"Grand Master Varka." Frederica bowed, her gaze falling on Gu Chen.
She had already heard from the knight who announced them that this very young Knight Order's Chief Instructor had been promoted to Vice Grand Master.
Only twelve years old, yet already among Mondstadt's upper echelons!
That alone made the way Frederica looked at Gu Chen brim with appreciation.
"Lady Frederica, it's been quite some time," Varka said, clearly familiar with her, his tone carrying a hint of teasing. "I hope this sudden visit isn't an inconvenience?"
"Of course not." Smiling, Frederica extended her hand. "Please."
They walked through the Gunnhildr family estate and soon entered the manor itself.
The Gunnhildr family was not as wealthy as the Ragnvindr family, nor did they cling tightly to power like the Lawrence clan.
The interior décor wasn't dazzlingly luxurious. Instead, it gave off a sense of long history.
A family that had protected Mondstadt since the very first epic was written—this sense of age was their pride.
Everyone took their seats.
After chatting casually about recent events for a while, Varka finally spoke.
"Madam, isn't it about time for this generation of Gunnhildr children to be sent to the Knights?"
Frederica was briefly stunned, then laughed.
"So the Grand Master came personally just for such a small matter?"
The Gunnhildr family had produced many knights, and to avoid suspicion, the family rarely interfered in the Knights' internal affairs, giving the impression that they lived in seclusion within the city.
As such, Frederica could only learn about the Knights' current situation through family members serving within the Order.
"Is the Knights of Favonius really that short-handed now?" she asked in surprise.
"Not at all."
Realizing she had misunderstood, Varka waved his hand and then said with a broad smile,
"Then what do you think of this Vice Grand Master of mine?"
Frederica turned to look at Gu Chen.
Young, steady, and upon closer inspection, carrying the restrained aura of a slumbering tiger.
After nodding slightly to herself, she said,
"Becoming Vice Grand Master at only twelve—this is a legend among legends."
"You flatter me, Madam." Gu Chen inclined his head.
Varka chuckled.
"Twelve years old as Vice Grand Master—and the Cavalry Captain is also a twelve-year-old kid."
"Madam, the Knights are becoming younger and stronger. We need more fresh blood to support this Order that's already entering middle age, to restore it to its youthful vigor. You understand, don't you?" Varka said earnestly.
Frederica fell into thought.
Between the lines, Varka was making it clear that the Knights' leadership now included many young faces—far too young, in fact.
She laughed.
"So you've set your sights on the young seedlings in my family?"
"Of course!"
Varka nodded without the slightest hesitation, then asked,
"You wouldn't be unwilling to part with them, would you?"
Frederica sighed helplessly.
"I originally planned to train them for a couple more years before letting them take the Knights' examination. Aren't you being a bit hasty? Won't being too young affect the Knights' operations?"
Varka knew she had already agreed—there was no reason for her to refuse.
Hearing her concern, his expression turned solemn.
"Please rest assured, Madam. Being young isn't a problem. As long as the one at the helm is mature and steady, everything will be fine."
Frederica nodded slightly, then turned to a maid beside her.
"Go call Jean."
"Yes."
As the maid left, Varka probed with a smile,
"I've heard Jean is the most outstanding among your family's younger generation?"
At the mention of Jean, pride showed clearly on Frederica's face.
"Of course she is."
Before long, the maid returned with a small girl.
As soon as she arrived, the girl bowed to Frederica.
"Mother."
Without needing a reminder, she politely bowed to Varka and Gu Chen as well.
"Jean Gunnhildr greets the Grand Master and the Vice Grand Master."
So young, yet already courteous and carrying the bearing of a knight. Varka nodded inwardly, his smile growing warmer.
"What a good child!"
Gu Chen also studied Jean carefully.
Varka had already told him on the way here—Jean was ten years old this year.
Her gray-violet eyes held respect for both him and Varka. Her golden hair, naturally curled at the tips, was tied into a ponytail with a bow at the back, with two locks falling naturally along her cheeks. Dressed in a white-dominated knight's uniform, she truly looked like a tiny knight.
In terms of physique and etiquette, there was nothing to fault.
As expected of a girl personally chosen by Frederica from childhood to inherit the chivalric path.
While Gu Chen was looking at Jean, Jean was also looking at Gu Chen.
Though she mostly stayed within the family, she had often heard of this Vice Grand Master's deeds.
Becoming a formal knight at a young age. Granted the title of knight at eight. Appointed Chief Instructor of the Knights.
His strength was said to be unfathomable, and his merits within the Order dazzling.
At twelve, he had achieved what many couldn't even accomplish by twenty or thirty!
