Published: 09/13/2021
Prologue
A Day Within
Jean was very perplexed.
The sudden arrival of Inazumans by the hundreds already tore through her workload like a storm that was too late to counter properly. All in all, it was an administrative nightmare. Jean even had Kaeya at a hands-on-deck emergency, assembling the available knights around the city's vicinity to return and man stations at once.
By man the stations, it usually means boring patrols, vigilant guards, and occupying the walls and battlements. As a show of strength of course, as the protocol goes. Jean always hated it.
It was still necessary to show the strength of the knights, but in truth, Jean thinks they do not care much. It was another thing they were excited about, and the main reason why there are hundreds of Inazumans coming to the city of Mondstadt, which was the Royal Inazuma Wedding.
It was to take place at the Church of Barbatos.
Not that she minds, as Jean had a feeling that her little sister Barbara was excited. It was the first wedding that she had to manage after all. It was the personal request of the groom, and the Deaconess was more than happy and willing to organize the joyous celebration. There was no doubt in Jean's eyes that her sister would not fail, she was diligent as well.
There were just a few minor things Jean must set up, alongside small problems that required the most immediate attention. The Fatui and the Four Winds.
The Fatui wouldn't be a problem, especially not after what happened outside the Cathedral. Sacrilege.
Jean was a composed and stern woman, she was not easily angered nor easily resentful of a person. Trying to murder the Four Winds is one thing, but threatning a god? The Patron Deity of Mondstadt?
They chose death.
Fortunately, Venti calmed both Diluc and Jean before any of them were to do something drastic, and assured the value of the Gnosis was nothing for him. It did not affect Mondstadt at all, and his powers were waning all the same. It was still a slight against them, and Jean did her best to remember it.
As for the reason that they were not a threat? Two simple reasons actually.
The Groom invited a dozen people from Liyue, and all if not most were politically very high on the hierarchy of the nation. Three members of the Liyue Qixing, a funeral Director, a lawyer, a representative of the Bubu Pharmacy, musicians, merchants, and an entire bunch of powerful Adepti. With the recent political clash against the Fatui in Liyue, it was bound that no shady business will happen in the city.
The Fatui were scum, not stupid.
There was also the entirety of the Yashiro Commission, and a small party of both from the Kanjou Commission and Tenryou Commision, to easily represent the whole nobility of Inazuma. Whilst Mondstadt nobility is only around a few clans and houses, the Inazumans brought around three hundred guests under the will of Her Highness, the Raiden Shogun.
All at once.
Just the thought alone of the madness that took place on the Falcon Coast made her migraines scream in revelation and resurrection. Good thing that Lisa prepared Jean a sort of salve for that, before the Librarian left to entertain the guest on her behest. It was a nightmare to behold, and nearly ended in open conflict were it not for the Groom and Bride.
Huffman was assigned to patrol the area of Windrise that day, but was intercepted by a pair of knights assigned to guard the Thousand Winds temple. They saw a hundred ships come into the bay and warned Huffman of their approach. Instead of warning Jean and the rest of the senior knights, Huffman gathered a force of a dozen knights to confront the guests.
She knew that Huffman was diligent, but panicking over a delicate situation was not admirable. When the first of the Inazumans arrived, he demanded an explanation and threatened a woman that met them. That woman was a general of the Shogun's army.
War nearly broke loose, but there was a priestess of Sangonomiya who held the enraged woman back until the Shogun arrived to dispel any misunderstandings.
Only under the agreement that a dozen few are first to set foot on land, whilst the rest wait until the clearance from the Acting-Grandmaster was cleared, did Huffman let the few enter the city. Disaster was averted that day, and Jean has yet to thank this priestess.
With the Shogun present, the Fatui actually retreated from the Goth hotel under the excuse that the Tsaritsa herself ordered the withdrawal. Jean snorted in contempt, it actually humored her of how powerless these so-called Diplomats of the Tsaritsa were without their precious Harbingers. It was more amusing as to why the Shogun herself was confused on why they retreated, they were explicitly invited to join without problems.
