Today was just a calm, peaceful afternoon as the gang were all strolling together, out in Mondstadt. Wanting to make use of their free time, Nintega suggested that they go hunting for some monsters, Treasure Hoarders, or Fatui that were wreaking havoc in Mondstadt. This didn't go so well as they were all strolling for hours across the land and found only a few barely empty Hilichurl camps, but even that didn't satisfy anyone. Everyone, except for Nintega, were all trudging along the path back around to the center of Mondstadt with bored looks.

Jordanwolfboy9743: *sighs* We've been walking back and forth, all around Mondstadt for miles now, Nintega... This is getting really boring...

Paimon: Paimon agrees with Jordan... Paimon's so hungry that Paimon could whine for hours.

Paimon does so by screaming in a whiny manner. The others thought that she would stop doing that after a second, but she really wasn't kidding when she said that she would try to whine for at least an hour or so. Already having enough of the screaming, the others turned to glare at Paimon.

Lumine, Nintega, Shadow, & Jordan: PAIMON!

Their shout immediately made her stop as she flinched as well.

TheNintegaGuy: Okay, okay, I get it! We'll take a little break and do something fun, alright?

Everyone shouted different cheers when they heard that they were finally taking a break from all of the pointless walking that they've been doing around Mondstadt.

Jordan/Lumine/Shadow: Woo-hoo!/Alright!/Awesome!

However, Nintega's idea of fun was way different than theirs as he cheered for something else.

TheNintegaGuy: Training session!

Hearing that, the cheers immediately went to complaints as this was definitely not what they had in mind for fun, especially since they've been patrolling for hours.

Jordan/Lumine/Shadow: Awww!/Seriously?/Come on!

Shadowlight2784: After all that walking... we need tire ourselves out even more by training?!

TheNintegaGuy: Guys, if we're going to prove to Jean that we're Honorary Knights, then I have to keep this team in top shape. And that's what I'm going to do.

Nintega then looks around to see what they could do for their training session until he spots the huge tree over by Windrise as he smirks, getting an idea.

TheNintegaGuy: You guys see Windrise over there?

Jordanwolfboy9743: Yeah. Why?

TheNintegaGuy: I'm going to defend the tree or as Venti likes to call it, "The Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero." Like that game where you try to stop people from reaching your territory. Capture the flag. Now, the only way that you can get past me is to use traditional close-quarters fighting. Everyone, get it?

Lumine: Sure, fearless leader... Let's see how this lives up to your definition of "fun."

She said this in a patronizing manner as Nintega could only give a fierce smile back at her.

TheNintegaGuy: It will be, trust me.

Nintega runs off to Windrise as the rest of the team follow right behind him, however Lumine stops them midway before turning back to Shadow and Jordan with a smirk.

Lumine: *quietly* Guys, I've got an idea.

Lumine then whispers something inaudible to both Jordan and Shadow and Paimon listened closely too. When Lumine was finished explaining, all of them turned to each other with devious smirks on their faces. If Nintega didn't know, then they clearly had something planned against him.

After a couple of minutes, Nintega was facing towards the large tree where the Statue of the Seven was as the rest of the crew were a short distance behind him. Nintega then summons out his sword before turning towards the other three. Jordan was up first as he walked forward. He turned back to Lumine, Paimon, and Shadow who winked at him and Jordan winked back before he reached into his pockets and pulled out a pair of headphones before putting them on his head. Although their technology didn't work in Teyvat, Jordan was acting like he was listening to music. Jordan then began whooping and dancing which made Nintega frown.

Jordanwolfboy9743: Wassup, Teyvat! Woop, woop!

TheNintegaGuy: What are you doing, Jordan?

His question, in a sense, literally fell on deaf ears as Jordan continued to dance, listening to music that wasn't even playing. He then began break dancing as Nintega groans annoyed before running up to him with his sword and the moment that he tried taking a swing at him, Jordan evaded all of his sword swipes before he bonks Nintega on the head with a fist before he rolls backwards, leaps up into the air, uses Nintega's shoulders as an extra platform before flipping over him and reaching the tree with little effort. Nintega stared at him shocked as Jordan took the headphones off before smirking at Nintega.

Jordanwolfboy9743: Ha! Made it!

TheNintegaGuy: I... But... That's not fair! That wasn't a real fight!

He then notices Shadow stepping forward as Nintega sighs before getting his fierce, determined look back.

TheNintegaGuy: Okay... At least you take things seriously.

He says, but Shadow takes out his polearm with a smirk as he channels Anemo energy into his hand which made Nintega raise an eyebrow. Shadow then threw his polearm at Nintega as it was glowing lime green, heading straight for Nintega as he ducks down to avoid it. However, the polearm came right back and ricochets off of Nintega making him yelp in pain.

TheNintegaGuy: Ow!! Are you kidding me, Shadow?!

The polearm then continues to try to hit Nintega in all directions as he uses his sword to deflect all incoming strikes on him as the polearm came at him faster each time until Nintega grew exhausted from deflecting it so many times. He then hears a whistle as he looks behind himself to see Shadow has joined Jordan in getting past Nintega.

Shadowlight2784: *sarcasm* Oh, my bad. Did I break your concentration?

He said before high-fiving Jordan. Nintega stares at them before aiming an annoyed look back towards Lumine and Paimon.

TheNintegaGuy: ...So what's your trick going to be?

Both Lumine and Paimon shared a smirking glance before chuckling.

Lumine: Oh, nothing devious, I swear.

Paimon: Paimon on the other hand...

The small fairy girl does a twirl in mid air and flies up before disappearing in a poof of constellation themed magic, confusing Nintega. He then hears another poof behind him and he turns and spots Paimon over with Jordan and Shadow, smiling smugly.

Paimon: Has got all kinds of tricks!

TheNintegaGuy: W-W-Wha?! Paimon, you're not even in this game!

Paimon: *giggles* Paimon knows, *smirks* Lumine on the other hand...

She points behind Nintega, puzzling him enough to wanna turn. When he does though, something fast appears right in front of him and does a leg sweep on him, knocking him to the ground. He shakes the stars that danced around his head and looks behind him. Lumine was shown to be in full sprint towards the tree where the others were calling to her, urging her to go faster. Nintega frowns and stands back up.

TheNintegaGuy: Oh, no you don't!

Nintega tries running after Lumine with his sword and the more that he was gaining on her, the more Lumine smirks as when Nintega almost caught up with her... she suddenly steps to the side and trips Nintega, causing him to launch himself forward into the lake with a huge splash. Luckily, the water was shallow as it only got part of his clothes wet. However, Nintega's sword dropped right in front of him as he looked down at it before back up at the others who all cheered and high-five at their planned victory. Nintega gains an angry look before standing back up and pointing at the other Honorary Knights.

TheNintegaGuy: Why are you guys always undermining my training?!

However, it was his friends' turn to glare back at him.

Lumine: Don't be such a sore loser, Nintega...

Shadowlight2784: You just want us to fight exactly like how you fight. The whole point of this was to just get to the Windrise tree in any way that we can, right?

Jordanwolfboy9743: Exactly. Sorry, pal, but we can't all be just like you. We've got our own ways of handling stuff and getting past obstacles. Case in point.

He gestures to them standing by the tree. They all then begin to take their leave back to Mondstadt as Nintega looks down at his reflection on his sword as he wants to be a great leader, but not when his own team doesn't follow his ideas. He sighs with a disappointed frown before picking his sword back up and heading back to Mondstadt as well.

Feeling as though he needed some alone time from the team and find someone else to talk to, Nintega decided to spend the rest of his free time at Angel's Share as he was at the counter, talking to the current bartender who was none other than Master Diluc, as he decided to vent his problems to him.

TheNintegaGuy: I don't know, Master Diluc. I don't really think the guys respect me. They're always challenging my leadership when I'm trying to be a good leader for them myself.

Diluc: Well, when it comes to being a leader, sometimes you just need to put them in their place. Have you tried being more strict with them?

TheNintegaGuy: *sigh* Of course I have, but I don't want them to hate or be afraid of me. Usually, I'm the one leaving that job up to Lumine. A-And I'm not just talking about that... Earlier today, I wanted to train them because we had nothing better to do and yet despite my orders, they still find ways to make fun of me.

Diluc raises a skeptical eyebrow at this.

Diluc: So you're basically saying that you kept trying to impose your own thoughts into what builds your own team? You were just trying to help every way in your way?

TheNintegaGuy: N-No... Well, I-I guess, but... I just want to be a good leader, you know?

Diluc: *sighs* I'm no Knight of Favonius and while I don't like associating myself with them, I would know that they're helping each other flourish and work things out. That is exactly what you should be doing, not helping in your own way.

Nintega then looks downwards, still with a disappointed frown.

TheNintegaGuy: *sighs* Then maybe I shouldn't be the one leading the team... I should just let one of the other guys take over...

Diluc: That is not your decision to make. I for one will be blunt to say that I don't approve of you being their leader either, but that does not justify you stepping down for any sort of reason. Besides, it wasn't my decision to begin with, it was the Acting Grand Master.

Nintega then aims an annoyed glare back up at Diluc.

TheNintegaGuy: But why shouldn't I step down, Master Diluc? I literally had to make almost every decision and plan that goes through into our team. Even when most of them succeed, all those guys just do is complain! I'm under SO much pressure as a leader! I-Is it too much to ask for just one! Simple! Thank you?!

Knowing that Nintega was missing the point and just complaining to himself at this point, Diluc, who had a bottle of wine in his hand, slams it down assertively on a coaster while shooting Nintega an extremely serious look.

Diluc: Of course it is!!!

Nintega flinched from this as Diluc continues to explain.

Diluc: Being a leader isn't just about helping your team grow, it isn't just about being appreciated, and it definitely isn't just about coming to me for any sort of advice on it! It's all about responsibility! Do you really think that the Acting Grand Master has it any better than you do?

Nintega could only respond with complete silence as there was no counterargument to that at all. Jean works as hard as she can make sure Mondstadt runs peacefully and yet she never complains about how difficult her work is. In fact, she keeps all of her troubles and all of her stress to herself most of the time.

Diluc: That's what I thought. It doesn't matter if the burden is too heavy for you to carry. You still carry it nonetheless.

Realizing that he had a major point there, Nintega's shoulders slumped as well as his head with his fingers grazing the wooden counter.

TheNintegaGuy: You're... You're right. *sigh* I probably shouldn't complain all that much. I'm sure Jean has it way harder than me.

The thought of Jean in his head led to a jolt that made an idea appear in the forefront of his thinking. Reaching into his pocket, he takes out some Mora and pays his bill.

TheNintegaGuy: I've gotta go. We'll talk later, Master Diluc!

He runs out of Angel's Share with Diluc staring after him with his normal stoic look. He didn't know what could've caused Nintega to leave so abruptly, but it wasn't any of his concern.

Outside in the city, Nintega jogs across the plaza with a thought in his mind regarding the idea that he had a second ago about Jean.

TheNintegaGuy: (Maybe if I ask Jean the real reason that she appointed me as leader, maybe I can find out what sort of potential that I'm missing.)

As he was on his way to the Knights of Favonius headquarters, a voice called out to him which made him stop to see that it was Sara who was over at Good Hunter.

Sara: Oh, it's you! Over here, over here!

Nintega faces Sara and looks around to make sure that he was the one she was calling before walking over towards her with a raised eyebrow on what she could possibly need him for right now.

Sara: Ah, finally, I caught you! Or... at least one of you. *sheepishly chuckles*

TheNintegaGuy: Do you... need me for anything, Sara?

Sara: I have something I'd like the Knights of Favonius to do for me, and I want you to pass on my request to the Acting Grand Master.

TheNintegaGuy: Oh, so you need Jean? Well, funny coincidence, I was actually on my way to see her myself.

Sara: You are close with her, aren't you?

TheNintegaGuy: *smirks* Close? Heh, you're looking at the leader of the Honorary Knights. The very same one that Jean chose as leader.

Sara: I think I've heard of that. She seems to have a lot of respect for you.

TheNintegaGuy: I get that a lot. Anyways, what's the message that you need me to pass onto Jean?

Sara: Oh yes... I must apologize for being unable to visit the Knights in person, but the restaurant has been so busy lately. Unfortunately, it's right in this busy season that the route between here and Springvale, which is used for the delivery of our ingredients, seems to have been occupied by the hilichurls. The problem is that the suppliers in Springvale say that deliveries have nothing to do with them, they're just responsible for selling us the ingredients.

TheNintegaGuy: Oh, I get it. So, in other words, you need someone to go and clear those Hilichurls out, right?

Sara: *nods* Yes. Please ask Master Jean to send a party to clear out the hilichurls from the road to Springvale.

TheNintegaGuy: No problem. That'll be one of the first things I'll report to her.

Sara gives Nintega a relieved smile.

Sara: Phew, help at last. With Jean on the case, this'll be solved in no time. Thank you.

