"Honorary Knight?"
Lumine had never heard of that title before.
Jiang Chen explained:
"It basically means an external member who enjoys the honor and privileges most of the time without doing much—but must help when a crisis occurs."
"There's such a good deal?"
Paimon's eyes sparkled.
Jiang Chen shrugged.
"For example… right now counts as a crisis."
Jean felt a little uncomfortable hearing that.
It sounded like Jiang Chen was implying she wanted to use the title to bind them into helping.
If Jiang Chen truly thought she was that kind of person…
Just imagining it made her feel irritated.
"Jiang Chen, this is the best reward I can offer."
Jean explained.
Lumine looked at her in surprise.
Jean now seemed completely different from the person Lumine had seen yesterday—or the one negotiating with the Fatui diplomat earlier.
"I know."
Given Mondstadt's current situation and the Knights' position, Jean genuinely needed help.
It just happened that the best reward she could offer was the title of Honorary Knight.
After all, she was only the Acting Grand Master.
"Jean doesn't think the Grand Master Varka and the Cardinal of the Church failed to persuade me… but now things might change, right?"
Jiang Chen looked at her with a faint smile.
Jean's expression dimmed slightly.
A sense of disappointment filled her heart.
"…So it's still not possible?"
"The same answer as before."
Jiang Chen said.
The Knights of Favonius had never truly belonged to Jean, Kaeya, or Lisa.
The real authority always rested with the expedition forces led by Varka.
Jean and the others were merely guarding the home front.
Even then, the higher authorities of the Church of Favonius constantly monitored them.
How much real power could they have?
That was the fundamental reason Jiang Chen refused to join the Knights—even as an Honorary Knight.
"Jean looks really sad…"
Paimon whispered, covering her mouth.
Lumine also noticed the awkward atmosphere.
"But if Jean personally asks me, I'll still help."
Jiang Chen suddenly smiled meaningfully.
Jean looked at him in surprise.
The dimness in her eyes gradually brightened again.
A faint blush appeared on her delicate face.
She took a deep breath and pressed a hand lightly to her chest to steady her heartbeat.
"Thank you, Jiang Chen."
Jean said softly.
Jiang Chen raised two fingers.
"Then I have two conditions."
"Go ahead."
"First, I want a Favonius Warbow."
Jean considered the difficulty.
For others, it might be hard to obtain.
But for Jiang Chen, she could probably manage it.
If necessary, she could even take a stronger stance with the church authorities.
Even if that seemed improper, she was willing.
"Alright."
Jean nodded.
"Second…"
"I want Barbara."
"You'll need to convince the church as well."
"You want to take Barbara with you?"
Jean asked.
She clearly didn't misunderstand his meaning.
"Mm."
Jiang Chen nodded.
"Then Barbara is in your care."
Jean bowed slightly.
Compared to the first condition, this was actually easier to arrange.
"Can we also make requests?"
Paimon wanted Mora.
Lumine also thought Mora sounded practical.
Jean was about to agree—
But Jiang Chen spoke first.
"Lumine will accept the Honorary Knight title."
"What?! Why?"
Not only Lumine and Paimon—Jean was also surprised.
Jiang Chen sighed.
"If Stormterror is defeated entirely by outsiders like us, the Knights of Favonius would lose face—not just in Mondstadt, but across the other six nations."
It wouldn't matter if the Knights lost reputation.
But Jean was the Acting Grand Master.
If something like that happened, it would damage her personal authority.
Rumors would spread through Fatui networks and merchant caravans:
"Jean is unfit to lead the Knights."
"Under Jean, the Knights accomplish nothing."
It would become an international joke.
"So someone from the Knights must participate."
"And Honorary Knights count too."
If an Honorary Knight solved the problem, the narrative could become:
"Acting Grand Master Jean showed great judgment in choosing allies."
"Jiang Chen…"
Jean finally understood and felt deeply moved.
"Is that okay with you, Lumine?"
Jiang Chen asked.
"I don't really mind."
Lumine wasn't particularly concerned.
"Then let's proceed with the appointment ceremony."
Jiang Chen said.
Becoming an Honorary Knight wouldn't disadvantage Lumine.
Everyone in Mondstadt already knew she was under Jiang Chen's protection.
He could intervene in her matters anytime.
The only condition was that he himself must not become a Knight.
Half an hour later, the three of them left the Knights' headquarters.
Jiang Chen silently calculated their team composition.
Before confronting Stormterror, they had to increase everyone's levels.
Even one death would be unacceptable.
Because here—
Death meant truly gone forever.
"Paimon, help me call someone."
Jiang Chen suddenly said.
"Who? Do I know them?"
Paimon happily agreed.
After all, Jiang Chen provided food and lodging—she had to work hard to please him.
"Just shout Noelle on the way back."
"Huh?"
Paimon was still confused.
Suddenly—
A figure appeared silently behind her.
At some unknown moment.
Then a calm voice spoke.
"I'm here."
"GHOST!!"
Paimon screamed and instantly dove into Jiang Chen's arms.
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