Except for the Liyue representatives, and some of the knights, of course.
It was funny, without a nation's Archon, both Morax and Venti, it was only when the Fatui acted tough. With one of the Harbingers' number slain quite easily, by the Shogun herself, they lost all the bravado quicker than a Mondstadt's drunk savings on a friday night.
Still, with the wedding on plan on the way, Jean was swamped with more paperwork than she was normally comfortable with. It was for a good cause, though. That, and Lisa promised that when the Reception comes, all paperwork and work in general would be thrown aside for a good night's celebration of unity.
"Jean?"
It was Kaeya, who looked haggard, but satisfied. "The storm is still brewing, eh Jean?"
"Not with that attitude of yours, Cavalry Captain," Jean huffed. "Please stop joking around as well, Kaeya. Are they all in their positions?"
The moment that Jean had heard that foreign guests landed on their shores she ordered Kaeya and Lisa to call upon the banners of the Knights. With only five companies left to protect Mondstadt, not even a single veteran Company, it was hard to maintain the illusion of strength. Not with the Shogun quite amused at Mondstadt's efforts to be seen as strong and trusted.
"They are, with Huffman taking the walls, and Hertha the streets. Sadly, a few are still unaccounted for, especially Knights from the Stormbearer mountains and the Wolvendom. Most of our reinforcements came from the Liyue Border Guard and the local force at Springvale."
Speaking of Springvale, most of the guests set up shop at the road from Windrise to the City, with some setting up tents near the town's vicinity. From what Jean heard, there was no trouble at all, and the two cultures were happily and peacefully sharing food and drinks.
"What about the Investigation Company?" Jean asked, worried for Albedo's group. "They still haven't returned since last week, and I'm growing worried."
"What's there to worry about?" Kaeya shrugged, slumping on one of Jean's couches. "This is Albedo that we are talking about, he's a bit of a weirdo and curious lad, but he always pulls through, won't he?"
Jean still sighed. The wedding hours are closing in, with many people still unaccounted for. But maybe she was just worried for nothing. Jean feels bad for letting some miss such an occasion, but life was like that she supposed. "Did the Inazumans cause any trouble?"
"If you call a drinking contest between the Shogun soldiers and the Sangonomiya rebels trouble, then no, none at all. They were surprisingly behaved, and most likely not a single soul would rather not ruin their Archon's happiest day. In fact, if trouble is picked up, whether by Treasure Hoarders or Fatui, they'll probably slaughter them without remorse. Damn the consequences and all that."
Good. Having the host ruin the wedding is bad enough, letting outsiders ruin it was much worse, as the knights were responsible. Still, Jean is confident than ever that not a single soul living in Teyvat, hearing of this wonderful news, would dare wreck a god's wedding.
"Nicely done, we still need to organize the-" A loud boom thunder next door, and Jean had a feeling that she was awfully reminded that another factor was still a present threat. "...Klee. Kaeya, didn't I tell her that no bombs were aloud in her room?"
Seeing the stern gaze sent his way, Kaeya did his innocent smile. Jean was sure he did something, for sure. "It was just a small supply, Jean," Kaeya slowly replied. "Plus, she was thrilled to know that her explosions can be used as fireworks. I heard that there's a well-known firework maker in town-"
"You do know the difference between Klee's explosion and a firework, right Cavalry Captain?" Jean was happy that Klee had a good friend in Kaeya. Sadly, such a faith was misplaced with the shady man, as she did not want Klee to think that there was some sort of backdoor to her limitations. "Your not helping, Kaeya. There's a reason that I sent her to her room for the day, and that is not to cause trouble for our guest!"
"I get it, I get it," Kaeya gestured with both his hands in defeat, but there was a sense of humor in his tone. "No need to worry, Acting-Grandmaster, I'll make sure to tell Klee the change of plans."
