In Mondstadt, at the Goth Grand Hotel, a squad of Knights of Favonius had blocked the entrance, attracting a crowd of curious citizens.
"Hey, why are the knights surrounding the hotel? Isn't that the residence rented by the Snezhnayan diplomatic delegation?"
"Maybe they did something wrong. Honestly, I've always disliked their superior attitude!"
"I heard from someone who came from the plaza near the Anemo Archon statue that their Harbinger had a conflict with the Lawrence family's knight and they fought."
"Oh, it's the Lawrence family, those people who are still stuck in the past and think they're better than everyone else. No wonder they fought—it's like 'like poles repel,' after all."
"Umm, Don't say that. The guerrilla squad captain has achieved a lot."
"Hmph, who knows if she's just trying to gain the trust of the Knights and then implement some scheme? I still can't understand why the Knights let someone like that join in the first place!"
The citizens of Mondstadt were engrossed in discussion, but because of Eula's involvement, the nature of the conversation had taken a wrong turn.
Their voices weren't hushed, either, showing no concern that Eula was right there.
Typically, grudges might fade with time, hidden within society. However, the sharp attitude of Mondstadt's citizens towards the Lawrence family indicated that the problem lay with the Lawrence family itself.
Sigh, Eula is still being dragged down by her family's reputation. She's such a good person.
Nolan stole a glance at Eula.
Her arms were crossed over the black leather strap around her midsection, the sheer black fabric clinging softly to her chest, which rested lightly on her forearms. Her expression was calm, seemingly used to this treatment.
But if one looked closely, they'd see her hand, resting on her left arm, gripping her white sleeve so tightly it had wrinkled, betraying her true feelings.
"Damn it, why do they say those things about you, Eula!" Paimon stomped her foot in mid-air, fuming.
Lumine's pale face also showed a trace of concern.
"Hmph, it doesn't matter. They can say whatever they like, I've already memorized this grudge anyway, sooner or later I'll get back at them!"
Eula flipped a lock of her icy blue hair, speaking in a slightly aggrieved tone.
"You see, she does have a scheme! Talking about revenge right here in public! I must report this to the Acting Grand Master and have her expelled from the Knights!" one citizen shouted.
"Yes, exactly!" another chimed in.
Hearing Eula's words, the onlookers forgot their initial curiosity about why the Knights were blocking the Goth Grand Hotel and began to berate her.
"..."
Nolan rubbed his forehead in exasperation. Although Eula didn't share her relatives' arrogance, she had her own pride and refused to back down.
This led the uninformed citizens to believe she was just like the other members of the Lawrence family, refusing to acknowledge history and make amends.
Those who knew her, however, saw her as somewhat contradictory, behaving like a child despite her age.
Perhaps this was part of Eula's innocent charm.
Kaeya felt powerless in this situation, so he instructed the other Knights of Favonius to disperse the citizens under the pretense that a battle might break out soon.
Before long, the Fatui diplomat Anastasia emerged from the Goth Grand Hotel after being alerted by the guards outside.
Seeing the Knights surrounding the entire premises, she furrowed her brows and angrily demanded, "What is the meaning of this? Are you trying to sabotage the alliance between our two nations?"
"Oh, don't try to threaten us with that," Kaeya replied with a smile.
"This morning, a Fatui Harbinger attacked the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt Cathedral and stole something from one of our citizens. We need her to come out and assist with our investigation."
Kaeya chose not to reveal that what was stolen belonged to the Anemo Archon, fearing it would cause an uproar among the citizens.
"Exactly! Fatui, your deeds have been exposed. Hand over that woman immediately!" Paimon shouted, pointing at the masked diplomat.
"Our 'Lady' left Mondstadt and returned to Snezhnaya yesterday. There's no way she could have been at the cathedral attacking your Knights. Are you kidding me?"
Anastasia retorted arrogantly.
Is she really unaware or just pretending? Nolan wondered, rubbing his chin.
"Hey, we all saw it! There's no point in denying it!"
Paimon stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Anastasia.
"Hmph, regardless, our 'Lady' departed yesterday. If you have questions, take them up with her directly. We Fatui do not accept baseless accusations!" Anastasia responded firmly.
Kaeya frowned at Anastasia's words, not believing the Fatui's claims. Yet, since they weren't directly involved and were part of a diplomatic mission, he couldn't arrest them without cause.
"Everyone, follow me inside to search the hotel. Captain Eula and Honorary Knights, stay here to prevent any Fatui personnel from escaping or causing trouble."
"Understood," Nolan nodded.
Given the situation, it was clear that "The Lady" had likely left Mondstadt. The Knights' search was more for show than anything else.
At most, they could issue a warrant for her arrest and continue diplomatic wrangling with Snezhnaya. Without capturing her, any plans were moot.
In Mondstadt, the Knights could search a hotel without opposition from the Fatui.
Unfortunately, the cunning Harbinger had fled with the Gnosis, leaving no clues. Frustrated, the Knights had no choice but to leave.
"Damn it! All we can do is issue a warrant for attacking the Knights and damaging the Cathedral? That's so unsatisfying!"
Leaving the Hotel, Paimon fumed as they walked through the streets.
"Haha. It can't be helped, after all, only human witnesses are too easy to deny to a diplomatic mission as strong as the Fatui, only by catching the 'Lady' can they be made to soften."
Venti laughed and said.
"Hey! Bard, how can you laugh at a time like this?" Paimon huffed, She really couldn't understand.
Lumine also seemed displeased, "I'll capture her next time."
"Great, I'll count on you.
"I don't know why the Tsaritsa is collecting the Gnosis. I tried contacting her but got no response. It's frustrating," Venti sighed, stretching.
(End of Chapter)
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