"No, I cannot approve Knights of Favonius Klee's application for leave."
As soon as they arrived at the office, Miss Durandal and the others heard Jean's declaration.
"Eh~ Why? Why won't you approve Klee's leave application? Klee must... must go to the Golden Apple Archipelago to deal with the Great Demon King!"
Klee was almost dying of anxiety. She had thought that with so many people accompanying her this time, and with the reliable Miss Durandal by her side, why wouldn't Acting Grand Master Jean agree?
"I'm sorry, Klee. Even if the Golden Apple Archipelago you speak of truly exists, we cannot confirm whether it is safe. Regardless, I will not allow you to go to an area with unknown risks."
"But, if I don't go, Dodoco will be taken away. Klee can't... can't lose Dodoco."
Klee's tone already carried a hint of a sob, as if another word from Jean would make tears fall.
This scene was seen by Miss Durandal, and her eyes immediately sharpened. It was the expression of an old father... or rather, an old mother, seeing his daughter being bullied.
"Huh? Huh! Wait... wait a minute, calm down, Miss Durandal. Jean isn't bullying Klee. You look a bit scary right now, calm down."
Paimon quickly stood in front of Miss Durandal, constantly trying to persuade her. Everyone knew that Miss Durandal doted on Klee, but doting on him to the point of not letting him suffer any grievances was a bit too much.
This won't do. If she dotes on him too much, she'll spoil him rotten. What if he becomes more and more reckless with bombs in the future? She can't over-spoil him.
"Ah, Lady Durandal. You've arrived. It seems Klee was right. But unfortunately, to ensure Klee's safety, I cannot agree to her going out. Besides, there's no way to get there right now. This matter is too dangerous."
Facing Miss Durandal's gaze, the pressured Jean bit the bullet and stated her reasons.
She was doing this to protect Klee. She admitted that with Miss Durandal accompanying him, it would be very safe, but no one could guarantee what dangers existed on that unknown archipelago.
Furthermore, Klee was still so mischievous. What if Klee encountered danger when others weren't paying attention? She didn't want any accidents to happen.
This statement was fine, but Klee herself couldn't accept it. Although she didn't know who sent the letter, the person in the letter said he would set up trials for her in the Golden Apple Archipelago to test if she was worthy of being Dodoco's family.
If she didn't go to accept the trial, did it mean she automatically forfeited? If she forfeited, would the other party take Dodoco away from her?
It should be noted that this letter was quietly placed by the window without her knowledge.
The person who delivered the letter, being able to do something to that extent, meant that the other party could secretly take Dodoco away while he was asleep.
To prevent this from happening, Klee was going there regardless of whether Jean agreed or not.
Barbara, who had been standing by and observing, lowered her head in thought. Suddenly remembering something, she winked her right eye at Lumine, shook her head, and hinted at something.
Although Miss Durandal could forcibly demand Jean to allow Klee to travel, that wouldn't maximize their benefits. Barbara had a plan that could both get Jean to agree to Klee's outing and achieve other things.
What was most needed now was to go out first. She would tell a few people her thoughts.
But Barbara felt she couldn't persuade Miss Durandal, so she could only rely on Lumine, who had a good relationship with Miss Durandal, to help.
Lumine acted quickly. Noticing Barbara's gaze, she immediately stepped forward, took Miss Durandal's hand, and whispered something in her ear.
Miss Durandal looked at her hesitantly, then finally chose to trust Lumine's decision, pulling Klee along as they left the office.
"I'm sorry, Miss Durandal. I know you're angry, but my sister... Acting Grand Master Jean is also worried about Klee's safety, which is why she won't let him leave."
"With me here, no one can harm Klee. I can guarantee with my life that he will absolutely be fine."
"Hmm, I believe you. We all know you care about Klee. It's not just you; all of us feel the same way."
Miss Durandal still couldn't quite accept it. Safety issues? With her, an Apostle, by his side, would Klee's safety still be an issue?
As long as he stayed by her side, Miss Durandal guaranteed there was no other safer place in this world.
Miss Durandal snorted lightly, not accepting Barbara's reasoning, and turned her head to the side to express her mood.
Barbara gave a few wry smiles, looking to Lumine and the others for help. She was confident she could persuade Jean, but she truly wasn't confident she could persuade Miss Durandal.
Lumine motioned for Barbara not to worry, then went to Miss Durandal's side, turned sideways, and asked, "Are you angry?"
"...Not angry."
She wasn't really angry, just dissatisfied. Lumine expressed understanding; if it were her, being so distrusted, she would definitely have a temper too.
Miss Durandal was already considered good-natured. If it were someone with a bad temper, they would probably use their strength to prove to Jean that they were capable of protecting her.
