Edited: 04/22/23
Act I
Chapter IV
Old and New Surprises
"Care to repeat that, Varka?"
The commander of the Outriders, a veteran knight and heroic grandfather, fixed a stern gaze upon the young man standing before him. The nervous figure of the youth shifted uneasily under the commander's piercing stare. The commander let out a tired sigh, but his expression of disappointment remained unchanging.
Varka winced, "I'm sorry, Sir William. I haven't been able to locate the boy." The old man let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes in disappointment. "Despite our best efforts, my knights and I scoured every road out of the country, but we found no one matching the description I gave you."
"Because?" the gray brow raised accusingly towards him.
With a tight gulp, Varka smiled nervously and replied, "I apologize, I had a bit too much to drink."
"You're out of luck," the old man said, shaking his head. "You should have been vigilant instead of celebrating prematurely." He took a short glance to the bright hills of the manor, and thought the peace outside was a contradiction of the atmosphere in the room. "What happens now, you must man up and take responsibility for it."
Varka shut his mouth, fearing whatever he says next might get him into even deeper trouble.
"To think I had to drag you here," the old man sighed, "It's quite disappointing to see someone of your position failing to meet my expectations. Your code of conduct is a disgraceful representation of your standing. And the knights."
Flinching from the blow against his pride, Varka struggled to find the words to reply. After a moment of hesitation, he gathered his composure and retorted, "I may have fallen short this time, but I assure you, I will do better in the future. My position demands nothing less than excellence."
"I always had high hopes," William scowled, "You're a knight, not some buffoon!" Finally sinking into the comfortable seat of Ragnvindr's mansion, the Commander couldn't help but massage his throbbing forehead. "I'm getting too old for all this."
"But old man, your student who is the Cavalry Captain is doing his best here."
"Your behavior is more akin to that of a drunk fool than an esteemed leader," the old man retorted, unimpressed by Varka's nonchalant response.
"Me? Drunk?" Varka groaned, rubbing his throbbing head, "It was just last night." The after-effects of his indulgence were still lingering. "Ugh, my head is pounding. That last drink was a mistake." He looked around for some solace, but no one seemed to care. "Can I at least get some coffee to ease this hangover? Call over one of those blond beauties Crepus hired, I certainly need the attention."
A smug voice echoed through the room. "Drinking again, Captain? You do realize that your duties require a clear head, don't you?" The speaker continued with a sly tone, "It seems your cups cry out for more attention than your responsibilities."
Varka's cheerful tone was replaced with annoyance. "Who even invited her here?"
She was tall, with fair blond hair, and had a cold gaze sweeping the room. "Certainly not you, Captain." The woman wore the most splendid armor with flowers of gold engraved upon her shoulders and chest.
The pinnacle of a woman knight.
"Lady Frederica," William bowed respectfully towards the woman, though his eyes flashed a warning towards Varka. "I must remind you that your recent failures have brought us to this point."
"Who's the "us" in this room?" a woman asked with a grin, her flaming red hair catching William's attention.
His heart skipped a beat as he recognized her. "Genevra?" he asked, barely containing his shock and excitement. "I heard you recovered, but the gods bless us with your fiery presence once more."
The woman couldn't help but grin at his shocked expression. "Yes, I've been feeling great lately. You could say even better than before." To prove a point, the lady flexed her muscles- hearty and hale.
William's heart brightened, as the last he saw of her was the most heartbreaking. She looked paler than survivors of winter's wrath, and only one foot in the cold grave that awaited her. He was glad that it was no longer the case. Another miracle brought by that stranger.
"Am I still drunk or are you really walking now?" Varka asked in amazement, a grin spreading across his face. "It's good to see a warrior reclaiming her strength."
Genevra gestured with a hand, "More or less."
William was relieved to see that despite the passing years, she had not changed much. "I'm glad to see you standing tall again," he said with a kind smile, and Genevra returned the same expression wholeheartedly.
"Well, a dedicated student always strives to exceed expectations," Genevra said with a proud grin.
He couldn't help but return the smile. "Absolutely." It was a welcome change from the weight of the news they had received earlier that day. "We just need to wait for the Seneschal and Lord Ragnvindr to arrive with the news we're all anxiously waiting for." William gave Varka a stern look, not accepting any excuses.
Varka shrugged dismissively, silently conveying his indifference towards William's attention to Genevra. However, a hint of jealousy seemed to simmer beneath the surface.
Genevra's red eyes flamed with impatience as she scoffed, "You guys can wait here as long as you want, but not me." She marched up to the Captain and grabbed his collar, pulling him close to her. "Tell me, where is he?"
