Chapter 55: The Investiture Ceremony

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Upon seeing the two newcomers, Chen's face broke into a smile, ready to greet them, but he noticed Noel holding a silver-white square box intricately carved with exquisite patterns—an object of remarkable craftsmanship and elegance.

Curious, Chen asked, "What is this?"

The two girls exchanged a glance, their lips curling into gentle smiles. Noel approached Chen and respectfully handed him the box. "Senior Chen, this is the outfit custom-made for you by the Knights. Captain Jean asked me to bring you here for the ceremony after you change."

"Ceremony?" Chen frowned slightly in confusion. "Is today some special day in Mondstadt?"

Noel smiled softly and shook her head. "You'll understand once you're there, Senior."

Still puzzled, Chen stepped into the nearby changing room and changed out of his hospital gown.

Soon, he emerged, and the two girls were stunned upon seeing his attire.

Before them stood a young man clad in a silver-white knight’s uniform, his figure tall and slender. The edges of his garment and cuffs were embroidered with delicate golden wind patterns, while star motifs adorned the chest area, complementing his mysterious aura.

At the collar gleamed a small silver badge, engraved with the emblem of the Knights—simple yet striking, signifying his distinguished status.

A deep brown leather belt cinched his waist, embossed with ancient Mondstadt runes, imbued with both mystery and solemnity.

His trousers fit snugly, falling straight and tapering slightly at the ankles, paired with black knee-high leather boots studded with tiny sapphires.

His sharp brows and bright eyes gave him an otherworldly grace.

"How does it look? Nice?" Chen smiled at the two.

Barbara was the first to recover, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. She cleared her throat to speak, but a sudden exclamation from behind interrupted her.

"Wow—so handsome!"

Following the voice, a white figure fluttered between the two girls and landed beside Chen, circling him with wide, sparkling eyes.

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It was Paimon, awakened by the commotion. Otherwise, if left undisturbed, she could have slept until noon, only waking from hunger.

Seeing her awake, everyone greeted her. Noel glanced at the time and said to Chen, "Senior, it’s about time. Please follow me."

Chen nodded, and the group set off toward the cathedral.

Along the way, Chen noticed the streets of Mondstadt were livelier than usual. Groups of citizens strolled about, their faces adorned with joyous smiles. Many greeted Chen warmly, their eyes filled with reverence.

This only deepened Chen’s confusion. Upon asking the two girls again, they finally explained.

Although the Knights had promptly announced the resolution of the Dragon Crisis upon their return to the city, they had since been managing the aftermath.

Today, Captain Jean intended to publicly disclose the full account of the event, revealing its causes and consequences.

This matter involved one of the Four Winds’ guardians. To mend relations, transparency was necessary. The Knights needed to demonstrate their sincerity to the East Wind Dragon.

Of course, despite exposing many of Mondstadt’s internal issues, the law does not punish the masses. In any nation, the majority of citizens can never be deemed at fault—at least not openly.

Hence, there had to be a scapegoat to bear the blame and serve as the outlet for public anger.

Given Mondstadt’s inevitable reluctance to sever ties with Winter, the scapegoat was clear.

The Abyss Order—these inhuman evils were to blame!

They had corrupted the East Wind Dragon, igniting the Dragon Crisis.

They misled the people of Mondstadt, causing them to misunderstand their former heroes.

They had exploited the chaos to summon hordes of monsters, attacking passing caravans and inflicting great losses.

In short, it was all their fault.

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At Windrise Plaza, Captain Jean stood atop the dais, recounting the entire story. Watching the passionate crowd below, Chen sensed a trace of sorrow in her eyes.

It seemed this young acting captain had been deeply affected by the ordeal. Indeed, the people's current fury contrasted bitterly with their previous resentment toward the Anemo Dragon.

Although most citizens’ hostility toward the Anemo Dragon stemmed from ignorance of the truth, this ignorance was another form of tragedy.

The hero who had returned was scarcely recognized by the people of Mondstadt; few even remembered he had once fought and bled for their city. How ironic.

As the crowd’s emotions settled, Captain Jean raised her hand to quiet them and continued: "I believe many of you have heard some news. Today’s gathering not only formally announces the end of the Dragon Crisis but also serves a most important purpose. After deliberation, the Knights have decided to bestow the title of Honorary Knight upon a foreign friend!"

Her voice was solemn and resonant, stirring excitement among the citizens. Clearly, the Knights had prepared them in advance.

Chen, however, was momentarily stunned. He understood immediately that the person she referred to was undoubtedly himself. Yet, no one had given him any prior notice, leaving him quite surprised.

At that moment, Noel tugged him without waiting for a response and hurried toward the side of the platform. Paimon squealed and quickly followed.

There, Amber, Lisa, Kaeya, Eula, and other Knights awaited.

Chen looked at them, shaking his head with a wry smile. "You really are something..."

Amber, lively as a little rabbit, jumped before him, smoothing the creases in his uniform with a beaming smile. "Cheer up! A foreigner being honored as a Knight is extremely rare. I suggested keeping it a secret until the ceremony to surprise you."

What else could Chen say? He simply smiled and nodded at the fiery-haired girl.