The situation for Eula had taken a dire turn. After her valiant efforts to create a diversion and protect the villagers, she found herself overpowered by the sheer number of Fatui soldiers. They had managed to pin her to the ground, her hands forced behind her back, as they quickly tied her up, rendering her unable to continue her fight.
Surrounded by Fatui soldiers, Eula lay on the ground, her usual poised and confident demeanor replaced by a look of defiance mixed with frustration. The soldiers loomed over her, their faces obscured by masks, a stark symbol of the invading force that had brought chaos to Mondstadt.
One of the Fatui soldiers, seemingly the leader, leaned down to speak to her. "Knight of Favonius, you fought well, but it was inevitable. You are now our prisoner," he said, a hint of triumph in his voice.
Eula, her blue eyes burning with an unwavering spirit, replied sharply, "You may have captured me, but you will never break the will of Mondstadt. Others will continue the fight."
The Fatui leader chuckled, a cold sound that seemed to chill the air around them. "Ah, but that's where you're mistaken, Knight. Mondstadt's spirit is exactly what we intend to break. With you as our captive, the city's hope wanes."
Eula, despite her prone position, held his gaze unflinchingly. "Hope is not so easily extinguished. Mondstadt's people are stronger than you think. You underestimate the power of freedom and the resolve it breeds."
The leader straightened, his mask reflecting the dying light. "We shall see. For now, you will be taken to our stronghold. Consider this an opportunity to witness Mondstadt's fall firsthand."
As they began to move her, Eula's thoughts raced, not with fear, but with a steely determination. Mondstadt would not fall, not while its spirit endured in its people.
As Eula lay pinned to the unforgiving, cold ground, the looming silhouette of a Fatui soldier cast a menacing shadow over her. The glint of his rifle's metal under the dim moonlight formed a stark contrast against the darkness of the night. Just as his finger curled menacingly around the trigger, a sharp shot echoed through the air. Eula's eyes widened in shock as the Fatui soldier before her suddenly crumpled to the ground, a stark, crimson bullet hole marring his forehead.
The remaining Fatui soldiers, clad in their heavy, dark armor, whirled around in shock and confusion. Their movements were a chaotic dance of clinking metal and rustling fabric. As their eyes searched frantically, they landed on a small, yet striking figure. There stood Klee, the little red mage of Mondstadt, her stance fierce and unyielding.
The moonlight illuminated her fiery red hair, creating a vivid halo around her determined face. Her rifle, unusually large for her small frame, was aimed with deadly precision at the soldiers, her small fingers steady on the weapon. Her eyes, usually sparkling with childlike wonder, now glinted with a fierce determination that sent a clear message: she was not to be underestimated.
"It's the little red mage!!! That brat!!!" one of the Fatui soldiers yelled, astonished to see such a young child challenging them.
Eula, while relieved at the sudden turn of events, was also filled with concern and anger at Klee's return to the dangerous fray. "Klee, what are you doing back here?!" Eula yelled, her voice filled with a mix of relief and frustration. "I told you to go with the villagers. It's too dangerous!"
Klee, her small frame tense with resolve, replied without lowering her weapon. "I can't just leave you or Mondstadt. I have to help!"
Eula's heart ached with worry for Klee's safety, yet she couldn't deny the courage and spirit the young mage displayed. The situation was perilous, but together they stood, facing the Fatui soldiers, embodying the bravery and resilience of Mondstadt.
The battlefield in Springvale shifted rapidly as Klee's actions drew the attention of the Fatui soldiers. One of them, recognizing the threat posed by this surprisingly formidable child, shouted an order: "Get her!!!" Instantly, the focus of the remaining Fatui shifted from Eula to Klee, the little red mage who had become a significant threat.
Klee, despite her small stature, moved with an agility that belied her age. She nimbly dodged a barrage of attacks, weaving through the chaos with an almost dance-like grace. The Fatui soldiers, frustrated and alarmed by her agility, opened fire in a desperate attempt to stop her.
Bullets whizzed past Klee as she maneuvered across the battlefield. Her movements were swift and unpredictable, making it difficult for the soldiers to land a hit. Each time they thought they had her cornered, she found a way to evade, using the terrain to her advantage.
Eula, now momentarily overlooked by the Fatui, used this opportunity to free herself from her bindings. She observed Klee with a mix of awe and concern, amazed by the young mage's courage and skill, yet worried for her safety in such a dangerous situation.
