The days after the successful mission at Dornman Port slipped into a steady routine of training and prep. Sallie's squad, a tight-knit group of fifty who followed him without question, spent their mornings and afternoons drilling hard in a training area just below the Knights of Favonius headquarters. It was an odd setup—hidden right there under the official Knights' noses, while they carried on with their duties upstairs, completely unaware of what was happening beneath them.
Sallie stood with his arms crossed, watching as his squad trained with deadly focus. The sound of swords clashing and gunfire echoed in a sharp rhythm. These weren't your average soldiers. These women had refined their skills, blending old-school swordsmanship with modern tactics—rifles slung on their backs, swords at their hips, and pistols strapped to their thighs. They moved like a well-oiled machine, their drills clean, their movements seamless.
A short distance away, Lina and another soldier sparred with swords, their feet moving swiftly across the packed dirt of the training ground. Others practiced shooting at targets set up farther down the range. The air was thick with sweat, determination, and the squad's relentless energy, pushing themselves harder every day.
Sallie watched them with a mix of pride and intensity. His mind was half on the action in front of him, half on the bigger picture playing out in Mondstadt. His squad was ready—more than ready—but something told him that bigger challenges were coming, bigger than stopping a shipment at a quiet dock. Mondstadt was shifting, and he needed to stay ahead of the curve.
He was so deep in thought, he almost missed the figure approaching from the shadows at the edge of the training grounds. But that smooth, familiar voice was unmistakable.
"Well, well. I thought I'd find you down here."
Sallie didn't need to turn around to know who it was. He recognized that lazy drawl anywhere.
"Kaeya," he muttered, finally looking over his shoulder to see the Cavalry Captain sauntering into the training yard, his usual smirk plastered across his face. The gleam in Kaeya's mismatched eyes suggested he was here for more than just idle conversation.
Kaeya walked with a casual confidence, his blue cloak fluttering behind him as he crossed the yard. He stopped a few feet away from Sallie, his gaze sweeping over the women training with visible interest. "Quite the operation you've got going on down here," he said, his voice light but edged with curiosity. "I didn't realize you'd been... recruiting."
Sallie's eyes narrowed, though he kept his tone even. "What can I say? Some people get tired of waitin' around for the official Knights to do somethin' useful."
Kaeya chuckled softly, his gloved hands clasping behind his back as he glanced around the yard. "Fifty women, all trained with guns and swords? Sounds like you've been busy." His gaze flicked back to Sallie, sharper now. "Jean's not one for secrets, but I'm guessing she doesn't know about this, does she?"
Sallie's jaw tightened. He knew Kaeya wasn't asking out of concern. The Cavalry Captain always had his own angles, his own interests at heart, and Sallie had never fully trusted him. But he also knew Kaeya wasn't someone to dismiss easily. He had a way of getting involved in things—whether you wanted him to or not.
"Jean knows enough," Sallie said carefully, his tone clipped. "I don't go lookin' for her approval. We both know that ain't my style."
Kaeya smiled, but it was the kind of smile that never quite reached his eyes. "No, it certainly isn't. You've always preferred the... direct approach."
Sallie's gaze flicked back to his squad as one of the women shouted a command, ordering her group to switch to rifles for the next round of drills. The sharp crack of gunfire echoed through the training yard, and for a moment, Kaeya's attention was drawn back to the scene before them.
He watched in silence as the women moved with practiced efficiency, their movements precise as they unloaded rounds into distant targets. There was something cold and dangerous in the way they operated, something different from the Knights of Favonius who trained aboveground. These women didn't have the luxury of ideals or the burden of protocol. They fought to survive, and it showed.
"You've trained them well," Kaeya commented, his voice quieter now, as if he were talking to himself. "Not your typical recruits."
"They're not," Sallie replied, his voice hardening. "They're survivors. They ain't here because someone handed 'em a sword and told 'em to fight for Mondstadt's honor. They're here 'cause they know what it's like to lose everything. They're here because they won't let it happen again."
Kaeya's expression didn't change, but there was something sharper in his gaze now, a calculating edge. "You've built something... formidable," he said, his voice trailing off as his eyes flicked back to Sallie. "And dangerous."
Sallie let out a dry laugh. "Dangerous is what this city needs right now. You know that as well as I do. Jean's stuck in her ways, thinkin' the Knights can handle everything with honor and diplomacy. But that ain't the world we're livin' in anymore."
Kaeya's smirk returned, though it was thinner now, more restrained. "You won't get any argument from me there. The world is changing, and Mondstadt is no exception."
For a moment, the two men stood in silence, watching the squad continue their drills. Sallie could sense that Kaeya wasn't here just to observe—there was something more behind those mismatched eyes, something that lingered just beneath the surface.
Finally, Kaeya spoke again, his voice quieter this time, more deliberate. "So, what's your next move, Sallie?"
Sallie turned to him, his expression hardening. "What're you askin' for, Kaeya? You tryin' to get involved?"
Kaeya's smirk didn't falter, but there was a flicker of something else in his gaze—something almost calculating. "Just curious, that's all. I've always been one to keep an ear to the ground. And right now, the ground's telling me that you and your... squad here are getting ready for something bigger."
Sallie didn't respond immediately, letting the silence stretch as he considered the man before him. Kaeya was always playing some kind of game, always one step ahead of whatever people thought they knew about him. But Sallie wasn't easily fooled.
"You wanna know what's next?" Sallie finally said, his voice low and firm. "What's next is that we keep doin' what we've been doin'. Keepin' Mondstadt safe in ways the Knights can't—or won't. You wanna watch? Fine. You wanna stick your nose in? Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into."
Kaeya's smile widened slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, I always know what I'm getting into."
The two men stood in a moment of silent understanding. Kaeya wasn't here to challenge Sallie, not directly, but Sallie knew the Cavalry Captain had his own agenda—he always did. For now, though, it seemed like they were on the same side. Or, at the very least, interested in the same things.
With a final glance at the women training below, Kaeya took a step back, his smirk softening into something almost casual. "I'll be keeping an eye on you, Sallie. You've got my attention."
Sallie watched as Kaeya turned to leave, the Cavalry Captain's cloak trailing behind him as he disappeared back into the shadows from which he'd come. As soon as he was gone, Sallie's gaze shifted back to his squad, the crack of gunfire still ringing in the air.
Lina approached him, wiping the sweat from her brow. "What did he want?"
"To stick his nose where it doesn't belong," Sallie muttered, shaking his head. "But don't worry about Kaeya. He's just watchin'. Let him."
And with that, he returned his attention to the training yard, watching his squad move like clockwork.
As Sallie stood watching over the training grounds, the sharp crack of gunfire and the clashing of swords a steady backdrop to his thoughts, he noticed a figure moving quickly toward him from the far side of the yard. It was one of his knights—Angeluce, a tall, lean young woman with raven-black hair that whipped behind her as she approached. Her steps were quick and sure, though there was something apologetic in her stride.
Angeluce was late.
She slowed as she drew near, snapping to attention and raising her hand in the formal Knights of Favonius salute, her expression a little sheepish but disciplined nonetheless. "Commander Sallie," she said crisply, her voice carrying over the training grounds.
Sallie turned toward her, raising an eyebrow but returning the salute with a slight, respectful nod. He wasn't one for the pomp and formality of the Knights of Favonius, but he allowed it among his squad. It wasn't about tradition with them—it was about respect.
"Angeluce," Sallie said evenly, lowering his hand. "You're late."
Angeluce swallowed, looking slightly nervous under his gaze. "I apologize, sir. I had to deliver a message from Jean. She..." Her voice wavered for a moment, and she straightened her shoulders before continuing, "She requires your presence. Immediately."
Sallie's eyes narrowed slightly. The fact that Angeluce had been sent by Jean herself, rather than one of the official Knights, meant something. Jean didn't usually call for him unless it was serious, and sending one of his own squad instead of an officer told Sallie this wasn't a simple request.
