Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

P R O L O G U E

There's an independent kingdom called Artenia, it is kilometers away from Mondstadt. Artenia is a closed kingdom unlike the other 7 countries of Teyvat where the relations and trade between Artenia and other countries were severely limited, since their country was full of resources they didn't need other countries to help them or help other countries. Unfortunately, it is governed by a repressive regime as well.

The king was cruel, he's taking advantage of his power to dictate what people must or mustn't do. He does not love his own people and vice versa— the king isn't loved by his people, they despised him instead. The king only loves being on throne, being above all the people in Artenia. Even if the people hated him, they could not do anything about it because if they defy the king, they will get executed.

The kingdom was very strict too, to laws and everything else. It is difficult to enter or leave the country, they need permission from the royal palace first in order to leave or enter. The country was surrounded by oceans so people can't easily do what they want, they need ships or boats.

But nevertheless their awful king, the kingdom has a kindhearted beautiful queen who devoted her life to keep the country thrive and keep the people safe from any harm even from her own husband. Not only that, the king and queen have twins— female and male who look like they are a gift from the Archons because of their breathtaking beauty, many could not resist them because of their captivating features. Although, the prince is more ethereal than the princess because the queen resembles the prince very much. He has a feminine face more than his twin sister even if he's a male, said by people from the Artenia Kingdom.

The twins have the same personality of a queen, they are a goodhearted and compassionate person towards other people just like their mother. In short, the three royals are the complete opposite of the king.

The queen only married the king not because out of love, but because it is a duty. The duty that needs to be fulfilled. The king deceived the former majesty into marrying his daughter, the former majesty thought that he was a kind man that will do anything for his daughter and for the people. But he thought wrong— when the former king died, everything changed. Artenia Kingdom became a closed country and people have been forced into labor even if they're not receiving fair treatment in return, this goes mostly to peasants.

That's an awful truth behind the wealthiness of the country and the queen hates it very much because she couldn't do anything about it. Unfortunately, she's only second in command and the king is above anything else because he is the law. But she's doing her best to avoid any harmful events inside the country because she can't stand violence. She's not used to violence and she could never get used to it even if her husband was always hurting her, not just mentally but also physically. That's how cruel the king is.

But even if the king was inhuman, he gave her the most wonderful gifts— which are the twins, her children. She only had children with the king because it is a duty 'they said', it is an obligation to bear a child with royal blood to be next in line 'they said'. But they are not just an obligation to bear, they are her precious children and she wanted them in the first place even if with a ruthless king. The twins are going to save this country, they are her only hope. She will continue to teach them to be good rulers with her heart content, just like the former majesty. The twins are her happiness, she loved them with all of her heart, she loved them more than she loved herself.

Although that happiness did not last long, someone took away that happiness from them. There's a tragedy that suddenly emerged in the Artenia Kingdom. The queen died, in a most tragic way because she died on a sixteenth birthday celebration of the twins. Someone put a deadly poison in her drink, they did not know what poison it was so they couldn't cure it. They couldn't do anything but watch the queen as she took her last breath saying her goodbyes to the twins.

As saddening as it was, someone from the royal palace killed the queen and up until now— they did not know who it was and their purpose.

"But I don't want to marry—!" Before the prince could protest, a loud impact befell on his cheek. The king slapped him and the sound of it echoed through the entire throne room. The princess cupped her mouth in shock, and couldn't believe that their father hit her twin brother.

"It is your duty, don't you dare whine on me when you are only good for nothing!" The king blustered, glaring at the prince in front of him who was still shocked because of what just happened. His face was still facing the side while feeling the sting on his cheek, trying to regain his composure.

Good for nothing. He's been hearing this from the mouth of his own father ever since his mother died. Four years have passed but whenever he's hearing those, it still hurts him.

"I will marry anyone but the harbinger, please, Your Majesty." The prince pleaded, there's a small part of him hoping that the king will listen even though he knew from the start that he won't. Maybe he's just wasting his energy, maybe he should just accept this. He glanced up and then continued. "Please listen to me..."

"You don't get to choose who you marry so do what you've told." Every word was spoken in a demanding tone, as if he's already settled with his decision.

All hope was shattered, he indeed just wasted his energy trying to protest because from the start— he doesn't have the right to complain. His father doesn't even like him, he hates him in fact so why would he listen? Every single day, all he got was nothing but harsh words coming from the king.

"Your Majesty, what if I marry him?" The princess spoke out of nowhere, the prince's eyes widened.

"Lumine, stop!" The prince immediately stated, narrowing his eyes as he glanced at his twin sister. This is my fault. Princess Lumine wasn't looking at him, she was standing tall while staring at their father straight in the eyes.

"Oh, don't be foolish, my girl. You are not the sacrifice, you're next in line to the throne so you must not carry the harbinger's name." The king's voice softens.

Sacrifice. The prince bit his lower lip, lowering his head as he formed his palm into fist. Yes, that's how he is and will ever be— just a sacrifice. He's so weak that's why the king is ashamed of him and only sees him as just a sacrifice. The king couldn't even stand seeing him, he's a male yet he's not next in line to the throne. He doesn't have the same guts as the king. The prince couldn't even properly fight with a sword, he does not like violence. He couldn't make hard decisions because his heart was too soft, and that's not how the ruler was supposed to be as their father stated.

