Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 2.7:

Terrible Person

"Hey there. I'm here to help you. If there's something you would like to know, let me know." Diluc volunteered.

"I appreciate it, but you don't have to do this, really."

"No need to be shy. I didn't know much about these beverages until my father told me and explained them to me."

"That is not what I meant..."

"Alright then, shall we begin? How about we start with this section?"

And so, Diluc starts explaining each drink on the menu from top to bottom without missing a beat. In his guide, coffee, tea, and juice appear on the first, second, and third pages. His explanations regarding the drinks are relatively simple for me to understand.

Doing my best to listen to him, I'm holding my upper and lower eyelids with my fingers. I might look ridiculous with this, but I'm doing it to respect his efforts.

Around fifteen minutes later,

"I guess that's all about our product you can order. The rest are liquors, after all." He told me before closing the menu.

"Do you have any- Huh?!" He looked at me in disbelief.

"... What?"

"You're forcing your eyes open like that... Did I bore you?"

I let go of my eyelids and straighten my posture.

"Oh, no. I just feel tired, that's all."

"Really? Then how about getting yourself a coffee? I'm sure it would help." Diluc recommended.

"I hope so. Can I get one Athenaeum, please?"

"Coming right up!" He smiled as he walked away.

After seeing him off, I drop my head on the table.

I feel so worn out. Recalling everything that has happened today, it all makes sense. I never went to various places in a single day before, not to mention my exchange with people. Luckily, although I'm a recluse, I have no trouble dealing with people.

Raising my head, I look at the people around me. This place fills with people cheering, laughing, shouting, and the big grin on their faces. I'm wondering if something like this happens every day in this tavern. It's so lively.

After a while, Diluc returns with a cup.

"Here's your order. Enjoy."

I straighten my back as he puts the glass in front of me. Smelling the fragrance of the drink, I can tell the bitterness is strong. I decide to take a sip while it's warm. Coffee's pure and intense taste makes me wince briefly for a moment.

"It's very bitter, isn't it?" Diluc chuckled.

After saying smacking my tongue, I say, "Yeah. It's a little too strong for my taste."

"Right? Adults usually order the Athenaeum. It's not a drink for someone our age." Diluc shrugged.

"Can you add milk to my drink? Or anything to sweeten this."

"Allow me." Someone butted in.

The person then pours a considerable amount of milk into my coffee. Without looking, I know who it is. Meanwhile, Diluc turns his head to see who's coming.

"That's enough. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I could've done that, Kaeya." Diluc spoke.

"Don't mention it. I'm just trying to help you."

"Not necessary. I can do my part just fine without you."

"Really? You could've prepared what he asked before he did, even though you knew full well that this coffee wasn't suitable taste for our peers."

Diluc doesn't like that statement. On the other hand, Kaeya seems to enjoy teasing him. Those two started arguing in front of me. At the very least, they aren't too noisy compared to the other side of the tavern.

Fortunately, I'm too busy stirring my coffee with all the noises around me, or I just don't care. The sweetness is close to what I expected when I started testing it. I emptied my glass soon after.

"How about you go back to check the wine supplies?"

"I just did, though?" Kaeya looks puzzled.

"Double-checking wouldn't hurt. Having you here distracts me."

"How mean."

"Thanks. That was great." I meddled.

"Glad you liked that. Want another?" Diluc offered.

I merely shake my head.

"We met again, Morgan. I didn't expect it would happen so soon." Kaeya greeted me.

"I wanted to visit the famous tavern in the city for once, so our destination was actually the same."

[What a blatant lie.]

"What? Really? You could've said so when we bumped into each other."

"You're the one who ran before I could say anything." I sighed.

"I guess I did, huh?" He laughed awkwardly.

"Hold up."

Both of us turn at Diluc at the same time. Diluc was only listening and observing my exchange with Kaeya.

"You two know each other?" Diluc inquired.

"We don't know each other exactly, but we just recently met." Kaeya clarified.

"Right, we only managed to know each other name."

"Really?" Diluc doubted.

"I haven't introduced myself then. I'm Diluc Ragnvindr." Diluc extended his hand for a handshake, "Nice to meet you."

