"Approved!"
Seamus had expected his recommendation to be shot down on the spot.
Instead, Rowan agreed without a second word.
Everyone stared at him in surprise.
So Rowan's earlier scolding of Jean didn't mean he disliked her?
How did she get accepted into the Round Table so quickly?
Jean was just as baffled—she'd had the same thought as Seamus.
Ever since Rowan became Knight-King, he'd shown her, the Acting Grand Master, little warmth.
A stern face, harsh words—he'd even cursed her out earlier
for certain decisions she'd made.
How could he pass this so easily?
Noticing the puzzled looks all around, Rowan chuckled and shook his head.
"You didn't really think I disliked Jean, did you?"
"That I'd veto this without hesitation?"
All across the hall, heads bobbed on instinct.
Wasn't that the case?
Rowan had flown into a rage before, saying Jean's decisions and conduct weren't befitting a national leader.
Wasn't that dislike?
You practically poked her nose and cursed her out…
Seeing everyone wearing the same "isn't that so?" expression, Rowan could only shake his head.
"You're overthinking it."
"Yes—Jean has many shortcomings. She isn't forceful enough, wastes time, and often busies herself with things of little use."
Jean lowered her head, too downcast to look up.
"But we can't deny she's done a great deal for Mondstadt."
"When the Anemo Archon was absent and Falga led our elites to the Dark Sea, she—and you—shouldered the Fatui's pressure and targeting."
"You kept the majority of Mondstadters safe and at peace."
"Is that not a major service to Mondstadt?"
As for the Fatui's pressure, it stemmed mostly from Mondstadt's weakness.
As the saying goes: a weak nation has no diplomacy.
In foreign affairs, strength underwrites justice; national defense is the true backbone of diplomacy.
Dignity rests upon the sword's edge; truth lies within the cannon's range.
(An immortal maxim!)
Mondstadt's frailty has proved the point.
If Snezhnaya's sights weren't set on Celestia—on the Heavenly Principles—
Mondstadt would already be a colony. Even if the Seven's balance was maintained for appearances,
Snezhnaya would have made Mondstadt a vassal—if not forced cessions of land and crushing indemnities.
There are many ways to make Mondstadt pay.
So Rowan's feeling toward Jean was mostly "hate iron for not becoming steel"—she shouldn't have yielded and yielded again.
She should have rejected Snezhnaya's escalating demands in firm, unambiguous terms,
at least showing Mondstadt's resolve to shatter rather than bend.
Just as we once did at the United Nations.
In short: Jean is worthy of the Round Table.
Her character, bearing, and personal magnetism all qualify her.
As a knight, she's already reached the summit—
hence this era's "Dandelion Knight."
"All right. Since there are no objections—Jean Gunnhildr, you will be this king's first Knight of the Round Table!"
"May you be strict with yourself henceforth, keep the Gunnhildr precepts, and protect Mondstadt forever!"
"Thank you, my king. I will heed your teachings!"
Delighted, Jean stepped out from the Knights' ranks and dropped to one knee in thanks.
"Any other recommendations?"
Having named Jean as the first of the Round Table, Rowan looked around expectantly.
But everyone exchanged looks; no one dared step forward.
If even Captain Jean only barely made it… who else could?
"In that case, today—"
"Um, my king, may I recommend someone?"
Just as Rowan was about to close the session, a timid voice piped up.
It was Amber, an Outrider of the Knights of Favonius.
The moment she stood, Rowan didn't need to guess who she had in mind.
Of course, the nominee herself realized it too.
Many Knights did as well, eyes sliding toward a figure bathed in ice-blue.
Rowan smiled lightly, encouraging her.
"Of course. And Amber—if your contributions are great enough, you can be a Round Table knight too."
"Er—my own contributions aren't that high. I'm not recommending myself. I recommend Eula Lawrence!"
Amber hadn't expected Rowan to recognize her and was a little flustered, but she spoke up boldly.
"Given Eula's character and all she's done for Mondstadt, I believe she deserves a place at the Round Table."
"My king—what do you think?"
Amber looked at Rowan with bright expectation.
The nominee, Eula, flushed with shyness.
She hadn't thought her best friend would speak for her now, and her heart fluttered with nerves.
Would she be chosen?
Catching both their expressions, Rowan smiled.
"Of course—Eula Lawrence."
"Effective immediately, you are this king's second Knight of the Round Table."
"May you press on without arrogance or impatience and better protect Mondstadt."
"Thank you, my king. I will remember!"
Eula, just as overjoyed, knelt on one knee in gratitude.
Rowan waited a moment. Seeing no further recommendations, he brought the morning audience to a close.
As everyone was filing out, Rowan called after them:
"Diluc and Albedo—stay. Come with me to the council chamber."
"Yes!"
And so the meeting ended.
Everyone bowed to the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, then left the palace
to begin implementing Rowan's decrees.
The Knights of Favonius, in particular, moved at once to ready the cells.
It was easy to foresee: many Mondstadters would test the bans,
and the jails would soon be packed.
Council chamber.
Rowan smiled and addressed Diluc:
"Pleased to meet you, Diluc."
"So—interested in joining this king's Round Table?"
(End of Chapter)
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