Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 3.11:

Last Lead

It hasn't been a minute since I've been away from people, and yet, another one's already coming my way. I shouldn't be surprised, but here I am. The man standing ahead seemed to want to enter the tavern before he saw me.

"Good evening, Grand Master Varka. I believe you want to go inside?" I pointed at the entrance of the tavern behind me.

"Oh, evening to you as well. That's what I planned. Are you returning?" He wondered.

"I've been in there for like three hours. That much should justify my action to leave now."

"I'm aware of that because Frederica said you'll be here, and I want to speak with you. Did she not tell you?"

"Really? No, I mean, she did. I just didn't expect it to be you, sir."

Grand Master sighs, "Anyway, now that you know, do you mind staying a little longer?"

It doesn't take long for me to answer,

"I apologize, but why don't we talk while walking to the Church? I feel spent today."

"I was just there, though." Hu mumbled, "Very well, let's do it your way."

He turns around and starts walking while I tail narrowly behind him. Our walking pace is moderate, and we'll probably reach the Church in ten minutes. To my surprise, the Grand Master didn't instantly start talking, something holding him back from doing so.

At first, I didn't have a clue what he had for me, but seeing him being reticent gave me enough hints to figure it out. I can't help my anticipation rising. However, in case I was wrong, I kept my expectations low.

"And, what is it that you want to chat with me, sir?"

"Right, let's cut the chase. I have two matters I want to talk with you. Good news and bad news, which one do you want to hear first?" He raised two fingers.

Thinking for a second, I voice, "Let's hear the good news first."

"As you have noticed, or probably not, we hold a small party considering we accomplish a mission. The mission itself was basically eradicating some bandits. Classic criminals, you know? They caused trouble for citizens, but that was not just it. We also got a lead about your suspects' whereabouts."

"Wait a minute, what do you mean by 'suspect'?"

"Are they not? We did match what you described back then, but until you validate them yourself, the best we can do is to categorize them as suspects instead of perpetrators." He clarified.

"I thought we did match their names as well?"

"I know, but you were the only witness that we had. Objectively, we can't be sure with such little evidence. I hope you understand where I'm coming from."

"Hmm, fair. I don't even know if the one who killed my parents was actually this Kenny-man." I voiced, "Does that mean their whereabouts are the bad news?"

Grand Master Varka simply nodded.

"Where is it, anyway?"

"Fontaine."

Our conversation brought us to the stairs to the Anemo Archon's Statue. During our talk and walk here, we passed some people. But thankfully, none eavesdropped. My little stalker, however, seemed quite persistent about it. Nonetheless, I doubt they heard clear what we said.

Pondering what Grand Master told me, my brain doesn't come up with many things. I barely have any knowledge about other nations. I mean, I shouldn't rely on my introvert ass. Still, I have a general idea of what kind of nation Fontaine is, or was, based on a book.

"Do you mind elaborating why their position in Fontaine holds bad news?"

Unexpectedly, he sighs, "I'll try to make it short. Finding their exact location will most likely take a while, knowing sending for a small search group in a country isn't an easy task, and Fontaine itself is quite the distance. But we can ask the Garde to help us. However, counting on another party usually means we cannot expect their utmost cooperation since they have their hands filled with their own issues."

"Huh..." I breathed, "Okay, I guess I get your point here. But,"

We finally arrive at the entrance of the Church, yet we don't go inside right away since there's a little more to unravel. There are still a few people there, so we go slightly further. Grand Master Varka leans against the balustrade while I stand straight from him.

"There's still more, isn't it?"

"Haha, yeah. Bear with me a little longer, yeah?" He laughed, shifting to his usual temperament.

"Around early new year, I'll conduct a voyage to Liyue and, in all likelihood, take a month or so. So I need to take my hands off your case to prepare for and during that, which is why I hope you can forgive me."

I heavily sigh, "Honestly, I think it's best for you to do so."

"Oh, what do you mean by that?"

"I'm grateful for all the efforts you and everyone have put into it, but I don't want you guys fixated on it when you can do something more, I don't know, meaningful, perhaps? There's no need for you to worry about me." I suggested.

"Are you- sure?" He seemed amazed.

"Of course."

"Wow. Are you saying you already let go of what happened?"