Varka swallowed nervously as he noticed the woman was towering over him, much taller than he remembered. "Perhaps it would be better to wait for the lads before we discuss this further. They deserve to know as well," he suggested, trying to delay the conversation. He couldn't help but wonder why she was so invested in this matter.
Before William could intervene, Genevra growled in disappointment and let him go. "You have no idea where he is, do you?" Her tone was more of a statement than a question.
The cold statement reverberated in the room and silenced everyone except for one - the blonde woman who scoffed.
"You never were one for patience, Genevra," Frederica said with a hint of amusement in her voice. She leaned against the far side of the room, observing the scene with a wide-angle view. "But then again, that's always been your weakness, hasn't it?"
"Your ignorance is astounding," Genevra spat out, her voice dripping with contempt. "But I shouldn't be surprised, a woman of your character could never understand the depth of a mother's love."
The woman paused, and Frederica gave her a sharp glare. "Would you care to explain what you meant by that statement?" she demanded.
But Genevra simply smiled back innocently and replied, "I don't think that will be necessary. Too much of an effort for a sick woman like me."
William had enough, and it was only early morning. He was reminded that half of his gray hair was from the impassioned woman who had come back from near-death. "Let us not allow our tempers to run wild, lest our children bear witness to the unsightly side of this gathering."
Genevra settled on another couch, on the opposite side of where Frederica stood. "It's not like Jean hasn't," she smirked, "I bet Barbara has too."
The silence in the room was shattered by the sound of a sword being drawn from its sheath. Frederica's face contorted into a dark expression as she spoke through gritted teeth, "Take that back."
"I cannot," Genevra replied with a defensive gesture, showing her empty hands above her shoulders. "I didn't take away a child's childhood." Her eyes sparked with a challenge. "You managed to do that all on your own, quite well, actually. You didn't need any help."
"Enough!" William shouted, his voice booming with authority as he glared at both Genevra and Frederica. He gave them a warning look, wondering why he had to look after them like children. "Do I really have to discipline you two? Aren't you both grown adults?"
Genevra scoffed, "Someone in this room has to be."
"I will not back down!" Frederica growled, her grip on her sword tightening. "Not for my honor, and not until that woman takes back her false accusations."
"Frederica!"
Genevra scoffed, "What accusations? Do you think I would accuse a woman of such honorable standing?" She paused, appearing to ponder before giving a knowing look and smirking towards the other woman across the room. "Perhaps it is just good parenting that has led to her success. But then again, I cannot accuse a woman of something she did not do."
The old commander was horrified, "Genevra? That's enough. Both of you!"
Varka was uncharacteristically quiet, keeping to himself in the center of the group. William couldn't blame him for giving both women wary looks. He remembered the days when Varka was a loudmouth fool with enough bravado for an army, but now he was a respected knight. Frederica, once sweet and carefree, had become a woman of duty and grim motherhood that left her with a sense of solemnity. Genevra, once a passionate warrior, was now seen by others as a domesticated housewife due to her illness.
Where had William gone wrong?
Failing Leo was a devastating blow to his heart, but watching these beloved children bicker amongst themselves was even more painful, causing his already fragile heart to shatter into a million pieces.
"Enough. Please."
Genevra's harsh expression softened as she saw the old man's sad plea, and she decided to hold back the sharp words she had intended to say. Frederica also froze, feeling guilty for her actions. Meanwhile, Varka looked ashamed of himself for contributing nothing to the argument, a bystander was the worst in his eyes.
Slowly sitting down, William hunched on his knees. His once raven hair now peppered with gray strands, and his tired eyes, once imbued with unwavering wisdom, now appeared to be fading. The commander of the Outriders looked small and vulnerable, like a man who has carried the weight of the world on his shoulders for far too long.
"My apologies, sir," Genevra said, taking care to steer clear of his hunched form. "I should not have expressed my frustrations so insensitively."
Swallowing her pride, Frederica followed suit. "I must apologize for my actions," she said, giving him an apologetic look. "It was unbecoming of a lady."
Varka grunted, unable to look directly at the form of the man he had always respected. The sight filled him with a sense of unease, twisting his stomach in knots. It felt wrong to witness such a sight.
"I'm disappointed," his voice was low and filled with regret. The words managed to make them all flinch. "But I'm more disappointed in myself than any of you," he added with a heavy sigh.
It was a statement that he shuddered to admit, but it was undeniably true. However, it seemed to unify the occupants in the room, as their eyes bristled with anger and hurt.
"That's bullshit!" Genevra exclaimed in protest. "I may not be the easiest student, but my teacher always emphasized the importance of kindness and empathy." She turned away, appearing frail and defeated, her shoulders drooping. "This wasn't how I wanted my surprise to turn out."