He glanced over the training yard, where the rest of his squad was still hard at work, then back to Angeluce. Her eyes were steady, though Sallie could sense her unease. She knew that any summons from Jean usually led to complications.
"Jean, huh?" Sallie muttered, rubbing his chin as his mind ran through what could possibly be on her mind now. After the Dornman Port operation, he figured it was only a matter of time before Jean came calling. Whether it was praise or a reprimand, though, remained to be seen.
"Did she say what it's about?" Sallie asked, though he doubted Angeluce had been given any real details.
Angeluce shook her head. "No, sir. She only said it was urgent and that you were to come at once."
Sallie grunted, already feeling a mix of frustration and resignation tug at him. Jean liked her authority, liked the idea of being in control of everything going on in Mondstadt. The problem was, Sallie wasn't one of her knights—not really. He played by his own rules, and that had always set them at odds. Still, the fact that she was calling on him meant something was brewing, and he needed to know what it was.
"Alright," he said, his voice clipped as he nodded toward the rest of his squad. "Keep 'em going. I don't care if it's rifles or blades—make sure they're sharp by the end of today."
Angeluce saluted again, but her eyes lingered on his for a moment, her expression softening. "Understood, sir. And... good luck."
Sallie smirked, though there was no humor in it. "Luck's got nothin' to do with it."
With a final nod to Angeluce, Sallie turned and began striding toward the exit of the training grounds, his mind already running through what awaited him at the headquarters. Jean's summons were rarely just about him; they always had something to do with the bigger picture, with how she viewed Mondstadt and the role of the Knights of Favonius.
As he passed through the arched stone gate leading up toward the headquarters, his steps slowed slightly. He was preparing himself for whatever discussion Jean was about to bring up. Whether it was about Dornman Port, his growing squad, or something entirely different, Sallie knew one thing for sure—this conversation would test the already fragile balance between them.
Sallie's boots echoed in the stone corridors as he entered the Knights of Favonius headquarters. The cold, familiar weight of the place settled over him as he made his way through the hallways, past knights moving about their daily duties, their chatter hushed as he walked by. He could feel the eyes on him—the whispers behind his back. His presence always drew attention. Some of the Knights still didn't know what to make of him, with his unorthodox methods and the fierce loyalty of his squad, but Sallie didn't care. He wasn't here to win their approval.
He reached Jean's office door and hesitated for only a moment before knocking twice. The heavy wood creaked as it swung open, revealing the familiar space beyond. Jean sat behind her desk, her posture as rigid and composed as always. The room was bright, the early afternoon sun filtering through the windows, casting soft light over the maps, reports, and documents that cluttered her desk.
"Come in," she said, her voice measured and controlled.
Sallie stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. His eyes locked onto Jean, taking in her expression—the tightness around her mouth, the stiffness in her shoulders. Whatever she had called him for, it wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation.
Jean looked up at him, her blue eyes serious. "Thank you for coming, Sallie."
He crossed his arms and gave her a curt nod, his tone flat. "Didn't exactly feel like I had a choice."
Jean sighed, rising from her chair and stepping around her desk. She stopped a few feet from him, her arms crossed as well, mirroring his posture. "I'm not here to argue. I need to speak with you about the incident at Dornman Port."
Sallie's eyes narrowed, though he didn't speak immediately. He had known this was coming. Still, it was frustrating to hear it so soon. Jean had likely been investigating the operation ever since her knights had arrived too late to find anything of value.
"I figured that was it," Sallie muttered. "Go on, then. What do you need to say?"
Jean's face remained calm, but there was a tension in her voice as she spoke. "The Knights received intelligence about a significant shipment of weapons at Dornman Port. By the time we arrived, it was already gone. No trace of the shipment, no sign of the mercenaries who were supposed to be guarding it."
Sallie smirked, though there was no humor in his expression. "And you think I had something to do with it?"
Jean's eyes flashed with a hint of frustration. "We both know you did, Sallie. I've heard whispers, seen the reports. Your squad was involved—those women you've been training." Her voice softened, but it held a firm edge. "You intercepted the shipment before the Knights could secure it. Why?"
Sallie uncrossed his arms, stepping forward slightly, his voice low but firm. "Because we did what needed to be done. You were too late, Jean. By the time you and your knights showed up, that shipment could've been halfway out of Mondstadt, sold off to the highest bidder."
Jean's face flushed, her jaw tightening. "We're supposed to handle these situations within the law, Sallie. We have protocols, procedures for dealing with dangerous threats like this. You can't just take matters into your own hands whenever you feel like it!"
Sallie let out a frustrated breath, his own temper flaring. "The law? Protocols?" He shook his head. "You keep talkin' about laws and rules, but they ain't keepin' the people of Mondstadt safe. We've got mercenaries, smugglers, and worse crawling all over this city. And you think paperwork's gonna stop 'em?"
Jean's expression hardened, and she straightened to her full height, her blue eyes cold as ice. "We can't afford to stoop to their level, Sallie. We uphold the law because it's what separates us from the criminals. If we start ignoring it, then what's left? Mondstadt's trust in us—our reputation—it will crumble."
Sallie stepped forward again, his voice lowering to a dangerous growl. "What good is a reputation if people are dyin' because we're too slow to act? You've got good people in the Knights, Jean, I ain't denyin' that. But you can't keep pretendin' like we're livin' in some perfect world where the law fixes everything. Sometimes, you gotta act first and deal with the consequences later."
Jean's eyes flickered with a mix of anger and conflict, but she didn't back down. "And who decides that, Sallie? You?" Her voice softened, and for a brief moment, there was something almost vulnerable in her gaze. "You're not the only one fighting for Mondstadt. You think I don't know the risks? I do. But there has to be another way."
The tension in the room was thick, neither of them willing to back down, but beneath the surface, there was an understanding—a shared burden. They both wanted the same thing: to protect Mondstadt. But their methods, their beliefs, were worlds apart.
Sallie finally sighed, his voice softening just a touch. "Look, Jean, I respect what you're tryin' to do. I do. But the world's changin'. Mondstadt's changin'. You need people like me, people like my squad, who can do what the Knights can't."
Jean held his gaze for a long moment, the weight of his words settling over her. She took a deep breath, her frustration still simmering, but something in her expression softened slightly. "I'm not saying we don't need you, Sallie. But I can't allow this... rogue behavior to continue. If you keep operating like this, it's going to cause problems—more than you realize."
Sallie arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Jean sighed again, stepping back toward her desk. "There's been... pressure from the higher-ups. The council is starting to take notice of the instability in the city. They're watching the Knights closely, and if it gets out that we have factions operating outside the law, it could undermine everything we've been trying to rebuild."
Sallie frowned, crossing his arms again. "So what? You want me to stop?"
"I'm not asking you to stop protecting Mondstadt," Jean said, her tone firm but with a hint of compromise. "But I need you to work with us, Sallie. If you go around undermining the Knights every time you think we're too slow, you're going to fracture this city even more. And that's something none of us can afford."
Sallie didn't answer immediately, his mind racing. He understood the risk, but he also knew that the way things were going, Mondstadt wasn't going to survive on protocols alone. Still, Jean's point wasn't lost on him. If the city turned against the Knights, if people lost faith, it would only make things worse.
After a long silence, Sallie nodded slowly. "I ain't gonna stop protectin' Mondstadt. But maybe... maybe we can figure somethin' out." He gave her a meaningful look. "Something that works for both of us."
Jean studied him carefully, her expression thoughtful. "I hope so, Sallie. For all our sakes."
Sallie turned, heading for the door, but before he left, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Just remember, Jean. The world ain't as clean as you want it to be."
Jean didn't reply, but the weight of her silence lingered as Sallie walked out of her office, the tension between them unresolved but shifting toward something... different.
There was no clean solution. But perhaps they had reached an understanding—however fragile it might be.
