Chapter 336

The message had been delivered. Aside from the Knights of Favonius who could not leave their posts, everyone belonging to the departments under the Knights' jurisdiction had arrived.

Everyone knew that today was the day Vice Grand Master Gu Chen would be promoted to Grand Master, which also meant that Varka, who had served as Grand Master for over a decade, was truly going off to pursue his own adventures.

There was no time for sorrow, for the newly appointed Gu Chen was, in everyone’s hearts, the most suitable candidate for Grand Master.

On the high platform.

Varka did not waste words; he simply used concise language to tell everyone the reason for his abdication, then announced: "Now, I appoint the former Vice Grand Master Gu Chen to the position of Grand Master!"

As soon as his voice fell, the applause at the scene was like thunder.

Gu Chen stepped forward and looked around.

The feeling of carrying a heavy burden was that everyone was craning their necks, waiting for every word he would say.

Gu Chen said with a calm expression: "I cannot speak of grand ideals, nor can I offer plans for the future. I love this land very much, and I love this city very much. I just subconsciously want to make it better. I presume you all share this thought, so let us strive together."

Such an ordinary speech was very much in line with Varka’s understanding of Gu Chen.

Gu Chen added: "Alright, dismissed. Go do what you ought to do. I will help you see off the former Grand Master."

Varka curled his lip: "You wouldn't even let others see me off?"

"If there are too many people, the main bridge will be packed solid," Gu Chen shrugged.

Varka thought about it, and it seemed that was true.

The two set off, and before long, Simon also came over and joined the group.

Jean, Diluc, Kaeya, and others also came to see off Varka and Simon.

Gradually arriving at the main bridge of Mondstadt, and having walked across the stone bridge onto the main road, Varka finally said: "Alright, this is far enough. This will be the starting point of our path ahead."

There was a faint sense of anticipation in Varka’s words.

Simon smiled: "Then, everyone, farewell for now. We shall meet again in the future."

"Goodbye," Gu Chen nodded.

"Grand Master, Bishop Simon, please be sure to stay safe," Jean said with a serious expression.

Varka nodded with a smile.

Simon said with a somewhat complex expression: "Thank you."

The two stepped away, and Gu Chen whispered: "Perhaps you should change how you address him."

Jean was slightly startled, then immediately understood Gu Chen’s meaning and shouted: "Father, we will wait for your return!"

Simon’s footsteps paused slightly.

He turned around to look at Jean, and caught a glimpse of a figure on the city wall out of the corner of his eye, causing him to freeze.

Frederica was standing on the city wall, watching this side.

Simon smiled, his eyes slightly moist, and he nodded: "Alright!"

Gu Chen watched Varka’s back.

The free-spirited and laid-back Knight of Boreas, Varka, was a knight who conquered and created legends.

He would likely create a legend of his own on this journey as well.

After watching the two depart, Gu Chen felt a bit dazed, then said to those beside him: "You all go back first. I’m going to walk around the places of the past."

"Grand Master..." Diluc wanted to offer some comfort.

Gu Chen waved his hand: "Rest assured, I am not that fragile yet."

—Yesterday was a leave of absence; the leave note is in the work-related section.

—Today the Furina banner updated. The first one to appear was Miss Miss Keqing. There is no sorrow for losing the 50/50, because the one coming right after is Furina!

Double gold! (Klee: Yay!)

The luck is amazing, sharing it with all you big shots!! Wishing you all smooth sailing and your wishes fulfilled! (Klee: Yay!)

Gu Chen walked slowly toward the direction of Windrise.

[Nilou]: Looking at Mr. Gu Chen’s back, it feels a bit sad and reluctant. (Nilou: Thinking)

[Collei]: Mr. Gu Chen in this life was born with knowledge, just like Miss Furina said, a reincarnation of a Martial Emperor... Even if Mr. Gu Chen was mature as a child, Mr. Varka must have been special to him, right? He was like a teacher, a friend, and played a role like a father. He must be very important to Mr. Gu Chen! Little Klee was very sad when she parted with her mother. I don’t know how long it will be before Mr. Varka returns from his first long journey. Mr. Gu Chen being sad is also a sign that he cherishes Mr. Varka! (Collei: No response)

[Tighnari]: From this, we can actually see that Mr. Gu Chen has very rich emotions in this installment. He seems to be a true human here, a human with complex and rich emotions.

