A/N: Thank you for the kind words, folks!
A Knight's Retirement
Chapter 5: Day of Rest
As it turns out, Lady Jean was indeed not happy with the injury Cyril had accidentally inflicted upon himself during his assignment with Lady Amber, Lady Eula, and Miss Fischl. She didn't go so far as to reprimand him since he wasn't actually a Knight of Favonius, but she now refused to give him new jobs until his wounds had healed to an acceptable level.
Which would luckily only be a few days thanks to Sister Barbara's ministrations. However, let it also be said that the sister in question was not happy with him either, due to having him as a patient once more so soon after he was discharged.
It was honestly quite unfair how the healer had mixed puppy eyes and scathing admonishment into a combined attack upon Cyril's conscience. Layered on top of that were the strict but genuinely concerned words of Lady Jean as well. As a result, he had no choice but to capitulate to the sisters' (he'd been unsurprised when he learned they were related) demands.
And that was how Cyril found himself with little to do even though he had another, perfectly serviceable arm to use for work. He could use an estus flask (he still had a full set), but with no way to replenish them at the moment he was reserving them for emergencies. On that note, he had also wondered about what would happen should he face his demise here…perhaps since his soul appeared in this world there was already something like a bonfire anchoring him here.
Yet another problem to ponder over the coming days.
He'd spent some time in the library to further his knowledge this morning, though he eventually excused himself to escape Lady Lisa's attention. According to the other knights the librarian had a tendency to "tease" or "flirt", both things he wasn't very accustomed to. It wasn't uncommon for him to leave their conversations feeling somewhat bewildered or flustered.
He found himself wandering the streets of Mondstadt, his helmet tucked under his good arm. The little daily activities of the city's people continued to intrigue him, and he indulged in his habit of people watching as he walked.
That wasn't to say he didn't attract attention himself, as he returned many greetings and nods he received from many of the passersby.
Amber was off on a patrol of her own, though she had stopped by to wish him a speedy recovery. He didn't miss how her eyes lingered on his wounded arm, and he felt both heartened and a bit guilty at the worry she displayed.
His bout of self-reflection was interrupted when he came upon an odd sight: a young woman with long black twintails wearing a rather scandalous witch's outfit was currently sitting on a bench looking more than a little forlorn.
Without a second thought, he approached her to see if he could assist her in any way, "Greetings. Is something troubling you, Miss?"
She looked up, eyes narrowing in suspicion, before her expression changed to a surprised one, "You're…the new knight that's been helping around town."
"Yes. Though I am not a member of the Knights of Favonius. My name is Cyril of Astora, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," He bowed politely, giving her a warm and welcoming smile.
Something about his words must've caught her off guard as she stumbled a bit over her words, "I-Is that so? I'm Mona Megistus…and likewise."
She looked away, much to his confusion, though he could swear he caught a bit of pink on her ears. He worried she might've taken offense at being approached unprompted.
"I apologize if I'm overstepping my bounds, but I couldn't help noticing that you looked somewhat distressed, Miss Mona. Perhaps I can help?"
She didn't reply for a few moments, before she gave a long sigh, her earlier offense seemingly forgotten, "I suppose ruminating over it all day isn't being very productive. I had my lunch stolen from me by some pigeons…yes, don't hold back your laughter on my account…"
"I see. That sounds quite inconvenient," Cyril replied sympathetically.
Her head whipped around, her eyes searching his expression for any signs of mockery, "Hmph. I tried using my magic to get the food back, but then a young child berated me for attacking the birds! The nerve…the birds were the ones that took my sandwich! I wasn't even going to hurt them…"
Her shoulders slumped in defeat.
Cyril wisely did not suggest she buy another sandwich, as he somehow doubted she would be this despondent if she could easily do so. In a way, he certainly sympathized with her. If only he'd had enough souls to purchase all the survival gear he needed from the occasional merchant he encountered…then many of his deaths early on may have been avoidable.
"Then perhaps you'd like to join me for lunch, Miss Mona? I've not eaten anything yet today," Cyril suggested. He, of course, didn't need to eat at all. But he did enjoy the act of consuming food and drink, and he was commonly invited to meals by various individuals, "It would be my treat."
A flash of stubborn pride shot through her eyes, "I can pay for myself."
He held up his hands placatingly, "I didn't mean to insinuate otherwise. I just wish to make up for a small bout of misfortune, I assure you."