Back in the training grounds beneath the cliffs of Windrise, the sharp cracks of rifles echoed, shattering the quiet morning air. The sound bounced off the cliffs, blending with the wind that swept through the trees, carrying with it the scent of gunpowder and steel. Sallie stood at the edge of the training field, his posture rigid as he observed the ongoing drills. His calculating gaze swept over the fifty women in front of him, their rifles raised, firing in perfect unison at distant targets lined up against the rocky outcrops.
Beside him, Astrid, one of his more seasoned lieutenants, stood with her arms crossed, eyes sharp and focused as she watched the squad's movements with the same critical eye. Astrid had been with him for years—she had survived the worst of Natlan and had risen as one of his most trusted leaders. There was a quiet confidence about her, one Sallie knew the younger recruits looked up to.
"These aren't just swordsmen or mages," Astrid said, her voice low, yet carrying over the din of gunfire. "They're becoming something else. Gunslingers. Fighters who'll face a world where swords and Visions alone won't cut it."
Sallie nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the squad as they executed another perfect volley of shots. "Yeah. The world's changin'. People still talk like the Knights of Favonius are gonna hold the line with their swords and old ways, but we both know that's not enough anymore."
He paused, watching as Lina, quick and precise as always, led her team in repositioning. The rifles were slung smoothly over their backs as they moved, like clockwork, into close-quarters combat drills. Steel clashed as swords were drawn, and the squad transitioned with ease, moving from long-range precision to brutal close-quarters combat in the blink of an eye.
Astrid tilted her head slightly, watching the fluid movements of the women, the blend of gunplay and swordsmanship. "They're ready for anything. The mercenaries, the smugglers, even the larger threats... they're not prepared for this level of precision. Mondstadt doesn't know it yet, but it needs this."
Sallie's lips curled into a grim smile. "They'll know soon enough. Jean's stuck in her ways, but I think even she's startin' to see the cracks. The real world's knockin' at Mondstadt's door, and we're the ones answering it."
He cast a glance at Astrid, his tone softening for a moment. "We didn't survive Natlan just to go back to followin' the rules that don't work anymore."
Astrid's eyes darkened briefly, her memories of their shared past flickering across her face, but she quickly pushed them aside, focusing back on the drills. "No. We survived because we adapted. That's what we do."
They both watched in silence as the squad finished their round of drills. Sallie felt a deep satisfaction watching these women—women who had come from nothing, many of them fresh out of chains, forced to fight for survival in the brutal chaos of Natlan's slave camps. And now, here they were: a squad of fifty warriors, each of them armed to the teeth and deadly in ways the Knights of Favonius couldn't even begin to comprehend.
The next round of drills started, with Astrid signaling for the squad to transition to handguns. The rifles were swiftly swapped for pistols as the women fired in controlled bursts, their precision unyielding as they moved from target to target. Sallie could see their focus, their determination. There was no hesitation in their movements, no uncertainty in their eyes. This wasn't a game for them. This was survival.
"Good formation," Astrid muttered as the squad broke into smaller units, each one covering the other as they advanced in perfect tactical formation. "They've improved since last week. Lina's pushing them hard."
Sallie nodded, satisfaction warming his chest. "She's a good leader. Quick on her feet, sharp under pressure. Same with the rest of 'em. They ain't just soldiers—they're survivors. There's a difference."
Astrid's gaze flicked toward him. "Jean doesn't see it that way. She still thinks the Knights' honor is going to save this city."
Sallie let out a bitter chuckle. "Yeah, well, we both know honor don't mean much when you're outgunned and outnumbered. Jean's got her ideals, and I respect that, but Mondstadt's gonna need more than ideals if it's gonna make it through the next few years."
He let out a slow breath, watching as Lina called the squad to a halt, signaling the end of the drills. The women quickly began reloading, checking their gear, and preparing for the next round. Sallie's gaze swept over them, noting the calm efficiency with which they worked.
"You think we're ready for what's comin'?" Astrid asked, her voice quieter now, almost thoughtful.
Sallie didn't answer immediately. He knew what Astrid was really asking. It wasn't just about their training. It was about the larger threats looming over Mondstadt—the corruption spreading through the city, the rising influence of mercenaries and criminals, and the growing pressure from outside forces. Mondstadt was in the eye of the storm, and it was only a matter of time before that storm broke.
"We're ready," Sallie said firmly, his voice cutting through the morning air like steel. "Whatever comes, we'll be ready."
Astrid nodded, but there was still a shadow of doubt in her eyes. "And if Jean comes down harder on us? If she tries to pull us back, get us to play by the rules?"
Sallie's jaw tightened, his mind flashing back to the tense conversation in Jean's office. He knew she wasn't going to let him operate unchecked forever. But Jean also wasn't a fool—she knew she needed people like him, even if she wouldn't admit it outright.
"She'll try," Sallie said, his voice cold and sure. "But Jean's smart enough to know she can't stop us. Not now. Not with what's at stake."
Astrid's gaze softened slightly, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "That's what I thought. So, what's next?"
Sallie turned to face her fully, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Next, we keep training. We keep pushing harder. This ain't just about defendin' Mondstadt anymore. It's about takin' control of what's comin'. Jean might not like it, but she'll have to accept it sooner or later."
He glanced back at the squad, now regrouping under Lina's command, preparing for their final round of drills. His mind was already turning to the future, to the threats they hadn't yet faced but knew were coming. He'd built something powerful here, something Mondstadt hadn't seen before. And with his squad at his back, there was nothing they couldn't handle.
Sallie straightened, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight of command. "Get 'em ready for live drills next week. We'll be testin' 'em in real conditions soon enough."
Astrid's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and determination. "You got it, boss."
As the squad reset their positions for the final drill of the day, Sallie watched with a fierce pride growing in his chest. Whatever battles lay ahead—whether with Jean, the mercenaries, or the shadows creeping ever closer to Mondstadt's borders—he knew one thing for sure:
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the soft golden light of Mondstadt's street lamps flickered on, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Sallie leaned against one of the iron posts, scanning the reports laid out before him on the rough wooden crate beside him. His brow furrowed, tension building in his chest. The world was shifting faster than anyone realized, and Mondstadt was caught in the middle.
The rustle of footsteps behind him broke the silence. Sallie didn't turn, already knowing who it was. Maurice, a quiet but sharp-eyed girl from the Knights of Favonius, approached carefully, her figure just visible in the warm glow of the street lights. She held a sealed letter in her hands, her expression tight with the kind of anxious tension that mirrored his own.
"Sir," she said softly, holding out the letter. "This came in. It's... from Inazuma. The Kujou Clan."
Sallie straightened, taking the letter from her without a word. His fingers brushed over the wax seal, the emblem of the Kujou Clan unmistakable. He felt a knot tighten in his gut. The trial. He knew what this meant before he even opened it. Word of Kujou Takayuki's fate—or lack thereof—had finally reached Mondstadt.
He broke the seal, unfolding the letter in silence. As his eyes scanned the elegant script, his expression hardened. The trial was still ongoing, unresolved, indefinitely delayed. But this wasn't about justice. It wasn't even about law. This was a power play, plain and simple, and the ramifications would stretch far beyond Inazuma.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, crumpling the edge of the letter in his fist.
Maurice shifted uneasily beside him, sensing the weight of the news. "What does it mean, sir?"
"It means," Sallie said, his voice low and controlled, "that the trial of Kujou Takayuki is being dragged out. Not for justice, but for power. The Tenryou Commission's in bed with the Fatui, and now they're using this trial to stall, to gather strength while they decide which way the wind blows."
Maurice bit her lip, her eyes wide with worry. "And if it's delayed indefinitely…?"
Sallie folded the letter, tucking it into his coat pocket. His mind was already racing, trying to piece together the next move. This wasn't just about Inazuma's internal politics. The Fatui had their hands deep in this, and with Takayuki's fate undecided, the instability could spill over into Mondstadt. If they weren't careful, Mondstadt could find itself embroiled in a conflict they weren't prepared for—one that Jean and her precious Knights would be too slow to respond to.
