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Chaos. That was the only word that could describe what was happening in Mondstadt. Lisa ran towards Jean’s office, only to see several Knights of Favonius hurriedly leaving.
“What has happened?” she asked.
“The Abyss Order has launched a surprise attack, larger than we have ever seen. We were caught completely unawares,” Jean said, putting on her armor.
A sickening realization wormed its way into Lisa’s stomach. “You can’t go out there, Jean.”
“I am the Acting Grand Master, the Lionfang Knight, and they are our people. I must protect them.”
Jean turned to leave, but Lisa grabbed her arm in desperation. “Please, stay. We can find another way out of this! Please, if you—”
“Lisa.”
Jean’s voice held no room for objection, and her eyes were sharp, cutting. “I will not do this. Do not ask again.”
Lisa’s throat went dry. There was nothing she could do to convince Jean to stay. Her mind grasped at something, anything, that would persuade her.
“For me then,” Lisa begged. “Stay for me. I know what I am asking of you. But I ask it. For me.”
Jean looked away, hands clenching into tight fists. “Anything else,” she whispered. “Anything. But not this. I cannot.” This wasn’t fair. How could Lisa ask her of this, knowing her duties to Mondstadt, to its citizens?
“If you love me—”
“No!” Jean shook her head. “When I became Acting Grand Master, I accepted full responsibility for what happened in Mondstadt. Those people are counting on me. If I don’t go and fight, their blood will be on my hands.”
“Then do something else. Send Diluc at least. Send Albedo,” Lisa pleaded.
“I’m sorry, Lisa,” Jean said, turning to leave. “Mondstadt needs me.”
Once Jean was out of earshot, Lisa let a sob rip through her throat. “What about me? I need you, too.”