Knights of Favonius Headquarters
"You mean… you want me to draw Eula's attention?"
Luo Li frowned slightly as he looked at Jean, whose expression clearly held apology.
These past few days, Lumine's training in Lawrence family etiquette had gone surprisingly well—she would be ready soon. No doubt she was pushing herself because she hoped Luo Li could help uncover more clues about her missing brother.
After all, the Stormterror incident had only revealed that her twin might be tied to the Abyss Order. Everything beyond that remained shrouded in mystery.
Coincidentally, Luo Li's informants had recently discovered that the Fatui frequently contacted Eula's uncle Schubert, an old aristocrat obsessed with dead glory and drowning in stupidity.
Everything was in place. The plan could soon begin.
Only…
Jean had a problem.
"Sorry… you're the only one I can rely on right now."
Jean lowered her gaze with a hint of pleading. No one else could get close enough to Eula; and Jean refused to involve Eula in this mess. Being caught between Mondstadt and her disgraced family would only hurt her.
The best outcome was to keep her in the dark until everything was resolved.
Before, Jean could send Eula away on hillchurl-clearing missions. But after Eula just returned from a long campaign, sending her out again would look extremely suspicious.
And if anything looked suspicious, Eula who had, at a young age, easily passed the Lawrence family's harsh trials to earn the "Mark of Unyielding Frost"—would certainly notice.
"That's not really my business, though."
Unlike Jean, Luo Li didn't think involving Eula would traumatize her.
She had endured far harsher things growing up; her psychological resilience was frighteningly strong. She had her own worldview—nothing shook her easily.
"If you want my help, then unless…"
Before he could even finish the words "you pay me," something unexpected happened.
Jean suddenly leaned forward and pressed her lips softly against his.
When she sat back down, she avoided his eyes face warm, voice barely a whisper.
"Will… will that be enough?"
Luo Li was stunned.
He had only meant to tease a little. He hadn't even named a price yet! Who would've thought that the normally rigid, noble Acting Grand Master would boldly throw a straight fastball like that?
It felt almost like she had been waiting for him to make a demand.
"…Hmm. It seems that wasn't quite enough."
Now recovering from shock, Luo Li had no psychological burden whatsoever—and even looked like he wanted more. He wasn't even worried about Raiden Makoto finding out.
Jean instantly regretted everything.
Why… why did I do that?! And when I KNOW he already has Lady Makoto?!
Hearing Luo Li's shameless request for "more," she glared at him.
"No more."
"…What a shame."
Luo Li clicked his tongue and turned to leave only to hear the faintest murmur behind him.
"If… if you truly need compensation… I'll consider it later…"
He stopped walking, pupils narrowing slightly.
Jean sat rigid behind her desk, pretending to focus on her paperwork as if the words hadn't come from her mouth at all.
But her reddened ears gave her away completely.
Luo Li didn't expose her he simply left with a satisfied smile.
Outside the door, Noelle, who had been waiting patiently, immediately followed after him.
"Noelle, you really don't need to follow me everywhere."
Ever since becoming his exclusive maid, she had rarely left his side. Luo Li felt helpless.
She shook her head, resolute.
"No. Besides training, a maid's duty is to always remain at her master's side."
Luo Li eventually gave in.
It wasn't like she was a bother—in fact, she made everything incredibly convenient. Anything he needed, she would handle earnestly and perfectly. Truly worthy of her nickname: the "Perfect-Maid, Destroyer of Laziness."
The only change was that when others asked her for help, she now prioritized Luo Li's schedule and her own training. If it conflicted, she refused.
A small, but significant step.
Just as Luo Li stepped toward the exit of the Knights' headquarters, the office door down the hall suddenly burst open
And a red blur shot out like a fired cannonball.
Then it stopped halfway, froze, and broke into a huge grin.
"Luo Li big brother!!"
The tiny figure launched itself at him. Luo Li automatically caught her, lifting the little girl into his arms.
"Klee? Your confinement time is over?"
That's right the one in his arms was Mondstadt's mightiest walking natural disaster:
The Spark Knight!
Mondstadt's strongest combatant!
Mountain demolisher!
Fishing explosive specialist!
The lucky four-leaf clover herself
Klee!
…paired, hilariously, with an angelic, innocent face.
Her platinum hair peeked from beneath a feathered hat, a tiny ahoge poking out adorably. Her red-and-white clothes matched her bouncy white shorts, and her little backpack—complete with dangling toy—swayed as she moved.
"Heehee! Why is Luo Li big brother here~?"
Resting comfortably in his arms, the small elf-like girl blinked her bright eyes at him.
Without blinking, Luo Li lied smoothly:
"Of course, I came to pick up my cute little princess."
As expected, Klee beamed then planted a big kiss on his cheek.
"You're the best, big brother! Unlike Jean… she just keeps locking me up!"
She muttered this part quietly. Klee knew she caused trouble every time she messed up, she felt guilty and helped clean afterward… though usually making things worse.
But a child's memory is short. Within days, she'd forget her lessons and cause new chaos—forcing the Knights to confine her again.
Sure, she used confinement time to invent new bomb formulas… but still!
It would be nicer not being locked up at all.
"I heard you nearly blew up the Cat's Tail tavern this time?"
Klee's eyes widened, and she frantically waved her tiny hands.
"No, no! It was Diona-sis! She said she wanted to destroy the wine industry of Mondstadt! I just… wanted to help!"
Luo Li laughed.
"You really are a clever little rascal."