And yes, that is true. Princess Lumine is the next in line to the throne because unlike her twin brother, she's a strong woman that can take anyone in the battlefield, she's very independent, has a strong mind, has a strong heart to make a decision even if it's wrong and she's capable of ruling a country. His Majesty favors her very well, he's treating her a complete opposite of the prince.

"But harbingers are your friend? Are they not?" Princess Lumine questioned.

"They are not a friend of mine, I'm just pretending to be their ally. Harbingers are nothing but trash, I only need them because I want something from them." The king stated, snickering.

"Pardon my objection, Your Majesty, but how can you be so sure that they will give you what they want if you let one of the harbingers marry Aether?" Princess Lumine asked again, continuing, "The harbingers are known to be an enemy of the seven countries outside Artenia, am I right?"

"That's right, my girl." The king simply responded, pursuing his lips as he looked at Prince Aether. His lips slowly curved into a grin, narrowing his eyes onto him. "And I'm not sure about our alliance that's why Aether is the sacrifice, the harbinger caught the sight of him when they visited here and immediately wants to marry him. He desires for him, it's not my fault why he looks like that. Maybe he bewitched the harbinger."

"We're twins so I look like him, I can marry the harbinger." Princess Lumine said, reason for Prince Aether to glare at her. He wanted to stop her from saying anything anymore.

"You cannot, you are supposed to marry a man who's just like me— that will fit to be king. Besides, the harbinger only set his eyes on your brother. Maybe because he looks weak, unlike you, Lumine. Weak ones are the easiest to control, to handle, to manipulate. Is that right, Aether?" The king questioned in amusement, Prince Aether did not answer anything. None of them did. He just let the king say what he wanted to say to him.

The king stood up from his throne chair, walking towards the prince. "He's only capable of becoming a property with that face of his, he only looks good in bed. What do you think of that, Aether? Can you warm your soon to be husband's bed? Just like your mother warmed mine?"

Prince Aether froze in his place with his eyes widened, mouth parted into two. How could he say that to my mother? Most of the people in the throne room were caught off guard, even the servants and the royal guards. Princess Lumine was shaking all over, she had this intense look as if she's ready to let her body act on her own. The knight beside Princess Lumine didn't let her, he was trying his best to stop her from doing anything reckless, he was gripping her arm so hard. The king suddenly laughed because of the sudden tension in the atmosphere.

"You will marry the harbinger, I'll set an arrangement next week whether you like it or not."

"I want to kill him." Princess Lumine spouted the moment they entered the prince's royal chamber.

"You can't." Prince Aether sighed in defeat, letting his body fall on his bed.

"I know but I can't take it anymore! The way he's treating you!" The princess raved, anger remains to boil inside of her. "You can't marry that damn harbinger!"

"It is my duty." The prince said in a low voice, enough for his twin sister to hear it.

"It is not your duty, forming an alliance with harbingers is not a duty. They are dangerous, they are threats to this country and we both know this." Princess Lumine clearly enunciated, eyes are sharpened.

"Then why did you want to replace me?" Prince Aether asked her in disbelief, remembering what happened not long ago. He gazed upon her with his eyebrows both furrowed.

"Because—"

"Lumine, you've been protecting me since we were kids. I should do that since I'm older than you." The prince interrupted her, sitting up.

"You're like 1 minute older than me." Princess Lumine walked near him, sitting beside her twin brother.

"But still, I want to protect you too..." Prince Aether whispered, biting his lip and stared at his twin sister.

"Aether, I can't stand seeing you marry some horrible man. That guy saw you once yet he quickly wants you as his property, he will do no good for you. You are not an object to own and obviously that's what the harbinger wants— to own you. God knows what he will do if you get married!" Princess Lumine ranted, shaking her head trying not to think about it.

"This is what father wants..." Prince Aether uttered, flashing a force beam at her.

"For his own sake, not for the people!" The princess exclaimed, trying so hard not to let her tears fall even though she's on the urge because of the anger she felt.

"We both know that we couldn't do anything about it." The prince responded, holding his twin sister's hand to help her calm down somehow and showed her that it's okay— Prince Aether got this.

"Aether..." Princess Lumine stared at him, she had this look Prince Aether couldn't even explain. Tears started to stream on her cheek, smiling at her twin brother but he could notice the pain in her smile. It worried the prince so much.

"Lumine, why are you looking at me like that?" The prince asked in confusion, wiping her tears using his finger. Princess Lumine tightened the hold on his hand and leaned on his touch.

"Run away from here." Princess Lumine told him, reason for the prince to stand up in surprise from his seat.

"What?! Are you out of your mind?" Prince Aether was met with an expression of incredulity.

"Please, this is the only way." The princess let out a heavy sigh. She's serious about this and it shows. Prince Aether tensed up.

"I can't... Lumine, how about you—?" The prince's voice cracked, suddenly, there's a lump in his throat.