"We can't sit on this," Sallie said, his voice firm. "This ain't just a trial anymore. It's a signal. Whoever's stalling the trial is making moves behind the scenes, and if we don't act, Mondstadt will get pulled into their game."
Maurice nodded, trusting him implicitly. "What do we do?"
Sallie glanced around the darkening streets, the hum of distant chatter fading as the night grew deeper. He had to move carefully, make decisions before word got out. His squad was strong, loyal, but they were still young. They had to be smart, precise. One wrong move, and the delicate balance between Mondstadt and Inazuma could tip over, dragging them all into chaos.
"We need to act quietly," he said, his tone decisive. "We can't involve the Knights of Favonius—this is too delicate for them. I want you to get word to the others. Have everyone meet at the usual place, tomorrow at midnight. We'll discuss the next steps then."
Maurice nodded sharply, already turning to leave. But Sallie stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.
"Maurice," he said, his voice softening just slightly. "This is dangerous. The Kujou Clan's playin' with fire, and we're gonna be walking into it. Make sure the others understand what's at stake. This ain't a fight for glory."
She met his eyes, her expression serious. "I understand, sir. I'll let them know."
As she disappeared into the shadows of the street, Sallie leaned back against the lamppost, exhaling a long, slow breath. His fingers tapped restlessly against the sealed reports beside him. Tomorrow's meeting would be the start of something bigger than any of them had anticipated. The stakes were higher now—much higher than any raid on a supply shipment or a covert operation against smugglers.
This was politics. International politics. And Sallie hated politics.
But there was no escaping it now. The Fatui had their claws deep in Inazuma's ruling elite, and whatever they were planning, it was going to affect Mondstadt. The people here—Jean, Diluc, even his squad—didn't see it yet. But Sallie did. He'd seen these kinds of power plays before, back in Natlan, where warlords toyed with their own people's lives to gain control.
And now, Mondstadt was on the verge of becoming another pawn in the Fatui's games.
Sallie shook his head, pushing off from the lamppost and gathering the scattered reports in front of him. He needed to be ready. Tomorrow, at midnight, they would make a plan. A quiet, precise plan. One that wouldn't alert the wrong people.
As he tucked the last report under his arm and began walking through the quieting streets of Mondstadt, his mind was already churning with possibilities, strategies. He knew he couldn't trust Jean with this—not yet. She'd want to follow the proper channels, wait for Inazuma's ruling, consult with the council.
But Sallie didn't have that kind of time. None of them did.
Tomorrow night, in the shadow of Mondstadt's walls, he'd meet with his knights—his real knights, the ones who understood what was at stake. They weren't bound by honor codes or stuck in rigid hierarchies. They were survivors, fighters. And they knew when to move fast and strike before anyone saw it coming.
And if they were lucky, they'd stop whatever was coming before it reached Mondstadt's gates.
As Sallie walked through the winding streets, the city quiet around him, his resolve hardened. The trial in Inazuma was a fuse that had already been lit. Mondstadt couldn't afford to sit back and wait for the explosion.
The next day, as the soft light of the Mondstadt morning filtered through the high windows of Jean's office, she sat at her desk, reviewing reports from her knights. The paperwork seemed endless—small updates from the border, reports on skirmishes with Hilichurls, and the ever-growing concerns about Mondstadt's trade routes. It was a rare moment of calm before the daily chaos resumed.
A knock on the door broke her concentration. Without looking up, she called out, "Come in."
The door creaked open, and in stepped the Traveler, his familiar blonde hair catching the light as he silently entered the room, his expression as neutral and calm as ever. Paimon hovered beside him, her wings fluttering softly as she darted ahead of him, already bursting with energy.
"Hi, Jean!" Paimon chirped excitedly, her voice high and full of enthusiasm. "Guess who's back from Liyue! And guess what we've been up to!"
Jean set her quill down, a small smile tugging at her lips as she stood to greet them. "Paimon, Traveler, it's good to see you both." Her gaze softened as she took in their familiar faces. "I've heard rumors of great things happening in Liyue. I take it you were both involved?"
Paimon puffed up with pride, crossing her tiny arms and grinning wide. "Oh, you bet we were! It was quite the adventure. The Traveler was a big part of it—again! You wouldn't believe everything that's happened." She glanced at the Traveler, who remained silent, but gave Jean a nod in greeting. "So, you know the Jade Chamber? That huge floating palace thingy in Liyue? Well, it got destroyed a while back, but guess who helped rebuild it? That's right, the Traveler!"
Jean raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "The Jade Chamber? That's an impressive feat. I heard it played a key role in defending Liyue against Osial."
Paimon nodded vigorously, zooming closer to Jean's desk. "Exactly! But this time it wasn't about fighting big sea monsters. Ningguang—the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing—decided to rebuild it, and who better to help out than our hero here?" She gestured dramatically to the Traveler, who gave a modest shrug, his expression still calm but clearly listening attentively.
Jean's smile widened. "I see the Traveler has been quite busy. And how did you come to be involved in the rebuilding effort? That sounds like no small task."
"Well!" Paimon began, waving her arms in excitement. "It all started when Ningguang asked for help gathering materials. Not just any materials—super rare ones! The Traveler had to go all over Liyue, fight monsters, explore dangerous areas—you know, the usual stuff." She turned to the Traveler, her eyes sparkling. "And of course, he made it look easy."
The Traveler remained quiet but gave a small, humble nod of confirmation. His quiet presence had always been his strength—a stark contrast to Paimon's endless chatter.
"But that's not even the best part!" Paimon continued, her voice growing louder with excitement. "After we gathered all the materials, the construction began. And Ningguang—oh, she was so grateful. She even let us fly on a crane to get to the Jade Chamber! It was so high up, and the view was amazing!" She clasped her hands together, beaming at the memory. "The Traveler was right there, helping out every step of the way. He's not just Mondstadt's hero, you know—he's the hero of Liyue now!"
Jean listened intently, her smile warm as she absorbed Paimon's storytelling. "That's truly incredible. Liyue has always been a place of deep tradition and resilience, and rebuilding something like the Jade Chamber must have taken immense effort. It doesn't surprise me that the Traveler would be at the center of it all."
Paimon nodded proudly, floating closer. "Oh, absolutely! You should have seen it, Jean! When it was all done, Ningguang gave this big speech, and everyone was so grateful. The Traveler even got some cool rewards! But really, it was just amazing to be a part of it all."
Jean leaned back slightly, her hands resting on the desk, and looked at the Traveler. "It seems you've done much to help not just Mondstadt, but also Liyue. The people of both cities owe you a great deal. Mondstadt will always consider you one of its own, but it's clear your influence is growing far beyond our borders."
The Traveler smiled softly, acknowledging Jean's words without speaking, as was his way.
Paimon flitted around, her energy undiminished. "Yup! The Traveler's like a world-famous hero now. But we wanted to come back and check in on Mondstadt, make sure everything's going okay here. We've been away for a while, and you know, Paimon's been craving some sticky honey roast!"
Jean laughed lightly, nodding. "It's good that you've returned. Mondstadt has been relatively calm, though there have been some concerns about trade routes and security. And I'm sure we can arrange for some sticky honey roast for you both."
Paimon brightened at that. "Yay! You're the best, Jean!"
Jean's smile lingered, but her eyes turned more thoughtful. "I've also heard troubling whispers coming from Inazuma. We've had reports of unrest, and news of Kujou Takayuki's trial being delayed has only added to the uncertainty. I don't know if Mondstadt will be directly affected, but with so much happening around us, I can't help but feel we need to stay vigilant."
Paimon's excitement dimmed just slightly, and she exchanged a glance with the Traveler. "Inazuma's been… complicated, huh? We haven't been there in a while, but from what we heard, it's still pretty tense."
Jean nodded, a concerned expression crossing her face. "Yes. And with the Fatui always in the background, stirring up trouble, I worry that Mondstadt might find itself involved sooner or later. But for now, I'm glad you're both here. It's comforting to know we have someone like you looking out for us."
