This is the second chapter of the story and now, Aether's frustration is starting to show. Now, in-game I don't know how long does the time passed in between the Archon Quests. Especially since we also have story quest, world quest and commissions. But I would imagine that after spending everyday doing dailies would make the Traveler feel monotonous. Farming (as in in-game grinding of XP and drops) doesn't count. Besides I am not sure if any Genshin Fanfic Author can better explain how and why Barbara (example) needs Cleansing Hearts and Hilichurl scrolls for leveling up and skills.
Oh, there will be no Devil may cry crossover in this story.
Hellraising Harbinger
Chapter 2: Frustration is Getting Bigger
Serenitea Pot
"Paimon thinks this is a trap!"
"Perhaps, but why would she request an audience with her in Snezhnaya?" Aether countered. "If she really hates me, she could send her Harbingers to do the dirty work."
Right now, Aether is back in his Teapot discussing the letter and request Childe gave to him. Of course, his flying companion took no time to point out her distrust.
"Paimon doesn't know what Childe is up to." Paimon said. "But anything from her sounds super dangerous! Remember what Venti said about her?"
He remembered him saying she changed 500 years ago. Exactly the same time as the Cataclysm. This couldn't be a mere coincidence. Also, he was notably evading his inquiry regarding her. While Aether is not one to trespass on personal matter, the fact that the Anemo Archon was dodging the subject makes him more suspicious.
Then there was Morax contract with her…
"T-Traveler!"
Suddenly, Aether realizes that he had slammed his right hand on the table.
"I am sorry, Pai." He apologized. "I was thinking about the Tsaritsa, and then Zhongli came into mind."
Paimon nodded somberly. She remembered the last time they talk about him it started a huge fight that led them to three days without talking to each other. Thankfully, they made up, but the God of Contract was still a sore subject to Aether.
And we have stopped coming to Liyue after Azhdaha. Paimon didn't want to start a fight again so she doesn't question it.
"Paimon thinks that maybe we should ask around just to be sure."
But Aether shot that down immediately.
"And who would have a neutral opinion about this?" Aether said. "So far almost everyone we know had reasons not to like the Fatui. Two of the three Archons we know are probably estranged from the Tsaritsa. And I most certainly not going to ask HIM about this."
Aether shook his head.
"If we ask about this, it will attract too much unnecessary attention. And I am not in the mood to entertain anyone right now. Even if the gods can keep their mouth shuts, they are still too lopsided against the Fatui and possibly the Tsaritsa."
Paimon knows well that if it was known that the Traveler had got a secret letter from the Fatui, it would get everyone attention.
"So, what will you do?" Paimon asked, worrying and suspecting his answer.
Aether said nothing and went to his room with his companion flying next to him.
"I will go to sleep. I will think about this tomorrow."
The next day
Aether's journey across Teyvat has left him in a loop of doing commissions and earning Mora. It was starting to feel like a cushy desk job, almost little to no change with the daily routine. And worst that, absolutely no improvement in his skills. Sure he got a little stronger, key word being little. The worst part is, most of the task given were simple jobs that anyone with a pair of hands could do, be in cleaning the shrine or a simple food delivery.
If that Good Hunter wench ask me to deliver another meal, I will splat it right up her face!
Thankfully, it was some monster extermination. While still boring, it was cathartic to take out his frustration at hapless monsters.
"Let's see, destroying hilichurl's tower, butcher a tribe of them, and…"
Reading the third request, it was a request to stop an Abyss Mage from performing a ritual on a tribe of hilichurl.
Lumine.
After finishing the third request, Aether held the Abyss Mage on sword point. The small mage trembled at the sight of the expressionless Traveler. It looked like his eyes lost more colors than Childe.
"Hey mage." Aether said with a neutral tone. This made the creature shudder further.
"Do you know my sister?"
The mage shook his head.
After a short pause, Aether said: "Tell your Princess, Aether sends his regard."
The mage nodded repeatedly.
"Now get lost!"
The mage didn't waste any time to scurry away via teleporting. Aether looked at the spot where it was and groan while shaking his head.
"That was scary." Paimon said while appearing.
Aether said nothing. Then Paimon looked at her companion and notice that his eyes looked the same as Childe.
Paimon doesn't know what to say to cheer him up. It seems that the recent events had really started to change Aether. And she is worried that he would change for the worse.
"Hey Traveler, fancy running into you here."
Aether turned to the source of the voice. It was Venti, the mortal vessel of Barbatos. The bard took one look and was shocked at his friend's blank eyes.
