Edited by: Priapus

– Mona –

As she stared at the girl in front of her, everything she had prepared to say to her simply disappeared. Mona had expected looks of utter disdain— she'd thought she'd be looked down on after that disgusting display. What self-respected person would ever do what she did? To make matters worse, she didn't regret it as much as she should. She regretted being caught, but that was it.

Initially, she'd expected herself to be begging the girl not to tell anyone and to forget what she saw. That was the only thing she could do to avoid having her entire life ruined because she was a disgraceful whore.

But instead, Noelle almost looked as embarrassed as she was. She couldn't keep eye contact, fidgeting with a face as red as a tomato. Almost as if she was the one who'd gotten caught. Mona wasn't sure what to make of this.

She knew the girl was sweet and innocent, but she was also a maid. It wouldn't be unreasonable to say that she was aware of these things to an extent. But doing it alone in your room was not the same as doing it to the sounds of your roommate going at it.

Mona thought she was going to get death glares. No, she thought her life was already over, but it had been more than a day, and people still regarded her with respect. So then she'd kept it to herself? That was good.

But there was still the issue of talking about what she saw. Mona couldn't just pretend it didn't happen, and neither could Noelle from the looks of it. She had to take care of this before it escalated into a bigger problem.

So she invited the maid knight for some early afternoon tea through another knight because she hadn't gathered the courage to talk to her directly yet, and thankfully, Noelle showed up. On time. Albeit really nervous.

Mona even used all the money she had to get her the best quality tea she could afford with complimentary desserts. The same money she was saving to buy a new expensive grimoire. But saving her reputation was more important.

For a while, the pair said nothing. Red-faced, looking to the side, and dead quiet. Mona had never been in a situation as awkward as this, and she just wanted to die at this point. Take her away from this mortal coil. This was her personal hell.

She didn't know what Noelle was thinking at the moment and hoped that, for her sake, it wasn't as bad for her, even though it looked like it was. Mona had to say something. This was rapidly getting unbearable.

"S-so um…" Mona started with a hushed voice, which still made Noelle flinch. "About… what you saw back there…"

"I'm so, so sorry!" Noelle bowed, hitting the table between them with her forehead. "The fault was fully mine! I should not have entered your home without permission! Please forgive me, Ms. Megistus!"

"Er, no, it's… fine, really." Mona thanked every god in every universe that Noelle was this kind. "After all, I was the one who told you you can come in whenever you want to…"

Which was a massive fucking mistake in hindsight. Especially after discovering her degenerate fetishes, but how could she have prepared for this? Luck was a real thing, and Mona had always been lucky, so she knew relying on it sometimes was fine; so when had an oversight so small blown up on her face like this?

Honestly, for some reason, it almost felt too deliberate now that she thought about it. Of every minute of the day, she chose to enter their house as Mona was masturbating? Seriously?

What did the stars mean by this?

"B-but still! I should've known better. It's a violation of your privacy and my maid code." She said, looking devastated. There's a maid code? "I feel unbelievably ashamed of myself. I don't deserve to be a knight. If you wish, I will be delivering my resignation letter to Lady Jean and leave Mondstadt."

"Wait, what? No! I don't want you quitting!" Mona denied it immediately. Knowing the girl, she was 100% serious. "That's… look, it was just an accident, alright? I'm just a little embarrassed, that's all."

And immensely relieved that her future was not in danger. Noelle did not feel disgusted by the human pig that was in front of her, but only guilty. As horrible as it might sound, Mona was glad that this was the case because that meant her secret was safe. She did not want her reputation ruined. What would her teacher think?

Mona could not let this reach the ears of anyone else. Honestly, if she was caught having sex with Crimson, it would've been massively easier to explain. An adventurer rapidly growing in fame doing it with a well-known astrologist? Pfft, who cared? Her sex life shouldn't be privy to anyone other than her in the first place.

But comparing that to masturbating to the sounds of said adventurer having sex with another woman? Yeah, there was no excuse for that. She'd be finished. No one would ever hire her, and she'd starve in a ditch somewhere.

