Months had passed, in fact it had almost been three years since Diluc had left Mondstadt and the others had tried to fall back into place. Nat felt like she was finally finding her place: she had mastered her vision (except for a few emotional blunders that  everyone seemed to have), was helping Klee learn how to read, and her and Albedo were doing well. While those close to them knew about their relationship, they chose to keep it mostly private at work, to keep things professional. Kaeya was training Outrider Amber and Bennet, a new member of the Adventurer’s Guild that had horrible luck, and was hoping to get a promotion in the knights in the upcoming months.

One day after Nat had filed her paperwork for the night, Jean pulled her to the side, inviting Nat back to her room to chat. Jean made tea as Nat settled in, as Jean poured their tea she started to talk.

“Have you heard anything from Master Diluc Nat?” Jean asked. Nat was surprised to hear Jean asking about Diluc. As far as she was concerned, in the two and half years Diluc had been gone and nobody had heard from him.

“No Jean, I’m sorry. I wish I could report differently.” Jean sat down and sighed at Nat’s response. Jean had been hoping Nat may have a connection with Diluc, a secret way of messaging him. She had already tried asking Kaeya, who had responded coldly at Diluc’s name. She needed to share her secret with someone, but didn’t know who to tell. “Is everything okay Jean? Is there anything I can help with?” Nat continued.

“I miss him.” Jean whispered, but Nat heard her perfectly clear. Nat and Jean hadn’t talked about Diluc since right after Crepus’ funeral, Jean kept things mostly work related in conversation, afraid one day she would hear that Diluc was well and she would be hurt that he still hadn’t contacted her.

“Jean, if I had heard from Diluc at all you would’ve been the second person to know after Kaeya. I wish I had heard from him, but is there a reason you’re only asking me now? It’s been years.” Nat leaned forward in her chair, hands in her lap, extending curiosity toward Jean.

“Can you keep a secret Nat?” Nat straightened up in her chair in response.

“Of course.” Nat listened at attention. Jean thought for a moment, longing for her long lost confidant and friend, but Jean knew she could trust Nat with a secret everyone would know by next week.

“Please don’t speak of this to anyone, but Master Varka is leaving with the Cavalry for a classified mission,” she paused, “He has asked that I take over as acting grandmaster while he’s away.” Jean finished, afraid to look at Nat.

“Jean, that’s wonderful news! Of course, I’m quite concerned about what type of classified mission they could be attending to with so many people, but you deserve to take charge while Master Varka is away. You already do so much for him and for us.” Nat got up and hugged Jean, who was surprised by her embrace. Nat was so warm, but in a different way then Diluc, but having his sister’s embrace felt more than welcome nonetheless.

“Are you sure?” Jean questioned, reaching for reassurance.  

“Of course, you are the hardest working knight in Mondstadt, the top swordsman, and you know what everyone is working on,” Nat pulled away, but continued, “Plus your kind, brave, and smart as hell. Barbatos will be lucky to have you in charge.” Nat finished, flashing a smile at Jean.

“Thank you Nat, I truly appreciate it. Master Varka will be calling a meeting with the captains, quartermasters, and leaders next week where you will find out officially. Please don’t tell Albedo or Kaeya until then.” Nat agreed and thanked Jean for her time before heading out to see those two. 

Kaeya and Albedo had been out on commission, together, to Old Mondstadt, where there were rumors of Fatui forces making a base. They had plans on all meeting at Angel’s Share afterwards for a drink, something Nat was running extremely late for as she walked into the bar. She saw Albedo and Kaeya with Sister Barbara at a table, something that seldom happened. As Nat got closer, she realized Sister Barbara wasn’t there for a drink either.

“Are you both alright? What happened today?” Nat asked, taking a seat next to Kaeya, whose arm was bandaged and face burned. “Put your hand on your face,” Nat said, taking Kaeya’s hand and plopping it on his face to help the swelling of the burn. Kaeya chuckled in return. 

“The Fatui were in rare form today, all harnessing Pyro,” Kaeya explained, “But don’t worry, we took them all out, right Albedo?” Nat looked across the table to Albedo, who’s ankle was being wrapped by Barbara. With his coat off, Nat could see a burn on the exposed part of his arm as well. She took Kaeya’s other hand and placed it on Albedo’s burn.

“Thank you Nat, that feels better already,” Albedo smiled and continued, “Truly we took care of them though. Luckily we had backup from the knights and Sister Barbara was alerted that the other knights and ourselves may need some assistance.” Sister Barbara chuckled from the ground, where she was finishing the wrapping of Albedo’s ankle.

“Sister Rosaria had been trailing them, and gave me the heads up. These two made me treat the other knights first, and someone said they needed a drink,” Barbara looked at Kaeya and then continued, “But they should be fine in a day or two. If anyone needs anything, please find me at the church.” Barbara concluded, putting away her supplies and wiping away the left behind water from her healing.

“Thank you Sister, as per usual you are a lifesaver.” Nat thanked Barbara as she waved goodbye and Charles brought a round of drinks over. 

“Why were you so late today?” Kaeya questioned, taking a sip of his drink.

“I had filed my paperwork wrong, so I stayed behind with Jean to refile. It was a simple Hilitroll clearing outside of Springvale, crazy to think they’re still coming so close to the city.” Nat responded, keeping a straight face about where she was. Everything was mostly true after all.

The next week, as Jean had prophesied, Master Varka called a meeting of his captains, quartermasters, and leaders. Kaeya, Albedo, Eula, Jean, Lisa, Amber, Hertha, and a few others shuffled into Master Varka’s office. Nat leaned against the arm of a couch, while Albedo took a seat next to her. Kaeya stood by Jean on the other side of the room, arms crossed over his chest.

“As many of you have heard,” Varka started from behind his desk, “the ranks of enemies surrounding Mondstadt have increased over the last year and we have found a mysterious new threat among them. The cavalry, led by myself, will be embarking on a classified mission to take out this enemy before the people of Mondstadt can get hurt.” Everyone started to whisper to one another in the room, and Albedo nudged Nat giving her a surprised look. Varka continued, “While I am away Jean will be the acting grand master. As you all know Jean has been by my side for a few years now and as the Dandelion Knight, I know she will keep Mondstadt safe.”  Varka motioned for Jean to step up and talk, and she gingerly walked by Kaeya, turning to face her team.

“Thank you Master Varka. I’m humbled to be accepting this position and am honored to not only protect Mondstady with you, but guide us all along the way.” Jean smiled, keeping it short and sweet. The meeting ended and everyone shook Jean’s hand, congratulating her, while others tried to get information out of Master Varka who wasn’t saying a peep about his upcoming adventure. As people filed out, so did Nat, Kaeya and Albedo, who not soon after found themselves in Albedo’s room with Klee.

Klee sat in Nat’s lap as Nat brushed her hair, fresh out of the bath, Kaeya and Albedo chatted about Jean’s new position. What does this mean for us? Why hasn’t Varka brought on a new Cavalry Captain? Are we going to have enough people to protect Mondstadt? Nat kept quiet, humming a tune she heard at Angel’s Share to Klee.

“Nat, Klee is confused. What are big brother and Kaeya talking about?” Nat looked at Klee, who had turned around to face Nat. Nat straightened Klee so she continue brushing her hair before continuing. 

“Master Varka has to take a trip, so Jean is going to be in charge.” Nat responded, as she finished Klee’s hair.

“So Jean is in charge of Klee and big brother and Kaeya?” Klee asked, wide eyed.

“And me too.” Nat smiled in return. She continued a little louder so the boys would hear, “We’re very lucky to have someone as kind, smart, and brave as Jean watching over us. Everything is going to be fine.”