Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 5.3:

Crimson Mage

"Morgan, wake up! It's morning already!"

I hear someone waking me up loudly as I furrow my face, trying to open my eyes. It gets much worse as soon as the windows are open to let the sunlight illuminate the room, including my face. Groggily, I get up from the bed, barely getting my soul together after slumber.

"Good morning, sister Natasha…"

She moans heavily, "Do my words or others even reach your head? You're starting to wake up late as more days pass."

"... Uh, sorry. I stayed up too late last night."

"How else could you overslept?" She countered, "In any case, go wash your face now. I've made you breakfast. You should eat it before it gets cold."

"Okay…"

Getting out of bed, I head to the restroom to clear my mind. As I wash my face, I notice something dripping from my nose. My mind goes blank when I see blood on my face in the mirror. I silently curse and clutch my head as a sudden headache hits me. After catching my breath, I clean everything up as I ignore the throbbing in my head.

Once I was done, I did what Sister Natasha told me and headed to the table after being fully awake. She made me a simple breakfast with ingredients available at the house, which was still quite warm. I was about to thank her, but I noticed she was still in my bedroom, tidying the mess I caused. I catch up to her,

"Thank you for cooking for me, Sister Natasha."

She hums as she looks toward me,

"You're welcome. Have you finished? You sure got an appetite today, huh?" She said, still busy cleaning my room.

"No. I just want to say you don't have to clean up my room for me. I can do it myself later."

"Oh, Morgan…" She stopped to face me properly, "You are saying that as if this isn't the first time. Relax, no need to be a stranger. You've been helping us too when we asked you to."

"I didn't mean that way. I, uhh-" I found words stuck in my throat.

Sister Natasha laughs, "I understand, I understand. You are just like your mother for not liking owing favors to people."

"It's natural for us to help you, so don't be bothered by this anymore." She reassured as she smiled, "Now, you should fill your stomach before doing anything."

"... Got it."

I walk back to my meal while she returns to her previous activity.

I finished my breakfast quickly so I could at least wash the dishes myself. However, that doesn't mean I didn't savor the food as I always do, and the food every sister from the Church has made for me has been delicious, as usual. After I took a shower, Sister Natasha was ready to leave.

"I saw that you're running low on ingredients, Morgan. Do you want me to shop, or will you do it?"

"I will." I quickly responded, "Do you have anything to do for me today?"

She hums, pondering briefly, "I guess you're free today."

"What? Come on, there has to be something I can do or help with."

"Hehe, thank you for being so thoughtful, Morgan. You're such a good kid." She delighted before patting my head, "But we got everything covered. Do what you want for today."

"Goodbye." She waved her hand as she left.

I wave back and glance up at the sky. Despite the clear sky, the wind and the smell in the air suggest a strong chance of rain. That dampens my enthusiasm for going out. I don't have any specific plans for the day anyway, so I guess I'll just spend my time training indoors.

My prediction came true when I heard drizzling outside and saw raindrops from the window. I simply glanced at it for a second and remained undisturbed as I continued meditating in my room until I remembered I had to pick up my laundry.

I dart from the bed and run to get my clothes before they get wet. Unfortunately, it's too late, but I still take them inside and put them in the basket. After that, I catch my breath at the dining table, but not long after, I sense someone approaching my house and hear a knock on the front door.

Opening the door, I see a lady holding an umbrella in her hand,

"Hi there, Morgan! Long time no see!" She cheerfully greeted me.

"Ah, you are…" I halted before adding, "... That flower woman."

She widens her eyes, "Oh dear, is that how you remember me? It saddens me." She said as she wiped imaginary tears.

"... Sorry, I just don't know your name, ma'am."

"Fufu, it's fine. By the way, may I come in? It's pouring quite bad out here."

"Of course. Please come in." I moved to the side to let her in.

Closing her umbrella and taking a step inside she says, "Sorry for the interruption~"

"Let me take this from you." I said as I presented my hands to take her umbrella.

"Thank you! What a nice kid you are."

I stored her umbrella after she gave it to me.

"Take a seat. What you'd like to have, ma'am?"

"Let's see…" She mused before answering, "Can I get something sweet and warm?"

I bob my head before going to the kitchen to boil some water. Since I don't know how long she will stay, I suppose making each of us a drink might be a good idea. Initially, I wanted to serve her nibbles, but another thought to serve her food crossed my mind.

"Do you want a meal? I can cook you something if you want.".

"Thanks, but a drink will suffice."

Well, if she says so.

When our drinks are ready, I return to the dining table while she stands nearby, gazing at the bookshelf. The sound of the glass drop on the table caught her attention, and she joined me afterward.

"Sorry for the wait. I hope it wasn't too long."

"Oh, relax. I have plenty of time on my hands. I hope you're the same." She assured as she picked up her drink.

"You can say that, I suppose."

