Sumeru, Port Ormos

The humidity made it a reality that Nozomi had nearly arrived at Port Ormos. She wiped the sweat off her brow as The Crux pulled into the port. The ship sailed through two overarching trees. Nozomi's eyes widened at the scenery. Merchants carried spices on their backs along the shore, and the smell of spices lingered in the air. Greenery as far as the eye could see among small houses in the hills.

The Captain of the ship, Beidou came over and slapped her on the shoulders.

"Welcome to Port Ormos, I'll help you gather your luggage. Though you pack lightly for someone who's here for three years."

"If I'm here for three years," she said nervously "I got Lady Guujis' seal of approval but I'm still not sure if ill be accepted."

Beidou untied her black hair and placed her ornaments in a bun. "Well if it's any consolation, I'll be here for a day before heading back to Liyue. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do well, have a little faith in yourself. You told some wicked stories on poetry nights with Kazuha."

Nozomi smiled back, grateful. The last few days onboard The Crux was the time of her life. Lots of nights with karaoke, dancing, and drinking.

Maybe if things don't work out, I could work with Captain Beidou on The Crux… here's hoping anyway.

"We're here! Anchor the ship, Port side!" Beidou yelled while steering the ship "Prepare the gangway."

*

Nozomi felt her sea legs wobble as she walked through the streets asking for directions to the Akademiya. Her luggage was tied around her back as she was warned there'd be thieves roaming the streets. A few lone vendors had already asked if she was interested in their wares, but she mostly ignored them pretending not to hear their swearing under their breath.

The smell of many street foods made her stomach rumble but she only had a few hours before the applications department closed for the day. Eventually, she paid a small fee to a caravan party traveling through Avidiya Forest.

The small party explained that Forest Rangers preserve the forest and protect the wildlife from the sands along the borders. Nozomi spotted a few drifting through the treetops above them as they passed their base, Gandharvavile. The pathway started to get step as they walked through the forest, she looked ahead, eyes widening at the view.

A bridge made out of an old tree covered in moss connected over a waterfall. A small port could be seen. A larger tree that must have been ancient, loomed over the entire city. Below was a city with markets and many paths leading to the top towards the Akademiya. The Akademiya itself shone in the afternoon rays, with green rooftops in the shape of leaves.

Amazing… I'm so surprised at how the entire city just rests underneath that huge tree. Lady Guuji will want photos of this place.

Nozomi patted the top of her bag, making sure that her Kamera was still intact. She pulled it out and asked everyone to pose. She smiled to herself having her first photo of Sumeru City as they arrived at the gates.

As the caravan parted ways, Nozomi felt herself feeling dizzy. She looked up at the buildings and slowly made her way through the cobbled streets.

Maybe it's the sea legs… it's been a while since I've walked on land.

Nozomi dismissed the feeling and then made her way to the Akademiya.

Following the directions from other students, she found the office to submit her applications through the House of Daena. It was also through the largest library she had ever seen, with an elevator leading to the Grand Sage.

A few students looked her way before lowering their heads and hurrying off past her. A few whispers could be heard.

"She's applying this year? I hope he's not too harsh on her application…"

"I only got accepted last year because I had to pay someone to edit my thesis."

Nozomi looked at their backs, puzzled but walked inside.

A large number of papers were piled into mountain loads on top of a large wooden desk. A skyline was the only light in the room as Nozomi approached and looked around. No one was seated in the large aqua chair. On the desk was a plaque with a name and position.

Alhaitham
Akademiyas' Scribe

It must be pretty busy if the person meant to be in the office isn't here. Maybe I could just leave my application here? Honestly, I'd rather not see anyone and I'm anxious.

Nozomi placed her applications on top of the box next to the chair and then walked away. She noticed a note on the back of the door.

'If the Scribe isn't present, please leave any applications in a neat pile on the desk. Your applications are important to us, the processing time is within 24 hours. Please check the Bulletin Board upon Acceptance or Rejection.'

"Why the heck put the notice on the back of the door? Wouldn't it be easier to see it out front? Well, at least I know how long the application process is. I think I'll go find a hotel for the night and wait it out." Nozomi laced her fingers and stretched "Then figure out if I'm going to work on The Crux and stay lazy forever or am accepted." She said out loud.

