Chapter 41 — Barbara Wants to Become Stronger
"I only asked Klee to make some bombs," Jean clarified calmly, looking across the table at Diluc. "I know exactly how dangerous this could become. I have no intention of sending her into combat, and I'll do everything I can to keep it contained."
Diluc's crimson eyes narrowed slightly. "Do whatever you think is best, Acting Grand Master. But don't let sentiment cloud your judgment."
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "In the meantime, I'll have my people keep an eye out for this traveler—the one your Archon mentioned. Lumine, was it? I'd like to see for myself what kind of person earns the attention of Barbatos."
Jean allowed herself a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Senior."
Neither of them realized that somewhere far beyond the sea, Lumine was still making her way toward Mondstadt—completely unaware that the most powerful figures in the city were already waiting for her arrival.
Her story was about to begin in the middle of a storm.
---
The Weight of Leadership
Later, back at the Knights' headquarters, Jean stood by her window overlooking the city. The dawn light brushed against her armor, turning the silver plates gold.
Ever since joining the mysterious Chat Group, she'd begun to see the world differently.
Through Kael, she had glimpsed fragments of another world—Earth—and its long, brutal history of empires, revolutions, and ideas.
Through Keqing and Ningguang, she had learned the nuances of governance, the delicate balance between freedom and control.
For the first time, Jean began to understand that Mondstadt's greatest blessing—freedom—was also its greatest weakness.
Her city's future depended not only on strength, but on discipline.
Unlike Liyue, with its rigid hierarchy and centuries-old systems, Mondstadt's structure was fluid. Flexible. But that flexibility came at a cost.
If she didn't act soon, that very freedom could fracture the city beyond repair.
She turned back to her desk, her eyes settling on a map of Mondstadt covered in reports and red markers. Monster sightings. Bandit attacks. Abyss Order activity.
Her hand clenched around her pen.
She couldn't solve this alone.
But perhaps… she didn't have to.
---
The Two Pillars of Mondstadt
Mondstadt's balance of power rested on two great institutions:
1. The Knights of Favonius — defenders of the realm, sworn to uphold peace and justice.
2. The Church of Favonius — spiritual guides of the people, wielding faith as both shield and compass.
Jean stood at the heart of the first. Her father, Seamus Pegg, stood near the top of the second.
That connection gave her immense leverage—but also immense scrutiny.
She had inherited her family's reputation, her sister's adoration, and the city's expectations.
All of them rested on her shoulders.
If she moved too quickly, she risked chaos.
If she hesitated too long, she risked collapse.
Jean inhaled deeply, steadying herself.
"If I can reform the Knights and strengthen our unity," she whispered, "then Mondstadt will have the foundation it needs to survive."
---
Freedom's Paradox
Yet, there was one problem.
Mondstadt's people hated restraint.
They worshiped the wind precisely because it was wild—unbound, ever-changing, unpredictable.
Even a gentle rule could be mistaken for tyranny.
Jean's gaze drifted to the old mural hanging on her wall: The Fall of Decarabian.
The tyrant of old—the God of Storms—had once built a city of eternal wind, sealing his people inside a barrier to protect them from the frost beyond.
He had done it out of love.
But his people saw it as chains.
In their eyes, he had stolen their freedom.
So they rose against him.
And when he fell, they called it liberation.
Jean sighed softly. "Even Decarabian's good intentions became a cage."
She knew that story all too well.
Mondstadt's freedom was sacred—but also fragile.
Even the Anemo Archon himself had walked a fine line between chaos and order.
And now, she had to do the same.
---
Kael and Barbara's "Stroll"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Kael walked through Mondstadt's bustling plaza beside Barbara.
Citizens greeted the young deaconess with cheerful waves and blessings. Children ran up to her for hugs; merchants called her name with fondness.
Barbara was more than just a healer—she was a symbol of hope.
Kael found himself smiling quietly. There was something oddly peaceful about this scene.
If Barbara were truly his partner, this simple walk could almost be called… romantic.
But before that thought could linger, a soft ding resonated in his mind.
A notification from the Chat Group.
> Jean: @Kael, are you with Barbara right now?
Kael: Yes. We're near the Statue of the Seven.
Jean: Perfect. Please bring her to Angel's Share immediately. Diluc is injured—he needs healing!
Kael sighed. "Duty calls."
Barbara blinked in confusion. "Eh? Mr. Kael, you're heading to Angel's Share? You don't strike me as a drinker…"
There was a faint hint of disappointment in her tone.
Kael chuckled. "Not this time. Diluc's been hurt. Jean needs you there to heal him."
Her expression shifted instantly, the worry in her blue eyes evident. "Mr. Diluc? Oh no! Then we need to go—quickly!"
Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand and took off running toward the tavern.
---
The Road to Angel's Share
The streets of Mondstadt were lively, but Barbara's heart raced faster than the sound of her footsteps.
She knew what Diluc represented to the city. He was more than just a warrior—he was the flame that burned away the darkness of night.
If even he was wounded…
That could only mean Mondstadt's situation was far more dire than anyone realized.
The Abyss Order's power was growing. Monsters were appearing in places once considered safe. Even the wind itself felt heavier lately, as if poisoned by something unseen.
"Mr. Diluc…" she whispered under her breath, gripping her Vision tighter as she ran.
Kael glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Despite her soft voice and gentle demeanor, there was a quiet strength inside her—a spark waiting to ignite.
He didn't say it aloud, but he could sense the change beginning in her heart.
Barbara wasn't running just to heal someone.
She was running toward the path of power.
---
At the Tavern
When they arrived at Angel's Share, Jean was already there, standing beside a battered and bandaged Diluc.
The faint smell of burnt fabric and ozone filled the air. The traces of elemental combat were unmistakable.
Barbara's eyes widened at the sight. The usually composed, untouchable Diluc looked… human.
He was pale, sweating, and clearly exhausted.
"Mr. Diluc!" she gasped, rushing to his side. "Please, hold still!"
A soft blue light flared around her hands. Her Hydro Vision pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat, releasing waves of pure healing energy.
The glow spread across Diluc's burns and wounds, the smell of charred skin fading into nothing.
Within moments, his breathing steadied.
"...Thank you," Diluc muttered, averting his gaze. "You're better at this than I expected."
Barbara smiled faintly. "Healing people is my job."
But inside, her heart was trembling.
If Diluc could be hurt like this… what about Jean?
What about everyone else?
She clenched her fists as her Vision shimmered softly at her side.
She didn't want to just heal anymore.
She wanted to protect.
---
A New Resolve
That night, Barbara stood alone before the Statue of The Seven.
The winds around Windrise whispered softly, brushing against her hair.
"I've always relied on others to keep me safe," she murmured. "Sister Jean… Mr. Kael… even Lord Barbatos…"
Her reflection shimmered faintly in the statue's divine light.
"But if I keep depending on them, I'll never truly understand what it means to serve the people."
She placed a hand over her Vision, the Hydro gem pulsing warmly beneath her palm.
"I want to become stronger. Strong enough to protect Mondstadt myself."
The wind responded with a gentle sigh—like laughter carried through the trees.
And far away, Kael felt the faint ripple of her determination echo through the ley lines.
A smile tugged at his lips.
"So," he whispered, "the Saint of the Wind and Water finally takes her first step."