Chapter 5: Alcohol is a solution
Two tall champagne glasses containing a light turquoise liquid were placed in front me and Captain Kaeya by the bartender before he left without a word. We were seated on the second floor, furthest away from anyone else. I was seated at the corner, so I could get a good look at the tavern from here. At least the second floor. I'd rather be laying in bed and sleeping the night away, But for now I have the honor of being treated to the Captain's favorite bar in Mondstadt. The angels share. And by the looks of it, it's the bar of choice for half the knights of favonius as well.
The captain graciously picked up his glass and inhaled the aroma of the cocktail.
"Ah, this is one of my absolute favorite drinks. Sparkling wine with three parts Dandelion wine, Also known as 'Death afternoon'." Kaeya sighed happily as he took his first sip for the night. I ungraciously leaned down to my glass and took a whiff at it. It had a sweet sting to it. But even the sweetness couldn't hide the unmistakable scent of strong alcohol.
"Can't go wrong with a name like that." I gotta confessed. Drinking isn't really my gig, not that I can't handle the stuff or anything. It's the opposite in fact. I have never in my life woken up in the morning with a hangover, despite my friends' efforts. And I know that one day I will go over the line, and it won't be fun for anyone involved.
"Don't be shy, friend. See it as a 'Welcome to Teyvat' party, just for you." I have no idea what 'Teyvat' means, but damn me to hell if that smile ain't hypnotizing. So far he's been nothing but kind and quite the gentleman. But I can't shake this eerie feeling that he's not doing this out of kindness from his own heart. But I've never been the one to look a gift horse in the mouth either, so I guess I'll just play along for now.
"Apologies, Sir. I'm very grateful for your hospitality. I just don't want to accidentally destroy such a nice glass and waste a perfectly good drink."
"How considerate of you, friend. But do not worry, if the glass breaks we make sure that the next one comes in with a bit sturdier container." His face or tone has not changed at all. As if he knew what I was going to say before I said them. This guy is getting under my skin.
With a polite 'thank you I reached for the glass when I got a stroke of genius. I slipped the base of the glass between the index finger and the middle finger and just let the gravity hold down the glass in my palm. As long as I do not clamp the fingers together the glass will remain intact without me spending too much concentration on it. Of course, thanks to cautiousness it doesn't look as elegant as it ought to, but it gets the job done for now.
As the drink touched my lips and the flavors came rushing towards me there was one thing that came with it. The familiar kick of Absinthe. A quiet 'Whoa' escaped my lips before I took another sip.
"Quite the cocktail, no?" Kaeya smirked as he placed his drink down on the table.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you are planning to get me absolutely blasted, Sir."
"Would that be such a horrible thing?"
"Never said it was, Sir."
"Please, just call me Kaeya. You can call me 'Sir' when I'm working." He said with a laugh before picking up his glass once again for another sip, I followed suit out of politeness. "So, Martin. I'm very interested in getting to know you better. Please, tell me more about yourself. What kind of a man were you before you ended up here?"
"oh, um… Nothing much to say, really. Had all manners of jobs throughout my life. Customer service, operator at a heat plant, water plant and a water cleaning facility. Worked at a slaughterhouse for a time as well… And before I got here I was selling house appliances."
"That's quite interesting…" Kaeya answered after a few seconds of silence.
"You think? I love cooking, But not even I find stoves that entertaining." I answered honestly.
"I meant that your answer was interesting, you only brought up your previous occupations. Is that a normal view on life and identity from where you are?"
"Well, you need food on the table if you want to live a life at all."
"What about Friends? family? your favorite drink? What kind of thoughts are brought to your mind when you see the sunset?"
"I LOVE Cola or chocolate milk. Can't get enough of that stuff!" I laughed to myself as I realized that a quick summarization of my life is me consuming an alarming amount of cola. "Oh! And the sunset have a habit of making me realize that we're orbiting thousands of Kilometers per hour around a star that is orbiting thousands of kilometers per hour around the center of the universe that is traveling millions of kilometers per hour towards… well, something."
"A man of science I see."
"knowledge." I corrected him while downing the last few drops of my drink. "But do not be mistaken, Kaeya. I'm still as dumb as they come." Honesty lasts longest, as they say.
"Let it be on the record that you said it, not me." We both chuckled in amusement. Even though he gave off vibes that he is someone that is easy going, I could not shake off the feeling that he's valuating me of the highest degree. And I am sure that he knows that I know that he knows that I jumped over his question about family and friends. That was quite the sentence.
"That reminds me, I've been meaning to ask you about your future here in Mondstadt." Kaeya casually asked as he took another sip of his drink. It kind of took me aback a little. Not only was it a rather sudden question, but I failed to see what reminded him to ask that question.
"I'm sorry, I forgot my tarot cards at home. But if I get to decide me fate, then I'll go back home as soon as I've repaid my debt."
"Your debt?"
"You guys DID save my life and all. Would leave a bad taste in my mouth if I just up and left without repaying you all for your hospitality." I shrugged. I can't say that I'm doing this from the kindness of my own heart though, I just hate to feel indebted to anyone.