TheNintegaGuy: (Wow... If she, along with many others in Mondstadt, trust Jean that much, then she really does work hard for all of the people in Mondstadt.)

Sara: Oh, I nearly forgot. Charles the bartender said he's been having some trouble too. Why don't you stop by and see him on the way?

Hearing that he had to run back to Angel's Share again made Nintega a little annoyed as he just came from there, but he nodded anyway.

TheNintegaGuy: I'll get right on it...

Sara: *smiles* Thanks again, Hero Knight.

Nintega nods before jogging away from Good Hunter and back towards Angel's Share where he finds Charles hanging by a table right beside the entrance. Nintega walks up to him as Charles sees while raising an eyebrow.

Charles: What do you think this is, kiddo, a fruit juice store?

Nintega narrows his eyes back at him.

TheNintegaGuy: Hey, I'm an Honorary Knight of Favonius thank you very much. I came to investigate whatever problem is going on around here.

Charles: Investigate? Oh yes, you're one of the Acting Grand Master's new hotshot helpers, aren't you?

TheNintegaGuy: I don't know if a month passed from when I was given the title can be classified as "new." But in a way... yes.

Charles: Great. Tell Jean I need my quarterly tax return forms then. It's time to get Elzer onto doing the accounts again... I must say though, the tax rate on alcohol in Mondstadt is pretty steep.

TheNintegaGuy: What?! Jean handles part of the economy as well?!

Charles: Acting Grand Master Jean personally goes over all the accounts. After all, the wine industry is Mondstadt's main source of income. Jean takes great pains to make sure no detail is overlooked.

TheNintegaGuy: Wow... Diluc wasn't kidding when he said that Jean had it much harder and tougher.

Charles: The Acting Grand Master's hard work indeed makes our lives a whole lot easier. We're certainly very lucky, but... to put it bluntly, we just take it for granted that that's the norm now.

Nintega was shocked to hear this as this was similar to a problem that he went through earlier with his team.

TheNintegaGuy: Oh, come on! Do you have any idea of what kind of pressure Jean is under? Why would anyone take her accomplishments for granted? She's the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt... not a tool.

Charles: *sighs* When you put it like that I do feel quite ashamed... I suppose I should give her one on the house next time she's here. Although... I doubt the Acting Grand Master even has the time to spare for that.

TheNintegaGuy: Sounds like an excuse to avoid giving our Acting Grand Master a well deserved free drink. Whatever. I'll tell Jean everything and it's all up to her to handle the rest, I guess.

Nintega then leaves Angel's Share for the second time to finally make his way over to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. When he arrives there, he spots the boss of the Cat's Tail, Margaret there as well. She turns around and notices Nintega and gets his attention.

Margaret: Hey! Nintega, right?

TheNintegaGuy: That's the name. What brings you here, Margaret?

Margaret: My cat's gone missing. Have you seen it?

Nintega shakes his head as he wasn't cat searching on his way to the headquarters.

TheNintegaGuy: Either I missed it or just have plain bad eyesight. *chuckles* Just kidding. I've never been inside of the Cat's Tail, so I wouldn't know which cat is which.

Margaret: This is a bit worrying. What if Prince can't find his way home?

TheNintegaGuy: Sorry, I'd love to help, but I've got to ask Jean something along with reporting some requests to her from some other citizens.

Margaret: You're on your way to see Jean? What a coincidence.

TheNintegaGuy: *sighs* Let me guess... You were coming here to ask Jean for help on the exact problem, weren't you?

Margaret: Yes, I wanted to see if Jean could help look for my cat.

This made Nintega raise an eyebrow in confusion as while he could understand the deliveries from Sara and the tax returns from Charles, searching for a cat doesn't sound like something you report to the Knights of Favonius.

TheNintegaGuy: Why... Why for just searching for a cat though? Can't you just ask some of the adventurers around?

Margaret: What's wrong with asking Jean? She's a really nice person.

TheNintegaGuy: That's not really a solid argument...

Margaret: Please mention it to Jean for me. I'll treat you to a brew at Cat's Tail later.

Margaret then takes her leave before Nintega could even object any further.

TheNintegaGuy: Wait, but I don't even- Ugh! Never mind... Three requests to tell Jean... I sincerely hope I'm not the one making her day worse with these commissions...

He thought out loud before turning and walking towards the Knights of Favonius headquarters. He walks inside before heading into Jean's office with a bright smile as he sees Jean looking out of the window.

TheNintegaGuy: Master Jean. I hope I'm not interrupting you on anything important.

His friendly greeting however was met with a cough from Jean which made Nintega look at her confused.

TheNintegaGuy: Umm... Acting Grand Master Jean?

Still no response from his superior. It made things kinda awkward with how silent Jean was being right now which unnerved Nintega somewhat. He didn't want the feeling to last, so he walked right up behind her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

TheNintegaGuy: Uh... Master Jean? Jeany Jean-Jean?

That action finally got something out of her as her body flinched and her head slowly turned to him.

Jean: Oh! It's you, Nintega. Sorry, I must've been daydreaming. How can I assist?

TheNintegaGuy: Well, before you assist me, there's actually a bunch of other people who need your help...

Jean walks over to her desk and Nintega could've sworn that he saw her wobble a little while she was walking as if she was dizzy. Nonetheless, he shrugged that off as Jean sits down at her desk.

Jean: Really? In that case, who is in need of assistance?

TheNintegaGuy: I'll explain each of them briefly. Sara said that some deliveries are being blocked by Hilichurls over by Springvale, so she'll need a party of Knights to clear them. Charles said something about tax returns in Mondstadt's wine industry. And as much as I don't think this is your problem, Margaret's looking for a lost cat of hers, hoping that you could probably help out with that.

Jean nods in response to this as it looked like she was trying to keep herself awake. There weren't any bags under her eyes, but she looked like she was very exhausted and ill.

Jean: I see. Well, thank you for your service to the people of Mondstadt. *cough* I have made a note of these commissions in my files and I will... make arrangements... accordingly.

She says this, but her head felt like it was spinning and of course Nintega couldn't tell too well from his perspective.

TheNintegaGuy: Great. Anyways, there was something that I was hoping that I could ask you if you don't mind, Master Jean. You see I've been having some doubts lately about me being leader and I was hoping that maybe you could answer this question that was rolling through my mind. I just can't help, but wonder...

Suddenly, Nintega hears a loud thud come from Jean's desk and his head snaps in the direction of it. To his shock, as well as slight horror, Jean had collapsed onto her desk, seemingly not moving. In a rush, Nintega ran over to her, shaking her shoulder.

TheNintegaGuy: J-Jean?! Jean, are you okay?! Say something! A-Anything!

Of course, not a single word came out from Jean's mouth as this made Nintega panic as he needed to get her to the Cathedral as soon as possible. He takes one of her arms and wraps it around the back of his neck while trying to keep her upright, the best that he can. He busts open the door to her office with a kick making some of the other Knights around the headquarters look towards it. Out came Nintega with an out cold Jean as he had a look of pure seriousness on his face.

TheNintegaGuy: I need ANY Knight of Favonius to help get the Acting Grand Master to the Cathedral! NOW!

That order was loud and clear as a couple of Knights of Favonius rushed over to help Nintega carry Jean, so that they can get her to the Cathedral to see if her little sister, Barbara, could help out.

It didn't take long at all to get Jean to the Cathedral and to no one's surprise, Barbara was definitely shocked to see that her sister fainted so suddenly. With a little bit of assistance, Barbara brought Jean to the same room in the church where she healed Jordan. All that was left to do was wait as Nintega sat in the Cathedral for a little while, until he sees Barbara coming back out. Nintega stands up before walking over to her with extreme concern.

TheNintegaGuy: I-Is Jean going to be okay? I-I saw what happened in her office and it really scared me. Her condition isn't serious, is it?

Barbara shakes her head with a small smile.

Barbara: It's just burnout from work stress. She'll be fine after a good old rest. Thanks for bringing her here, Nintega. She may have tried to keep soldiering on otherwise.

TheNintegaGuy: Barbara... this isn't a regular thing with her, is it?

Barbara: *saddened sigh* I... wish I could say no to that. Poor Jean. She has always been one to push herself too hard while overlooking her own needs. So, to answer your question, this isn't the first time something like this has happened.

TheNintegaGuy: I figured... because honestly... I can relate to that a little.

Mondstadt's resident healer looks at him with mild surprise.

Barbara: Really? How so?

TheNintegaGuy: Back where my friends and I come from... we all work hard to entertain our own audience, but out of all of them... I'm the most dedicated to what I do. So dedicated that I pretty much put aside all other responsibilities or needs that I had. There were times I even pulled all-nighters just because I didn't want to disappoint others or leave them waiting for something new to come out. I guess you could say anxiety was controlling me and I'm sure the same thing can be said about Jean.

Barbara listened to this and she was in fact surprised that Nintega shared a similar habit to Jean before nodding.

Barbara: I see...

However, this gave her a small idea seeing that Jean was currently ill and no one was monitoring Jean's duties at the moment. Since Nintega had experienced and adapted to this kind of situation, maybe he could help out.

Barbara: ...Anyway, you're the leader of the Honorary Knights, aren't you Nintega?

TheNintegaGuy: Um, yeah. Why?

Barbara: Well, while the Master is down, the knights should share her burden, no?

TheNintegaGuy: Uh, yeah, but... that seems like a job for one of the more official Knights of Favonius, don't you think?

Barbara: Jean has so much to do, an extra pair of hands can't hurt. You should go and check in at the headquarters. Jean will be fine with just me here.

Nintega had no idea how to respond to this as Barbara literally implied for him to take care of Jean's responsibilities for the day while she is in her little sister's care. Though the more he thought about it, what choice did he have?

TheNintegaGuy: *sighs* Alright then. You are an expert in healing after all with how you were able to take care of Jordan when he was injured... I'll see what I can do.

Barbara: I hope you have a prosperous day, Nintega. Tell Jordan I said hi for me if you see him.

TheNintegaGuy: Will do.

He said before walking out of the cathedral, but while he did say that he will try and take care of things, Nintega will still be a little unsure of himself.

Back outside, Nintega was walking back to the Knights of Favonius headquarters with a rather annoyed look on his face.

TheNintegaGuy: *mocking Diluc* "It doesn't matter if the burden is heavy, it matters that you carry it." *mocking Barbara* "While the Master is down, the Knights should share her burden, no?"

He then lets out a loud frustrated groan with both of his hands on his head.

TheNintegaGuy: What if I don't want the burden?! Has anyone ever considered that?!

He then calms himself down with a deep breath and a sigh.

TheNintegaGuy: I just don't get it. Why am I leader? Why do I have to be the one to take responsibility of everything. That should be Lumine's job. Doesn't matter now though... I can't ask Jean about anything right now and I have no idea where the other guys are... Let's see... What were those commissions again?

He said before he heard a familiar voice chuckle.

???: *chuckles* You always talk to yourself?

Nintega broke out of his thoughts before looking towards the voice to see the Cavalry Captain himself, Kaeya walking out of the Knights of Favonius headquarters with his usual charming smirk on his face.

TheNintegaGuy: Sometimes I'm the only one who likes to listen to themselves talk about their own problems... Then again, I'm just telling myself stuff that I already know.

Kaeya: Trust me, I tend to do that sometimes myself. *chuckles* Anyways, I have been informed about Jean falling ill and that you were the one who took her to the hospital. On behalf of all of the Knights of Favonius, allow me to express my sincere gratitude for your assistance, Nintega.

Nintega raises an eyebrow as the display of sudden flattery was not what he was expecting from Kaeya.

TheNintegaGuy: Since when were you so courteous and polite?

Kaeya: Haha... Well, the circumstances warrant it. This is the Acting Grand Master herself we're talking about. Now, in addition to my thank-you message, there was one other thing...

TheNintegaGuy: *sigh* A job or commission, I assume?

Kaeya smiles before crossing his arms.

Kaeya: It's like you read my mind! We have quite a connection, don't you think?

TheNintegaGuy: Don't try to smooth talk me... I know you say that to everybody... Anyways, I know about the commissions that Jean had to take care of and I've already been asked to help fill in for her.

Kaeya: Well then, my next request shouldn't be any surprise to you either.

TheNintegaGuy: Why's that?

Kaeya: Although the commissions you reported to Jean have already been handed off to someone else... I am concerned that they will not be handled with due care without Jean's personal touch. So I am hoping that you can help out where you see fit. I will feel much more at ease knowing that the leader of the Honorary Knights is personally overseeing these cases.

TheNintegaGuy: (Great... First Master Diluc, then Barbara, and now Kaeya is putting all of Jean's current responsibilities on me... Could this day get any worse? ...Actually, please don't answer that universe.) *sighs* It'll be a cakewalk... but you can count on me to take care of things. What are you going to do then? You can always help me out too, ya know.

Kaeya: Haha... Oh, I have far more important matters to attend to. There are so many things to... to prepare.

