"You always show up just in time," Shen Qin remarked helplessly.
Kaeya patted his shoulder, a smile playing on his lips. "Ever since I accidentally caught you testing that flying skateboard, I've been keeping a close eye on your inventions. So, after all this time, what groundbreaking innovation have you conjured up this time?"
Shen Qin replied nonchalantly, "This is just an appetizer—a little gadget that lets the blind see the world again."
Kaeya: You call that a little gadget?
"Shen Qin, really? Can it restore sight to the blind?" Jean asked, astonished.
"Strictly speaking, it doesn't restore their vision—it replaces their eyes," Shen Qin clarified, correcting her misconception. He continued in a softer tone, "Sucrose and I are currently researching bionic prosthetics—artificial limbs, eyes, and ears to compensate for the physical disabilities people face."
Both Kaeya and Jean were stunned. Initially, they thought his new invention would be something with heavy commercial potential like the flying skateboard. Instead, it turned out to have profound societal implications.
While bionic prosthetics might not mean much to the average person, for those with disabilities, they could offer a chance at a vastly improved life.
"If what you're saying can be achieved... No, I believe you can make it happen," Jean said firmly, pledging, "The Knights of Favonius will provide full support during your research!"
"You've outdone yourself this time!" Kaeya exclaimed, giving him a thumbs-up. "Quietly working on something this significant, huh?"
At that moment, Godwin and Glory approached hand in hand.
"Master Jean." Godwin bowed his head respectfully. "Godwin, deserter of the Expedition Force, reporting to you."
"Deserter? Godwin... What's going on?" Jean asked, confused.
Kaeya clapped his hands together. "Godwin, are you going to tell her yourself, or shall I do it for you?"
Shen Qin thought to himself: As expected, Kaeya had already known about this.
"I'll explain it myself," Godwin said, his face filled with shame.
As Godwin recounted his story in detail, Jean finally pieced everything together. Glory's expression shifted from surprise to disappointment, and then finally to understanding. She stepped forward and held his hand tightly.
"That's what happened. I realize my mistake and feel deeply ashamed. Whatever punishment the Knights see fit, I'll accept it, as long as I can remain in Mondstadt and stay by Glory's side..."
Jean pulled Kaeya aside. "You knew about this all along, didn't you?"
"Yep. A year ago, I spotted him sneaking around outside Mondstadt. After investigating, I pieced together the story."
Jean frowned. "Then why didn't you report it to the Knights immediately? According to our rules, deserters and traitors must face the harshest penalties—ranging from several years of imprisonment to permanent expulsion from Mondstadt!"
Kaeya shrugged. "Exactly. That's why I pretended not to know. You just heard their story. Imagine if I had reported this a year ago—how would their lives have changed? Even you wouldn't have had the heart to do it, would you?"
Jean remained silent for a long time. Finally, she said, "No matter the circumstances, the rules of the Knights must be upheld. Every Knight of Favonius must adhere to them, and I must enforce them! Strict and stable regulations may restrain us, but they're also the foundation of the Knights' strength."
"Alright," Kaeya said, clapping his hands suddenly, his face lighting up with a smile. "Then let's deal with this according to the rules!"
Jean was taken aback.
"First, let's review the definition of desertion. One, a current Knight intentionally avoids their duties or flees the Knights. Two, fleeing from battle in violation of orders. Did Godwin attempt to avoid his responsibilities? No, he left to retrieve a keepsake for his loved one. When he fell behind, the Expedition Force was not yet engaged in battle. He even tried to rejoin the team later but failed."
Kaeya continued confidently, "So, which rule applies to his behavior? If a Knight leaves their assigned area without permission during a mission but does not disrupt the mission, they are discharged. If their departure disrupts the mission, they face three to ten years in prison. If their actions cause mission failure, they face a minimum of ten years' imprisonment. Which category do you think he falls under?"
Jean hesitated but eventually gave a firm response: "Leaving without disruption to the mission, leading to discharge."
"See? Problem solved! According to the rules, he ceased being a Knight a long time ago. The hardships he endured over the years were just his way of punishing himself." Kaeya smirked.
"But if that's the case, then why didn't you just tell me a year ago…" Jean trailed off, recalling the harsh battles the Expedition Force faced back then. Many deserters had been caught and punished severely, while others remained fugitives, living as treasure hoarders or vagrants outside Mondstadt.
During such a tense period, Godwin's case would likely have been mishandled.
"I see. Let's proceed with your suggestion." Jean nodded firmly and returned to the group.
Glory clung nervously to Godwin's hand, though he himself appeared calm. Having returned to Mondstadt, he was prepared to face whatever fate awaited him.
"Godwin, after discussing with Captain Kaeya, I hereby announce that according to the Knights' regulations, you left your assigned area without permission during a mission but did not disrupt the mission. Therefore, you are discharged. Do you accept this judgment?"
Godwin was stunned. He had prepared himself for years of imprisonment, but the result was simply discharge—the least severe outcome possible.
"I accept! Thank you, Master Jean." He bowed deeply, and Glory threw herself into his arms, weeping with joy.
Jean glanced at Godwin's tattered Knight uniform. Though reluctant, she said, "You are no longer a Knight. You may not wear the uniform. Please return it to the Knights as soon as possible."
This rule existed to prevent anyone from using the Knights' attire to deceive others.
"Of course! I'll change immediately."
The two approached Shen Qin, bowing deeply to him before walking off hand in hand.