"I do hope this change of "plans" isn't going to just adjust it a little bit? You damn well know the consequences, Kaeya."
He still smirked at her, but there was still that tone of humor and smugness in his tone. "I won't. Don't you trust me Jean? That hurts."
He left the Grandmaster's office, leaving Jean alone to her frustrations and paperwork. With the wedding underway in preparations, she'll do her duty as Mondstadt demands it.
She wonders how grand a wedding would be if it was Barbatos himself? Jean can't help but snort to that thought, as much as she admired the Archon, she already got used to seeing the drunk bard every now and then.
There was a sudden knock on the door, signaling another visitor. Great. Jean sighed as she penned down the last signatures before answering the call. "Who is it this time?" She really hopes it would be Lisa, maybe she'll have more of those things for her migraines, and maybe brew her some tea.
"It's me, Otto, and you have a guest, Master Jean. A Lord with the name of Kamisato Ayato."
Jean was indefinitely perplexed as to why a powerful clan would want to speak with her.
Most of all, a lord of the Yashiro Commission.
This day was just too perplexing for Jean.
Diluc was a patient man.
His father Crepus raised him better than that, as he was a person of grit and integrity. Even as a former knight within himself, Diluc held a good amount of pride. He was not one to question the facet of logic, even when at times it escapes him.
He did live in a world with magic and dragons after all.
What he didn't understand at all was the pair of young ladies in his absolute presence. Normally, women in the vicinity of his person would try their best not to demure in his presence. Only such a few women come into mind, and even fewer from those not of the knights of Favonius.
Jean came into mind, first and foremost, as she was his junior and trusted confidant. Lisa also came into the picture quite easily, the woman was quick on her wits, and even quicker with her tease, but Diluc sensed a sort of longing from her. He hopes the Librarian might find a person that can care for her.
Those with the sense of ambition and those who experienced pain are the true souls of keeping their emotions tight, and not letting it dictate their lives. Diluc does not condemn people who found love, and was in fact, condoning it. For business purposes, of course. A tycoon can't make Mora off of romance alone. Heartbreaks are an unfortunate but profitable business.
"Generous bartender, I demand more of this so-called Wolfhook Juice."
"My gracious apologies, Lord Ragnvindr, but can I have a refill? I never knew the taste of wine has quite a bittersweet tone to it."
As much as Diluc wanted to say no, the solemn atmosphere of these two foreign ladies was too much for him. He did his best not to show pity.
"The costs keep piling up, you know?" Diluc asked in annoyance. "I don't mind serving more bottles than Mondstadt's Ludi Harpastum, but if you can't pay-"
Diluc's tirade was interrupted by the loud thunk of Mora being slammed at the table. It was probably around at least a hundred thousand in there, if Diluc were to wildly guess. It was nearly half his height for Barbatos sake!
"Indeed, Master Diluc! Those ladies are quite the spender. I wonder?" A certain drunk bard in the corner agreed with his personal assessment.
"This ain't none of your business, Bard. And please step away from them. If I see you even step a couple of meters near them, I'll make sure to remind Charles to not serve you for a month." Diluc still refuses to believe that the depressed drunkard was Mondstadt's god. He can understand the sorrow carefully laden within that kind and drunk smile, but having his rich guests be harassed by his antics was the last straw of dealing with the bard.
"Uh, Ayaka-sama, isn't this a bit too much?" Another kind stranger was with the two foreign ladies, and Diluc actually pitied the guy as the lady in question, Miss Kamisato, ignored the poor man and pretended that he didn't exist and only concentrated on the numerous bottles of wine she drank with the accuracy of a swordsman. Or woman in this case.
Diluc would admit that the young lady before him was a gentle beauty that is rare in Mondstadt. If these foreign folks weren't obvious enough, they were of Inazuma origin. Miss Kamisato was young as Amber, but her temperament and maturity can only be rivaled by Jean. Her gray eyes were a sight to behold, and her noble-like demeanor would make a hardened man like Diluc easily fall for her sheer beauty and personality alone. Sadly, that beauty was marred by the drunk and lost look on her face.