"Not completely, but someone once told me not to dwell on the past too much." I shrugged.

Suddenly, he bends his knee and puts his hands on my shoulders.

"That's good, Morgan. It might be hard to let go of it, but I'm glad you don't let your hatred control you. I'm proud of you, and you have my support for it." He looked me right in the eyes.

I gently push his hands, "You flatter me, sir. It's nothing praise-worthy, in my opinion."

"That's not true, kid. I am rather impressed you can overlook your bad memories in a short period. Not many can do that, especially youth like you."

"Well, thank you. I assume you don't have anything else to say? I feel sleepy right now." I said as I rubbed my eyes.

"Just one last thing." He stood.

I wait for him to continue.

"Among those crooks, one of them was a young girl. She's around your age. Given that she has grown with them, I'm sure you get my point."

"Uh, I should be careful around her?"

"Well, I don't think you need to go that far. I wanted to give her rehabilitation in Mondstadt by placing her here, and I wish you to help by getting along with her."

That sounds like a tall order for me, "I see. I'll do what I can."

"Heh, that's good enough. You may go. Thank you for listening."

"Don't mention. I'll go inside. Good night, sir." I excused myself as I bowed my head.

"Yeah. Good night."

With that, I entered the building and departed with the Grand Master. I walk inside and to my room while relaxing my shoulders. On one of the benches, I can see the Seneschal sitting, and upon closer look, a young girl is sleeping on his lap.

He signals me to lower my voice, which he thought I planned to talk to him, but I didn't. I merely nod at him before going to my room, as I don't want to wake the girl. However, the moment I touch the knob of the door, I pause because I notice someone is in there.

Carefully and slowly, I open the door. In there, I see a young female of almost the same height as me standing near the closet. The room was a little dark since the light was off with only the window open. Despite that, I can see her coldly glimpsing at me, covered by her long hair.

We're awkwardly silent, so I switch on the light and close the door.

"Uh, hi?"

She didn't reply. Instead, she approached me. I knew her intention, but it happened so quickly. By the time I realized she was standing in front of me with a sharp object in her hand.

"Are you the owner of this room?" Her voice was distant.

"I am not. I'm only staying here tentatively. Can I kindly ask you to lower that and tell me who you are?"

"And if I don't?"

"Hmm, I'd say you will. You wish not to harm me."

We lock on staring at each other until she backs away. I let out a sigh of relief and covered my throat. Once again, my power saved my day.

Oh, man. I would shit my pants if she actually meant to hurt me.

"Don't you have anyone to teach you a manner of knocking before entering?" She questioned, putting her weapon behind her.

"This is MY room. Who are you? And why are you here?"

"I was just looking around. Nice decoration."

I barely even touch the room.

"Trying to crack a joke, huh? You haven't answered my question." I remained in front of the door.

"Rosaria. You are?"

"I presume you're the one Grand Master Varka mentioned. Call me Morgan. Nice to meet you, Rosaria, and I must say, entering rooms without permission isn't a respectable hobby."

"I got the Master of the Church's permission." She shrugged, closing her eyes.

If she meant The Cardinal Daybreak with that name, then she isn't wrong, but that's a bit weird way to call him.

"Forget it. I need you to leave."

"Gladly."

She starts walking as I watch her making her way to the door. As she passes me, I hold her arm. She instinctively slaps my hand away and shoots me a frown.

"Before you do that, I want you to return what you took."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"You can't fool me. I know you picked something from this room. Do I have to be specific about it?" I pressed.

She remains quiet. As someone raised by bandits, I'm pretty sure she can kill me. Not to mention, the archon blessed her with a vision. Fortunately, my power tells me she bears no malicious intent on me. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to corner her.

"Hmph. Here." She tossed something at me, "How the hell did you know?"

"Intuition." I joked as I estimated the content in the small bag.

"So? Are you going to report me or what?"

"I'll look away this one time. I'm tired, so do you mind leaving? For real this time."

"If you say so." She left the room.

After locking the door, I change my attire and close the window before falling asleep.

A/N: I think (and I hope) what Rosaria did wasn't that out of character. Imagine being attacked and seeing your people get killed (probably) by the Knight, and they brought you back to their home. Safe to say, at first, she would think of herself as a prisoner or sort.

Thank you for reading, and carry on!