Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 4.5:

Questionable Actions

The next day.

Following my shower and breakfast, I promptly secluded myself in the room to proceed with my latest training session. The room stays well-ventilated due to the wide-open window, and as I sit in the middle of the bed with crossed legs, wearing a basic shirt and shorts, natural light fills the space while I close my eyes.

As the morning is in its early stages, I sense the crisp, cool air around me as I inhale deeply, intending to sustain my concentration for an extended period. My goal today is to continue to harness and regulate my elemental energy.

*knock* *knock*

My eyes snapped wide open upon hearing a noise at the door. I had been so absorbed in my thoughts that I hadn't detected their approach. Exhaling a sigh of relief at the unexpected visitor, I remained in bed, extending my fingers to concentrate on unlocking the door with an upward swipe.

As soon as I hear a click, I say, "Please come in."

"Sorry for the sudden visit yet again, Morgan." The person in question said after opening the entrance.

He enters alongside the person who saved my life. Although I can perceive the emotions conveyed through their expressions, I can't do much about it as I continue to sit on the bed. The only visitors present are the two of them, prompting her to close the door.

Without seeking my consent, he assumes a seat on the chair close to the table while she positions herself directly ahead of me. As a result of my placement, they're facing toward my right side. I adjust to my orientation with some reluctance, simply out of politeness.

"What business brings you two here today?"

"I- I leave the talking to you, Inspector." The Alder Knight unexpectedly shook her head as she placed her hand on her temple.

"Understood." He bobbed his head, "I suppose there's no point in beating the bushes, so I'll cut the chase."

Inspector Eroch gazes at me directly, "Morgan, are you cooperating with someone to smirch Knight of Favonius' reputation?"

"..."

"..."

I must be crazy, but did my ears mishear what he said? "I beg your pardon?"

"I apologize. That perhaps sounded too abrupt without explanation."

I honestly didn't expect that accusation to come at me. While I understood the topic the Inspector tried to speak with me, the way he brought it up shocked me. The idea of me collaborating with somebody who attempted to murder me gives me a shudder.

And for the reason of defacing the KoF?! It has to be a joke!

"According to the Alder Knight, the skirmish happened at the coast near the Stormbearer Point, correct?"

I nodded.

"There were plenty of hints there was a fight there, including plenty of blood splatters across places, surrounding damages, plus your torn clothes, and…" He paused before revealing, "A couple of knives. Are these yours?"

I intently listened before responding, "... Yes, they are."

"I held the same belief. Does this imply that you were aware of the impending aggression but chose not to disclose it to anyone?" He debated.

What would be the appropriate way for me to respond to this inquiry?

"Honestly, I anticipated this outcome from the day I commenced my training sessions outside the city. Unfortunately, my fears materialized yesterday."

"So basically, you're saying that you're always carrying a knife with you? Without her knowing about it?"

"I didn't think it was necessary to tell her."

"Hmm…" The Inspector pondered as he held his chin.

After being silent for a while, the blonde lady raised her voice, "I want to confirm something."

Both I and the Inspector turn in her direction.

"Go ahead."

"A few days ago, while we were conversing at Angel's Share, you brought up a query regarding my observations during my duty. I reassured you that everything was normal. However, upon reflection, it struck me that your inquiry might have hinted at your awareness of being followed, yet you chose not to disclose it. This coincidence struck me as rather noteworthy." She addressed our talk back then.

Damn, I knew it was risky to pose that question at that time.

"Did you know you were in danger since then? Or maybe even before?" Finally, she concluded it with a question.

"I won't say I knew it, but it was a mere hunch."

Technically, it wasn't a lie.

The two adults stare at me with sheer doubt as the quietness fills the space and a gentle breeze wafts in through the window.

"The paper, Sir Eroch." She uttered.

"Very well. That day, you met with both of the entrance gate guards, yes?"

I replied with a nod.

"You provided them with a paper and instructed them to deliver it to the Alder Knight when she inquires about your whereabouts. However, since you had previously agreed to chat in the morning, you anticipated her compliance with the arrangement. The content of the paper you intended to pass on to her conveyed the message not to accompany you, which was unusual behavior of you. The thing is, that was what they thought it was." He elaborated.

"I assume you're talking about the hidden paper I fused?"

"So you don't deny that you intentionally lured her to the coast?"

"I won't exactly say I lured her but rather wanted to tell her I was there if she was looking for me."

He squints, "It was a little sneaky of you if you think about it."

"..."

I don't bat my eyes on Mrs. Frederica, but I notice she clutches her tricep tightly while the Inspector subtly narrows his eyebrows. He doesn't let the momentum of our conversation cut for long as he proceeds with a sigh,

"I don't want to believe my accusation was a bullseye, Morgan. Now, let us hear what you have to say."

I lower my gaze momentarily before looking back at him as I speak, "I don't think I have much to say. You guys seem to grasp the whole situation based on what you've collected already."

"Then-" I interrupted his sentence.

