At the bridgehead of Mondstadt's main gate.
Gu Chen sat astride a white horse, waiting calmly. Beside him stood Diluc, leading a small detachment of cavalry.
"According to the message from the Fatui," Diluc said flatly, a trace of disgust flashing through his eyes,
"that 'Doctor' should arrive in about ten minutes."
The young cavalry captain was a hot-blooded man with a strong sense of justice. After hearing some rumors about Il Dottore, he held not the slightest goodwill toward him.
"Then we wait," Gu Chen chuckled softly, his words carrying a hint of implication.
"Let's hope they don't delay."
"You mean they'll deliberately arrive late to give us a show of authority?" Diluc immediately caught on.
"It's a common and effective tactic."
"Most likely," Gu Chen replied.
"This so-called 'exchange' is nothing more than flaunting their military strength—applying pressure to other nations under the guise of diplomacy."
He let out a cold laugh.
Diluc's expression turned disdainful.
Everyone knew the Fatui's military power was formidable—there was no denying that.
But the Knights of Favonius were no longer what they had been years ago.
Diluc glanced at the cavalry behind him. None of them possessed Visions—yet they could still easily defeat Vision holders.
This was the Knights of Favonius today.
[Tartaglia]: Dottore's really putting on airs—making Brother Gu wait here, and even delaying on purpose. Isn't that just leaving him hanging?
[Paimon]: I don't get it. If Dottore wants body-refinement techniques, wouldn't this just offend the Knights?
[Heizou]: With Fatui intelligence, they probably already have the basic version. Since Dottore's a scholar, he must've tested it extensively. If even he couldn't derive something stronger, yet still came to Mondstadt personally—doesn't that say a lot?
[Tighnari]: Exactly. He likely failed to achieve meaningful breakthroughs and came to probe advanced techniques—and to assess how strong the Knights have become.
[Ningguang]: More than that. Dottore wouldn't come in person for just one objective.
[Kaeya]: Human experimentation, most likely. That beast needs "materials." On the surface it's recruitment—everyone knows what it really is.
[Collei]: He deserves to die!
[Zhongli]: By common reasoning, nations correspond to nations, authorities to authorities. Since the Fatui represent Snezhnaya's greatest power, they correspond to the Knights. Their Harbinger naturally corresponds to the Vice Captain. From a diplomatic standpoint, Gu Chen welcoming him personally is entirely proper.
The authority of the Knights of Favonius far exceeded common perception.
Mondstadt's power structure was simple:
The Anemo Archon → The Four Winds → The People.
The Four Winds were:
• East Wind — Dvalin
• South Wind — once Vennessa, later the greatest knight of each era
• West Wind — the Knights of Favonius
• North Wind — once Andrius, later the strongest knight, currently Varka
Three of the Four Winds resided within the Knights, and even the Church of Favonius fell under their jurisdiction.
Simply put—if the god did not intervene, the Knights decided everything.
Under such a system, Gu Chen personally welcoming Dottore made perfect sense, no matter how distasteful the man was.
Ten minutes passed.
Just as Gu Chen predicted, the Fatui convoy was nowhere to be seen.
Another half hour later, the procession finally appeared at the road's end.
"Hmph."
Diluc snorted, lowering his voice.
"Vice Captain, they're being far too arrogant."
Gu Chen's expression remained calm.
"The far north is cold and barren. People there lack proper etiquette—just treat them as barbarians."
Diluc's eyes lit up in realization.
"Barbarians lacking manners—yes, that makes perfect sense."
[Tartaglia]: I was just watching a video and suddenly became a barbarian?! Wait—Dottore isn't even Snezhnayan! I am! You're insulting me too!! Wronged!!
[Arlecchino]: Thankfully, I'm not from Snezhnaya.
[Pulcinella]: (headache)
[Tartaglia]: Snezhnaya will never forget this humiliating day!!! Dottore you damn animal!!!
[Baizhu]: Letting Tartaglia stab Dottore during experiments actually sounds viable.
[Tartaglia]: Just wait—I'll reform first. One day off is all I need. I'll personally take care of Dottore!!
The Fatui convoy drew closer.