She sips, "Mm~ A minty tea, huh?"

"Yes. Is it not your liking?"

"It tastes good!" She commented before taking a big gulp, "You made it yourself? You're pretty good."

I nod, "I'm glad you like it."

I thought there would be a long silence in between, but apparently not, as she kept the conversation going.

"How's your life living alone so far? Is everything going smoothly? Is there something I can help you with?"

I was taken aback by how she rain me with questions, but I replied, "I appreciate your concern, and thank you for asking. All is good thanks to the sisters from the Church for taking care of me."

She nods many times in acknowledgment, "I see, I see. I'm happy to hear that."

"..."

"I know you'd say that, but I'm really tempted to offer an adoption paper. Are you interested?" She smiled.

I flinch hearing that, "Uh, thanks, but no."

"Ahaha, well, there was no harm trying. Come to me when you change your mind."

"Anyway, don't you think it's a good time to introduce yourself, ma'am? I don't feel right having a long chat with someone I don't know their name yet."

She covers her mouth, "Oh my, how could I forget that? I'm so sorry. You must be quite curious about who I am right now." She paused and added, "Then allow me to introduce myself."

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Morgan. My name's Alice. Does my name ring a bell?" Her introduction was oddly short.

"Pleasure is all mine, Miss Alice. I heard your name plenty before as an expert in various fields, but that's about it, I'm afraid."

She didn't lie about her identity. If that's the case, this is the first time I've seen face-to-face with one of the most reputable people in this world. Her appearance sure mirrors her reputation, though, very striking. While her features pretty much say that she's not human, my sonar suggests there's more to her.

What kind of errands does bring a big shot like her here?

"That's less specific than I anticipated. I believed I had built up quite a reputation to be acknowledged by many." She folded her arms and shut her eyes in confusion. "Oh, never mind! It's fine! There will always be those who are unaware, regardless of my level of fame."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. It was my fault for not introducing myself earlier."

"So, may I ask why you're here today, Miss Alice?"

She sips her drink, "Well, my primary purpose here is to check on you since apparently, a lot has happened to you in just a couple of months."

I blink as she continues,

"I want to hear your opinion about it. But I'm also interested to hear more about your discontentment around the Knight of Favonius." She interrogated with a smile.

"I don't mean rude, but why would you be curious about them?"

"Morgan, don't you feel bad for speaking ill to the protectors of Mondstadt like that? I can see your disappointment with them regarding past events, and I can't argue they might not be one hundred percent filled with competent people, but you went too far, in my opinion."

It amazes me she could say that about the Knight, although, it's not like having mixing opinions on them doesn't make me special or anything.

I remain silent and let her keep going.

"Frederica, the Alder Knight, seemed quite heartbroken when I spoke about you with her. However, I can't blame her since she tried so hard to protect you. Yet, you just betrayed her trust. I didn't know you were so heartless."

I was about to protest but decided to curb it since whatever reasons I had wouldn't change the fact it already happened.

I'm still determining her motives behind saying those things to me, particularly given that I've already received plenty of lectures and scolding from others, and I don't need her to be on my list. Miss Alice doesn't seem to have any ill will, so I question whether she intended to make me feel guilty about my actions.

Alright, I'll go with the flow. After all, it's more accurate to say her intent is still in the grey.

"I admit I feel regretful, and I wish I could somehow make up for it, especially with the Alder Knight. But I do have a good reason for it."

"Really? Was it a good cause for them? Or for you?" She sounded skeptical.

"... I hope it was for everyone. It's not that I didn't trust the Alder Knight and the Knight of Favonius as a whole, but I suspect there were, or at least was, an informant in the organization."

She seems fascinated and hums, "How sure are you with your accusation? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say what you said is impossible, but it's hard to believe your words since you barely have any connection there as far as I know."

"I have nothing to validate my claim. But, before the Alder Knight accompanied me, I noticed someone was following and keeping an eye on me, however, they didn't do more than that. When she proposed her idea and joined me, they suddenly didn't spy on me like usual, which I found strange, but I didn't think much of it until I pieced everything together."

"One moment, please." She stopped me, "I have a question."

I silently nod.

"So basically, you knew someone was following you since you started your training prior to Frederica going together with you, correct?" I bobbed my head, "Why did you stay quiet about it? Don't you think everything would be better had you spoken your mind to her, at least? And what do you mean you pieced everything together?"

Tsk, I don't like how she acts clueless.

"Patient, please. I'll get to that. I have a reason for why I chose to keep it to myself. Since it was my first time being followed, I saw almost everyone as a possible suspect. However, I knew I couldn't keep that suspicion up forever, so I had to figure out a way to narrow down who they could be."

"Does that mean she was in it as well?"

"Her timing was fishy, but soon, I declared she was clear after I got to know her better."

She put her hand on her chin, "Sounds like you have trust issues."

