Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 3.4:

Her Bravery

Another day, another exercise.

The tranquility of being alone. I can carry out my training without worrying about anything. Thanks to that, I can focus on doing what I need to do. The progress isn't going as I wanted, but I guess that's because it's too early to determine the result.

Unlike usual, I don't take a high place to do my workout. Standing bare feet as the chill water washes them feels pleasant. The broad horizon of the sea is as captivating. Add the waves sound and some seagulls squawking, to boot.

As I stare at the creatures as I sit on the dry sand, I pick up the knife beside me. I try not to move too much and keep concentrating on them. Slowly raising my arm, I fling it hard after aiming.

*plop*

[Nice aim, but your throw sucks.]

I drop myself, "Well, it was worth the shot."

I was sure I was gonna get one of them. It could be either because of me or because the seagulls have an impressive danger sense. But that was a better outcome since I didn't want to hurt them.

"Ah, I have to retrieve it before it gets blemished." I mumbled.

I rise and walk to where I threw it. After that, I take a break by taking the lunch I brought. Mrs. Frederica told me to carry food and water if I wanted to exercise appropriately.

…

I continue training after refilling my energy. I draw the knife once again after a quick flex of my muscles. Following deep inhales, I swing my arm continuously with varying patterns. Of course, I'm just mimicking someone else's movements. The rhythms and everything are a mess, though.

…

Listening to Mrs. Frederica's suggestion was the right choice. It allows me to keep training longer. How could I not think of that? I suppose I should thank her the next time I see her.

But I overdid it now because of that, consequently making my right arm feel like it would snap anytime soon. Meanwhile, my body is beginning to get used to my workout plan. Probably I'll increase the intensity tomorrow or the day after.

I stroll back to the city as I hold my sore right shoulder. As I enter the Whispering Woods, suddenly, a bad feeling creeps up on me. I even stopped to make sure it wasn't just my imagination. My sonar tells me otherwise.

Someone seemed to be eyeing me the moment I got into the woods. I initially thought he was just some random dude, but I realized I was wrong when I entered the woods. I wanted to say hello, but I was against the idea just in case and kept walking towards my destination. To my surprise, he did nothing else.

Once I got out, the sense of danger finally dissipated. I let out a relieved sigh before continuing to walk. When I almost reach the bridge, I see someone familiar sitting on a log. I decide to leave her alone as I think that's what she might want.

"Hey there."

Never mind.

I was wrong when she greeted me and waved her hand at me. I look around on the spot.

"Morgan, by the archon, I'm talking to you. There's literally no one else here except you and me." She facepalmed.

Hesitantly, I take a step forward. I sit on the opposite side, so we're facing each other.

"My bad, I never thought you would like to talk to me again."

"Hmm?" She hummed, "Oh, you were talking about the other day. Why would I resent you? You did nothing. You even apologized for something you didn't do."

"Right…"

Suddenly, she's glaring at me, "Or perhaps you don't want to see me?"

"And what made you say that?"

"... I thought you'd find out about me." She crouched slightly.

I keep quiet as I don't know what to say to that. I hold my shoulder once again as I ponder her question. I don't understand why she's afraid of me discovering her identity, yet she settled to meet with me again. I glanced at her and noticed she was peeking in my direction.

"Sorry. Please forget about what I said."

I nod, "So, what's up? Do you need something from me?"

"Oh, no, I- um," She lost her words, "Where were you the whole day?"

I tilt my head, wondering what's with the abrupt change of topic.

"I spent my day on the coast. Why'd you ask?" I played along.

"For the whole day? What were you doing there?"

I feel reluctant to share it with her, especially when not many know about what I've been doing these past few days.

"I guess it won't hurt to tell you," I straightened my back, "I'm preparing to join the Knight by exercising outside. And before you ask, don't question me why I'm doing it outdoors."

"Ohh… I suppose many have the same intention as you. But what's your motivation?" She asked.

I stare into her eyes for a moment. Before I could speak,

"Ah, my apologies. You don't have to answer that if you think it's personal."

I take a moment before answering, "... It might be only the third time we met, but you feel different than the last time. What's wrong?"

She curls her lips, and her hands are fidgeting. It's so awkward that we speak face-to-face like this, but none would disclose anything more than necessary. I don't exactly feel that way, though.

"Anyway, what you asked is nothing personal. I just don't want an incident like mine to happen again to anyone."

"I- I see." She said timidly, "That's very thoughtful of you."

"Thanks, I guess. It's not a big deal, honestly." I shrugged.

"Haha, is that so? I don't think someone like you is common among our peers."

That sentence sounded familiar.

"Well, I know someone with a better cause than me."

"Really now? Even so, I don't think you should belittle yourself like that."

"... You might be right."

Silence. She's looking down while clasping her hand. I look at her for a second before switching my attention. Swinging my right shoulder, I can feel the soreness barely fades away. Maybe I should sleep to recover and hope to be in my usual peak condition by tomorrow.

