Chapter 6: Changes on the stage, Eula's sudden outburst

Eula stood on the stage, her gaze sweeping over the crowd of nobles.

"Before we start dancing, I have an important announcement to make."

A murmur of confusion ripples through the crowd. Everyone waits in silence, unsure of what to expect.

"I've decided..." Eula takes a deep breath, "I want to join the Knights of Favonius."

A stunned silence falls over the banquet.

"What a joke!" A deep voice cuts through the silence, filled with disdain. The crowd turns to see a classical man with a mustache, dressed in an elegant suit. His eyes burn with anger.

He is Eula's father, the head of the Lawrence family.

"Eula, shut up and apologize right now, so I can still treat what you just said as a slip of the tongue!"

"I don't!" Eula retorts defiantly.

"I've had enough of the Lawrence family! They only care about outdated, meaningless aristocratic etiquette! Even though the family's Mora is nearly depleted, they still insist on this extravagant coming-of-age ceremony! I've had enough!!"

"Shut up! If you still want to stay in the Lawrence family, then apologize to me! Continue the ritual dance! I won't say it a third time!"

"Lawrence? Only someone as pedantic and old-fashioned as you would cling to that long-lost name!" Eula shouts, her voice filled with resentment.

She leaps off the stage, faces her father directly, and continues, "How I choose to live my life should be my decision, not dictated by the Lawrence surname!"

With a final act of rebellion, Eula tears her elaborate dress apart, revealing the practical sportswear underneath.

This is quite the dramatic turn. Tsumugi Kujo, observing from the crowd, clicks her tongue in mild disapproval.

Eula strides toward the door, determined to leave Lawrence's house behind.

"If you leave this house today, don't come back!" her father's angry shout follows her retreating figure, but Eula doesn't look back.

Triggering side quest: Shaken Faith

"Mission content: Find Eula Lawrence and shake her belief in joining the Knights of Favonius."

"Hint: Eula is full of admiration for the Knights. You might find her at the [Symbol of the Mondstadt Hero]."

"Reminder: Eula is hostile to everyone in the Lawrence family at this time. Be prepared for a possible confrontation."

Tsumugi Kujo quietly exits the banquet, her movements swift and unnoticed amidst the chaos. She changes into more practical attire and takes her one-handed sword, then slips out of Mondstadt.

The "Symbol of the Mondstadt Hero" refers to the grand oak tree beneath the Seven Days Statue outside Mondstadt. Legend has it that this tree was planted by Vanessa, the hero who overthrew Lawrence's oppressive rule, and has since grown to an impressive height of over 30 meters, blessed by the wind god.

Why would Eula yearn for the Knights of Favonius? Tsumugi muses. The expulsion from the family is a minor punishment compared to what she would impose on traitors.

Navigating through the dark, avoiding wild monsters, she finally reaches the Seven Days Statue as dawn approaches.

There, surrounded by wind crystal butterflies, Eula dances gracefully. Her movements are flawless, each step and gesture meticulously practiced. The rising sun casts a golden light on her, enhancing the beauty of her slender figure and athletic attire. Even with her previous life's experiences, Tsumugi finds herself mesmerized by the dance's elegance and grace.

After the dance, Eula turns to face Tsumugi.

"How about my ritual dance?"

"It's a perfect dance," Tsumugi responds, adopting a noble salute. "It would be a lifelong loss for any noble not to witness such beauty."

Eula smiles faintly, acknowledging Tsumugi's genuine compliment. "The reason I danced for you is because your gift was the most sincere."

She gestures to the sword Tsumugi had left under the statue. Despite her departure from the family, Eula has kept only that sword and nothing else from the Lawrence household.

"Now that you've seen my dance, you can leave."

Tsumugi, however, does not depart as Eula expected. Instead, she removes her cloak and drapes it over Eula.

"Don't rush to refuse. Let's consider this a final heart-to-heart talk between sisters."

Eula hesitates, then silently accepts the gesture. They find a quiet spot next to the statue and sit down.

The scene is poignant, with the statue of Barbatos, the oak tree planted by Vanessa, and the two Lawrence family members—Eula and Tsumugi—gathered together in a symbolic tableau of past and present.

The unusual assembly offers a striking representation of the intertwined legacies and personal conflicts shaping their lives.