【Dainsleif: I don't know about other places, but among us, I can only say, it’s a disgrace!】
【Yanfei: Legally speaking, both parties were consensual, so it's not exactly... scandalous!】
【Yae Miko: I feel like Jean was more proactive in it!】
【Barbara: Sister, wake up! How did it come to this?】
【Furiosa: Today is truly an eye-opener. I never thought one person could change so much in such a short time!】
【Zhongli: Ultimately, it was due to prolonged high-pressure stress. It's too much for her age and experience to shoulder an entire nation!】
Everyone fell silent, seemingly accepting this as a fitting conclusion.
The celestial curtain generally portrayed Jean in a positive light.
But honestly, reaching this point as a leader... she's not quite qualified.
True leaders shouldn't be hands-on, but learn to delegate.
Unfortunately, Jean didn't understand this.
Meanwhile, Mondstadt's residents were the most concerned about the unfolding events.
It was obvious their Anemo Archon intended to discipline them.
【Mondstadt Residents: What do you mean by "Mondstadt Giant Baby"? That's so insulting! How have we wronged you? How have we wronged the people of Mondstadt!】
The Mondstadt people were furious. If they had to do everything themselves, what was the Knights of Favonius for?
At the same time, everyone was curious about how the Traveler would act.
The blonde haired Traveler finally cracked a smile.
This was a no-win situation. He, the Traveler, had risen on the backs of the people's approval. Now, if he were to discipline them, he would face backlash.
There was simply no ideal outcome.
However...
“Have you noticed how the Knights of Favonius have become increasingly tyrannical?”
“Yes, yes! They've revoked many laws that benefitted the people! Do they even want to do their jobs anymore?”
“I even heard they're going to save Dvalin! It's ludicrous! That beast should be put down!”
“The Knights of Favonius have been exceeding their bounds lately!”
“We must appeal, we must rise up!”
“…”
The chaotic scene on the screen instantly drew everyone's attention.
The city that yearned for freedom was now plagued by chaos.
【Zhongli: The definition of freedom seems flawed. As expected, governing a nation requires order!】
【Venti: From the screen, the Traveler has already acted! To be honest, sometimes, we don't even have the courage he possesses!】
【Paimon: Doesn't this mean he's going to lose his reputation?】
【Eula: That's true. The Knights of Favonius do have internal dissent.】
【Itto: Traveler, what are your thoughts?】
【Traveler: A bunch of ungrateful brats! If Mondstadt wasn't a religious nation, I'd have dragged them all out to be beheaded!】
Well, asking him was a pointless question.
The Traveler's approach remained as brutal as ever.
Everyone was astonished to see a Knight of Favonius squad immediately suppress the protesting Mondstadt residents.
But just when everyone thought the Traveler was going to lose his reputation, a familiar figure appeared.
A crimson figure wielding a greatsword, with a stern expression.
It was none other than Diluc! When did Diluc join the Knights of Favonius?
“Seize them all!”
“The Knights of Favonius' duty is to protect Mondstadt!”
“You should show them respect!”
“Today’s rioters will all be imprisoned!”
Diluc took a step forward, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
Those with sharp eyes noticed that there were no core members of the Knights of Favonius around him.
【Kaeya: It seems the Traveler has officially absorbed Diluc into his ranks!】
【Yae Miko: The key is, he actually agreed?】
【Alhaitham: More than agreed, it seems he's taking the fall for it!】
Alhaitham's words immediately brought enlightenment to everyone.
The Traveler was implying: Which emperor's decisions are spoken through their own mouth?
Diluc, with his outstanding contributions, suppressing the Mondstadt “giant babies” had nothing to do with him, the Anemo Archon.
Naturally, the crowd was furious…
“It’s that Diluc! He’s misled the Archon into implementing these reforms!”
“It’s rumored that Diluc is wielding power within the Knights of Favonius!”
“Archon, we demand to see the Archon!”
“Archon, don't listen to his lies…”
Watching the captured Mondstadt residents repeatedly call out the Traveler’s name, everyone twitched their lips.
Good heavens, they've been sold out and are still counting the money.
【Kaeya: You actually agreed to take this fall?】
【Diluc: I don't care about these empty titles. Besides, I've been fed up with these unruly residents and the Knights of Favonius for a while now!】
【Ningguang: Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! It seems like the Traveler is promoting Diluc to take the fall. In reality, the Traveler has already divided the Knights of Favonius! Didn't you notice that Diluc doesn't have any loyal subordinates? This is the Traveler cultivating his own direct lineage to balance the power of the old core members of the Knights of Favonius!】
【Furiosa: It's that complicated?】
【Nahida: Obviously, that's the case. Next, he’ll heavily favor Diluc and gradually dismantle the Knights of Favonius’ power!】
Almost everyone silently shook their heads. This person was born to be an emperor.
Most importantly, no one was left to check his power.
“Traveler, what do you think of this?”
“Not perfect, but I'll help you solve everything!”
“I know I haven't been doing well, but at least I have you!”
Looking back, Jean, the acting Grand Master, had completely devolved into a useless pawn.
Where was the acting Grand Master? The entire Knights of Favonius had become the Traveler’s puppet show.
People only then realized how terrifying it was to lose their autonomy.
Venti, the Anemo Archon, witnessed all of this unfold.
He was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions.
Is he still Mondstadt’s god?
Give him some time, and the Traveler might just dismantle the statue outside!
Within the fairytale kingdom...
The Wanderer snorted in disdain, unsure what he was thinking.
The blonde traveler didn’t even turn back, instead, sinking into contemplation.
He had achieved what they… he might be able to replicate it.
The conditions were the same, but why were the outcomes so different?
He recalled that when he saved Dvalin, he saved all of Mondstadt, he had to do it in secret.
And he only had those few people with him.
At the time, he hadn’t thought much of it.
But looking back, it was truly humiliating.
Why couldn't he be acknowledged as a hero?
Paimon, standing beside him, clearly felt the same.
Little Paimon dejectedly slumped to the ground, unable to utter any more mocking words.
Meanwhile, looking up towards the celestial screen.
The entire Knights of Favonius, every single core member, stood in perfect formation.
Hundreds of elite Knights of Favonius were ready for action.
The entire Mondstadt populace lined the streets, cheering enthusiastically.
They were doing the same thing.
But the scenarios were drastically different!
“Let’s go!”
“To the Stormterror’s Lair!”