A true shame.
She was currently slouching right now, something that might not be normal considering the aghast look on the young man, and was nursing a glass of fresh Dandelion wine. Cold to the touch, something unknowingly done with her Vision strapped to her back. Something tells Diluc that her cold and empty personality right now was something he won't envy.
"Thoma."
Poor man, Diluc would not wish the terrible fate of Freezing Balls on his worst enemy. Except for Kaeya. He'll reserve the best yet, as the bastard was his brother after all. No love lost.
It comes as a surprise when a bunch of foreign soldiers enter the tavern, and Diluc would have set off conflict if not for a pair of knights that accompanied the foreign guests. At least the knights were competent recently. He heard there was trouble at the coast in the early hours of the day, but steadily resolved when Huffman made a compromise with the leaders after a misunderstanding.
"Bartender… bartender!"
Speaking of, one of the leaders was present in his tavern, heavily drinking away her sorrows. Whatever they may be. What is up with Inazuman women and a penchant for alcohol? Diluc was pretty sure he would have made a good profit on sales alone at Inazuma city if that was the case.
She was pretty-looking, if one could get past that hideous scowl on her face, and there was a sense of sterness to her that even surpasses Jean in some levels.
"Yes, yes, more Wolfhook Juice." Lady Kujou must've depleted the Tavern's Wolfhook supply by herself. In one day. Diluc withheld a sigh of frustration, planning to at least notify Razor about the resupply with Charles later.
He couldn't fathom the cost of supplying the Reception later at the wedding, let alone to at least hundreds of guests with varying tastes and preferences.
"Charles!"
"Yes, Master DIluc?" asked Charles. He was occupied serving a table with six guests in them.
"Call Elzer. Let him know that we are opening the Reserve." The hour is nearing, time to pull out the big guns.
"T-the reserve, my Lord?"
Charles hesitance makes sense in a way. The last time the reserve was called upon, it was on Diluc's appointment as Cavalry Captain on his fourteenth birthday. Crepus was very adamant to celebrate his son's success as a knight, and Diluc's father wanted everybody to know it. The reserve held thousands of gallons worth of aged wine already a century old ago. It was for a good cause after all, and Diluc wanted to celebrate the occasion.
"Mmm… More wine! Dandelion wine…!" mewled poor Lady Kamisato, her face flushed red.
Diluc was a patient man, but he too was human. There are certain limits after all.
"Master Diluc, I need some of your finest wine! Also, have you seen a certain Spark Knight?" Damn it Kaeya.
Diluc was definitely losing his patience.
Diona was ecstatic.
Foreign guests were lining up outside of Cat's Tail, especially when she heard that the Angel's Share tavern were fully accommodated, but were still willing to get hard drinks in celebration for the royal wedding that was in town. Diona also heard another reason why getting a lot more guests than usual.
It was only whispers she heard from, of course, but they were whispers from drunkards! She'd trust the word of drunkards more than those not intoxicated. Looser lips and all, and Diona heard plenty indeed.
Apparently, with the hundreds of guests gathered in Mondstadt, there were apparently factions within them. And one of the sides was gathered here. She did not understand politics, but did her best to accommodate and serve these so-called Sangonomiya "warriors" loitering on her filled tavern.
More like a bunch of embarrassments these warriors were.
"Forgive them, they lack courtesy with the occasional air. It is a celebration after all." It was a gentle looking woman that spoke and caught Diona's attention. She wore a very delicate yet firm dress fitting for religious beliefs and noble qualities. The gentle smile did help in the image. What's better was that she was the only one not drinking.
In fact, only two people within the bar were not drinking, the woman and a young man. Or a nasty dog that entered her home. Hiss!
"Peace! Peace! I come in peace!" The hound in question was this young man called Gorou. Even his name was hostile. Growling and scary. "Your Highness, help me! This feline is giving me a hard look and I don't understand why."
