"Although you have a way to get there, I'm sorry, but I cannot approve the outing request for Klee, the Knights of Favonius' Outrider."
Jean, after careful consideration, ultimately rejected Klee's leave request.
"Why, Klee wants to go!"
Klee's face was full of unhappiness. All preparations were complete, only to be blocked by Acting Grand Master Jean at the last moment. She was extremely unwilling.
"Even if the mysterious Golden Apple Archipelago truly exists somewhere, we cannot determine if it's safe. I cannot let Klee travel to a risky area..."
Alice entrusted Klee to her care, and Jean had to ensure Klee's safety.
"If we don't go, Dodo-Chibi will be taken away... Klee, Klee doesn't want to lose Dodo-Chibi..."
Klee looked at Acting Grand Master Jean pitifully, hoping she would change her mind.
"Klee..."
Barbara looked at Klee with great sympathy. She could clearly sense Klee's disappointment.
"Feng Yi~"
Barbara decided to do something and quietly winked at Feng Yi.
Feng Yi instantly understood Barbara's hint and quietly made a gesture in response.
"Jean, Klee is going to the Golden Apple Archipelago to face the challenge of the Dodo-King to protect her friend. This courage and determination should be affirmed and proud of. As parents, we should give more support and encouragement at this time. You wouldn't want Klee to grow up to be a cowardly person who lacks responsibility, would you?"
"As for Klee's safety, you don't need to worry too much. I will accompany her the entire way and absolutely will not let Klee get hurt. If you're still worried, why not come along?"
Feng Yi stepped forward with a smile and said.
"That's right, Acting Grand Master Jean, you know Feng Yi's strength. With Feng Yi there, Klee will be absolutely fine. Besides, Klee is so obedient..."
Barbara also chimed in.
"Mhm, Klee will definitely be obedient and won't run around!"
Seeing Feng Yi-ge and Barbara-jie speaking up for her, Klee earnestly nodded and promised.
"You guys... sigh..."
Jean looked at the three who had formed a united front in perfect sync and couldn't help but put a hand to her forehead and sigh.
Feng Yi and Barbara were so eloquent that Jean was almost convinced.
"In that case, Klee, Outrider of the Knights of Favonius, your outing request has been approved..."
After much deliberation, Jean finally compromised.
"Wow! That's great—"
Klee cheered with joy.
"However, I will be accompanying everyone to the Golden Apple Archipelago mentioned in the letter. As for the Knight's affairs, I will temporarily entrust them to Kaeya..."
With recent busy affairs and the upcoming visit of a Fatui envoy, she shouldn't have left. But Jean couldn't stop worrying about Klee, so she accepted Feng Yi's suggestion and decided to go along.
Kaeya's abilities might be slightly insufficient, but with Lisa's assistance, it should be fine.
Jean hoped this journey would be quick.
Kaeya: That's right, the Acting Grand Master is me!
"Sister... no, Acting Grand Master Jean, Feng Yi, Klee, may I also go with you? I've made some progress in my recent research on healing prayers. Although I hate to say it... if there's any need for medical attention or bandaging along the way, I can help out in time."
Barbara looked at her sister and Feng Yi, then stepped forward.
"Barbara-jie, Acting Grand Master Jean, you're so kind. Klee will definitely be obedient!"
"Klee always says that. I hope you'll keep your word this time."
"Hehe, don't worry, Acting Grand Master Jean, Klee will."
Acting Grand Master Jean's gaze seemed to pierce through one's heart. Klee scratched her head a little shyly. She had lost control of her hands a few times before, but this time, she definitely wouldn't.
Once the decision was made, Jean arranged her work matters in just over ten minutes. After meeting with Lisa, she followed Feng Yi and the others towards Windrise.
Before going to find Venti, Feng Yi made a detour to his residence and called for Lumine and Paimon to join them.
The group, including the flying Paimon, a total of six people, set off from Mondstadt City towards Windrise.
It's worth mentioning that after Jean met with Lisa and informed her of the trip's itinerary and purpose, Lisa specially prepared a pouch for Jean, like a brocade bag, saying that opening it would reveal a new direction.
Lisa cautioned Jean not to open the pouch until they reached the island. Jean thought it might be some kind of emergency measure and accepted it solemnly.
...
Windrise.
"Hi, bard, we're here!"
Paimon saw Venti, who was resting with his eyes closed under a large tree, and immediately waved to greet him.
"Haha, so many people are here. It seems everyone wants to help little Klee. If that's the case, then I shall begin..."
Venti stood up and walked towards them.
He took out a musical instrument resembling the Lyre of Skyward Strings. Green light swirled around his fingers as he lightly strummed the strings. Dancing notes emerged one by one, forming a beautiful melody...
Barbara, who was knowledgeable about musical instruments, was somewhat surprised to see this seemingly unreliable bard playing such a beautiful and moving tune.
Indeed, one cannot judge a book by its cover.
A few seconds later...
"Hey, is that the wind?"
Paimon exclaimed, looking at the grass rustling in the breeze.
"Please wait a moment, it'll be here soon."
Venti chuckled.
Except for Feng Yi, who knew beforehand, everyone else was somewhat bewildered.
"This, this is..."
Jean, watching the black dots rapidly flying towards them from the horizon, which gradually became clearer in her vision, gasped softly.
"Shh~ Don't tell anyone else, it's a secret, okay."
Venti: Your summoned Didi Da Long is ready!
"The Four Winds?!"
Barbara was equally astonished.
"Ahem... ahem, dear bard, thank you very much for everything you've done for us."
Seeing this, Jean was completely certain of Venti's identity.
However, since the other party requested secrecy, she naturally wouldn't reveal it.
"The Acting Grand Master is too polite."
Venti smiled slightly and then waved goodbye to them.
"Venti, if you have nothing else to do, why don't you come with us to take a look?"
Jean, with Barbara and the others, walked towards the Stormterror that had landed not far away, preparing to board it. Feng Yi stayed behind to invite Venti.
"No, no, I have some old matters to attend to later. They have nothing to do with you. I wish you all a fun time..."