In the Knights of Favonius office, Jean, engrossed in the mountain of paperwork on her desk, heard the sound of footsteps entering and knew it was Feng Yi.
"Feng Yi, I'm truly sorry to trouble you with this..."
Jean stopped her work and invited Feng Yi to sit down and chat.
"You're being too formal, Jean. Is something troubling you?"
Feng Yi waved her hand. They knew each other well enough; there was no such thing as trouble.
"It's like this. While we were away at the Golden Apple Archipelago, the Fatui Harbingers from Snezhnaya came to Mondstadt and caused a disturbance on the streets. This has led to considerable dissatisfaction among the Mondstadt populace towards the Fatui. However, considering diplomatic relations between the two nations, we must handle this with great care..."
Jean rubbed her temples as she spoke.
"You want me to help deal with this matter?"
Feng Yi asked. Frankly, it was difficult for him to intervene in such a situation, as it concerned Mondstadt's diplomatic ties with Snezhnaya.
"No, I will handle this matter to the end. But I am currently tied up with it and cannot get away. I have another, rather unusual matter I'd like to ask of you..."
Jean shook her head. As Acting Grand Master, it was indeed inappropriate for someone else to handle matters of state relations.
"You've likely noticed the recent rumors concerning the Fatui and the Lawrence family. Neither I nor the Knights stationed in Mondstadt can afford to be lax for even a moment. We've received reports from citizens and Knights alike stating that members of the Lawrence family have been seen in close contact with the Fatui. This is something I find very concerning..."
At the time of the Fatui Harbinger's disturbance, coupled with the alleged collusion between the Lawrence family and the Fatui, it was hard not to suspect the Fatui of setting some sort of trap.
Yet, most of the Knights were occupied with various affairs and unable to investigate this matter, which might have been part of the Fatui's plan.
Therefore, Jean thought of the reliable Feng Yi.
"Jean, what are you implying?"
Feng Yi pondered. It was true, he recalled something about this. The head of the Lawrence family, Eula's uncle, was attempting to restore the Lawrence family's former aristocratic rule and was secretly collaborating with the Fatui.
'They really picked their timing!'
The Fatui seemed to have seen through the Knights of Favonius' current weakened state and were making their move.
"Yes, I want you to help investigate this matter. In the past, Mondstadt endured a dark period of rule by the old aristocracy. The freedom wrested from the First King of the Winds was replaced by chains, and slavery ran rampant.
Vanessa, the first 'Dandelion Knight,' led a revolution, overthrew the rule of the old aristocracy, and established the Knights of Favonius, bringing Mondstadt to its current state.
The old aristocracy that brought suffering to Mondstadt back then was the Lawrence family. I will never allow Mondstadt to return to its painful past, never!"
Jean clenched her fists. She would nip any negative development in the bud.
"Alas, because in the past, the old aristocracy and the Knights were always in conflict. It took the Knights a long time and much effort to resolve their differences. But the descendants of the nobles still harbor deep animosity towards the Knights. No matter how we approach them, it yields no positive results and often provokes an overreaction from them.
This puts Eula in a difficult position, caught between both sides, facing rejection and misunderstanding from both. I was wondering if we could use this opportunity to completely sever Eula from the Lawrence family and free her from the label of the old aristocracy.
But such an act of abandoning one's family... sigh, I should have a good talk with Eula later and ask for her opinion."
Jean sighed. The other party was well aware of the Knights' ways. If Knights were to investigate, it might provoke a strong backlash.
"But I am an Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius. Will that..."
If he had known about this half a day earlier, he could have asked Lumine to investigate. Lumine, without the burden of being an Honorary Knight, would be perfect for this investigation.
It was just unfortunate that Lumine was already on her way to Liyue.
"Don't worry. Those old aristocrats always have their eyes on the higher echelons of the Knights, their sights set high. As long as you don't reveal that you're with the Knights, you won't be met with their rejection."
Jean had considered this point as well, but based on her understanding of the old aristocrats, she had great confidence in Feng Yi.
"Alright then. Leave this to me. I'll handle it perfectly."
Feng Yi smiled faintly and agreed. He had almost forgotten that he could change his form. With his immortal arts, he could alter his appearance slightly.
"Mm, the member of the Lawrence family you're concerned about is named Schubert. He's been loitering near the northern city walls of Mondstadt lately. It's said he's not easy to get along with, but if you can figure out his preferences, it shouldn't be a problem. You can talk to Eula about this later..."
Seeing Feng Yi's confidence, Jean felt somewhat relieved.
Without this troublesome matter, she could dedicate her attention to resolving the impact of the Fatui Harbinger's disturbance, greatly increasing her efficiency.
Once everything was concluded, she would repay Feng Yi handsomely.
Feng Yi bid farewell to Jean and returned to the Cat's Tail tavern. As soon as he entered, he saw Eula and Amber clinking glasses on the sofa.
"Feng Yi, you're back? Did Acting Master Jean need you for something important?"
Eula noticed Feng Yi's return, raised her glass to him from afar, and offered a slightly tipsy, charming smile.
"This matter also involves your Lawrence family..."
Feng Yi said a few brief words. Since Jean would be talking to Eula about this later, it was good to give Eula a heads-up to prepare her.
"Is it Uncle Schubert? He's actually allied with the Fatui?"
Eula frowned. Now she understood why she was pointed at by the Mondstadt residents on the street earlier. It was all thanks to her dear uncle.
Her uncle was stubborn, pedantic, and obsessed with recreating the Lawrence family's former glory...
Since Eula joined the Knights, they had rarely seen each other.
"Eula, how can I gain your uncle's trust? Are there any particular tips?"
Feng Yi recalled some plot points but couldn't remember the details clearly. However, with Eula right beside him, he decided to ask directly.
"It's not difficult. If you use some of the old aristocracy's greeting etiquette, you can easily gain Uncle's favor. After all, they are the only ones who still cling to those outdated rituals..."
Eula pouted. Faced with a choice between her uncle and Feng Yi, she decisively sided with Feng Yi.
Eula then pretended Amber was her uncle and demonstrated some ways of interacting with the old aristocracy on the spot.
After watching the demonstration, Amber had only one thought: "Thank goodness I wasn't born into an old aristocratic family..."