons gathered on the bridge over Cider Lake. From the forest road beyond, the Snezhnayan delegation advanced in force.
Over a hundred carriages carried five to six hundred people, the dust they kicked up visible from afar.
"Knights of Favonius, attention! Horns ready—!"
The ceremonial captain raised his command flag high.
Jean, Lisa, and Kaeya stood at the head of the bridge, watching intently.
Yet events unfolded nothing like they had expected.
From the lead carriage leapt not the Prince of Snezhnaya—but his personal attendant.
"Where is the Snezhnayan Prince?" Jean asked in surprise.
"My apologies," the Mirror Maiden replied calmly. "His Highness wished to explore Mondstadt and admire its natural scenery on his first visit. Once he's finished sightseeing, he'll return to meet you."
She added smoothly, "If there's any urgent matter, you may discuss it with me first. I'll relay everything to His Highness."
Lisa's smile sharpened. "Discuss it with you? You're just a personal maid."
Kaeya crossed his arms. "Slipping away during an official visit—your Prince certainly knows how to put on airs. Acting Grand Master Jean cleared her entire schedule today to welcome you. That's courtesy enough."
"Lisa, Kaeya—enough," Jean said gently, stopping them. Then she smiled. "There is something urgent."
She handed the compensation agreement straight to the Mirror Maiden.
Flipping through a page and seeing the staggering figures, the Mirror Maiden's expression finally changed.
"I will report this to His Highness."
Jean's smile remained radiant. "I've heard rumors that your Prince and the Tsaritsa are at odds, which is why he was sent abroad. You'd best send a copy of this agreement to the Tsaritsa as well—so she isn't kept in the dark and doesn't blame your Prince later."
A surge of Anemo pressure rolled outward, making the Mirror Maiden's body ache.
"That won't be necessary," she replied, enduring the pressure. "His Highness has full authority to represent the Tsaritsa."
So this was Mondstadt's 'freedom,' she thought.
Arbitrary. High-handed. Utterly free.
Jean clearly intended to discuss compensation whether the Prince was present or not. And from what she'd seen, many claims were tenuous at best.
Fish poached from Cider Lake—Fatui did it.
A string of city thefts—Fatui again.
Damaged roadside railings—also Fatui.
The Mirror Maiden didn't deny that some low-ranking Fatui were undisciplined. But blaming everything on them bordered on slander.
This wasn't compensation—it was extortion.
She recalled Severin's words from earlier on the road:
"City-states that pride themselves on freedom and civilization often hide prejudice, arrogance, and brutality beneath the surface. That baseless sense of superiority is always revolting."
At the time, she hadn't understood.
Now, she did.
They were serious about demanding compensation—and equally serious about driving a wedge between the Prince and the Tsaritsa.
Seeing her fall silent, Jean smiled brightly.
"The Snezhnayan delegation should enter the city now. I hope you'll feel Mondstadt's warmth."
Then, drawing Lisa and Kaeya close, Jean spoke in a low voice:
"From what I know of this Prince, sightseeing is likely a pretext. He's probably gone to Stormterror's Lair. Recently, the Fatui have been exploring that area—they may have found Dvalin."
"I'll keep an eye on him," Kaeya volunteered.
"Dvalin is Lord Barbatos's companion," Jean said. "Even if the Fatui locate him, he won't betray Mondstadt. I'm telling you this to remind you—this sudden visit means they'll act in secret. Stay alert. Watch them closely."
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