William let out a sigh, "I had high expectations of you, and yet here we are." He gazed at her with a sorrowful expression. "What was it that caused such frustration in you?"
"The news of the man from the cliffs."
Frederica's interest was piqued as she inquired, "What about him then? You had no involvement in that fight."
"That's right, your children were the lucky ones spared from that heinous act," William said, his voice filled with relief. He had ridden as fast as he could when he heard about the children's disappearance, worried that Genevra's children would be victims too if he was too late. "Diluc and Kaeya were safe, and I protected them. But unfortunately, the noble children from the city were not."
"No need to remind me," Frederica muttered, her expression souring as if she had tasted something unpleasant.
"Did I miss something?" Varka asked, feeling lost and confused. "Why are you so interested, so invested in this man?" He shrugged, "I understand he saved Jean who was a good friend to your sons, but this seems like more than that."
"Yes, what's wrong?" William asked with concern, noticing the disappointment and devastation on the young woman's face. "Is there something we should be aware of?"
Genevra could only give a small stare, calling her a child again made her feel bad for stressing him out. "Do any of you know how I got back on my feet? Especially after one more foot in the grave from my arrogance?" Two heads shook in denial, one head could only give her a hard gaze back.
Frederica searched the woman's face, looking for any details in her words. "So rumors of Barbatos healing you himself was a fabricated lie?"
"The Church had some help with that," Genevra said with disdain. "But no, it wasn't that."
"Hmph, so what my husband said was true, then?" Frederica stared at Genevra's eyes. "That a stranger found you in the woods and healed you."
"Huh? Really?" Varka was astonished. "Seriously, that's one hell of a miracle medicine then." Varka's astonishment quickly turned into amusement as he continued to tease Genevra. "Did you give him a dose of that miracle medicine? That's the only way he'd have a chance with someone like you." He chuckled to himself before adding, "But really, what does this have to do with the man on the cliffs?"
Genevra rolled her eyes at him, Frederica's expression turned to one of disgust, and the old man let out a disappointed sigh, shaking his head even more.
Varka could do nothing but scratch his head. Was he missing something? He can't help but foolishly ask, "What?"
"You fool," Frederica groaned. "What she meant was that the incident at the cliffs and her dangerous case were not separate coincidences." Genevra grinned at her, while William's eyes shone with insight.
"I still don't get it."
Before Frederica could pommel the poor man, William says with a revered voice, "Both individuals are the same person."
Varka blinked. "Wait, what." Once, twice, and three times. "Okay, how?"
"I still do not see what my sister sees in you," Frederica glared at the stunned man. "This incident with Genevra, and this battle on the cliffs, happened on the same day." When the man nodded in realization, she continued, "With a mysterious individual none has ever encountered before, mystical abilities of the Anemo element, and a vague attempt at a disguise, both of these elements were present in those cases."
Genevra hummed in agreement, "It is possible that it could be a different man, but in my heart I know this is not the case." She gave them a firm look, one that spoke of her faith. "They are the same. He is the same man that saved me, and the same man that saved those children."
No one dared to protest her belief, but they were all coming to terms with it. It made sense. If there were two individuals at play, they would have noticed other activities happening in different parts of the country, but it was always in the east of Mondstadt - the forest, the cliffs.
Even an amateur adventurer could go to the forest, back to the city, and then march to the cliffs within hours. Within the same day.
"Not that I would dare to refute your claim," Varka began cautiously, sensing her piercing glare, "but there seem to be a few details that we are still missing."
William furrowed his brow and asked, "Can you describe him again?"
"Seriously, how many times do I have to say it?" Varka groaned, clearly exasperated by the repetitive questioning.
"Not you, big oaf," Genevra said with a grin. "The old man means me." She pointed a proud thumb towards herself.
"You?" Varka scoffed in disbelief. "I doubt you remember what he looked like, considering you were knocked out, right?"
Frederica shook her head, a rare smile tinged with sadness curling her lips. "I don't think that would stop her. Genevra has a knack for details, even in dire situations."
"Damn right. I knew you had a heart, Rica."
That sad smile twisted into a scowl. "Do not call me that."
The commander let out a chuckle at the sight of his student's confident expression. "Well, let's hear it then. Varka might be taken aback," William said, his trust in her gut feelings unwavering. He knew his student to be honest and forthright, and teaching her the value of humility before pride was one of his greatest accomplishments as her mentor.
But Varka's pride had always outshone hers.
"I highly doubt it," Varka scoffed, clearly unimpressed and not eager to hear whatever she had to say. But how could he not? He had doubts about her claims, and he and Jean were the only ones who had encountered him up close.
"He had blond hair," Genevra started, her smile growing wider. William furrowed his brow, surprised by the rare sight.
