The main reason Diluc disliked the Knights of Favonius was that his father's merits had been buried.
For the sake of the so-called "honor of the Knights," a man who had silently given so much for Mondstadt was covered up by the dust of history.
What a humiliation. What a grievance.
Moreover, the upper echelon of the Knights of Favonius had also left Diluc incomparably disappointed. Even if he returned, he would be nothing more than a "puppet." It was far less liberating than being the "Darknight Hero," where he could do as he pleased, continuing to protect Mondstadt City.
But Su Han's appearance had shown him hope for Mondstadt's rise.
Because this man's methods were ruthless, which was very much in line with his own personality. With such a person as a partner, Mondstadt's rise was just a matter of time.
The two of them sat together and discussed many things, including the Church of Favonius and the many problems within the Knights.
"Mondstadt's power is convoluted and complex. Jean's continuous new appointments are very likely to cause dissatisfaction within the Church of Favonius. How will you handle that? Do you hope to use military force? That might not be a good idea," Diluc said.
Mondstadt was a place where "divine right" was king. Although it had no king, the power of the Church of Favonius was, at times, even greater than that of the Knights. In the hearts of the people of Mondstadt, the Church was the true leadership.
Su Han asked in return, "During Mondstadt's dragon disaster, where were the people of the Church? And during the Stone Gate canyon incident, where were these clergy? When the Fatui were acting rampantly in the streets, could the clergy only kneel and pray in their cold cathedral?"
Faced with his questions, Diluc once again fell into silence.
Thinking back carefully, those bishops really did seem rather useless.
During the Stone Gate incident, the Knights of Favonius had mobilized all available manpower, but the Church had not dispatched a single person. This was worth pondering.
And one had to remember, the man in front of him was a major figure in Liyue. Even the Qixing had to listen to his words. He was far more terrifying than the Fatui. If this person got angry, the Church of Favonius would be in for a hard time.
Thinking of this, Diluc couldn't help but smile. "I'm really looking forward to the day you reorganize Mondstadt."
"Don't worry, it'll be soon. Come on, return to Mondstadt with me today."
"So anxious?" Diluc was a little surprised. He had thought he would have a few days to prepare, but to be asked to return today was a bit of a shock.
Su Han chuckled. "This involves a bet. As for what it is, you'd best not ask. By the way, as a reward for your return to the Knights, I can reveal a secret to you."
"What?"
Soon, Diluc received an invitation to the group and joined the Multiverse Mission Group.
At this moment, he finally understood why Liyue had become so strong. With this treasure, it would be difficult for Liyue not to be strong. As for the cultivation method of the Black Blade unit that was rumored among the Knights, it was also here.
In the Multiverse Mission Group chat.
Beidou:Yo, isn't this Mondstadt's Diluc? Welcome to our group.
Kaedehara Kazuha:Hehe, so you've finally joined, Mr. Diluc? Welcome.
Lisa:Ehe, to think you've even invited Diluc. Not bad. Welcome, welcome. From the looks of it, you'll be returning to the Knights, won't you?
Jean:Welcome.
Diluc:With such a major figure present, how could I refuse? I really didn't expect you all to have joined the group so long ago. Now I understand why the cooperation with Liyue has been so close.
He had been wondering before why Liyue was willing to take such a big risk to build a city in the "fallen" Mondstadt. So it was because they had already joined this group.
Ningguang:The master of the Dawn Winery, Diluc Ragnvindr. Welcome to the group.
Ganyu:Welcome.
Klee:Wuwuwu, Big Brother Su Han, you actually abandoned Klee and went to Mondstadt! I want to come and play with you too!
Su Han:I just came over for a few days of rest. I'll be back in a bit. Klee has to be a good girl and listen.
Klee:No! Klee wants to play with Big Brother! And... and it's so boring when you're not here!
Ningguang:Klee, don't forget the lessons you've set for yourself. You have an adeptus teaching you; you must study hard.
Su Han:What's this? Klee was taken in by an adeptus?
Ganyu:Yes. My master, Cloud Retainer, came to the Jade Chamber just now. She took a liking to Klee at a glance and said she wanted to take her to train for a period of time. And Sucrose went with her.
Cloud Retainer was a master of mechanics and naturally also understood explosives. Therefore, the Pyro-user Klee and the Anemo-user Sucrose, who was proficient in alchemy, became her favored disciples. After her training, the two of them would have a terrifying improvement.
Jean:I didn't expect an adeptus to actually teach Klee. That's wonderful!
Shenhe:@Su Han, I'm not used to it when you're not here at night. Can I come and find you?