As she walked through the corridors of the Akademiya, a tall figure with grey hair brushed past her, their green and black cape trailing behind them. Nozomi looked back impressed.

"Does every scholar dress that way? I hope the uniform allows capes." She whispered, "If I run into him again, I need to ask where he shops."

Nozomi then wandered around Sumeru City, admiring the Grand Bazaar and its markets. She itched to buy a lot of things but the majority of her funds were spent getting here. Giving up, she decided to book a room at the tavern.

A sign hung above the tavern with the word 'Lambad'

Her stomach rumbled as she spotted the Kebab bar outside, a few students from the Akademiya were already lined up to be served. Another scent lingered in the air drawing her inside the tavern, she walked inside.

Glass-stained windows gave a hint of any light outside. Tall roofs and over-arching beams surrounded the tables and the bars. The restaurant had a buffet-style ready to order and a menu near the counter.

Red sand tiles clicked under her feet as she neared the counter.

"Welcome, you must be new here. I'm Lambad, owner of this tavern. What can I get you today?"

Lambad looked like a stocky chef, with a black beard and hair with parts of it greying.

"Um… is that a buffet option you have there?"

"Of course, it'll be 1,500 mora. I'll grab you a plate, help yourself to whatever you like."

Nozomi nimbly grabbed her plate then was about to head to the buffet when she bumped into someone, dropping her plate and cutlery.

"Oh! Danmn I'm so sorry, let me get that." Nozomi mumbled and tried grabbing the broken plate on the tiles.

"No no, it's fine! Please, let me-"

Their hands brushed and Nozomi pulled back. She stood up but felt herself bump into someone's head. She stepped back as she looked up.

"Archons above, Kaveh. You're hurting my customers… leave that alone you two, ill have my staff clean it up." Lambad tapped his fingers and called behind her "Just grab another plate at the buffet. I'm guessing you're here for the same?"

Nozomi eyed Kaveh in front of her. Kaveh had a lean build with blond hair, amber eyes, and a white shirt with black pants. Nozomi glanced at his attire around his shoulders, noting a blue feather in his left ear. Small gold earrings with red and blue indents hung from both his ears.

She rubbed her head and shrugged. Kaveh stood with his hands extended, apologetic.

"Heh… sorry about that, please allow me to buy you a drink. As you've heard, I'm Kaveh." He extended his hand "It's nice to meet you."

Nozomi shook his hand and noted how soft it was.

I'm surprised by such a pretty-looking face, he has such soft hands! What moisturizer does he use?

"Do all the students at the Akademiya look this pretty? I hope our uniforms are as nice."

"Huh? Oh-" Kavehs cheeks turned red "Unfortunately you don't get much of a choice besides an emerald green robe overtop. Anyway did you want to eat? I'll go buy us drinks."

Nozomi nodded and went to grab some food. Many different types of curry and proteins with pieces of bread were piled on her plate. Nozomi placed her food on the table then opened the window slightly and a warm breeze gently flew in. By now it was almost sunset, a reminder to her that her results weren't long off being presented.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I brought us some wine." Kaveh placed both drinks and a plate on the table "Sorry I didn't catch your name?"

"Oops right… it's Nozomi. So are you a student too?"

Kaveh took a sip of his wine and shook his head.

"No, I graduated from the Akademiya ages ago. I work as an Architect now. What scholarship did you apply for?"

"Um… Bachelor of Arts? I applied for the three-year course. They did have part-time but back in Inazuma, my boss wants me to graduate asap." she sighed "If I'm accepted into the Akademiya that is."

"Yeah the application process has always been stressful" He scoffed "Even more so with our current Scribe. You didn't happen to bump into him at his office today did you?"

Nozomi shook her head.

"Urgh he's probably off napping somewhere reading a book, and probably just woke up at the end of the day conveniently to finish his work. Honestly, you're probably going to be waiting a few days at this rate."

"I…can't wait that long though. The Crux is only here for a few days" Nozomi whispered "I don't have that much mora to last me much longer. I was hoping to hear back by tomorrow morning about the results."