Prince. Oh poor Prince was startled when Gorou entered the bar. Him and the rest of the felines actually. They did come after a while and only hung out at the corners far from the Dog-man and were enjoying the attention brought to them by the drunk soldiers.
"Fine. Can I at least serve you something? If you're not here to drink, then get out." Diona was already busy crafting her latest monster-mixture; a cluster of Calla Lilies, fresh Onions, and a pair of Windwheel Asters. Her most nastiest, yet alluring yet. Diona avoided the most disgusting materials as she was wondering why they still taste better when she mixtures them than normal ingredients.
"Uhh, why did you add onions?" barked that hideous hound. Never mind the innocent look on his face, it was curiosity and odd disgust that caught her feline eyes.
The nice lady gave a gentle smile, "Why don't you order, Gorou? The soldiers seem to like it."
Much to her dismay, the nice lady was right.
Diona did not complain as much, as more willing customers means more willing test subjects to her mixtures. She already went with every ingredient at her disposal, and sent Margaret for more from the general store and such. She was running out of Philanemo Mushrooms and Lamp Grasses.
"Alright," Gorou chucked a small bag of Mora in front of her. "Give me your worst then."
Diona was giddy. She thought she had a perfect opportunity, not only was he a mutt, but he also seemed inexperienced in drinking. But there was one thing else…
"Hmm, if you say so, Mister. But do you have any local ingredients from where you're from? It'll spice up your taste buds, you know?"
Now, not only did Gorou look intrigued, but he seemed excited for some reason. "If you can patch up the worst ingredients of Mondstadt, I wonder how you will impress me with these."
Five minutes later, Diona prepared her Inazuman Delight; Amakumo fruit for the juice, Naku Weed for the spice, chunks of Crystal Marrow for the taste, a batch of Sakura Bloom, a pair of Sea Ganoderma, and a giant Sango Pearl in the middle.
It was insane. He was insane, as Gorou wanted these monstrosities for his drink. Diona thought spoiled milk was the worst ingredient yet, but she underestimated the hound. Even his master, the nice lady, was not exactly confident.
"Are you sure about this, Gorou? It doesn't look healthy."
"Nonsense, your Highness. This is the Essential drink for any tough soldier serving her Highness' cause. May I be the one to name it?" Seeing Diona's ecstatic nod, he wasted no time further. The manic and fanatic look in his eyes burned brighter than anyone Diona's ever seen. "I call it, the Divine Pearl!"
Gorou carefully sipped the drink, the cool aftertaste struck like the cool freshness that reminded him of the temple's waters. His nose picked up another scent, though, and a familiar one. The taste reminded him of his Lady, Sangonomiya Kokomi. It was salty, yet sweet, burns, yet cools his tongue down to his core. It shook him.
"So, how is it?" Diona was expectantly wagging her cat tail, anxiously waiting for the mutt's response.
"I think it is likely an abomination, the result of powers that ought not to be meddled with," Gorou admitted, trying not to lick his lips with the mixture he was generously provided.
"Another?"
"Oh, yes please."
He called it an abomination, a great leap to her progress. Diona was ecstatic the whole night.
Hu Tao was excited.
It is not everyday she gets invited to a wedding of all things. In fact, this might be her first. As much as she respected and did her work diligently, Funerals were a little dull, and any attempts to liven them up ended with her ideas getting shot down by her stubborn Consultant. Hu Tao respected Zhongli, but he was too old school sometimes.
But she got a letter of invite from a certain favorite customer, Hu Tao dragged mister Zhongli and the rest of the Liyue friends of her age to go with her, as the letter expressed that she can bring whoever she can and as much as she can. It was also weird traveling with the members of the Liyue Qixing as well, these folks were the big names of Liyue. Except for the old man, she still has doubts that Tianshu, an old fisherman, is a Qixing member. Hu Tao and the rest of her friends were in awe at the Adepti accompanying them.