TheNintegaGuy: Prepare wha-

He then facepalms while shaking his head knowing that he's not going to get any further answers.

TheNintegaGuy: Never mind... I'll go take a look at Jean's commissions and work things out from there. I'll even make sure things are taken care of as flawlessly as Jean does them.

Kaeya nods before waving and taking his leave.

Kaeya: I appreciate the help. See you later!

Nintega reluctantly waves back at Kaeya before looking down at the ground while sighing and he walks back into the Knights of Favonius headquarters and back into Jean's office so that he could get a recap of what requests Jean recorded down before she fainted.

He noticed an unfinished written document on her desk as he picks it up and reads it thoroughly to see that this was the one with the most recent commissions on him. He was still a little unsure about him taking charge of the Acting Grand Master's duties while she was sick, but then he remembered something earlier about what Diluc told him about Jean having it a lot tougher than him leading his own team. Nintega looks down at Jean's desk with the empty chair before looking back at the document in his hand. Someone had to step up and take charge of everything that was going on and who more qualified to do so than him. Nintega gains a determined glare before folding the document up and putting it in his pocket.

TheNintegaGuy: As much as I want to question why you think I'm qualified to be a leader... I know now that there's no better time than to prove it than this situation that we're all in. Rest easy, Master Jean. We'll take care of things from here.

He said this before walking back outside with a newfound resolve as now is Nintega's time to prove that he is indeed someone good to lead. As he was walking back in the city, he pulls out the document to take a look at it one last time.

TheNintegaGuy: Well, no better place to start than Good Hunter. Doesn't mean that this will be easy though...

He then walks down to the plaza and when he went towards Good Hunter, he was a little surprised to see Amber, Lumine, and Paimon already there. His curiosity leads him over to them, greeting them as he got closer.

TheNintegaGuy: Hey, girls. How goes it?

Amber was the first to turn to him, smiling as she did so.

Amber: Oh, hey, Nintega!

Lumine: What's up?

Paimon: Hi there!

The other two greeted as well.

TheNintegaGuy: What brings you three here?

Amber: I was just about to get started on a commission that Jean had for Sara here and Lumine and Paimon decided to tag along.

Nintega grew slightly skeptical as he looked at Lumine with crossed arms.

TheNintegaGuy: Did Paimon beg you to tag along with this because food was involved?

Paimon: Hey! Paimon's right here!

She shouted, stomping the air in a tantrum.

Lumine: *giggles* No. Paimon and I had nothing better to do and since I just got done searching around for my brother, I decided to see what Amber was up to.

TheNintegaGuy: Is that so?

He asked, turning to Amber.

TheNintegaGuy: I would have thought that you'd be here with Jordan since...

He leans closer to the bunny themed Outrider, smirking deviously.

TheNintegaGuy: You two are not just partners on the job... you're partners in life too~

Both Lumine and Paimon let out an "oooooh" while smirking as Amber looked down sheepishly, blushing while rubbing the back of her head.

Amber: C-Come on! Enough with the teasing already! Besides, Jordan's busy working with Lisa today, so I couldn't ask him even if I wanted to.

TheNintegaGuy: Eh, makes sense. So you're all in on the food deliveries?

Amber: Yep. Who better than an Outrider and the Traveler Knight to mop up some Hilichurls on the delivery route?

They all then heard a worried sigh from Sara as they all turned to her and Amber reassured her anxiousness.

Amber: Sara... What are you still stressing about? I'm an Outrider, and I won't disappoint!

Sara: You misunderstand me. I don't doubt your abilities, I'm just overwhelmed at the number of orders piling up in front of me. Another bizarre order came up just now. It's like they're hosting a banquet or something...

Paimon: Wow, that does seem stressful. Though Paimon knows more about eating than cooking, so Paimon can't help.

Lumine: I do know a few basic recipes, but I mostly learned those from camping.

And of course, Amber couldn't do anything since she was already on delivery duty. Nintega looks at all three of them before looking back towards Sara with a confident look while putting his hands on his hips.

TheNintegaGuy: You guys take care of the deliveries! I'll help with the cooking!

All of them look towards Nintega in shock that he volunteered to help Sara cook. They didn't even know that Nintega knew how to cook.

Sara: Really! You don't mind helping?

TheNintegaGuy: Things have already gone in disarray with Jean not being able to help. The least that I can do is make sure that no one else gets stressed out by any problems that they might be having.

Sara's shock disappeared in a blink and was replaced with sheer joy.

Sara: That would be wonderful! You really are the Good Hunter's guardian angel.

Amber: Yeah well... those Hilichurls are going to be a handful too.

Sara: Well, why don't you take this order?

She hands Nintega a slip of paper.

Sara: Start by getting the ingredients.

Paimon: Are you sure Nintega can be trusted? It might end up tasting a bit funky...

Nintega aims her an annoyed glare.

TheNintegaGuy: Hey! I can make pancakes, pizza, and a friend I know from back home taught me many times on how to make pudding! This should be a walk in the park for me... Hopefully...

Lumine: Well, I guess it's better than just making steak and eggs.

Sara: We're well past the point of aiming for perfection. This is now a fight to save the Good Hunter's business.

Paimon raised an eyebrow at this.

Paimon: A fight?

Sara: For this dish, we need three sweet flowers and three fowls.

TheNintegaGuy: Alright, that sounds simple enough.

Sara: Okay, go and get ready. You too, Amber. I'll be waiting here.

Amber: O-Okay...

All three of them left Good Hunter before Amber aims one more skeptical eyebrow towards Nintega.

Amber: You sure you know how to cook? Last time I asked something like that, you boys didn't even look like you knew how to swing a sword.

TheNintegaGuy: Oh, ye of little faith, Amber. What happened next up to now? Honorary Knights, great heroes of Mondstadt, and still are. I'm sure cooking is merely just asking me to do this with my hands behind my back... blindfolded!

Lumine and Paimon looked at Nintega with deadpan looks as he's really pushing it and Nintega quickly noticed their reactions.

TheNintegaGuy: N-Not that I'd do that! Unless it was an actual challenge...

Lumine: How's about actually getting good at cooking first before attempting such a reckless challenge?

Paimon: Paimon agrees...

TheNintegaGuy: *sighs* Look... How about you guys take care of the deliveries and I'll surprise you later with what my cooking skills actually are?

Paimon crosses her arms.

Paimon: We're only allowed to say it's good if it's Paimon-approved. If Paimon doesn't think it tastes good then that'll prove your cooking skills.

TheNintegaGuy: How is that fair...?

Paimon: Because-

Before Paimon could cause more drama, Lumine puts a hand over her mouth before pulling Paimon away.

Lumine: D-Don't listen to her, Nintega... Just do the best that you can, alright?

Amber: What she said. Now, come on you two! Those hilichurls aren't going to exterminate themselves!

Lumine: Right, right. Let's get going!

Amber and Lumine head off which meant that it was up to Nintega to gather the proper ingredients so that he could help Sara cook for the orders that had gathered up. He brings a hand to his chin before gaining a smile.

TheNintegaGuy: Sweet Flowers are seen almost everywhere, so those shouldn't be a big deal. As for the fowl... I guess I can try to kill two birds with one stone... literally.

He then facepalms at the terrible build-up of that.

TheNintegaGuy: Okay, that was terrible... Jordan would have made something a lot better and cornier than that...

It didn't take Nintega too long as he went out to find a bunch of Sweet Flowers and several pieces of Fowl from birds. He came back to Sara and showed her the ingredients as he placed them all up on the counter.

TheNintegaGuy: Is this enough for one of the meals on the banquet order?

Sara: Yep, that's everything. Now - order No. 7 is for one Sweet Madame.

TheNintegaGuy: And here goes me going from Hero Knight to Hero Chef...

Sara: You did say you'd help Good Hunter out - be sure to serve it while it's hot.

Nintega looks down at the ingredients with a confused glance before looking over at the furnace next to the counter. He takes the ingredients before walking over to the furnace and he gets down on his knees before he puts the ingredients inside along with using a couple of cooking utensils lying above the furnace and he gets to work with cooking the Sweet Madame that was needed.

After a half hour, Nintega pulled out his finished product of a Sweet Madame, and it looked smoking hot and delicious that it almost started to make him hungry.

TheNintegaGuy: (Geez... Maybe Paimon's right... It is kind of easy to get hungry when you're looking at such delicious food made in Teyvat.)

As his thoughts rolled around that, Sara called out to him.

Sara: Nintega, is that Sweet Madame finished?

He nods before carefully picking it up with some cooking gloves before setting it down on the counter. Sara smells it for a second before a bright smile grows on her face and she claps her hands together.

Sara: Mmm! That smells absolutely divine! This is nothing less than what I would expect from a head chef, never mind a sous chef...

TheNintegaGuy: Heh, what'd I tell ya? And you guys didn't believe that I knew how to cook well. If you think it smells nice, then I can't wait to see Paimon's reaction to this.

Sara: *chuckles* I'll take your word for it. Since you cook so well... You might as well take this Sticky Honey Roast next.

Nintega was already starting to feel his mouth water from the memory of having such a delectable dish and he had to keep himself composed enough so that he didn't drool.

TheNintegaGuy: S-Sure thing! I had that twice with my friends when Amber showed us around town, so the taste of it along with the looks alone should help a bit... It's Good Hunter's signature dish, right?

Sara: That's right, a mainstay of the Good Hunter menu. It's my pride and joy! The Knights order it almost every time they come here for a gathering.

TheNintegaGuy: They do?

He said this before putting a finger to his chin.

TheNintegaGuy: (What if the Knights of Favonius themselves made this order...? And for what occasion exactly? The Acting Grand Master is sick, so a banquet wouldn't exactly make sense.)

Sara: Let me teach you the recipe for a Sticky Honey Roast...

TheNintegaGuy: Wh-What?! Just like that! You just said it's your pride and joy! Why would you teach me how to make it?

Sara: With your cooking skills, I don't think you will be doing a disservice to the Good Hunter brand! Hee-hee.

She then reaches down under the counter before handing Nintega a piece of paper that he reads and it was the said recipe for Stick Honey Roast.

Sara: As soon as that Sticky Honey Roast is ready, please bring it here.

Nintega nods before looking down at the paper again and this time, he'll need some Raw Meat, Carrots, and Sugar in order to make Sticky Honey Roast. This gave Nintega a small idea as he realized that Sweet Flowers are high in sugary content, which is why they're used to make Sugar. He pulls out some leftover Sweet Flowers that he picked up earlier from his pocket before walking back over to the furnace and quickly turning some of the Sweet Flowers into some Sugar. He places the bottles above before realizing that he'll need to fetch some Raw Meat and Carrots for the Sticky Honey Roast to be done as well.

It took longer than last time, but Nintega was able to farm just the exact amount of ingredients needed for the Sticky Honey Roast as just like the last process, he placed all of the ingredients in the furnace, and out came a finished smoking hot Stick Honey Roast. He wipes some sweat from his forehead before placing the large meal on the counter and Sara was impressed while Nintega was a little exhausted.

Sara: This is... Wow. Did you really cook this? This is quite simply astonishing. You were born to be a head chef!

TheNintegaGuy: *panting* (Now I'm starting to see how Jean passed out... This really is hard work when you're just trying to make things easier for the people of Mondstadt...) Thanks... But... maybe I'll need my comrades' approval... before becoming a culinary expert... Am I off the kitchen duty now? Cause I don't think I have the energy to run back and forth for ingredients right now...

Sara: Yes, thanks ever so much for your help. Amber and the Traveler Knight, Lumine, should be able to take care of everything else. If you ever get tired of being an adventurer, there'll be a job waiting for you at Good Hunter if you want it!

TheNintegaGuy: ...I'll pass. I'm more of a guy who prefers getting in on the action...

Sara: Suit yourself. My offer's always open.

Nintega turns away while stretching out his back with a couple of cracks before taking out the document of commissions again.

TheNintegaGuy: Is this really what Master Jean does everyday? How in the heck does she sleep?

He then looks at the document again and the next commission that was to be done made him sigh, being both annoyed and relieved.

TheNintegaGuy: Catching cats... You can't get a job any more simple and pointless than this one... Since Margaret's trying to catch the cat, I doubt that she would be in the Cat's Tail right now. Maybe she can give me a couple of pointers on what this cat actually looks like.

He then looks up from the document and his eyes shot open in slight surprise to see that near the fountain, Margaret was standing there with Venti and Shadow as the bard was currently speaking with her.

Venti: ...So, yours is the cat that went missing.

Closing the parchment in his hand, Nintega approaches them.

TheNintegaGuy: Venti? Shadow?

Shadowlight2784: Oh, hey. What's up, pal?

Venti: Hello, fellow lover of Mondstadt!

TheNintegaGuy: So, Mister Tone-Deaf Bard, I guess you're here to help Margaret too, right?

Venti: Me, here to help you? Why, on the contrary, it is I who needs helping!

