Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 3.7:

Killing Times

Different than usual, I'd wind up my exercise for an hour earlier. I wanted to say I did that for no particular reason, but that would be a lie. Mrs. Frederica asked me to drop in Angel's Share again tonight, and I obliged.

I have no clue what more business she has with me, but it's a coincidence because I have a feeling something will happen soon. I feel a bit forced to spend more money there, though. Menus over there are expensive for me.

The gloaming clouds entered my view as I gazed through the ether. The moment someone speaks my name, my train of thought stops, and I look at the source.

"My bad. What is it?"

"Geez, you've been staring blankly upward. You're scaring me." She grumped, folding her arms.

"How? I'm fine, alright?"

"... Really?" She said in an incredulous tone, "Did the tiredness get into you, then?"

"Nah, I am starting to get used to it." I shook my head, "How about you? Aren't your parents gonna be mad if you keep doing this?"

Eula scrunches her face, "Uu! Don't remind me about it, please."

"But it's fine! Just because I go out, doesn't mean I run away from them all the time." She assured.

I raise my right leg so I can rest my head on it.

This evening, she settled to meet with me again. No, that's the wrong way to say it. Like the other day, I found her sitting alone on my way back, and she greeted me as soon as she saw me. So, it was the same basically, just the other way round.

"This time is contrary, though, isn't it? From your story, your parents sound fairly strict toward you if they force you to do what they want."

"I know, right?! They couldn't just leave me alone. They keep saying doing this, doing that for the sake of the clan and stuff without listening to my complaints." She groaned, swinging her feet.

Since she's wearing a medium skirt, I try my best to keep my gaze under control.

"Well, you can be a disobedient child by ignoring their demand, but knowing your background, I guess that's unlikely they'll allow it to happen."

She softly sighs, "I wish I could do that without fearing the consequences. Besides…" She abruptly halted.

Looking at Eula, I see her eyes seem distant and her fingers fidgeting. I can't do much but stare blankly. I suppose all I can offer is to encourage her, but I doubt my ability to do so.

"All right. This subject gets a little too heavy, so let's move on." She raised her head and looked at me, "Eula, you like reading books?"

"Um, at the beginning, my parents forced me to read them, but as time flies, I guess I do. How about you?"

"Yeah, I used to read them a lot, but I stopped doing that for quite a while now. What kind of book did they give you?"

However, before Eula can answer that, I cut her.

"Actually, scratch that. What kind of book you're into? I rephrased that unless your parent gave you anything you'd like."

"Haha, makes sense." She laughed, "But I think I did like the books they gave me. Although it's a shame that some parts of the history of my clan I kind of disinclined to learn, I do like our cultural background."

"Oh… It's not artificial enthusiasm, I hope. I've read a book about the Lawrence clan's culture as well. It mentioned combat, etiquette, cooking, dance, art, and so on."

Her eyes go round, "Really? I didn't expect anyone outside the clan to know anything about our cultures. How did you manage to get it?"

Recalling how I got my hand on a book like that is funny, because it was nothing but an accident. The book slipped into the stack of books I borrowed, and I noticed it only by the time I got home.

Once I completed reading all of the books within a short span, I took the initiative to return them to the library. Surprisingly, instead of the librarian coming to retrieve the book, she designated it as if I were borrowing it again. I distinctly recall noticing her expression, and it was evident that she wasn't pleased, with the fact that I had accessed it.

"I borrowed it from the library." I indifferently answered.

"You mean the library in The Knight of Favonius' headquarters?"

"Uh, yeah, unless there's another library in Mond that I didn't know existed."

"Wow. I'm surprised the librarian didn't ban them."

"Why? The Lawrence might prohibit people from learning about their knowledge because of aristocracy and stuff, but that was in the past. The Librarian didn't mention anything about the book being outlaw."

She squints her eyes when she hears my reasoning. I realize what I said probably denigrated her in a way, however,

"What you've read was definitely the real deal then, knowing that you noticed it was strictly off-limits." She shook her head.

Oddly, her response wasn't what I expected. On the contrary, there was a flimsy distress in her tone. I wonder what she thinks of herself as a Lawrence.

"What drives you to read about my clan's cultural book, anyway? I highly doubt anyone finds it interesting learning anything about us." She questioned as she subtly peeked at the emblem on her right shoulder.

I lift my head upward, "I don't really remember since it's been a while, but I think it was because I was curious about Mondstadt's overall history."

She hums when she hears my reply, "You sound like a nerd."

"Well, I was a nerd," I differed, "Which part got your interest, though? I thought you had enough of it."

"Honestly, but not all of them made me feel that way. For example, the cooking curriculum teaches me to make some pastries I like, and the art section allows me to value their magnificence, like dance and music."

Hearing that, I can't help but feel astonished, "As expected of a noble heir. I bet you can do at least one of the two, if not both."

Eula smirks wide and puts her hands on her hips, "Hehe, you bet. I got proper training for them. Maybe I can show you one day, supposing chance on your side." She said before giving me a peek with one eye.

"Alright, looking forward to it."

I stand and wipe my pants.

"Oh, are we heading back now?"

"Uh-huh, I have a plan after this. You coming?"

"Okay, it's getting late anyway." She followed along.

As usual, we walk back to the city together. On the way, we chatted for a while until we reached the front gate. And before we parted, I called her once again.

"Here. I almost forgot to return it to you. Thank you for lending me it."

"You're welcome. I don't mind if you wanted to keep it, though." She breathed, taking the small cloth, "You didn't suffer anything, did you?"

I can tell her being genuinely concerned.

"Relax. It was nothing serious."

"... Very well. But please, don't keep quiet if you're feeling unwell."

"I didn't know you were such a worrywart."

"Wha-" Her face turned red, "I'm worried if anything happens to you, okay?!"

In case anyone else was nearby, I'm sure they wouldn't believe what she just said. For others, this type of behavior may regarded as manipulation or act. However, regardless of everybody's opinions about Eula Lawrence, the fact she's a nice person won't change.

"I appreciate your sentiment, Eula. Thanks."

The bluenette flinches, "Hmph! That doesn't make things any better."

"I apologize if I offend you with that."

"Sometimes I couldn't tell if you're being serious, considering your facial expressions barely change." She exhaled, "Whatever. See you tomorrow then, Morgan."

A/N: Another interaction with Eula is here! Lore time!

*In Eula's story Quest Part 3, she mentions that passing this knowledge to outsiders is strictly forbidden.

*Since we have no book regarding the Lawrence Clan yet in-game, I presume curriculums focusing mainly on combat, dance, cooking, and etiquette make sense for their aristocracy. Someone mentioned this, but I'm not sure how reliable it was.

*She canonically likes treats and making them.

Thank you for reading, and carry on!

I want to say that the fanfiction site has been fixed, thanks to someone for telling me. So I decided to remain on this one rather than the new one after hearing the news. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience and the confusion, folks!