Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 4.4:

What Friends Do

The rain has been getting heavier ever since I noticed. The strong gust from the window lead drizzles into my room. However, it is not much of a concern when I can push most of them back to avoid my room getting wetter than it already is.

I hear knocks on the door after I sent countless cut motions in my room. Hesitantly, I walk to the door and post a question,

"Who is it?"

"It's me. Can I come in?"

"Did you not hear from The Seneschal or the sisters that I want some time alone?"

"You've been there for some time now, so they want me to check on you."

Listening to that makes me raise an eyebrow, "You, out of all people?"

I can hear her exhale softly.

"Fine. I'm bored. You happy?" She sounded displeased.

I run my fingers through the back of my head, release a sigh, and then proceed to unlock the lock and push the handle. In front of the door, reveal a girl with pale skin and short wine-colored hair with some strands colored a darker red.

Hmm, maybe saying she has pale skin is a little understatement.

I shift aside to allow her entry into my room, then take a seat on the chair, acting as though she's familiar and comfortable in the space as if it were her own. I know this isn't my personal room either, but still.

"So, what's your business?" I asked after closing the door back.

"As I said, I'm bored. Those nuns persist in keeping me inside until the rain dies down."

She rests her head on her hand on the table while I step to my bed and sit on the edge.

"I doubt you would find anything to do here either, except for chatting with me."

"Perhaps." She closed her eyes before looking at me, "You look tired. What were you doing?"

I believed I concealed my fatigue effectively, but it appears she could effortlessly notice me catching my breath. Additionally, my hand is considerably stiff. After taking a deep breath, I respond,

"Just some exercise, no big deal."

"I thought you were mastur-" I cut her off.

"Hold it. I know what you are trying to say, and I assure you it wasn't that."

She lowers her shoulders before switching subjects,

"I heard someone's after your head. How does it feel?"

"Oh, so you've heard, huh? Well, I was overwhelmingly disturbed knowing someone wanted me dead, but now, there's nothing I can do about it. I should be okay as long as I stay inside the city."

"Sounds interesting." She razzed, "Then, do you have any idea what might be their motive?"

I shake my head.

"That can't be. I am skeptical that they want to murder you for no reason, especially since he said that." She mentioned.

"What can I say? I know nothing."

She furrowed her brow in response to my answer.

It's evident she's aware that I might be concealing something, or perhaps she's preoccupied with entirely different thoughts. I didn't anticipate her trusting my words, but revealing the factual reason was something I couldn't afford at the moment.

She was about to say something when we heard more knocks on the door.

I rise to open the door, finding individuals at the entrance who appear taken aback as the door unexpectedly swings open wide. While I was aware of their impending arrival, I hadn't anticipated them visiting at this particular moment.

"Hi there, Morgan! We came to visit you." The navy-haired greeted me as he presented me with a basket of fruits.

I look at everyone before moving aside, "Thanks. Please, come in."

They step into the room one by one after I give them a nod, and they respond with a smile until the last person suddenly charges at me and grabs me by the hand.

"Morgan! Are you okay?! Is there anywhere hurt?! You-" Her panic cut short with confusion, "Seem fine to me?"

I put her hands down and assured her by saying, "Relax. I am alright, Amber. You should come in first." I patted her back before shutting the door.

"I didn't expect I would get visitors in this weather." I said as I leaned against the wall.

"I guess so. Kaeya and I were worried when we heard the news, so we rushed to come as soon as we had spare time."

"I see. How about you two?" I looked at the rest of the group.

"The same goes for me. Mother informed me about your mishap, so I asked her permission to visit you since today's weather is unfavorable."

"I happened to be nearby with Grandpa when we saw the Grand Master heading towards somewhere. Initially, we were going to visit you together, but he has business to deal with. He entrusts his regards, though."

I nod, "Thank you everyone. I appreciate your visit."

"Should I put it here?" Kaeya questioned, asking my permission to put the basket on the table.

"Of course. Thank you for that as well."

After Kaeya places the basket of fruits on top of it, he notices Rosaria silently sitting on the chair close to the table. As I guessed her character, she gave him a cold shoulder. On the other, Kaeya isn't familiar with her and doesn't know how to deal with her.

"We, uh, didn't disturb you with your guest, right?"

"I suppose it's time for me to leave." Rosaria said as she got up from the seat.

"Whoa, slow down." I stopped her before she could take a step, "There's no need for you to do that. I don't mind all of you staying here."

She disregards my words completely as she heads towards the door.

"Don't force it. I've stayed here long enough." She whispered to me as she held the door's handle, "Later."

Departing without bidding farewell to the others, she exits the room, leaving both me and those perplexed. An uncomfortable silence ensues until someone finally breaks the ice,

"She sure was an interesting person."

"I'm so sorry about her behavior. She's new here."

"Who was that, anyway?" Amber inquired.

"Her name is Rosaria. She," I paused, thinking about what to say, "Just recently got into the city. I guess she needs more time to adapt to living here. I'm sure there'll be next time for you guys to know her."

"Very well. Also, she kinda looks like you."

"Are you commenting on her aloofness, Diluc? That's very nice of you."

"Wait, no! That's not what I meant! I was talking about how you two are a bit stoic." He denied, waving his hands.

The eye-patch boy pats his shoulder, "That's alright. We get it."

The red-haired can't utter a word when he thinks everyone misunderstood him. Jean comes to his rescue by diverting the conversation, relieving him of embarrassment.

"By the way, how are you doing, Morgan? Mother told me you're unscathed, and I can see that, but I just want to make sure."