Speaking of her friends; she invited Xingqiu and Chongyun, Xiangling, and even Xinyan, but the fiery rockstar traveled with another famous musician of Liyue.
Both the Cryo and Hydro boys were in their own little world, chatting by themselves on whatever seems to catch the bookworm's attention. Xingqiu was the most excited of them all, as this was his first time traveling outside of Liyue and into the land of famous warriors and knights, of course he'd be more excited than Hu Tao. Chongyun is always by his side, nodding and agreeing to whatever he says or observes. Hu Tao still wonders to this day as to where the young exorcist gets the ice-cream from. She wants to pull out her own treats from nowhere, damnit!
Xiangling on the other hand was unusually calm, but it was because she was already familiar around these parts. Hu Tao knew that the chef was eyeing every piece of ingredients on the way. It makes sense, as the young chef might volunteer to man the kitchens and help with the preparations. Gouba was always looking bored, ignoring everybody else and kept himself busy munching on Jueyun Chilis.
She herself was occupied as well, thinking on a good business proposal for the knights to expand her business. Mondstadt were spiritual as well, right?
"Whatever you are thinking, Director, please stow it away for now. We are nearing Mondstadt."
But that won't be possible if her "reliable" consultant was around. As she said, too stubborn.
"And no," Zhongli exasperatedly sighed. "This is a wedding, not a funeral. May I remind you that we are honored guests that represent Liyue, Director? We must abide by the wishes of our hosts."
"Alright! Aya. What are we gonna do before the wedding reception then? Lounge around? I can't help it! There are business opportunities here, old man! Inazuma! Mondstadt! Foreign diplomats and representatives and the like! The tenants of prosperity are to strike gold, not wait for it."
Hu Tao narrowed her eyes as the old man was chuckling at her logic. "There are times of opportunity, Director, but there are also moments to cherish. Enjoy as much as you like, and you won't regret it. I have the feeling that the city of Freedom might be able to cater to your childish desires. Nothing too dangerous nor incriminating, alright?"
Did mister Zhongli just give her the permission to prank freely? What? "Does this mean…?"
Even the rest of her friends, who were in their own worlds, stopped to watch mister Zhongli gently patted Hu Tao. "Yes," he smiled. "Make sure not to get caught. I'll be seeing you before the wedding, Hu Tao. I've got old friends to catch up with."
Hu Tao. He never addressed her name so informally, which means he isn't treating this as business. So would Hu Tao it seems. "Alright, mister Zhongli. I won't cause trouble. Not as much on Liyue of course!" She got great ideas, and Hu Tao saw a tall statue in the distance. Oh yes, great ideas, indeed.
"Must we dare halt any further? This one is getting tired of the mortal conversations, as an honored guest, I must give blessings to the weds." The funny looking bird was speaking weird, but she has a point, as the hour grows near. Hu Tao can feel it in the air, as the joys and sorrows flow freely here.
Eh, it must be a Mondstadt thing.
"Do not worry, Cloud Retainer," assured Ganyu. "I'm sure the bride and groom would be happy to see us, no matter the delays."
"Hmph, very well. This one must see to the land of the Free Winds' architecture, those spinning things are intriguing in design. This one wonders what is the purpose of such things?" Many of the Adepti went their own separate ways. Ningguang and her paramour, Captain Beidou went straight to the open markets, the old man went ahead to the fishing association, and the Yuheng disappeared off somewhere.
There was also that creepy guy with the weird mask, but vanished some time ago when entering Mondstadt. A very edgy dude.
"You may have fun, but not too much. I'll be off as well, and please look after the poor child." Zhongli was adamant to bring the zombie girl, Qiqi. As it was stated that she was invited as well. Normally, this was a prime opportunity to lay to rest the cute little creature, but Zhongli might be disappointed if the little Zombie girl went "missing" on her watch. Everybody knows who to blame when she always goes missing.
"Of course, Master Zhongli. You have my honored word, by Guhua's pride and the Feiyun Guild's promise."