"..." After a few moments of scrutiny, Mona's eyes softened, "Then…thank you. I won't forget this."
He held out his hand, which she took gingerly before he gently pulled her to her feet. Her face turned a bit pink once more, making him think his instinctual chivalric act might've offended her again. She seemed to have an independent streak, if their short interaction was anything to go by.
As Mona straightened herself out he took notice of the water Vision on her person. His eyes unconsciously traveled to her face, taking in her ocean blue eyes and long eyelashes. She was quite beautiful, which only fed into his working theory about the gods of Teyvat, although her features seemed a bit distinct from the average Mondstadt citizen. Perhaps she was from out of town?
"...Is something wrong?" She asked, noticing him staring.
"Ah, no," Cyril replied, abashed, "I was just curious about your Vision."
"This old thing? Hmph, I suppose it's useful in a pinch, but honestly it's just a nice accessory," Mona looked down at it with dismissiveness, surprising Cyril greatly.
"That…seems rather irreverent compared to the Vision users I have met," Cyril pointed out.
"The fact that I'm able to use it means I might have the favor of someone out there…but honestly I received this vision from my old bat of a mentor so…" Mona blinked, surprised she'd said that much, "Never you mind, Cyril. Shall we go?"
"Of course, Miss Mona," Cyril allowed her to end the conversation, and the two began strolling towards the market/central plaza of the city.
"I have heard many rumors about you, the mysterious knight from another land," Mona was giving him an askance look as they walked, "I find some of them rather fanciful, but it is obvious that your armor is of a design I've never seen before. And I like to think I am more well-traveled than the average person."
"Hmm, perhaps I could clarify some of them for you? What do you wish to ask?" Cyril took her curiosity in good humor.
"You can use magic without a Vision, and it's been said your magic has no resemblance whatsoever to any system known throughout Teyvat," Mona recited without missing a beat.
"Yes, that is true. You could correspond with the Head Librarian of the Knights for confirmation, as I was asked to demonstrate what inklings of magic I know for her to analyze," Cyril nodded easily.
"...You would think to keep such knowledge hidden normally…" Mona sighed, "Aren't you worried you'll be approached by unsavory characters?"
"The Knights of Favonius all seem to be reputable individuals. Outside of that, those who come after me with ill intent may find themselves regretting it," Cyril's eyes turned ice cold for a brief moment, nearly stopping Mona in her tracks.
"I-I see…" Mona hesitated, before choosing a lighter topic, "Is it true you chase cats?"
"Only if requested," Cyril replied with a cheeky smile.
"Ha. I don't suppose you're being paid for your work?" Mona raised an eyebrow.
"I've been receiving a fair cut of the commission fee for any work I've done," Cyril thought back to the arrangement Jean had come up with for him, "Though as I've been performing routine tasks regularly they are looking at paying me at the same rate as a fledgling knight."
In fact they suggested paying him more, but he'd turned it down for now. The variety of commissioned tasks gave him more opportunities to meet new people and explore the town in a way patrols with the Knights did not.
"Hmm…sounds too tedious for me," Mona made a face of distaste.
"What kind of work do you do, Miss Mona?" He asked curiously.
"I am quite skilled at divination," Mona puffed her chest out, "Barring that, I do some writing for a faraway cyclical."
"Oh? Interesting," Cyril looked at her with renewed interest, "You receive visions of the future?"
"No, nothing like that," Mona shook her head, before explaining indulgently, "I use hydromancy to read the stars and determine particular certainties."
"Hydro magic, then," Cyril racked his brain for information, "I imagine it pays well?"
"...Not as much as I would like…" Mona muttered, "I make more than enough to get by…but I can't buy tools for my research!"
"Ah…" Cyril made a noise of sympathy, "There's never enough sou-, currency to go around."
Mona nodded, before thinking of something, "Actually, where exactly do you plan on eating?"
"A colleague of mine has brought me to the Good Hunter a few times now, is their food acceptable for you?" Cyril asked.
"Of course, that's perfectly fine," Mona's eyes lit up, apparently a fan of the food pair drew some curious glances as they walked up to the counter of the Good Hunter, but no one approached them directly.
"What can I get for you?" The staff member smiled brightly at them.
"Hmm…I would like a bowl of the cream stew, if you please," Cyril requested politely, "And I will be paying for my companion as well."
