As Stormterror withdrew, the several black tornadoes rampaging through Mondstadt dissipated one after another.
Jiang Yan slowly descended to the ground. Behind him, his Wind Glider let out a sharp crack before shattering into fragments that scattered across the stone floor.
"Jiang Yan, are you okay?"
Lumine glided down beside him, worry clear in her voice.
"It's nothing serious."
Jiang Yan raised his hands and glanced at them. The skin at the base of both thumbs had split open, blood steadily seeping out.
To slam a body as massive as Stormterror's straight down like that meant enduring the full force of the recoil himself.
What he hadn't expected was just how powerful the Four Winds' temples were—strong enough that even such a blow couldn't truly injure Stormterror.
"You're hurt."
Lumine tore a small strip from the hem of her skirt and carefully began bandaging his hands.
Jiang Yan could only let her do it. He'd originally planned to find Barbara—she could've healed this quickly.
But going to her now felt awkward.
And besides, he couldn't exactly reject Lumine's goodwill.
"Boss Jiang Yan! Lumine!"
Amber came running over from a distance. Seeing the shattered Wind Glider pieces all over the ground, she patted her chest in relief.
"Forcing the Wind Glider like that… thank goodness it didn't break apart midair."
The battle above Mondstadt had been seen by everyone.
"Don't worry. I knew my limits."
Jiang Yan smiled calmly.
Lumine, still wrapping his hands, poked his wound lightly in irritation—clearly signaling him not to talk big.
"Stormterror actually attacked inside the city…"
Amber looked around, her expression turning heavy.
Though Stormterror had left, dark clouds still loomed over Mondstadt. The city remained dim, and the once-gentle breeze now carried a biting chill.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Applause suddenly echoed from the stairs leading up to the Statue of The Seven plaza.
Kaeya walked up, clapping his hands.
"Boss Jiang Yan aside, this unfamiliar traveler actually has the power to fight a dragon."
He fixed his gaze on Lumine, sharp and probing.
"Are you our guest… or a new storm?"
"You are…?"
Lumine asked, puzzled.
"Immortal Lord Who Walks on Ice Across the Sea," Jiang Yan introduced helpfully from the side.
"Oh, I see…"
Though confused by the title, Lumine nodded politely.
"Boss Jiang Yan, I've told you not to casually give me nicknames and introduce me like that!"
Kaeya nearly stumbled. He quickly corrected himself.
"Kaeya. Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius."
"Oh, hello. My name is Lumine."
Kaeya's gaze shifted to her hands as she carefully finished bandaging Jiang Yan.
"So… Lumine is under Boss Jiang Yan's wing?"
Lumine nodded.
She remembered clearly—using Jiang Yan's name in Mondstadt brought a lot of convenience and consideration.
Sure enough, Kaeya's wariness toward her seemed to fade almost instantly.
"That's how it happened…"
Amber kindly explained the story of Lumine being separated from her brother.
"I see. Welcome to Mondstadt—though I'm sorry you arrived at such an unfortunate time."
"I won't pry further. For now, let me thank you on behalf of the Knights for helping repel Stormterror."
Kaeya placed one hand over his chest in salute.
"Then where's the reward?!"
Paimon demanded, hands on her hips.
Helping Amber clear a hilichurl camp had earned them a Wind Glider—and a promised Honey-Glazed Carrot Roast!
"Hmm… Mondstadt's specialty, Honey-Glazed Carrot Roast?"
Kaeya asked thoughtfully.
"Again with Honey-Glazed Carrot Roast?"
Paimon waved dismissively.
"I don't mind! That makes two servings!"
"Hahaha!"
Kaeya burst out laughing at the little creature.
After calming down, he said,
"If it's convenient, Boss Jiang Yan and Lumine—could you come to the Knights' headquarters? The Acting Grand Master would like to see you."
"Jean?"
Lumine looked to Jiang Yan.
"Yes. Let's go."
Jiang Yan nodded.
He glanced down at his hands. Lumine's bandaging was… enthusiastic, to say the least—wrapped up like rice dumplings.
There was no way he could hold a sword now.
Lumine seemed to realize this too and flushed slightly.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
Acting Grand Master's Office.
"Jean, there's no need to rush."
Lisa lounged against the railing near the library steps, propping herself up lazily.
"Since you're meeting them as Acting Grand Master, you should wait properly in your office."
Jean, who had already reached the door, could only turn back.
"Stormterror is still active outside the city. After I meet them, I want to quickly—"
"No need to hurry. I'll help as well."
Lisa interrupted gently, then glanced toward the entrance.
"See? They're already here."
Footsteps echoed from outside.
Kaeya pushed the door open.
"Acting Grand Master, I've brought them."
"They're finally here…"
The unease in Jean's heart finally eased a little. She smiled in relief.
"Lumine, we meet again so soon."
"Mm."
"This is Lisa, the librarian of the Knights."
Jean introduced her.
A beautiful woman in blue-violet mage attire stood there. Her brown hair was tied into a single ponytail draped over her shoulder, emerald-green eyes shining faintly.
Her graceful collarbones, full figure, and the fair thighs revealed beneath her over-the-knee black stockings made even Lumine blush slightly—her confidence taking a hit.
"Hello."
Lumine greeted politely.
"Oh my~ Are you a good child who came to help because we're short-handed?"
Lisa smiled warmly.
"How adorable."
"And Jiang Yan~"
Lisa walked over, draping an arm over his shoulder and leaning close to his ear.
"So you finally decided to come see me?"
"Cough. Cough."
In the room, both Jean and Lumine let out awkward coughs at the same time.
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