The Favonius Cathedral
one of Mondstadt's most iconic landmarks—held a unique status.
As the sanctuary is dedicated to the Anemo Archon, the clergy who served here were not shrine maidens like in Inazuma, but bishops and sisters.
Their daily responsibilities resembled those of Narukami Shrine, except they also treated adventurers and believers, healing minor wounds and fatigue.
Among them, one stood far above the rest.
Barbara Pegg—the Church's Deaconess of Favonius,
and Mondstadt's universally beloved idol.
Her concerts had gone from sparsely attended to city-shakingly popular.
Barbara's philosophy was simple:
Bring smiles to everyone. Heal the world with song.
Though it didn't always work on everyone, she continued trying her best—
she barely had time to feel discouraged.
Because of her kindness, Mondstadt adored her.
"Such lovely weather today! A bright melody would be perfect!"
Inside the cathedral, Barbara looked up at the warm sunlight streaming through the tall stained-glass windows, feeling her spirits lift.
"Barbara, shine your brightest today too!"
She waved goodbye to a young girl who had scraped her knee.
After healing the wound, she encouraged herself as always.
Everyone depended on her
and she wanted to work harder, not only for Mondstadt,
but also to help her older sister, Jean, share the heavy burdens that came with leadership.
Though she wasn't suited for combat,
she could still support Mond in other ways.
And so Barbara continued to heal, comfort, and bless those who came seeking aid.
After tending to more than a dozen people in a row, she suddenly noticed a commotion near the cathedral entrance.
A cluster of townsfolk surrounded someone, gasping in surprise.
Just then, Sister Jilliana hurried over, waving urgently.
"Barbara! Quickly—come here! That boy is injured again, and this time it's serious!"
"Eh…?"
The moment she heard that boy, Barbara knew exactly who it was.
She set aside her scripture reading and walked through the parted crowd. There he sat
a white-haired boy dressed in adventurer gear, looking unusually helpless.
And beside him…
A tiny figure trembling with guilt.
"I'm sorry, Bennett… I didn't mean to…"
Bennett forced a smile, trying to soothe her.
"No worries, Klee. It's not your fault. I was just unlucky and got caught in the explosion."
Even with cuts across his cheeks, arms, and clothes,
the boy still remained hopelessly optimistic.
He was used to being blown up, after all.
Today was only… slightly worse than usual.
If misfortune had a favorite child, it would be him.
"Next time we'll definitely find treasure! Just a little bad luck today!"
Klee looked torn—at this rate, would she accidentally blow him up for real?
Just as she tried to think of an excuse to decline, she saw Barbara approaching.
Barbara knelt.
"Oh dear… Bennett again?"
Bennett laughed awkwardly.
"Sorry… looks like I'll trouble you once more."
He scratched his head
and instantly winced as the movement tugged a wound.
"What happened this time?"
Barbara extended her hands.
A soft, golden glow bloomed from her palms.
Left arm: fractured.
Dozens of lacerations: bleeding.
Entire body: a disaster.
Previously, she wouldn't have been able to treat such injuries on her own. But now
The holy light enveloped Bennett entirely.
Feeling warmth spread through his limbs, he relaxed.
"Barbara… your healing magic is getting stronger and stronger!"
He wasn't exaggerating.
He watched his wounds close rapidly—visibly—far faster than before.
Barbara smiled shyly and lowered her gaze to the rings on her fingers.
"Of course. After all… someone gave me a very important gift."
"Eh? Who?"
Bennett tilted his head, not understanding.
But Barbara's eyes sparkled—whoever it was clearly meant a lot to her.
"Wow… must be nice," Bennett murmured.
"To have someone who cares about you like that…"
He genuinely wished he too could gather more friends someday.
Klee also watched with sparkling eyes.
"Wow! Barbara is amazing!"
The more praise she received, the brighter Barbara's smile became.
After a moment, she swayed slightly—healing such severe injuries took energy.
Still, she stood proudly.
"All done! Try not to go anywhere dangerous, okay?"
Though she knew that was impossible for an adventurer like Bennett.
He waved his perfectly healed arm in disbelief.
Even the fracture was gone.
At this rate, could she eventually revive the dead?
His survival chances just doubled.
As he prepared to leave—likely to invite Klee to resume their interrupted treasure hunt
a familiar voice came from the entrance.
"Oh? Klee? Barbara? Why are you standing here?"
Even before seeing him, both girls instantly recognized the owner of that voice.
"Mr. Lory?!"
"Lory big brother!"