The Traveler gave her a reassuring look, and Paimon floated closer, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, Jean! If anything happens, the Traveler's got it covered! After all, he's already saved Mondstadt, Liyue, and maybe even Inazuma next!"
Jean smiled at that, her spirits lifting. "Thank you, Paimon. And thank you, Traveler. It's good to have you both back."
Jean leaned forward slightly, her brow furrowing as the conversation turned to the topic of Inazuma. "Speaking of Inazuma," she began, her voice more serious now, "I've heard rumors that the Vision Hunt Decree has been abolished. Is that true? The decree caused quite an uproar when it was first introduced, and now… it seems things have changed. What happened there?"
Paimon's eyes lit up at the question, immediately launching into the tale. "Oh, you bet it's true! The Traveler here was right in the middle of it all!" She gestured dramatically to the Traveler, who gave Jean a nod, confirming Paimon's words. "It was pretty intense. You see, the Vision Hunt Decree was causing a lot of problems—taking people's Visions away and all. The Raiden Shogun was behind it, and her idea was to take control of Inazuma completely. She wanted to lock the country down, keep things... 'eternal.'"
Jean's expression darkened. "The Raiden Shogun was seizing Visions? That must have been devastating for the people of Inazuma."
Paimon nodded solemnly. "Yeah, it was. People were losing a part of themselves, like the essence of who they were. There were even resistance forces forming to fight back. It was a big mess! But of course, the Traveler couldn't just stand by and do nothing." She glanced proudly at the silent hero next to her. "He went straight to the heart of it, challenging the Raiden Shogun herself!"
Jean's eyes widened slightly, her usual calm demeanor slipping in surprise. "You… faced the Raiden Shogun? And lived?"
Paimon floated a little higher, puffing out her chest. "Not only did he survive, but he also defeated her! Twice, actually!"
Jean blinked, clearly taken aback. "Twice?"
"Yup!" Paimon continued, excitement building as she told the story. "The first time, it didn't go so well. The Raiden Shogun was super strong, and she wasn't exactly in the mood to negotiate. But then, after a lot of effort and help from our friends in the resistance, the Traveler went back for a rematch. And this time, he won! He stopped her from enforcing the Vision Hunt Decree and made her see what kind of damage she was doing to her people."
Jean sat back, absorbing the enormity of the story. "That's… incredible. I'd heard that the Raiden Shogun was nearly invincible. For the Traveler to stand against her and prevail… You've done more than just stop a decree—you've helped restore balance to an entire nation."
Paimon nodded fervently. "Exactly! And after the Traveler defeated her, the Raiden Shogun realized she'd gone too far. She agreed to end the Vision Hunt Decree, and Inazuma started to open up again. People got their Visions back, and things have started to get better." She paused, then added with a small grin, "So, you could say the Traveler didn't just defeat the Raiden Shogun—he helped change the future of Inazuma!"
Jean looked at the Traveler, admiration clear in her eyes. "It seems no matter where you go, you manage to change the course of history. First Mondstadt, then Liyue, and now Inazuma. You've saved countless lives and restored hope to those who needed it most." She paused, her expression softening. "Mondstadt is fortunate to have you as a friend and ally. Thank you for everything you've done, not just for us, but for the world."
The Traveler, as always, remained modest and silent, but there was a faint smile on his face, acknowledging Jean's words. Paimon, as usual, was more than happy to fill the silence.
"Yup, that's our Traveler! Always saving the day, no matter where we go!" Paimon said proudly. "But you know, Jean, it's not just about the battles. The Traveler always finds a way to help people—whether it's with monsters or politics. And let me tell you, politics in Inazuma are way more dangerous than Hilichurls!"
Jean chuckled softly at that. "I can imagine. You've been through a lot, both of you." She leaned forward slightly, her tone turning thoughtful. "The abolishment of the Vision Hunt Decree must have had a profound impact on the people of Inazuma. Have things stabilized there since?"
Paimon's expression sobered, and she gave a small nod. "It's getting better, but there's still a lot of work to do. The resistance is still working on rebuilding, and the Raiden Shogun is trying to reconnect with her people. It's not perfect, but at least things are moving in the right direction."
Jean nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "I see. Ending the decree is a major step forward, but I'm sure it will take time for Inazuma to fully recover." She paused, her blue eyes turning serious. "I appreciate you both coming to share this with me. With the Fatui still active and tensions rising in other nations, it's good to know that there's hope for peace, even in places as isolated as Inazuma."
Paimon floated closer, her voice softer now. "Yeah, things are tough everywhere. But don't worry, Jean! We've got the Traveler on the case, and we're always ready to help out Mondstadt too, if you need us!"
Jean smiled warmly, her expression full of gratitude. "Thank you, Paimon. And thank you, Traveler. Mondstadt will always welcome you with open arms, and I know that if we ever face a challenge like Inazuma did, we can count on you."
The Traveler nodded once more, his silent promise clear.
Up on the second floor of the building, Sallie sat at his desk, his brow furrowed as he sifted through the mountain of paperwork that had steadily piled up over the past few days. Reports from Dornman Port, trade manifests, letters about the smooth transfer of certain shipments—all of it evidence that his operation had been a success. But the sheer volume of details kept him locked in his office for hours, much to his irritation. For all his strength in the field, Sallie had never been one to enjoy sitting behind a desk.
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose, feeling the weight of exhaustion creeping in. Dornman Port had gone off without a hitch. No slip-ups, no surprises. His squad had secured the shipment, and Mondstadt remained stable. At least for now.
Just as he was considering taking a break, a knock came at the door.
Sallie's head tilted slightly, a spark of curiosity cutting through his fatigue. "Come in."
The door creaked open, revealing a young woman in her mid-twenties, her dark armor contrasting sharply with her light skin. Her sharp eyes met Sallie's as she stepped into the room, her movements graceful but carrying a quiet tension. It was Valencia—his second retainer, a fighter just as fierce and loyal as anyone in his squad. She was one of the few people he trusted completely, and her presence usually meant something important.
"Valencia," Sallie greeted her, gesturing for her to approach. "What's the news?"
Valencia closed the door softly behind her and crossed the room, her steps purposeful but quiet. "Sir, I wanted to report something that might interest you." She stood at attention, her tone professional but familiar, as if accustomed to balancing the line between formality and the camaraderie they shared. "The Traveler and his companion, Paimon, have returned to Mondstadt."
Sallie raised an eyebrow, leaning forward in his chair. "The Traveler, huh?" He had heard whispers of the Traveler's exploits—rumors from Liyue and Inazuma that painted him as a powerful force, someone who had already made a mark on the world far beyond Mondstadt's borders. But Sallie hadn't expected him back so soon. "What's he been up to now?"
Valencia's expression remained calm, though there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes as she spoke. "From what I've gathered, they've returned from Liyue after helping rebuild the Jade Chamber. But more importantly, they've apparently been involved in the Vision Hunt Decree's downfall in Inazuma. According to the rumors, the Traveler was the one who faced the Raiden Shogun herself."
Sallie's eyes widened slightly at that. He'd heard plenty about the Raiden Shogun—her strength, her control over Inazuma, the sheer force of her power. And now he was hearing that the Traveler had stood against her and lived to tell the tale? That wasn't just impressive; it was almost unbelievable.
"So the Traveler went head-to-head with the Raiden Shogun?" Sallie muttered, leaning back in his chair, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "And beat her?"
Valencia nodded. "That's the word going around. The Vision Hunt Decree has been abolished, and Inazuma's starting to open up again. The Traveler's at the center of it all, just like he was with Stormterror here in Mondstadt."
Sallie let out a low whistle, tapping his fingers against the edge of his desk. "The kid's a real piece of work, huh? Not just running around dealing with monsters, but taking on entire nations now."
Valencia's lips twitched slightly, almost a smile. "Seems that way, sir."