"If you had insisted on persuading Jean just now, it wouldn't have been impossible, but at most, it would only have allowed Klee to participate. But... if Barbara goes to persuade her, she might even be able to pull Acting Grand Master Jean into this journey."
"Hmm? Let her go along too?"
"That's right. Haven't you always been bothered by Jean spending a lot of time on official duties and not resting well? The Golden Apple Archipelago we're going to this time is on the sea. Once we get there, besides looking for the Great Demon King Dodoco Klee mentioned, we can also play there, just like a vacation."
Barbara, who had only hoped Lumine could persuade Miss Durandal, heard this and her eyes immediately lit up. This was indeed a great suggestion!
Since you're so worried about Klee, then you go along too and personally look after him. Then there's nothing to worry about, right?
This could also be used as one of the reasons to persuade her. Truly worthy of being an honorary knight, so reliable.
Miss Durandal was also swayed by Lumine's words. Jean always liked to push herself, and now that there was a legitimate reason for her to get some good rest for a few days, it would be a pity to miss it.
It's just... she was still very annoyed. She would remember this grudge. She would definitely get her revenge and make her understand her capabilities.
"This is enough, Barbara."
"Mm, thank you, honorary knight."
Lumine and Barbara gave each other a thumbs-up, exchanged a silent communication, and then the conversation returned to the original topic.
"I can try to persuade Acting Grand Master Jean, but before that, I need to confirm if you have a way to get to this archipelago?"
"You don't have to worry about that. We have a way to get to the Golden Apple Archipelago. Right, Traveler?"
Paimon looked at Lumine with a smile, believing they were already on the same page. Their way of going to the Golden Apple Archipelago this time was through a certain very mighty being.
Lumine nodded. Although she wasn't quite sure if there were any anomalies in the area where the Golden Apple Archipelago was located, if it was Him, it would definitely be fine.
"Even if he doesn't help, I'll make Him agree. You don't have to worry about that."
Even if Venti didn't agree to help, Miss Durandal would make that big guy help. Speaking of which, it had been a while since she had seen Him, and she wondered if He still remembered the time they spent together.
(Dragon of the East Wind: Trembling.)
"That's good. Then, leave the rest to me. Klee, give me a little time, okay? I'll do my best to help you persuade my sister."
"Mm! Klee trusts Sister Barbara. Klee can wait."
Although anxious, Klee was very smart and knew she needed Barbara's help to persuade Acting Grand Master Jean.
Besides, Great Demon King Dodoco in the letter didn't say they had to go to the Golden Apple Archipelago today, so they still had plenty of time and didn't need to rush.
"Then, everyone, let's meet at the plaza under the statue of the seven tomorrow afternoon."
After agreeing on the meeting place for the next day, Barbara went to the library to find Lisa, preparing to ask her to help persuade Jean to agree to Klee's outing, and at the same time, try to get her to go along as well.
After Miss Durandal and the others left the Knights of Favonius, they prepared to find Venti to ask if he knew about the Golden Apple Archipelago.
Right now, he should be playing his lyre at the statue of the seven to earn Mora, or drinking at the Angel's Share. Previously, the former was more likely because he had no Mora, but having made a fortune during the Windblume Festival, he was very likely to have gone to the Angel's Share to drink.
Fortunately, he didn't disappoint. When Miss Durandal and the others went to the plaza, they saw him playing the lyre, with many people stopping to watch in front of him.
As they approached, Venti's performance had already ended. The onlookers applauded and cheered, while putting a few Mora into the hat Venti had placed on the ground as a tip.
Miss Durandal and the others waited a moment. After Venti counted the Mora in the hat, he put the Mora on his person, put on his hat, and walked towards them.
"Yo, why do you have time to come find me here today? Are you visiting me at work?"
"We need your help, Venti."
Miss Durandal handed Venti a sandwich, and at the same time, also handed over a paper with the map of the Golden Apple Archipelago printed on it.
Venti ate the sandwich while examining the map, and in a short while, he knew what this place was.
"You really asked the right person. I know this place. However, this place used to be called the Fog Sea Archipelago. When did it change its name to the Golden Apple Archipelago?"
Venti ate his sandwich while explaining the situation of the archipelago to them: "This archipelago is not easy to approach. There are perennial storms and thick fog there, making it very difficult for ships to even get close, let alone land on the island."
"So we need your help, The busker. You know why we came to find you now, right?"
"Of course, I can help. I believe Dvalin wouldn't mind helping either. After all, it's that Children's wish, how could I refuse? But... I have a request. If you agree, I'll be very happy."
Venti smiled, his gaze falling on Miss Durandal. His eyes made Miss Durandal wary. What did this guy want to do?
Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe looked at Miss Durandal in confusion, not understanding what his request was.
"This request is very simple. It's just that when you go to that archipelago, Miss Durandal can change into a swimsuit, and then take some photos for me to bring back."
"...What?"
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