It was massive—hundreds of personnel, all Fatui members, marching in silence. Some carried bizarre weapons.
At the very front was a modified carriage—a cage mounted atop it.
Inside was a gigantic creature, muscles bulging, purple skin covered in crystalline growths.
A Thunderhelm Lawachurl.
In the past, even an elite cavalry squad would struggle against such a monster—immense strength combined with Electro power.
The convoy stopped.
A green-haired young man in luxurious attire stepped forward, a white cloak draped like a mantle. Two Mirror Maidens followed him, poised as priestesses.
As he approached, Gu Chen dismounted.
"Fatui Harbinger, Second Seat—Il Dottore."
"Vice Captain of the Knights of Favonius, Knight of the Morning Star—Gu Chen."
Behind the bird-beaked mask, Dottore's lips curved into a smile.
"I've long heard of you."
"The pleasure is mine."
After exchanging pleasantries, Dottore said calmly,
"By the main road's pace, we should have arrived earlier. Our delay was due to an attack by this beast. My apologies for keeping you waiting."
Gu Chen glanced at the dying Lawachurl and frowned slightly.
"Waiting is no issue. But such creatures usually dwell deep in the wilds—appearing on the main road is unusual. Beasts tend to attract one another… did it sense something?"
He added casually,
"Did you see any ordinary hilichurls nearby?"
Dottore's smile never faded.
"Yes. We dealt with them."
"Oh?" Gu Chen nodded.
"Then all is well. We apologize for the trouble our lands caused our distant guests. Please—this way."
The Fatui delegation was escorted into Mondstadt, their lodgings arranged strictly by protocol—flawless and proper.
[Arataki Itto]: Huh, maybe the Fatui aren't that bad—they even clear hilichurls!
[Kuki Shinobu]: Boss… you missed the deeper meaning.
[Keqing]: A Lawachurl on the main road implies weak monster suppression. The Fatui intended this as a subtle jab. Gu Chen's response? He lumped them together with monsters.
[Furina]: Exactly my thoughts!
[Wriothesley]: On the surface it's an exchange—but everyone knows it's a confrontation.
Knights' Reception Hall
Both sides sat facing each other.
Dottore spoke first.
"I hear the Knights possess a technique to strengthen the body. How does it compare to the warriors of Snezhnaya?"
A challenge.
Diluc's gaze sharpened with confidence.
"Power always has a price," Gu Chen said lightly, sipping his tea.
"Those who endure suffering for strength are indeed warriors."
He looked up.
"Are you proposing a comparison between Snezhnayan warriors and our knights?"
Dottore nodded.
"Precisely."
"Conditions?" Gu Chen asked.
"Our people are raised in harsh lands," Dottore said slowly.
"They do not know restraint."
Gu Chen understood at once.
"Then death waivers are required. Casualties on the field won't affect relations between our nations, I presume?"
"Of course not," Dottore replied, smiling wider.
"Good."
"Rest first. We'll begin in three days."
"Agreed."
Back in the office.
"What exactly is Dottore plotting?" Diluc asked.
Gu Chen gazed at the training grounds.
"He wants to force the knights to their limits."
"To what end?"
"Different physiques endure different levels of enhancement. Stronger bodies can withstand stronger reagents—and become far more terrifying weapons."
Diluc's expression darkened.
"So by forcing elite knights into life-and-death combat… he learns the upper limits of advanced body-refinement."
Gu Chen nodded.
"And if it meets his expectations—he'll aim higher. He wants the ultimate technique."
"They'll target you?" Diluc asked gravely.
"A scholar without morals fears nothing," Gu Chen shrugged.
"Please be careful," Diluc said firmly.
"I will."
"Warn the knights. Protect key figures—especially Lord Crepus of Dawn Winery. Invite him here during the exchange."
"Yes!"
Later, Gu Chen met Varka.
"I've heard," Varka said. "The Fatui aim high."
"Let them come," Gu Chen smiled.
"Just prepare more doctors—for our people."
"Right," Varka nodded.
"And after this… it's time Jean receives her title."
"She's earned it," Gu Chen said calmly.
"Let this be her stage."
Varka smiled and nodded.
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