Even if it was just for a few days, Shenhe was still not used to being alone. It was more reassuring to be with Su Han. Her heart was now completely tied to him.
Su Han:Alright, come over tomorrow. It's too late today.
And more importantly, I just won my bet with Jean. If she comes over tonight, it'll all be for nothing.
Shenhe:Mm. The mission is refreshing tomorrow anyway. Is there anything you need to prepare? I can bring it over.
Su Han:No, there's nothing. Just come on over.
Shenhe:Okay.
That evening, Diluc returned to Mondstadt City, and the Knights of Favonius released two major announcements.
First: The former Cavalry Captain, Diluc Ragnvindr, was appointed as the Vice-Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
Second: The merits of the Ragnvindr family were fully announced to the public! This included the news of the Fatui using a "mechanical bird" to lure the evil dragon, Ursa. Of course, Diluc's father's heroic battle was also publicized.
"Is that for real? An ordinary person can repel a dragon?"
"Didn't you see the announcement? Diluc's father was used at that time, relying on a Delusion to repel the dragon. The Fatui are truly despicable!"
"Speaking of which, when the Fatui came to Mondstadt to hold us accountable, it was probably all a show they put on themselves."
"But it's great that Mr. Diluc is back."
On this day, the citizens were in a heated discussion. Some were happy to see it, while others were worried, because doing so would provoke the Fatui.
And inside the Knights' headquarters, the Cardinal of the Church of Favonius, having received the news, rushed over with his men.
"Acting Grand Master! Why did you announce such a thing? Didn't we agree to develop peacefully? And why have the recent appointments of the Knights not been discussed with our Church?!"
Looking at the furious bishop, Jean said calmly, "Calvin, this is an internal matter of the Knights. It does not require the Church's intervention. You must be clear on one point: you are just clergy. Your responsibility is to pray to the Anemo Archon. The governing body of Mondstadt is our Knights of Favonius!"
"You… how dare you speak to me like that? Don't think that just because your father is a Bishop of the Church, you can be so presumptuous! This is Mondstadt! The Church is the highest authority! We are all servants of the Anemo Archon! The appointment of a Vice-Grand Master must be approved by us!"
Calvin never thought that this Acting Grand Master would be so tyrannical. His face was twisted with anger. In the past, even when the Grand Master was here, he still had to listen to the arrangements of the Cardinal.
"Oh? Is that so? During the dragon disaster, did the people of the Church resist? And the Fatui have already openly taken up residence in the Church of Favonius, haven't they? Are they also servants of the Anemo Archon? If that's the case, then I must congratulate you, Calvin, for having convinced the servants of the Cryo Tsaritsa."
"This is rebellion! Rebellion! Who gave you the right to speak to me like this? You are just an Acting Grand Master! A mere woman! How dare you show contempt for me, the Cardinal of the Church of Favonius! This is a grave sin! I will announce your crimes to everyone in the city and revoke your status as Acting Grand Master!"
"Excuse me, what is this 'Church of Favonius' that dares to speak to my Jean in such a way?"
Before Calvin's words had even faded, a teasing voice came from behind him.
He turned his head in anger, but his expression instantly froze, because the speaker was a man he absolutely could not afford to provoke.
Su Han.
Because of the train, everyone in Mondstadt now knew that this legend from Liyue had sealed the Vortex Archon!
An Archon! A being of that level was sealed by one person. How terrifying was that?
And now, he had appeared in Mondstadt.
Calvin's face was ashen. What had he just heard? My Jean.
Does this mean the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt has already become his woman?
All the people from the Church now stared at the ground, not even having the courage to look at him directly.
Su Han walked to Jean's side, wrapped his arm around her, and asked, "A Cardinal of the Church, you were saying you wanted to revoke someone's status? My hearing isn't too good. Could you repeat that?"
Seeing the Acting Grand Master, who was now showing the bashful expression of a young woman, how could Calvin not know the relationship between the two? How could he dare to say he wanted to revoke Jean's status? He was afraid that the moment the words left his mouth, his life would be over!
Looking at the profusely sweating Cardinal, Su Han sneered. "What? You have nothing to say now? Weren't you quite arrogant just a moment ago? Don't tell me, Cardinal, that you've entered your rebellious phase? Now, kneel and apologize to Jean, and I can forgive your transgression. Otherwise, I will let you know what regret is."
A grim, killing intent erupted. The power of his Conqueror's Haki directly knocked out all the clergy of the Church of Favonius.
Only Calvin remained, his face pale, barely holding on.
But after only three seconds, he finally couldn't take it anymore and knelt on the ground.
At that moment, Jean felt an incomparable sense of relief.