The little girl's eyes were filled with admiration.
[Nilou]: Hehe! First meeting and Miss Jean is already drawn to the radiant excellence of Mr. Gu Chen! (Yay!)
[Collei]: Little brother Gu Chen is so outstanding he practically glows. Miss Jean is still a little girl, both are knights, and the age gap isn't big—of course she'd admire him right away! (Collei · Yearning)
[Kirara]: Please fast-forward to "Mr. Idol Falls in Love with Me"! (Hurry hurry hurry!)
[Jean]: …
[Barbara]: The admiration in a ten-year-old's eyes is really obvious… (Paimon · Shocked)
[Kaeya]: Totally normal. Diluc, who also became Cavalry Captain at twelve, admired the boss just as openly—let alone Jean, a little girl. (Smug)
[Amber]: Mr. Gu Chen was never a naughty kid growing up—he's always been strong and reliable. It's totally normal for someone like that to be attractive! Plus, his achievements shine so brightly! (Starry-eyed admiration)
[Keqing]: From an objective standpoint, this makes perfect sense. Even if it were me in this situation, I'd definitely admire Mr. Gu Chen. What feels odd is simply that we know adult Jean. (Facepalm)
[Lisa]: Comparing adult Jean with the Jean in these scenes does feel a bit… subtle. (Mischievous smile)
[Jean]: Um, even right now, I think Mr. Gu Chen's contributions are immense. He's an exceptionally outstanding knight. (Jean · Praise)
[Azhdaha]: Sometimes, the gap between people is bigger than the gap between a person and a dog!
[Kaeya]: Who are you pointing at? (Nahida · Pointing)
[Osial]: Don't launch map-wide attacks! Even as a god, I feel hurt! (Annoyed)
Varka looked at Jean and asked,
"Are you willing to join the Knights of Favonius starting today?"
Jean turned to look at her mother.
Frederica said gently,
"Decide based on your own wishes."
Jean turned back to Varka, her still-childish face firm as she nodded.
"I am willing!"
"Good child!"
Varka's smile widened. He then turned to Frederica and joked,
"She's only ten. If I take her straight to the Knights now, you won't resent me, will you?"
"There's no need for the Grand Master to test me." Frederica replied with a warm smile.
"The Gunnhildr family exists to eternally protect Mondstadt. Though she's young, she can still contribute. Besides, it's not like she'll never come home again, right? There will be holidays, won't there?"
Varka nodded immediately.
"Of course there will be!"
"You're not in a hurry to leave, are you?" Frederica asked.
"Inviting us to lunch?" Varka laughed heartily. "I'd be delighted."
Frederica gave a few instructions to the maid, then said,
"Inviting the current Grand Master and Vice Grand Master to dine at our home—hopefully the rumors won't twist it."
"The Gunnhildr family's traditions are known to every citizen of Mondstadt. No one will misunderstand."
Varka waved his hand, then turned to Gu Chen.
"Today, you'll get to taste a noble family's lunch."
Gu Chen nodded, saying nothing.
Soon, noon arrived.
The Gunnhildr family's lunch wasn't extravagant—meat and vegetables alike—but the quantity was notably more than an ordinary household's.
After lunch, Varka and Gu Chen took their leave, bringing Jean along with several other young members of the Gunnhildr family.
Back at the Knights' headquarters, Varka said,
"Jean, from today onward, you'll serve as the Vice Grand Master's assistant. He'll arrange your duties."
Jean looked up at Gu Chen, who was more than a head taller than her, and nodded heavily.
"Yes!"
"Arrange Jean's lodging and familiarize her with the Knights," Varka instructed.
"Mm."
Gu Chen nodded and led Jean away.
There were quite a few female knights in the Knights of Favonius, and Gu Chen arranged a single room for Jean.
Though only ten, she was clearly capable of taking care of herself, so Gu Chen wasn't too worried.
After familiarizing her with her quarters, and perhaps because she'd noticed Gu Chen wasn't that stern along the way, Jean finally gathered her courage and asked,
"Vice Grand Master, what will my work be in the future?"
Gu Chen slowed his pace and replied,
"Handling administrative affairs, and necessary knight training, among other things."
"What if there are tasks I don't know how to handle?" Jean asked nervously, her little face tense.
Gu Chen stopped, pondered for a moment, then spread his hands.
"There are many things I don't know how to do either. I can't teach you those—but it doesn't matter. Just leave them to Varka."
That utterly casual attitude left Jean stunned.
She had thought that if she didn't know something, Gu Chen would guide her—but instead, he admitted he didn't know either and directly said to pass it to Varka.
The filter of the all-powerful idol seemed to shatter.
