"Alright everyone, I need to go patrol, sooo… So let's do this quickly." Kaeya said with a holdup as all available Favonius Captains plus Amber, Lisa, and Sans gathered in Jean's office. "Given our crisis and complete failure of the command system, we have to start doing things in a new way. Varka won't be happy but he'll understand we were stretched thin because of the expedition."

"Agreed." Hertha said while Albedo nodded.

"First question then, who is the acting-acting Grand Master for a time being?" Kaeya proceeded.

"Hertha is most responsible and available on the spot." Lisa pointed out. "I think she will be fine for this position."

"What about Nymph?" Hertha asked.

"She volunteered to join me to help with paperwork from her own place." Lisa responded. "Sans, I trust you will join us too?"

"Given the number of cases. I can join from time to time." Sans nodded, pointing at three total towers of paper. "Hertha, your decision?"

"I agree for a time being." Hertha responded calmly. "But as soon as any better candidates become available, I resign and go back to fulfill Captain duties in the Logistics Company full-time."

"That works for now." Albedo nodded. "Next, Sunshine Rock addiction is still in the early stage of spreading. Your ideas?"

"Action against smuggling rings." Sans responded. "I trust you know their power by now."

"My back sure does." Albedo rubbed himself under the shirt. "Still, a crime group related in some way to Inazumas' Kujou Clan has been allowed too much. It's time we strike back."

"I get as many Knights as possible and storm the places you noted for inspection." Kaeya stated. "Sans, I assume you stay full time in the paperwork?"

"I guess so." Comedian responded.

"I just remembered. Noelle said she can switch him off in documentation if he has to go somewhere." Amber pointed out.

"Just say the word and I will join your team."

"Good." Kaeya smirked.

"Also, next thing." Amber added in a hurry.

"Yes?" Hertha asked.

"Slajland Army left the city in the morning and went north towards Lawrence Clan property." Amber explained. "What should we do about this?"

"On one hand, another group of their people keeps Klee entertained and safe." Lisa nodded patiently.

"On the other, they effectively caused Eula to be bedridden." Sans added. "Still, we should not attack our allies."

"And it seems to be through their lands how Sunshine Rock could get into our territory from overseas." Albedo nodded. "Any news from our Iramati friends?"

"Right away." Hakh cut in, joining the gathering. "If Lawrence Clan tries to retaliate against you in full military manner. We ride in."

"Can you spare at least some men to help with order in our streets?" Albedo asked.

"Not sure if most of them want to." Hakh scratched his head. "But hey, I can."

"Every number counts these days." Lisa nodded with a hidden suggestion.

"Okay, you're in for our raid tonight." Kaeya smiled. "Any more burning questions?"

"..."

"That would be a no. Sweet." He clapped his hands with satisfaction. "Now, by Barbados and Vennessa. We will save Mondstadt!"

"Yeah!"

"For no one else can…"

"Matthias."

"Yeah?"

"Ever considered coming back to Zirte?" Stas asked, as the two got down to drinking inside The Angel's Share.

"... Not an option." Matthias waves his hand in careless manner.

"What? Don't spread nonsense." Stas almost laughed. "You are a designated heir after all."

"Were, as if." Matthias took a deep sip of his drink. "Adopted sons are secondary to legitimate ones. Plus, there's no way other nobles would like me there on the throne… If any."

"I would."

"You don't even have inheritance from your family." Matthias pointed out. "In terms of Zirte politics, you're nothing."

"Just pull in Mondstadt." Stas suggested.

"They already pulled us in instead." Matthias responded quickly. "Also, you didn't even consider that I don't want to be a King in the first place."

"Now, you are speaking nonsense." Stas gave him a confused look. "You can grab the fortune with these hands!"

"And have them swiftly cut off, you forgot." Matthias took another gulp into the throat. "Ehhh… What I mean is, I do not think I should be doing this."

"That puts me in a troublesome position instead." Stas responded with a nervous face. "I am still sworn to protect you here as a legitimate heir by Kings' choice."

"Makes me wonder how much changed over those ten years I was in Inazuma."

"I got disowned following my loyalty choice as my family wanted anyone but you to take reign."

"And now my resignation means you are left abandoned by your very life purpose. Eghhh…" Matthias sighed. "Tell you what."

"Go on." Stas learned towards him.

"Join Knights of Favonius. Maybe they have a more stable key to your purpose in life?"

"Are you certain?"

"No better ideas in my head." Matthias took another sip. "*Lip smack* Besides, your bravado and formal speech in battle may help them, especially now."

"General!"

"What is it?" Harald asked, turning around to face one of his Slajland soldiers as they were setting up a camp in the middle of a forest, visible from an adjacent, barely hill he stood on watch over.

"Some weird bard wants to speak to you."

"Civilians have no place in the military."

"He wasn't asking."

"... Is he here?"

"Pardon my intrusion…" Delicate voice joined in, as a small boy-like person walked from behind a soldier.

"Excuses will be needed depending on how conversation goes." Harald responded. "Now then, leave us alone."

"Yes, General."

"..." Both went silent as the soldier walked down towards the camp.

"So…" Harald began, staring down at the small boy and his green hat. "What brings you to me?"

"Nothing special, General Harald." Wanderer musician responded modestly. "I wish to learn about songs of distant lands from those who know them the best. Which would be you."

"Me? Haha!" Harald laughed shortly. "You flatter me, little one… Tell you what. Go down to my camp and play some songs to my soldiers as they set up. If they found you fitting, please ask them about those topics."

"Will be done. Thank you very much."

"The Knights are already catching on…" Kuze said, kneeling down in a kowtow in front of his patriarch, Coe. "What are your orders?"

"I know of your work and dedication across the short time you showed to the Kaiogumi Clan." Coe responded with a modest tone, slowly standing up with crossed arms. "But Kujou demands one, last, test, from me. Do you understand?"

"I'll do whatever is wished of me." Kuze added, still in a bowed down position.

"Hmph. Shows you are well-versed as you claimed." Coe smiled lightly. "Go to Mondstadt and prevent as much of a Sun Rock loss as possible while our people evacuate out of town. Fight the Knights and whoever stops you in the way of achieving this goal."

"I will not fail." Kuze agreed, standing up and turning around to leave.

"I know." Coe added in conclusion, seeing a small hydro vision attached to his bare back. "After all, your service to me is just."