Klee's determination and bravery were on full display as she faced the onslaught of Fatui soldiers. She had no time for fear or hesitation; her focus was solely on defending herself and aiding Eula.
As the Fatui soldiers opened fire, Klee's agility came to the forefront. She weaved and dodged through the barrage of bullets, closing the distance between her and her assailants. When a Fatui soldier swung his sledgehammer at her, Klee nimbly dodged the attack and responded with a precise shot to his body. Without missing a beat, she leaped over him, firing directly at his head at point-blank range.
Another soldier charged at her, swinging his sledgehammer with force. Klee, again demonstrating her agility, evaded the attack and counterattacked with a well-aimed shot below the belt, followed by another to his face.
A Fatui soldier attempted to shoot her at point-blank range, but Klee's quick reflexes allowed her to jump over him and, with another leap, turn mid-air to shoot him down.
When faced with a soldier swinging a blade at her, Klee slid underneath the attack and fired upwards, then swiftly maneuvered behind him to deliver a fatal shot to his head.
The last attacking soldier was met with a barrage of shots from Klee – to the body, then the leg, forcing him to kneel, before she finished him with a final shot to the face.
Cornered and under relentless fire, Klee found herself in a perilous situation. The Fatui, recognizing her as a significant threat, were determined to stop her at all costs. Bullets ricocheted off the walls around her as she took cover at the corner of a house, the intensity of the attack leaving her little room to maneuver.
In a moment of quick thinking, Klee reached into her backpack and pulled out one of her small Jumpty Dumpties. She knew she had to act fast. The Fatui soldiers, confident in their numbers, began to encircle her, closing in for what they thought would be an easy capture.
As one of the Fatui soldiers rounded the corner, expecting to catch Klee off guard, he was met instead with the determined gaze of the little red mage. In an instant, Klee aimed and fired a single, precise shot to his head. Without pausing, she quickly tossed the Jumpty Dumpty towards the group of encroaching soldiers.
Klee then darted from her cover, landing another well-aimed shot at an attacking Fatui soldier. The Jumpty Dumpty detonated amidst the group of soldiers, causing confusion and chaos in their ranks.
This quick succession of actions – the precise shooting and the strategic use of her Jumpty Dumpty – gave Klee a vital opening. She used the momentary disarray among the Fatui soldiers to reposition herself, looking for her next tactical advantage.
As the Fatui soldiers continued to encircle Klee, they underestimated the tenacity and resourcefulness of the little red mage. Klee, cornered and facing overwhelming odds, refused to give in. Her determination to protect Mondstadt fueled her actions, showcasing a bravery far beyond her years.
In a swift and unexpected move, Klee targeted one of the advancing soldiers, shooting him below the belt. The soldier collapsed in pain, momentarily incapacitated. Seizing the opportunity, Klee then turned her attention to another Fatui soldier, aiming a precise shot at his leg, effectively disabling him.
With agility characteristic of her spirited nature, Klee maneuvered behind the injured soldier. In a quick motion, she delivered a kick, using the moment to disarm him. She swiftly grabbed a double-barreled shotgun from his possession.
In a rapid succession of actions, Klee used the shotgun against the Fatui soldiers. She fired one shell at close range, taking down a soldier with a single, decisive shot. Without hesitating, she then turned the weapon on another attacker, using the last shell to eliminate the immediate threat.
In a tactical maneuver, a group of Fatui soldiers, including a Cryo Legionnaire, prepared to corner Klee. They anticipated her position and aimed their rifles towards the corner where they last saw her, ready to end the threat she posed.
However, Klee, ever resourceful and quick on her feet, had other plans. As the Cryo Legionnaire activated his ability to freeze anything in his path, Klee cunningly used a decoy to mislead him. The real Klee, seizing the moment of confusion, leaped onto the Cryo Legionnaire's back, catching him completely off guard.
With deft agility, Klee swung around the Cryo Legionnaire's head, forcing him to inadvertently aim his freezing attack at his own allies. The Cryo Legionnaire's ability triggered, encasing his fellow Fatui soldiers in ice.
Before the Cryo Legionnaire could recover from his disorientation, Klee quickly aimed her shotgun and shot him in the head, neutralizing the immediate threat. Without missing a beat, she dropped one of her Jumpty Dumpty bombs near the frozen Fatui soldiers.