"Traveler! What happened to you?" Venti asked.
"It has been a difficult month." Aether replied with the same neutral tone as he had used.
"Did something happened during your journey?"
"I think the question should be, did 'nothing' happen during my travels." Aether answered sarcastically. Taking a look at Venti's face, he decided to humor him. "Before I entered Inazuma, I met Zhongli. I am sure you know who he really is, right?"
Venti nodded.
"Long story short, I help him solve a crisis for his nation, AGAIN. And tried to ask him about Khaenri'ah."
Venti was shocked. He knows about the fallen kingdom 500 years ago that was destroyed by the Cataclysm. He wasn't there so he doesn't know much.
But did Rex Lapis know?
"Morax himself knew but can't say. Due to a contract which I have no fucking idea who and what it entails aside from the aforementioned." Aether snarked. "The Contract to end all contract."
He spat on the ground.
"What a fucking joke."
"I don't know what that contract was, but I am sure Zhongli had reason why he kept onto it." Venti defended his fellow Archon. "Besides I think he meant the last part figuratively. Did you expect THE God of Contract to break his prior agreement?"
"That's why I have been avoiding Liyue since then. I have missed the last Lantern Rite Festival. Not that I am complaining."
Venti took a step back at Aether. His growing lack of empathy is getting worse. In hindsight, he should have realized that when he first noticed that he was in his Teapot during the Lantern Rite.
"Inazuma was the last straw for me." He continued. "Since arriving at Ritou, I had to literally deliver a letter just to get out of the lockdown at that formerly gloomy port. Mind you it was a love letter. But that was the beginning, one of the nation's most important figure tried to get me to join a protest against the Vision Hunt Decree. She led to three people who lost their vision, just to get me to sympathize with their cause. That was far from my objective as I wanted to MEET the Archons not stand against them. Besides its their problem, not my mess to clean."
"However, the situation escalated which just to make it brief, my heroism made me a fugitive there." Aether sighed. "Sometimes I hate myself for playing the hero. Anyway, because of that I had to run and join the Resistance at Watatsumi. Somehow, lo and behold, the Fatui was responsible for all of this. The Vision Hunt Decree, Sakoku Decree, and the War, all actions of the Fatui."
Aether had left out how they were also responsible distributing Delusions to the Resistance which drained their vitality the more it was used. In worse case, it could kill them.
Venti was shocked and angry after hearing all of this. He knew that the Fatui were low, but to manipulate the country and throw it to turmoil was a new low.
"But how could they do that, there is no way Baal would allow that."
"It's complicated, but the abridged version is: Makoto, the original Baal was killed 500 years go which made Ei, the current Electro Archon, sad and she created a puppet to escape erosion. That puppet was called the Shogun that was what ruled Inazuma during the Vision Hunt Decree. Said puppet was however very cold and stoic which made it easy for the Fatui and some corrupted idiots from the upper echelon to manipulate and use to further their goal."
Even if it was an abridged version, it was still a lot to take it. The original Electro Archon died? And currently, Ei, the Kagemusha, is now the Archon. Then there's the thing about a puppet?
"Puppet? What are you talking about?" Venti asked. Its not that he can't understand. But there seems to be more to it.
"The details on that strange is something I don't know how or what was used. Inazuma had some strange mechanical beings. So, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise." Aether replied. "But that's not the point, Venti. I am just sick of being used to solve the nations problem. Mondtsadt, Liyue, and finally Inazuma are all guilty of trying to get me, an outsider, to fix their mess."
He glared at the bard.
"I sometimes think you Archons are useless."
"T-Traveler." Paimon cried.
Aether sighed.
"I am sorry, Venti." Aether apologized. "Like I said earlier, it has been a difficult month."
"I feel like your journey at Inazuma was more than months ago." Venti observed.
"It was, Tone-Deaf Bard." Paimon answered. "But after that, he was busy helping all nations, except for Liyue, doing commissions and request."
"It gets annoying after a week or two." Aether muttered. "Worse than that, there is no answers on where my sister is and what the hell happened at Khaenri'ah. Until yesterday."
This caught the bard attention. It seems there is some good news in all of this. But something tells him that it was a bad omen.
"Keep whatever I said to yourself, Barbatos." Aether said sternly. "I… just want your opinion, I don't need more attention than I need it."
"Of course, what is this about?"
"Yesterday, I receive a letter from a… friend."
"Friend?" Venti notice he said that part cryptically.
