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Chapter 35: Why Not Use Klee?
"Master Diluc!" Jean glanced at Aiden awkwardly. Airing internal matters in front of an outsider was not ideal. Although the Knights of Favonius had their flaws, having Diluc criticize them so openly in front of Aiden was embarrassing.
"Hmph," Diluc snorted before shifting his sharp gaze toward Aiden. His tone was cold. "I'm curiousâwhy did you share this information with Jean?
Logically speaking, the worse Mondstadt's situation is, the greater the advantage for the Fatui.
And you⊠you seem to have a good relationship with Tartaglia, one of the Eleven Harbingers."
Jean's expression shifted. Aiden had ties to the Fatui's executives?
"This is simply a matter of duty," Aiden said with a shrug. "I'm an advisor to Ningguang. Tartaglia wants to learn about me, just as I want to learn about him. Our interactions are nothing more than an exchange of information."
Jean and Diluc remained silent for a moment. That explanation⊠did make sense.
"The Fatui are not to be underestimated," Diluc warned, his tone laced with disdain. "The more you associate with them, the more dangerous it becomes."
"I'm well aware," Aiden replied, folding his arms. "It's said that the highest-ranking Harbingers possess strength comparable to the Archons. If one of them were to target me, I'd be in serious trouble."
Of course, he was just playing along.
In reality, Aiden's power had already reached the level of a god. Even if the Cryo Archon herself confronted him, he wouldn't be concerned.
But this was not the time to reveal his full strength.
Jean and Diluc exchanged grave looks.
They understood the gravity of the situation.
The Doctor had once come to Mondstadt, and without an Archon to protect them, they had been powerless to stop him. That event had been a disgrace to their nation.
"Hmph." Diluc exhaled sharply before turning to Jean. "I'll investigate the Four Winds Temples and give you my report by morning."
Without waiting for a response, he stood up and walked out.
---
Jean sighed and turned to Aiden apologetically. "Forgive him. He has a personal grudge against the Fatui."
"It's fine," Aiden replied, smirking. "The Fatui don't seem to have many friends, after all.
Besides, my own investigation has revealed some rather disturbing things. They're actively inciting conflicts in various nations, creating orphans, and then recruiting those orphans into their ranks as future soldiers."
Jean fell silent.
At one point, Mondstadt had almost become a base for the Fatui. That was a humiliation she would never forget.
Even now, she couldn't help but wonderâŠ
Where was Lord Barbatos?
If their Archon had been present, Mondstadt wouldn't have fallen into such a vulnerable position.
---
Shortly after Diluc left, Charles, the bartender, arrived with a plate of Sweet Madame.
"What would you both like to drink?" Charles asked. "The boss has covered your expenses tonight."
"You guys are really generous," Aiden remarked, shaking his head but not refusing the offer.
Diluc was cold on the surface, but his actions showed his true nature.
He might be critical of the Knights, but deep down, he cared for Mondstadt.
"Much appreciated," Jean said with a small nod. She had initially wanted to refuse, given that she was the one asking for a favor.
But upon realizing that Diluc might have done this more for Aiden's sake than hers, she relented.
"I'll have a black coffee."
"And I'll take an apple cider," Aiden added. "I heard it's one of Mondstadt's specialties."
"Got it. Please wait a moment," Charles said before walking away.
---
Aiden picked up his utensils and began dividing the meal. "This whole incident is likely tied to the Abyss Order. You should be careful moving forward.
If they're plotting something, Mondstadt could be in serious danger."
Jean tensed at his words.
"Thanks for the warning. We'll proceed with caution."
She had already been worried about the safety of Mondstadt, especially with the looming battle at the Four Winds Temples.
The operation would require sending out most of the available forces from the Knights of Favonius.
If the Abyss Order launched an attack while their defenses were weakenedâŠ
Mondstadt would be defenseless.
Perhaps it was time to summon Albedo.
If Albedo was in the city, at least they would have a strong protector.
---
---
"There are monsters appearing in many places outside the city," Aiden mused. "Why not let the Spark Knight handle some of them?
This kind of battle suits her abilities perfectly."
Jean almost choked on her food.
Aiden was talking about Klee.
"Angel's Share's Sweet Madame is really good," Aiden remarked after taking a bite, his eyes lighting up.
It was on par with the dishes from Wanmin Restaurant in Liyue.
The taste of the dish alone made him momentarily forget he was in a tavern.
Seeing his reaction, Jean explained, "Even though Angel's Share is a tavern, the chefs here are some of the best in Mondstadt."
Then, her expression became serious. "You know about Klee?
Well, that makes sense. You do know Miss Alice, after all.
Klee's destructive power is⊠extreme. If she fights without restraint, Mondstadt's landscape would change permanently.
And if other factions learned the full extent of her abilities, they might see her as a threat.
Klee is still young, and she's not yet mature enough to deal with that kind of pressure. That's why I want to keep her away from all of this."
"Is that so?" Aiden nodded thoughtfully. "Jean, you'll make a great mother someday."
Jean nearly choked again.
M-Mother?!
Wasn't that jumping ahead a little too fast?!
"But still," Aiden continued, "sooner or later, Klee's power is going to be known.
Why not take advantage of her skills now?
She doesn't necessarily have to fight.
You could ask her to create special bombs designed specifically to deal with the monsters.
That way, as long as she isn't directly exposed, there won't be any risk to her safety."
Jean hesitated.
That⊠actually made a lot of sense.
She wasn't worried that Klee's bombs wouldn't be strong enough. If anything, she was worried they might be too strong.
But given Mondstadt's current situationâŠ
This might be exactly the advantage they needed.