"Ohh?" the young woman's eyes widened in surprise as she looked between the two of them, before realizing she shouldn't stare, "S-Sorry about that, what can I get for you, Mona?"
"I'll take an order of chicken-mushroom skewers," Mona replied, graciously ignoring the earlier slip.
Cyril raised an eyebrow. As far as he knew, that dish was usually just a snack or appetizer. Mona studiously avoided his inquiring glance though, so he figured this was just her way of choosing something rather cheap on his behalf.
That wouldn't do at all.
"Additionally, for our main entree I would like some Sticky Honey Roast, please," Cyril added before handing over the required coins. It then became his turn to ignore the suspicious glare Mona was giving him.
"It'll be right out! Would you like to eat here or take it with you?"
He glanced at Mona, who shrugged, "We will dine here."
"Understood! Please sit wherever you like inside or outside!"
Cyril led Mona into the restaurant, where they found a small table out of the way of the main flow of traffic.
"Ahh, I'm quite famished. I've heard much about the famous Honey Roast here, so I'm glad I have occasion to share it with another," Cyril pre-empted anything Mona was preparing to say.
"...You really didn't have to… " Mona murmured with a pout.
"Hm? What do you mean?" He asked innocently, perhaps with a bit too much emphasis on feigning ignorance.
"...Forget it," Mona harrumphed, "I'll find a way to pay you back."
"That's not necessa-"
"I insist," Mona cut him down then paused thoughtfully, "Perhaps I'll do a reading for you. Free of charge!"
"Surely your divination services are priced higher than a simple meal, no?" Cyril asked in surprise.
"I decide my own rates," Mona waved dismissively. It was apparent she had no intention of backing down.
"...Very well, I look forward to it then," Cyril gave up with a gracious smile.
"..." Mona blushed openly this time, looking away, "And…thank you. For the meal."
Cyril nodded, and the two lapsed into an amiable silence. A few minutes later the stew and skewers arrived, and they began to eat.
"Here," Mona handed him a skewer with a piece of chicken and a piece of mushroom left on it, "Try some."
"Oh, much appreciated," Cyril took it graciously, before looking down at his stew, "In return…"
He made sure to get a bit of all the major ingredients in his spoon, then held it out towards her.
"...Thank you," Mona took his spoon with some hesitation, but ate it obediently, her eyes lighting up, "It's good…!"
Cyril laughed softly, making her glare at him with pink cheeks, but there was definitely a hint of a smile on her face as well.
The sticky honey roast arrived shortly after, luckily already split into two portions, and the two of them dug in without hesitation.
"This… I can see why Amber spoke so highly of this dish," Cyril hummed in contentment. It was rare for him to get any food at all in Lordran, let alone food of this quality.
"It's definitely good…" Mona replied in between mouthfuls, her decorum temporarily forgotten.
"Ah, Miss Mona," Cyril picked up a napkin and held it towards her, "You have some of the honey glaze on your cheek."
"!" Mona snatched the napkin from him and wiped at her face frantically. After she was sure her face was clear, she studiously avoided looking him in the eye as she finished the meal at a much more sedate pace.
A little while later, the two of them left the restaurant in high spirits.
"I'm not actually that fond of sweet things, but the sauce they used on the roast was just right…" Mona sighed contentedly.
"It was more delicious than I could've imagined," Cyril agreed with an equally satisfied smile, "Ah, about the divination you are offering…"
"Yes, I have my hydromancy board set up at my home. If you don't mind accompanying me that far…" Mona said unsurely.
"It's not an issue," Cyril assured her, "Please, lead the way."
Mona smiled in relief, and the pair began walking once more. As they walked, Mona decided to ask about something that had piqued her curiosity earlier.
"By the way, what happened to your arm?" She gestured towards the wrapped and slinged up arm.
"Ahh…it is a result of my own recklessness, I'm afraid," Cyril shook his head ruefully. He gave her a brief summary of his escapades.
"Sounds like a powerful spell, assuming you can control it," Mona grimaced as she thought about the description of his wounds, "Still, you can add my opinion to be more cautious in the future on top of the scoldings you've likely received."
"Duly noted," Cyril replied with a good-natured huff.
As they walked the rest of the way, Mona explained the basic principles of her astrological readings. Most of it went over Cyril's head, but the gist was that she used the reflection of the stars on a body of water to read the future. This brand of magic was also apparently performable without a Vision, the mechanics of which eluded Cyril's understanding at this point in time.
