"Looks like we won't need you to step in after all."
Paimon stretched out on the bed.
Finally, no more sleeping out in the open. Tonight, she could get a good night's rest.
"I can tell from the lines in Su Xuan's diary that he really respects Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master Jean. Since she's personally asked for his help, he should agree to save Dvalin," Paimon yawned. "Su Xuan really is a kind-hearted guy deep down."
Lumine gave a small, agreeing smile. "Indeed."
Lumine's mind was sharp. She didn't dwell too much on her brother Kong's issue.
The main reason was that Su Xuan wasn't just powerful—he knew far too much about the past and future.
Since he'd explicitly said he couldn't convince Kong for now, no amount of effort from Lumine would change that. It'd be like fetching water with a bamboo basket.
Better to follow Su Xuan's plan: make some money while slowly regaining her own strength.
"In that case, we don't need to bother with Barbatos anymore. The guy's got zero Mora to his name," Paimon chuckled.
Lumine nodded lightly. "These past few days of running around have worn me out. Let's rest up properly. Tomorrow morning, we'll prep and head out to take on some commissions to earn money."
Lisa's Laboratory.
Su Xuan's hands were gently pressing on Jean's body, easing the tension from muscles strained by endless work.
"I'm not sure I get it. If your work stress is so high, why wear something this tight? Aren't you worried it'll restrict blood flow?"
"Mm... is it because it's too perky...?"
Jean, face buried in the bed, felt her brain short-circuit.
What kind of talk was this?! And it didn't even make logical sense!
"This is the attire a knight should wear. As a knight, we can't be too loose or sloppy."
Ugh! Jean's face burned even hotter after saying it. Now that she thought about it, those words were downright embarrassing.
It was all Su Xuan's fault behind her, spouting nonsense. He knew everything from Celestia to Khaenri'ah, past to future—did he really not know about knight attire?
Jean figured Su Xuan was just teasing her on purpose.
But his massage technique was irresistible, especially the vibrating sensation from the telekinesis in his hands, bringing her unparalleled relaxation.
She never imagined Su Xuan would proactively help melt away her fatigue from the past few days.
It felt so good—numb and tingly all over, her tightly wound tension loosening uncontrollably.
"There's no need to work yourself to the bone day and night like this."
"What I mean is, as a leader, you need to grasp the big picture. Don't waste your energy on trivial matters."
"As the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius—and the future Grand Master—you have to learn to say no. Being a pushover isn't the way to protect Mondstadt forever."
Su Xuan's hands kneaded Jean's neck. Face down on the bed, she savored it, tongue peeking out slightly.
Ever since learning about Barbatos and Vennessa's history during that bath, Jean knew Su Xuan was spot on.
Excessive indulgence only made things worse.
"Thanks for the advice. I'll change bit by bit," Jean murmured, voice breaking up.
*Smack!* A light slap landed on her knightly pride, sending ripples.
The prone Jean was tugged gently, clutching the bedsheet like a lifeline in panic.
A strange heat made her eyes widen as something distinctly curved brushed past the door.
"Pfft! Look at you, scaredy-cat. Is this all the courage the great Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Jean Gunnhildr, has?"
"Feels like your liver's quivering." Su Xuan chuckled from behind. "If it's too much, let's chant together: 'Everything for Mondstadt!'
"That oughta give you some backbone."
Jean gasped for air.
Right! Everything for Mondstadt!
Taking a deep breath, she began, "Everything for... Eek...!"
...
The next day, Jean slowly opened her eyes and sat up, stretching her arms in ultimate comfort.
Refreshed! She'd never woken up feeling this clear-headed, like her whole body had lightened.
"Hm, what was...?" Jean patted her head, trying to recall, when the door creaked open, snapping her out of it.
"Lisa?" Jean blinked at the familiar face.
"Jean, you're finally up? It's noon already," Lisa teased, eyes lingering on Jean's swaying fairness, mentally comparing.
Hm... a fair tie between them...
"Noon?!" Jean's eyes bulged. "Oh no, I'm late for work!"
She swung her legs to get out of bed, only to see her clothes dangling far away on the rack by the door.
Glancing at Lisa, she dove back under the covers with a "whoosh."
"Lisa, could you step out first...?" Jean flushed, adding a grumble, "It's so late, and you didn't wake me?"
Lisa smirked, then sighed with a shake of her head. "Please, I just woke up myself."
"Sigh, blame my lab's poor soundproofing. Sleeping next door, my ears were filled with all sorts of pleas and unspeakable noises last night."
"It messed up my sleep—my skin's not looking great today."
"What happened? Nightmare? Begging someone?"
"Curious who made our brave, steadfast Acting Grand Master surrender."
Jean: "!!!"
"What?!" Jean recoiled in horror, memories of last night's tangle with Su Xuan flooding back, setting her ablaze.
But Lisa was right—it was the most relaxing experience ever. Total decompression, brain-melting relief.
"Speaking of, where's Su Xuan?" Jean remembered why she was here.
"Gone," Lisa said casually.
"?" Jean blanked. "But..."
"Pfft!" Lisa laughed. "I mean, he went to find Dvalin. Since you so generously offered yourself up, he'll keep his promise."