Chapter 041: Preparations Before the Mission

After hearing Shao Yun's assurance, Jean finally relaxed her tense nerves. She let out a long sigh, her face breaking into a grateful smile, her eyes filled with trust and admiration for Shao Yun.

"Thank you so much, Shao Yun," Jean said softly and sincerely. "Since this is a personal request, I can't offer you a title or treatment like Lumine's. But please believe me, I'll do my best to think of something else to repay you."

Shao Yun shook his head, indicating that he didn't mind.

"One title of Honorary Knight is enough. More than that, and it loses its value. As for gratitude, it's the thought that counts."

In truth, the main issue was the honorary titles. Here, he had to criticize the Fontaine Academy of Sciences—their so-called "Honorary Researcher" title was practically worthless, to the point where even the Northland Bank wouldn't accept it as collateral.

Jean was so moved by his words that she was at a loss for what to say. Language couldn't adequately express her feelings.

Shao Yun didn't pay attention to Jean's silence. He sat down and began planning how to protect Mondstadt. He thought through various possible scenarios and countermeasures, as well as how to mobilize and utilize existing resources to deal with potential dangers.

Once he had a clear plan in mind, he looked up at Jean and said, "I think we need to focus on four key areas: the main gate of Mondstadt, the small side gate, the port's waterways, and the Goth Grand Hotel where the Fatui are stationed. We could have Kaeya—"

As soon as Jean heard Shao Yun mention involving the Knights of Favonius, she quickly interjected, "Um, Shao Yun, this is a personal request..."

Shao Yun didn't understand what she meant and asked, "I know it's a personal request. What's the issue?"

Seeing Shao Yun's confused expression, Jean realized he hadn't fully grasped the situation. She explained word by word, "This is a request from Jean personally, asking you to protect Mondstadt while Acting Grand Master Jean is away. Acting Grand Master Jean hasn't informed the rest of the Knights, so... you won't have any help."

No help? He had to watch over four locations all by himself?

Shao Yun couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You mean I have to cover the main gate, the side gate, the port's waterways, and the Goth Grand Hotel—all by myself?"

Faced with Shao Yun's incredulous gaze, Jean's heart trembled slightly. She quickly averted her eyes, avoiding his sharp stare.

It was as good as a confirmation.

Shao Yun was stunned. Four locations? He was strong, but he wasn't strong enough to split himself into four. How could he possibly keep an eye on all of them at once?

Seeing Shao Yun's hesitation, Jean feared he might back out and quickly said, "You promised! You can't go back on your word!"

(TL/N: the heck jean?)

Her words caught Shao Yun off guard. A man's word was his bond. He couldn't go back on his promise now.

"I won't go back on my word. If I promised you, I'll see it through."

Shao Yun took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and decided to push his limits.

He asked Master Diluc for a map of Mondstadt and began analyzing how to monitor the four locations, as if planning a bank heist.

In the end, he came up with two strategies.

The first was a mobile tactic: he would ride his horse back and forth between the four locations, using the horse's speed to quickly respond to any trouble.

The second was a "catch them in the trap" approach: since the main gate, side gate, and port were close together, he could climb the city walls and keep watch from above. Even if the Fatui caused trouble in the city, as long as they couldn't take control of the walls, they wouldn't succeed.

After some thought, he chose the second option.

After all, as the legendary Five-Star General once said, "High ground beats low ground, every time."

"By the way, Acting Grand Master Jean!" Shao Yun raised his hand to get Jean's attention.

"What is it?" Jean turned her gaze to Shao Yun, as if suddenly realizing something. "You said you wouldn't go back on your word!"

Shao Yun's gesture carried a hint of helplessness and exhaustion as he waved his hand lightly.

"Do you really see me as someone who breaks promises and goes back on their word?" Shao Yun's voice carried a self-deprecating tone.

"I've thought of a plan," Shao Yun continued, his tone now confident. "But I'll need a city defense pass to access the walls."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jean's eyes flashed with surprise and curiosity. She looked at Shao Yun, eager to know what his plan was and why he needed a city defense pass.