He corrected with his usual gusto, confounding Nintega.

TheNintegaGuy: Wait... so, you aren't here to help Margaret find Prince?

Venti: Aha! So, Prince is the name of the feline who thieved my spare astral iron strings! Though, it gladdens my heart to see that the free spirited ethos of Mondstadt is alive and well in creatures great and small... Still, it's a bit audacious!

Margaret: *giggles* Prince is a mischievous little rascal alright!

Shadow then crosses his arms.

Shadowlight2784: Or perhaps the owner spoiled them into becoming a mischievous little rascal...

TheNintegaGuy: Yep... Exactly like how Barbatos does...

He said this while looking towards Venti who only lightly chuckles at this.

Venti: Ahaha, yes, quite... quite... Ahem! Now, let's see about getting ourselves an audience with this little highness, Prince Rascal of Mondstadt! I have a performance tonight, and without my spare strings, I shall have to disappoint my audience.

Shadowlight2784: Aside from maybe having something to play with, what use would a cat have from a few lyre strings?

Margaret: It's exactly what you just said! Everyone knows cats go crazy for a ball of string!

TheNintegaGuy: Ex...cuse me?

Venti: These lyre strings are made of astral iron, which contains Anemo energy. That makes them extremely durable, so I normally just roll them up in a ball to make them easier to carry. That's the trick of the trade from a traveling bard!

TheNintegaGuy: So... these strings of yours have Anemo energy in them? *sigh* Dang. If Lumine was here, she'd easily be able to track them down with her Elemental Sight.

Shadowlight2784: Well... we possess Anemo energy too, right? Maybe using it can show some tracks left behind by Prince as well.

TheNintegaGuy: I... never really thought of that. It's worth a shot. Elemental energy does linger. I'll see if I can use that to track down Prince around here.

Margaret: Thank you all. Prince should be somewhere around the Marketplace. It's a black cat that you're looking for.

Shadow aims Nintega a smug smirk.

Shadowlight2784: Get ready to get struck with bad luck.

Nintega aimed Shadow a deadpan look right back at him.

TheNintegaGuy: If Margaret was able to survive this long with Prince without a scratch then I doubt that superstition is true...

Margaret: Oh... Take this fish, it's little Prince's favorite food.

She hands them a fish.

Margaret: Maybe it will help you find him.

TheNintegaGuy: Alright. We'll get to it immediately then. Hang tight, Margaret.

She nods back at him before Nintega and Shadow jog off to find the missing cat. They looked around the market area as they spotted several cats, but none of them were black.

Shadowlight2784: Huh, you'd think that for a black cat, we'd be unlucky enough to actually come across it... or would that make us lucky in this case?

TheNintegaGuy: ...Okay, I know this game has a ton of RNG Shadow... but I'm sure the cats ain't one of 'em.

Shadowlight2784: Still, that just sounds like a million dollar question to me.

Seeing how they're getting nowhere so far by just blindly searching around, Nintega put some Anemo energy into his hand and tried the method that Shadow explained earlier as he throws a blast of wind downwards which spreads... and reveals some green traces of Anemo energy flowing in the wind as it pointed towards a direction.

TheNintegaGuy: Or maybe we're lucky enough to know that we may not need Lumine's Elemental Sight after all.

With a confident smirk, Nintega leads the way with Shadow behind him as they followed the trail of Anemo energy. It was a little tricky, but eventually, Nintega and Shadow found Prince walking around by his lonesome in an alleyway.

TheNintegaGuy: Phew, finally! There he is!

He tries to take a step towards Prince, but the cat notices them immediately and it begin walking faster in another direction. Nintega sighs from this before Shadow walks up to him.

Shadowlight2784: Prince isn't our cat, so of course he's not going to just be comfortable with us immediately... Actually, I can relate to cats a bit in that regard...

TheNintegaGuy: Well, good thing Margaret came prepared with the proper bait.

He said this before pulling out a piece of fish and so did Shadow as they both looked around a corner to see Prince playing with the same ball of string that belonged to Venti as they both looked at each other with a nod before placing their fish gently down on the ground.

TheNintegaGuy: Alright, here Princey. Get the fishy.

He called in his best sounding cat luring voice. The feline stopped what it was doing to shoot a glance in Nintega's direction, its pupils dilating when it spotted the fish. Putting down the ball of string, the cat slowly stalked its way over to the fish, eyeing it curiously. It goes to take a bite, but Nintega swiftly swipes him off the ground, now holding the black cat in his arms. Nintega smirks at this accomplishment while Shadow points towards him.

Shadowlight2784: I'm telling ya... You're on the verge of bad luck there...

Nintega gives him an annoyed look.

TheNintegaGuy: Make yourself useful and get the yarn...

Shadow rolls his eyes before walking to pick up Venti's special Anemo string as he tosses it up into the air before turning back towards Nintega.

Shadowlight2784: That was a lot easier than it looked.

TheNintegaGuy: Which is why I don't get why Margaret put this as a commission for Jean to take care of... *sighs* Doesn't matter now. At least we won't have to put up any lost cat posters... let alone anymore missing person posters.

Shadowlight2784: Still no sign of Aether anywhere, huh?

TheNintegaGuy: *sigh* Nope. We don't even know if he's even in Mondstadt at this point...

Prince then meows a little bit in Nintega's arms and that made him think that the cat was probably tired of being held which gave Nintega a nervous look.

TheNintegaGuy: Let's get Prince back to Margaret before he decides to scratch my hair as much as a certain Tsun-Kitty friend of ours does to me.

Shadowlight2784: Careful now. With this cat around, she might actually have heard you.

He joked with a smirk, earning a roll of the eyes from Nintega.

TheNintegaGuy: *groans* For the last time, Prince. Is not. Bad luck! Nothing has even happened!

He said this before a random glass bottle drops and shatters on the ground out of nowhere near the two. They both look at it before back at each other in shock.

TheNintegaGuy: ...Okay, let's go.

They both made their way back to Margaret with Prince on hand. After a few seconds, they reach her again as her face lights up upon noticing them.

Margaret: Prince! Where did you go running off to? Thank goodness you're safe...

She exclaims, taking the cat back into her possession.

TheNintegaGuy: It wasn't easy, but we thankfully got him back safely.

Shadowlight2784: After nearly having our heads caved in due to a falling po-

Nintega pierces Shadow with a fiery gaze while doing a slit throat gesture, telling him to be quiet.

Shadowlight2784: Y-Yeah... What he said.

However, their banter went unnoticed by Margaret who just hugged her cat Prince, affectionately.

Margaret: Oh Princey, how could you leave me like that...?

TheNintegaGuy: I think we should give those two some alone time.

Shadow raises a finger to get ready to make a rather suggestive joke, but Nintega quickly stopped him.

TheNintegaGuy: Don't!

In response, Shadow pouts and shakes his head before reaching into his pocket and taking out the ball of string Venti lost, handing it to him.

Shadowlight2784: Here's your lyre strings, Ven. Try not to lose them again next time.

Venti: You found them! Wonderful! I was not optimistic they would turn up. I daresay a private performance played using these very same strings would not be an excessive way to show gratitude!

Suddenly, Venti's nose twitched, looking like he was about to sneeze. His eyes slowly close and sure enough, he sneezes loudly, surprising both Nintega and Shadow.

TheNintegaGuy: Uhh... gesundheit.

Venti: *sniffs* Thanks. Haha... Apologies. At this distance, my cat allergy seems to be rearing its head...

Shadowlight2784: I assume that's the reason you didn't go looking for the strings yourself?

Venti: *sheepishly chuckles* Anyways, thanks for the help! I'll be going now-

He's cut off by yet another urge to sneeze and he turns his head away to let it out.

TheNintegaGuy: O...kay. You should probably get going before you start getting hives all over your face.

Venti: *sniff* Oh, don't worry. Cats just make me sneeze. I don't go into breakouts. I'll still take your advice though. Catch you both at the party!

He turns and walks away, waving to Shadow and Nintega before turning a corner.

Shadowlight2784: In that case, I should probably take my leave as well. I promised Kaeya I'd help set everything up. You coming, Nintega?

Nintega however was flat out speechless as the cat was out of the bag.

TheNintegaGuy: Party? What's this about a party? I wasn't informed of any party.

Shadowlight2784: Oh, uhh... forget what I just said! See ya!

Not even giving his friend a chance to stop him, Shadow sprinted down an alleyway, disappearing and leaving Nintega by himself once again.

TheNintegaGuy: Wait, Shadow- I... Ugh! ...A party is happening? For whom? It's no one's birthday... At least, I'm not aware of any today...

This rolls in circles through Nintega's mind as he pulls out the document again from his pocket to check out the rest of the commissions that he had to take care of for Jean and it turns out the last one was back at Angel's Share.

As Nintega was walking to Angel's Share, he couldn't stop thinking about what kind of party Shadow was talking about as there were no hints or leads on who it could possibly be for.

TheNintegaGuy: It's definitely not my birthday... I would've known that sooner... I don't think Lumine ever told us hers either so she's out of the picture too... I'm confused. Why would the Knights need to set up a random party for no special reason?

He questions this before finally reaching Angel's Share and he sees Charles talking with both Jordan and Lisa as he approaches them all.

TheNintegaGuy: Jordan AND Lisa...? Heh, why am I not surprised?

His voice makes Jordan turn to him, surprised by his sudden appearance.

Jordanwolfboy9743: Oh, hey, pal. Here to settle the tax return dilemma too?

TheNintegaGuy: Yeah, I've already helped with two other commissions. I take it that you two have already been filled in on the situation regarding Jean as well?

Lisa: You're quite right. After we heard about poor Jean, we thought we'd lend a hand with some of her more literary duties.

TheNintegaGuy: Huh, okay.

He replied before putting on a smirk.

TheNintegaGuy: You two lovebirds need your private time anyways, so I'll be going in that case~.

His teasing led to Jordan blushing and pouting while looking away while Lisa just simply giggled.

Jordanwolfboy9743: *sigh* J-Just go already.

Lisa: Now, wait a moment, Jordan darling. I do think your dear friend here could be helpful to us after all.

Raising an eyebrow, Jordan looks back at her.

Jordanwolfboy9743: How so?

Lisa: Well, Charles here was wondering-

She was about to say, but Charles interjected.

Charles: Please, allow me, ma'am.

He clears his throat before turning towards Nintega.

Charles: I just took a rather important order, but unfortunately we've run completely dry and the delivery from the winery is behind schedule. If it's not too much trouble, Hero Knight, could you go and do something about this logistical nuisance?

TheNintegaGuy: Um, sure thing, but... Why is this so urgent?

Charles: *sigh* It came in at the last minute. Literally, just a few seconds ago.

Lisa: Exactly, hence the urgency.

TheNintegaGuy: Well, what about you two? Can't the both of you handle it?

Jordanwolfboy9743: We can't. We've gotta go help set up-

Lisa clears her throat loudly in the middle of his sentence, leading to Jordan peering back at her before his eyes widened at seeing that she was giving him a slight, Electro fueled glare. Almost immediately, Jordan's face dissolves into a sheepish grin and he turns back to Nintega.

Jordanwolfboy9743: O-Oh, right! Can't say anything yet!

All this did was make Nintega even more suspicious and confused.

TheNintegaGuy: Okay... What's going on here? What exactly is happening that I must not know about?

Lisa: It's... not important. Oh, would you look at the time! We really must be going. Until then, Nintega.

She waves at him before grabbing Jordan by the side of his collar, dragging him along as he gulped nervously. Nintega groans with a hand on his head while he shakes it slightly annoyed.

Nintega made his way out towards the road path near the Dawn Winery with his arms crossed.

TheNintegaGuy: Well, this day couldn't have gotten any weirder. First, my team doesn't follow my orders, then Jean becomes ill, and now there's some... party or something that I'm not supposed to know about for some reason...

Nintega then notices a Transport Balloon up ahead in the middle of the entire trench as he jogs over to it.

TheNintegaGuy: So this is where the backed up delivery ended up.

Suddenly, another person's voice rang out.

Ernest: Have you come to rescue me? I've been waiting long enough.

Nintega turned towards the sound of his voice as he had come out of a hiding spot clearly eluding some hilichurls.

Ernest: In all the time I've been working at the winery, this is the first time I've been robbed by hilichurls. *sigh* If you'd taken any longer, I don't know what I would've done.

TheNintegaGuy: Well, you can't expect me to just teleport myself here. (Even though you can actually do that in the game to avoid these tedious walks around Teyvat...) And hilichurls...?

He then smirks with his arms crossed.

TheNintegaGuy: This is what I've been waiting for. Finally some action.

He then turns around while summoning out his sword before looking back at Ernest over his shoulder.

TheNintegaGuy: Don't worry, I'm not going to let a single hilichurl touch these precious deliveries.

Ernest: Just as well. Then... please escort this transporter to the end of the road. And be careful with it. Just beating up the hilichurls is not the aim here. You'd better make sure the goods stay intact because I certainly don't have the Mora to replace them. I'll be waiting up ahead.