The bomb detonated with a powerful blast, shattering the ice and eliminating the immobilized opponents in the explosion. Klee's ingenuity and combat skills were on full display, showcasing her ability to think creatively and react swiftly under pressure.
Witnessing Klee's fierce battle against the Fatui soldiers, Eula's emotions were a tumultuous mix. She was awed by Klee's extraordinary bravery and resourcefulness in handling such a dangerous situation alone. The little red mage's ability to hold her own against a vast number of Fatui soldiers was nothing short of remarkable, especially given her young age and petite stature.
However, Eula's awe was tempered with a rising sense of anger and deep concern. The sight of Klee, a child, engaging in such intense combat, wielding a weapon typically handled by adults, was deeply troubling for her.
Eula watched intently as Klee handled the last of the Fatui attackers with a bravery that belied her youth. Klee's confrontation with a Pyro Gunslinger was particularly striking. With agility that defied her small size, she nimbly dodged his bullets, then expertly slid under him, landing a shot to his leg. Using her momentum, Klee then jumped over the Pyro Gunslinger's back.
In mid-air, Klee turned and, with remarkable precision, shot the Pyro Gunslinger in the head, neutralizing the threat he posed. The swift and decisive nature of her actions in the midst of such a dangerous situation was both awe-inspiring and deeply concerning for Eula.
The Fatui Sledgehammer soldier, seeing his comrade taken down, swung his heavy weapon at Klee. She dodged the attack and, with the same fluid motion, used the soldier as a human shield against further gunfire from other enemies. Then, in a quick succession of movements, she shot the Pyro Gunslinger in the head, followed by a point-blank shot to the head of the Sledgehammer soldier she was using as a shield.
In the heat of the conflict, a final Fatui soldier, armed with a sledgehammer, made a desperate attempt to attack Klee. He raised his weapon, aiming a powerful overhead swing at her. Klee, displaying remarkable agility for her age, swiftly dodged the attack, sliding underneath the arc of the sledgehammer.
As the soldier struggled to regain his balance from the missed swing, Klee quickly took advantage of the situation. She aimed her stolen double barreled shotgun and fired at his body, the shot forceful enough to knock the burly soldier to the ground.
The Fatui soldier, now defenseless and realizing his imminent defeat, pleaded for his life. However, Klee, understanding the stakes of the battle and the danger he posed, made a swift decision. With a sense of finality, she fired her shotgun again, this time aiming at his face effectively ensuring he could no longer pose a threat.
This moment marked a significant and somber point for Klee. She was a child who had been thrust into a brutal conflict, forced to make decisions far beyond her years. The weight of her actions, necessary as they were for her survival and the defense of Mondstadt, was a stark reminder of the cruel reality of the invasion.
As the dust settled, and the immediate threat was neutralized, Klee stood amidst the aftermath, the gravity of the situation reflected in her young eyes. The battle for Mondstadt had forced her into roles and decisions no child should ever have to face. Yet, through it all, her courage and determination to protect her home never wavered.
As Klee hurried over to Eula, she swiftly pulled out a small knife to cut the ropes binding her. Eula, still lying on the ground, looked up at Klee, her expression a mix of relief and concern.
"Miss Eula... Are you alright?" Klee asked anxiously, working diligently to free her.
Eula, once free, sat up and immediately fixed Klee with a stern look. "Klee, what you did was incredibly reckless. You're a child, not a soldier. You shouldn't be in the middle of this!"
Klee, still holding the knife, retorted defiantly, "But I can't just hide while Mondstadt is in danger! I had to do something. I had to help!"
Eula, her frustration growing, stood up and faced Klee. "Helping is one thing, but taking such risks... You could have been killed, Klee! You don't understand the gravity of what you're doing."
Klee's eyes flashed with anger. "I do understand! I understand that if we don't fight, Mondstadt will fall. I can't let that happen!"
Eula sighed, her voice softening but still firm. "I know you want to protect our home, but there are other ways. You're not trained for this kind of combat."
Klee, her voice rising, shot back, "So what? I should just sit back and do nothing? I won't! I can fight too."
Eula, her voice raised in a blend of worry and sternness, exclaimed, "Enough, Klee! You're a child, not a soldier. This isn't your burden to bear. I can't bear the thought of you, a bright young mage, facing such peril!"