"Look, he is not exactly a good guy. But I trust him. He's one of the Fatui Harbinger."
That was hardly a surprise. Knowing Aether, making friends with the enemy is something he will definitely do. But making friends with one of the enemy faction's leader, that is an accomplishment.
Suddenly, Venti realize that the letter was not from the Harbinger, but from his boss.
"The Tsaritsa." Venti whispered. "That's who sent you this letter."
For the first time today, Aether smiled.
"Exactly, I think you can guess what I want to ask."
Folding his arm, Venti said: "Well, for one I don't think you should trust her. But I suppose things must have changed in Snezhnaya for her to ask you presence, did I get that right?"
"You are right with the latter, but the reason for it was far simple I suspect." Aether replied. "I think Childe, the friend I talked about, told his Archon and convinced her to get me to join her."
He then took out the unsealed the letter and gave it to Venti.
It reads:
To the esteemed Traveler,
No doubt this would come in a surprise that the main leader of the faction you so crossed sent you this letter. But I assure you, this is genuine.
My most loyal (but bullheaded) Harbinger, Tartaglia, told me of your predicament. It brings me sorrow that you are separated from your sister and worse than that an enemy.
It also came to my attention that you are seeking the Seven for answers and thus far, had receive sour apples in your search. Especially with Morax, after all you have done for both him and his nation, he denies you of answer you so crave all for an ancient agreement after making the "Contract to end all contracts" with me.
But I, the Tsaritsa, ruler of Snezhnaya, the Cryo Archon have the information you require. I am also not restrained in answering your question regarding Khaenri'ah unlike a certain Archon. You are hereby invited to my home, the Zapolyarny Palace. If you desire an audience with me, just say "The sun is shining" to the guard at the Grand Goth Hotel, he will know to do next and lead you on your way to Snezhnaya and to Zapolyarny.
Be warned, that this is not a half-hearted decision for you to make, Traveler. But now question for you is: how much are you willing to go for your answer?
I look forward in meeting you
Best Regard,
The Tsaritsa
Venti read the letter a number of times. It seems that she has not changed the way she writes since the last time I was on good terms with her, Venti thought. The last part of the letter was especially eerie. Is she trying to bargain with the Traveler and hopefully gain his allegiance?
That would be distressing, a Fatui Aether. Worse part is, that might really happen. He's too desperate for answers.
Looking up from the letter, Venti met with Aether expected gaze.
He sighed.
"Well, I can't see any deception from the letter." Venti began. "But Aether, it seems that she knows how vulnerable you are. I think she may try to trick you into joining the Fatui."
"I am well aware of that, Barbatos." He scoffed. "But what other option do I have? Do you know about what happened at Khaenri'ah? My sister? Do you know anyone that have my answers?"
Venti frowned at that. Of course he has already answered all of them. Being no. Worse part is, there are two person that held the Traveler answers and one of them refuse to speak.
"I'll be frank, I don't like this." Venti said honestly. "While I do not doubt she may have your answer, but I question whether or not she will be honest."
"He's right, Traveler." Paimon agrees. "The Fatui are liars and she is probably the biggest of them all being their boss and all."
"Not all the time." Aether muttered. "Listen you two, I am getting sick of my adventure across Teyvat. My next destination is or rather would be Sumeru. There is no doubt that I am going to have to solve THEIR problem first before I can even see Lesser Lord Kusanali. I don't want that."
"Traveler, remember what I said before? Your journey itself has a meaning." The Anemo Archon reminded him. "Your destination is not everything. Keep-"
"My eyes open and use the chance to take in the world around me." Aether cut him off. "I FUCKING KNOW! Do you have any idea how many of you already said the same bullshit to me?"
Aether didn't realize he was shouting and when he noticed his two friends were cowering, he simmered down a little.
"It seems that asking for a second opinion might be a bad idea after all." He snatched the letter back from Venti and put it back to the unsealed envelope.
"Paimon, let's go home."
Deciding not to argue Paimon flew to Aether side and they both turned and walked away.
"Traveler!" Venti called out.
Aether just turned his head with an unamused glare.
"I hope you can your answer from her, but keep your guard up. She is not the kind, gentle person that she was."
Neither of them said anything and just walked away.
Serenitea Pot
Few minutes later…
When they returned home, Paimon was surprised that he said he wanted to prepare a meal for them. Normally, he would be shut in his room.
Paimon thought that maybe Tone-Deaf Bard could help. But instead made it worse, and he isn't exactly at fault for it.