The man leaves his cargo with Nintega before jogging down the road to meet up with him later. The cargo in question was placed upon a small carrier tied to balloons with propellers in the back. Looking down the long, treacherous path ahead, Nintega knew he had to be careful if he wanted to get the shipment to the other side safely.

He had his sword out while thoroughly guarding the transport balloon from all sides while it floated down the road and out of the trench. The journey was silent at first until Nintega heard some running footsteps and he sees a couple of hilichurls with a Mitachurl backing them up as he just smirks.

TheNintegaGuy: Just you guys? Heh, enough to make my evening I suppose.

The Hilichurls then all charged towards Nintega who stood his ground. One Hilichurl tried swinging its club at Nintega, but he ducked down in time to stab it in the back. He then blocked another strike from a Hilichurl before rolling off to the side and kicking it away. The Mitachurl then tries swinging its axe down vertically at Nintega who sidesteps before jumping on top of the axe and he grabs both of the Mitachurl's horns before slamming it down to the ground to disarm it.

He then jumps back up into the air before diving back down with Anemo energy all around himself to bash himself back down top of the Mitachurl to slam it even further into the ground before bouncing off of it and stabbing it in the back with an Anemo-infused sword. Nintega smiles before looking ahead to see a couple of Hilichurls carrying crossbows on top of large rocks. He smirks at seeing how they haven't noticed him yet before running ahead.

One of the Hilichurls on the rock was readying its crossbow, but Nintega surprises it from behind by choking it until it passed out. He drags this Hilichurl out of sight as its partner looked in their direction to see that they have suddenly vanished which shocked it. However, its shock was quickly diminished when Nintega kicked it in the head from behind to knock it over a large fall.

Seeing how he cleared the path of Hilichurls, Nintega smiles before jumping down back onto the surface with a sigh of relief.

TheNintegaGuy: Now this is more like it. One horde of Hilichurls to pillage just brightened my mood again.

The balloon that he was guarding then sat itself down as he successfully guided it to the end of the trench without a scratch on it. He smiles at the flawless delivery as Ernest caught up with it as well.

TheNintegaGuy: I guess I'll let you take care of things from here. You should be clear of monsters on the rest of the way to Mondstadt.

Ernest: Thank you, my friend. I thought I was in deep trouble this time, it's a good thing you showed up. I'll put in a good word for you with the gentleman at the winery.

He gives Nintega a salute before taking his cargo with him and walking away. Nintega then pulls out the parchment one last time before quickly putting it back in his pocket with a small smile.

TheNintegaGuy: Looks like that's everything. And no complaints whatsoever. *sighs* Jean's job is definitely harder than it looks when you have to run in and out of Mondstadt all day long along with paperwork that she must take care of too... At least this will be enough to please her when she gets better.

The thought then made Nintega realize something as he looks to see that it was nearly night time.

TheNintegaGuy: Speaking of which, I should go check up on her at the Cathedral. She's got to be feeling at least a little bit better.

Closing the parchment, Nintega began his long, arduous walk back to Mondstadt.

When he got there, he climbed up the hundreds of steps to reach the cathedral and did so just as the sun was beginning to set in the sky. Pushing open the two main doors, he enters the church and immediately spots Barbara who was tending to a little boy who had fallen and scraped his knee. With her talented healing, she patched him up in a jiffy before patting him on the head and sending him away, much to his joy. The boy passes Nintega and he takes that as his cue to make himself known.

TheNintegaGuy: Hey, Barbara. I finally got Jean's commissions done.

Barbara: Welcome back, Nintega! You must be exhausted.

As proof of Nintega sweating and panting just a bit as he wipes some off of his forehead.

TheNintegaGuy: You have no idea. I definitely understand what our Acting Grand Master goes through everyday. Speaking of which, how is Jean?

Barbara: Jean has regained consciousness and should be back to her normal self soon enough.

TheNintegaGuy: Awesome! Never doubted your healing capabilities for a minute, Barbara. Is it okay if I go in and see Jean? There's still something that I've been wanting to ask her.

Barbara sadly frowns while shaking her head.

Barbara: She just left the Cathedral. I tried to tell her she needs more rest, but she wouldn't listen. She tried to act like she was fine and kept saying she wanted to get some fresh air. I bet you she's gone to Lady Vennessa's place again.

Nintega raises a confused eyebrow at that.

TheNintegaGuy: ...Where?

Barbara: Oh, that huge tree at Windrise. That place is dedicated to Mondstadt's hero, Vennessa. Jean goes there whenever she feels lost and confused, deep down inside.

TheNintegaGuy: So that's why Venti calls it, "The Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero." Wait... how do you seem to know so much about Jean and how she feels? It's almost like you two are related or something. (They totally are, but I'm not gonna bring that up.)

His observation made Barbara recoil in surprise until she looked away with a nervous frown.

Barbara: Jean, uh, mentioned it to me, y'know, before she left.

TheNintegaGuy: Yeah... Uh, I'm perceptive enough to see there's more to it than that... but I'm not gonna pry. Hold on... You said Jean just recovered, right? Will she be okay in that kind of condition?

Barbara: That's what I'm worried about too. But I still have work to do here...

TheNintegaGuy: Well... I was able to help Jean once. I'll definitely be glad to help her out again. Especially after understanding the burden that she has to carry.

Nintega saying this made himself go wide eyed as something clicked in his mind from earlier as he finally gets what being a leader must feel like for Jean. This is the kind of responsibility that he should have himself for his entire team as well. Even though he understands responsibility, he still has that one question left unanswered that only Jean could answer for him. He gets a determined look before looking back at Barbara.

TheNintegaGuy: I'll take care of Jean, Barbara. I'll make sure she fully heals.

Barbara: Great! That puts my mind at rest. May the Anemo Archon protect you, Nintega... and Jean.

Nintega nods with a smile before turning to make his way back out of the Cathedral, so that he can go and check up on the Acting Grand Master.

Back over at Windrise, Nintega was at the Statue of the Seven next to the giant tree that represented Mondstadt's hero, Vennessa. He gets a good look of the tree in the night sky before he looks ahead and sees none other than Jean which made him get excited.

TheNintegaGuy: There she is.

He gets ready to jog towards her, but not before he fully sees the position that Jean was in. She was kneeling down while holding her sword which was pointed towards the ground as if praying to someone. When Nintega takes a good look at this, he quietly walks forward, curious onto whom and what Jean was praying about. He was then close enough to the point where he could hear her speak as he listened to Jean's prayers.

Jean: Lady Vennessa, I hope your watch over Mondstadt remains unclouded. I do not know if I, or the rest of the world, have become stronger as you have hoped for... Huh?

Jean looks over to the side and sees Nintega in the distance. Seeing her notice him was enough for Nintega to know that he now had an obligation to speak to her as he walks up to her with a nervous smile as he rubs the back of his head.

TheNintegaGuy: *chuckles nervously* I... wasn't interrupting anything important, was I?

All Jean responds with is a smile.

Jean: No, not at all. I was not expecting you to come here, Nintega.

TheNintegaGuy: Honestly, this is a kind of place I need to be after a day like today. Though I really came here to check up on you.

Jean: I see. Thank you for your concern.

TheNintegaGuy: Jean... I know you feel like you need to help everyone and become stronger as their Acting Grand Master, but... you have an obligation to yourself as well. Don't push yourself too hard. As one of the Honorary Knights, you can rely on me, my friends, or any of the other Knights of Favonius too.

Jean: Oh... Thank you, that means a lot to me. Hearing that boosts my spirits. But I must find a way to cope with minor setbacks like this on my own. Otherwise, how can I be the protector that Mondstadt needs me to be? The protector that Vennessa was...

She said this while looking up at the tree with a slight frown. Nintega walks up right beside her to stare up at the tree that represents Lady Vennessa as well.

TheNintegaGuy: Lady Vennessa was a true inspiration to you, huh?

Jean: *nods* She was. Vennessa was the first Grand Master, a kind yet formidable woman. I have always hoped to follow in her footsteps. As the Lionfang Knight, she courageously overthrew the oppressive ruling aristocracy of her time. Then, she founded the Knights of Favonius and became known as the Dandelion Knight, spreading grace and compassion throughout the land.

TheNintegaGuy: Wait... I thought the Dandelion Knight was your title.

Jean: Hmm... Actually, all of the Knights of Favonius' Masters throughout the ages have inherited the title of "Dandelion Knight" or "Lionfang Knight."

TheNintegaGuy: Ohhhh, I get it. You want to be gentle like the Dandelion Knight, but also fierce like the Lionfang Knight?

Jean: Yes. I know it sounds like a huge honor, inheriting both these titles from Vennessa... but I see it more as a huge responsibility. After all, it is a lot to live up to.

TheNintegaGuy: You should stick with Dandelion Knight. It might take some time for the other Knights to start calling you the Lionfang Knight.

Both of them chuckled from this before a thought came back to Nintega's head as he now sees this as his chance to ask Jean the question that has been rolling through his mind all day.

TheNintegaGuy: Um... Master Jean. I know we've both had it tough today, but... There's something I've been wanting to ask you... Why did-

Suddenly, the sound of an evil chuckle caught them both off guard as they turned towards where they both heard the sound while looking all around.

Jean: Who's there?

Out of the shadows, a Pyro Abyss Mage floats into view, being the source of the conniving sounding laughter.

Pyro Abyss Mage: Hmph... Caught red-handed. Finally, an opportunity comes to get rid of the Master in her moment of weakness...

Its gaze slowly goes over to Nintega who had his sword at the ready.

Pyro Abyss Mage: And then you had to show up and ruin everything.

TheNintegaGuy: Oh, for the love of- We aced your furry butts like four times already! You guys really want to go for number five? And you choose to try to take down the Acting Grand Master? I'm not letting that slide!

He walked forward, ready for a fight with the Abyss Mage, but a pair of footsteps following him stopped his pace. He looks back and is shocked to find Jean alongside him, brandishing her weapon as well with a fierce glare.

Jean: As long as my name is the Dandelion Knight, I swear I shall not allow harm to come to my fellow Knight nor be defeated by such despicable means!

Although she couldn't see it, Jean had made Nintega feel quite honored that she was willing to fight by his side, despite being in a weakened state. Smiling for a second, he switched to a glare and aimed it back at the Abyss Mage who just hummed.

Pyro Abyss Mage: Hmm, since this opportunity has slipped away, I shall now be slipping away in a similar fashion...

Turning itself around, the Abyss Mage began putting distance between itself and our two heroes.

Jean: Stop!

She shouted as she tried running after it, but she felt the urge to cough suddenly and she brought a hand to her mouth to stifle it. Hearing this, Nintega turned back to her, worried for her condition as he went up to her.

TheNintegaGuy: Jean, are you okay?!

His superior's coughing fit ceased for a moment, allowing her to speak again.

Jean: After him...

She commanded before her coughs started up again.

TheNintegaGuy: Jean... you're in no condition to fight normally. You should rest up and leave this to me.

Jean: No. I must go after him...

TheNintegaGuy: Jean, with all do respect, I can't let you do that. I'm a fellow Knight too, aren't I? Why can't you just trust me enough to let me deal with this myself?

Jean recomposes herself as best as she could and looks back at him.

Jean: I do trust you, Nintega... But to let an enemy get away like this would be a major dereliction of my duty.

Nintega looks at Jean before down at the ground, sighing in defeat.

TheNintegaGuy: *sigh* Alright then. But as the leader of the Honorary Knights, I'm going with you.

Jean: *smiles* Thank you for understanding. I will graciously accept your help.

Nintega gives her a nod.

TheNintegaGuy: Although... I do think you should at least lean on me until we find where that mage is hiding to make it a little easier for you.

Nintega then realizes what he just said as he gets a little embarrassed while rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

TheNintegaGuy: J-Just to support you, of course. I-I mean... I know you walked here and all, but I-I'm not trying to say that you're weak...

Jean: *giggles* It's okay. I can walk and jog just fine. No need to worry too much about my safety.

Nintega smiles a bit at this before they both turn to chase after the Abyss Mage.

Their pursuit took them inside of a domain as both Nintega and Jean ended up inside of a large open temple that was likely the stronghold that belonged to the Abyss Mage. They both looked around for the trickster before Nintega points just up ahead.

TheNintegaGuy: There it is!

They both see the Abyss Mage flying ahead of them as it cut a corner.

Jean: After him!

Nintega quickly took off with Jean following right behind him, but once they made it to the corner, Nintega stepped on a pressure plate beneath his foot which made him look down with worried look.

TheNintegaGuy: What the...?

Suddenly, an explosion hits Nintega as he yelled out in pain while being blown back towards a wall. He lands on his bottom while holding his left arm and he groans in pain. Jean quickly ran over to Nintega, extremely worried.

Jean: Nintega! Are you okay?! You're not hurt too badly, are you?!