Klee, her small frame shaking with a mix of fear and defiance, retorted, "But Miss Eula, you needed help! How could I just stand by? I just... I just wanted to help. I can't stand the thought of losing our home."
In a moment of frustration, Eula's hand struck Klee's cheek, an action that instantly filled her with regret.
Klee's eyes, brimming with a mix of shock and a deep, palpable hurt, shimmered in the moonlight. Her voice, now quivered with a raw, unfiltered emotion. "Is this the thanks that I fucking get for saving you, Eula?!!! Can't you see what's happening?!!! They're fucking out there, taking people, inflicting pain! And you—how can you stand there, wrapped in doubt, when your comrades need you BITCH?!!"
In a swift, unexpected motion, Klee, usually so childlike and joyful, swung the heavy stock of her rifle. The air whooshed as the weapon cut through it, a sound sharply at odds with Klee's small stature. When the rifle connected with Eula's cheek, it made a harsh, resounding crack, a jarring noise that seemed to echo in the quiet night. The impact caused Eula's head to jerk to the side, her silver hair rustling and whispering as it flew wildly, reflecting the moonlight in a fleeting, silvery arc.
The moment was followed by a tense, heavy silence, the kind that falls after a thunderclap. Eula's sharp intake of breath, a pained hiss through clenched teeth, broke the silence. Klee's own breathing was ragged and heavy, laden with a mix of anger and fear, each breath a soft, tremulous sound in the still night air. The emotional weight of the scene was underscored by the quiet surroundings, making every small sound - the rustle of their clothes, the distant hoot of an owl, the soft breeze - more pronounced and poignant.
Eula, her face flushed with a mix of anger and regret, shot back, "You don't understand, Klee! This isn't a game. It's war! Your bravery, while admirable, could have cost you your life!"
Klee, fists clenched and tears brimming in her eyes, replied defiantly, "I understand more than you think! I understand that if we don't stand up, no one will. I'm not just a kid playing with bombs!"
Eula, her voice rising, countered, "But you are a kid, Klee! A kid who shouldn't have to face these horrors. You think you're helping, but you're only putting yourself and others in danger."
Klee, frustration boiling over, yelled, "So I should just hide? While everyone else fights? I can't do that, Eula! I won't!"
Eula, her patience fraying, retorted, "It's not about hiding, it's about being smart! You rushing into danger isn't bravery, it's recklessness!"
Klee, her voice cracking with emotion, shouted, "You're just like the others! You think because I'm small, I can't make a difference. But I can! I will!"
Eula, her words sharp as daggers, replied, "And what if your actions get you killed? What then, Klee? Have you thought about that?"
Klee, her face a mask of determination and anger, said fiercely, "Better to die fighting for Mondstadt than live knowing I did nothing!" Her resolve hardening, faced Eula with a defiant glare. "You may not believe in me, Eula, but I believe in myself. I'll prove that I can turn the tide for Mondstadt!"
Eula, her expression a mix of concern and frustration, replied sharply, "Klee, this isn't about proving anything. It's about your safety, about doing what's right without needless risks!"
Klee, undeterred, shot back, "What's right is fighting for our home! You think I'm too young to understand, but I see what's fucking happening. I see the fear, the pain. I can't just stand by!"
Eula, her voice tinged with desperation, argued, "But you're not seeing the bigger picture! It's not just about bravery; it's strategy, training, things you haven't learned yet!"
Klee, her eyes blazing with determination, retorted, "Then I'll learn on the battlefield! I won't let Mondstadt fall because I was too scared to act!"
Eula, exasperated, exclaimed, "That's not courage, Klee! That's recklessness disguised as heroism. You're not just risking your life; you're risking the lives of those who will try to protect you."
Klee, her small frame trembling with emotion, declared, "If that's what it fucking takes, then so be it. I won't be the one who did nothing when Mondstadt needed me most."
Eula's expression softened, a mix of concern and frustration lining her features. "Listen to me, Klee. It's not about doing nothing—it's about doing what's right. Rushing in without a plan is dangerous. You're brave, yes, but bravery without wisdom is a blade without a handle."
Klee's fists clenched, her voice rising in a passionate crescendo, "But waiting and planning can cost us time we don't have! I can't stand by while that motherfucking danger looms over us!"
Eula, reaching out to place a gentle hand on Klee's shoulder, implored, "I understand, Klee, but think of the people who care about you, who rely on your magic for joy, not just battle. You're a beacon of hope in Mondstadt, not just a soldier."