"However, I object to working with an outsider because I have no reason nor the intention to do that, especially since you accused me of trying to tarnish your reputation."

"Hmm, I'm afraid your words don't match your actions. If you don't mind, please answer your motive behind these questions. That day, why did you go out alone without her?"

"The Alder Knight told me she would be busy with work, so I left her behind. And before you add more questions, I departed earlier because I simply felt like it. It wasn't like I did that the first time."

"Simply felt like it, huh?" The Inspector repeated, "Then, why did you not tell any of the Sisters?"

"As I said, that was not the first time I went out at dawn. Depending on my mood, I can leave anywhere between five and seven in the morning. I'm sure they started to get used to that by now since The Seneschal knows about my training before anyone else."

The Inspector glances at Mrs. Frederica and she quickly notices. I assume he's looking for her confirmation.

She silently bobbed her head.

The Inspector takes a deep breath and fixes his seating position before continuing, "Alright, let's move on, then."

"How'd you manage to fend off your way against the enemy? From what we gathered, you have no experience in combat. It's unlikely that you can handle an experienced enemy with a few weeks of training."

That's strange. Why would he skip the part where I left a message for her? Was it intentional?

If I were him, I would definitely inquire about it first. Unless the Inspector is trying to save it for the last move to checkmate, what he was doing is incomprehensible. I wonder what they're trying to do by making me admit my questionable actions.

"I was just lucky I have a vision, so I somehow managed to avoid most of their offensive."

"Unfortunately, being granted a vision doesn't make an individual strong out of nowhere. One is still required to learn how to use it." He debated.

Well, shit bro. Tell me something new.

"Indeed. That's one of the reasons why I started training on my own, sir. It would be a waste for me not to bother learning and putting my vision into practice."

"And you won? Whoever wants you dead wouldn't send an inept hitman unless it was scripted."

I tilt my head, "No, I didn't. I just managed to survive. How do you know it was scripted? It might be as you said. After all, I'm the one who fought him without any real combat experience, so naturally, he was stronger than me."

"... I heard she saw you bled. Based on your story, we deem it unlikely that you hurt your opponent."

Actually, I put up some fight and managed to inflict damage on him…

… Is what I wanted to say, but reading the room, I suppose it best to keep quiet. Better keep the flow going.

"You're not wrong. But you've heard what I said that day, and I don't think I need to repeat it."

"Be serious, Morgan." The Alder Knight rebuked as she stood straight, "Are you not feeling anxiety knowing someone is trying to kill you? We are trying to assist you here! Can you cooperate adequately?!" She started to raise her tone.

I shake my head, "I AM serious. I understand how critical my situation is for you and me. Besides, I have shared plenty of information with you guys already. Shouldn't it be my line when you boldly accused me of trying to tarnish the Knight of Favonious' reputation?" I looked at the Inspector when saying the last sentence.

"I apologize for that. I was rushing to claim you were a traitor of some sort." He bowed his head slightly before explaining, "It's just your predicaments had been difficult for us to solve for some reason. Hard not to think those happened without a proper plan or insider help."

I can feel my eye twitch when I hear that, "What?"

"There were rumors around about your distaste against the KoF, but I suppose rumors are just rumors. Sometimes you can't differentiate which of them holds the truth."

I inhale deeply, gritting my teeth and clenching my fists, holding my breath for a few moments. I simply thought this was outrageously stupid. Afterward, I exhaled slowly.

"I don't know where you hear those from, nor do I want to know about it. But even if I did bear disinclination, I wouldn't go as far as to rebel against you in any form."

The two stare at me for a good while until the Inspector exhales and speaks,

"I have one more question." I insinuated him to continue, "What's with the note you gave the guards that day? No way you hadn't an ulterior motive to do that, particularly when there was a hidden additional note behind it."

There's no need to explain them when they have pretty apparent meaning. I'm sure they're more curious about my reasoning behind it.

"The hidden note was nothing but insurance in case something happened to me. I know that sounds dubious, but I assure you, I take care of my well-being seriously. I admit it was rather an intricate method I used." I wanted to add more but decided against it, "If I'm still somehow allegedly trying to do anything bad, I'm ready to give myself in when I'm proven guilty." I said that because I was confident they wouldn't find anything.

None of them say anything, and the Inspector merely gives me a sullen look.

"I guess we can't go anywhere without evidence, huh? We'll keep this until we can carry on." He stood from his seat and prepared to leave.

The Alder Knight trails behind quietly, wearing a disheartened expression after conveying her discontent to me. I sense her melancholy, particularly because she had only observed and made a few comments amidst all that transpired. But-

"Mrs. Frederica, can I have a word with you?"

She stops and rotates her head to me, twisted. She stays still and doesn't say a word for a moment until,

"If you have anything to say, you should tell Inspector Eroch."

"I want YOU to hear this. You can inform him when we're done."

A/N: This chapter took longer than expected because I had too much fun with my games, so I apologize for the wait!

Thank you for reading, and carry on!