Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter
Act 1 Chapter 2.4:
The Outrider Captain
The sunlight starts to irradiate the whole Mondstadt. It is getting bustling in the market district as people do their activities. Some people are preparing to work while shop vendors are opening their stores for business today.
At this hour, I'm starting to feel hungry. So I started walking to Good Hunter. When I'm about to arrive, I don't see many customers in the queue. Lucky me, I don't want to spend too much time waiting for food. After those in front of me finish ordering, it's finally my turn.
"Welcome to Good Hunter. How can I help you?" The waitress offered.
"I want to order some food. Can I see today's menu?"
"Of course!" She beamed before handing me the menu, "Here you go."
I scan the menu as soon as I take it from her.
Most foods on the list are something I haven't tried before. They are relatively pricey, but I'm not planning to eat a lot. Since I don't know what to pick, I order one Adventurer's Breakfast Sandwich.
"Sure. Would you like anything else?"
"That's all for now." I said as I passed her the menu back.
"That'll be 1.750 mora."
I paid the bill with the exact amount.
"Your food will be ready soon. Please wait at your table."
There are plenty of vacant tables, so I chose the closest table. I look around at other customers. Each of them has a companion with them as they eat. Seeing those around me, all I could do was sigh deeply.
It doesn't take long until my food arrives. When the waitress served my food, I asked her for a glass of water, and she complied. While waiting for my glass of water, I bite the sandwich. Chewing it slowly, I savor the taste.
My meal was quite satisfying, and the portion size was just right. The only problem is my surroundings. So I decided to leave as soon as I finished my meal.
"Morgan?" Someone called out my name.
I look at the source of the voice. It was a middle-aged man, someone I'd never seen before. His attire looks like he's a member of KoF but slightly different from what I usually see around the city, and he has a sword attached to his right hip.
Next to him is a young girl with long, dark brown hair and gold eyes. What catches my attention about her is her headband, which resembles the shape of bunny ears.
Something about him is peculiar.
"... Yes, do you need something?" I said warily.
"Sorry, I didn't mean anything. I was about to have breakfast with Amber, but I saw you and decided to greet you."
"I see, but how do you know me?"
"This might be the first time we met, but I was there when we, the Knight of Favonius, found you and brought you back to the city."
He was one of those who helped me back then, and even if I didn't know what he did for me, I must express my gratitude regardless of how small it was.
"Ah, thank you for rescuing me back then, sir." I bowed slightly.
"I couldn't do much for you back then, so you don't have to thank me. But I appreciate your gratitude." He swayed his hand.
"Also, you don't have to be so formal. You can call me Hao, and she's Amber, my granddaughter." He introduced himself and the girl beside him.
Oh, I thought she was his daughter.
"Hello, I'm Amber!" Amber cheerfully greeted me.
"Hello, Amber. I'm Morgan. And nice to meet you, Mr. Hao. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Mr. Hao ponders before speaking, "I know you just finished having breakfast, but do you mind if you join us? I can treat you while at it."
Although I'm full, I accepted his invitation.
While they order some food, I look for an empty table. When Mr. Hao asked what I wanted, I replied I wanted juice. I wouldn't want to bother him by ordering something expensive.
A few minutes have passed, and the two are back from ordering. Since it's a three-seat table, they sit next to me. Amber sits on my right, while Mr. Hao sits on my left.
"Grandpa, why can't I have the Sticky Honey Roast?" She said in a spoiled tone while resting her head on the table.
"Last time I bought that for you, you couldn't finish the whole thing yourself."
"But I want to taste it once more."
"You shouldn't order food you can't finish just because you want to taste it."
"I promise I will this time. Please~" Amber added the last part with puppy eyes.
"No, you won't have it even if you begged me. Better luck next time."
"Eh~"
I assumed Mr. Hao was the kind of grandpa who likes to spoil their grandchild to the bone, but that appears to be incorrect. He's surprisingly quite strict with her.
"I'm sorry, Morgan. I brought you here so we could chat, but instead, you had to listen to all that. Once again, sorry." Mr. Hao apologized.
"Don't mind it."