Aether sat down on his seat after putting their meal on the table. Sweet Madame, but the Traveler was just having goulash. The fact that he barely touched his meal was something Paimon caught on.
"Traveler?" Paimon spoke.
"Tomorrow we are going to the Grand Goth Hotel." Aether said while eating the stew.
Paimon was shocked even though she somehow expected that.
"But Traveler, isn't that too fast." Paimon responded.
Aether scowled at his friend.
"We don't have a neutral party in this. Almost everyone we know are against the Fatui. And they have justified reasons."
He slammed the table.
"But I am sick of all this. Everyday is the same goddamn routine: help civilians, clean up monsters, saving the damned nation. And what do I get? Some Mora and experience but not even a step closer to what I am looking for. Answers about Khaenri'ah, my sister, and the Abyss."
Paimon tried to dissuade him or at least get him to think about it longer.
"But we could still get our answers in Sumeru, the city of Wisdom, if there is one Archon that knows about Khaenri'ah, its Lesser Lord Kusanali, the God of Wisdom."
"Not before helping her or her nation first, dammit." Aether retorted. "Probably both. And I am sick of doing that. Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you. I can overlook Mondstadt, but not Liyue and Inazuma for making me solve their problem. Especially Liyue, I was just in the wrong place at a wrong time, and all of the sudden, I am treated as a fugitive. And don't get me started on Morax."
Paimon couldn't answer.
Aether sighed.
"I know that there is a high chance that this could be a trap, but I don't have a choice."
"Yes you do, Traveler!" Paimon cried. "Besides, the letter didn't DEMAND you to come see the Tsaritsa. You are within your rights to say no!"
"That's not what I meant." Aether frowned. "I am getting no closer to my answers ever since I run into Lumine and that duplicitous Dainsleif."
"Paimon thinks you are being too mean towards Dain. He must have his reasons to keep his secrets, who knows how some will react after they learn what he was and what he had done."
"With great distrust and suspicion" Aether admitted. "Still he knows me, and my sister."
Aether slammed the table harder. Some of his goulash splashed out.
"There is no telling how much he knows. He probably knows about the Fatui, the Tsaritsa and her plans."
Paimon was shocked. While this sounds overly exaggerated, it may not be too unbelievable.
Aether sighed deeply.
"I think this is enough. Let's finish our meal and let's rest for a while. I need to think."
Serenitea Pot
Conch-Court Isle
Thankfully Paimon had left him alone while he was wandering the faux beach. When he designed his portable home, he chose the Cool Isle theme because of his love of the sea. He had also added some aesthetics that he knows some of his closest companions would like. It was sad that his home is now empty of his friends since a few months ago. He still remembered when he deliberately skipped the Lantern Rite, Xiangling come in and brought the festival to him along with Xiao and Hu Tao.
I feel bad for giving them a vague reason for my absences. Of course, Xiao and Hu caught on.
Thankfully, they did not ask. He suspects that it would have devolved into a huge argument had they asked.
Looking at the empty food street that he had built. He is reminded of that time, he really missed his friends, but he really wanted to be left alone. Last he heard from Hu Tao, she tried to confront her consultant about what happened, but he replied with we parted way as peacefully as we could, I do not blame him for severing ties, nor do I hold any animosity against him even if it's not mutual.
At least he felt bad for it.
For the past hour, he tried to think of how bad the choice would be to go to the Tsaritsa, but he thought of nothing. Its not as if what she and the Fatui had done was right, but so far, none of what they had done have affected him directly, except for Teppei.
But he brought this on himself. They brought it on themselves, accepting the Delusion without thinking about the consequences. Didn't they notice that they were deteriorating after using that thing?
The more he thought about it, the less reason he felt sad and sorry for his old comrade. It was tragic that he died, but he should have known better.
And the real blame should be on that Divine Priestess, what was she thinking accepting help from UNKNOWN source.
The resistance and the Knights of Favonius. Aether wondered if he was cursed with joining factions that are incompetent at their job. The former was barely holding on if the Fatui had not contributed in prolonging the war. The latter was undermanned after that incompetent Grand Master called eighty percent of the Knights to Celestia knows where.
But Diluc respected that Grand Master and he dislike the Knights, interesting.
He knew that if words got out that he is meeting the Tsaritsa, most if not all of his friends would dissuade him. But he has very, very little choice. His journey across Teyvat has always have this cycle, enter the nation, caught up with their problem, solve that problem, meet the Archons, and get no closer to his answers.
What am I the nations errand boy? Your nations problem is not my concern! Deal with it yourself, Aether thought angrily.