A loud scoff from Varka made her frown. "Many guys have blond hair. I have blond hair." He pointed towards the stern woman on the other side of the room. "She has blond hair too, but her attitude can be a bit darker."
"Be quiet, oaf."
Genevra smirked, "Oh? How many blond men have hair longer than their waist?"
"That doesn't prove anything at all!" Varka sputtered in denial, tempted to refute her claims until he remembered the long flowing hair that streamed behind the boy's back. "But wait...you said he had long blonde hair? That narrows it down a bit, I suppose. But still, I could name at least two people I know with that description."
Jean's mother just sighed. "Is it my sister and I,Varka?"
"No," Varka coughed nervously. "Seamus too."
"For fuck's sake." For once, it was not Genevra who said that. William could not blame the Gunnhildr Matriarch, always putting up against Varka's shenanigans.
Genevra hummed, pulling out the most evident features from the form he had. "Hmm, what about golden eyes?" Varka was about to say something, but Genevra cut him off. "Or mysterious clothing design? White, brown, and gold? A shoddy cape? Or maybe the open midriff he has?"
Varka tried opening his mouth, but nothing came out.
The woman, tired of this nonsense, sighed. "I know it is him. Jean told me."
"Told you what?" Frederica demanded, a bit miffed, that Jean was more cooperative with the Lady Ragnvindr than her own mother. She knew why, as that bitch achinglingy reminded her.
"How he used the winds to his whims," She smirked at Frederica, "A whole lot different than a Vision. In fact, she claimed that he had no Vision at all."
"That's ridiculous," Frederica scoffed. "There's no way Jean would come up with such nonsense." She refused to believe that her daughter could be making false claims.
"I haven't seen it either," Genevra said, disregarding the Matriarch's objection. "He didn't have a Vision underneath his cloak, at least not that I saw."
Frederica's voice was trembling with frustration, her eyes narrowing as she spoke. "You were hallucinating," she repeated, her tone firm. "My daughter may have told you some fanciful story, but the truth is she's still just a child. She was likely frightened by whatever happened on that cliff, and her mind has been playing tricks on her ever since. You'd do well to ignore her ramblings."
"Says the woman who led her daughter to join the knights."
Frederica snarled, "That has nothing to do with this!"
Instead of retorting, William fixed a stern gaze on Genevra, silently anticipating whatever she was about to say. Genevra couldn't resist a smug smile, but decided to hold her tongue for the moment.
"Of course not," Genevra said placatingly, "But what about you, Captain? You possess great perception and strength, surely you could have witnessed the man using a Vision?"
Frederica's scathing gaze shifted away from Genevra's smirk to settle on the poor man, who found himself in her crosshairs. William knew that Genevra had stirred something in Frederica, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. Whatever it was, he hoped it wouldn't fester and cause any further issues.
"I, uh, what I mean to say was-"
He couldn't bear the intensity of the anger in her gaze. Frederica's eyes bore into him as she spoke through gritted teeth, "Spit it out."
Varka conceded far too quickly, "I saw nothing! No Vision, nor any evident signs of its possession." He muttered, "He confounded me too. There was nothing, only him and furious winds. I also felt no traces of Delusion energy." It was a claim that had already been verified. William was proud that Varka was the leading head in the fight against the spread of Delusions in Mondstadt.
A heavy silence descended upon the room, as everyone processed the implications of the man's statement. If someone with extensive experience fighting those monstrous beings claimed to have neither felt a Delusion nor spotted a Vision, it only raised more questions among them.
The Gunnhildr Matriarch slumped onto a nearby couch, no longer standing tall. "If not him, then who else could be controlling the wind? And how did he manage to save those children?" she asked, puzzled.
"Save little Jean and spare us the trouble?" Varka suggested with a nonchalant shrug. "I really have no idea."
William cleared his throat, unsure where this shared sense of disbelief would lead. "Teyvat is vast, with regions yet unexplored by any human. No one from Mondstadt has ever ventured beyond the Dark Sea, and any information we have of other places is either speculative or fictitious. Records of other lands only describe places devoid of humans or living creatures - even mentioning cannibalism."
The last part of the statement made them collectively shudder, silently agreeing to dismiss such preposterous claims. However, the idea of Visionless powers and miracle medicines lingered in their minds, leaving them with a sense of intrigue and skepticism.
The man who saved those children, and now his student Genevra, became increasingly intriguing, but not in a good way, as word of their deeds spread throughout Teyvat. No one could deny the allure of greed, and Treasure Hoarders were a rarity. Only Liyue had an infestation, and Fontaine was plagued by thieves lurking in the city's underbelly. Foolish and brave enough to scurry around the ruins of old cities in search of empty treasures and numerous dangers, they were nothing more than petty criminals.