"Relax," Gu Chen said reassuringly.
"Even gods have their shortcomings. If you don't know something, ask. If you don't know, learn. As long as you're willing to speak up, you'll eventually master it."
Jean nodded, finding his words very reasonable, then asked,
"Then… Vice Grand Master, didn't you study internal administration?"
The moment the question left her mouth, Jean realized she'd said something wrong. Her face tightened even more.
"Good question."
Gu Chen replied matter-of-factly,
"Because I didn't want to learn it—so you're here as my assistant."
So that's how it was?
Jean suddenly understood.
Her mother had originally planned to send her into the Knights after two more years of training, but it had been advanced by two years.
The reason… was because the Vice Grand Master didn't want to handle administration?
"I understand!"
Jean nodded seriously.
"I'll do my best to be a good assistant to you!"
"Mm. I have faith in you."
Gu Chen nodded.
After spending so much time with Varka, Gu Chen had picked up the knack for motivating people. Words that fired others up now came to him effortlessly.
Jean quickly felt dizzy from the praise. Being complimented like this made her feel as if the Knights couldn't do without her, as though she were incredibly important. Excitement and passion surged, her blood practically igniting.
Gu Chen called this condition: being completely sweet-talked into enthusiasm.
But Jean truly was happy.
"Eternal protection of Mondstadt" was not just a slogan of the Gunnhildr family—it was a creed that every member was expected to uphold through action. Jean was no exception.
No matter the task, as long as it benefited Mondstadt, she would do it.
And Gu Chen had an enormous influence on children like Jean.
Not only Jean—children of her age or even younger. Regardless of whether they dreamed of becoming knights, Gu Chen had already become someone praised by parents and worshipped by children throughout Mondstadt.
Being assigned work by one's idol, being praised by one's idol—such excitement was hard to put into words.
After showing Jean around the Knights' headquarters, Gu Chen brought her to the office.
His former Chief Instructor's office had already been converted into the Vice Grand Master's office.
"Alright!" Jean nodded.
"Let's go. You still have training."
This time slot happened to coincide with the period when new recruits were undergoing basic training.
Even though Jean and the others had already received knightly training, they couldn't skip this stage. Since Gu Chen took over as Chief Instructor, all apprentice knights had to learn the basic body-tempering technique during this phase.
When Gu Chen brought Jean to the training grounds, Diluc was already there.
"Vice Grand Master!" Diluc greeted him.
"You're not training the cavalry but here instead—did your brother join the Knights?" Gu Chen asked in surprise.
"Yes!"
Diluc nodded with a smile and pointed into the distance at a dark-skinned youth wearing an eyepatch.
Gu Chen nodded.
"Looks like a decent seedling."
Only then did Diluc notice Jean.
"And this is…?"
"My assistant," Gu Chen replied, then added,
"Jean, join the formation."
"Yes!"
Jean nodded and joined the new recruits.
Diluc chuckled and said,
"Jean? The eldest daughter of the Gunnhildr family?"
"Mm."
Gu Chen nodded, then said,
"I'll take them through training."
"Vice Grand Master, can I be an instructor for once too?" Diluc asked excitedly.
Gu Chen paused and turned to look at him.
"Planning to 'thoroughly discipline' your brother?"
"Heh heh! What are you saying, Vice Grand Master? I'm refining him!" Diluc replied.
Gu Chen laughed, nodded, and said,
"Fine. Let's begin the induction ceremony."
The ceremony was simple—informing the recruits of their responsibilities upon joining the Knights of Favonius, encouraging them to train hard and become defenders of Mondstadt.
As in previous years, Gu Chen taught the basic body-tempering technique. With Diluc, the Cavalry Captain, and many veterans present, the teaching was much easier. He didn't need to guide everyone individually.
Gu Chen noticed that Jean was very talented—and more importantly, very serious.
The basic technique wasn't difficult, but memorizing it perfectly in one go without mistakes was worthy of praise.
Following habits he'd learned from Varka, Gu Chen offered a few words of encouragement, which made Jean even happier—and even more diligent.
This year's recruit training had begun, but the busiest person was actually Jean.
To help her grow quickly and share the burden, Gu Chen and Varka spared no effort in cultivating her.
Jean didn't need basic knight training—she'd received that since childhood.
Varka taught her how to handle administrative affairs.
Gu Chen taught her more advanced body-tempering techniques.
Aside from meals and necessary rest, Jean practically had no free time during this period. Yet she never complained. Instead, like a sponge, she absorbed everything Varka and Gu Chen taught her at remarkable speed.
In the Grand Master's office.
Varka and Gu Chen exchanged a look, both wearing shrewd, fox-like smiles.
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