Jean had always been a workaholic.
Working overtime until midnight was extremely common for her.
And tonight, with the Holy Lyre der Himmel stolen, she remained in the Knights of Favonius headquarters, directing operations from the Grand Master's office.
When Lumine arrived, she found Jean immediately.
"Jiang Chen asked me to come over?"
Jean asked.
"It's the sky—"
Paimon started to say before Lumine quickly covered her mouth.
There were still knights in the room reporting information.
Jean thought for a moment.
Without waiting for further explanation, she nodded.
"I'll give a few instructions first."
In truth, something about this made her slightly disappointed.
When she thought carefully—
Every time Jiang Chen asked her to meet him, it was always for serious business.
Never anything else.
Perhaps… that was exactly why.
Deep in thought, Jean followed Lumine toward Good Hunter.
Gathering at Good Hunter
When they arrived, Diluc was already there.
He leaned against the railing on the second floor.
Jean looked surprised.
"Senior Diluc is here too?"
"Tch. Don't call me that."
Diluc replied slightly annoyed.
"The reason Jiang Chen invited me is probably the same as yours."
Jean nodded.
So once again, Jiang Chen had called her for official matters.
Still—
If Jiang Chen had summoned her during such a busy night just to share a late-night snack…
She might actually get angry.
Strangely though—
That thought carried a faint romantic feeling.
"So," Diluc said,
"Can you explain now?"
Jiang Chen said nothing.
Instead, he calmly took out the Holy Lyre again.
Diluc's eyes widened.
"The artifact both the Knights and the Fatui have been searching for all night…"
"…is actually with you?"
Jean stepped closer.
There was a quiet relief in her expression.
She folded her arms and asked curiously:
"Jiang Chen, why did you borrow the Holy Lyre?"
Diluc glanced at her.
Borrow?
She had immediately defined it as borrowing.
After all—
Taking something without permission was technically theft.
And something like the Holy Lyre likely wouldn't be loaned out even if someone asked.
His gaze lingered between Jean and Jiang Chen.
A strange look appeared in his eyes.
"This thing is useless except for bard performances."
Diluc shrugged.
"If you're stealing something, at least pick something valuable."
"What a coincidence."
Jiang Chen smiled.
"We happen to have a bard here."
Venti quickly added:
"The best bard in the entire world!"
Diluc glanced at Venti.
"If you plan to perform with the Holy Lyre, don't do it in my tavern."
"It would cause unnecessary trouble."
Paimon burst out laughing.
"I think Master Diluc is right."
Venti smiled awkwardly.
Then he turned to the newcomers.
"As for why we borrowed the Holy Lyre…"
"If I perform a true story, will you believe it?"
"Go ahead."
Diluc and Jean replied.
They glanced toward the kitchen.
Jiang Chen had already started cooking again.
Since Jiang Chen had invited them here—
he must have already made his judgment.
The Song of the Dragon
The sound of the lyre soon filled the restaurant.
Gentle.
Beautiful.
Venti began playing the same epic Lumine and Paimon had heard earlier at the Statue of Barbatos Plaza.
A tale of ancient times.
Of the sky dragon battling an evil dragon.
Of poisoned blood.
Of a curse.
Of a dragon who fell into suffering.
When the song ended—
Jiang Chen returned with food.
Six bowls of creamy meat stew.
Tender meat selected by Good Hunter, simmered with cream and spices and Mondstadt snapdragon herbs.
Diluc tasted a spoonful.
"Worth it."
Even if he had come here for nothing tonight—
the meal alone would make it worthwhile.
And in truth, it hadn't been a wasted trip.
"If that story is true…"
Diluc looked suspiciously at Venti.
"That kind of secret…"
Even he had never known it.
Which meant this bard's identity was far from ordinary.
Jean nodded thoughtfully.
"I never understood why Dvalin betrayed Mondstadt."
"But if he was poisoned by dragon blood during that battle…"
"And later corrupted by Abyss Mage curses…"
"Then it makes sense."
She continued.
"According to the story, the Holy Lyre is the bridge that allows communication with Dvalin, correct?"
"Impressive deduction, Acting Grand Master."
Venti applauded.
Paimon, with soup smeared around her mouth, added proudly:
"But you missed one detail."
"The bard plans to use the lyre to restore Dvalin's true nature!"
Both Diluc and Jean looked at Venti again.
Their expressions changed slightly.
Jean even became a little nervous.
Lumine noticed the strange shift in atmosphere.
But perhaps it was simply a silent understanding among Mondstadters.
She continued eating quietly.
"So why was I invited here?"
Jean asked.
Jiang Chen answered.
"The wind-element energy in the lyre's strings has almost completely faded."
"We can't communicate with Dvalin yet."
"We need to find Dvalin's Tear Crystals."
"After purifying them, the lyre can absorb their power."
"They're red crystals."
"You might find them at Dvalin's resting places."
"I understand."
Jean stood up immediately.
Placing a hand over her chest, she said seriously:
"This isn't something one person should handle."
"I will mobilize the Knights of Favonius to begin the search right away."
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