Now, if even a rumor were to spread to other nations of miracles and unimaginable powers, Mondstadt would be besieged for a long time when the tide would arrive. Questions would arise, along with desires, and those desires would lead to desperation, which is never a good thing.
William saw how twisted human nature is when given a chance.
Not that he blamed the savior, as he only did what was right, and William only has respect for the man.
No, it was not the lowest scum that he was worried about, as Willaim knew who would be the biggest problem out of this.
William was born a commoner, and he considered himself fortunate to be born in Liyue where life was not as perilous compared to some other nations. While finding work could be a challenge, with enough effort and hard work, one could become their own king in Liyue.
He was a mercenary once, and now a knight. William came a long way.
But as expected, when he joined the knights, it was a new world when William and his daughter entered Mondstadt for the first time. For good or bad.
Although the knights and some commoners had accepted his identity, many were hesitant to let a foreigner join the prestigious order. When Leonard du Gard was only the Cavalry Captain, he had done his best to help William settle in with his daughter. However, he could not help the clear discrimination against outsiders in the Order.
William had to change his birth name to fit in, and even his daughter had to adapt to the unfamiliar world they were thrust into. It was his fault for bringing them there, but she never blamed him for it, not even when they were treated poorly.
It was a rigged system that will never change, as those few in power never will give it up.
William faced many obstacles in his career due to his outsider status, particularly from the nobility who hindered his progress. Although it was expected that those outside of the nobility would only rise as high as Cavalry Captain, William had no desire for such a position. In fact, the rules against his advancement allowed William to realize a much more important calling.
The creation of the Outriders.
It was a time of great turmoil, one that William would rather forget than cherish. This current situation has brought back unwelcome memories.
"This is ridiculous," Frederica huffed, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Are we living in a fairytale? No sane mind would ever accept such a thing." William could see the conflict in her eyes. "Is there any other explanation for that power?"
William, a non-native, could only guess. The other two souls in the room gave a discomforting sigh.
"There's no other explanation," said Genevra. "When I was on the brink of death in that forest, I felt the wind shift to comfort me. I thought Barbatos had finally decided to claim me, but instead, I only saw the shadow of my savior."
Varka nodded in agreement, his gruff voice filled with memories. "There was also the weather, a storm of rage and destruction overtaking the camp. The hilichurls there numbered in the hundreds, and even I would have been overwhelmed by a hundred or two." He closed his eyes, recalling the storm on the cliffs that day. "Of course, my boys were ready to give their lives on the line - that's what being a knight is all about - but my men were spared any effort at all."
He smiled at William, and the old man felt a wave of relief emanating from Varka's eyes. "I'm glad I didn't have to do that, as a certain old man once said to treasure my comrades. I would bleed and fight until my last breath to save Jean and the other children, as well as my men, as we are always prepared to do so at any moment."
"Except you didn't have to," Frederica said with a nod of understanding. "It seems like you also owe a personal debt to this savior."
"Indeed, and I will never forget it," Varka said with a dark look in his eyes, making William shudder. "I remember there was a dark mage present at the main camp near the cages where they held the children."
"Ritual?" Genevra scowled in anger. "I've seen those before, back in my prime." Her red eyes darkened, and William and Frederica shared her concern.
"Monsters," Frederica spat, and in a rare sight of anger, she gripped her blade in fury. "Were they really going to...?"
"There's no doubt about it," Varka said with a monotone voice. "Human sacrifices."
William knew, but he never had a clear picture. "I've heard the dark gods need human souls, but children? What horrendous practice in the first place!"
"An infrequent event," Genevra conceded. "I've only witnessed it once in Natlan, and according to some of the locals there, these tribes emerge every few centuries. They're not common, but they do exist." She snorted, her gaze now fixed on Varka. "The dark gods never overlook anything. They'll gladly seize any human soul, regardless of age, and reward those with the most potent ones."
"Potent ones?" Frederica asked in horror.
William could not blame her, as the image of his grandchild in the hands of those monsters triggered something within him. Shaking his head, William could only give the Matriarch a soothing smile. "Younger souls are like candy, sugary and sweet. Adult souls are much more potent but they taste bland or spicy depending on the person. Children are a guaranteed favorite of the dark gods."
"And so, the dark mage worshipped these dark gods?" Frederica asked, her voice rising in anger. The sad and pained expression on William's face only made her lose her composure further. "And where is this dark mage now?"
Varka, after a long while, smirked, "Obliterated. Not even dust remained."
"By the so-called savior, I assume?" Frederica could only sigh heavily, "There's more to thank him for it seems."
There was a complicated look on her face, and William could not tell if it was amused or bemused. "How are you sure, Varka? You certainly saw the man, right?"