"I'll do my best."
"Okay, mister Zhongli! You have my promise as well. We'll look after her, right Gouba?"
Zhongli nodded, satisfied with their words of promise. He then slowly sauntered off into the heavy crowds before mysteriously disappearing. Hu Tao scoffed, what a showoff.
"So, what are we gonna do first?" Hu Tao was excited, she was already planning to do something fun with the big statue, maybe prank some of the knights present as they might be fun playmates, and scare off many guests with her ghosts-
Qiqi dropped limp into the ground, and a thud was heard. Behind, she saw the rest of the Liyue friends looking at the unconscious zombie with worried expressions.
"Uh Chongyun… shouldn't we call mister Zhongli?" Xingqui asked nervously. His stoic and smirking behavior was gone, replaced with a pale face of a young man in big trouble.
His companion slowly looked over to him. "He said he was meeting with an old friend," Chongyun said. "I was pretty sure he said to look after the poor child. He's already gone."
Hu Tao stepped and looked down at Qiqi's cold body. Well, she was already cold for a long time, because of her Vision and undead nature. "Okay, that means we have a good twenty minutes to bury the evidence, tell mister Zhongli that Qiqi marched home under the weird orders of Baizhu when the old man returns, and then put together some fake identification before we hop on a boat to Inazuma so we can avoid the zombie homicide charges from the knights and start our new lives. Just to let you guys know, I call the name of Yu Harai. It'll make the roaming bandits think twice before messing with me."
A tense silence fell over the group of friends, and Chongyun looked down at the zombie with a worried expression on his face. He bent down further to get a close look, and frowned.
"You know, my dad always said that the ultimate test of friendship was when it came time to help hide a body you didn't make," Xingqiu added thoughtfully. "I never really understood what he meant until now."
"Ah, she's just pretending. No need to worry, guys." Chingyun held up a very disinterested-looking Qiqi by the neck.
"Qiqi… no like...Hu Tao..."
"That, uh, makes sense," Xingqiu nodded. "Maybe it's best we split up for now, sorry Hu Tao. Let Chongyun and I take care of Qiqi. I want to at least see the Library of the knights before we leave."
Xiangling nodded as well, "Yep! I wanna see if I can gather some ingredients to help with the preparation!" She then grabbed Gouba, and then took flight towards the market as well.
With the rest on their own paths, Hu Tao was left on her lonesome. A big mistake really. Who's gonna look after HER?
"I suppose I'll just modify my plans for just me then- Hmm?"
Hu Tao spotted a little girl in red, hiding off in corners and walls, doing a terrible job of stealth. The red girl was holding a giant bag filled with cute creatures in it. Interesting.
Hu Tao was definitely excited.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This was a paid commission by starrynightwaifu, and my first ever paid commission.
I was having fun in writing this actually. It took off some stress off my mind for a while, and it help get a good grasp on some characters I haven't written yet. This is somewhat a big project, but only less than a hundred thousand words. The chapters were planned accordingly;
1) Prologue - A Day Within
2) Chapter 1 - The Second Date
3) Chapter 2 - The Surprise
4) Chapter 3 - Shared Sorrows
5) Chapter 4 - A Touch of Eternity
6) Chapter 5 - The Announcement
7) Chapter 6 - The Guests
8) Chapter 7 - Gifts
9) Chapter 8 - Heated Moment
10) Epilogue - The Morning After
This story will be a priority, of course, as this was a paid commission.
The prologue was just a sneak-peak of the happenstances with multiple characters that were affected by the wedding. Both the prologue and epilogue would only feature on the PoVs of other characters, while the rest of the eight chapters are only of the PoVs of Aether and Ei.
Also, I am doing my best to not write a "Mature scene" as this is rated teen, even if my urges are telling me so. The other reason is that I was not paid to do any mature stuff.
Give me some feedback and reviews about your thoughts. They are the food pellets of authors after all.