Seeing Jean's puzzled expression, Shao Yun explained in detail.

"Either I patrol the four locations on horseback, or I take the high ground on the city walls. I've chosen the latter—to observe from above. So, I need a city defense pass."

After hearing his plan, Jean's focus shifted to the mention of the horse.

"A horse? Shao Yun, you have a horse?"

Shao Yun pointed out the window, his gaze falling on the quiet stable.

"It's right there in the stable. Didn't you see it when you arrived?"

As soon as he said this, Jean's eyes lit up with realization. She opened her mouth slightly and exclaimed, "That horse is yours? I thought it belonged to Master Diluc!"

Diluc, who had been listening nearby, also looked puzzled. He frowned as he glanced at the stable outside, seemingly unable to believe his ears.

"Wait, there's a horse in that long-abandoned stable?"

At that moment, Venti also chimed in, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I thought it was some prized steed of Acting Grand Master Jean!"

Jean, Diluc, and Venti exchanged glances, as if they had reached some unspoken agreement.

Almost simultaneously, the three of them dashed toward the stable where Shao Yun's horse was kept.

Shao Yun was left dumbfounded. Venti was one thing—he was always curious about everything—but why were Jean and Diluc so eager to see the horse? Hadn't they seen horses before?

A few minutes later, the three returned, each offering heartfelt praise for Shao Yun's horse.

"Shao Yun, your horse is on par with Grand Master Varka's," Jean said.

"It reminds me of my old horse. What a shame..." Diluc mused.

"Shao Yun, where did you find it? Even in Mondstadt, it's rare to see a pale pink horse like this. It's truly unique!" Venti added.

Under normal circumstances, Shao Yun would have been over the moon to receive such compliments. But now...

Shao Yun extended his hand, his gaze firm as he looked at Jean. His voice carried a hint of urgency. "Can I have the city defense pass now?"

His fingers curled slightly, waiting for Jean's response.

Jean lowered her head slightly, her voice tinged with apology.

"The official seal of the Knights of Favonius is kept at the headquarters. I don't have it with me right now. However, I can write you a temporary pass. With my personal seal, it should serve the same purpose."

With that, Jean borrowed a quill and a blank card from Diluc's study and began writing carefully.

Once she was done, she took out a small seal from her person and pressed it onto the card, leaving a bright red mark.

Shao Yun took the temporary pass from Jean and examined it carefully before nodding in satisfaction.

Although it wasn't stamped with the official Knights of Favonius seal, Jean's personal seal should suffice.

With the preparations complete, everyone was ready to set out to find Dvalin's tears.

Shao Yun led his horse out of the stable and teased Diluc, "I thought we'd be spending the night at your place, Master Diluc."

Diluc replied nonchalantly, "If you want to stay the night, I can have Head Maid Adelinde prepare a room for you. After all, you have a horse. Getting back to Mondstadt won't take long."

It was just a joke. There was no way he'd rest while everyone else was working. He wasn't like Venti.

"No, I'll ride my horse and take Lumine and Paimon to the bridge at Mondstadt, then head straight back to guard the city."

Diluc suddenly remembered something and pointed to a nearby warehouse. "I think there's a carriage in the warehouse. We could—" His voice carried a note of concern, clearly thinking about the team's efficiency and safety.

However, before he could finish, Shao Yun immediately stepped in front of his horse, spreading his arms protectively.

"Don't even think about it. If you want to hitch my Radish to a carriage, I'd rather strap myself to it and pull you all to the destination myself."

Diluc was taken aback by Shao Yun's devotion to his horse and couldn't help but remark, "You really love your horse, don't you?"

Shao Yun turned and patted his horse's neck. "Of course I do."

Just as he was about to mount his horse, he suddenly remembered something and hurried over to Lumine and Paimon. "Let me give you two a ride," he offered.

However, Lumine gently shook her head, politely declining his offer. She smiled and said, "Oh, that's not necessary. I'll stick with the group."