"I have, with my two eyes."
Humming in thought, William thought about something odd. "And you said he just left without saying much?"
The man flinched at the piercing gaze of Genevra, making him squirm uneasily. "Yes," he stammered. "I prioritized the children, and he disappeared like smoke."
Genevra's gaze remained fixed on the man, drilling a hole into his face. "So, you were arrogant enough to assume that he wouldn't leave the country and celebrated early?" Her smile was anything but friendly. "Is that what you thought, Cavalry Captain?"
"M-maybe?"
Genevra fixed a dark gaze on Varka, refusing to relent. "It appears that over the years, my blade has dulled," she said, her tone low and dangerous. "You are fortunate that my sword is now useless to me."
Gulping in fear, Varka asked, "What do you mean lucky?"
Before William could interfere again the door opened suddenly, and entered two male figures. "Threatening guests under our roof again, dear? How callous. It seems your sickness only worsened your bad habits."
"You married me," Genevra said, with a hint of playfulness in her voice, as she leaned against her husband. "I must say, it's a bad habit for a lord of a great house to marry a commoner like me."
The other man standing beside Crepus wore a smirk on his face. "The rumors seem to be blown out of proportion. I heard that the lady of the manor is known for her gentle nature and soft-spoken words. One can't rely on hearsay these days," he commented.
"Fuck off, Seamus." Genevra said with a smirk, nodding towards the Seneschal of the Church. "I thought nearly dying would change your tone. Or your heart."
Seamus feigned being hurt, but a small, amused smile was etched on his lips. "Why would the kind-hearted and generous Lady ever think of little ol' me like that? I am a shepherd of Lord Barbatos, and I hold myself to a higher standard than whatever illicit beliefs you have of me."
"Oh yeah? Well-"
Feeling exasperated, Frederica shot both of them a scowl. "Save your foolish banter for later," she said sternly. "This is a serious discussion that could change the fate of Mondstadt."
"What? Are you jealous?" Genevra teased, trying to provoke a reaction from the other woman.
She scowled instead, "Have you no shame?"
"Enough," Lord Crepus' tone grew fierce. "Let this banter continue on a later date. We have much to discuss with the Captain."
William nodded, "In that case, I shall take my leave, Lord Crepus. I merely wanted to update you on Captain Varka's search efforts, but it seems I must continue my own investigation." He cast a disappointed glance towards Varka. "Given his failure."
Varka hung his head in silence, knowing there was little he could say. After all, it was his responsibility from the beginning. William had always held Varka in high regard, even more so than the other children he mentored, believing him to be responsible and empathetic. But now it seemed that Varka was still young and rash, and he felt the weight of his mistake heavily.
"I will not stand in your way, Commander William," Lord Crepus said, giving a respectful bow that was unnecessary. "You protected my children during those dark times and rushed to their aid when news of treachery reached your ears." He gave the old man a kind and grateful smile. "Thank you. I will make sure Diluc and Kaeya earn your respect, as most have."
"They are good children," William affirmed, his tone warm and sincere. "Diluc is already showing himself to be a fine young man, and Kaeya is a clever boy with a bright future ahead of him. You are lucky to have them, Lord Crepus. Treasure them always."
Genvra beamed with pride behind Lord Crepus, and he shared her smile. "I will."
Before he could depart, Varka and Lord Crepus began conversing, and Seamus and Genevra exchanged small banters. As William prepared to leave, Lady Frederica grabbed hold of his arm and led him out of the room.
"Is something troubling you, Frederica?" William asked with concern. She had always been one of the most sensitive and vulnerable children he had mentored. While he was proud of her for growing stronger and more resilient, he also worried about her well-being.
With a nervous gesture of fiddling with her sheathed blade, Frederica turned towards William and spoke. "It's Jean. My daughter is making me worried."
"What do you mean?"
"Something happened on that cliff," she said, her voice tinged with confusion. "There was a change in her, something different."
The old man hummed, understanding the concern of a worried mother for her child. As a grandfather himself, he knew how anything that could help his precious student would ease her heart. "I see. You mentioned that she was fine and unharmed. What has changed?"
"She is. But ever since Jean returned with Varka that afternoon to the Ragnvindr estate, she has been training rigorously like I have never seen before," she said with a sigh.
William furrowed his brows. "More than usual? Isn't that the goal of her training? You should be proud of her progress." He had always been cautious of training Jean too young and too rigorously, but Frederica had always been stubborn in her approach. However, he sensed that something was troubling her deeply, and he couldn't help but share her concerns.
"I would be, normally." Frederica clenched her fists in anger, but then sagged in defeat. "Since she arrived, Lord Crepus and young Diluc explained to me that she hasn't eaten anything they gave her."