"Here we are." Mona stopped as they arrived at one of the many residential buildings of Mondstadt. She unlocked the door and ushered him inside, "Take a seat. I'll get my hydromancy board ready and I'll do that reading for you!"
"Understood." Cyril sat down obediently and looked around her home. He hadn't been in many living spaces aside from his own over the past week, and it was strange how...alive the place looked. There were charts and telescopes and other objects that likely pertain to astrology all over the room. The space as a whole gave off an air of being "lived-in", something Cyril rarely encountered in Lordran.
He felt somewhat humbled and flattered that she was willing to allow him into a personal area like her home even though they'd only just met. Little things like this only further highlighted the difference between life in Lordran and life in Teyvat.
"There we go." Mona set up what resembled a large, flattened basin, but with several additional devices that he did not recognize, "Are you ready?"
"I am," he nodded easily.
"Then let's begin." Mona began casting magic, and he watched with interest as the basin slowly began filling with water. Once the water stopped increasing, the surface settled and a stunningly beautiful reflection of the night sky was displayed on top.
Noticing his impressed expression, Mona's smile took on a bit of a smug tint. She continued to cast magic, looking through a clear crystal ball of some sort periodically. As she continued, a frown made its way to her face.
"That's strange...it's completely dark…and I can't tell what constellation you were born under..." Her brow furrowed in consternation, "Wait...I'm seeing something. Is that...fire?"
Cyril's expression turned to worry as Mona became more and more absorbed in the reading. She seemed to be focusing intently, no longer noticing her surroundings.
That worry turned to straight panic when her hat began to smoke.
"Miss Mona?" Cyril attempted to get her attention verbally. By now her eyes had turned distant, and she didn't respond at all to his voice.
When the hat began to smolder with embers, Cyril decided to take action. He stood up quickly, grabbing the hat off her head to make sure she didn't get burned, and began shaking her shoulder urgently.
Luckily whatever trance she was under was a weak one, and she responded to the physical touch.
"Wh-What…!?" Mona shook her head side to side, clearing whatever vision she'd been experiencing away, "Cyril…?"
"Your spell was making you behave strangely." Cyril held up her charred hat hat.
"Ahhh! That's my favorite hat!" Mona cried out in despair, "What happened!?"
"I'm not entirely certain, but perhaps reading my fate through the stars has turned out not to be the best of ideas?"
"Y-Yeah…I think I agree with you..." Mona took the well-toasted hat from him, cradling it sadly.
"...Here." Cyril pulled out his coin purse, "Your hat was damaged because of me so allow me to reimburse you."
"Really…?" Mona reached towards the proffered mora before stopping, "No, this is too much. You already paid for my food earlier…"
"Don't be concerned. I doubt it was your fault to begin with. If anything, this malfunction was most likely caused by me or something that happened to me…" Cyril replied, thinking about all the spells and curses he'd been subjected to over the years.
"If you say so…" Mona grabbed the coins, before she met his eyes with fierce determination, "Listen, about the work you mentioned you were doing for the Knights of Favonius…if you ever need a helping hand, let me know. I'll join you!
"You will?" Cyril looked surprised at the offer.
"I will." Mona nodded, "I don't make it a habit of going out and fighting often, but I'm an accomplished hydro mage. I can handle myself in battle."
This was the first time someone unrelated to the Knights of Favonius was offering their help to him. Cyril wasn't sure what to make of it. It seemed like Mona wanted to pay back a perceived debt to him, but from his point of view, he had done nothing to warrant such a repayment. To be willing to fight alongside someone there must be some measure of trust. Of course in Lordran, sometimes you made due with what you had. But here they were under no such dire circumstances.
But he was still learning about how the people of Teyvat and Mondstadt behave, and decided to ponder the question more later. It wasn't like he was suspicious of her anyways, just somewhat bewildered at the offer as a whole.
"I see. Then, when the time comes, I look forward to fighting alongside you." Cyril put a hand on her shoulder, "Thank you."
"W-Well honestly, I should be the one thanking you for taking care of me today…" Mona averted her gaze.
Cyril could only shake his head in bemusement. Perhaps it was because her conduct was so different from the knights he'd grown close with, but he found interacting with Mona to be a fresh experience.