Sallie stood up, pushing the papers aside, his gaze drifting toward the window. He could see the bustling streets below, people going about their daily lives, unaware of how close they often came to disaster. The Traveler was someone who always seemed to show up when things were on the verge of falling apart, and here he was again, right when Mondstadt was teetering on the edge of political turmoil.
"You think his return has anything to do with what's going on here?" Sallie asked, glancing at Valencia.
"It's possible," she replied, folding her arms. "He has a habit of showing up right when things start to heat up. With the trial in Inazuma being delayed and the Fatui moving in the shadows, he might know more than we do. It's worth keeping an eye on him, just in case."
Sallie considered her words, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, you're right. The Traveler's not one to sit still for long. If he's back, there's a reason for it. Might even be that he's picking up on the same things we are—the cracks in the walls before the dam breaks."
Valencia watched him carefully, her posture still rigid but her gaze keen. "Do you want me to approach him?"
"Order the squad to resume gun training," Sallie said, his voice low but clear. "Keep it discreet. We're meeting tonight at midnight, and I don't want anyone—especially that guy who calls himself the hero of Liyue—picking up on what we're doing."
Valencia's eyebrows furrowed slightly, her gaze curious but respectful. "You think the Traveler will interfere?"
Sallie's lips curled into a grim smile. "Maybe not intentionally, but that floating loudmouth he's got with him? Paimon's always spouting off. They've got a knack for sticking their noses where they don't belong, and this is one of those times where we need to keep things quiet." He paused, his gaze hardening. "I want you to use Morse code to communicate with the squad. No open talk. Just short, sharp messages. We don't need them catching wind of what we're planning."
Valencia gave a short nod, but her curiosity hadn't faded. "What exactly are you suggesting, sir?"
Sallie walked back to his desk, resting his hands on the pile of papers that now felt irrelevant compared to the weight of what was coming. His eyes lifted, fixing on Valencia with a seriousness she knew meant trouble. "Something's off in Inazuma. We've got that trial delayed indefinitely, weapons moving through Dornman Port, and Fatui activity buzzing all around us. I don't know what it is yet, but I've got this feeling—deep down—that it's bigger than we're seeing right now."
He let the words hang for a moment before continuing. "We need to hold a meeting tonight. Quietly. I don't want anyone hearing about it who doesn't need to. We've got to get ahead of whatever's brewing."
Valencia didn't hesitate. She snapped into a crisp salute, her expression now steely with understanding. "Understood, sir. I'll get the squad ready for tonight. We'll stay off the radar. The Traveler and Paimon won't even know we're moving."
Sallie's face softened for a second, but his resolve didn't waver. He lifted his hand to return the salute, his gesture firm and deliberate. "Good. I trust you to keep everything running smooth. We'll need all hands sharp tonight."
Valencia lowered her arm and nodded once before turning on her heel, leaving the room with quiet efficiency, her boots barely making a sound as she disappeared into the hallway.
Sallie watched her go, then turned back toward the window. The night was coming fast, and with it, uncertainty. But one thing was clear: whatever was unfolding in Inazuma was only the beginning. And by midnight, his squad would be ready.
As the door clicked shut behind Valencia, Sallie remained standing by the window, the glow of the city fading into the dim light of dusk. His thoughts churned, refusing to settle as his eyes scanned the streets below, though his mind was far from Mondstadt.
He murmured to himself, low and almost inaudible, as if voicing the questions would help him make sense of the tangled mess unraveling before him. "The Vision Hunt Decree ended, sure... but why hasn't the Raiden Shogun made a final verdict yet?"
It gnawed at him, that question. The Vision Hunt Decree had been a heavy hand on Inazuma's people, seizing their very identities, their powers. And yet, despite the Traveler's supposed victory, despite the end of the decree, the Raiden Shogun hadn't made any decisive move to close the chapter. It was as if Inazuma was still hanging in limbo, waiting for something.
"And the Traveler..." Sallie muttered, his voice growing harsher. "Why are they so full of themselves after returning from Inazuma? Acting like everything's fixed."
He had seen the way Paimon had chirped on about their so-called victory to Jean, the way the Traveler had worn that silent, self-assured expression like it was just another day in their heroic life. But if things were truly over, why was Kujou Takayuki still alive, rotting in some Inazuma prison instead of facing the consequences for his treason? The man had conspired with the Fatui, and yet the trial had been stalled indefinitely.
"Kujou Takayuki... left alive, just waiting." Sallie's fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. "Why hasn't the Shogun dealt with him? Why hasn't she tied up these loose ends?"
There were too many threads, too many unanswered questions dangling in front of him, taunting him. He had seen this before—power games, political manipulation, schemes that ran deep enough to uproot nations. The kind of things that could burn entire cities down if left unchecked.
"Too huge," he murmured, the weight of it pressing down on him. "Too heavy to ignore."
Sallie turned away from the window, pacing back toward his desk, his thoughts racing. There was something bigger at play here, something that went beyond a simple decree or a delayed trial. The Raiden Shogun, the Kujou Clan, even the Traveler—all of them were caught up in something massive. And if Mondstadt wasn't careful, they'd get swept up in it too.
By tonight, when the clock struck midnight and his squad gathered in secret, they'd start peeling back the layers. There were too many shadows around this, too many unanswered questions. And Sallie had no intention of letting Mondstadt get blindsided by whatever storm was brewing in the east.
The day was drawing to a close, and the streets of Mondstadt were quiet, save for the occasional chatter of townsfolk heading home. Up on the second floor of the Knights of Favonius headquarters, the Traveler and Paimon were standing near an open window, enjoying the evening breeze when suddenly, a sharp, distant sound cracked through the air.
Bang.
Paimon froze mid-conversation, her tiny wings fluttering in confusion. "Wha—was that… a gunshot?"
The Traveler turned toward the window, his sharp eyes scanning the area outside, and sure enough, another volley of gunfire rang out—followed by a third. It wasn't an attack, though. The sounds were rhythmic, like target practice, controlled and methodical.
Paimon floated closer to the window, peering down below. "Wait, is that coming from inside the Knights of Favonius?"
The Traveler leaned out as well, his eyes narrowing as he spotted movement in the training area below. Knights, but not in the usual drills. They were holding rifles—training with guns instead of the swords and polearms that were so iconic to Mondstadt's defenders. In the distance, he could see more of them practicing close-quarters combat, blending firearms with swordplay, shifting seamlessly between long-range and melee techniques.
Paimon floated higher, blinking in surprise. "What's going on down there? Since when do the Knights of Favonius train with guns?"
The Traveler didn't answer, his gaze focused on the group of knights in the training yard. His instincts told him this wasn't just a routine exercise. Something was different.
Without hesitation, the Traveler turned and headed for the stairs, Paimon darting after him. "Hey, wait up! We need to find out what's going on!"
As they reached the training area, the sounds of rifle fire echoed across the yard, and the scene became clearer. The knights were moving in coordinated groups, practicing reloads and tactical formations, their swords at their sides for quick transitions between firearms and close combat. These weren't ordinary drills. They looked more like soldiers preparing for battle.
The Traveler and Paimon approached cautiously, their curiosity piqued but unsure of how the knights would react. Before they could get too close, however, one of the knights spotted them.
It was a woman with sharp features and bright, focused eyes—Valencia, Sallie's second-in-command. She lowered her rifle, her gaze locking onto the Traveler and Paimon with mild surprise, but no hostility. Instead, she raised a hand and waved them over.
"Ah, the Traveler," she greeted with a nod, her tone friendly but guarded. "And Paimon, too. We weren't expecting visitors during training."
Paimon floated closer, eyeing the rifle slung over Valencia's shoulder. "Yeah, uh, we heard the gunfire and came to check it out. Since when do the Knights of Favonius use rifles?"
Valencia gave a small smile, almost as if amused by the question. "We've been expanding our methods, integrating new weapons into our training. Mondstadt's enemies aren't always going to fight with swords and shields. We need to be prepared for anything."