"What?" WIlliam gasped. "For how long? Since you arrived, right? Surely she would eat…"
Frederica stood up straight and met his gaze, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I ordered her to eat, but even now, while we speak, the maid I sent to feed her has not returned. I instructed the maid that if Jean ate her food, she should look for me immediately."
"And she hasn't?" William asked, concerned.
"No," Frederica said, her voice filled with defeat. "She hasn't."
William felt confused and angry, this was the first time since the woman was still a child did Frederica look so defeated. "Do you mean…?"
"Jean has not eaten in days."
"That shouldn't be possible," William muttered, feeling a growing sense of concern. "Even the most desperate survivor in a dangerous situation would at least eat once a day. But she has been training non-stop?"
Frederica's silent nod confirmed William's worst fears. He could hear murmurs from the other room and was unsure of how to proceed.
"I have a feeling Lord Crepus, Diluc, and Kaeya already know about this," William said, noticing Frederica's shame-filled nods. "However, Genevra and Varka are still unaware, right?" he continued, feeling a bit relieved that not everyone was in on the situation. "Even her own father does not know yet?" She can only nod helplessly.
"What is happening to my family?" Frederica asked in desperation. "First the disappearance, then the kidnapping, and now this? I need your help, Sir William," she pleaded with her eyes. "I don't know what to do."
"That stubborn girl," William cursed under his breath. "She's just like her mother." He sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'll do what I can, but I need to leave tomorrow."
"That's fine," she said with a sad smile. "I just need you to join my family for dinner tonight. We'll address her atrocious behavior. Barbara will be there as she arrives with my husband. I want her to see that we stand together as a family." There was a small glimmer of determination in her eyes.
"Then where is she now?"
Frederica gave him a worried look, "To look for Jean." Both knew where it would lead.
The old man sighed. Just like her mother and sister, Barbara was stubborn too.
Beidou just couldn't believe her luck!
She spent the last week pestering other folks for their Mora with her amazing thieving skills and tried to snatch a couple of street foods left behind by unsatisfied customers. Beidou definitely got caught a few times by the Millelith! Those mean grown-ups only shook their heads in exasperation every time she got caught. Damn it! She only did those things because she was getting desperate.
Li Hua and Xingxing were deathly ill, and the caretaker of the orphanage stated that they wouldn't last another week without proper medication. Dr. Tianshang and her assistant Baishu were willing to help, but the price was heavily doubled due to the lack of materials needed to produce even a single dose, which were being held by Sheng's gang. Since the gang lord had declared a blockade against all trade related to medicinal plants, the Bubu Pharmacy and many other establishments had suffered greatly.
Of course, as usual, those stupid gangsters who held those treasured ingredients were selling them at a horrendous price. Some suggest a price more appropriate than Mora, something more elicit and incredulous.
Beidou was a confident lass, but she held no pride for her unattractive body. Heck, some had the nerve to call her a twig! She was scared, but she was more than willing to...
Unless they pay the heavy price, none could get treated.
Both little girls tried to put up a brave front and accepted their assigned chores. However, over the past few days, things had only gotten worse. Their once-strong smiles had disappeared, and Xing had collapsed while Li Hua fainted during their chores. Despite Ming, the young good-mother, warning them that their ailing bodies exempted them from the children's chores, they refused to listen.
Beidou couldn't help but cry last night when both girls were bedridden, and the good-mother declared that they might not make it in the next few days. Despite being exceptions to the children's chores due to their ailing bodies, Xing and Li Hua insisted on helping out, only worsening their condition. Beidou's older brothers worked even harder than before, but their stricken looks betrayed their fear. Everyone had accepted that the girls might not make it.
Beidou refused to give up. Even before the sun had risen, she leaped out of her dirty cot and rushed outside of their broken shack, determined to do something, anything, to save her comrades. She wanted nothing more than for them to live another day with smiles on their faces and for everything to go back to the way it was. There was no telling what she would do if they did perish one day, any moment at any time.
She never felt so helpless before.
Being greedy was never in Beidou's nature. She never craved luxury or material possessions, knowing that Mora could not buy true happiness. Instead, she learned at an early age that the bonds of comradeship and family were all that one needed to overcome great challenges in life. However, this time, Beidou couldn't help but feel that those things might not be enough.
Beidou was desperate, damn it!
Beidou felt lucky when she spotted a man fully armored from neck to toe. His presence was unlike any she had ever felt before. Despite the heavy crowds, he flowed through them with ease, like a smooth rock in an overflowing river.
Beidou cursed her luck. It wasn't her lack of skill in thievery that got her caught by the stranger. She was a master thief, and that was a fact no one could deny.
"What's your name, oh greatest pirate?"