"Don't worry about me, okay? I will be queen and besides, the harbinger doesn't want me. Father doesn't even want me to get married to the harbinger." Princess Lumine reassured but the prince didn't seem satisfied with her answer.

"Lumine... I can't leave you." Prince Aether sat beside her again, gripping both of his twin sister's arms. The prince shook his head again and again whilst biting his lip, he couldn't do this. He couldn't possibly leave his sister like this, even though she will be queen.

"And I can't let you marry that man! I can't let our father win. Trust me, our father and the harbingers can't do anything about it when you disappear. The harbingers can't attack this country since they knew we have strong forces here and our father can't fully form an alliance if you're gone. Our people will remain safe from the harbingers' hands. We can't let them, Aether." Princess Lumine stated as she stood up, her eyes were clouded with madness that was caused by their own father who did nothing but hurt their feelings and messed up with their emotions— mostly to her dear twin brother.

And she couldn't handle this anymore, she wants the best for the prince— because it is what he deserves. Prince Aether deserves to be happy, to be free and not just to be caged by the ruthless king and the harbinger.

"I don't know..." The prince muttered, looking down to avoid his twin sister's eyes.

"You have to do this, Aether. Please, run away." Princess Lumine continued to plead, not wanting to give up on him.

"What if you're wrong? What if they still formed an alliance even without me? What will happen to our people? To you?" Prince Aether argued even if he knew that there's no point not agreeing about this because he can already feel that his twin sister was already certain.

"Aether, don't you want to explore the Teyvat? Don't you want to see the world outside?" The prince tightly shut his eyes when he heard his twin sister asking that.

"That's not fair..." His lips shivered, feeling his heart aching as tears streamed down. Princess Lumine knows how much Prince Aether wants to explore Teyvat, she knows how much he's in love with the idea of traveling outside Artenia Kingdom. She knows how much Prince Aether wants to learn new things from exploring the world and it's unfair because she was using this to push him into running away.

Don't get him wrong, he wanted to run away ever since their mother died, he really did— but of course with his sister. He wanted to travel the world with Princess Lumine, but it was all just a desire and nothing more. Because in the end, they have a duty here. People from the Artenia Kingdom need them, they need to protect them.

But with what's happening right now, it seems like they need to avoid the situation where the king and the harbingers can fully form an alliance. And running away is the only choice they have right now but he doesn't want to leave his dear sister behind.

"You can come back here when I sit on the throne, okay? I will open this country and I will bring back the peacefulness of this country." The princess said with determination in her voice, they couldn't lose hope right now. They need to be strong in order to protect this country, to heal its scar.

"Lumine..." The prince softly called.

"I will ask Sir Dainsleif to help you get into a ship without being noticed." Princess Lumine walked towards him as she wrapped her arms around her twin brother, hugging him. Prince Aether hugged her back, so tight, so warm, as if he doesn't want to let go.

"I will come back, sister. Wait for me, okay?"

"I will, brother."

Chapter Text

"My prince." The tall man with light blond hair and pair of sea blue eyes muttered, staring at the beautiful royal in front of him. They are standing in the alley near the dock, watching the royal guards who were securing the ship and inspecting the people who were entering it.

"Sir Dainsleif." Prince Aether softly called, glancing back at the kind knight who's helping him escape. Dainsleif is the knight commander, gladly, his loyalty is within the former queen and the twins. That's why he's doing this, he's doing everything he can do to help the royal highnesses with their plan.

"Didn't I already tell you not to address me like that, my prince?" The knight commander questioned, slightly shaking his head. He's always been like this to the prince, he's always insisting to call him by his name since they are very close friends but the prince was very stubborn so he's sticking with 'sir'.

"And I to you, as well." Said the prince, raising his eyebrows. Actually that's one of the reasons why the prince was refusing to call him by his name, because he's not calling the prince by his name too. How could he? That made Dainsleif chuckle, things have been like this ever since. Although his downcast face can't be denied, he just couldn't help but to feel sad— knowing that the royal in front of him will soon be gone. Prince Aether's expression softened upon seeing it, he let out a sigh, pursing his lips. "What's with that face?"

"I'm sorry, I'm deeply sorry this happened to you. I must apologize for being such a useless knight." His voice cracked, avoiding the prince's gaze because he's too guilty.

"What are you talking about?" It aroused the curiosity of the royal highness, continuing. "You are not useless, don't say that."

"I am, I shouldn't have let them poison the queen. I should've protected her better, I should've— if I did my job properly then none of this wouldn't happen, the queen is still alive. His Majesty won't force—"

"Dain, look at me." Prince Aether interrupted the knight commander, not wanting to hear anymore of it. He lifted his hand to touch Dainsleif's chin, forcing the knight to look him straight in the eyes. The tall blond man seems startled because of this, not only did he touch the knight but he also called him by his name. The royal prince wore his fierce eyes, obviously not agreeing about the knight's statement.