I gaze at the horizon, enjoying the dusk peacefully while letting her muster enough courage. I'm used to being tired at this hour, so spending my evening like this feels somewhat romantic. Wait, no, not that kind of romance I was talking about.

"Morgan." She called.

I hum before facing her, and I can see her determined eyes.

"I don't feel right to hide something from you when you've been honest to me every time. That's why I'd like to introduce myself to you. I know the consequences of this action of mine. I remember you said you wouldn't feel indifference regardless of who I am. However, that might change after this." She confessed.

I didn't respond to that. I can see her breathing anxiously. She then rises and puts her arm on her chest,

"Greetings, I am Eula Lawrence, bearing the noble lineage of Lawrence. You stand in the presence of a member of the illustrious Lawrence Clan."

I raised my eyebrows when I heard her full name. After her fancy way of introduction, she stands straight with a solemn expression.

"That's right. Acknowledge the glory bestowed upon thee by the nobility as I am the descendant of the exiled clan. The Lawrence clan." She emphasized.

My jaw drops slightly, but I quickly seal my lips before exhaling.

That explains her odd and wary demeanor towards me. As someone who was born in Mondstadt, there's no way I'm not familiar with her clan. They're known to be a tyrant who used to rule the city and enslave some commoners back in the day. Their tyranny ended when the anemo archon showed up.

Maybe exiling the Lawrences wasn't an equal punishment for what they did. To this day, most, if not everybody, thinks that every member of the Lawrence family is evil. I can imagine how people treat them with hatred in my head. Well, maybe not exactly.

All that said, I trust my own judgment. I look at her after some time and notice her arms shivering a little.

"I understand. That explains everything about you so far." I said as I stood, "I suppose that means you're asking for a proper introduction between us."

"... Huh?"

"Eula, is it? I am Morgan. Unlike you, an aristocrat, I'm a mere commoner. It is an honor to make acquaintance with you." I extended my right arm, still feeling pain.

Eula takes a step back, her shocked expression while holding her hands together on her chest.

"W- what is wrong with you?"

"That sounds rather harsh, don't you think?"

"I- sorry, but do you really understand what I said? I am a Lawrence, you know?!" Eula wondered.

"I know, you said it already."

"Then why-"

"Don't be so surprised. I know what you're thinking." I interjected.

"Folks in Mond have this idea of you guys being evil rooted in their brain. I have no idea how people treated you, but I assume it's pretty bad. Fortunately for you, I'm biased by my own opinion. Even though now I know you're the heir of the Lawrence, I don't see why I should change my attitude towards you."

"..."

My argument left her speechless.

What I said is something that my parent once told me. Unlike Mom, my dad was quite fond of gossip since he was a merchant. I don't want to recall the details, but I remember he said people in the city gave anyone from the fallen clan poor treatment. Ugh, my head is pulsating pretty bad already.

"...! Morgan, you're bleeding!" She panicked.

I check my nose by wiping it with my thumb. A solid red liquid is dripping. I lick the leftovers on my philtrum.

Goddamn it.

"You shouldn't lick your blood, Morgan! Here, clean it with this." She warned before offering me a handkerchief.

"Oh, thanks."

Before I do that, I blow the rest is still stuck inside. When I clean the mess, I can't help but notice her handkerchief has a sweet-scented smell.

"Are you okay?" Eula asked in a worried tone.

"Hmm?" I hummed before putting the cloth in my pocket, "Yeah, don't worry about it. I'll return your handkerchief after I wash it, and thank you."

"Okay then, if you say so."

"It's getting late. We both should head back." I said as I turned my back.

"Um…" She paused before talking again, albeit hesitantly.

"Morgan, about what you just said…"

"Yeah? What about it?"

"Did you really mean it?"

"Of course. However, whether you think otherwise or take my word is up to you. After all, I was merely stating my personal viewpoint of you as Eula, not as Lawrence." I reminded.

"I- Is that so? I didn't know that among people my age, someone like you existed." Eula extolled, "That means you evaluated me by my actions, right?"

"You can say that. I have to admit I admired your bravery in revealing who you are to me. But I guess there would be nothing for you to lose in doing so. I'm no one, after all."

I walk back after saying that, and she follows along.

"That's not true! You have no idea how much I appreciate you for accepting me for who I am." She corrected.

We then return to the city together and chat until the front gate, where two guards from the Knight of Favonius greet us. I respond to them while Eula remains silent. When we passed them, I noticed their subtle gaze. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who paid attention to that.

I didn't want to bring it up to Eula since I knew it would dampen the mood, and I bid her goodbye after entering the city.

A/N: I guess at this point, you wouldn't be surprised to know it's Eula. This is how I picture her character in her younger days.

Just to remind you, this story takes place in a decade before the Mondstadt arc. So, Eula here isn't the same as her in-game. She wasn't as open-minded as she is right now.

Thank you for reading, and carry on!