Hmm, that does sound too terrible. Pirates were cool! Or sailors specifically, but Beidou could only ignore the stranger's sarcastic jab.
"Damn right, old man! I'm the greatest pirate queen in all of Liyue!" She laughed heartily, her eyes beamed with a challenge. "You'll never forget the day you were robbed by Captain Beidou!"
Ignoring whatever ever incredulous look the stranger had, Beidou was gripping the pouch that he willingly gave out like chump change. She was a polite person, and Beidou was taught not to question a person's decision. Especially if that action was to her, and to her family's, benefit.
"W-What did you say your name was?"
Hmm, this stranger was strong but deaf. A grand conclusion!
And so, here she was- Mora in hand, and the totally-scary-yet-somewhat-kind stranger gawking in front of her. That was new, Beidou wished to contemplate about it more, but her comrades needed her! Usually, she would just run off and leave the man to his musings, but Beidou was anything if not really grateful for this stranger's patronage.
Thanks to the stranger's kindness and dismissal of her attempts at robbing him, Xing and Li Hua were able to live another day, and possibly even more years. Beidou couldn't help but reflect on the stranger's words - maybe being a pirate was a better path for her than thievery. Regardless, she was grateful for the stranger's intervention and vowed to use her skills for a better cause in the future.
Beidou's smile widened as she spoke with confidence, "The name's Beidou. Captain Beidou, to be precise." She made sure to emphasize her title, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the stranger.
Captain Beidou. The name rolled off the tongue smoothly, and its familiarity was both strange and nostalgic. Regardless, now that she had given the man her name, Beidou knew she should make her way to the orphanage. Ming would know what to do!
Before she could make a run for it, Beidou knew she had to come up with a plausible explanation for how she had obtained the Mora. She wasn't a great liar, but her siblings and Ming knew she had a tendency to get into trouble and emerge unscathed. She didn't want to implicate the kind stranger who had caught her and given her the Mora, as it might put her brothers in harm's way. This stranger's strength was beyond her imagination! She needed to explain things clearly and concisely to avoid any misunderstandings about the nature of the exchange.
They were big and strong, but the stranger was on a different level. If he wanted something from her, he could have easily taken it. Her wrists still hurt from where he grabbed her, and she could see a red mark.
"I see," the stranger said in a tired voice. Beidou sensed a sudden shift in his tone, from teasing to resigned, and it frightened her. His once-golden eyes had already seemed dull before, but now they looked even darker than she could comprehend.
He asked tentatively, "May I ask for a favor?"
Beidou's crimson eyes narrowed, but she didn't jump to any conclusions just yet. "Sure, what do you need help with?" she asked.
The man hesitated before speaking, "I need assistance navigating the city. I've been away for some time, and everything seems unfamiliar. I can offer extra payment for your help."
The last part caught Beidou's attention, and she turned her head towards the stranger who appeared uncomfortable. He was scratching his golden mop of hair and seemed unsure about what else to say in her presence. She wondered where the teasing tone he had earlier went off to. However, it was when she said her name that something changed in the stranger's demeanor. He became more cautious and alert to her movements. Every time she moved even an inch, he involuntarily flinched.
And his eyes held a deep longing and a hidden sadness that Beidou had never seen before.
Beidou hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. She had the Mora in her hand and could easily make a run for it, but her curiosity got the best of her.
"Fine," she said, finally giving in. "But you better address me as Captain. And I'll consider your request, stranger."
The stranger chuckled, "Sure thing, Captain. My name is Aether, by the way."
Beidou raised an eyebrow. "Aether, huh? Never heard of you."
Aether shrugged. "I'm not exactly from around here."
Beidou mused on the unusual name, "Aether". It didn't sound like it belonged in Liyue, and she suspected it was from another nation. The thought of visiting these places excited her, but her priority was her comrades. She needed to focus on them first. The stranger waited patiently for her response, and Beidou could sense a mixture of recognition and admiration in their gaze.
With a sense of pity and sorrow.
"So, where to, first mate Aether?"
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I should've uploaded this last week, but I was off my computer for days at the time because of a trip. Basically, since last December, I moved to a new country to look for job opportunities. The country I am at is very strict with its residency and I have to renew my Visa by moving out of the country for a few days, process my Visa on a neighboring country, and return to the country with a fresh Visa in hand. Last week was my final days before my previous Visa must expire, so I was caught at a bad time.
Now that I am stable, for the time being anyway, I can spend my free time with my hobbies. It has been months, but I've been catching up on Genshin stuff. Only when I arrived a few days ago, I started playing Genshin again and even caught a certain cute radish girl on my new team.
I'll expand more on my Discord server. With this update, I hope you enjoy the chapter. More things to come and I hope things will be normal for a while.