"I-Is that so?" Noelle looked at her almost pleadingly. I should be the one looking at her like this… "Do you… forgive me?"

"O-of course, I do." Mona nodded, wanting to sound more confident. "It's not like you meant for that to happen. It's fine. Water under the bridge."

"Oh…Thank you so much, Ms. Megistus!" Noelle said with a relieved smile. "I promise I'll make it up for you soon!"

"Don't mention it." She responded. "As long as you don't tell anyone…"

"I would never do such a thing."

Crisis averted… Mona thought, feeling a lot calmer. Thank the stars…

It didn't seem like Noelle knew why she was doing it in the living room and only focusing on the fact that she was masturbating. That worked in her astrologist's favor immensely. There's no telling what the maid knight might think otherwise.

What the hell was wrong with them? Were they trying to mess with her for the kicks? Nearly gave her a heart attack, is all they did. Could've just not started this from the beginning. Seriously, what did they mean by this?

…She needed a nap. She couldn't sleep properly since the incident. Mona had never blamed the stars for her shortcomings as much as this before.

"Though, if you don't mind me asking…" She fidgeted. "...A-actually, never mind."

A part of Mona knew that encouraging her to ask her questions was a horrible idea, but she couldn't let the poor girl leave without some answers. That wasn't how Mona did things. Right? Noelle was too adorable and innocent.

"No, no, it's fine." She said. "You can ask. I wouldn't mind."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Right, well…" Noelle hesitated, but after gathering enough courage, she asked. "Why were you doing… that in front of Mr. Crimson's room?"

Mona should've just stayed quiet.

– Crimson –

"Today is the day," Eula states confidently, a firm grip on her claymore. "I WILL defeat you."

"Isn't that what you said last time?" I shoot back playfully. "And every other time before it?"

"I'm sure of it now. I know how you fight. All your moves and tactics." She responds. "This time, your face will be down in the dirt. No chance of you winning."

As we face each other next to the large tree on the city's outskirts, my smile remains calm as always. I glance to the side, the lack of Amber as Eula's cheerleader being felt, but it's likely for a good reason. I do not know what Lisa plans to do with the outrider by calling her, but it does not concern me. Not for now, at least.

I return my gaze to my opponent, who has been smirking at me the entire time. The funny thing is I can tell that, while highly excited, Eula is also somewhat nervous. She always has been whenever she's facing me.

The confidence she shows is true, no doubt about it. It's one of her most prominent and attractive characteristics. But is she as certain as she claims? No, because her arrogance is what's false. While relatively young, she is still an experienced combatant.

In our first battle, I easily outplayed her by using her temper against her, but it seems that she had outgrown such childishness. Perhaps not immediately, but the growth is evident. Her attitude and mindset has changed for the better.

The most significant change, however, is her vastly superior strength compared to when we first met. She's more than three times more powerful, at least due to my indirect training. How come such a thing is even possible? For one, she's very talented. Likely the most talented in the Knights of Favonius.

Two, I'm surprisingly a good teacher in a very cosmic and magical sense.

From the way she acts, it seems that while she doesn't consider me a teacher, she has noticed that she has grown immensely since our first duel. That's one of many reasons why she's always looking forward to a duel or, at this point, training.

Besides liking me, of course. But who doesn't love a charming dragon like myself?

"All words, Eula. I'm tired of your cheap and pointless claims." I say, wanting to provoke her. "Why can't you prove it with your actions?"

"With pleasure." Eula's smirk widens, not taking the bait and rushing in blindly.

Of course, realistically, Eula still has no chance of actually defeating me. If I had not leveled up at all since our first fight, then yes, I could lose. No, I would lose, as this is simply the level of strength she's at. Enormously more powerful than any of the other knights.

However, she is actually correct this time. She will defeat me and win this duel because I've already concluded that Eula wants me. Physically, as she would love to continue sharpening her skills with me, and emotionally, because I'm not just a 'decent person' to her anymore, I am important.

