Jean had already engaged in combat with the enhanced Mirror Maiden.
From a young age, Jean had received rigorous knightly training from her mother. Her strength was formidable—enough to handle several Ruin Guards barehanded.
And since the age of ten, after being "lured" into the Knights of Favonius as Gu Chen's assistant, she had been taught top-tier body-refinement techniques without reservation.
Now nearly sixteen, Jean had spent close to six years cultivating—even on the busiest of days. Her martial foundation was anything but shallow.
She did not yet possess a Vision, but much like Diluc, a Vision would currently be nothing more than icing on the cake.
Every sword strike she unleashed carried cutting force akin to sword qi. Even spectators could feel a faint sting and dryness in their eyes just from watching.
As the air over the training ground twisted under the influence of that power known as qi and blood, Dottore's smile grew wider.
Before coming to Mondstadt, Dottore had investigated extensively.
Jean—
The Vice Captain's assistant. His trusted confidant.
Then the body-refinement technique she practiced must be even more advanced.
Indeed, the stronger the technique, the more drastic the transformation it brought.
Dottore was already impatient—
Impatient to obtain high-level body-refinement methods for research.
"They're evenly matched?"
Eroch was visibly surprised, his expression darkening briefly before returning to calm.
"Not bad. No need to worry excessively."
Cardinal Simon quietly let out a breath of relief, though his eyes never left the battlefield.
Varka smiled at Dottore, a hint of mockery in his expression.
"Mr. Dottore, that pre-battle enhancement your people used doesn't seem very effective."
Dottore replied with a polite smile,
"It seems the Knights are simply more skilled."
"Her body's practically collapsing under that power," Diluc said disdainfully.
"Pitiful."
"No rush, no rush," Dottore said calmly, as though he hadn't heard the sarcasm at all.
On the battlefield—
Each clash between Jean and the Mirror Maiden sent shockwaves of force rippling outward.
[Kaeya]: The Fatui are ruthless. Those three injections look like they're squeezing out all her potential—burning everything at once. And yet she still can't overpower Captain Jean. (smirk)
[Baizhu]: It's not just potential. She's consuming her own life force—likely combined with a Delusion.
[Tartaglia]: Exactly. That Mirror Maiden is terrifying, but the price is death no matter the outcome. For Jean to fight her evenly is incredible. Now I really understand Dottore's obsession.
[Paimon]: So… it's all for high-level body-refinement techniques?
[Keqing]: Yes. Look at her—three injections and she's falling apart. If she had a refined foundation, could she withstand three? Five? If the Fatui get such techniques, their strength could skyrocket in a short time.
[Kujou Sara]: Terrifying.
[Collei]: Good thing the real-world Dottore is already dealt with… otherwise this is nightmare fuel!
[Kaeya]: With my current strength, I'd need time to deal with her. And Fatui rarely act alone—usually in squads.
[Cyno]: Chilling…
[Navia]: She looks almost impervious to blades… that's horrifying!
[Sayu]: What's happening… please don't let me run into Fatui like that… (praying)
[Thoma]: The more I think about the Fatui gaining body-refinement techniques, the more terrifying the Church Master becomes. He appeared at eight years old—who knows when he started cultivating? Just how strong is he now?
[Azhdaha]: One punch per Dvalin, maybe?
[Osial]: At that level, he'd tear off Dvalin's wings barehanded.
[Dvalin]: Oh really? Guess I'll just die on screen later then!
Back on the training ground—
The effects of the drugs clearly had a time limit.
The Mirror Maiden's power began to decline, and Jean caught it instantly.
If she went all out now, she could kill her—but she would be injured as well.
If she waited and seized the right moment, she could end it cleanly.
On a chaotic battlefield, the former would be optimal—ending things quickly before reinforcements arrived.
But here, in a one-on-one duel—
The latter was the better choice.
After this… I must grow even stronger.
Jean focused completely.
The Mirror Maiden could shift positions and restrain opponents through prisms.
With her enhanced state, these movements were faster than ever.
After two minutes of stalemate, Jean sharply sensed a rapid decline in her opponent's strength.