I look at Amber, who is pouting now as she rests her head on the table. Her bunny ears headband seems to emulate her current emotion, as I can see them bent down like a sad bunny.
"So, how have you been, Morgan? The last time I saw you, you were suffering severe injuries. I honestly thought we were too late to save you." Mr. Hao inquired.
"Did something happen to you, Big bro Morgan?" Amber asked.
She seems to have no idea about the event, so she-
Hang on, what?
"Big bro?"
"Yup! You're older than me, so I'm calling you big brother. You don't like it?"
That came out of nowhere! I mean, it isn't necessarily bad, but being referred to as "big brother" is not something I am used to.
"Ju- just call me Morgan, Amber."
"Oh, okay then." She seemed disappointed but then quickly returned to her question. "So what happened?"
"A group of treasure hoarders ambushed me, leaving me wounded terribly. I'm fine now, though."
She was shocked to hear my answer, her face filled with horror. My response was brief and superficial since I thought that answer was best for her and me.
"There, there. Morgan says that he's fine, doesn't he?" Mr. Hao comforted her.
"I'm glad you're doing fine, Morgan. So what's your plan for today?"
"Walking around the city to change my mood. I needed to touch some grass because I had been inside the church too long."
"Oh, no wonder why I've never seen you before," Amber mumbled.
"Amber, that's rude." Mr. Hao scolded.
"It's alright. But why do you ask?"
Mr. Hao seems to be in adversity.
However, before Mr. Hao could answer, a waitress came to our table carrying a tray. She places the tray on the table and gives Mr. Hao and Amber their food while I receive my juice.
Somehow, I can tell the taste of Amber's meal is palatable, but I'm not sure about Mr. Hao's. The waitress leaves after telling us to enjoy our food. And that's when Mr. Hao speaks,
"Probably you didn't know, but I have talked with your father several times. He once mentioned that you wanted to join the Knights of Favonius and wanted me to help you if you need something regarding the exam entry. So I thought I would talk with you about it, but that is if you don't mind and still wish to join."
"Oh! You want to become a knight too, Morgan? That's cool!" Amber showed her excitement.
"If you want to, we can still talk while we eat."
"..."
I close my eyes. I can feel my head heating up, and my breath becomes rigid. My hands and feet clench firmly to the point I can feel them trembling a little. Without making a sound, I cover my face with my still shaking hands while grinding my teeth.
"M-Morgan, are you okay?!"
"Grandpa, he might be hungry!"
[Wow...]
"That's clearly not the case, Amber."
Taking a deep breath and holding my temple helps me calm myself before it gets out of control. Thankfully, I've experienced it a few times before, and this method works very well every time. I look at Mr. Hao and Amber after my mind feels much better.
"I'm okay. It was just a sudden headache."
Both Amber and Mr. Hao seemed relieved when they heard my response.
"Was it happening often?" Amber asked.
"Not really. It only happens sometimes." I replied before facing Mr. Hao, "Were you close with my father, Mr. Hao?"
"I guess so?"
Hearing his reply, I raise my eyebrow.
"As I said, we only spoke a few times before. We talked in the tavern most of the time, and when we passed each other."
"I see. I would love to, but I've lost interest in joining the KoF. Thank you, I appreciate your kindness."
"Heh?!" Amber shrieked.
"Why?! Why do you not want to become a knight, Morgan?! Being a knight is amazing, you know?"
Her voice attracts nearby people's attention, and now they are looking at us.
"Amber, calm down." Mr. Hao toned her down.
He apologizes to other customers disturbed by his granddaughter's behavior. He glared at Amber after that, and Amber let out a squeak as she put her hands on her head before apologizing to him.
He sighs, "Morgan. I have nothing to say if that's what you want. But if I may, can you tell me your reason?"
"I just don't have a reason to join them."
"That's it?"
I nodded.
Mr. Hao and Amber look at each other. Maybe they thought my reason for not wanting to join the KoF was something more plausible, but my answer baffled them. I wouldn't be so bold to say that joining the KoF is pointless to them, especially when Mr. Hao is a member himself.
A/N: Hao is a placeholder name for her grandfather. I will change it the day we know his name, which I doubt we ever will.
Thank you for reading, and carry on!