"Do you think if it didn't happen, my father won't still force me to marry some man who he will gain something from? He does not care, trust me. It will eventually happen because he wants it to happen." There's a hint of bitterness in his voice, remembering all those dreadful words or memories that he had experienced from his own father. No matter how much he's trying to justify His Majesty's action towards him, it is not right to treat him that way. He deserves so much, he's so dumb for not realizing it until now. He should've listened to what his twin sister has been telling him.

"My mother won't do anything about it. So please, don't blame yourself." The prince murmured, though the knight heard it clear. Prince Aether just couldn't stand seeing some person blaming themselves even if it's not really their fault. Prince Aether stared down, gripping his chest. It is true, the former queen won't be able to do anything even if she wants to. They don't have a right to defy the ruler of the kingdom.

The knight immediately regrets what he did, he's an idiot. Now he made the prince hurt more than he already was, he shouldn't let his emotions explode.

"My prince, please pardon me. I have no idea what I was saying, It's really just saddening. My apologies for running my mouth without thinking." The knight respectfully bowed his head, forming his palm into fist in frustration with himself.

"It's okay, no need for that." The prince reassured. "Please lift up your head, Dain."

"Are you really certain you don't want me to go with you?"

"I am, Dain. You need to stand by my sister's side no matter what." The prince responded with no hesitation. Princess Lumine insisted on bringing Dainsleif with him but he immediately refused.

"Then how about you? Who will stand by your side?" Prince Aether paused for a bit when Dainsleif asked that, he bites his lip.

"I will be fine, Dain. Besides, I'm not sure about this plan, you need to protect Lumine." The royal prince suddenly imagined some horrible thoughts and it did not help at all with his situation right now. He shook his head to get rid of it, clenching his palm. His twin sister needs to be safe no matter what.

"I swear on my life." Dainsleif put his hand on his chest with his firm face, Prince Aether noticed the pure determination of the knight's voice. It reliefs him somehow, knowing that the knight commander is on his twin sibling's side.

"Thank you, it is more than enough." The prince's worry lessens, he can finally breathe in peace without getting so anxious. He trusts the knight commander so much, so he believes in the oath that he made. Prince Aether flashed a sweetest beam to Dainsleif, he'll never forget what the knight did for both of them. "So this is goodbye, huh?"

"Man, I want to drink booze after this shift."

"Yeah, me too and fuck some whores."

Dainsleif was about to say something but he didn't continue when they both heard voices coming from near them. The knight furrowed his eyebrows, glancing back at the prince who also had this question mark written on his face. Dainsleif slowly peaked at the dock out of curiosity only to find out that there are royal guards who are about to pass by the alley that they're standing on.

The knight's eyes grew wider after seeing them as he quickly grabbed the prince and then pushed him onto the wall. He protectively placed his hand on the side of Prince Aether, hovering over to hide the prince. Prince Aether almost screeched because of Dainleif's sudden action, feeling the heat on both of his cheeks when he noticed their position. The knight gave the prince a sign to keep quiet by placing his pointy finger upon his lips. The prince only nodded in response.

The knight commander and the prince heard the royal guards' footsteps as well as their voices when they were passing by to them, not noticing their presence at all. Prince Aether let out a heavy sigh when the royal guards finally got away, the two blonds stared at each other for a second then they both laughed.

"I almost had a heart attack." Prince Aether said between his laughter, holding his chest.

"I'm sorry, I reacted way too fast." The knight giggled, still staring in awe at the prettiest prince whose laugh is like music to his ears. Dainsleif really does love it when Prince Aether laughs like this, he can look at him all day.

"No, don't be. You know, Dain, I'm really grateful for someone like you. I couldn't even thank you enough for always doing everything just to save me." The prince said and smiled with the utmost sincerity.

"Of course, I will do anything for you. And my prince, please be safe. I would not stand it if something bad happens to you." Dainsleif gently touched the prince's soft cheek as he caressed it with his thumb. The beam on Aether's lip grew wider, leaning on his touch and then he shut his eyes, he's feeling Dain's warmth. The knight almost parted his mouth at the sight in front of him, he's too ethereal, too perfect for this world.

"I will be, Dain. Goodbye." The prince opened both of his eyes once again, placing his hand on the top of Dainsleif's hand that's caressing his cheek. Prince Aether holds it so dearly. Dainsleif continued to admire the royal prince in front of him but couldn't help but to feel the ache inside his heart, completely uncertain when he would see the love of his life once again.

"Oh, Aether, my Aether..." Dainsleif uttered. Prince blinked several times, did he hear it right? The knight leisurely gazed upon the royal highness. Prince Aether gaped at him. After so many years, Dainsleif finally addressed him that way and it made him so happy yet so sad because he knows this is goodbye. "I'm going to miss you."

"Me too, Dain, me too." The prince sniffed as tears streamed down, the knight used his thumb to wipe it.

"My beloved, next time I see you, I will make you mine. But first, I will make up for my past mistakes until I become worthy of your affection." The knight whispered, bringing his face closer to the prince. Dainsleif stared at him fondly as Prince Aether's eyes widened in shock, freezing in his place. The royal prince did not expect that confession, not at all. He just stood there as Dainsleif pressed his lips on his forehead then continued. "I love you, Aether. Goodbye for now."

