Thunderous applause filled the square in front of the Cathedral, and cheers surged like ocean waves, each louder than the last.
Hermann and his wife stood at the very front of the crowd, tears streaming down their weathered faces as they kept wiping their eyes.
Over all these years, how much time and effort had their daughter poured into becoming a full-fledged knight?
And how much care and energy had they, her parents, devoted to helping her achieve that dream?
Now, watching their daughter receive her honors on the platform and become Mondstadt City's brightest rising star, they were overwhelmed with emotion.
This was their daughter, their pride!
Fischl had pulled Sucrose along and stood at the very front of the crowd as well.
Fischl cheered and bounced with excitement, celebrating her dear friend's dream coming true.
Sucrose was introverted and could not let loose the way Fischl did, but she, too, wore a smile as she stood beside Fischl, quietly applauding her dear friend.
Yet as Ellin stood on the platform, basking in the cheers and applause, she suddenly fell into a daze.
Everything fell silent, and the world around her vanished.
She suddenly found herself at the Training Ground in a corner of Mondstadt City.
There, a brown-haired, green-eyed girl was swinging her sword diligently, trying to perform the Wind-Pressure Sword.
When Ellin appeared, the brown-haired girl gave her a sweet smile.
"You're here..."
"Should I call you Brother Ellin, or... Sister Ellin?"
A sweet smile spread across Ellin's face as well. "Either is fine. Whatever you like."
"Then... I'll call you Sister Ellin."
"Thank you, Sister Ellin..."
"Thank you for making my wish come true."
"From now on... I'll be leaving Mom and Dad in your care."
"Of course. I'll take care of them." Ellin smiled