Klee's eyes, glistening with unshed tears, met Eula's, her resolve wavering but not broken. "I know... but I also know I have the strength to fight. I can't let fear hold me back. I better go off without you, Eula!!!!"
Their heated exchange left a chasm between them, filled with misunderstanding and unyielding convictions. Klee's fiery spirit, intent on making a difference, clashed with Eula's protective pragmatism, leaving both questioning the other's judgment in these dire times for Mondstadt.
Klee, propelled by a fierce and youthful determination, made a dash towards the path leading into the heart of Mondstadt. Her small figure moved with unexpected speed, her resolve clear in her purposeful strides. Eula, with a warrior's reflexes, quickly moved to intercept her, concern etched on her face.
In a startling turn of events, Klee stopped abruptly, swinging the rifle up to aim directly at Eula. The seriousness and alarming resolve in her young face were striking. Her stance, though small, conveyed a resolute and unwavering intention. The sight of Klee, a child known for her playful and innocent demeanor, now holding a weapon with such determined seriousness towards Eula, created a powerful and disconcerting image.
"Step back, Eula. I'm going to Mondstadt. Don't try to stop me."
The scene was a powerful and disturbing tableau: Klee, a child, standing with a rifle pointed at her colleague, Eula. The incongruity of her small stature, usually associated with innocence and playfulness, starkly contrasted with the seriousness of her actions. The rifle, oversized in her tiny hands, was aimed with a determination that belied her youth.
This moment, a child taking such a drastic stance, highlighted the severe gravity of the situation engulfing Mondstadt. Klee's intense resolve to protect her home, regardless of the cost, was written all over her face. The tension in her posture and the unwavering focus in her eyes captured the desperation and depth of commitment felt by the city's defenders.
Eula, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief, responded, "Klee, what are you doing? Lower the rifle. This isn't you."
Klee, her hand steady, retorted, "It is me, Eula. The me that's willing to do whatever it takes to save our home. You won't stop me."
Eula, her voice tinged with desperation, pleaded, "Klee, please, think about this. You're walking into certain danger. You don't have to do this alone."
Klee, her gaze unwavering, said firmly, "But I am alone, aren't I? When no one else believes in me, I have to believe in myself. I'll do it myself, Eula. I have to."
Eula, struggling to maintain her composure, argued, "There's bravery, and then there's folly, Klee. This... this is folly. You're not just risking your life; you're risking the heart of Mondstadt."
Klee, a fiery determination burning in her eyes, replied, "Then let Mondstadt's heart be brave. I won't stand by while our home falls. This is my fight too, Eula."
Klee took cautious steps backward, maintaining her distance from Eula, ensuring that there was enough space between them to prevent any attempt at stopping her. With one final, resolute glance at Eula, who stood there, a mix of helplessness and concern etched on her face, Klee turned and sprinted away, disappearing into the distance. Eula, left standing alone, was engulfed in a tumult of emotions, torn between her duty as a knight and her care for Klee, a vivid representation of the conflict tearing through Mondstadt.
As Klee dashed towards the embattled city of Mondstadt, tears blurred her vision, streaming unrestrained down her cheeks. Each step was laden with a heart-wrenching mix of fear and determination. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Jean and her fellow Knights of Favonius, their safety amidst the chaos weighing heavily on her young heart. The sight of her small figure, resolute yet visibly shaken, racing towards danger for the sake of those she held dear, was a poignant testament to her bravery and the depth of her loyalty to her friends and her city.
Each step was fueled by a mix of fear and determination, her voice breaking as she whispered, "I'm coming, Master Jean... Just hang in there!!!"
With the rifle and shotgun strapped securely on her back, Klee clung to a sliver of hope that she, in her own way, could make a difference. The weight of the weapons was a small burden compared to the weight of her resolve. In her young mind, the daunting odds did not diminish her spirit; instead, they ignited a fierce desire to protect her home and those she held dear. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but Klee pressed on, driven by a love for Mondstadt that outweighed her fears.
In the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, the situation had gravely deteriorated. The Fatui and Lawrence Clan coalition had taken control, their presence dominating the once orderly halls. The corridors, typically bustling with the activities of the Knights and staff, were now occupied by Fatui personnel, a grim reminder of the siege's success.