Her chances of kicking me out of Mondstadt after winning are laughably low. It helps that Amber has been 'trying' to convince her not to do such a thing, even though she does not need convincing anyway.

And in case it does happen, she'll be running after me soon enough. It would be annoying— some of my plans would need to be delayed for a little bit, but I'm mature enough to handle a setback or two.

It takes considerable effort to anger me, and I'm quite proud of that. Being a dragon and my mother's son did not make it easy.

Now, what would Eula ask of me once she wins? That I am not quite sure. I can make a few educated guesses, but nothing I'm certain of. It'll be a fun surprise. One I'm looking forward to very much.

Eula, in her offensive stance, suddenly charges toward me with very impressive speed, cracking the earth beneath her. She effortlessly swings her large claymore like it's a feather, with graceful movements that make her look almost like she's dancing.

Her footwork has gotten much better. Even in skill, she has vastly outgrown her old self. It's impressive. But I do not plan to make this easy for her. My loss is predetermined, but it won't be very satisfying if she achieves victory so quickly now, will it?

I lean slightly to my right and raise my arm to block the strike, scales growing right before the blade makes contact. A loud 'clang' sounds out as my dragon scales are more than strong enough to deflect her attack, making her flinch and step back.

With her being vulnerable, I counter by throwing a left hook at her stomach, which she avoids by casting a gust of frozen wind, not to freeze me but to redirect my fist just enough to miss her. Clever.

Eula uses the opportunity to twirl and swing at me again, but I manage to roll out of the way just before the claymore lands. Not wanting to give me any moment to breathe, she predicts my movements and rushes at me in the next instant, striking me in the chest and sending me backward as I drag my feet across the ground.

"Using your scales already?" Eula snorts, returning to her stance. "Are you that worried, Crimson?"

"On the contrary—" I roll my neck. "I find this very enjoyable. You've certainly evolved beyond the most talented knights. But is it enough to defeat me?"

"Let's find out, shall we?"

As the battle resumes, Eula continues being on the offensive as every swing of her blade is accompanied by a wave of frost energy, which, of course, doesn't hurt me at all, but I pretend it's effective by clicking my tongue in faux-annoyance.

But as I said, I do not make this easy for her, blocking and evading her attacks while responding with my own, striking her chest and stomach. Even with the power I've put behind those attacks, which is enough to tear apart the largest of Mitachurls, the lady knight resists them, showing superhuman levels of strength beyond the typical vision wielder.

She bites down her cries of pain, grunting and pushing forward regardless of the pain before tilting her head to avoid a punch, stepping back, and then spinning around with her claymore. I duck under the swing, seeing that she has shackled my feet to the ground with her ice.

The claymore connects with my chest with a rising slash, causing me to fly into the air. Eula leaps at me and sends me back down with another slash, followed by a wave of frost, freezing the ground underneath us and making me crash into it.

I flip backward and avoid her diving attack before rushing back into the fray, deciding to play offensively for a bit to make this feel believable. It's not like I ever prefer to be on the back foot, either.

With an open palm, I strike Eula in the shoulder, quickly following that up with a hook to her face, then kicking her knee to break her balance. Unsurprisingly, as I'm severely holding back on her, she's easily able to eat those hits without much trouble, blocking the fourth attack with her left arm.

What's surprising, however, is how she responds with a knee to my crotch, which does actually hurt me. It also gives her just the right opportunity to push me away with her vision, causing a mighty hurricane of ice to carry me away.

As the hurricane disappears and I land on the ground, I bend to the side out of discomfort, sighing to myself. No matter how many times I'm hit in there, it's still unreasonably unpleasant.

"Is this how we're doing this, Eula?" I ask, slightly annoyed but still amused. I'll admit, I did not expect that at all. I like funny surprises. "Where's your honor as a knight?"

"Look who's talking." She scoffs, wiping blood off her mouth. "You always play dirty. I was just having my revenge."

"I don't believe any cheap trick warrants hitting a man in his groin. Certainly not in a duel." I chuckle. "But fair enough. Be warned, though, you've made me a little annoyed."