TheNintegaGuy: *groans* I'm okay... It's not my sword-swinging arm.

He groaned a little bit more as it took some effort for him to stand back up on his feet.

TheNintegaGuy: That Abyss Mage was prepared for when we would follow it...

Jean: One of my own being injured because of me is the last thing that I would wish for.

She said this with a guilty look before giving Nintega a fierce glare.

Jean: ...Let me handle this alone.

TheNintegaGuy: W-What?! No way! I can't let you do this by yourself, Jean! I'm sticking beside you all the way... Not just as the leader of the Honorary Knights, but also as one of your friends... Besides...

He then looks ahead with a fierce grin.

TheNintegaGuy: It's going to take more than just a little explosion to take me down.

The sheer determination on his face was enough to tell Jean that he wasn't gonna comply with her initial request. Sighing, she looks down briefly before tilting her head back up.

Jean: ...Okay. But before we move out, at least let me heal you with my Dandelion Breeze.

Nintega then looked back at Jean curiously.

TheNintegaGuy: Dandelion Breeze?

Without saying another word, Jean summons out her sword before walking up to Nintega and she holds her sword upright in front of herself while closing her eyes. Her Vision then glows as a small field of Anemo magic envelope both of them with small green dandelions floating in it as well. In just a quick second, Nintega felt the minor injury he had disappeared as he shook his arm around and he felt little to no pain which made him smile brightly.

TheNintegaGuy: Master Jean... You're amazing!

Jean smiles at the compliment before they both made their way through the domain to continue following the Abyss Mage that tried to catch Jean off guard. Their trip took them both to an open zone in the temple as they both see the Abyss Mage in the distance. They pull out their weapons ready to fight.

TheNintegaGuy: Halt! Abyss Mage!

Pyro Abyss Mage: The halting of the Abyss Order is not a thing in which the ones that are mortals will be doing to the Abyss Order!

TheNintegaGuy: Wrong! The halting of the Abyss Order is exactly the thing in which the ones who are... Oh, for Archons sake, just halt!

The impish Pyro user chuckles evilly and brings its arms out as a horde of Hilichurls comes up from behind it.

Pyro Abyss Mage: Come on! Face my brave subordinates! I put a spell on them to calm their fear of water!

TheNintegaGuy: Fear of water? Why would they be scared of water?

Jean: Hilichurls don't know how to swim... That's why. They'll always drown in deep water.

TheNintegaGuy: (A certain blue rodent friend of mine fears water just as much.)

The Abyss Mage makes its escape while Jean stared at the horde of Hilichurls in front of them along with the water behind them.

Jean: I've got an idea. That Abyss Mage doesn't know that it also just exploited their own weakness right in front of us. Keep them occupied, but lure them towards the water.

TheNintegaGuy: *smirks* Not a problem.

Nintega pulls out his sword as he charges right through the Hilichurls which confused them before Nintega climbs up onto a pillar next to the water as he smirks back down at the Hilichurls before taunting them by sticking his tongue at them.

TheNintegaGuy: Come and get me, Mask Mouth!

He said while blowing raspberries at the Hilichurls and making funny faces at them. A couple of archers tried shooting up at him with their bows, but Nintega easily avoids these as he turns around and taunts the Hilichurls even more by smacking his butt at them while laughing.

Of course, this bait was working as all of the Hilichurls growled angrily at Nintega while also standing right in front of the large moat of water. Suddenly, they all felt like they were being carried up into the air as a gust of wind swirled all around them. The person responsible for this was Jean as she was using her Gale Blade to carry all of the Hilichurls up into the air. She grunts a bit before throwing all of them forward into the water as all of the Hilichurls tried swimming or at least doggy-paddling to help themselves, but it was no use at all as they all drowned beneath the water.

With the horde taken care of in an instant, Nintega hops down while down at the drowning Hilichurls.

TheNintegaGuy: You know, for the masterminds behind Dvalin's corruption... These Abyss Mages sure don't think their plans out thoroughly... Then again, I'm one to talk...

Jean: *smiles* At least your plans involve saving the people of Mondstadt instead of destroying them.

Nintega shrugs his shoulders with a small smile as that does justify his statement a bit.

They travel through the domain before a couple of rooms later, they see the Abyss Mage activating some machines with its Pyro magic. It turns back to the two while letting out an evil chuckle.

Pyro Abyss Mage: Hehehe, face the fury of my flames! Just one is enough to reignite the fiery fury of the rest!

It then flies away again and Nintega and Jean see that their path was blocked by some flamethrowers that the Pyro Abyss Mage reactivated. Nintega groans with a tick mark on his head.

TheNintegaGuy: Nice... How are we going to catch it now? Kaeya, Barbara, or even Rosaria aren't here and they're the only ones who can use Hydro or Cryo Visions!

Jean responds with a determined smile as she crosses her arms.

Jean: Sometimes it takes more than just your Visions to get things done. You can also try using the environment around you... or should I say, use our foes?

TheNintegaGuy: Huh?

He asked with a raised eyebrow before Jean points over to the side and they see a couple of Cryo Slimes hopping around. Nintega quickly catches on to Jean's plan as he nods with a smile.

Jean: Fetch one of them and I'll show you something.

Nintega does so as he runs over and stabs one of the Cryo Slimes with his sword before jogging back over Jean with it. Jean takes the Cryo Slime off of Nintega's sword before tossing it up into the air.

Jean: Watch this!

Jean uses her Gale Blade again, but this time it causes a Swirl reaction with the Cryo Slime as the Cryo-infused wind was blown at the flamethrower and it instantly turned off, clearing some of their path.

TheNintegaGuy: Cool! Let me give it a shot!

Nintega takes another Cryo Slime before he makes his hands infuse with Anemo energy as well. Just like before, with the Cryo Slime in his hands, it causes a Swirl reaction that allows Nintega to throw wind at the next flamethrower ahead of both of them, deactivating it.

After that, the two of them kept his up: fighting off Hilichurls that came their way as well as using some well placed Cryo infused Anemo to plow right past the hordes and further into the domain depths. When there were no more enemies left, Nintega and Jean reached a large doorway that opened when they got close. On the other side, a large room with a seal protected chest rested inside.

They both looked at each other before Nintega walked up to the chest and slowly reached his hand out to touch it. Instead, a fireball nearly hits him in the head as he avoids it in the nick of time. He looks back in the direction of where it came from as the Pyro Abyss Mage finally decided to show itself.

Pyro Abyss Mage: Looks like our fates are intertwined. To think you pushed me this far! Fine - let me deal with you myself!

The Abyss Mage then threw more fireballs at the two, this time hitting them both as they got knocked away from the explosion that it caused. Jean shakes her head before looking up to see another one coming as she pushes Nintega out of the way.

Jean: Look out!

Luckily for her, she was also able to dodge out of the way. The Pyro Abyss Mage laughs and taunts the two as they stood back up and got past a wall of flames that it created.

Jean: We need a plan! And fast! That Abyss Mage isn't going to give any time to rest now!

They then jump out of the way of another fireball, but Nintega blocks an incoming one on him, but this was strong enough to knock his sword out of his hand which surprised him. He looks over at it as Jean stepped right in front of him to try and use her Gale Blade to once again create a gust of wind around them, but all this did was only stop the projectiles that the Abyss Mage was throwing at them. Nothing was damaging it, especially since it had a Pyro shield.

Nintega runs to retrieve his sword as this reminded him of earlier when his team overpowered him with their own plans. Now he must think of a proper one of his own in order to defeat the Abyss Mage with Jean. He puts both of his hands on his head in some panic as he had to think quickly.

TheNintegaGuy: Okay, okay, okay! A plan... Need a plan... One that can work...

He then looks around for anything that they can use to their advantage and Nintega didn't have any luck... until he spots some more Cryo Slimes around the area. Nintega looks down at his sword for a second before getting a determined look as he knows what he must do now.

Jean was struggling with the Pyro Abyss Mage as all that she could do was evade its attacks, but it stops when Nintega suddenly comes in and kicks the Pyro Abyss Mage away, only knocking it a small distance away from both of them, due to it still having its shield. Nintega gives a serious look back towards Jean.

TheNintegaGuy: Jean, follow me! I've got an idea!

This made Jean curious before she nods back at him.

Jean: Lead the way, Hero Knight.

They both then run off to the side over to where the small bunch of Cryo Slimes were, but the Pyro Abyss Mage teleported right in front of them as shot an explosion of fire right in front of both of them, knocking them back across the ground. As they both sat up, Jean groans before looking back at Nintega.

Jean: So what now?

TheNintegaGuy: I'm gonna charge it and you throw me right over it with your Gale Blade.

Jean looks at Nintega both surprised and confused.

Jean: Really?

TheNintegaGuy: Trust me. I know what I'm doing.

He gets up and runs straight back towards the Abyss Mage as Jean stares at him for a second before nodding herself and following right behind him. Nintega rolls to dodge a couple of fireballs that the Abyss Mage throws at him before he jumps up into the air and Jean helps extend his jump height even further by using her Gale Blade to cause wind to launch up into the air.

He lands over the Abyss Mage before running away from it. Before it could attack Nintega, Jean swung her sword at it again as the Abyss Mage turned its attention back towards Jean. Jean then spins her sword around before striking the Abyss Mage hard with an Anemo-infused sword strike that broke its shield. The Abyss Mage falls to the ground, slightly dizzy before it regains its composure.

A Cryo Slime then hits it on its back as it turns around to see that it was Nintega doing so. He gets ready to throw another one at it, but the Abyss Mage stops him by blasting the Cryo Slime with some fire which melted it. Nintega was then wide open which made him gasp, but Jean quickly came to his rescue by trying to strike the Abyss Mage again from behind. It sees this coming however as it floats to the side before knocking Jean away with its wand.

Nintega then tries to throw another Cryo Slime at the mage, but it melts that one too, and throws the rest around Nintega away from him, so that he couldn't use anymore of them. It then levitates Nintega up into the air, but Nintega had his hands behind his back as if hiding something. The Abyss Mage then pulls Nintega up to its face as while Nintega couldn't tell, the mage was glaring at him from under its mask.

Pyro Abyss Mage: Consider this as ample revenge for all of my fallen brethren at the hands of you and your insidious Knights!

All Nintega responded with was a smirk from this.

TheNintegaGuy: Then consider THIS revenge for trying to mess with the Knights of Favonius' Acting Grand Master!

Nintega then pulls out what was behind his back which was the last Cryo Slime that he picked up before the Abyss Mage took hold of him. He then stuffs the Slime onto the Abyss Mage's head and kicks it away as it releases him in an instant and he drops onto the floor. The Abyss Mage was now flying in circles panicking as Nintega smirks before looking back towards Jean.

TheNintegaGuy: Jean! Now!!

Jean sees what Nintega has done as she gets a serious glare before using her Gale Blade one last time to cause an infusion of Cryo on the Pyro Abyss Mage and it suddenly froze solid due to the Cryo Slime. The two of them then jumped up into the air together before they both took hold of Jean's sword and pointed it downwards as they yelled in effort while coming down and shattering the Abyss Mage to tiny little ice pieces. They both see that their work here was finally done as Jean looks over at Nintega with a proud smile.

TheNintegaGuy: *chuckles* So much for avenging his fallen brethren.

Jean: Phew... Thanks to Barbara's help, my condition is better than I thought.

TheNintegaGuy: I mean, I should say so after seeing how awesome you were a second ago.

He chuckles again as Jean joins in, smiling.

Jean: I appreciate your flattery, Nintega, and I also must thank you for your assistance today. I have to admit, a plan like that one was well thought out. You truly do live up to the expectations of being the leader of the Honorary Knights.

TheNintegaGuy: Thanks, Master Jean. But, I wouldn't have come up with that plan if I hadn't learned from the best.

They both smiled brightly at each other for a second before turning their way towards the exit of the domain.

TheNintegaGuy: I'd say that after a tough fight and long exhausting day like today... we both deserve a rest. Let's head back to Mondstadt since it is getting pretty late.

Jean: Yes. I should at least go and thank Barbara again. I hope she is not upset with me.

TheNintegaGuy: I wouldn't worry. I think the only thing she'll care about is that you're safe, and at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

Jean: *nods* You're right.

Just as they were about to exit, Nintega had one last thought come to him.

TheNintegaGuy: Hey, would you and Barbara... happen to be related? She seems to know a lot about you, but when I asked her, she kinda deflected my question.

Jean: Well... she is my little sister.

TheNintegaGuy: I thought as much. You two share a lot of similar qualities besides just the eye color and the blonde hair. Although... why would she be embarrassed to say that?

Jean: I assume it must be her trying to be respectful towards me, even though I've said that she can just call me by my name.

TheNintegaGuy: Well, you are the Acting Grand Master. I mean as you can tell, I'm the most formal towards you compared to the others. I know you don't mind informalities, but I sometimes still can't help, but refer to you as "Master Jean."