The Traveler nodded in understanding but remained quiet, his eyes scanning the rest of the knights, noting their intense focus on the new training regimen. Paimon, however, was full of questions.
"But why the change? I thought the Knights of Favonius were all about honor and stuff with swords and spears!" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Valencia's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "The world is changing, and we need to change with it. Our traditional ways aren't enough to protect Mondstadt anymore. The threats we face now—they're more complicated, more dangerous. So we adapt. That's what this training is for."
Paimon hovered closer, glancing at the other knights who were busy firing at targets, their movements precise and calculated. "Wow… I guess that makes sense. But still, seeing all this is… kinda weird for Mondstadt, you know?"
Valencia nodded. "It might seem strange, but we can't afford to be caught off guard. There are bigger threats out there than Hilichurls and Abyss Mages."
The Traveler's gaze shifted back to Valencia, sensing something beneath her words—something more urgent than just routine training. He gave her a questioning look, as if asking silently what was really going on.
Valencia noticed his look and smiled faintly. "I'm sure you have more questions. You're welcome to observe, but there are certain things we need to keep… under wraps for now."
Paimon crossed her arms, her voice softening. "It sounds like there's more going on than just training."
Valencia didn't answer immediately, her eyes flicking briefly toward the other knights. After a moment, she sighed and lowered her voice. "Let's just say that we're preparing for the future. There are… events in motion. We're making sure Mondstadt is ready for whatever comes next."
The Traveler nodded once, understanding her need for discretion. He knew enough from his travels to recognize when people were holding back information—not out of distrust, but out of necessity.
Before they could press further, one of the other knights approached, saluting Valencia sharply before nodding toward the Traveler. "Ma'am, we're ready for the next drill."
Valencia nodded in acknowledgment, then turned back to the Traveler and Paimon. "Feel free to stick around and watch, but be careful. This is live training, after all."
Paimon floated back slightly, her eyes wide. "Oh, don't worry about us! We'll just… watch from over there!" She pointed toward a safer distance away from the targets.
Valencia smiled again, this time more genuinely. "Good choice."
As she turned back to resume her role overseeing the training, the Traveler and Paimon exchanged a look. Whatever this was, it wasn't just about the Knights keeping up with modern weapons. Something larger was unfolding beneath the surface, and the Traveler's instincts told him this was only the beginning.
"Hey," Paimon whispered, tugging on the Traveler's sleeve, "there's definitely something going on here. Do you think it's connected to what happened in Inazuma?"
The Traveler didn't answer, his gaze lingering on the knights practicing in the yard.
As the live training continued in the courtyard, the sharp crack of gunfire echoed off the stone walls of the Knights of Favonius headquarters. The knights, focused and disciplined, practiced their drills with precision, moving seamlessly between rifle fire and close combat swordplay. The occasional clatter of steel rang out as they shifted from one weapon to the next, their movements fluid, efficient—trained by experience, not just theory.
Valencia watched the drills unfold, her sharp eyes darting between the knights as they executed their tasks with methodical precision. The Traveler and Paimon stood at a distance, observing quietly. But while the scene appeared ordinary, Valencia had her mind on other things. There were undercurrents of tension beneath the surface—things that couldn't be discussed openly, especially not with extra eyes watching.
Her gaze fell on Astrid, a loyal and sharp-minded knight standing just a few paces away, rifle slung across her back. Astrid had always been one of Sallie's most reliable knights, one who knew how to handle the delicate balance between keeping things smooth on the surface while handling more dangerous matters in the shadows. Valencia made her way over to her, weaving through the squad of knights without drawing much attention.
When she reached Astrid, she leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. "We're moving tonight, as planned. Midnight. Spread the word quietly."
Astrid didn't look up, continuing her movements as if nothing unusual had been said. But she gave the faintest of nods, understanding immediately. They'd practiced this kind of discretion countless times before. Timing was everything.
Valencia gave her a brief tap on the shoulder before stepping back, her eyes flicking toward the rest of the courtyard to ensure no one else had caught the exchange. Astrid adjusted her stance, then subtly tapped the side of her hand armor with two fingers, a signal that Valencia recognized instantly—a sign that the message had been received and would be acted on without delay.
Astrid then returned to her routine as if nothing had happened, her movements smooth and controlled, never once breaking her focus on the drills at hand. It was all part of the game—secrecy within structure, ensuring that the knights loyal to Sallie could communicate without drawing unnecessary attention, even during live training.
Valencia stepped back, her role now complete. She had other preparations to make before the midnight meeting, and Astrid's calm efficiency reassured her that the rest of the squad would be ready when the time came. The training would continue as planned, but under the surface, the real mission was already underway.
As she walked back toward the main training area, Valencia allowed herself a brief glance toward the Traveler and Paimon, who were still observing from a distance. She smiled faintly, knowing they would be none the wiser. For now, everything appeared normal—but the real action would come when the sun dipped below the horizon, and the squad gathered in secret to prepare for what lay ahead.
The clock was ticking, and by midnight, Mondstadt's quiet facade would be hiding something far more dangerous.
The deep black of midnight cloaked the Thousand Winds Temple in a heavy stillness, its ruins standing as solemn sentinels under the pale glow of the moon. The crumbling pillars, once grand in Mondstadt's ancient history, now served as meeting points for those seeking something beyond the law—beyond the reach of the Knights of Favonius. The wind whispered through the broken stone, carrying with it the echoes of times long past, but tonight, the temple would bear witness to something far more urgent.
Sallie stood quietly against one of the shattered pillars, his figure half-hidden in the shadows. The brim of his wide hat obscured most of his face, but his sharp eyes scanned the darkness, watching as his loyal knights—women hardened by experience, survivors of Natlan's brutal past—appeared from the shadows one by one. Each moved with the quiet grace of someone used to staying out of sight, their cloaks drawn tight around them to shield their identities. The wind rustled through the tall grass around the temple, but other than that, the night was eerily silent.
Sallie's squad, disillusioned by the rigid codes and slow-moving bureaucracy of the Knights of Favonius, gathered around him in a loose circle. These women were not just knights—they were warriors who had lived through chains and fire, and they had no patience for the rules that bound the rest of Mondstadt. They had followed Sallie for that very reason—his methods were unconventional, but in their eyes, they were necessary.
As the last of his loyalists arrived, Sallie pushed himself off the pillar, his boots crunching softly against the worn stone as he stepped into the moonlight. His face was cast in deep shadow, but his voice cut through the night, low and gravelly, carrying the weight of what was about to be discussed.
"Glad you all made it," he began, his voice barely louder than the wind but enough to command attention. "We've been keeping things quiet, keeping Mondstadt's enemies at bay, but the situation's changing."
He let his words hang in the air for a moment, watching their faces—Valencia, Astrid, and the others—before continuing. "Jean and her knights… they mean well, but their hands are tied. Mondstadt can't survive on goodwill and old rules. We've seen it. We've lived it. The city's vulnerable, and while they're focused on laws and protocols, the real threats are moving in the dark."
Astrid, standing near the back, shifted slightly, her sharp gaze flickering in the low light. "You're talking about Inazuma."
Sallie's lips curled into a faint smile. "Exactly. The Vision Hunt Decree's over, yeah—but something's not sitting right. Kujou Takayuki's trial being delayed, the Fatui sniffing around, and the Raiden Shogun staying quiet? That doesn't add up." He folded his arms, his voice dropping even lower. "And if it's happening there, it's only a matter of time before it hits us."
Valencia nodded, stepping forward. "What's the plan, Sallie? We've been training, we've been resupplying, but you called us here for something more, didn't you?"
Sallie's eyes gleamed beneath the brim of his hat. "I did. It's time to take things a step further. We're going to start operating outside the Knights' watch. Covert missions—under the radar. We need to be prepared for what's coming, and that means we can't wait for Jean to sign off on it."
One of the younger knights, barely out of her teens but already battle-hardened, glanced up, her voice steady. "What kind of missions?"
The weight of his next words hung heavy in the silence between them, like a storm building on the horizon.
