Eula was silent for a moment, then spoke calmly, "By the way, how much do I owe you?"
Takashi put on his business smile, "That'll be two million Mora."
Two million?
Eula was stunned for a moment. Though her noble family had fallen and money was tight, over the years she had earned quite a bit in Mondstadt through various missions. This amount wasn't beyond her reach, but spending two million Mora on a single Pokémon still felt like an extravagance. However, she had just made a grand speech about how Chikorita would follow her from now on. To turn around and say she couldn't afford it now would be too embarrassing.
No, for the sake of her honor as a knight, she had to endure it, no matter what.
"Shopkeeper, I still have some things to deal with at the Knights of Favonius. I'll come by later to give you the payment," Eula said politely.
"Alright, Chikorita will be here waiting for you, lively as ever," Takashi responded.
Eula said nothing more, turning gracefully and carrying the Pokédex, the box of energy cubes, and the manual Amber handed her as she walked out of the Pokémon shop alone.
After Eula left, Takashi wiped the sweat from his brow. Dealing with a customer like that was still quite exhausting. Hopefully, once Chikorita recovered, it wouldn't turn into another tough situation.
"Hey, shopkeeper, now you owe me another favor." Amber leaned on the counter with her chin propped up by both hands, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Alright, since you helped bring in a customer, I'll give you a box of high-level energy cubes," Takashi said.
"Just one box?" Amber looked a little disappointed.
Takashi took a box from the shelf and handed it to her. "Don't be too picky. There are still plenty of people in the Knights. If you bring a few more over, I'll give you a commission."
"If you're gonna put it that way, I guess I'm not tired anymore." Amber accepted the box of high-level energy cubes with a wide grin. "Alright, I'll head to the Knights of Favonius and see what I can do."
"Mhm," Takashi smiled as he saw Amber off.
He then went into the Pokémon Center to wait for Chikorita.
---
Amber caught up with Eula from behind and accompanied her to the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius.
The two knights on duty were visibly surprised to see Eula. Lady Eula, who was mostly out on missions, rarely came back.
"Is Jean in?" Eula asked calmly.
"She is," one of the guards responded.
Without hesitation, Eula pushed the door open and, with Amber, approached the door to Jean's office.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
"Come in," came Jean's voice from inside, her tone softer than usual, as if not the usual stern, businesslike demeanor.
Eula frowned slightly and opened the door. To her surprise, Jean was sitting leisurely, sipping on coffee, while a small red Charmander sat on her desk, holding a pink energy cube with both paws, just about to put it in its mouth.
Seeing strangers enter, the Charmander immediately put the energy cube back on the plate.
"Char..."
Charmander lowered its head and ran into Jean's arms, avoiding eye contact with the two visitors.
Is this the same Jean, who worked tirelessly for Mondstadt? It's only been a few days since she left, yet Eula barely recognized her.
"Oh, it's Eula and little Amber," Jean set her coffee aside, gently stroking the startled Charmander. "It's okay, dear, they're allies."
"Char..."
Charmander's eyes sparkled, and with a soft cry, it slowly turned its head back towards them.
Eula crossed her arms and spoke with her usual frosty demeanor, "Jean, at this rate, maybe someone else should take over as Acting Grand Master."
"I wouldn't mind, but it's not my choice. The responsibilities entrusted to me by Grand Master Varka are mine to bear," Jean said as she pushed the responsibility onto the previous Grand Master. "By the way, Eula, it must have been tough on the battlefield. Is there an urgent matter that brings you here today?"
Jean knew that Eula, being prudent and strategic, wouldn't come to her unless it was serious—something she couldn't resolve on her own. They had never seen eye to eye.
Eula cut straight to the point, "Yesterday, I took out two members of the Treasure Hoarders at Dragonspine. Their group seems to be planning to excavate ancient monuments there, and I was told they are supposed to meet up with their leader at Wolvendom tomorrow evening."
Jean folded her hands under her chin, resting her head upon them. "Interesting. Barbara also encountered two members of the Treasure Hoarders."
Eula's eyes narrowed slightly.
"However, Barbara captured them alive and brought them back," Jean added.
Eula's expression turned complicated. Jean's words almost seemed like an indirect criticism of her actions.
"Sorry, I don't give enemies a chance to stab me in the back," Eula said coldly.
Jean smiled lightly. "Nevertheless, thank you, Eula. You managed to extract information from them, whereas Barbara's captives have been tight-lipped, even under heavy questioning."
"Char..."
Charmander, sensing the disdain in Jean's words towards the Treasure Hoarders, looked up at her with watery eyes.
"It's alright, I'm not talking about you," Jean comforted, patting its head.
"Leave the interrogation to me. I don't waste time," Eula said, turning away to leave.
"By all means. Much appreciated," Jean replied with a gentle smile. With the task in Eula's hands, she felt reassured.
Rosaria, that troublesome nun, couldn't compare to Eula—she only knew how to scare people with sticks.
"Amber, did you need something from me?" Jean asked Amber, who was still in the room.
"Oh, I was actually looking for Captain Kaeya."
"He's training Eileen in the courtyard. Didn't you see him on your way in?"
Amber shook her head. She had been preoccupied with her conversation with Eula on the way.
"I'll go find him now."
"By the way, Amber," Jean called after her, "could you take on a mission this afternoon? Patrol the area around Mondstadt from three to five to check for anything suspicious."
"Got it," Amber said, then darted out like a rabbit.
Jean placed Charmander back on her desk. "Alright, dear, continue eating."
"Char..."
With no one else around, Charmander hungrily devoured the energy cubes.
Seeing Charmander eat so happily, Jean felt her spirits lift as well.
---
Knights of Favonius Training Grounds.
"A sharp sword, sharp eyes, strike and let the shadow follow! Keep your eyes on the wooden dummy in front of you. Don't lose focus," Cavalry Captain Kaeya instructed, arms crossed as he watched over the trainee.
"Yes, sir," said Eileen, a young girl holding a longsword, focused on the dummy in front of her.
"Captain Kaeya!"
A loud shout came from above, and Amber slowly descended into the training grounds on her Wind Glider.
"Amber!" Eileen exclaimed.
"Focus on your training," Kaeya said.
"Yes, sir."
"Hey, little Amber," Kaeya said in surprise, "Aren't you supposed to be on a mission?"
"Grand Master Jean assigned me to an afternoon mission," Amber replied with a grin. "Are you giving lessons to a new recruit?"
Kaeya sighed. "Eileen is trying her best, but I don't think she's cut out for this."