Her tone didn't sound forced or uneasy, as if she genuinely didn't want to ride.

Shao Yun looked at Lumine, puzzled. He couldn't understand why she'd refuse. Riding a horse was so much more comfortable, wasn't it? He asked softly, "Are you worried about Jean, Diluc, and Venti feeling left out?"

Lumine sighed lightly and explained, "It's not about fitting in. It's just that earlier today, I almost threw up while riding, so..."

Her words carried a hint of embarrassment as she recalled the unpleasant experience.

Shao Yun finally understood her hesitation. He chuckled lightly and said, "Oh, I see. Well, after we deal with Dvalin, how about I teach you how to ride?"

"We'll see about that later."

Putting aside the idea of teaching Lumine to ride, Shao Yun had originally planned to give her and Paimon some special attention during the ride. But since they were parting ways at Dawn Winery, he'd have to give them his gifts openly.

Shao Yun pulled out two newly crafted potions from his bag. Though they were still in green bottles and looked suspiciously like fake medicine.

Lumine looked at the potions Shao Yun handed her, her face twisting in discomfort as she recalled yesterday's adventure.

She had been feeling tired and took a sip of the potion. The taste was awful, and for the rest of the day, even swallowing saliva left a bitter aftertaste.

"Uh... we still haven't finished the last batch you gave us," Lumine said, clearly reluctant.

But Shao Yun shoved the potions into her hands anyway.

Shao Yun raised his hand slightly, wagging a finger with a hint of pride. "This isn't the same bitter potion as before. It's been specially improved!"

Lumine asked curiously, "How so?"

In her mind, she was just hoping it wouldn't leave her tasting bitterness for three days straight.

Shao Yun's face lit up with a mischievous grin.

"This time, I added Sweet Flowers, Calla Lilies, and Mint. Not only does it taste better, but the effects last longer too."

"And it won't just leave you with a bitter taste for three days—now it's seven!"

Shao Yun's meticulously crafted miracle potion: Fully restores health, stamina, and the Dead Eye, with significant enhancements. (Level 3 Enhancement)

However, after hearing Shao Yun's explanation, Lumine nearly fainted. The bitter taste from the last potion still lingered on her tongue. If she drank this new one, she was sure she'd lose her sense of taste entirely.

She stared at the potion in Shao Yun's hand, her heart filled with dread and confusion.

Shao Yun, seeing Lumine's reluctance, gave her a light tap on the head and said, "Good medicine tastes bitter. Others would kill to have this!"

Lumine rubbed her head where Shao Yun had tapped her, wincing slightly. But she understood his good intentions and reluctantly accepted the potion.

Since they were heading into the hilichurl camp in Dadaupa Gorge, potions alone wouldn't be enough. They'd need proper weapons too!

Shao Yun also handed her four sticks of dynamite. If Lumine's fighting style wasn't so suited to a one-handed sword, he would've given her one of his cowboy revolvers too.

Lumine clutched the four thick sticks of dynamite in her hands, her face filled with terror as if they might explode at any moment.

Her eyes flickered with unease, her brows furrowed as she tried to process whether such equipment was really necessary.

"Is this really necessary? Do we need this just to deal with some hilichurls?" Lumine's voice trembled slightly, clearly unsettled by the explosives.

Shao Yun thought it was absolutely necessary. Who knew what could go wrong?

"This is called being prepared for the worst! We can't afford to be careless. I've learned my lesson—always be ready for anything."

With that, he turned to Paimon, who was blinking innocently, staring at the dynamite in Lumine's hands.

Suddenly remembering something, Shao Yun pulled out two Sunsettias from his bag and handed them to Paimon.

"These are the biggest and best Sunsettias I've picked over the past couple of days. Paimon, your job is to eat and enjoy," Shao Yun said, his tone full of affection.

Paimon's eyes sparkled as she looked at the large, juicy Sunsettias. She eagerly took them and immediately started munching away, making contented noises as she ate.

"Thanks, Shao Yun! You're the best!" Paimon said happily, her mouth full of fruit.

(TL/N: Cute)