She struck.
The Favonius sword thrust upward—
Blood blossomed from the Mirror Maiden's shoulder.
Her body trembled, skin cracking under collapsing power.
Jean did not hesitate.
The sword pierced straight through her chest.
The Mirror Maiden let out a final, hoarse shriek.
Jean withdrew and watched carefully.
The screams faded.
Under countless gazes, the body collapsed and dissolved into a puddle of dark purple blood.
"Jean wins!"
Diluc announced, rising to his feet.
Cheers erupted.
Seven to zero.
The Knights of Favonius had utterly defeated the infamous Fatui.
Among the medics, Barbara rushed anxiously to Jean's side.
"That fight was too dangerous…"
"Si—Jean! Are you hurt?!"
"I—I'm fine."
Jean looked just as flustered.
They both knew they were sisters, yet raised apart—
One with their mother, one with their father.
Their bond was… complicated.
"If you don't bandage her soon," Gu Chen said calmly,
"the wound will heal on its own."
Barbara froze.
Jean's minor injuries were visibly regenerating.
"T-this…"
Barbara stood there stunned.
"It's already fine. Don't worry—I'll go report."
Jean quickly returned to the stands.
Gu Chen was speaking with Dottore.
"I've heard these body-refinement techniques all originate from you, Mr. Gu," Dottore said admiringly.
"You're remarkably gifted for someone so young."
"Indeed," Gu Chen nodded.
Dottore paused.
…Indeed?
You're supposed to be humble!
How am I supposed to respond to that?
He recovered and smiled.
"Then shall we conclude today's exchange?"
"Of course."
Gu Chen inclined his head.
The Fatui departed.
Soon after, Cardinal Simon excused himself as Frederica approached, taking the Church members with him. Eroch and the inspectors left as well.
"Well done, boy! You didn't embarrass me!"
Crepus strode over, laughing, and slapped Diluc's shoulder.
Diluc smiled quietly.
After praising him, Crepus turned to Gu Chen.
"Thanks to the Vice Captain's guidance—otherwise this brat might've disgraced the Knights today!"
"Not at all," Gu Chen shook his head.
"Diluc is a genius. You've raised an excellent cavalry captain for the Knights."
Crepus beamed.
"I'll personally donate 200 million Mora to support the Knights' logistics!"
Varka's eyes lit up.
"Then we thank you sincerely!"
"Haha! I should be the one thanking you. The Knights made my son what he is."
Gu Chen patted Diluc's shoulder.
"Keep it up. Aim even higher next time."
"Yes! I won't disappoint you!"
Diluc replied loudly.
Crepus laughed heartily.
Kaeya came over to congratulate them.
"You're not bad either, Quartermaster," Crepus said, patting him as well.
To him, Diluc and Kaeya were no different.
Frederica soon arrived, confirming Jean's injuries were minor and healed.
"Well done," she said gently.
Jean smiled shyly.
Frederica's gaze shifted to Gu Chen—filled with approval.
"Vice Captain, do visit the Gunnhildr household sometime."
"I will, when time allows."
Gu Chen straightened.
"Now—announcement of honors!"
The Knights fell silent, forming ranks.
"Jean. Diluc."
"Yes!"
"By merit of service—"
"—"
"Diluc Ragnvindr is hereby granted the title: Dawn Knight!"
"Jean Gunnhildr is hereby granted the title: Dandelion Knight!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
Jean's strength was now undeniable.
Diluc's reputation needed no justification.
Varka clapped Diluc's shoulder.
"You're almost an adult—better treat us to a drink."
"Of course!"
Crepus laughed.
"You're still a long way from the Vice Captain. Work hard."
"I will!"
Jean glanced at Gu Chen.
Wind stirred his robes.
Calm. Unshaken.
He must have been worried… right?
"Why are you staring?"
Gu Chen handed her the documents.
"Distribute these later."
"Oh."
Jean blinked.
Frederica smiled knowingly.
A knight may have a heart of steel—
But even steel can stir.
And this time—
She believed her daughter would not repeat her own regrets.
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