"Grand Master Jean… I like you."
The words came out in a calm yet bold voice, shattering the silence of the Knights of Favonius Grand Master's office. The spacious room, usually filled with reports, maps, and stacks of documents, now felt cramped, as if the air itself was stifling.
The man standing before Jean was a young knight with a straight posture and a gaze that stared straight ahead. His black hair was neatly combed, gleaming slightly in the sunlight that streamed in through the tall window behind the Grand Master's desk. He had a handsome face with a strong jawline—the face of someone accustomed to facing danger without fear.
His name was Leon.
Jean Gunnhildr—the blonde woman standing behind his desk—stared at him with gently trembling eyes. He didn't answer immediately. For a moment, his mind went blank, as if the words he had just heard hadn't fully registered.
Leon was a Mondstadt resident who had joined the Knights of Favonius five years ago. At the time, he was only fifteen—an age many considered too young to bear a sword and such responsibility. But Leon was different. He arrived with a determination that was almost stubborn, refusing to back down despite being repeatedly belittled for one glaring reason: his lack of a Vision.
In Teyvat, a Vision is often a symbol of talent and potential. Without it, a person is considered limited. But Leon refused to succumb to that perception. He trained his body to its limits, studied tactics, and honed his sword with an almost ruthless discipline.
Jean still vividly remembered the early reports about Leon—a young knight without a Vision who could complete reconnaissance missions alone, protect citizens from monster attacks, and even, in a few sparring sessions, match Kaeya Alberich. A feat that left many senior knights speechless.
Jean admired Leon. Not just for his strength, but for his unwavering spirit. For his courage to stand on equal footing with the Vision-bearing knights without a hint of inferiority.
However… Jean never imagined that admiration would end like this.
His heart was beating faster than usual. Without realizing it, her ears felt hot and slightly red. She quickly averted her gaze for a moment, trying to calm herself.
Leon remained standing there, his back straight, his hands clenched lightly at his sides. He stared at Jean with an honest expression. It was as if he was ready to accept whatever answer he might receive.
Jean took a deep breath.
As a woman, she naturally had hopes. She had read romance novels in her spare time—stories of love growing amidst responsibility, of feelings that could become strength. There was a small part of her heart that yearned for something similar. A simple, warm love story.
But Jean Gunnhildr wasn't just a woman.
She was the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
The responsibility of Mondstadt rested on her shoulders. The city of freedom depended on her every decision. And lately, the threat of Stormterror had become increasingly real. The winds of Mondstadt were no longer as calm as usual. Jean barely had time to herself, let alone to think about romance.With a turbulent heart, Jean finally lifted her gaze again.
"Leon…" his voice was soft, but it trembled slightly. "…I respect your feelings."
Leon held his breath.
"But I'm sorry," Jean continued, bowing his head slightly in a sign of sincerity. "I can't accept your feelings."
The words fell between them, heavy but honest.
Leon was silent for a moment. His expression didn't change drastically, but
Jean could see something dim beneath the faint smile that slowly appeared on his face.
"Ah… I see," Leon finally said, his voice calm despite the obvious bitterness he was hiding. "Then, I'm sorry to have disturbed you, Grand Master Jean."
He smiled—the same smile he always had, the smile of a knight who always appeared strong in front of others.
"Let's forget what happened today."
Jean wanted to say something. Wanted to stop him. Wanted to explain that her refusal wasn't because she despised Leon's feelings.
But the words didn't come.
"Then," Leon continued, giving a perfect knightly salute, "I'll take my leave, Grand Master."
He turned and walked toward the door. His steps were steady, unhurried, and unhesitant. The office door opened and closed again with a soft thud.
Jean remained standing where she was.
she didn't even have time to return Leon's salute.
Silence fell again, but this time it felt much heavier. Jean stared at the closed door, her hands slowly clenching on the desk.