The prince felt so uneasy, he's sweating so hard under the brown cloak that he was wearing to hide himself. He's wearing simple clothes too, for him to fit in, to not be recognized as well, that's what his twin sister said. Even though he successfully got into the ship, thanks to the help of their loyal knight— Sir Dainsleif, there's still this feeling he couldn't shake off. Thank Archons, they didn't suspect or ask anything when he's walking through the ship. Dainsleif immediately reasoned that he's one of the people who were exiled from the Artenia Kingdom.

Being exiled aside from being executed was one of the cruel punishments that the king implemented years ago. If they defy the laws, that's what they get. If they betray the king, they will get executed. If they don't follow the rules and regulations, they will get exiled or get punishment, it depends on what the court will bestow. Those are the few reasons out of many reasons why people are suffering from His Majesty's hands.

The news about the prince missing has yet spread through the entire kingdom, that's good. He still has time to get away without the guards being more strict than they already were. He's too nervous already, he doubts he will successfully get away if they inspect every person here.

Though his mind hasn't recovered from what he learned earlier. Dainsleif had confessed his guts to him and he doesn't know what to feel about that, the prince didn't even say anything, he's beyond speechless. The knight said that he wasn't expecting some answer, he just wanted to let out the feelings that he's been hiding for the past few years. He feels that way to me ever since?

But when you think about it, all of Dainsleif's actions towards him make so much sense. He's sweet when it comes to the prince, he's gentle, he's caring. Why does Prince Aether not notice this? The prince wanted to slap himself for being so insensitive, what is wrong with him?

Worthy of my affection? You are more worthy, I'm the one who's not worthy of your love. Aether whispered to himself, he should've told this when he still got a chance. Sadly, he doesn't feel the same way as the knight. It's just he was too focused on trying to please the king, he forgot to pay attention to the other things— important things rather, and it's very wrong of him. He regretted it, now it's too late, Arternia Kingdom can't be seen anymore through the fog.

"Stop the ship!" The royal guard suddenly shouted, it was the lieutenant, the reason for the prince to come back into reality from what he was over thinking.

Prince Aether gulped in nervousness, he held his cloak tight. What's the sudden commotion? The lieutenant looked around, wearing his stoic face whilst holding the message scroll that he had received from the pigeon that was standing on his shoulder. From the looks of it, the pigeon came from the royal palace and Prince Aether's face turned completely pale as soon as he noticed that.

"I just received a message from the royal palace!" The royal guard exclaimed, he raised the message scroll, showing it to the people. The prince's heart raced faster, he clenched his jaw. Have they noticed already?

"We need you to cooperate so no one will get hurt, otherwise you will be executed right here! So form in line quietly, while we inspect every single one of you!" The people inside the ship immediately obeyed what the lieutenant ordered, obviously fearing for their lives. This includes the prince, feeling his anxiety rising as the royal guards began to inspect the person who's first in line after the lieutenant whispered something on the royal guard beside him.

Shit, shit, shit. They're not planning to reveal what's on the message to everyone. The prince cussed non stop, trying to think of an idea out of this situation. They mustn't catch him, they mustn't know who he was. Or else, Dainsleif will be in danger, his position, his everything. Not only the knight, but the lives of their people are at stake. The alliance between the king and the harbingers must not happen at any cost. Their plan must succeed. Prince Aether wouldn't be able to handle the consequences if he got caught. Dainsleif, his own people are very important to him so he needs to think fast!

He looked around in panic, what would his twin sister do in this kind of situation? What would Dainsleif do? Think, Aether! What if he just jumps into the ocean and lets his body flow with the waves? No, that would be reckless and dangerous. Besides, these royal guards aren't jokes. They are faster than him so they will come and get him as soon as he jumps.

But that's the only choice I have. Prince Aether tightly shut his eyes, lips trembling when he discerned that they're already half way near him. He stared at the vast oceans— ready to take a big risk, having a thought that being dead is better than being caught. I'm sorry, Lumine, Dain. I'm very sorry.

"Next!" The lieutenant shouted, the prince gulped whilst sweating so hard. He holds his breath, gripping his palms. He needs to do this right now, while he still has a chance. Prince Aether was about to run, to take a step but he stopped out of surprise when the lieutenant suddenly yelled. "Seize her!"

There's some woman who's wearing a cloak just like him, she ran away so fast from the people in line, the prince just watched as they successfully captured her when she was about to do something. The woman doesn't even get a chance to jump into the water, the royal guards are way too fast. Prince Aether's eyes were wide open, that could've happened to him. That could have.

"She's guilty of treason for trying to form a rebellion against the king and now she's trying to escape!" The lieutenant blustered, aggressively ripping the cloak that the woman was wearing. The woman hissed at him, reason for the lieutenant to slap the woman. She growled as she glared back. There's a fire in her eyes, it was fierce and she really looks like a strong fighter.

Prince Aether gasped the way the royal guard grabbed her hair and slammed her head onto the ground, they tied her hand together with the rope. They weren't gentle, she's a woman yet they're doing this to her. It was horrible, the prince couldn't stand seeing this, a feeling of nausea suddenly came over him.