[Kaeya]: Although I really want to make a snarky comment, the leader in this state is indeed a real person!

[Azhdaha]: Indeed.

[Neuvillette]: Human emotions? I didn’t understand them very well before, but after watching the video, I have some understanding... (Contemplating)

[Paimon]: We’ve arrived at Windrise. Huh? Is that Barbara?

Windrise is a vast grassland with gentle terrain, featuring only a large tree by the stream and a Statue of the Seven standing there.

That large tree carries a legendary aura.

Legend has it that a thousand years ago, the hero of Mondstadt, Vennessa, ascended to Celestia from here to become a god.

History is hard to verify, but this towering tree has indeed always existed, and the wind blowing around it is always gentle.

After Gu Chen arrived here, he was surprised to find Barbara there as well. Her still-youthful face carried sadness and confusion as she sat alone on the giant tree roots, letting the wind blow over her.

Seeming to hear footsteps, Barbara turned her head and saw Gu Chen. After a moment of shock, she quickly stood up and bowed: "Vice... ah, Grand, Grand Master!"

Almost calling him by the wrong title, Barbara lowered her head timidly.

"No need to be nervous."

Gu Chen’s gentle voice came, and he then added: "It is not work hours now. You can call me Gu Chen; there is no need to be formal."

Without the reprimand she had feared, Barbara breathed a sigh of relief.

She gathered her courage and asked: "Is Mr. Gu Chen also here to catch the breeze?"

"...Yes."

Gu Chen nodded, then smiled: "You might not believe it, but when Varka first picked me up, it was actually right here."

"Eh?"

This was the first time Barbara had heard of this.

Although everyone knew Gu Chen had been brought back to the Knights by Varka, they had never heard exactly where he was found.

"I don’t know how I arrived in this world. The first time I opened my eyes, I saw Varka passing by, so I cried to get his attention. The rest, everyone knows."

Gu Chen spoke with a hint of reminiscence, as if recalling that day many years ago.

"So, you are actually very reluctant to see Grand Master Varka leave, right?" Barbara asked in a small voice.

"Unh-huh."

Gu Chen did not shy away, nodded, and said: "But it’s alright. There will be opportunities to meet again in the future; it’s just unclear when he will return."

After a sigh of emotion, Gu Chen asked: "What about you? Why are you here?"

"I..."

Barbara’s eyes dimmed as she replied: "Father stepped down from his position as Bishop last night and went out with Grand Master Varka. I’m the only one left at the church. I don’t even know what I should do today..."

"I see... You weren’t there when we saw them off earlier?" Gu Chen asked with some confusion.

Barbara replied: "We had already said our goodbyes last night. I came here early this morning to pray for my father, hoping that his adventure with Grand Master Varka goes smoothly."

As the breeze blew, the young girl pursed her lips, her youthful face full of reluctance and the anxiety of being left alone in the future.

Barbara is much younger than Jean; she is only twelve years old now.

Her father, Simon, was her pillar of support. Although she occasionally saw her sister and mother, that relationship felt very strange to her.

Now that her father had gone on a long journey, she was filled with confusion about herself.

After understanding, Gu Chen said softly: "What do you think of Jean?"

"Eh?"

Suddenly asked this, Barbara replied hurriedly: "Everyone respects my sister, and my sister does her job very well. Of course, I respect her too!"

"No."

Gu Chen shook his head.

Barbara was stunned, only to hear Gu Chen say: "You are still young; perhaps you haven’t seen deeper into things."

"Jean really wants to be close to you, her sister, but you seem very afraid, which has left her with no opportunity. After you left in a hurry yesterday, Jean was sad for a while because of it."

"Is, is that so?" Barbara was very surprised.

"Yes," Gu Chen nodded affirmatively, then continued: "Not many people in the Knights know you are sisters, but it’s not a small number either."

"I believe the breakdown of the relationship between Bishop Simon and Lady Frederica should not affect you sisters. Although you were separated when you were very young, the same blood flows through your veins. You don’t need to worry about your feelings changing just because you’ve grown up. She has always seen you as her sister; it’s just that years of knight training and busy work have left her with little free time to visit you, and every time she did visit..."

Gu Chen did not continue, but Barbara understood.

Barbara took a deep breath before saying: "I understand!"