As the morning sun had just begun to rise from the horizon, Shao Yun opened his eyes to a refreshing, invigorating feeling throughout his body.
He sat up quickly and leapt out of bed, stretching his limbs with a series of satisfying pops.
"Haven't had sleep this perfect in ages!"
He looked out the window; the sky was already a pale gray-blue.
"Looks like I woke up earlier than Lumine and Paimon today!"
Cheerfully, he left his room and walked toward theirs, knocking gently on the door as he called out, "Rise and shine! Let's get to the festival early and soak in the atmosphere!"
Inside, Lumine and Paimon stirred at the sound of his knock. Paimon groggily opened her eyes, muttering, "What's going on...?"
Shao Yun's voice rang out, full of energy. "Get up! Time to head to the square early for the festival!"
Lumine sat up and yawned, responding toward the door, "Got it! We'll be up soon!"
Hearing that, Shao Yun grinned, satisfied. "Alright, I'll go wash up first!"
Still draped across Lumine like a blanket, Paimon mumbled, "Do you think this is revenge because I woke him up yesterday...?"
Lumine chuckled, gently patting Paimon's head. "Revenge? Paimon, don't start dreaming nonsense at sunrise. He's just excited. Come on, let's get going. Wash up and head out."
Paimon patted her cheeks and nodded, "Alright... If Shao Yun's that excited, I'll perk up too!"
Soon after, the three of them washed up and headed out in a hurry—skipping breakfast entirely.
As they made their way down the street toward the plaza in front of the Favonius Cathedral, Paimon flew sluggishly next to Lumine, eyeing the overly energetic Shao Yun.
"I can handle waking up early, but skipping breakfast? That's just cruel..."
Shao Yun, brimming with energy, replied, "There'll be a buffet at the celebration later. Gotta save room to eat big!"
Paimon, nearly too tired to stay airborne, flopped onto Lumine's shoulder. "But I'm so hungry I can't even fly..."
Feeling a bit guilty, Shao Yun pulled out an apple cider from his pack and handed it to her.
"Here, drink something to hold you over."
The moment she saw the drink, Paimon perked right up, floating over to grab it. "Thanks, Shao Yun!"
Then she eagerly started sipping.
"Easy, easy—don't choke..."
…
The crisp morning breeze swept across the plaza before the Favonius Cathedral.
The celebration wasn't scheduled to begin until nine, so the venue was still quiet. Only the occasional rustle of leaves and distant footsteps broke the silence.
Jean stood at one corner of the plaza, beside her was Barbara of the Church of Favonius.
The two were reviewing the festival schedule.
"You'll handle the final offering of wine to the Anemo Archon. Don't be nervous. Just place the silver chalice in front of the statue—that's all."
Barbara looked up and nodded. "Understood, big sis."
She glanced around, then whispered, "By the way... I heard from some of the Knights that the Lawrence family caused trouble yesterday?"
Jean frowned slightly, recalling the ordeal.
She nodded. "They did. But it wasn't serious. The Lawrence family keeps trying to revive the old aristocracy. They're always loud but rarely effective. We've gotten used to it."
Barbara exhaled in relief. "Good... the Church doesn't like them either, but Father always said, the Lawrences can be suppressed—but if they're wiped out, it might provoke the Ragnvindrs, and that could harm Mondstadt's stability."
Jean nodded again. She understood all too well. "Mom told me something similar before she left. As long as they don't go too far, we'll let them flail around."
Barbara hesitated, then asked softly, "Have we heard anything from Father or Mother?"
Jean shook her head. "No word from the expedition yet. But I'm sure they're fine."
Both of them grew quiet, an unspoken awkwardness settling in.
Jean cleared her throat, changing the subject. "So... how are you lately?"
Barbara blinked, then gave a polite answer. "I'm doing great. Everyone at the Church is excited about the festival."
Sensing that Barbara was hiding something, Jean gently pressed, "I meant... really, how are you?"
But before Barbara could respond, a familiar voice cut through the air.
"Master Jean! Barbara! We're here!" Paimon called cheerfully.
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon appeared at the entrance of the venue, their arrival breaking the early quiet.
Jean and Barbara instinctively stepped apart slightly, turning to greet them. Jean smiled. "Good morning."
Shao Yun noticed the subtle tension between the sisters. He stepped closer and asked, "We're not... interrupting anything, are we?"
Barbara quickly smiled and shook her head. "Not at all. We were just going over the festival details. Actually, I need to go check on the choir now."
She turned to leave, waving as she walked toward the cathedral. "Sorry for leaving so suddenly. Oh—and happy Festival of the Finest Brews!"
Her figure disappeared into the church as Jean quietly watched her go, a hint of longing in her eyes.
Paimon, sensing the atmosphere, murmured guiltily, "Sorry for interrupting your sister moment..."
Jean waved it off, masking her emotions. "It's fine. We'll have time together later..."
Despite her words, a soft melancholy still lingered in her voice.
Just then, Klee came bounding into view in her iconic Shooting Sparks outfit, backpack bouncing with every hop.
"Master Jean! Klee is here!"
Then she turned to the others, waving excitedly. "Honorary Knight Sis! Paimon! Big Bro Shao Yun! Happy Festival of the Finest Brews!"
They all smiled and responded in unison, "Happy Festival, Klee!"
Jean glanced at the group and made a request. "Honorary Knight, Paimon, Mr. Shao Yun, I need to go organize the patrols. Could you look after Klee for a while?"
Shao Yun immediately agreed. "Of course. You go take care of things."
Jean knelt beside Klee, speaking gently. "Klee, be good, okay? Don't cause trouble for Shao Yun, Lumine, or Miss Paimon."
Klee nodded sweetly. "Okay! I'll be good!"
Relieved, Jean held out her hand. "Then before I go—Klee, hand over your boom-boom bombs, please."
Klee froze, eyes wide, then lowered her head sheepishly.
"Klee didn't bring any bombs..." she mumbled.
Jean raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.
"Klee... do you remember what happened during Windblume? We nearly had a panic because of your bombs."
Reluctantly, Klee pouted and handed over every last explosive from her bag.
Jean carefully secured the bombs, then gently patted Klee's cheek. "That's my good girl. Be good, alright?"
With that, Jean quietly left.
Seeing Klee looking glum, Shao Yun knelt down and lifted her onto his shoulders.
He smiled warmly. "No need to feel down, Klee. Since it's still early, let's go check out the festival stalls together!"
Her frown flipped instantly into a beam of joy. "Okay!"
Shao Yun held her legs securely and shouted with energy, "Let's gooo!"
Lumine and Paimon stood in place, wide-eyed.
Paimon whispered, "Am I seeing things? Shao Yun's letting Klee ride on his shoulders?"
She vaguely recalled that, during the Rite of Descension, only Lumine had ever been granted that privilege…
Lumine watched the wholesome scene and whispered, "His kindness lately... it's almost hard to recognize. But maybe… this is who he truly is."
Just then, Shao Yun turned back, calling out, "Lumine! Paimon! Don't just stand there—come on! Let's take Klee around together!"
"We're coming!"