Few hours later…
Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild
"Thank you for completing today's commissions. Here is your reward."
Aether grunted.
He has started to lost all sense of empathy towards the people around him as he is stuck doing the same old tasks almost everyday.
"Y'know Traveler," Paimon started. "Paimon doesn't blame you for snapping at that layabout idiot. Sometimes Paimon wanted to scold him for being such a coward."
As Aether wandered the streets of Mondstadt. He and his flying companion discussed about what happened earlier. When Godwin asked him to deliver a letter AGAIN, Aether snapped at that useless layabout and told him to get a grip and finally face the music rather than wandering about lying about his job.
"Its people like him that gave the Knights a bad name." Aether said. "Its no wonder Diluc had such a bad opinion on them."
"Paimon wondered why did Glory fall for him?" Paimon commented. "Does love really makes you blind?"
Ignoring the pun, Aether replied, "Maybe he used to be a better person before losing that keepsake." Aether shook his head. "But it doesn't excuse his behavior. His own comrades are basically rising their lives in the expedition and the remaining Knights here are trying their best despite the low manpower. And here he was wandering around wilderness outside Mondstadt doing 'reconnaissance'."
"Now that Paimon thinks about it, how come none of the Knights caught on his pretense. I doubt something like that would elude Diluc. He has eyes and ears everywhere."
"Who's to say that he doesn't know." Aether retorted. "I am pretty sure something like that would not be unnoticed by the master of Dawn Winery. He must be the one keeping it from the Acting Grand Master."
I wouldn't be surprise if SHE knows about Godwin's predicament.
Making up his mind, Aether decided to go to the Knight's Headquarter and meet the Acting Grand Master.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters
Few minutes later…
"Is the Acting Grand Master in?" Aether asked one of the guards stationed outside the Headquarters.
"She just recently returned from a commission." Athos, one the stationing guard replied.
Nodding, the Traveler entering the Headquarters and proceeded to enter the Grand Master Office.
"Oh, such a surprise to see you, cutie."
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Aether turned to the source of the sultry voice, Lisa, the Librarian of Mondstadt Library.
"I am here on Knight's business. And wished to speak with the Acting Grand Master in private."
Normally, Lisa would tease the two, but one look at the Honorary Knight's eye, she can tell that this was serious. She nodded and left the two alone.
"Now then, is there something the matter?" Jean asked.
Walking in front of the sitting Jean, Aether then reported Godwin's lies to the Acting Grand Master.
"I am aware of Godwin lies about reconnaissance" Jean said while putting her hands in front of her. "I pity him more than my anger. He lost something dear to him and was cut off from the expedition. Varka himself told me to be easy on him and when he grew a spine, I will welcome him back."
Aether groaned. He was not surprise at the Grand Master kindness and knowledge. But the fact that he allowed him to continue lying put a bad taste in his mouth.
"Is this a fucking joke?" Aether seethed.
Jean looked up and saw the Traveler starting to boil in rage.
"When Diluc said the Knights are inefficient, I was initially skeptical. I trusted you, Lisa, Amber, Kaeya, Eula, and Noelle. But the rest of you are too much of an idiot!"
Jean was shocked. It seems that something must have snapped inside the Traveler. She has to act fast before it escalates.
But Aether didn't give her the chance.
"First that Grand Master of yours took eighty percent of the Knights manpower to Celestia Knows where. This left Mondstadt with a paltry few who can't even stop a slime invasion on Mondstadt if it ever happens. Then there's you." Aether pointed at Jean which took her aback.
"The Knights are pushing everything to you Dandelion Knight. Yet instead of delegating, you took the jo yourself most of the time! It's a wonder you haven't died of overwork with the all the shit that you have to do."
Jean coughed a little before replying.
"I will admit that I was burdened with leadership suddenly, but I tried organize my workload. The sudden departure of eighty percent of the Knights manpower left huge gaps on the field. Gaps that I still haven't filled even to this day."
This was not something she should be telling anyone, but she needs to soothe the Traveler anger.
"But the problem is YOU are doing the work of your subordinates." Aether pointed out. "Chasing cats around is something a newbie Knight can handle. I know being a Knight is a tough calling, but I feel like your recruitment plans are the worse. You have a trainee wannabe that needs help in doing crazy stunts just to be a Knight! What are your recruiters thinking?"