"Oho?" Eula sounds even more eager, as expected. "Are you? That's merely a tenth of what your presence makes me feel."

"Must I remind you that you kissed me last night?"

"I-I did not!" She denies it, her face glowing red. "You kissed me! Without my consent!"

"That implies sexual harassment." I point out. "And seeing that you're a Knight of Favonoius, you could've arrested me. So why didn't you?"

"B-because I—You—" Eula pauses, and her eyes narrow. "You're trying to distract me, aren't you?!"

She's so easy. Precious beyond belief.

"And if I am?"

"I knew it." She hisses. "Well, you better be prepared, Crimson. This attack will decide the victor."

"So confident," I note. She's still nervous. "I do hope you're ready for our second date~"

Eula growls and blushes at the idea but says nothing as she poses, concentrating with a deep frown on her face. Even though I've been practically play-fighting with her, it has been fun. She's a blast to be around—one of my favorite people here for sure.

And after this… she'll be as good as mine.

As I get into my own stance, Eula rushes for her final attack, as do I. I, of course, throw the match and deliberately move a little slower than her, and so, the tip of her blade stops the moment it touches my throat, as my fist is still five whole inches away from her face.

I pretend to be slightly stunned at the conclusion, but the shock on Eula's face is as real as it can be. So much so that we stay in place for a few seconds before I pull my fist back and collapse on the ground, falling on my back.

"Ah, what a shame," I say with a deep sigh, then give her a smile. "Congratulations. You win this time."

"I-I won." She mutters, lowering her weapon. "I did it."

"You did." I nod. "Can't say I didn't see this coming. You were growing astronomically with every duel. It was only a matter of time."

"I really won. I did it!" A charming, childish smile splits her face as her brain catches up before she drops her sword to the ground, laughing and jumping for joy. "I did it! I beat you fair and square! I FINALLY reclaimed my honor!"

Eula continues giggling uncontrollably, telling herself that she defeated me like it was the highlight of her life. That is until she looks at me smiling at her, prompting her to clear her throat and blush deeply. However, she's still unable to stop grinning from ear to ear.

This is the first time I've seen her so comfortable displaying her emotions like this. It… admittedly makes me feel a little bad for holding back.

"I-I mean, was there any doubt?" She snorts, looking immensely proud of herself. "I told you I'd win, didn't I?"

"You did." I reply. "I suppose it's time I should pack my bags, then."

This makes her blink and pause.

"Huh?"

"Oh well, it was fun while it lasted." I get back up and stretch my arms. "But a deal is a deal."

"What…?" Her adorable smile drops, replaced by a confused frown. "What are you saying?"

"Don't you recall?" I look at her with a raised brow. "If you win, I leave Mondstadt."

Her breath hitches as she finally remembers why we started dueling in the first place. Her once-beaming grin is slowly being replaced by cold realization, which confirms it for me. She might've 'won' this battle.

But I won the war.

"I… y-yeah…"

Now for the final nail in the coffin.

"It has been a pleasure, Eula. Truly." I say truthfully, making her flinch. "You've made my stay here that much more exciting. I hope we cross paths again."

Eula doesn't say anything, and the conflict on her face is palpable as she tries to say something, but her voice is seemingly not responding. It's a sad scene for sure— stuck and having to decide between her duty and personal desires.

I turn around and give her my back, beginning my walk to Mondstadt. I can still hear her hesitation. It doesn't take a genius to realize which is winning. For a woman like her, duty would be the easy and almost obvious choice… if not for the overwhelming desire to love I've been slowly cultivating in her heart. It's not necessarily love for me, either.

She said it herself, didn't she? Whenever she's around me, she doesn't hate herself as much. In a kingdom where its people only look at her in scorn and hatred, it's only natural she'd feel this way. She's only human.

"Wait…Crimson, wait…" She calls out pitifully. "I said wait!"

I pause and look back at her.

"Yes?"

She hesitates once again.

"I…I haven't… paid you back for last night." She says, not meeting my gaze. "For defending me…"

"Oh, there's no need." I wave it off. "I was merely doing my job."