Kaveh's stared back then put his hands together "I'm sorry but, you said you're struggling? I might have something that can help. Did you have a place to stay tonight?"

Nozomi shuffled her feet under the table and shook her head. Kaveh seemed nice, but she hoped it wouldn't go in the direction she thought of. The last thing she needed was a creep. She started to eat and then sip her wine.

"Well, I have a place that you can rent. You don't have to pay me until the end of the month or until you have a job."

Nozomi held her hand up to stop him "That's great but… and please don't take this the wrong way. I'm only new to Sumeru and I've only just met you. Do you mind if I see some credentials or qualifications?"

"Oh my god, of course! Seriously sorry about the lack of professionalism, it's been a long day." Kaveh pulled a suitcase onto the table and a card fell out "Here's my business card."

She looked over the card, her name, and business was stated as well as an office. Kaveh also held out a Port Folio and motioned to have a look.

"All my life's work is in this Port Folio, from designs and finished buildings. If you'd like, I can show you the office as well as soon as possible."

She flicked through a few pages, many reviews and pages were signed by official stamps from clients and contractors. Contracts at the back were esoteric to her. One image stood out and her eyes lingered on the impressive display of what looked like a palace.

"The Palace of Alcazarzaray… the most requested and appreciated piece I've ever had the pleasure of working on." Kaveh looked down at his drink "Back then things were so different. I wish things were as simple as it was back then."

A sad look crossed his face and he pushed his plate away. Nozomi was now sure that he wasn't a creep and was genuinely helpful.

"I'm sorry I thought you were a creep, you do sound like you've had it rough." Nozomi tapped his hand in reassurance "What happened back then exactly."

A quick look of annoyance shot past Kaveh's face as he took a full swig of his wine. He had ordered a jug so he refilled it then slammed the goblet down. Nozomi was now startled, was it something she did?

"Everything. One after the other I'd say… Do you remember what I said about the Scribe, Alhaitham? Well, don't let his quiet demeanor fool you if you ever meet him-"

"Oh God, here we go again…" Lambad called from behind "Kaveh, this whole screw your roommate thing is starting to get old. Don't you have anything else to talk about with the nice lady?"

"Are you blind?! I can't be the only one here in the entirety of Sumeru that knows Alhaitham is a massive, self-absorbed, egotistical, and annoying Scribe!" Kaveh threw his hands in the air "He never appreciates what I do, I cook and clean for him, and I never get so much as a thank you!"

A few moments of silence passed as Nozomi suppressed a giggle. Lambad rolled his eyes and called out "I don't get paid enough to hear this, I just work here."

Lambad went back to serving other customers. Nozomi looked at Kaveh.

"Huh? So Alhaitham is your roommate? He sounds… hilarious?"

Kaveh curled his fist, his face shaking "Hilarious is the complete opposite of what he is! Urgh anyway, all you need to know is that half my problems that happen are because of him! If you ever have the displeasure of meeting him, please just ignore what he says. Also um… please don't tell anyone we're living together?"

Nozomi nodded but was confused. Were Alhaitham and Kaveh a couple? Being gay in Teyvat wasn't unheard of, if anything it was welcomed and celebrated. Beidou had mentioned being engaged to a woman in Liyue.

I'm too nervous to even ask… sounds complicated either way.

"So, what happens if I'm not accepted into the Akademiya? I mean I can -"

"Don't worry about that for now, we'll work something out. Bachelor of Arts, you're enrolling in the Haravatat Darshan… the same Darshan as him. So, did you want to want to look at the place? If you're not comfortable we can come back here. Either way, please let me help you."

A warm smile crossed her face "I'd be glad to, please lead the way."

*

It took an hour for both to arrive at the new house. Nozomi admired the architecture from the outside as Kaveh fumbled around for the keys. Many textile layers of blue and green adorned the walls. The rooftops had an azure blue with layers shaped like feathers. A cobbled pathway led to a door decorated in many different patterns.

"It's not much… but I hope you like it." Kaveh opened the door and gestured inward.