"Her execution will be set tomorrow, this is an example for those who wish to defy His Majesty and the laws!" Then the lieutenant hit the woman's stomach, again and again.

Prince Aether's eyes were both blown wide, mouth parting into two. This is too much, this is inhuman! He stepped out, ready to cause a scene but he was interrupted when someone grabbed his shoulder and then put him back in line. No royal guards notice this because they're too focused on enjoying the horrendous act of their leader. Before glancing back, the prince covered his face using the cloak that he was wearing. He found out that it was a boy who stopped him.

"You can't. Please, they'll hurt you." Said the boy, there's a fear in his eyes. Prince Aether's sight became blurry, feeling his heart aching upon seeing the suffering of his own people.

This is for the best, him running away from the Artenia kingdom, because it will only become worse if he gets married with a harbinger. Imagine the disaster that the Fatui Harbingers will cause even more once the king and them finally form an alliance. Prince Aether was terrified to death, he trembled just by thinking of this. He needs to let his twin sister handle this for now, but he swears to Archons— he'll help her and will stand by her side once again after finding the wonders of Teyvat that will surely help his people.

Lumine, please take care. I love you.

Chapter Text

People who were exiled are not welcome in the Artenia Kingdom anymore, even if that person is a noble or rich. Their banishment will last until the last breath of the ruler, but it depends on the next in line to the throne if they will keep that law. Outcasts cannot come back because if they do, that means defying the rules. They already know what will happen next if they don't obey it. Everyone does.

Angering His Majesty was the last thing people wanted.

The family of the outcasts can leave the kingdom to visit them. The former queen was the one who forced the king to implement this. At first, His Majesty didn't agree, saying no one could ever visit the people who were banished from the country but the former queen did all of her best to perceive the king. They have agreed on something, the queen met her husband's terms and conditions— the outcasts' family can leave the Kingdom of Artenia but only thrice a year and they must immediately come back after the five days of their visit.

If they don't come back on time, the royal guards will hunt them down and kill them. The rulers of the other countries don't have any say in this because if they interfere, that'll only lead to war. They didn't want that because everyone was aware how powerful the Artenia Kingdom was.

As depressing as it was, they had no choice. The queen had no choice but to agree on the king's conditions because if she didn't, then there would be no family of outcasts that can leave the country.

Aether feels so heavy upon thinking of this. It's just so unfair, everything is. It deeply hurts him to see how much the people are enduring all this pain his father and his puppets had caused.

It is indeed horrifying, everything that he saw today. The way the royal guards are treating the people, his people, and it hurts him the most because he knew he couldn't do anything about it. He's just watching whilst feeling useless.

"You should eat." The boy beside him said, the one who stopped him from doing reckless things earlier. The boy pointed at the bowl that the prince was holding. "Food is good when it's warm."

"Yeah... sorry, you're right." Mumbled the prince as he began to eat the soup. He almost threw up when his tongue met the food, he did not like the taste of it. Don't get him wrong, it's just— it's really far from good from what he was eating in the royal palace. Being born into privilege has made him guilty right now.

Even though living in the royal palace has been a complete hell hole because of the king's treatment to him, he's still having good things because he's a prince, not like the rest of the people who's born into poverty. They had nothing.

"What's wrong?" The boy noticed him stopping.

"Nothing... it's—" Prince Aether shook his head, he hid half of his face and faced the boy. "Do you want more? You can have mine."

"But you'll get—"

"It's okay." The prince gave the bowl of soup to the boy, the kid smiled so wide and took it. He really looks hungry too. That's why the prince decided to give it to him.

"Thank you so much." The boy started to eat, causing the prince to slightly beam.

"May I ask, why are you here?"

"My father, he was, uhm... exiled and I'm going to visit him today." The boy said while eating his food, Prince Aether didn't say anything so the boy continued. "He was blamed for stealing gold from the palace."

"He was a worker there?" The prince gasped, completely shocked.

"He was one of the royal guards, I guess they can't stand him. My father was a good man, unlike them." The boy narrowly stared at the royal guards across the ship, they were ridiculously laughing. The prince saw from the corner of his eyes that the boy clenched his fists. He obviously hates them, the prince noticed from the looks of the boy's face. "They set him up and we couldn't do anything about it but I know in my heart that my father didn't do it."

"I believe you, I'm sorry..." Prince Aether looked down, pursuing his lips.

"It's alright, we're just waiting for the right time so we can be together again. There's still hope, you know." The boy's facial expression changed so fast, he flashed a genuine smile as he put down the bowl after he's done eating.

"Hope?" The prince couldn't help but to glance up to the boy, he had a questioning look because he's confused, after all this time— the boy still had some faith in him.

"Yes, the royal twins." The boy's face lit up as Prince Aether froze in his place.

Him and Lumine? Was he included in the boy's hope? Sure, he can understand if the people's only hope was Lumine but him—? He's known for being good for nothing, some people behind his back were saying he's just a royal prince who has a pretty face and that's it.

"Royal twins?"

"Yes, many said they have the heart as the former beloved queen. They're going to save Artenia."

