Mondstadt, Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
"Still not done...?" Jean asked.
"Yes..." The man replied softly, his head lowered.
"Sigh... it's fine. Head back."
"I'm sorry..."
"It's okay, go on now."
Amber, who had been eavesdropping at the door, quickly darted behind a pillar in the corridor as she heard footsteps approaching.
The door to Jean's office opened, and the man walked out, looking dejected, before closing the door behind him.
Once he was gone, Amber tiptoed back to the door, pressing close to listen.
"Sigh... why did Elliot Yuan leave without even saying goodbye?"
"Without him, the reconnaissance knights are like they've lost their core—like losing a god. They can't even handle basic patrol duties anymore..."
"If this keeps up, what are we supposed to do...?"
Jean pressed her fingers to her forehead, clearly troubled.
Ever since Elliot had left the Order and turned in his crest, the entire reconnaissance unit had fallen apart like scattered sand.
Though Elliot hadn't been around much in his later years, his strict discipline was etched into the heart of every scout. Even in his absence, none of them dared slack off—because if he ever caught anyone shirking their duties, the punishment was harsh.
As long as Elliot was alive, they didn't dare let their guard down.
But after he disappeared without a word, laziness swept through the ranks. The entire reconnaissance unit became sluggish and indifferent, doing the bare minimum just to collect their pay.
At first, things were still passable. But after several failed missions, their status grew more and more marginalized.
Now, they had fallen so far they couldn't even manage basic patrols.
"Grandpa..."
Amber stood at the door, her fists clenched, eyes brimming with tears.
The reconnaissance knights had once been the backbone of the Knights of Favonius. Under Elliot's leadership in the early days, they had a standing equal to even Grand Master Varka.
Now they had sunk so low...
"I won't let the reconnaissance knights fall into disgrace..."
Wiping her tears, Amber's eyes burned with resolve. She would inherit her grandfather's will and stand guard over her homeland with unwavering loyalty!
Even if she were the last one left, she would never give up!
...
"Let me take this mission! I promise I'll do it well!" Amber volunteered eagerly.
"Amber, you're still too young. This mission carries risk. Wait until you've had more experience."
"But I—"
"Be good. You'll handle missions within Mondstadt. We'll take care of anything outside the city."
"Alright..."
...
"I want to go! I'm grown up now—I'll definitely do well."
"But this mission is already full. Next time, alright?"
"I..."
"I promise, next time."
"Okay..."
...
Every time Amber tried to take on a serious reconnaissance mission, the older knights would shelter her too much.
She was still young, and her grandfather had only recently left. So most of her assignments were small, routine tasks within the city.
Eventually, after her persistent requests, she was allowed to join her first real mission outside the walls.
It was a monster extermination operation, and Amber's agility, bravery, and sharp instincts allowed her to shine.
That day, the veteran knights finally realized—this young girl had truly grown.
When they returned to the Knights in high spirits, they were surprised to find that Eula had also returned from her mission.
The moment Amber saw her, she ran up and hugged her tightly. The two were like sisters, close and affectionate.
"Everyone's back. How did the mission go?" Jean asked with a soft smile.
"We did great! Little Amber surprised us all—she held off a whole group of monsters by herself!"
"Absolutely. I've never seen such a brave young girl. No wonder she's Elliot's granddaughter!"
"No doubt about it. So young, yet so fearless—she'll surpass Elliot one day!"
The veteran knights who had gone with her couldn't stop singing her praises, their faces beaming.
Amber, blushing, scratched her head and said shyly, "I-It wasn't that great. Grandpa just trained me well."
Jean looked at her in mild surprise, then smiled warmly.
After several rounds of praise, Jean turned to Eula.
"The main purpose of today's meeting is to make an important announcement," she said, sweeping her gaze across the room.
Everyone understood that this was serious business and turned their full attention to her.
"I hereby announce—Eula Lawrence is officially appointed as captain of the guerrilla squad. She is granted the title of Wave Knight!"
"Yes!! Eula, you're the captain now!"
As Jean finished, the room fell silent—everyone froze. Only Amber leapt up excitedly, grabbing Eula's hand with joy.
"A higher rank means access to more secrets. As a mole, it'll help me carry out my revenge better," Eula said to Amber with a soft smile.
"Hehe, makes sense."
Amber, fully aware of Eula's "revenge," agreed wholeheartedly.
After all, she was an accomplice too.
The Knights began their celebration, which lasted into the night.
Eula and Amber left early, while the senior knights stayed behind to drink and sing with great cheer.
Jean quietly watched the two leave, their laughter echoing behind them.
"Elliot, how did you raise such outstanding children..."
"If not for you, there wouldn't be the Knights of Favonius as they are today, nor would there be such peace and freedom in Mondstadt."
"You gave your body to protect Liyue... and your spirit to guide Mondstadt."
"To save two cities with your own strength..."
"Only you could have done that."
Jean knew Amber and Eula would become the pillars of the Order.
Had Elliot not kept them in the Knights, Mondstadt wouldn't be as peaceful as it was now.
Let alone have the luxury to hold a banquet like this.
...
Amber and Eula, having left the Order, crossed mountains and forests and finally arrived at Liyue Harbor.
As always, they stood before the statue of Elliot.
"Grandpa, I awakened my Vision! Cool, right?"
"Grandpa, I won the flying championship again this year—hehe, that's three years in a row!"
"Grandpa, today I went on my first monster-hunting expedition. The veterans all said I did great!"
Amber hugged Baron Bunny, happily sharing her recent experiences.
Eula played a bone whistle and danced gracefully under the moonlight.
They did all this...
Just to let Elliot know—
This family...
Was still together.