"B-but still, I'm a Knight of Favonius!" She claims, trying and failing to sound confident. Her trembling voice will forever be one of my favorite things to hear. "I will never break my code of honor."

I wait for her to continue.

"I-I um, don't think it's fair if you left Mondstadt before I got to repay the favor." She adds, her face growing redder and voice growing quieter. "So instead of that, meet me at the foot of Dragonspine tomorrow morning. There's… something I'd like to show you."

"Are you sure? I thought you wanted me to—"

"Shut up! Do you want me to change my mind?!" Eula yells at me, becoming deliciously flustered. "You better show up, or I'm beating you up again, you hear?!"

She doesn't wait for my response and walks away in a hurry. She's one of a kind, for sure. I can't remember the last time anyone showed me reactions as delightful as hers. Mondstadt does not deserve her. I will make sure to treat her better than they ever had.

So much so that she'll never willingly leave my side.

– Jean –

After the appalling scene she had been subjected to, she realized that, no, she couldn't do this alone. Not when she was on the verge of completely losing her mind and collapsing from exhaustion. Jean just couldn't.

Even with Stormterror, a much less significant threat, she'd had the help of many. Lumine, for example, was the most competent partner she'd ever had the pleasure of working with. But it hadn't just been her— Jean had had other allies.

While none were particularly loyal to her, they were still loyal to Mondstadt, and they were very powerful individuals she knew she could rely on. At this point, Jean needed backup. She just… didn't have the strength to do this.

Seeing Crimson doing such heinous things to her dearest sister… It had nearly destroyed her. Why? How? Just how could it have happened? Why Barbara? Since when? Jean couldn't make sense of it.

Most of her knights viewed her like she was insane or avoided her out of fear that she might blow up on them. Jean had no one else to rely on. Not Kaeya, not Eula, and certainly not fucking Lisa. Her options were… limited.

So, she had to think outside the box. Outside the Knights of Favonius. It wasn't only her knights who had been instrumental in defeating Stormterror, after all. Besides Lumine, there were two other very important and powerful individuals.

While Jean typically did not want to rely on them very much, she had no other choice. What else could she possibly do? They were the last two people she could rely on.

"Try as I might, I cannot view it that way, Grandmaster." The Archon of Freedom responded casually, a smile on her face. "I've talked to Mr. Crimson many times already."

…Is what she thought at first.

"You fucked him." She stated without a filter. There was no need when there were only three of them inside. "You straight up turned yourself into a girl and spread your legs for him."

"Ah, and what does it matter to you whom I copulate with? I may be capable of enjoying the pleasures of the flesh, but I am a spirit— I cannot be impregnated." Venti snorted, raising her mug of beer before winking at Jean. "He's quite the lover, you know? He's so skilled that he made me feel more comfortable in this form than in the last."

"Can't you be responsible for once?" She growled at him, not wanting to acknowledge anything about Crimson's sexual prowess. "You know damn well how dangerous he could be."

"He could be." Venti agreed. "The air around him speaks of a strong warrior far more experienced than I am. A dragon of such impossible might that I doubt even all the archons combined could defeat him."

"Then why?!" Jean yelled, becoming incredibly frustrated with how casually she was taking this. "How could you do such a thing?! Aren't you concerned that he might just decide to wipe us off the map?!"

"Not at all." The Archon of Freedom giggled.

Jean froze.

"What?"

Her stunned response only made Barbatos laugh more.

"Ah, Jean. Don't you know that being so paranoid is bad for your health?" She stated. "Just because Mr. Crimson could be a threat, it doesn't mean that he is, no?"

"Are you serious?! You just said that he's—"

"Mr. Crimson seems highly content just being here, appreciating our culture," Venti said. "He enjoys the drinks, the food, and the women like many other pleasure-seekers that come to Mondstadt. As powerful as he might be."

"And that makes sense to you?!"

"Why would it not? I'm the same way." The bard pointed out. "Though I'm not as powerful as I used to be."

