Don't be fooled by Kaeya's usual laziness or his tendency to sneak off for drinks—
when real work appears, he's undeniably reliable.
The Knights of Favonius immediately secured every key passageway.
Some knights chased after the fleeing Fatui, though mostly for show.
The majority instead stayed to guard Schubert, who held the stolen defenses of Mondstadt in his hands.
After all, even if they captured every Fatui agent, Mondstadt would gain little leverage:
the existence of a collaborator among their own nobles was a far bigger problem.
Though things had improved in recent years, internal rot wasn't something solved overnight.
"We're going to get so many rewards this time!"
Paimon was ecstatic.
They definitely deserved a big payout—otherwise all this risk and effort would be wasted.
Thinking of the reward feast she'd soon enjoy, her mouth began to water.
She'd order everything delicious from the Deer Hunter Restaurant!
Lumine, however, was not as optimistic.
After transferring all evidence to Kaeya, she headed back to Mondstadt, preparing for her next journey with Dainsleif to explore the lost Statue of the Seven.
Lory had told her she would likely find traces of her brother this time.
The girl steeled herself and prepared thoroughly for the expedition.
When she later reported the incident to Acting Grand Master Jean, the outcome shocked her:
The Knights were extraordinarily generous—granting her a huge pile of Mora,
and even awarding her the title of Honorary Knight.
A rare honor, given perhaps only once in a century.
But after resolving the Dragon disaster and exposing the Fatui–Lawrence conspiracy, she absolutely deserved it.
Meanwhile…
Eula, completely unaware of the entire ordeal, remained blissfully ignorant of her family's shady dealings.
Her ties with the Lawrences were already faint—
and ever since staying at Lory's manor, she had zero desire to return.
Inside the courtyard, a graceful young woman was dancing lightly on her toes.
"Like this—your steps should be quick, but never rushed.
Your turns must be smooth and elegant. No pauses, no imbalance."
Moving with the poise of a swan, Eula demonstrated each movement while instructing Noelle, who watched with pure admiration.
"A truly great maid must understand many kinds of arts.
And well… the Lawrence clan wasn't entirely worthless.
Our 'Dance of Sacrifice' remains pure and sacred."
"Every time I dance, my heart becomes calm.
For so many years, I've never abandoned it—each step is carved into my very bones."
Even with her eyes closed, Eula danced flawlessly, perfectly confident in her movements.
Noelle's gaze was shining with awe.
"Miss Eula, you're amazing! Can I ever become like you?"
"As long as you're willing to work hard, absolutely."
Like a noble swan, Eula lifted her chin, spinning lightly with the wind's guidance.
As she completed her final pose, Noelle—long since stunned—instinctively applauded.
With a small smile, Eula exhaled softly, strode over, and took Noelle's hand.
"Alright, it's your turn. Start with remembering the steps."
She demonstrated each movement patiently.
In the days Eula spent living at the manor, she and Noelle had grown unexpectedly close—not only sparring with swords, but also exchanging lessons like this.
Naturally, Noelle reciprocated, teaching Eula various cooking techniques.
From afar, watching the two girls dancing gracefully, Lory nodded in approval.
Once Lumine completed her mission, he'd no longer need to keep Eula distracted.
"Such adorable girls," Raiden Makoto murmured beside him, eyes soft with nostalgia.
Lory smirked.
"With so many girls in the house, you don't get jealous?"
Makoto tilted her head and smiled faintly.
"Jealous? Of those little girls circling around you?"
"Or who else?" Lory teased.
But she neither denied nor affirmed—she simply turned her gaze to him.
To someone with her lifespan, these passing affections stirred no waves.
Even back when she had bathed together with Miko and Lory… and seen them rather close, she had remained unbothered.
Compared to that, this situation was nothing.
Even if Lory became intimate with one of these girls, Makoto wouldn't mind.
Not because she was cold—but because, to a god, mortal lives were passing seasons of spring blossoms.
Eventually, all would fade into dust in her memory.
Lory understood this well, which was why he never hid his desires before her.
Makoto leaned gently against his shoulder, voice tinged with reminiscence.
"Watching them dance… it reminds me of the days when Chiyo and Miko performed offerings together."
Lory hugged her slender waist and whispered:
"How about we sneak back to Inazuma someday? Visit them quietly?"
Makoto's eyes wavered with yearning—but after a long hesitation, she shook her head.
"I'm not ready yet."
"What's wrong? Afraid Ei will scold you for competing with her for a man?"
Makoto bit his lip in annoyance, lightly biting Lory's lower lip in return.
"Alright, alright! I was wrong!"
Only after he surrendered did she release him, huffing softly.
"Laugh while you can. Tonight, even if you beg on your knees, I'll make sure you pay for that joke."
Lory pretended to grumble about revenge, making Makoto roll her eyes.
She knew better—her entire body already bore his marks.
"In any case," Makoto continued, "I don't care what you do outside.
Just behave yourself when I'm present."
Got it.
Lory instantly understood the true meaning:
Don't get too intimate with other girls in front of her.
He didn't need the reminder—he already exercised restraint.
After all, when he first encountered these girls, he merely felt mild curiosity toward well-known "characters."
There wasn't much emotion involved.
But as time passed, their genuine kindness, admiration, and shy affection gradually seeped into his heart.
And eventually—Lory found himself accepting those gentle feelings.
When the couple finally reached this silent mutual understanding, the lesson in the courtyard wrapped up just in time.
Eula and Noelle entered the hall completely unaware
as though nothing had ever happened.