Lawrence Clan members, with cold efficiency, rounded up the surviving members of the Knights of Favonius, as well as innocent staff members, and herded them towards the makeshift jail. The somber procession of captives was a stark contrast to the usual vibrant life that filled the headquarters.
In another part of the building, members of the Church of Favonius and the Adventurers' Guild were also victims of the capture. They were gathered in a group, their hands bound behind their backs, a mixture of fear and defiance on their faces. Among them were key figures of Mondstadt – Jean, Lisa, Amber, Albedo, and Sucrose – all with their hands tied, their ability to resist or escape effectively nullified.
Jean, despite her restrained state, maintained a composed and determined demeanor. Lisa, ever the intelligent and resourceful librarian, scanned the room, looking for any possible advantage or means of communication. Amber's face was set in a resolute expression, indicative of her unwavering spirit. Albedo, known for his analytical mind, was quietly observing the situation, possibly formulating a plan. Sucrose, though clearly frightened, stood bravely with her companions.
The capture of these prominent figures was a significant blow to Mondstadt. It symbolized the dire situation the city faced, with its leaders and protectors now in the hands of the enemy. Yet, even in captivity, their resolve to protect Mondstadt and its people remained unshaken, a testament to the enduring spirit of the city they loved and served.
As the heavy footsteps echoed through the halls of the headquarters, the Fatui soldiers, along with Schubert Lawrence, the mastermind behind the attack, made their appearance. In a chilling display of control, they brought Barbara in, her mouth sealed with tape, effectively silencing her. The sight of Barbara in such a state was a deliberate and cruel tactic to unsettle Jean and the others.
"Barbara!!!" Jean cried out, her voice laced with anguish and concern. She strained against her bindings, trying to reach out to her sister, but to no avail.
Barbara, unable to speak, had tears in her eyes as she attempted to call out Jean's name through the tape.
Schubert Lawrence, relishing the control he wielded, spoke with a cold smugness. "Ah, the Acting Grand Master and her dear sister. Quite the family reunion, isn't it?"
Jean, her eyes filled with a mix of fear for her sister and anger towards Schubert, responded with defiance. "What do you want, Lawrence? Why are you doing this?"
Schubert Lawrence chuckled. "It's simple, Jean. Power. Control over Mondstadt. Your 'freedom' has been a thorn in our side for too long."
Lisa, struggling against her restraints, spat out, "You won't get away with this. Mondstadt will never bow to the likes of you!"
Schubert Lawrence turned to Lisa, a sinister grin on his face. "Oh, but I already have. Look around, Lisa. Your city has fallen. Your knights, your guild, even your precious church – all under my control."
Amber, despite her situation, spoke up. "You underestimate Mondstadt. We will never stop fighting for our freedom. You haven't won yet."
"Schubert, why? Why do you want to take over Mondstadt? Why bring back the aristocracy?" Jean's voice was steady, but the urgency of her questions was clear.
Schubert Lawrence paused, turning back to face Jean with a look of disdain. "You, who have been living in the comfort of your so-called freedom, wouldn't understand. Mondstadt's 'freedom' has made it weak. It needs order, strength — something only the aristocracy can provide."
Jean, her expression unwavering, countered, "Mondstadt thrives on freedom. Its people are strong because of it. You're trying to impose a system that nearly destroyed our city once before."
Schubert Lawrence sneered. "That 'system,' as you call it, is about restoring Mondstadt to its rightful glory, under the rule of those who are truly fit to lead. The era of the Knights of Favonius and their 'freedom' has made Mondstadt complacent and vulnerable."
Lisa, despite her situation, joined in, "Your idea of 'glory' is nothing but a return to oppression. Mondstadt has grown beyond the archaic notions of the aristocracy. We won't go back to that."
Schubert Lawrence laughed coldly. "You'll see, in time. The Lawrence name will be revered once again, and Mondstadt will be stronger under our rule."
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jean sought to negotiate for Barbara's release, hoping to at least ensure her sister's safety.
"Schubert, let Barbara go. She's a healer, a servant of the people. She has no part in your political schemes," Jean pleaded, her voice firm yet tinged with desperation.
Schubert Lawrence, however, remained unmoved by Jean's appeal. "Oh, Acting Grand Master, you seem to misunderstand your position here. You are not in a place to negotiate."
Jean persisted, "Barbara is innocent in all this. She's done nothing but heal and help the people of Mondstadt. You have me, the Acting Grand Master; isn't that enough?"