"How noble of you, Martin. So noble in fact that I have just decided to help you out with just that."
"Oh?" A part of me is grateful for being helped by a higher-up. The other part of me is nervous of what this help will cost. I have only known him for about an hour now, but I can already tell that he knows how to make a favorable deal on his end.
"I'm going to personally see to it that you'll get the starting opportunity you'll need to start off on the road of equilibrium."
"That's more than kind of you, Sir Kaeya… But may I be so crass to ask what you want in exchange?" A smile crept up on his face. Now I'm scared for real.
"All I want from you is that you'll be so kind and help me return an overdue book for me."
I done did it again. I've accepted a task right on the spot and walked away without asking any follow up questions like 'where is the place you want me to go to?' or 'what time does said place open up for the public?'
Here I am, around half past seven in the morning the day after I accepted the quest, walking down the corridor with Kaeya's book in my hand without a lick of a clue on where to go. I guess it can't be helped, I'll have to let my masculine pride aside and ask someone for directions.
I walked down the stairs that lead to the exit of the Favonius HQ and saw a familiar scene. Two big red doors right ahead, chess patterned floor with a big Favonius emblem in the middle, sword and shields hanging on the few spots on the walls that wasn't already clad with paintings. A somewhat chubby knight with glasses guarding a door to the closest door to the right, Jeans office further down to the right and at last two doors on the opposite side to the left. There is a knight standing guard at the door further down to the left as well. He has a dark, slicked back hair and a stern face that shouts 'I am proud of my job and you shall respect my athority'.
With a nod and a casual 'good morning" to the guard on the right I headed down to the knight furthest away from me. The combination of my footsteps echoing through the hall and the way the knight stares down at me with that stern look on his face kind of makes me regret my decision. I should have asked the first knight, my grandmother did always said that the bigger the stomach the bigger the smile.
I cursed myself for not listening to the wisdom of the elders in my head before I stopped before my guide-to-be as I cleared my throat.
"Good morning, sir. I was wondering if you could help me with directions." I asked with a somewhat apologetic tone to my voice as a good Swede does it.
"Why, certainly. What are you seeking?" His voice was 'lighter' than I thought it would be. With that face of his I was expecting a darker, rougher tone behind it. Just goes to show that one should not judge the dog for its fur.
"I was given the task to return this overdue book here." I said as I brought up the book to view with a gentle shake. "But I have no idea where the library is." The knight's face went from confusion to realization to something I could only describe as 'concerned.'
"You must be new around here, huh? The library is just behind this door." He answered with a nod towards the very door to his left. "May the Anemo Archon bless your soul."
"Thank you! And right back atcha, my man." I said with a smile and a nod before I headed through the library door. What a well mannered and polite young man, I was too hasty to judge him like that!
The restful atmosphere this library possessed washed over me like April rain. God rays beamed down towards the floor on the opposite side as dust particles ever so gracefully flowed in its glorious light. A quick look to my left revealed a row of tables and chairs with various bookshelves covering the walls and the railings. I slowly walked over to the railing in front of me and took a look downstairs. The imperial staircase on the other side would lead me to a set of tables and countless bookshelves deeper into the library. Like a child in a toy store I wanted to dash down the stairs and explore what this fantastical place could offer. But I am on a mission, and I have no idea if this is a public library or if you have to pay to use it. I'm in a completely different world now, I can't assume things work the same way as back home, hell I may not even be allowed to be here if it wasn't for Kaeya. I took another look down at the lower floor in hope to see a service desk of some kind. I could not find one on this angle so I decided to get to the stairs. But just as I got around the corner to the right I was met by a small desk with a big open book facing me.
Curiosity led me closer to it as I noticed the, for a lack of better words, organized chaos that was behind said desk. Dozens of books stacked in piles were covering the corners of this little built in office with a writing desk against the wall to the left. I looked down at the desk before me and noticed a tea set, some discarded letters and a vase with blue flowers in it to the left, yet more books and scrolls to the right and this big open book in the middle. I came to the conclusion that this was indeed the service desk, for the big book had this text on it, and I quote:
"Library Rules - Seventh Edition
There were several editions of the library rules, but none of them were particularly useful.
So all unnecessary rules were abandoned in this edition. All users of the library should obey the following rules:
1. Please keep quiet in the library.
2. Please do not damage the books.
3. Please remember to return your books on time.
I believe everyone knows how we deal with violations, so it will not be repeated here.
We hope everyone can abide by the above rules and make good use of the library."
My stomach sank to the floor. ' I believe everyone knows how we deal with violations'... It just dawned on me. Here I am, holding an overdue book in Sir Kaeya's stead. But maybe if I sneak out quietly before anyone sees me I might successfully complete my mission AND get out alive. So I decided to do just that. I placed the book on the counter, quickly scanning the book for any damages I might've caused along the way, and quickly turned around with the intent to leave and never return.