I sigh in exasperation, "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that it's not that I don't trust the Alder Knight or anyone that bears a good intention, or at least, being neutral to me, but rather those around them that I'm not familiar with."

"Your exposition is a bit confusing, but I guess I understand what you're trying to convey."

"I- uh, it's hard to construct what I had in mind to words."

Miss Alice acknowledges with a few nods before lapsing into quiet contemplation. What I've disclosed to her is information I've kept close, yet its confidentiality seems inconsequential now, given the lack of interest from others. Nonetheless, I remain puzzled by her intentions toward me.

"Did telling one of the sisters from the Church not cross your mind then? I'm sure most members of the Church of Favonius are pretty trustworthy. Or you simply decided not to?"

"I'm worried that if I involve them in this, I might put them in danger, which proved true later on."

"Rich for you to say that when you dragged Frederica to your scheme."

I stare at her for a moment, "... I wish I didn't have to."

"What?!" She pressed forward as she folded her arms, "I thought you had no choice when he tried to kill you? Now that I think about it, you actually planned that one, didn't you, Morgan?"

We've been in this Q for a while now. I don't mind too much about it, but it sort of irks me when this is the first time we have a long conversation. Let's try to reverse a bit.

"Can we halt here? I feel like being interrogated over here."

She blinks innocently, "Oh, so sorry! I was a little too pushy, wasn't I?"

"I couldn't help but be curious about what happened, you know? It's only fair if I give you something in return, so it's your turn. What do you want to know?" She continued.

It's not what I expected it turned out to be. I didn't think she would back down so easily.

"Why are you visiting me now?"

"Fufu, I don't mean to brag, but I am a busy lady and it's not often I have free time. That's why I couldn't visit you until today."

I get she's a big person, so in hindsight, her reason makes sense, however, my sonar says otherwise. Which I mean, is not a total lie.

"What's your point in raising those questions to me? I doubt a mere curiosity is what drives you."

She chuckles, "What if it is? But I do agree that's a little over the top to do that if I was JUST curious. Who knows? Maybe I can help you in a way."

Now that's interesting to hear. She came unannounced, rain me with questions, and now she's offering assistance? That's a swing of motives that she has.

I'm looking forward to seeing what she brings to the table, and I have confidence in her abilities. However, I'm hesitant to fully trust her, especially since I doubt she offer assistance in return for nothing. Not to mention, Miss Alice has been talking in a mix of both lies and truth.

"How nice of you to offer a hand, ma'am. Although, I wonder how exactly are you going to help me."

"Oh, please don't expect much from me." Miss Alice clasped her hands together as she stuck out her tongue a little, "Before I answer that, I'd like to know about the progress of your parents' case so far." She added.

"Not too bad, I guess. Grand Master Varka told me they finally got a lead of the suspect in Fontaine." I said before drinking from my cup.

"Good, good. That's better than nothing, right? How do you feel about it?"

There it is again. She asked a lot about how I felt about what happened. Does it matter for her?

"Well, yeah. I'm glad they made progress."

"Do you mind to fill what happened to me again? I want to personally hear it from you."

I'm confused by her request and hesitate, but my guts tell me to do what she asks. So I narrated the same thing to Miss Alice as I did to the Knight of Favonius and added some extra information from what they gathered as well.

As soon as I finish, she smirks and inquires,

"The one from you… That's not the full story, isn't it?"

I widen my eyes, "What makes you say that?"

"I'm a little familiar with their group, so I can provide you with some information about them. Are you interested?"

It sure sounds tempting, but it feels like a carrot on a stick. That also makes me convinced that she has at least more than one motive to visit me today. How troublesome.

"Sure. What do you have?".

"When you crossed paths with them, they were looting the caravan in the rain when no one was guarding the goods, correct? It was nothing odd considering treasure hoarders mainly after wealth. However, some of them also work as mercenaries."

I lean back against the chair, "Hmm, I know they are different from one to another, but I don't see the point you're trying to say here, unless…" A sudden realization struck me, "No, no! There is no way…"

"Are you saying… people are already targeting… me since… then?"

"Perhaps?" Miss Alice shrugged as she shoved her hand into her pocket, "Is what I wanted to say had I not had this on me. Take a look."

She passes a folded piece of paper to me, and it lands in front of me. As I reach out to pick it up, I feel a sense of hesitation overwhelming me. I'm even experiencing cold sweats from the fear of opening it.

In the final moments, I prepare myself to receive it, then cautiously unfold and reveal its contents. I raise my eyebrows in disbelief as I utter,

"Is this… real?"

A/N: I wish to upload this chapter when Alice shows up in the game in person, but who knows how long it will take? And at that point, I also have to rewrite this chapter to fit her character better. So screw it, I'll just go with how I grasp her character.

Also, apologize for the long update. I've been feeling unwell, and I still am. But,

Thank you for reading, and carry on!