Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 3.2:

Dissaranged Encounter

I totter my way to the city, feeling worn out and starving. Although, I have no one to blame except myself for that, and I'm still not used to it since I've only been doing this for less than a week.

"Are you alright? Do you want me to carry you?"

I pant as I answer, "I'm just… tired. No need… to worry."

Mrs. Frederica walks along beside me, wearing a slightly concerned expression. I should be fine after getting some food and rest, so there's nothing to worry about. Thanks to her, I could finish my exercise without being too wary.

The question of how much I'm going to improve is not something I can answer confidently. I also can't say I have great expectations of myself, but the most I can do is hope for the best while giving it everything I've got.

On my way back, I sense a figure in the distance. Since I don't know who it is, it must be someone I've never met. I'm not particularly interested to know. However, she is near the path, so I might as well check out. It'll be quick, as I want to fill my stomach soon.

"Morgan? Where are you going?" Mrs. Frederica questioned, seeing me walk off the path.

"Just checking."

Getting closer, I see a cloud of smoke and the figure I'm expecting within my sight. It appears that the person started the fire source. I had no intention of approaching, but I did anyway.

She's staring at the bonfire while holding an apple. As soon as I get close to her, she notices me and guards up. We both deadpan stared at each other for a minute without speaking until someone else broke the ice.

"Well, well. Who do we have here? What are you doing out here all alone, missy?"

I glance at Mrs. Frederica as she's smirking at the person. For some reason, I feel something more behind her words.

"... That uniform and badge- You're part of the Knight of Favonius...!" She cautioned as she stood.

"None to worry, little girl. There's no need to be tense meeting a knight, right?"

The bluenette didn't answer and remained cautious.

I'm confused with this, but I didn't intend to make matters more complicated.

"Mrs. Frederica, you know her?"

She hums, "Yeah, she's-"

"I'm leaving."

The girl surprises me when she decides to go. I was about to stop her, but Mrs. Frederica held my shoulder and shook her head. I can only see her figure going away from us. However, she isn't heading to the city but somewhere else.

The bluenette seemed not gratified when she noticed Mrs. Frederica approaching her. Mrs. Frederica lets go of me when she's away. I have several questions, yet Mrs. Frederica beats me by asking first.

"I'm genuinely impressed with your sense, Morgan. How did you know she was here despite not knowing it?"

The place isn't secluded enough to be seen by anybody. People probably would miss it if they were not paying attention, however. Not to mention, she was alone.

"... I think I should be the one asking the question here, Mrs. Frederica. What did you do?"

She softly exhales, "Right. I tend to forget to leave family matters before work. My apologies, Morgan."

"What? What do you mean? Why are you apologizing to me?"

She smiles wryly, "Do you really want to know? Because I don't want to drag you with a trivial issue."

I was about to answer, but I didn't. As curious as I am about what actually happened, what Mrs. Frederica said is correct. Still, even if that was the case, I REALLY didn't mean that to happen. I guess I owe an apology to that girl.

Goddamit, this is getting troublesome.

"... Forget it." I sighed.

She lets out a small laugh.

"Oh, that reminds me. Why did you make your way to her?"

I scratch the back of my head before answering, "No particular reason. I-"

The words stuck in my throat.

"You, what?"

"She was an oddball for sitting here all alone, I guess. What do you think, Mrs. Frederica?"

"Hmm, well, unlike you, I know her. Nothing that happened here is strange to me, especially her attitude towards me though-"

"I don't think I liked that, I mind you."

"I'm so sorry. I suppose there was no need for you to witness that."

I wag my head.

Probably, but it was interesting to see things unfold. That event unravels a little about Mrs. Frederica. Not that I want to, but it's better than knowing nothing.

Since I had wrapped up for the day, I planned to go back and rest. However, a twist came up out of nowhere, and now I had to clean up the mess. Unfortunately, I can't do it if the problem itself remains with me, so,

"Let's head back."

…

The Alder Knight and I return to the city. Pigeons are chilling on the path but fly away as soon as they see us walking toward them. I watch them flap their wings in the sky and feel the warmth of the dusk on my skin.

Even though I feel exhausted and starving, I stop at my track. Mrs. Frederica takes a few steps before noticing that I have halted. Knowing she most likely feels the same, I don't want her to stay with me any longer.

Before she can speak, I voice,

"Thank you for today, ma'am. Since we're already here, I think it's okay for us to be apart."

"Oh, don't mention it. I am happy to know you're doing some work out to make yourself healthy and not anything- shady." She teased.

"Huh, you're right. Anyway, I'll be here to enjoy the sunset. So, you may go on ahead."

"Hmm? Are you not tired or even starving? You did exercise for a long while, so I doubt you don't."

"I am, but it can wait."

She raises her eyebrows, "I don't suggest you do that, Morgan. You need to energize yourself to prevent your muscles from degenerating."

"Relax. I promise I won't be long."

She seems reluctant to leave but walks away regardless after giving me a short message.

"Alright, make sure to go back as soon as you can. See you next time, Morgan."

"Yeah, thank you once again, ma'am." I nodded.

The lady glimpses at me for the last time before leaving. After making sure she's gone, I rest my elbows on the edge of the bridge. The cider lake's water is so clean that I can see deep under. By enjoying the nature, I begin to wait.

A/N: That wasn't a very happy encounter, don't you agree? I'm pretty sure I gave enough hints to guess who the girl was, judging by her reactions and a single description.

Thank you for reading, and carry on!