Stepping through and turning on the lights, the interior was white with few furnishings. Kaveh placed his suitcase down and went on ahead to show Nozomi around. Following upstairs, Kaveh switched on the light.

"The Master bedroom with an ensuite." He smiled "I made sure this was the first room that was the most comfortable."

Three switches were inlaid inside the walls, Kaveh explained that she could dim the lights, adjust the temperature, and demonstrate how to adjust the bed to different angles to make it easier on their back.

"See, my philosophy on design is if I can make it practical for long-term uses, why not implement them into homes? I feel fellow Architects can learn a thing or two." He closed his eyes, proud. "So, do you like it?"

"I… think it's extravagant for what I need. I love the amount of thought in your work! I don't know the technicals for designing or building, but this is amazing. How much Mora do I need to pay per month? Also bond?"

Kaveh held his hands out in front waving.

"Leave that to me to figure out in the morning. You're new here and you must be tired from walking from Port Ormos all day. With the situation you're in, I'm happy to give you a month from tomorrow to find a job and pay rent. No bond required."

"Um… you're too generous." Nozomi whispered, "Please allow me to pay for dinner and drinks next time we go to Lambad."

Kaveh held out his hand "I'll hold you to that. I've gotta go now and get some paperwork done. I'll… see you tomorrow?"

Nozomi smiled shaking his hand. Her head started to feel dizzy again.

"I'll make us… breakfast when I see you tomorrow then."

She rubbed her face following Kaveh outside. He didn't seem to notice her face whitening.

"Oh… one other thing. If you need anything at all, give a whistle and I'll be here." Kaveh's face lit up with a gentle smile "Anything at all."

Nozomi nodded through her headspin as Kaveh walked away. She went back inside and got a glass of water and breathed. After ten minutes had passed, the feeling faded.

"Seriously is it the weather or the humidity? Inazuma is way worse during their summers… maybe I'm still getting my land legs back. Ah well."

Nozomi made her way to the bed and turned off the lights. Her eyes rest on the tiles, looking at their intricate patterns while she nodded off.

"Today… was a productive day. I thank the Archons for this blessing." She yawned "Maybe Sumeru isn't so bad."

Nozomi felt her eyes close heavily as she fell asleep. Shadows danced across the room and creaks echoed in the floors but nothing disturbed her from their slumber.

*

Alhaitham

The Scribe put his hands together, sitting at the desk with many piles of applications stacked above his head. He had spent most of the day going through the city, avoiding people as much as he could. He had grown used to the clutter and workload from the Akademiya for years.

Today was no different.

His hands seemed to fly through the piles with ease as he piled them into two containers.

Accepted

Rejected

Alhaitham shuffled, nearly throwing some of the applications in the bin next to him. Many hadn't been filled in properly or didn't even have a name at the top of the pages. It was normal for him to find a few like these per year, but this semester seemed to yield fewer than acceptable applicants.

Then, he came across one.

Just three pages.

Application into the Haravatat Darshan for a Bachelor of Arts Application.

Alhaitham skimmed through its contents, a few raised eyebrows here and there.

"Hmm… shoddy grammar and tenses all over the place. Though content is passable." He mumbled.

Alhaitham's hand hovered over a red stamp.

A letter fell from behind the pages, its stamp recognizable to him as Yae Publishing House.

Alhaitham blinked then read the letter, then sighed as he pushed it out of the way.

"Do they think this is a charity event? So Nozomi wants to become a Light Novelist? They don't even need a scholarship- you know what?" Alhaithams hands hovered over the two stamps and picked up one "Time to clock out for the day."

Alhaitham put the application into one of the boxes and walked outside to the corridors. A breeze picked up, and he held his headset then looked up at the sky. He closed his eyes remembering a time he had studied here in the Akademiya and Kaveh.

He rolled his eyes at the thought. "I wonder what that idiot is thinking, he had better not have gotten himself into more of a mess for me to have a headache over."

He stopped once he was outside and thought back on the last application. The application rate to get into the Haravatat Darshan was always low, even since he was the Acting Grand Sages years ago. If anything, the application rates were lower since he had resigned from the position.

"Tch" he shrugged "Ah well."

*