"Ellin has her own perception of how a night should be, just like how Noelle has hers." Jean said while rubbing her temple with one hand. "As you have said, being a Knight is no simple task and it require years of training and squiring before becoming a full-fledged Knight. Beside if it makes you feel better, we have just received a number of new recruits that could fil in the gaps left behind by Varka's expedition."
Aether rolled his eyes and sighed.
"What in Celestia name is this expedition about that requires almost all the Knights manpower?"
Not knowing that it was a rhetorical question, Jean replied.
"That's classified information, Traveler. But whatever the Grand Master is doing, it has to be for a good reason."
"Personally, I feel like he made a LOT of bad choices. His reputation must be greatly exaggerated."
"Why would you say that?" Jean asked skeptically.
"While I can't tell much about his combat capabilities, his leadership skills are far from admirable." Aether clarified. "A commander should make sure his or her subordinate is ready to take charge."
"I AM ready to take charge and capable of taking charge." Jean retorted, offended by Aether statement. "Even before this expedition, I have taken the office when Varka was busy with some other duties."
Aether scoffed.
"So, essentially this was not the first time that brute was ignoring his responsibility…"
Jean slammed the table while standing up.
"Honorary Knight, I ask that you refrain from badmouthing the Grand Master. While he is far from perfect, you don't know just how much he has done for Mondstadt and her people. If you have met him personally, you would know that the Knight of Boreas is not the terrible leader you make him out to be."
"But his mistakes are costly." Aether argued. "Look at the state of the Knights! You have a Cavalry Captain in name only, an idiot so-called elite from your order that was left behind and is too much of a coward to face the music, and a division that only consist of one member. It's odd that the leader of the Cavalry division was left behind from his subordinates."
Jean was aware that Varka had took the whole cavalry company, but Kaeya was left behind. The again it was because of Kaeya unique skills that was the reason. Besides, he very rarely took charge of his division. Amber was the last Outriders after her grandfather disappearance. Neither Jean or Varka could bear breaking the young girl hearts by closing down the division and maintained it in hopes of his return. As for Godwin, it seems that something has to be done with him, whether she lies it or not.
"You're being too harsh with Jean, cutie. Her only real flaw is that she needs to take a break."
Both the Acting Grand Master and Honorary Knight looked at the door and saw Lisa. But she was not alone, Kaeya and Amber were behind her.
"Sorry for intruding, but I can't help eavesdropping after the conversation became so heated." Lisa started. "Its strange how a conversation about Godwin would go to discussing how bad the state of the Knights of Favonius is."
Aether just crossed his arms.
"Can you blame me? You are all part of the Knights; you can see for yourself how inefficient they are." He turned to Kaeya. "Say what you want about Diluc, but he has a point about that."
The Cavalry Captain smirked.
"Well, the Master of Dawn Winery has his opinion, but I suppose he is right." Kaeya agreed. "But I think he has allowed years of bitterness and resentment to cloud his judgement."
"Perhaps, but you were there when it all happened, Captain Kaeya. Eroch wanted to cover it up and took credit from Crepus even after all he has done for us." Jean defended. "Say what you want about whos truly at fault. But the blame still falls on us for having someone like Eroch as the inspector, the damage was done and we lost Diluc."
Aether raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, this is interesting, is there a story about this I am not aware of, Mr. Kaeya?"
Kaeya sighed.
"Its in the past, Traveler. No use in digging up old wounds. What matter was that we disavowed Eroch's action and discharge that traitor."
"But not before he took Diluc with him." Jean muttered bitterly.
"Come on now Jean," Lisa comforted. "It was tragic that he left the Knights after the incident, but didn't you say that you will work and hope one day he will return? You can't do that if you're feeling down."
"That's right Acting Grand Master." Amber joined. "And you're not alone, we'll help change the Knights and one day, the former Cavalry Captain will return."
"Oh, does that mean that you hope to see me gone one day?"
"You know that's not what I meant." Amber pouted. "It's just that Master Diluc was once a kind and heroic knight before the Ursa incident that took his father that made him bitter and angry. I sometimes wish I can see the old Diluc."
"People change, Amber." Kaeya said somberly. "I doubt Diluc would ever go back to the same boy as he was before. Not after all that happened to him."
Kaeya said the last part quietly, but both the Traveler and Jean caught that.
"Getting back to point. Mr. Honorary Knight, I understand that you are skeptical about the Knights efficiency, but its unfair to blame all of it on Jean and the Grand Master." Lisa said. "But I do agree with you that something has to be done with Godwin. As much as it pains you to do this Acting Grand Master, what he is doing is basically desertion."