"We're not just going to watch things unfold from Mondstadt anymore," he began, his tone deliberate, each word chosen with care. "By the end of this week, we'll be heading to Inazuma."
The knights around him remained still, their eyes locked on Sallie, waiting for him to continue. No one seemed surprised—there had always been an unspoken understanding that they wouldn't stay in Mondstadt forever, not with the world shifting the way it was.
"We've watched this Kujou Takayuki situation drag on for too long," Sallie continued, his eyes narrowing. "Justice in Inazuma? It's a game now, a game of power, not law. That trial should've ended months ago, but it's being stalled, manipulated. Takayuki's still alive, rotting in some cell when he should've faced his punishment already."
Valencia, standing closest to Sallie, glanced toward the sky as if thinking through his words. "The Raiden Shogun hasn't made her verdict yet. Do you really think she'll let us take matters into our own hands?"
Sallie's lips curled into a grim smile. "The Shogun? She's already checked out. She's more focused on maintaining her so-called 'eternity' than cleaning up the messes in her own house. And that's exactly why we're going. If she won't act, we will."
Astrid stepped forward slightly, her voice low but sharp. "What are you proposing, Sallie? We go to Inazuma and… what? Take him out ourselves?"
Sallie's eyes gleamed under the brim of his hat, the shadows of the night casting his face in half-darkness. "Exactly that. We deliver swift justice—on our terms. Kujou Takayuki has already been tried in the court of reality. His alliance with the Fatui, the blood on his hands—it's all the evidence we need. He's guilty, and we'll deal with him the way Inazuma should have from the start."
The group was silent for a moment, the tension thick in the air as they absorbed what Sallie was suggesting. His words were a call to action, a promise to step beyond the bounds of Mondstadt and take the justice that Inazuma had been too slow to deliver.
"Killing one guilty man won't fix Inazuma," Astrid said quietly, her eyes serious. "It's like putting a bandage on a flesh wound. The rot in the system goes deeper than Takayuki."
Sallie nodded, his expression unflinching. "You're right, it won't fix everything. But it'll send a message. Takayuki is a symbol of that rot, and taking him down is just the beginning. If we sit by and let Inazuma's corruption fester, it'll bleed into Mondstadt next. The Fatui are everywhere, moving quietly. What happens in Inazuma doesn't stay in Inazuma."
Lina, who had been listening intently, took a step forward, her voice steady. "And the Traveler? If we do this, he'll get involved. You know that."
Sallie's face hardened. "The Traveler's already too deep in Inazuma's politics. He's playing nice with the Shogun, thinking that abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree was enough. But we know better. This isn't about fixing laws—it's about cutting out the disease before it spreads." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "We can't worry about him or Paimon. If they get in the way, we'll deal with it when the time comes."
The knights exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They had always known that following Sallie meant walking a path outside the rules, a path that didn't have room for hesitation or half-measures. Justice, in their eyes, wasn't about trials or waiting for approval—it was about action, swift and decisive.
Valencia looked directly at Sallie, her eyes sharp with determination. "You're asking us to go to Inazuma and do what the Shogun won't. To end Kujou Takayuki's reign of corruption ourselves."
Sallie nodded, his voice steady. "That's exactly what I'm asking. We're not waiting for Inazuma's system to work itself out. It won't. We'll take care of the problem and show them that real justice doesn't wait for permission."
Astrid folded her arms, her gaze resolute. "We're with you, Sallie. Whatever happens, we know what needs to be done."
Sallie gave a grim smile, his eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity. "Good. Prepare yourselves. We leave by the end of the week. And when we get to Inazuma, we deliver justice swiftly and without hesitation."
He stepped back, scanning the faces of the knights around him, all of them hardened by years of fighting and survival. These women weren't like the Knights of Favonius, bound by codes and bureaucracy. They were fighters, survivors who knew what it meant to take action when it was needed most.
"This is more than just one mission," Sallie said, his voice low but carrying the weight of a promise. "This is about making sure the world knows we won't stand by while corruption festers. Inazuma, Mondstadt, it doesn't matter. We protect what we care about, and we do it our way."
Valencia saluted, and the others followed suit. Sallie returned the gesture, the silent bond between them stronger than any words. They would head to Inazuma, and by the time they left, Kujou Takayuki would be dead—justice delivered not by the Raiden Shogun or the courts, but by those who understood that sometimes, the only way to heal a wound was to cut out the infection entirely.
Sallie straightened up, his voice steady but with an unmistakable edge of urgency as he addressed his loyal knights. The moonlight cast long shadows across the ruined temple, but his presence felt solid and unwavering, even in the cold night air.
"Before we make our move," Sallie began, his eyes scanning the group, "we're resupplying. I want everyone fully stocked with ammunition by the end of the week. Our training area will serve as the staging ground—make sure we've got everything in place before we head out."
The knights, gathered around him in the broken stone circle of the temple, nodded in silent understanding. These weren't the ceremonial supplies of the Knights of Favonius; this was real, untraceable, hard-hitting equipment, meant for one purpose: swift, effective operations.
Valencia stepped forward slightly, her sharp gaze locking onto Sallie. "What about the others?" she asked, her tone low but firm. "Jean, Kaeya, Lisa… and especially the Traveler and Paimon. They'll notice if we move without authorization."
Sallie's lips tightened into a grim smile. "That's the point—we're not getting authorization. Jean and her team are bound by laws, reports, and endless paperwork. By the time they even get word of what's happening, we'll already be gone. They'll be too busy arguing about protocol to stop us."
He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "We can't afford interference from anyone—Jean, Kaeya, or Lisa. Not even that so-called 'hero of Liyue' or his floating companion. This has to stay under the radar."
Astrid, standing at Valencia's side, shifted slightly. "And if they catch wind of what we're doing?"
Sallie's gaze hardened. "Then we keep them at arm's length. They've done their part for Mondstadt, but this isn't their fight. They'll get distracted with other tasks soon enough. What matters now is that we don't give them a reason to look too closely."
Valencia nodded sharply. "We'll move in silence. We've done it before."
Sallie folded his arms, his voice lowering as he outlined the plan. "We're heading to Dornman Port without any official authorization. No Jean, no Kaeya, and definitely no Traveler getting in our way. The port's still being watched by Viktor's contacts, but we need to get in and out clean. No traces. We'll take the supplies we need, regroup at the training area, and get ready for the next move."
He glanced around the circle, his voice firm. "This mission stays between us. No one else needs to know until it's too late to stop us."
The knights shifted, exchanging brief glances with one another, but there was no hesitation in their eyes. They were ready—more than ready—to operate outside the lines. They weren't concerned with the rules that held the others back. Sallie's way had always been about action, not approval.
Valencia crossed her arms, her face resolute. "When do we move, Sallie?"
"Tomorrow night," Sallie answered without missing a beat. "You'll spread the word through the usual channels, keep it tight. We'll resupply in secret, make sure everything's locked down, and by the end of the week, we'll be on our way to Inazuma. This is the final step before the real operation starts."
He looked around at his knights—women who had survived the harshest of conditions, trained for this very moment. They weren't like the traditional Knights of Favonius, with their rigid structures and politics. These knights followed Sallie because he understood the world as it was, not as it should be.
"And remember," Sallie added, his voice low, "this isn't just another mission. We're not waiting for someone else to fix the problems. We're delivering justice ourselves—on our terms. Inazuma's been left to rot by its own rulers, and we're going to make sure the ones responsible pay for it."
The knights nodded, their expressions hardened with resolve.
Valencia saluted, her stance strong. "We'll be ready. No one will get in our way."
Sallie returned the salute, his gaze sweeping over the group one last time. "Good. Then get to work. no mistakes, no mishaps."
As the group began to disperse into the shadows, Valencia gave Sallie a final nod before heading off to organize the resupply, her steps silent and deliberate. Sallie remained behind for a moment, standing among the ruins of the Thousand Winds Temple as the wind whipped through the broken pillars.