Schubert Lawrence shook his head, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Barbara is more valuable than you realize. Her presence as a hostage ensures the compliance of the Knights and the Church. She stays."
Lisa interjected, her voice sharp with anger, "You're a monster, Lawrence. Using an innocent girl as a pawn in your twisted game!"
Schubert Lawrence merely shrugged. "Call it what you will, Librarian. This is how power is wielded. Welcome to the real world."
The report from the Fatui soldier brought a sudden shift in the atmosphere of the room. The soldier, slightly out of breath, delivered his update to Schubert Lawrence: "Sir, we have a situation in Springvale. The little red mage... she wiped out the entire battalion we deployed there. She took out most of them by herself."
Upon hearing this, Schubert Lawrence's expression turned from smug confidence to anger and disbelief. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in fury. "A child did that? How is that possible?"
The soldier, visibly uneasy, replied, "Yes, sir. She was incredibly skilled, and... and unpredictable. We couldn't contain her."
Schubert's fist clenched in rage. "This is unacceptable! A child making a fool out of the Fatui? I won't stand for it. We need to handle this immediately."
Jean, overhearing the conversation, felt a mix of relief and concern. She knew Klee was capable, but the level of danger she had faced – and evidently overcome – was alarming.
Lisa, catching Jean's eye, whispered, "That's Klee for you. Brave beyond measure, but I hope she's safe."
Amber, despite their dire circumstances, felt a surge of pride for Klee. "She's protecting Mondstadt, just like we would."
Schubert Lawrence, still fuming, turned his attention back to his captives. "Your little red mage may have won this round, but this is far from over. We will crush any resistance, no matter how small or... youthful."
Before leaving the room, Schubert Lawrence paused, his face a mask of cold fury. The incident in Springvale had clearly rattled him, and he was intent on demonstrating his control.
"Since the little red mage has caused us such trouble," Schubert Lawrence began, his voice icy, "there will be consequences."
At his command, Fatui and Lawrence Clan members dragged in a new captive. The figure was quickly recognized by Jean and the others – it was Albert, known in Mondstadt as the enthusiastic leader of Barbara's fan club.
Jean's heart sank at the sight. "No, not Albert. What has he done to deserve this?" she whispered, her voice laced with despair.
Schubert Lawrence, addressing his captives, announced, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Since your little hero has disrupted our plans in Springvale, we will make an example of this one."
Albert, looking terrified but trying to maintain some semblance of bravery, glanced around at the faces of the Knights and Barbara's sister. "I... I was just looking for Barbara. I didn't mean to..."
His voice trailed off as the reality of his situation set in. He was a civilian, with no part in the conflict, now caught in the middle of a power struggle far beyond his understanding.
Lisa, struggling against her restraints, called out, "This is cowardice! Punishing the innocent won't win you Mondstadt, Lawrence!"
Schubert Lawrence merely smirked. "It's not about winning hearts. It's about control. And as long as you continue to resist, there will be more like him."
The situation in the room turned from tense to horrific in an instant. Schubert Lawrence, intent on demonstrating his absolute control and the seriousness of his threats, called for one of his Fatui soldiers to hand him a pistol.
Without a moment of hesitation, Schubert Lawrence aimed the pistol at Albert, who stood frozen in fear. The gunshot echoed through the room as he coldly executed Albert right in front of Barbara and the others.
The act was brutal and ruthless, a chilling display of Schubert Lawrence's willingness to use lethal force against innocent people to assert his power and intimidate others.
"Such insolence!!!" Schubert Lawrence declared vehemently, his words directed at the captive Knights and Barbara, underscoring the consequence of defying his authority.
Barbara, her mouth still sealed with tape, let out a muffled scream, her eyes wide with horror and grief at the sight of Albert's lifeless body. Tears streamed down her face, a mix of sorrow for Albert and fear for what might come next.
Jean, Lisa, Amber, Albedo, and Sucrose were left in shock, their hearts heavy with the realization of the extent of Schubert Lawrence's cruelty. The room fell into a stunned silence, broken only by Barbara's quiet sobs.
As Schubert Lawrence exited the hallway, his message was clear: any resistance against his rule would be met with swift and brutal retaliation. The Knights of Favonius and their allies, though bound and seemingly powerless, knew they had to find a way to fight back, not just for their own sake, but for all of Mondstadt and its people who were now in grave danger.