But there she was. Just a few steps away stood quite the remarkable woman. Her skin is as fair as they come. Her emerald green eyes could send anyone into a trance if she so chooses. Her wavy light honey-brown hair, tied in a loose side ponytail, was resting ever so elegantly on her left shoulder. The dress reflected her elegance and beauty, purple and white with open slits at the sides. I would let my eyes wander further down if I wasn't already fearing for my well being. Looking at her was like watching a dancing flame. Hell, I almost didn't notice the big ass witch hat she was wearing. And when I say 'witch hat' I dead-ass mean 'Witch hat'. But this one is purple… Oh shit, did I just see her mouth move? How long has she been talking?! What has she been talking about?! I need to say something quickly!
"Yes." I answered with a little too bright voice for my liking.
"My, my. Quite the jumpy one, aren't you?" She answered with a chuckle. Let's just say that her voice was just as fair as the rest of her. She took a few steps forward and presented her black gloved hand to me. "As you may have guessed, I am the librarian, Lisa Minci. And who might you be Mr…?"
"Martin! Name's Martin." I automatically reached out my hand towards her, only to realize what I'm about to do and quickly jerked my hand away right before out hands touched. She gave me a confused look only to quickly change it to a bright smile as she put two and two together when she reflected on my name. I can already tell that she's a smart one.
"Oh! So you're the 'indestructible man' I've heard so much about lately?" She walked around me over to the other side of the desk without letting me go out of her sight. As she got behind the desk she placed her hands on said desk, supporting her as she leaned forward.
Focus on the eyes for the love of god! "And if the rumors are true about the numerous destroyed door handles are indeed your doing, I can understand why you refrain from physical contact. For now."
This place is seriously infested with people that are attractive, smart and deadly at the same time. I have a hard time deciding if I love it or hate it here.
"I wouldn't go so far to say 'indestructible'. I'm still convinced that the 'Hili-creature-thing' used a hollow club or something when it attacked me."
"If that were the case, then the fact that you managed to cleave its head with just a one handed swing with its own weapon would be even more impressive, don't you think?"
I did not know how to respond to that. The fact that the word has spread and that I am the cause of it makes me feel incredibly uneasy. And I have a sinking feeling that it showed, because I could see that Miss Lisa here took great pleasure in my discomfort as the corner of her mouth turned ever so slightly into a smirk. However, It quickly faded as she looked down at the desk and noticed the book I brought with me. She picked it up and inspected it with a serious face. The way her face went from playful to serious so quickly sent chills down my spine.
"Oh! That's the book Sir Kaeya wished me to deliver to you! I hope you find its condition satisfactory." I went on full boot kissing mode. I swear to god that I could somehow feel how the air around me started to turn… almost static. But that feeling started to disappear just as fast as it appeared as Miss Lisa let out a long sigh, and the 'static' was fully gone.
"I guess I could let this slide just once. He's very lucky he sent me such a cutie, otherwise it just wouldn't do." With a quick wink she turned around and headed toward one of the book piles in the corner.
As if it was a reflex, my head started to fill itself with the word 'Ara-Ara~' echoing all around. I must've let out a small whimper or something, because Lisa looked back at me with a quiet chuckle as she placed the overdue book at its rightful place.
"Anything on your mind, dear?" Her smile, as warm and welcoming as hot cocoa, brought me back from my cursed recollection of my people's greatest mistake, the internet.
"Oh it's just me being silly. No need to worry about it." I reassured her as I ran a hand through my hair and cleared my throat. "I won't keep you from your work any longer, Miss Lisa. I got some training to do, but it was a pleasure meeting you!"
Even though she managed to sooth my mind from my previous fight or flight mode, I was still a tad concerned for my well being. Can't say that I have ever met a woman that can turn the air around her static by temper alone, not that I believe that she actually did just that, but I'm not taking any chances by this point. But knowing myself it would be for the better to go somewhere else before I accidentally find out how 'electric' things can get.
So I started to turn around and almost mentally classified myself as free before I even got to the door. A mistake I have done countless times before and a mistake I probably shall do for the rest of my life. I didn't even manage to take a single step before I could hear Miss Lisa clearing her throat loudly. My body immediately stopped dead on its track like if it turned itself into stone.
"And where do you think you're going, mister?" Her voice was sweet and mature as before, but it also had a sting to it. "I said that I've forgiven Kaeya for his crime against this library. You on the other hand…" she almost sang the last part of the sentence. Oh gods, I'm so dead. "You're his accomplice. You didn't return the book right away when he gave it to you, didn't you?"
I haven't moved an inch so far. It was almost like my brain is having a difficult time processing what I'm being accused of. But she was right, I waited until the morning after. But what gives?! What kind of library is open to the public 24/7? Does she ever sleep?
I could hear her footsteps echoing closer and closer towards me. It didn't take long until she walked around me and faced me with her arms crossed.
"Yes-I mean no! I mean, I didn't know the opening hours so I-" She interrupted me by placing her gloved finger ever so gently over my lips. Oh fuck me sideways. This is how I'm going to die, isn't it? I can already feel how my sweat glands are burning up from overworking.
"Oh don't you worry, cutie. I know just the right punishment for you."