"I, Dvalin, since becoming the Guardian of the East Wind, have always been diligent, responsible, and never slacked off in my duties.
Five hundred years ago, when the Poison Dragon Durin attacked, I paid the heavy price of severe injury to defeat it at Dragonspine.
However, my sacrifices were met only with the Knights of Favonius's abuse and wage deductions.
Not only did they mock me behind my back as the 'Stupid Beast of the East Wind,' but they also embezzled the wages that rightfully belonged to me, accumulating to a massive sum of ten billion Mora.
Having endured enough, I chose legal means to protect my rights, yet the Knights of Favonius slandered me as 'maliciously demanding back pay.'
Therefore, I implore the people of Mondstadt to understand my plight and support me in demanding the compensation I deserve.
May we stand hand in hand, fighting together for freedom and justice!"
After reading this wage claim announcement, Jean felt a wave of dizziness.
She never imagined such a bizarre event would occur—the Anemo Dragon had actually issued a statement demanding back pay from the Knights of Favonius.
After a moment of shock and confusion, she quickly regained her composure and began planning how to deal with this sudden crisis.
Without a doubt, the mastermind behind all of this must be Yide.
He must have used some method to manipulate Dvalin and meticulously planned this wage claim scandal.
For the Knights of Favonius, the current situation was extremely severe.
They not only bore the infamy of causing the Mondstadt dragon disaster but were also accused of corruption and bribery.
It was foreseeable that the protests and demonstrations against the Knights of Favonius would intensify.
Jean couldn't help but feel a little despair; an opponent of Yide 's caliber was simply not someone she could handle.
However, as long as the winds of Mondstadt still blew across the land, she would never abandon her beliefs and steadfastness.
…
Stormterror's Lair, warm sunlight filtered down through the clouds.
On the top level of the ruined tower, Yide was leisurely reclining, gazing deeply at the constantly changing white clouds in the sky, fully enjoying the peaceful and warm afternoon.
Faint footsteps drifted up from below, breaking the surrounding tranquility.
He turned his head and saw that the newcomer was Lumine, whom he had met not long ago.
Lumine
Lumine stepped over the ruins' stones and walked up to Lin Yide, her tone holding a hint of bluntness: "Yide, you really are taking it easy, just sunbathing here."
Lin Yide 's lips curved into a lazy smile: "What else? I'm not the princess burdened with the heavy responsibility of restoring Khaenri'ah."
Lumine was choked by his words, then retorted, "Then aren't you worried about the Fontaine prophecy coming true? All the people of Fontaine will dissolve in the water."
Lin Yide just smiled faintly, a hint of slyness flashing in his eyes, "Then take a guess, why aren't I worried at all?"
Lumine was startled by his words, and her eyes widened involuntarily, "Could it be... you've already found a way to solve the prophecy?"
"Guess?" Lin Yide said with a smile.
Hearing this, Lumine's anger immediately flared up; this man in front of her was absolutely infuriating.
She took a deep breath, calming her agitated emotions, and said seriously, "You said before that you could help me rebuild Khaenri'ah, is that true?"
Lin Yide nodded affirmatively, "Naturally, it's true. The Heavenly Principles' destruction of Khaenri'ah was a collective punishment, turning all the men, women, young, and old of Khaenri'ah into irrational Hilichurls. This is clearly unjust.
Many Khaenri'ah children should not have had to bear responsibility for their ancestors' sins.
I am willing to help you out of a deep sense of justice within me."
These words were powerful and full of righteousness and lofty sentiment, but in reality, he was only willing to help Lumine rebuild Khaenri'ah to earn experience points.
However, his words deeply touched Lumine's heart and resonated with her.
Lumine had also always firmly believed that the innocent people of Khaenri'ah should never have had to bear such guilt. This was also why she had always been persistent about rebuilding Khaenri'ah.
Lin Yide continued, "However, you'd better have a practical plan. Actions like trying to corrupt Dvalin last time were simply too foolish. I will definitely not support such a plan."
Lumine cast an unhappy glance at him, "Yide, are you this annoying when you talk to everyone else?"
Lin Yide shook his head, "No. It's just because you might walk down a dark path to rebuild Khaenri'ah and become a villain, so I'm drawing a clear line between us in advance."
Lumine snorted, "A villain? Are you some kind of good person?
Five hundred and twelve Fontaine nobles, over a thousand Shogunate soldiers from the Kujou Encampment, and over four hundred Inazuma nobles—they all died by your hand.
You butcher, and you still have the nerve to call others villains?"
Lin Yide explained with a serious expression, "The Fontaine nobles have been oppressing the people for years; they deserved their fate.
The Shogunate soldiers from the Kujou Encampment robbed my Fontaine ships; they also utterly deserved to die.
As for the Inazuma nobles' deaths, that was Kamisato Ayato's doing. It has absolutely nothing to do with me."
Lumine pressed on relentlessly, questioning, "Then what's your explanation for now instructing Dvalin to continue harassing Mondstadt?"
Just as Lin Yide was about to explain, the sound of fierce winds suddenly came from the distance.
Shortly after, Dvalin's massive body descended from the sky, slowly landing before them.
Dvalin spotted Lumine immediately and roared furiously, "What are you doing here? Trying to brainwash me into working for you off the books again?
You ruthless capitalist, even more black-hearted than Barbatos!"
Lumine's brow furrowed slightly, and she said coldly, "While I might not be considered a good person, Yide is definitely not the kind of good person you imagine.
If you work yourself to the bone for him, you'll only end up being his tool."
As soon as Lumine finished speaking, Dvalin immediately retorted angrily, "You shameless capitalist, trying to slander the generous and magnanimous Boss Yide!
He not only pays me wages but also provides food and lodging, and is even willing to help me demand the wages I deserve!
You won't find a kinder or more upright entrepreneur in this world!"
Hearing this, Lumine froze in astonishment. It took her a while to recover, and she couldn't help but blurt out, "Do dragons also need Mora?"
Hearing this, Dvalin flew into a rage, "You capitalist, not only are you cruel and ruthless, but are you also being speciesist?!
What's wrong with being a dragon? Are dragons inherently inferior?
Why is this world so unfair to dragons?!
Truly, hell is empty, and all the devils are here!"
Lin Yide also sighed along with Dvalin, then stated resolutely, "Dvalin, this world indeed has too much unfairness, but I am willing to fight alongside you for the dignity and rights of dragons."
Dvalin was deeply moved by this. If not for its massive size, it would have wanted to leap into Lin Yide's embrace right then.
Seeing the expression of complete admiration on Dvalin's face, Lumine gained a deeper understanding of Lin Yide 's methods.
This man's skill at manipulating hearts and minds was simply more advanced than a devil's.
At this point, Lin Yide stood up from the ground and spoke to Lumine with a serious look, "Lumine, you need to apologize to Dvalin. He didn't participate in the Heavenly Principles' destruction of Khaenri'ah; it was wrong of you to harm him."