Jean sighed.
"Captain Kaeya, please bring Godwin back to the Headquarters." She commanded. "When you apprehend him, please do it quietly. I rather not raise a commotion and hurt Glory in the process."
Aether took this opportunity to sneak out of the office.
Streets of Mondstadt, Evening.
Few minutes later…
"Traveler, Wait!"
Aether stopped in his track without looking back.
"What is it Amber?"
The last Outrider crossed her arms.
"Look, I understand that you share Master Diluc's opinion on the Knights, but this was all too sudden." She placed a hand on his shoulder. Aether turned around which removed her hand. "What happened to you?"
Aether frowned. For a long time, the two friends just stared at each other.
"I am just sick of all this." Aether sighed. "I just wanted to find my sister, Amber. Not be the errand boy across the nations, dammit. I didn't want to be the Honorary Knight, this was given to me all of the sudden without any consent on whether I want it or not."
"Traveler." Amber became sad.
"My journey across Teyvat so far is just a never-ending cycle. Enter the nations, problems suddenly fall on my feet, help clean up that problem, meet the Archon, no bloody answer. Rinse and repeat."
Amber only heard about the Traveler's journey from third parties, but to hear how repetitive it has become for him, was something new. In hindsight, she should have pieced it together based on how similar the stories were.
"I am sorry to hear that." Amber said sincerely. "But you should chin up. All the sufferings must be worth something."
"The only worth was how apathetic it made me, Amber." Aether confessed. "I have been avoiding Liyue after my last encounter with their Archon. He was keeping important thing from me. Things regarding my sister."
Amber covered her mouth in horror. The Archon of Liyue was hiding information of the Traveler sister from him?
"Rex Lapis knew what happened to your sister?"
Aether sighed. He should have expected that.
"No, not exactly. Long story short, before my last encounter with him, I actually found my sister." Amber's eyes widened in shock. "She told me to find 'the truth of this world'. The reason why was because of the Cataclysm that happened five hundred years ago that destroyed Khaenri'ah. Apart from learning about the former, I was trying to find out about what happened at Khaenri'ah. Something Morax knew, but kept it a secret because of some contract."
Amber knew about what Rex Lapis represent as her own grandfather was Liyuen.
"Well, if anyone would keep a contract, it's the God of Contract. So that shouldn't be a surprise."
"I saved his goddamn nation Amber." Aether growled. "Twice! Might I add. Not to mention I was treated as a suspect for 'assassinating' him before all that. HE OWES ME! And this is how he repays me?"
"This is why I've been avoiding Liyue. I am not helping a nation that he watched over. It's not worth it."
Amber wanted to argue how wrong that line of thought was, but couldn't find any reason. She decided to go back to the original point and ask why he was getting skeptical about the Knights of Favonius.
"Traveler, why are you so angry with Jean and the Knights?"
"Godwin was supposed to be one of the elites that joined the Grand Master expedition to Celestia knows where. But he was left behind after he lost his keepsake from Glory. So now, he's just wandering outside of Mondstadt lying about being on 'reconnaissance duty' and commissioning adventurers (a.k.a. me) to help deliver a letter or help his girlfriend." Aether explained. "Bad enough that I have civilians asking me to deliver food to customer. But that coward is asking me to help hide his mess."
When Amber had found that Godwin was suspiciously not with the Grand Master expedition force, she questioned him. She was skeptical when he claimed that was on reconnaissance. Especially since he was not part of Eula's reconnaissance company. She knew Godwin would never desert the Knights.
Diluc and Kaeya had informed me that he got left behind by accident. But to think that he was asking around to deliver a letter of lies to poor Glory.
Amber shook her head. This was beyond shamelessness.
"Believe it or not, this was not the first fabricated letter I have to deliver for a Knight." Aether continued. "Guy, the guard at the north gate, occasionally tells me to send some letter fabricated his 'exploits' with the Knights to his father. Fighting big hilichurls and slimes. This made the father doing some backbreaking jobs despite him being sick just to support that lying brat!"
"Guy was just trying to impress his father." Amber snapped. "I won't say that lying is a good thing, but to call him a brat is going too far!"
Aether sighed exasperated.
"Compared to Godwin, I can still more or less tolerate Guy's actions. I just wish those two don't try to lie and make themselves look good in front of others. Glory is worried sick of her boyfriend, and Turner is breaking his body just to catch up with his son's 'exploits'. I wish those two cowards' man up and face the truth."