Jean couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew Barbatos was a lazy son of a bitch who wouldn't bother taking the lead, but to be so lazy as to let that monster run amok doing whatever he wanted… She didn't know what to think. This was the god they were supposed to worship?

She was slowly losing her temper and her mind. How could Venti be so… uncaring?! Couldn't she try to maybe address the problem and find a solution?! But no, her solution was no solution at all! It was letting that bastard do whatever the hell he wanted!

"Diluc—" She looked at the red-haired man behind the counter, who was cleaning the mug without uttering a single word. "You have to agree with me, right? You know he's dangerous."

"He can be." He answered curtly.

"Then—"

"But he isn't." He quickly added, shutting her down. "Also, he's polite and kind to my employees. So I don't care."

"Are you serious?!" Jean felt like she was going to burst. "You don't care?! You don't care that something could happen to our beloved kingdom?! I know you hate me, but you were a knight too, weren't you?! Can't you see the problem?!"

Diluc paused before giving her a piercing gaze.

"Has he killed anyone yet?"

"What?"

"Answer the question."

Jean paused before answering begrudgingly.

"No."

"Has he broken any laws?"

"...No."

"Has he, in any way, shape, or form, hurt the kingdom?"

"...T-that's not what I—"

"No, Jean." He said, not entertaining an argument. "You're losing your mind over nothing. Mere shadows you made up in your head. The man has been nothing but a great help to us with his outstanding adventurer record."

She remained silent, not knowing what to say.

"Go home," Diluc added blankly. "Sleep. You can't think properly when you're this tired."

"Master Diluc is right." Venti quipped. "Perhaps a good night's rest will help?"

"...None of you could understand," Jean replied before walking out of the tavern and returning to the knight's HQ.

Useless. She thought scathingly. The lot of them.

She couldn't believe that she'd thought they could be of any help. Of course, they'd take Lisa's side in this and make her seem like she was the crazy one. No, they were crazy. Utterly insane for not seeing the very obvious threat Crimson was posing.

That proved it. No one can do this but Jean, and by the seven archons, she would save her kingdom no matter what she has to do. It could be as impossible or degrading as anyone could imagine— Jean is willing.

She'd save Barbara from this… this degenerate. Save all of Mondstadt from that evil dragon. Show them all that she was right.

As she entered the building, Jean immediately stopped as she heard moans coming from the library to her right. They weren't low or quiet— full-blown cries and groans of pleasure of two very, very familiar voices.

"Amber?!" She gasped in horror. "L-Lisa?!"

She went to the door, noticing that there was no knight stationed inside, and put an ear. The other voice was none other than Crimson's, which made her blood freeze. Here? Inside the knights' headquarters? With Lisa, one of her most trusted confidants?!

"Mhm, darling~ You're so lewd~" Lisa giggled. "Always so eager, aren't you?"

"I-I'm cumming!" Amber announced with a wanton moan.

…What's with Lisa's tone? Why was she referring to him like this? So… lovingly? Jean thought she hated him. Or at least, was wary of him. But this was the opposite. What had he done to Lisa? Why was he having a threesome with her knights? What the fuck was going on?

This was even worse than when she saw him fucking her sister.

"Am I?" He responded. "It's only natural to tend to my wives'needs."

Wives?! Jean was shocked to her core. Since when?!

"Oh, how romantic…" Lisa purred. "...Or, it would've been if you weren't rearranging poor Amber's insides. Perhaps she wants you to stop?"

"NO!" The outrider screamed. "Don't stop! Never stop! Fuck me harder! I'm forever yours!"

"Of course you are," Crimson stated with a chuckle. "You became mine since your first time with me."

Had Jean missed something?! What was the meaning of this?! What did he mean by wives— she couldn't have missed something as big as that! But wait, if they were his— Ever since the first time— did that mean that Venti, the god of this region…

And Barbara… her dearest sister…

All this time… She felt sick to her stomach.

Jean took a few steps back, thoroughly shocked at what she had just heard and discovered as she slowly but surely connected the dots…

Then, she promptly fell unconscious, her exhaustion finally catching up to her.