"Master Feng Yi is indeed reasonable. Let's end the pleasantries for now. What is your evaluation of the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius?"
Simon smiled faintly. It was always easy to communicate with intelligent people.
Probing also required a sense of proportion; too much was as bad as too little.
After gauging Feng Yi's attitude towards Mondstadt, Simon knew when to stop.
He then turned to talk about his daughter, Jean.
As per his agreement with his wife, Simon was responsible for raising Barbara and guiding her into the embrace of the Church of Favonius.
His wife, on the other hand, was responsible for raising Jean and guiding her into a career related to the Knights.
Neither party interfered with the other's educational endeavors.
Yet, despite this agreement, Simon had never stopped paying attention to Jean, just as his wife had never stopped paying attention to Barbara.
Not long ago, Simon received word from his "informant" that a new traveler had become close with Jean, who had even hosted a welcome banquet for them...
Simon's heart tightened. He felt as though his prize cabbage was being eyed by a wild boar!
Simon immediately issued an order to gather information on this new traveler.
It turned out that this traveler, Feng Yi, hailed from the neighboring contract nation, Liyue.
What surprised Simon was that in the short year he had spent in Liyue, he had managed to establish an unusually close relationship with Liyue's high-ranking officials.
The moment Simon obtained Feng Yi's profile, he realized that Feng Yi was no ordinary person.
And now, with Feng Yi visiting Mondstadt and deliberately approaching Jean, Simon couldn't help but be wary.
"Bishop Simon speaks of Acting Grand Master Jean? She is a reliable knight, passionate, upright, and meticulous. Her shining qualities are as numerous as the stars in the sky..."
Feng Yi smiled. When speaking to a parent, it was always best to praise their child!
"Lord Feng Yi is too generous. Jean has only recently taken on the role of Acting Grand Master and still has many areas for improvement..."
Seeing Feng Yi's effusive praise for Jean, Simon couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
Though inwardly delighted, he maintained a polite facade.
After a brief exchange, Feng Yi proposed to take his leave.
It was more fruitful to connect with Jean directly than to spar verbally with this old fox here.
"Oh, yes, as Jean's friend, I will offer a kind reminder. As far as I know, the Abyss Order has set its sights on the Anemo Archon's chosen ones. Whether this information is reliable, I trust Bishop Simon has his own means of verification..."
Before departing, Feng Yi dropped this remark to Simon, and whether he believed it was no longer his concern.
Feng Yi had done his best. Any further words would have exposed his secrets!
Watching Feng Yi and Eula depart, Simon narrowed his eyes, which then widened as he pondered Feng Yi's warning.
With a flash, Simon vanished from his spot and returned to the attic on the top floor of the Church of Favonius.
He summoned a white dove, tied a hastily written secret letter to its leg, and then opened the window to release it.
Simon stood by the window, the entire panorama of Mondstadt city spread out before him. His usually calm heart was now stirred with a hint of unease.
The reminder left by Feng Yi had disrupted all his plans.
The probing of the Abyss Order was something he could not ignore.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Simon activated his "informants" to verify the truthfulness of Feng Yi's information, while also making some contingency plans.
Even if the Grand Master intended to march to distant lands, the Mondstadt stronghold must not be compromised!
'I hope my worries are unfounded...'
Simon thought to himself, though he didn't quite believe it.
Meanwhile, Feng Yi, after leaving the Church of Favonius with Eula, took several deep breaths.
This was the taste of freedom!
His conversation with Bishop Simon in the church had been a taxing ordeal, as he had been wary of falling into the bishop's trap at any moment.
After parting ways with Simon, he could finally relax his tense mind!
"Feng Yi, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"
Eula noticed Feng Yi gasping for air beside her and, concerned about his health, immediately asked.
"Ouch, my back hurts so much! It must have been when I was carrying you earlier. I ran too fast to save time, and I must have strained my already injured old back. Please help me up a bit..."
Feng Yi: The atmosphere has been built up this far, I have no choice but to feign illness!
"Be careful~ Perhaps we should go back and ask Bishop Simon for some healing?"
Eula draped Feng Yi's arm over her shoulder, carefully supporting him.
After all, Feng Yi had accelerated their pace for her sake, which had led to the recurrence of his back injury.
She felt partly responsible and a little guilty.
Since they hadn't gone too far, Eula suggested returning to the Church of Favonius to ask Bishop Simon for treatment.
"Uh... well, I'm already fine!"
Although leaning on Eula's shoulder was incredibly comfortable, the moment he heard about going back to see that old fox Simon, Feng Yi, like a startled fox whose tail had been stepped on, withdrew his arm from Eula's shoulder and declared his back miraculously healed!
"Feng! Yi!!! You scoundrel, you played with my emotions! I'll remember this grudge! No, I can't stand this grudge any longer!"
Eula realized she had been tricked by Feng Yi.
To think she had been so concerned and had carefully helped him just moments ago.
Eula: You jerk, give me back my heartfelt concern!
Eula initially intended to hold a grudge, but the more she thought about it, the angrier she became. In her frustrated rage, she clenched her fists, ready to exact revenge immediately.
"Help! Eula, my little cutie is going to hit me!"
Feng Yi chuckled and bolted, leaving Eula with a dashing silhouette.
"Feng Yi!!! Little... Little cutie? That nickname is too... too embarrassing! Hmph! Stop running!"
Eula blushed furiously at Feng Yi's "little cutie" moniker and stomped her right foot in indignation.
Feng Yi had flirted and run, but Eula wouldn't stand for it. Slinging her greatsword over her back and clenching her fists, she chased after Feng Yi.
Two figures, one in front and one behind, weaved through streets and alleys.
The Knights of Favonius patrolling the city, seeing Captain Eula chasing after a stranger, mistook him for a fugitive and joined the pursuit...
"Spread the word, Captain Eula is pursuing a fugitive..."
"Spread the word, that person is a notorious thief of undergarments..."
"Spread the word, that person is..."
As the rumor spread, it became increasingly outrageous, describing him as a brutal individual who cheated and swindled, even involving livestock!
Feng Yi, sprinting ahead, heard the shouts from behind and a vein of darkness instantly appeared on his forehead.
To prove his innocence, Feng Yi abruptly stopped, turned around, and faced the approaching horde of pursuers ready to bring him to justice.
"Everyone, please lend me your ears..."
Feng Yi, with a dark expression, cleared his throat, ready to clear his name.
However, his opening words were interrupted by a chorus of shouts.