"What?" Mona noticed his smile, narrowing her eyes.
"It's nothing, I am glad to have made your acquaintance today Miss Mona," Cyril chuckled honestly.
"...What's that supposed to mean…?" Mona looked away, though he could tell she was pleased by his words as well.
They made a bit more small talk, before Cyril excused himself. Judging from the smile on her face, Mona was in a better mood as well. Looking back at it from her perspective, it'd been quite a rollercoaster for the young woman, from having her food stolen and her hat set on fire but also getting treated to a meal and becoming acquainted with a foreigner.
As he looked back at the young astrologist/witch, who was giving him a small wave and a smile from her doorway, he thought it was nice to be able to make new acquaintances so easily.
Mona frowned once Cyril had left her home
What were the chances of meeting another person from another world…but from a different world than the first? But her astrology didn't lie, so long as she abided by the heavenly principles that they were derived from.
And Cyril of Astora was certainly no native of Teyvat.
She shuddered. What little bit of Cyril's past, present, or future (she wasn't sure which) she'd been able to discern was far from pleasant. Nothing concrete, just feelings and vague impressions…but hardship and determination overwhelmed all other aspects of his life. But at least she could tell the man himself meant no harm.
He was painfully kind, if their earlier interactions were anything to go by, to be honest. That smile of his…
She tried and failed to stop the blood from rushing up to her cheeks once more. It was unbecoming of someone of her level of prestige to suffer from such a reaction.
Hopefully she'll get a chance to repay him for today sometime soon…
"Ahahaha!" Venti gave a hearty laugh that didn't quite match his slim appearance when he heard the story how Cyril was injured, "Do you want me to come up with a more suitably heroic tale for your woes?"
"Not particularly…" Cyril shrugged as he sipped his drink, injured arm cradled protectively at his side.
The pair were sitting in the Angel's Share on one of the quieter nights since the Cat's Tail was having some kind of big special at the moment.
"A brave warrior, struck by a powerful electro attack trap just as he was struck by a blazing crossbow bolt at the same time, undaunted by the resulting wound. Sounds awe-inspiring, doesn't it?" Venti grinned mischievously.
"It is also a complete fabrication," Cyril grumbled, "I would prefer that no fanciful stories about myself be told whatsoever, but if they are going to be told anyways then they should be grounded in truth."
"Alright, alright," the bard conceded.
They'd met up to drink like this together often enough for him to know that Cyril was a surprisingly humble soul, despite his obvious prowess and chivalrous demeanor. Most knights that reach that level of skill tended to be at least a little bit proud, if not arrogant.
"Speaking of the rumor mill, it looks like people have gotten used to seeing you around town," Venti mused, "Makes sense, you're kinda hard to miss. They'd have to get used to you eventually."
Cyril recalled that he drew many more stares during his first few days in town, but since he began joining the Knights on their patrols and helping out around the city he was no longer attracting as much attention.
"Mm, I am glad that the people of Mondstadt have been so welcoming," Cyril smiled warmly to himself, "In truth I found myself lost after waking up here."
"You sure looked lost," Venti laughed, "But it's great you're having a good time!"
"Well well, if it isn't everyone's new favorite knight and the bard with a penchant for drinking," a familiar, suave voice sounded. A second later, Kaeya sat down at the counter next to them.
"Sir Kaeya," Cyril nodded respectfully while Venti gave him a casual wave.
"Still going with the 'Sir', huh? I could really get used to that," Kaeya chuckled, "Heard about the injury from Amber and Jean. Still dusting off some rust?"
"You could say that," Cyril shrugged, "I simply wished to use a technique I hadn't in a very long time. I misjudged."
"I bet they weren't very happy at that," Kaeya grinned knowingly.
"...No, they were not," Cyril gave a slight shudder as he recalled Jean, Barbara, Amber, and well, everyone's reaction to his story. He would never underestimate the protectiveness of his new comrades again.
"Ah well, we all make mistakes," the eye-patched man winked, "Except me, of course."
Venti scoffed in good nature, "I think your smooth-talking has landed you in some hot water before."
"Pish-posh," Kaeya waved dismissively, "Forget that. It's time to drink."
"Now you're speaking my language!" Venti cheered.
Cyril looked a bit lost, but there was no denying that there was some comfort in having friends to relax with.
It was another good night in Mondstadt.