"The Fatui are already taking action, as expected," Jean said as she set down Kaeya's detailed report.
It was the second day, and everyone had gathered again in Jean's office.
Yesterday, Kaeya and his team had apprehended the Snezhnayan man who had made a deal with Shen Qin at the Angel's Share. Through interrogation and a search of his residence, they confirmed his identity as a covert operative of the Fatui. From him, they learned that the Fatui were aware of the existence of the flying skateboard, though their knowledge of it was still limited.
Moreover, he was just one of many channels that the Fatui used to gather information.
"Well, this isn't surprising. They've been meddling in Mondstadt for ages, yet none of their schemes have amounted to much," Lisa remarked nonchalantly. After all, what would the Fatui be if they weren't meddling?
"Regardless, we must remain vigilant," Jean replied. She was accustomed to the Fatui's antics, but it was her duty to remind everyone of the importance of caution.
"Alright, let's get to the main agenda for today. Who wants to go first?" Diluc stood with arms crossed, his posture exuding his usual noble demeanor.
"I'll start," Jean offered, picking up a thick stack of papers. "I've prepared several proposals for us to discuss."
She laid the papers out on the desk, all meticulously organized during her late-night hours in the office.
"First, the regulation and management of flying skateboards. Similar to Wind Gliders, the Knights of Favonius will establish rules for their use. Anyone using a hoverboard within Mondstadt must comply with these regulations. Additionally, we'll implement a tier licensing system. The advanced license will permit the use of both Wind Gliders and hoverboards, while basic licenses will only allow basic hoverboard usages. The tests in each license will differ in difficulty."
Jean looked up from her papers. "Does anyone have objections to this?"
Kaeya raised his hand. "What about those of us who already hold a Wind Glider license? Will we automatically qualify for an advanced license once these new regulations are implemented?"
"Wind Glider license holders can directly obtain an advanced license after passing the hoverboard proficiency test."
"Understood. No further questions."
"Moving on," Jean continued, "I propose releasing different models of the hoverboards. For the public, a basic model with a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour and an altitude limit of 20 meters are enough. For those that allied with Mondstadt, a middle tier model with a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour and an altitude limit of 35 meters. And lastly, a premium model that's exclusive to the Knights of Favonius, capable of reaching 150 kilometers per hour and flying up to 50 meters. Shen's personally gifted skateboards will not be subject to these restrictions, provided the recipients are not hostile to Mondstadt."
"I can agree to this," Diluc said, "but all three models, aside from Mr.Shen's gifts, should go through the Dawn Winery's accounting books."
"That's reasonable." Shen Qin nodded.
Jean made a note of this. "I'll include that in the agreement. Before the flying skateboards are officially unveiled, I suggest the Knights quietly spread the word to generate buzz. Does anyone have opinions on the launch date?"
"What about revealing them during the Mondstadt Gliding Competition?" Shen Qin suggested. "I've been planning to use a hoverboard in the competition from the start. If we want to promote it, winning the competition with one would be the best way. Plus, there will be visitors from other nations who can spread the word across Teyvat!"
"An interesting idea," Diluc praised. "Mr. Shen, ever considered becoming an advisor for the Dawn Winery? You've got a knack for business."
Lisa chuckled. "I'd say his alchemical talent outshines his business skills."
"True," Diluc admitted after a moment's thought.
"Then it's settled," Jean said. "We'll debut the hoverboards at the Gliding Competition. To ensure success, should Amber also compete using a hoverboard? Her flying skills are unmatched."
"I think Shen Qin is the better choice," Kaeya interjected. "If he, as an ordinary citizen, defeats Amber using the skateboard, it would make a stronger statement than any advertisement."
"Agreed," Diluc said, nodding.
"Alright, that's decided. Kaeya, you'll train Shen Qin in flying before the competition," Jean declared.
Kaeya's mischievous grin worried Shen Qin, who immediately asked if someone else could train him.
Lisa teased, "Oh, little sweetie, do you just want to spend some alone time with me? If that's the case, I wouldn't mind."
Lisa was ruled out.
"I'm busy overseeing the hoverboard's mass production," Diluc added.
Diluc was out.
"The Knights are swamped with preparations for the competition and skateboards," Jean said apologetically.
Jean was out.
In the end, Shen Qin couldn't escape Kaeya's clutches. Kaeya slung an arm around his shoulder, ruffling his hair into a mess.
"By the way, aren't we forgetting something important?" Lisa asked with a hint of seriousness, glancing at the playful pair. "Shen Qin is not only the likely champion of the competition but also the creator of the hoverboard, as well as being a skilled alchemist. With so many achievements, he's a natural target. How do we ensure his safety? He naturally doesn't have a Vision, so he's defenseless against the Fatui or the Abyss Order."
Shen Qin silently prayed for a system upgrade that would let him fend off even the most powerful foes, but no such miracle arrived.
"I have a solution," Diluc announced.
"And I contributed too!" Kaeya added smugly.
Diluc explained, "First, the Knights of Favonius will officially acknowledge Shen Qin as a 'genius alchemist,' exaggerating his achievements to make him a celebrity in Mondstadt and beyond."
Jean frowned. "Wouldn't that make him even more of a target?"
Kaeya stepped in. "That's where the next step comes in. We'll fabricate ancient ruin records and then destroy all related documents. We'll let the world believe that any 'secrets' linked to Shen Qin's inventions are scattered across Mondstadt, hidden in various locations."
"Most people will accept the public narrative, while those with ill intent will fall into our traps, chasing fabricated secrets instead of targeting Shen Qin directly," Kaeya concluded.
"Meanwhile, at least one captain from the Knights will covertly guard Shen Qin at all times," Diluc added.
Kaeya turned to Shen Qin with a smirk. "Reassured now?"
Shen Qin gave a silent thumbs-up, impressed by their strategic cunning. However, he declined the constant protection, preferring his freedom and believing it might draw more attention to him.
After finalizing additional details, Jean addressed Shen Qin and Diluc directly. "For Mondstadt's tomorrow, we must strengthen our collaboration..."