Yes, Furina-sama!

Even though Furina and Richard's conversation just now had carried a tense undercurrent, to the guests around them the two looked every bit like a ruler and her trusted right hand in perfect harmony.

None of the guests had the slightest idea that, in just those few short moments, a transfer of power and a masterful indirect rebuke had both taken place.

"You two seem to be having quite a pleasant chat, looks like everything's been resolved?"

At that moment, Acting Grand Master Jean Gunnhildr of the Knights of Favonius joined their conversation.

"Yes, Acting Grand Master Jean. Everything has been handled perfectly," Furina replied, giving Richard a quick glance. In her mind, she recalled what Richard had told her before they arrived, about Jean.

Half a year ago, Varka had once again led the elite forces of the Knights of Favonius on an expedition far from Mondstadt.

As Varka's deputy, Jean had naturally stepped up to become Acting Grand Master, filling the power vacuum left by his absence.

In truth, Jean had done an exceptional job. So much so that many in Mondstadt had nearly forgotten that there was still a "Grand Master" above her at all.

But Jean herself had never cared about that. Within the Knights, her rank and title had never affected how she carried out her duties. She wasn't like Richard, the type to hold power tightly in his hands.

Whether she was promoted or not was never her concern; if she ever had to choose between her own advancement and Mondstadt's prosperity, she would unhesitatingly choose the latter.

What's more, her outstanding capability was matched by her remarkable appearance.

Her long, golden hair fell in soft waves, tied back in a simple ponytail that highlighted her crisp, capable demeanor.

Jean's features were elegant, her violet-gray eyes deep and captivating, her nose straight, her lips slightly upturned in a way that conveyed both confidence and warmth.

In the banquet hall, unlike other noble ladies clad in lavish, delicate gowns, Jean wore a primarily white formal suit with gold accents, a slightly androgynous cut. A black leather swallowtail cloak was attached at the back and at her waist, draping down to the bend of her knees.

This simple yet commanding outfit showed her grace and nobility while emphasizing her strength and determination.

Clearly, this Acting Grand Master was no frail puppet pushed to the front lines; she was a true wielder of real power.

It was precisely because of this brave and valiant image that Jean was the object of admiration for many girls in Mondstadt and the target of many noble suitors as well.

But Jean plainly had no interest in romance. She had never responded to anyone's affection, and her interactions with the opposite sex were always measured and appropriate, leaving no room for idle fantasies, always drawing clear and firm boundaries.

Jean had always focused wholeheartedly on her duties, especially now, when the Knights of Favonius and all of Mondstadt faced a grave threat: the calamity of the dragon.

On top of that, there was constant diplomatic pressure from the Fatui, who lately had acted more like adversaries than allies.

So the sudden arrival of the Fontaine delegation had taken Jean by surprise, but it was also a relief. She couldn't help but wonder why Fontaine had chosen this moment to get involved.

After all, Fontaine's foreign policy had always been to watch from the sidelines rather than step in directly…

But when she saw the name Richard on the visitor list, Jean seemed to understand.

Did he come for her sake? Of course not, although she knew Richard and could even call him a friend, Jean wasn't naïve enough to think she mattered to Richard that much.

Nor was Richard the type to covet her beauty. To Jean, Richard was clearly a courteous gentleman, his gaze always clear and respectful, his words always appropriate, making conversation with him genuinely pleasant.

So the answer was obvious: Richard had pushed Fontaine to intervene, even bringing the Hydro Archon herself along, entirely because of his little sister, who happened to be the Knights of Favonius' very own Spark Knight, Klee.

Due to work, Richard, like Klee's mother Alice, spent most of his time abroad. So, at Lady Alice's request, the role of guardian had fallen to Jean.

But that didn't mean Richard didn't care about his little sister, far from it. Jean believed no one cared more about Klee than Richard did. Whenever he could, he'd return to Mondstadt just to spend time with her, even if only for a fleeting visit.

According to some of Mondstadt's long-lived elders, Klee's mischievous spirit was like a perfect copy of Richard's when he was her age.

The only difference was that one liked shocking fish with electricity, while the other liked blowing them up…

Klee clearly adored her big brother Richard, too. From what Jean knew of her, Klee's fondness for Richard probably even surpassed her feelings for Jean herself.

Which was only natural, in any family, children usually loved a gentle father more than a strict mother.

And for Klee's healthy upbringing, Jean had played quite a few "strict mother" roles.

"Lord Hydro Archon Furina, please allow me to formally express my deepest gratitude once again for your support," Jean said, her beautiful features radiating sincerity.

Whether it was sheltering Mondstadt's refugees who had fled to Fontaine or now openly supporting the Knights diplomatically, all of it was a lifeline for Mondstadt in its hour of need.

Especially Furina's personal visit to Mondstadt, for the people, anxious about the dragon's return, the presence of a god was like an injection of hope.

Morale in the city had risen sharply. As word of the Hydro Archon's arrival spread, the furrowed brows of Mondstadt's citizens eased somewhat, and genuine smiles began to appear again.

"It's nothing, my Executive Secretary General simply did everything he could to drag me here to Mondstadt. If you must thank someone, thank him instead." Furina waved off the credit, passing it all to Richard.

While Furina and Richard might scheme against each other in the workplace, that was where it ended. Out here, kind-hearted Furina always gave her subordinates their due.

After all, Richard had done much for her. Returning the favor was only right.

Furina wasn't the type to repay loyalty with ingratitude. Perhaps because she had suffered so much in life, she remembered every kindness shown to her better than anyone else.

"We will remember Mr. Richard's kindness as well. I promise that no matter what happens in the future, both of you and all of Fontaine will always be Mondstadt's most trusted, dearest allies. Should you ever have need of us, Mondstadt will stand by your side without hesitation."

In response to Fontaine's helping hand, Jean offered her own pledge in return. It was clear that once the dragon threat was dealt with, Fontaine would gain a steadfast ally.

Not just the sort of ally who was an "ally" in name only, but one who would truly act when needed, like a real brother.

Aside from the alliance still to be formalized, Mondstadt would also provide practical returns, easing tariffs, trade routes, import and export deals, all gestures of gratitude that would benefit both sides.

And these were precisely the next matters Jean planned to discuss with Furina…