Amber couldn't reply at that. As much as it pains her, the Traveler has a point about the two aforementioned men. While Guy's action was tolerable, Godwin has no excuse.
"But that's just two knights, Traveler. They don't represent the whole Knights."
"I know." Aether conceded. "But look at the state of the Knights. Varka took eighty percent. EIGHTY PERCENT of the Knights to Celestia knows where which basically left Mondstadt almost defenseless. If Diluc was not around, I am willing to bet the Fatui would have pressured Jean to submit to their authorities during the Stormterror incident."
"You're… not wrong." Amber begrudgingly said.
"The Knights are stretched thin, Amber. Its so bad that the people of Mondstadt needs adventurer to fill in their role. I can't even count how many times did Vind needs me to clean up her tower at the Stormbearer Point."
Amber remembered the nun at Stormbearer Point. Varka once wanted to station a group of Knights for her family tower, but Vind refused. Saying that its her family duty to watch the storm not the Knights.
And from time to time, either the Traveler or the Knights have to jump in and clean up the tower from being occupied by the Hilichurls. Amber thought.
"Amber, I want to know something." Aether asked calmly. Amber looked up and saw the Traveler's eye softened from the previous anger and frustration.
"Why did you decide to maintain the Outriders? And why are you the sole member?"
Amber was mixed with trouble and sadness. The story of her division was mixed with happiness and sadness for the last Outrider.
"My Grandfather found the division and personally trained them. We were a division with renowned skills that mixed archery and wind gliding." Amber explained. She them became sad. "When he… disappeared one day, we lost our discipline and skills. It doesn't help that some of them dropped out or were transferred. There were… rumors…. That Grandfather defected. This made us almost obsolete. But I won't let it happened."
Amber became determined.
"I am Amber, the last Outrider and the best! Mondstadt will know that Outrider Amber is on the job."
Aether rolled his eyes. Something he would never do before.
"That explains your division history, but why didn't you recruit more Outriders?"
Amber opened her mouth to respond, but words didn't come out. She opened her mouth again, but couldn't say anything. She remained pensive until she slapped her head.
Aether shook his head. Well at least know the Outrider found the elephant in her room before her grandfather does.
"I will leave you to your thought, Amber. For what's worth, you are my first friend in Modnstadt and I am proud to call you that." Aether smiled sadly to Amber.
He then teleported away.
The next day…
After meeting with Mondstadt Katheryne, Aether told Paimon to return to the Teapot as he meets with the Acting Grand Master. When Aether returned few hours later, she found the Traveler was in an even worse state. After asking what happened, Aether explained how Jean was aware of Godwin duplicity, his rants on the Knight's inefficiency, and his last encounter with Amber.
Now that Paimon think about it why didn't Amber recruit more Outrider, since she is the last and most senior, she could pull some new recruit to her division.
The whole night, Aether was awake, thinking on the choice on answering the Tsaritsa's call. He knows all too well what Fatui has done, but he is longing for answers. Not to mention he is tired of cleaning up the nations mess and not getting a step closer to his answers.
So, this morning, he finally made his choice.
Paimon is with you Traveler, I am your faithful companion after all, but please be careful with them.
He was surprised with his flying companion's loyalty. He was very sure she would leave him. But to hear her respond like that brought him to tears. Aether gave his friend a long hug.
"Thank you, Paimon." Aether sobbed. "Thank you so much."
After a while, Aether went to the Grand Goth Hotel and said to Luke, the stationing Fatui:
"The sun is shining."
Now, the Traveler has decided to make his move. Now, some may probably argue that its not fair for Aether to blame Jean for the Knights of Favonius inefficiency, but remember, she is the acting leader of the Knights. In fact in her Story Quest, Jean actually collapse from overwork. meaning she was pushing her self and taking all the duties for herself instead of delegating them to her subordinates. On another topic, WHAT ON EARTH IS VARKA THINKING! Taking 80% of the Knights to God knows where for probably months or maybe years depending how many in-game time has passed since Jean took over.
Now for Amber, I don't hate her, but it doesn't make any sense why she, the last Outrider, didn't try to get any recruits. In fact, I think the Knights of Favonius have a poor PR that doesn't try to get any new recruits. Come on, Noelle is a great addition and quiet frankly is a waste that Ellin is stuck at the courtyard trying learn how to do Diluc's Elemental Burst. LOL. As for Godwin, well I think if this is real life, he is guilty of desertion and would have death penalty or dishonoraly discharged. I wish there was an in-game way of reporting him to Jean for his action. Get your act together you coward!