Jean: *giggles* Refer to me as you wish, Hero Knight. Whatever makes you comfortable.

The two of them were able to take a peaceful walk back towards the city of Mondstadt without any trouble at all. When they were at the front gate, the Knight of Favonius, Swan, saw them as he greeted them with a salute.

Swan: Master and the Hero of the Honorary Knights! You've finally returned! The Anemo Archon protects you both!

Jean: Swan? Were you waiting for me? Has something happened?

Swan: Yes... At the Angel's Share. It's nothing big, but...

TheNintegaGuy: Well in that case, I can volunteer to take care of it. Jean needs a little rest after today.

Swan: Ah... Okay, I know I said it's nothing big, but... Alright, how can I put this...? They just really need the Acting Grand Master.

This made Nintega furrow his eyebrows in confusion.

TheNintegaGuy: ...What? That sounds kind of sketchy.

Jean: Well, if you say so, Swan, I will go. I should not let the other knights down.

TheNintegaGuy: A-Are you sure? Last thing I want is a repeat of what happened early this afternoon.

Jean: It's fine. Now that I have had the chance to stretch my legs, I feel much better.

Swan: Great! Thank you so much, you really saved me on this one.

TheNintegaGuy: (*sigh* What is with the 180 degree turn here, Swan? First, you act like you care for Jean, and now, you're just dumping everything onto her. Is this a glitch in the Matrix or something? *groans* Great, now Shadow's got me into thinking that too!)

Shaking his thoughts away, Nintega looks back up at Swan.

TheNintegaGuy: Well... in that case, Master Jean and I should probably get going.

Jean: I agree. Let's go and see what this is all about, shall we?

Nodding in agreement, the two quickly jogged around the city to go and see what the commotion was at Angel's Share. When they arrived, they both opened the door and what was in their sight was most unexpected...

A table was decked out with delicious food made for an entire banquet and the entire bar was cleared out except for Amber, Kaeya, Lisa, Venti, Barbara, Diluc, Jordan, Shadow, Lumine, and Paimon. The very sight of all of this brought a complete shock to both Nintega and Jean.

Jean: Oh? What's all this?

Amber: It's a thank-you party for you!

Jean: A thank-you party?

Barbara: Jean, when we heard the news about your illness, we were all so worried about you.

Amber: We can only imagine how much pressure you must be under as Acting Grand Master, and you do so much work all over Mondstadt...

Kaeya: We thought that since you rarely take any time off, we'd take this chance to throw you a party. Enjoy yourself, Jean. After all, you'll never let us do this once you're back at work, haha.

Jordanwolfboy9743: Plus... it'd be kind of a waste of all this delicious food if you left, so...

Amber gives him a small elbow to the side of his ribs, telling him to quiet down for the moment. As for Jean, she was trying to take all of this in as she couldn't speak properly at all.

Jean: Ahh...

Amber: Jean?

Jean: I... Uhh...

Soon, the Acting Grand Master's cheeks began to turn red and her gaze turned away.

Jordanwolfboy9743: Wait. Is... Is this Jean when she's... shy?

Shadowlight2784: Huh, would you look at that. *murmurs* Hell must have finally frozen over in that case.

Lisa: It's easy to forget that outside of work, Jean is just a normal person, like anyone else.

Jean: I... This is just all such a surprise! Thank you, everyone. This really means so much to me.

Amber: *giggles* Well, it's nothing compared to the amount of work you do for all of us, day-in and day-out.

Jean: But... there are still so many things I need to do...

Immediately, everyone else in the room all simultaneously let out a disheartened sigh.

Jordanwolfboy9743: (God, help this woman.)

Kaeya: Fear not. We wanted to make sure you could relax and enjoy yourself... So, while you were away, we all pitched in and finished off your work for you. Every last task.

This shocked Jean greatly.

Jean: Did you really? ...Even the issue with the food deliveries?

Amber: It was no different from what we see on patrol. A couple of hilichurls. Didn't take much to get rid of them.

Lumine: *giggles* In fact, we sent some of them running afterwards.

Jean: And the tax returns?

Lisa: I spend so much time doing library admin. A few more pieces of paper to deal with was really nothing to worry about.

Jordanwolfboy9743: In fact, the only thing challenging about them was adding up the numbers, but even then, it didn't take too long.

Jean: Well... What about Margaret's missing cat?

Venti: That rascally Prince was apprehended by the brilliant Hero Knight along with the amazing Monarch Knight! And they also reclaimed my precious astral iron strings while they were at it.

Shadowlight2784: And somehow... with no problems. I could've sworn bad luck was calling down upon us there.

Nintega sighs and facepalms right after hearing that.

TheNintegaGuy: For the last time, black cats don't bring bad lu-

Lisa: Enough already!

She interjected, putting an end to Nintega and Shadow's argument before it could start. She then turns back to Jean with a smile.

Lisa: No more thinking about work today! Enjoy yourself while you've got the chance.

Jean looks at all of her friends around the entire bar as they just gave her a smile, including Nintega even though this was a shock to him as well. A big smile then came upon her features as she put a hand to her chest.

Jean: It is my honor to work alongside you all. Praise be for the Anemo Archon's guidance... Speaking of work... It must have been hard work to put all this together, where did you find the time?

Kaeya: *chuckles* Haha... Actually, Nintega was the key organizer behind all of this.

Hearing himself being put on the spot, shocked Nintega as his eyes widened.

TheNintegaGuy: M-Me?! O-Organizer?! B-But I didn't even know about-

Lumine quickly covers his mouth to prevent him from spilling the beans.

Paimon: Stop being so modest. It was definitely all Nintega.

Kaeya: Indeed. See all this food and drink? Nintega made sure it all arrived on time. Not only that, but he cooked each one of these beautiful dishes himself. So, I agree with Paimon. There's no need to be so modest, Nintega.

Now it was Nintega's turn to be speechless as he had no idea how to respond to all of this at all.

TheNintegaGuy: I-I... Uh... N-Never mind... Sure! What he said... I-It was all me... *nervous laugh*

He was hoping that his bad acting would tell Jean that he had no idea that this was a plan, but it didn't work at all as Jean stared back down at Nintega in shock as her gratitude was on so many levels that she doesn't even know if a simple thank you is even appropriate to express how grateful she is.

Jean: N-Nintega...

Kaeya: Of course, we also have Master Diluc to thank for the venue. Otherwise, we would be looking at quite an alarming bill right about now.

Diluc then reluctantly sighs with his arms crossed as he knows that even he can't deny this with him here.

Diluc: ...Despite my initial reluctance to sponsor a Knights of Favonius event in any way... I, like any other citizen of Mondstadt, owe Jean my gratitude for her hard work.

Jean: Oh, Master Diluc, I-

Seeing how Jean was just getting more and more embarrassed, Barbara decided to intervene.

Barbara: Alright, alright! Jean's supposed to be taking it easy, stop crowding her!

Amber: Agreed! Now - let the party begin!

Cheers and claps went all around for the entire group as the thank-you party for Jean has officially started now and everyone enjoyed it.

A little bit later, Nintega is seen by himself looking at the entire party with a smile as despite that he didn't know that this event was happening, he could definitely say it was a huge success. He decided to go around and mingle with the others as he first decided to talk with Amber who was too busy staring at the delicious food laid out before her.

Amber: Oh wow...

TheNintegaGuy: *chuckles* Having trouble choosing there, Amber?

He says this, but he also sweat-dropped as he could've sworn he saw some tears forming in Amber's eyes over the food.

TheNintegaGuy: (Okay, if this is enough to make her cry... I don't think I want to know what she eats daily while on patrol...) What's... the matter?

He asked the bunny themed Outrider who looks back with glittery tear filled eyes.

Amber: Two things! One, this Sweet Madame! Two, this Sticky Honey Roast! Did you really make them, Nintega?!

TheNintegaGuy: I told you guys that I could cook... Honestly, I want to rub this more in Paimon's face.

Hearing this shocked Amber as she suddenly went up to Nintega and grabbed his shoulders, surprising him.

Amber: Mmm... I refuse to believe it! Where did you learn to cook so well?

TheNintegaGuy: Uh... *chuckles nervously* A magician never reveals his secrets...?

Amber: I'm going to finish eating this, and then you're going to teach me everything you know! Don't you dare try and run off!

She then turns and begins practically stuffing her mouth in the food that Nintega made for the party and seeing her act like this was pretty new to Nintega as he just slowly steps away from her.

TheNintegaGuy: A-Amber's bubbly... But not usually to that extent... Has she been drinking?

He then looks over to see Venti over at the counter as he walks over to him next.

TheNintegaGuy: Speaking of drinking...

Venti: My word, the Dawn Winery's wine is every bit as delectable as they say! I would never be able to afford this normally, so in the spirit of enjoying the moment while it lasts... Another glass for the bard, please!

He raises a cup for Diluc to refill while Nintega just stares at him.

TheNintegaGuy: What in the world...? Do you drink alcohol for a living or something?

He asked, getting Venti to turn around in his seat and smile at him.

Venti: Oh, hello, Nintega! I didn't see you there.

TheNintegaGuy: I mean... I kinda said something earlier, but you somehow didn't notice me.

Venti: Is that so? Well, I blame the wine for monopolizing my attention! Much like my ballads, it deserves to be enjoyed for generations to come.

He takes a sip before his head began to feel dizzy.

Venti: *drunk* What is this floating sensation I feel? Have I discovered the true meaning of Anemo power?

TheNintegaGuy: Yyyyyyeah... that, or you're just drunk as a skunk.

Venti: *drunk* I hereby declare that every son and daughter of the City of Wind must be compelled to taste this finest of wines... Here's to good wine!

Not wanting to deal with Venti being so drunk, Nintega decides to leave him and go straight to Diluc next since he was likely monitoring all of Venti's fills on wine.

Diluc: That's glass number thirty-seven.

TheNintegaGuy: Thirty seven?!? How is he not dead?!

Diluc: That's a question I ask myself as well. Although, it seems he didn't understand one thing.

TheNintegaGuy: That being?

Diluc: Only the Knights drink for free tonight. It seems he didn't get the message. When he sobers up, I will present him with the bill.

TheNintegaGuy: *sigh* Come on, Diluc. He may not be a Knight, but Venti helped a lot with taking down Stormterror. I think he deserves a little reward for his efforts.

Diluc: *chuckles* I'm joking, of course. I highly doubt he could afford it anyway, so I shall spare him the bill. But I must say, the sheer volume of alcohol this fellow can put back is just not normal.

TheNintegaGuy: I... guess he can just handle his liquor real well. By the way, earlier today you gave some pointers on how I should be leader... and after a day with Jean... I fully know what the responsibility is like for her now. I'm going to do the same going forward.

Glancing back, Diluc initially gives him his usual stoic stare, but after a few seconds, he lets a small grin show on his lips.

Diluc: I'm glad to hear that. Seems like you finally get it.

TheNintegaGuy: *smiles* Thanks for telling me what I needed to hear, Master Diluc.

Diluc: *chuckles* You can thank me by making sure the bard doesn't pass out in my bar.

TheNintegaGuy: Sure... I'll have one of my friends keep an eye on him too.

Giving him a wave of goodbye, Nintega leaves Diluc to his bartending duties. The next person that he approached was Kaeya who was enjoying his time by himself. When he sees Nintega approaching him, he smirks and greets him.

Kaeya: Hey! Having a good time?

TheNintegaGuy: Hard to deny it... but why did you just suddenly say that I was the mastermind behind this whole party? I'll gladly take credit for taking care of Jean for the whole evening, but that was a little too generous of praise don't you think?

Kaeya: The thing is, Jean knows all of us so well now, including you and your friends... When someone organizes a surprise party for you, the closer you are to them, the more bashful you tend to feel about the whole thing. So instead, we just gave you all the credit. After all, you did do more than your fair share of the work anyway.

TheNintegaGuy: You mean this was everyone's plan... even Jordan, Shadow, Lumine, and Paimon?

Kaeya: Ask them yourself. I could answer for them, but I've done enough of that for today, wouldn't you say?

TheNintegaGuy: ...Okay, I feel you always try to dodge the question just to avoid your bashfulness. That's probably the reason you said I was responsible in the first place.

Kaeya: Haha... You think so?

TheNintegaGuy: Well, you're not saying no, are you?

Kaeya: Hehe... I'm only indulging you since it's such a special day today.

Nintega just shakes his head with a small smile.

TheNintegaGuy: Whatever you say, Kaeya... Whatever you say...

Kaeya chuckles from that before Nintega took his leave and decided to go and see what his friends were up as he found Shadow, Jordan, Lumine, and Paimon at a table chatting. Paimon was nibbling on a piece of the Sweet Madame while Jordan was drinking. Nintega walks over to them with a smile.

TheNintegaGuy: I have to admit... You guys got both me and Jean, pretty good...

Shadowlight2784: Yeah... about that. Sorry we couldn't let you in on it.