"Godwin, you can stay at my place tonight. My mother will be thrilled to see you..."
"A happy ending, huh?" Sucrose said, watching them leave with a satisfied smile.
Jean turned to Shen Qin. "Shen Qin, when will the bionic prosthetics be ready?"
Shen Qin looked at Sucrose.
"Three more days on my end," Sucrose replied promptly.
"Five days then. Come to the alchemy workshop," Shen Qin confirmed.
Chapter 34: Convincing You to Be My Assistant
After Jean and Kaeya left, Sucrose grabbed Shen Qin, eager to head back to the alchemy workshop. She was eager to finalize the bionic prosthetics.
"Slow down," Shen Qin said, laughing helplessly as he stopped her. "Before that, we need to visit the Adventurers' Guild."
Sucrose blinked in confusion. "Why there?"
"We need to find a volunteer willing to help with our experiment."
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When Katheryne saw them, she greeted them with her usual cheerful demeanor. "Mr. Shen Qin, Ms. Sucrose, how can I assist you today?"
"Do you remember our last conversation?" Shen Qin asked with a smile.
Katheryne thought for a moment, then tentatively replied, "About the disabled adventurers in Mondstadt?"
"Exactly. We're working on a new alchemical invention and need a volunteer—an adventurer who's missing an arm or a leg. I was hoping you'd help us find someone suitable."
Katheryne shook her head firmly. "I'm afraid I can't assist you with that. The Adventurers' Guild has a policy of protecting the privacy of injured adventurers. I'm not permitted to share their information."
Shen Qin was surprised by the guild's dedication to its members but nodded in understanding. "That's fair. I can respect that. But is Guildmaster Cyrus in today?"
"He's in his office upstairs. I can take you to him if you'd like."
───────
Meeting Cyrus, Shen Qin wasted no time explaining his request.
Cyrus hesitated for a moment before replying, "As a rule, I wouldn't want to disturb their current lives. But I need to know: What kind of experiment are we talking about? If there's any risk of harm, you should leave right now."
Shen Qin and Sucrose exchanged glances before explaining their work on bionic prosthetics.
"You mean to tell me... you can create prosthetics that fully replace their lost limbs?" Cyrus stood up in shock. He had heard of advanced alchemical technologies capable of such feats, but the costs were usually astronomical, far beyond what most adventurers could afford.
Shen Qin assured him they planned to keep the cost just above the production expenses. At the projected price, most disabled adventurers could afford the prosthetics. For those who couldn't, the Adventurers' Guild could provide subsidies.
Cyrus nodded resolutely. "I'll introduce you to someone, but I have one condition: When the prosthetics are ready for mass production, the Adventurers' Guild gets a priority batch, just like the situation with your flight tool."
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Cyrus led them to another room where an elderly man sat, his legs amputated above the thighs.
"Old Sam, your chance to stand again has arrived!"
When they left the guild, Shen Qin and Sucrose were accompanied by Old Sam, who was seated on a flying skateboard.
"Your invention has been life-changing for me," Old Sam said nonchalantly. "I used to rely on others to carry me around, but now I can get around on my own."
Sucrose said gently, "Soon, you'll be able to walk and run just like anyone else."
Old Sam shook his head with a wry smile. "I've been without my legs for over 20 years. I'm used to it. But if I can help create these prosthetics so others can return to normal, I'll be more than satisfied."
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After bringing Old Sam to the workshop, Shen Qin excused himself, saying he had some business at the Knights of Favonius. He returned half an hour later with a construction team that began renovating a nearby house.
"What's going on?" Sucrose asked, puzzled by the commotion.
"I convinced the knights to let me use some vacant buildings for a surgical center," Shen Qin explained. "We're going to connect the prosthetics using a semi-implantation method."
"What's that?"
Shen Qin sketched on a blueprint as he explained. "We'll implant a base into the body. The prosthetic will attach to the base using mechanical structures. Thus, we ensure stability while allowing easy removal and maintenance. Since the base is simple and durable, there's no need to worry about frequent replacements."
Sucrose's eyes lit up. "That's brilliant!"
Old Sam, however, winced at the thought of surgery.
───────
They spent the next few days designing the base and finalizing its structure. During a lull in their work, Sucrose hesitated before asking, "Hey, uhm, about that bet you mentioned... if it had gone through, what would you have asked of me?"
"Do you really want to know?" Shen Qin asked with a mischievous smile.
"I... I'm just curious," Sucrose said, her face reddening as she fumbled with her tools.
Shen Qin chuckled. "I was thinking of tricking you into becoming my assistant. Sometimes, working alone limits my ideas. With you around, everything feels easier and more refined—just like with the prosthetics."
"But I'm already Mr. Albedo's assistant..."
"You could take on a second job. My projects are only occasional."
Actually, I'd have agreed even without a bet. Sucrose thought to herself. Shen Qin's inventions were far too fascinating for her to resist.
By the fourth night, the prosthetics were complete. Sucrose went to bed, leaving Shen Qin to finalize the programming for their intelligent control systems.
As the fifth morning came, Sucrose woke Shen Qin early. They were greeted by Cyrus, Old Sam, members of the Knights of Favonius, and even Diluc, all gathered in the workshop.
"Let us commence." Shen Qin said, licking his lips nervously. Together with Sucrose, he carefully attached the prosthetics to the bases implanted in Old Sam's legs.