"I know, Lumi— Princess Lumine is the kingdom's hope but the prince?"

"My father was always telling me that Prince Aether was just suffering as the people, he mourned for them, he cried for them just like the former queen. He said that the prince has the kindest and warmest heart you could ever imagine. Although my father also said he always looks so sad, like he was trapped inside the cage of the king."

He was and it's the sad truth. He always felt like that but right now, he's going to be free and he couldn't wait any longer for the king to find out that for once in his life— he finally couldn't manipulate the string of his good for nothing son.

"My father saw a lot of potential in him, I believe in the prince so you should too."

Prince Aether stunned, absolutely speechless after hearing those and somehow— somehow, he just started to believe in himself even if it's just a little.

"We're finally here in Mondstadt, we want you all to fall in line again so we can inspect each one of you! And remember, visitors only get 5 days!" The lieutenant shouted, enough for the people to hear.

Prince Aether frowned upon hearing the loud footsteps, he just woke up from his slumber but both of his eyes were still closed. He's a light sleeper so a simple noise can wake him up. He groaned as he restlessly yawned.

What? There's still inspection before exiting the ship?

The prince quickly opened his eyes when his brain processed what the lieutenant just said, he rubbed his eyes. He's surprised because Dainsleif didn't mention any of this, even his twin sister. Do they know this? He looked around in panic, the people were already in line so he immediately followed.

Of course, there's still inspection. The rules of Artenia Kingdom are very strict, how come he didn't think of this? Now, how would he get out of this situation?

He clicked his tongue and clenched his fist. This journey of his is exhausting, really. Is this how these people have been through all this time?

"Outcast or visitor?"

"Visitor."

The prince heard the lieutenant and the passenger's conversation. Everyone was quiet so the voices from the first line could be heard. After that, the lieutenant gave a hand sign, that's when the royal guards grabbed the girl's arm and began to roam her body with their hands. She looks really uncomfortable and she's on the verge of crying as they continue touching her.

The royal guards started to grin and smirk like a maniac. The prince was emotionally disturbed because of this, he couldn't stand what he's seeing so he looked away. This is disgusting.

When they're done inspecting the girl, they moved on and when it's the man's turn— they didn't do what they did to the girl, they just asked the man if he's an outcast or visitor then poked his body with a stick and that's it.

So it's different when it's female and this is outrageous. The prince couldn't help it anymore.

"Hey! Is that—?!" Necessary. The prince was cut off because the boy who he was with earlier pulled him down and covered his mouth. He didn't notice the boy behind him because he was busy getting mad.

"Come again?" The lieutenant interrogated, turning his head to find where the voice came from. "Who the fuck is that?"

"Do not say anything. I've got this." The boy whispered in the prince's ears and finally let go of him, the people glanced at them. The lieutenant noticed this so he walked towards them in the most intimidating way.

"It was me." The boy said that's why the prince's eyes turned wide as he went completely pale.

He saved him again.

"You've got something to say, boy?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't know my voice came out so loud."

"Mind continuing what you were about to say, boy?" The word 'boy' was spoken in a firm tone.

"Just wanna ask if your way of inspecting a person, especially a woman was really necessary?"

"What are you? Visitor or outcast?"

"Visitor."

"Is this your first time?"

"No."

"Then you should know by now that this is our way."

"I'm sorry." The boy bowed down.

"Get your ass up here, boy." The lieutenant pointed to the floor further from the line. It's not even a request, it's a demand.

Prince Aether wanted to do something but if he did, he'd end up endangering the boy again. He regrets being so reckless, now, it's too late.

"Run when I give you thumbs up. Goodluck prince." The boy whispered as he walked away, staring at Prince Aether with pure resolution in his eyes.

The prince almost choked, did he hear it right? The boy called him prince? So he knew me all this time?

"What's your name again?"

"Bennett."

"Ah, yes, Bennett. This should teach you a lifetime lesson." The lieutenant glanced at the royal guards who were standing in front of the line, the lieutenant gave them a hand signal, like he wanted them to do something and they did. The royal guards marched through them and gripped Bennett's shoulder then made him kneel.

Without wasting anymore time, one of the royal guards threw a hard punch on Bennett's cheek. That's why Bennett collapsed on the floor. The prince gasped in horror, cupping his mouth with his eyes widened. The Lieutenant smirked and gave the royal guards a simple nod. They continued to throw kicks and punch even if the boy was still on the floor. He looked so helpless.

The prince winced and bit his lower lip so hard, it almost bled. This is my fault, oh Archons. I did this, this is all my fault. This is my fault. This is my fault—

"See this, people? This is what you get when you run your mouth!" The lieutenant exclaimed. "Pull him up!"

Bennett was roughly pulled upwards, his face was full of bruises. It looks like he's struggling to breathe, he has black eyes too that's why they were half-open. The prince cried silently at this sight, his reckless action led his new friend into this. He did this to his own people.

Bennett stared at the prince the moment they stood him up, he leisurely lifted his hand up and then formed his hand into a thumbs up whilst grinning. The lieutenant didn't like Bennett's expression right now so he clenched his fist and punched Bennett in the stomach so hard.

