When Mondstadt is mentioned, people often think of knights, gentle breezes, dandelions, freedom, and fine wine.
Mondstadt is also an ancient city-state with over a thousand years of history, a land where countless heroic and tragic tales have unfolded.
For the common people, the most enduring memory remains the rule of the old nobility and the fierce struggle to overthrow them.
Among these, the Gunnhildr Clan, itself a noble family, sided with the people, thus avoiding the fate of expulsion.
Today, Jean Gunnhildr, the Acting Grand Master, stands as a pillar of Mondstadt, a figure universally admired and respected.
Her rigorous training and strict self-discipline have earned Arlecchino's admiration.
Yet, like Liyue, Mondstadt does not welcome the Fatui.
Thus, shortly after entering Mondstadt territory, a Knights of Favonius patrol intercepted Luna and her group, "inviting" them to the Order's headquarters.
Furina crossed her arms. "The Fatui always stir up trouble wherever they go. I have no doubt that if we went to Inazuma, the Tenryou Commission would rush at us."
Arlecchino responded tersely, "I have no interest in cleaning up messes left by other Harbingers. Let them rot. We're merely here as tourists."
"Tourists?"
The Knights of Favonius exchanged skeptical glances, clearly finding the claim hard to believe.
Yet they couldn't ignore the news from beyond Mondstadt's borders. The Steam Bird newspaper was also distributed here.
That silver hair, that golden hair... It was unmistakably Furina de Fontaine, Fontaine's celebrity, and her roommate and fellow star, Luna!
In the end, they decided to escort Luna and her companions to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters under the guise of an invitation.
"Acting Grand Master Jean, they've arrived," a knight announced, knocking on the office door.
"Come in," Jean replied.
Pushing open the door, they entered the office to find Jean buried in paperwork.
Her radiant golden hair was pulled into a neat ponytail that cascaded down her neck. Her fitted yet elegant knight's uniform made her resemble a sheathed blade, but her gentle and courteous expression softened this sharpness.
No wonder everyone adored the Acting Grand Master—she was utterly stunning.
"Welcome, travelers from afar," Jean greeted, rising to her feet and gesturing for Luna and her companions to sit.
As she personally served tea, Jean's gaze swept over the group before settling on Luna's face for several seconds, a hint of surprise flickering across her features.
That golden hair... It's remarkably similar to mine and Barbara's. And that eye color...
"Allow me to introduce myself," Jean said. "I am Jean Gunnhildr, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius."
"Chiori."
"Lynette."
"My name is Navia. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
"I suppose my name should be well-known by now, but introductions are a matter of etiquette. Hmm... I'm Furina."
Arlecchino sipped her tea, smiling faintly. "Just call me Arlecchino."
"Not 'The Knave'?" Jean probed.
"Not for now."
"Hmm..."
Jean looked thoughtful, as if she didn't quite believe Arlecchino's words, but she didn't press the matter further.
Luna smiled warmly. "I'm Luna. Apparently, I'm a distant relative of the Gunnhildr Clan."
"...As I suspected."
In most situations, people would assume Luna was trying to leverage her family connections. But Jean seemed to have confirmed her suspicions, a trace of wistfulness crossing her face.
Arlecchino remained unfazed. "Miss Jean, there's no need for speculation. I'm here as Luna's 'father,' helping her uncover her origins. It seems you have some clues—would you be willing to share them?"
Just then, a voice called from outside the door.
"Sister."
"Barbara... come in."
"Okay..."
Another golden-haired girl appeared before them.
Furina had heard of her before—Mondstadt's idol and the Knights of Favonius' Deaconess, Barbara Gunnhildr.
Barbara froze in the doorway, startled by the sight before her.
"So many people!"
Judging by their appearances, most seemed to be Fontainians. Only one appeared to be from Inazuma.
"Eh?"
Her gaze then fell on Luna and Furina. She blinked in surprise.
"Could you two be Miss Luna and Lady Furina?"
-
Barbara curtsied, lifting her skirt. "I'm Barbara, Deaconess of the Knights of Favonius. Please, just call me Barbara."
She turned and offered a vial of potion.
"Sister, the magical concoction you asked Miss Lisa to make is ready!"
"Thank you. I hope this will help me stay more alert. Our coffee reserves are running low, and we can't restock for now, so this will have to do."
Jean exhaled wearily.
She shook her head and turned back to Luna.
"Since Barbara's here, you two should get acquainted. Barbara, Miss Luna is a distant relative of our family—a descendant of the Hydrell Clan."
Barbara gasped in surprise. "A distant relative?!"
What should I call her? Luna looks older than me... should I address her as 'cousin'?
Furina asked curiously, "The Hydrell Clan? I've never heard of them before."
"That's not surprising," Jean replied. "Though they're distant relatives, the Hydrell Clan hasn't been particularly prominent. Of course, they sacrificed and contributed to our efforts to overthrow the old nobility, but..."
Chiori summarized, "They weren't as outstanding as the Gunnhildr Clan."
Jean nodded slowly.
Hydrell... Luna glanced at Arlecchino. So my original name must have been Luna Hydrell?
Hydrell... Such an unreal-sounding name.
"Members of the Hydrell Clan all have crimson eyes, making them easily identifiable," Jean added.
With her golden hair and crimson eyes, Furina couldn't help but marvel, "Luna has completely inherited her birth mother's genes."
Navia smiled. "Luna's mother must have been an exceptionally beautiful woman!"
Jean nodded. "Indeed, Miss Gwendolyn Hydrell was a woman of remarkable beauty and talent. However, she rejected the clan's tradition and chose not to become a Knights of Favonius."
As she spoke, a puzzled expression crossed Jean's face.
"Forgive my intrusion, but does 'searching for your origins' mean Miss Luna doesn't know about her birth?"
Arlecchino briefly explained the situation.
Jean's eyes widened in realization. "I see... I'm so sorry. We haven't received any information or notices regarding your birth parents here."
Navia, ever optimistic, exclaimed, "So, Lulu's birth parents could still be out there somewhere in the world?"
Perhaps Chevreuse was mistaken, and the deceased were different people altogether.
Luna smiled faintly. "Perhaps."
Nana was always so optimistic, and Luna found that quality endearingly beautiful. Yet, she still leaned toward a different answer.
"Speaking of which, I've heard the Hydrell Clan possesses an ancestral sword?"
"Yes," Furina asked.
"Yes, it's called 'The Azure Radiance of Hydrell.' Although Miss Gwendolyn Hydrell didn't inherit the traditional ways, she still took the sword. With it by her side, I'm sure she'll be safe."
Jean was clearly trying to reassure Luna.
But Luna's mind was elsewhere, on...
[Treasure Information Updated: The Azure Radiance of Hydrell]
[The Azure Radiance of Hydrell]
[Information: The ancestral sword of the Hydrell Clan, imbued with ancient memories and history, bearing the names of heroes who sacrificed themselves for justice. Only those with Hydrell blood can wield it.]
[Treasure Rarity: S]
[Fixed Points: 1000]
[Even an ancestral sword counts as a treasure.]