"Me too. Call me Morgan."

After ending the handshake, Diluc seems to be in deep thought as he puts his hand on the chin. While I was about to ask what he was thinking, Kaeya beat me to it.

"Surely you remember what happened around a week ago. He was the rumored kid."

"Ah! That makes sense. I was perplexed why your name sounded familiar even though we had never met."

"I hope whatever you guys have heard about me didn't leave an unpleasant impression on me."

"Rest assured. If anything, we are sorry for what happened to you." Diluc expressed his sympathy.

"Yeah. We attended your parents' funeral, but Master Crepus said it was better to give you some personal space at that time." Kaeya added.

"Wise choice."

Indeed, it was better for them to do so instead of lining up to shake my hand and show their condolence. My head was on auto mode, so I barely remember anything. Were they to do the opposite, nothing would change between us.

Wait.

If they came to the funeral, shouldn't they recognize my face? My position was almost visible to literally any attendee. It could be either because they didn't notice or see me. But it doesn't matter.

"What's with the gloomy vibe?"

The owner asked as he moved in our direction. The three of us were silent until the moment he broke the ice. I feel guilty for ruining the mood in a place that should be full of joy. I guess that's my call to bail out.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go." I got off my seat, "How much for my drink?"

"You're leaving already?" Kaeya asked.

I nod, "It's getting late. I will now leave because I promised to return before dusk."

"I see. Alright, then."

"No need to pay, Morgan. It's on the house." Diluc smiled.

"What? No, I can't do that. I did not come here for a free coffee."

"Don't mind it. Take it as a newcomer's special treatment."

That sounded mouthful. And odd.

I know that was not what the owner actually meant. I'd argue with them if I had to, but right now, I'm tired. For now, I'll take their generosity.

"... I hope my coffee wasn't too expensive to cover. Thank you, sir. And you two."

"You're welcome." The owner nodded.

"We wouldn't go bankrupt just because of a coffee, so relax." Diluc humored.

After I bid them goodbye, I left the tavern.

Closing the exit door, I distance myself from the place, but not before glancing at a particular corner. The dusk is nearing its end when I look at the sky. So I go straight to the church.

…

Stepping up the stairs to the church, someone is standing next to the front door. I know who she is. So when I see her, it doesn't surprise me. She immediately notices me as soon as I enter her sight.

"Morgan! You're finally back. Having been out for so long, I was afraid something might have happened to you."

"Good evening, sister Franka. Were you waiting for me?"

"Yes, I was. I thought you promised you would be back before sunset. Where have you been? Are you doing okay?" Her worried expression is apparent.

"Relax. As you can see, I'm fine." I assured, "By the way, is dinner ready? I'm a bit starving."

"Oh, I've prepared plenty of food for you! That's why I'm waiting for you to come back!"

"I'm so sorry I made you worried."

A few moments later, she pulls me toward her to hug me. None of us said anything. She keeps stroking my hair while hugging me. Staying still, I let her take it slowly, hugging me, though I do not hug her back.

I find her behavior quite peculiar. Why does she care so much about me when neither she nor I are familiar with each other? She was only a friend of my late mother. To be precise, she was one of a few close friends.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Morgan. It must be difficult for you to let go of the things you've been through. But know that everyone here, including myself, is here for you always. So please, don't try to harbor the sorrow in your heart."

"... Thank you, sister Franka."

"Don't mention it." She replied in a raspy voice.

It wasn't what I had in mind, but at least I conveyed my gratitude to her. She pulls away from me and holds my shoulders while smiling. Although I didn't say anything, I noticed she had moist eyes.

"Now, let's go inside and have dinner together, shall we? It's getting cold outside."

"Okay."

She gently pushes my back to get into the church together with her.

Sister Franka, I really appreciate everything you've done for me. I really do. And let's not forget everyone who has treated me very nicely. I'm thankful for every single kindness they've shown to me. At the same time, I'm sorry for being aloof. I just don't know how I can reciprocate because deep down,

I am a terrible person.

A/N: I don't want to say this, but I hope that line didn't sound edgy.

Thank you for reading, and carry on!