"This is what I must do, to protect what I love," he responds. "It's not enough to just try to boot him out. His network is beyond comparison." "Just how large is it?" Jean gasps. "He is the new uncrowned king of Mondstadt," Kaeya says. "Almost every knight we have either is loyal or blackmailed by him. Several captains listen exclusively to him, and he even has Varka's ear. You, Jean, are the only one he does not have blackmail on." <><><> In the aftermath of Diluc's departure, Kaeya is left to pick up the pieces. With the same skills that allowed him to enter into the Ragnvindr household, he must now fight for the freedom of Mondstadt. The only question is: will he be able to survive what it takes to catch a traitor? (Also posted on ao3) Cover by ImberLapis