"Perfectly good." I responded as I flexed the movement of my limbs.

She bobs her head in acknowledgment, "Glad to hear that. I was worried something might happen to you."

"Yeah. I heard you fought an assassin, huh? I'm impressed you came back in one piece."

"I was just lucky, I guess" I shrugged.

"He didn't damage you, did he?" The blonde wondered.

I shake my head. What a fucking lie.

"Then how? You're not gonna say you defeated him, did you?"

"No way. I tried to run away from him until the Alder Knight came to save me in time."

The said person's daughter widens her eyes while the three look at her.

"So that's what she meant by saving you," I heard her murmur, "Good to know Mother managed to save your life this time." She beamed.

"True that. I'm just glad you're alright, man." Diluc nodded with Kaeya.

"Are all assassins that strong?"

All of us look at the brunette, and she recoils.

I suppose that question isn't that surprising, knowing she might have never been fighting someone. However, I doubt any of us has a proper answer to that question, even though a few of us have battle experience. But, fighting toe to toe with someone was coming trying to murder you, though? That's mine alone, for now.

"I'd say their strength varies depending on their skill and reputation. Even I doubt Diluc over here can beat them." He sent a side glance to the red-haired.

"Hmph! I'd like to see them try."

The girls can only watch at their banter. Meanwhile, I exhale and move to the table to pick some fruits the brothers brought. These fruits seem fresh, but I nitpick which one I want and settle for an apple. I slide the drawer and pick up the knife to peel it.

Jean jogs toward me when she notices what I want to do.

"Please let me help you."

She's about to grab the knife and the apple in my hands, but I dodge her.

"It's alright. I got this."

"No, no. I insist." She shook her head.

"Thank you, but I can peel this apple myself."

"I know, and I want to help."

She keeps persisting despite me saying no to her and even trying to reach my hands. Thankfully, I'm slightly taller than her, so I can tiptoe myself to avoid her. Unfortunately, that makes Jean give more effort by getting so close to me to get the items.

I almost tripped had Diluc didn't intervene.

"That's enough, Jean. He said he got this."

Listening to his words, she finally backs down, but I can see her disappointed face.

"If you want to help that badly, how about making some drinks for us?"

"Morgan?" Diluc said in confusion.

"That is if you don't mind, of course."

"Will do!" She was delighted as she trotted her way to the door.

Silence fills the room, prompting me to sit on the bed and begin peeling an apple. The decision to send Jean away left the lads astonished, and now they gaze at me in disbelief. Meanwhile, the final girl in the room settles in, reclining on the bed.

"Apple?" I offered those two a piece.

"I can't believe you did that. I mean, I understand Jean was stubborn to help, but," Diluc halted, not continuing the sentence.

"Well, she seemed dispirited that you not let her help me. So," I looked at Amber, "You want some?"

Instead of taking it with her hand, Amber moved her head forward and immediately bit the apple in my hand. She seemingly enjoyed the fresh-cut piece of apple I gave her. While I cut the next one, Kaeya speaks.

"So, any idea why you got attacked, Morgan?"

"Nah." I took a bite at the piece.

"You reckon? It's unlikely for them to target you for no reason."

I feed Amber another apple piece, "You're not the first one that said that, but I have no idea, really."

Kaeya and Diluc look at each other.

Shortly after, Jean returns carrying a tray filled with cups. While conversing throughout the afternoon, we relished the tea she had prepared. I inquired about their training progress, and they reported that it had been successful. Diluc and Jean specifically expressed gratitude to me for proposing the concept. During moments when the three of them conversed without my involvement, I initiated a talk with Amber.

…

"See you next time, Morgan. All in all, I'm glad you're okay."

"Yeah. I appreciate your visit, you all. Thank you." I bowed my head.

"Haha, don't mention it. We're friends. It's what we do, yeah?"

Somehow hesitant, I nod regardless.

"Until next time, Morgan. Make sure to go out when you feel better."

"Uh-huh. Good luck to you all, and be careful on your way back."

The three exited in tow as they waved their hand to me. When the door closed, the last person with me voiced,

"We sure did make an interesting group there."

"I guess so."

"I wish I could talk more to them. A shame they leave so soon." She sighed as she looked down.

"Hmm? That wasn't your first time meeting them, was it? Here, I thought you guys get along just fine."

"Ahaha, well, it was not. But it's somewhat rare for me to get the opportunity to encounter them without any formal plan beforehand."

"Huh, is that so? You could be just out of luck not to meet them somewhere else." I said, "What do you want to talk with them, anyway?"

"Hehe, guess what?"

I hum as I ponder the answer, "I'm having trouble imagining you interacting with them."

She smacks me on the arm, "Ow. I was joking."

"Well, you need to work on expressing with your face." She stressed, putting on a pouting face.

"That's kinda harsh." I commented as I rubbed my arm, "But it's you we're talking about here, I'm sure you can get along with them just fine."

"Hehe, I hope so. I'd like to befriend them better." She scratched her head, "I'll head home too. Morgan, promise me you'll play with me tomorrow."

"Maybe not exactly tomorrow, but I will as soon as I'm not busy with something."

"Come on~ Are you busy again? It's been a while since the last time we played together." She whined.

"Yeah, sadly. But you have my promise to hang out with you soon."

"You mean it?"

I bob my head.

"Okay! Pinky promise then!" She extended her arm, freeing her pinky.

I scoff, but I play along anyway, "Sure."

A/N: Friendship is a beautiful thing, isn't it?

Thank you for reading, and carry on!