Lumine: The truth is... well... I'm sure Kaeya's told you already, hasn't he?

TheNintegaGuy: Pretty much. I was getting ready to ask that anyway... Still, as much as this all shocked me, you guys did kind of do the right thing since I pretty much unintentionally organized the whole party.

Jordan brings a hand up and scratches the back of his head.

Jordanwolfboy9743: Another thing. This party... was also our way of saying... we're sorry for how we acted earlier today.

Nintega was surprised to hear that before he smirks and tries to milk it in even more by putting a hand up to his ear.

TheNintegaGuy: What was that~? I-I couldn't quite hear you guys.

Everyone hit Nintega with annoyed looks before they all looked at each other with their own smirks as Lumine gestures Paimon over towards Nintega. She floats over to Nintega's ear as what she did next was going to surprise Nintega.

Paimon: We said... We're... SORRY!!!!

That loud scream in Nintega's ear caused him to flinch from the sudden volume as his eyes swirled around for a second. He shakes his head before putting a hand to it.

TheNintegaGuy: *groans* Apology accepted...

His three other friends chuckled before Lumine chimed in.

Lumine: In all seriousness though, we... shouldn't have humiliated you like that. We just thought we could make the training a little more fun.

Shadowlight2784: But... if you want us to do it some other way, we'll accept that.

Jordanwolfboy9743: Because the last thing we want is to lose you not just as a leader... but as our friend too.

After he was done rubbing his ringing ear, Nintega put a finger to his chin for a second before smiling down at his friends.

TheNintegaGuy: Well... Lumine's right. What's training without a little bit of fun? You guys do have your own fighting styles after all. That was what worked for you guys to get past me in the first place. But don't worry guys, I may get a little bit cocky and carried away, but the responsibility is on me to help this team get through anything that comes in our way.

The other three along with Paimon smile at this as they know Nintega will do his best to lead despite his flaws. Nintega then looks around and notices that a certain guest of honor wasn't anywhere in sight.

TheNintegaGuy: Hey, where is Jean anyway?

Jordanwolfboy9743: Don't know. You might wanna ask Lisa or Barbara. I saw Jean talking with them not too long ago.

With that being said, Nintega decided to go and see what those two were up to. While Jordan was distracted however, Paimon took a look at his plate and smiled mischievously to see that there was food left on his plate. She quickly swipes the leftovers off of his plate which shocked Jordan as he sees his empty plate before hearing munching from Paimon as he turned to her with a tick mark on his head.

Jordanwolfboy9743: H-Hey! I wasn't finished with that!

Paimon: *muffled* You snooze, you lose, Jordy!

Over near the stairs, Nintega walks over to Barbara who looked like she was praying to herself for a second before she opened her eyes, hearing Nintega's footsteps approach her.

Barbara: Whew... This is quite a lot of excitement, considering that the idea was to rest and take it easy...

TheNintegaGuy: You can always ask for a drink. Seems like that's been how everyone around here is relaxing.

Barbara: Ahh... Is there anything without alcohol?

TheNintegaGuy: I'm sure there is. I've had coffee and some juice here a couple of times. What is your favorite drink, Barbara?

Barbara: Oh, y'know, I normally mix a few things together, but I always add bright red-

TheNintegaGuy: Wait! Let me guess! Cherries! Um, strawberries! Watermelon! Grapes!

Barbara: *giggles* ...Hehe, chilies! I add chili peppers!

Hearing that unexpected answer almost caused Nintega's face to go green as he can't imagine drinking something mixed with peppers in it.

TheNintegaGuy: Wha... Uh... In a drink?! I-Isn't that kind of spicy...? (And disgusting...?)

Barbara: Don't knock it 'till you try it, as they say.

She said with a sweet smile, but all Nintega could do was sweatdrop.

TheNintegaGuy: Riiiight... I'll, uh, consider it one day...

He then turns away before shuddering internally.

TheNintegaGuy: (*shudders* How is her stomach able to handle a drink like that?)

He decides to question that later and turns to Lisa who seemed to be having a thought to herself.

Lisa: "Leaving the hustle and bustle of the banquet behind them, the two of them stood there, together in the quiet of the night, while the rest of the world melted away around them..."

TheNintegaGuy: Uhh... is that poetry, Lisa?

Lisa turned to him, smiling.

Lisa: Why, yes. Sounds like the sort of thing you'd find in a romantic novel, no?

TheNintegaGuy: If you're implying that I know what you're talking about then I don't. I don't think I've read that poem yet.

Lisa: I'm not trying to get you to recite poetry to me or anything, *giggles* that would be more of something Jordan would do anyways...

TheNintegaGuy: *chuckles* Wouldn't surprise me if he does end up doing that for you or Amber at some point.

Lisa: I'm just saying, Jean went upstairs to the balcony, alone. Now's your chance~ *giggles*

Hearing that tone was enough to make Nintega's face pink as he gets flustered from that implication.

TheNintegaGuy: Wh-What?! J-Jean's a friend of mine too, but she's also my superior! I-I don't like her in that way!

A playful shrug is given to him by Lisa.

Lisa: If you say so.

He then sighs while looking away.

TheNintegaGuy: Though... You weren't wrong about the fact that I've been looking for Jean. How long has she been up there?

Lisa: Probably about fifteen minutes... I didn't follow her since I figured she may have wanted some alone time. But I'd say now is a good time for you to go and speak to her if you wish.

TheNintegaGuy: I think I'll do that. Take care for now, you two.

Barbara: Bye-bye!

Lisa: Have a nice evening.

Nintega then walks up the stairs to the second floor before walking up to the door to the balcony.

Outside, it is pure nighttime in Mondstadt, as Jean was standing at the outdoor balcony to Angel's Share, looking up at the sky in deep thought. As she was pondering, she hears the door open behind her as she looks behind herself to see Nintega coming out to see her.

https://youtu.be/tE9ff1G6WrM

TheNintegaGuy: Master Jean?

Jean: *smiles* Oh, it is you, Nintega.

The fearless leader smiled back before walking over beside Jean to the edge of the balcony.

TheNintegaGuy: Are you having a good time, Master?

Jean: Yes, I am just... getting some air. Nintega, I want to thank you again.

TheNintegaGuy: I see you're looking a lot more upbeat and happy now.

Jean: It is good to be here together with everyone. It has lifted my spirits. And it has taught me something.

TheNintegaGuy: What's that?

Jean: I am definitely more of a Dandelion Knight than a Lionfang Knight.

TheNintegaGuy: Oh, really? How do you figure?

Jean: The Lionfang Knight represents Vennessa's past - a past in which she fought hard for Mondstadt. But it was the Dandelion Knight that represented her hopes for the future - a future belonging to the newly formed Knights of Favonius...

TheNintegaGuy: Jean... I'm sure Lady Vennessa would be proud to hear you say such a noble thing.

Jean: I do believe that Vennessa watches over us, whether from high up above, or from the wind all around us.

They both then look up at the night sky together before simultaneously saying the same phrase that represents the City of Freedom.

TheNintegaGuy & Jean: Let the Wind lead.

Jean: The winds of freedom will guide us along the path that lies ahead. I hope you and your comrades will continue to join us on that path, Nintega.

TheNintegaGuy: As Hero and leader of the Honorary Knights, I promise that we won't disappoint, Master Jean.

Jean: *nods* I know you won't.

They both smiled at each other before taking another quiet moment to look up at the sky together. Nintega then finally realizes after a minute that he finally had the chance to ask Jean the question that had been rolling through his mind all day. He closes his eyes, hoping that nothing else will ruin this chance before he looks towards Jean curiously.

TheNintegaGuy: Jean... why did you pick me as leader of the Honorary Knights? You said it was because I asked, but... I can't help, but think that it was something else that you sensed in me compared to everyone else. Like... I have something that they don't.

Jean looks at Nintega for a second, but all she could was smile and shake her head.

Jean: Nope. It really was because you asked.

This wasn't the answer that Nintega was expecting as it shocks him and he knows that with stuff like this, Jean wouldn't be joking around.

TheNintegaGuy: Wait... Seriously? That's it?! B-But... you seemed so certain that I was the right choice. Is there really nothing else to it besides that?

Jean: When it comes to being a leader such as myself, I learned that there is no right or wrong and no best or worst. Only your own choices matter.

TheNintegaGuy: So... you could've chosen any of us?

Jean: Of course.

TheNintegaGuy: Even Paimon?!?

Jean puts a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.

Jean: Okay... maybe not Paimon.

Nintega lets out a relieved sigh from that.

TheNintegaGuy: I thought as much.

Jean then walks up to Nintega and places a hand on his shoulder.

Jean: Even so. After today, I do feel like I've made the right choice. You've shown what it takes to be fully capable of leading a team. You've helped me with my work while I was sick, you showed pure perseverance and determination when we fought that Abyss Mage, and now this thank-you party really displays your true leadership. You truly are the Hero of the Honorary Knights.

Nintega couldn't help, but feel super proud of himself to hear the Acting Grand Master praise him like this as other Knights of Favonius may not get moments with Jean like this often. A thought then came to Jean's mind as she puts a finger to her chin while narrowing her eyes before she smiles back at Nintega.

Jean: Actually, this reminded me of something. After the party is over, meet me back in my office, Nintega. There's something that I want to show you.

This was enough to pique Nintega's curiosity on what the Acting Grand Master had planned for him now.

After the party was over about an hour later for people to head home and catch their sleep, Nintega and Jean are seen walking into the Knights of Favonius headquarters together. They walk inside of Jean's office as the Acting Grand Master walks ahead while Nintega stood in the middle of the room pondering what Jean wants to show him.

TheNintegaGuy: So... what exactly is it that you want to show me, Master Jean?

He doesn't get a response back from Jean as she was kneeling down below her desk as if trying to grab something and all this did was made Nintega even more curious as he tilts his head in confusion. After a second, Jean stands back up holding something behind her back as she walks up to Nintega with him not knowing what she had for him.

Jean: Nintega... You and your friends are outlanders that aren't from Mondstadt, so this was definitely a hard decision for me to make. But with how much you all have done for not just myself, but also Amber, Venti, and even the whole city of Mondstadt. I knew that I had to repay you all somehow. It took a lot of thought... and I know you all won't be staying in Mondstadt forever, but as the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, and also your friend... I wanted to give you something special... And that is this.

She then pulls out from what was behind her back and what she just revealed to Nintega brought a shocking gasp to him as he couldn't believe if what he was looking at was real...

The gift that Jean had given Nintega was his very own Knights of Favonius uniform as she hands it to him. Nintega was almost speechless to see and receive something like this as he kept looking back and forth between Jean and the uniform in his hand.

TheNintegaGuy: D-Does... Does this mean...

Jean: *nods* Nintega, Hero of the Honorary Knights. As the Acting Grand Master, I hereby announce you and your friends as official Knights of Favonius from this day forward.

Nintega was still trying to take this in as he squealed like an excited schoolgirl getting a big grin on his face.

TheNintegaGuy: O... M... G!!! *quickly* Can I please try it on now?! Can I please try it on now?! Can I please try it on now?! Can I please try it on now?! Can I please try it on now?! Can I please try it on now?!

Jean just giggles at Nintega's excitement as it reminded her a bit of Klee.

Jean: *giggles* By all means.

After a minute, Nintega had on his new Knights of Favonius uniform as he was now looking at a mirror with Jean standing right behind him. Nintega had a big smile as he checked himself out in his uniform.

Jean: Did I pick out the right size for you?

TheNintegaGuy: A little tight, but that won't stop me from leading my team to victory and kicking bad guys into next week!

Mentioning them brought a thought to Nintega as he turned back to Jean.

TheNintegaGuy: What about my friends? Do they get new outfits?

Jean: Of course. I wouldn't be biased to just give you something special. Jordan's got his own Outrider outfit for when he patrols with Amber. I've seen Shadow visit the Cathedral a lot, so I asked Barbara if she could make something for him too. As for Lumine... I heard that Shadow gave her a Harbinger of Dawn sword, so I think that should justify her preference.

Jean then salutes Nintega with a fierce smile.

Jean: You all are now Knights of Favonius of Mondstadt. For how long you stay here, are you ready to take on this responsibility, Nintega?

Nintega salutes Jean back with a confident smirk.

TheNintegaGuy: Yes, Acting Grand Master Jean. You can count on us.

He holds this pose for a second, but Nintega looked down for a second before he couldn't help himself and any longer as he rushed up to Jean and wrapped his arms around her to pull her into an affectionate hug, surprising her.

TheNintegaGuy: Jean... Thank you... For all that you do for us...

Jean smiles before wrapping her arms back around Nintega to reciprocate the hug as she pats him on the head.

Jean: It is my pleasure, Nintega.

The two of them shared this heartwarming moment with each other for some time as both learned today that their leadership is what got them both through such a hardworking day, but it was all worth it in the end as them along with their friends will continue to rely on each other for what problems they will encounter and get through together in the future.

Chapter 11 End.