I'm so sorry, Bennett, I really am.

The prince squeezed his eyes shut and bolted through the exit way of the ship, he just realized Bennett bought him time to escape so that he wouldn't end up getting asked or inspected.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" The lieutenant shouted at the top of his lungs.

The prince's heart skipped a beat, he knew the lieutenant was talking to him. Shit! They noticed him! Prince Aether couldn't afford to be caught; the lives of people who helped him are at stake. He didn't stop, he ran faster instead while sobbing because of the guilt that he's feeling.

"SEIZE HIM!"

He sprinted without glancing back because he knew the royal guards were already chasing him. His foot was finally standing in the ground of Mondstadt. Somehow, he feels lighter than ever, like a big boulder was removed from his back. Though, this isn't the time to be relieved. They're still chasing the hell out of him.

He didn't know the map of Mondstadt, not at all, so it's obvious that he's getting lost but he still continued to run away from them. He will just figure it out when they lose track of him. For now, he'll do his best not to get captured.

"No!" Prince Aether uttered a sudden loud cry, his cloak was suddenly tangled by the branch of a tree. He pulled it but it's no use. His heart is beating so fast. No, no, no.

"You there! Stop!" The royal guard shouted from afar.

The prince panicked even more and tried to pull his cloak again but failed, he was left with no choice but to remove his cloak. He bolted away afterwards, he did not waste anymore time. He prayed to the Archons that they didn't recognize him after he exposed himself.

Prince Aether squealed when someone grabbed his arm, he attempted to struggle but they moved so fast. They yanked him behind the tree. The man with an eye patch covered his mouth before he could scream. Prince Aether was beyond relieved after seeing the man's face, he's obviously not one of the royal guards. The prince really thought he was captured. His hope was crushed there for a moment.

The tall man who hid him is handsome, not gonna lie. He has sepia skin, and a blue eye. He keeps his navy blue hair tied in a long ponytail with lighter blue highlights on it. He's wearing an eyepatch over his eye too, it kind of reminds Prince Aether of Dainsleif.

From his appearance and all, the tall man looks like a noble.

The man slowly removes his hand from the prince's mouth when they hear the royal guards' footsteps slowly fading away. They finally lost track of the prince, that's good. Prince Aether can finally calm down.

They waited for a minute while sharing their gazes with each other. It's distracting for the prince though, the way the man looks at him makes him want to fidget. Prince Aether stood up when the royal guards were finally nowhere to be seen. The prince cleared his throat as he shook off the dirt on his clothes.

"Thank you and uhm... I'm sorry, I thought you were one of the—" The prince stopped when he looked up at the man, the noble was blinking his eyes whilst staring at him. Prince Aether became conscious, he put his palm on his cheek. "Is there something on my face?"

"No, I didn't think you're a boy until I heard you speak." The man's lips formed into a smirk, he shrugged.

"Am I supposed to be offended?"

"Not at all, you're very aesthetically pleasing in the eyes."

"Thanks... I guess?" Prince Aether's cheeks suddenly felt hot. This man was rather straightforward.

"Are you from Artenia?"

"Yes and I am lost, as you can see. Can you maybe help me?"

"I'm from Mondstadt, you can come with me if you want. It would be my pleasure."

"Really?"

"Yes, it's my honor to accompany someone as beautiful as you." The noble leisurely walked nearer to him, he stepped back. "I'm Kaeya, may I know your name?"

"I'm... uh, uhm." The prince's mind suddenly went blank. He did not think of this situation, he was too focused on his trip to get away. What am I supposed to say? Think fast, Aether!

His thoughts were interrupted because of what the next thing Kaeya did, it startled Prince Aether so much. Kaeya just slides his hand through Prince Aether's arm all the way to his hand and gently holds it. His situation right now with the handsome man did not help at all. "What— what are you doing?"

"Making my first impression." Kaeya lifted Prince Aether's hand and stared at him straight in the eyes.

"Well, my name is, uhm, it's—Sora. Yes, Sora." The prince was frustratingly screaming inside, he just introduced himself as his other name. Glad that name is known only to a few people.

"Sora, nice to meet you. Your name is as lovely as you." Kaeya planted a kiss on the top of his hand. Aether flushed. Why does he feel like a damsel in distress with this man? He's not a female. What the hell? "So, why are they chasing you? You did something naughty?"

"I, uhm, I'd rather not say." Prince Aether pulled his hand back, he tried not to be rude since the noble was going to help him. The smirk on Kaeya's lips grew wider.

"Trying to be mysterious, I see." Yeah, darn right. He's trying to stay out of trouble as much as possible and hiding his presence is the only answer to that. "Hmm, makes me think if you're an ally or a storm."

"A what?" Kaeya didn't answer, that's why the prince raised his eyebrows. "What about you? What are you doing here?"

"Just looking for a quiet spot to collect my thoughts. Well, I'm glad I ended up here. I found a prettiest being who's in need of saving. Shall we head to Mondstadt then?"

The prince chose to ignore half of the man's statement. "Yes, thank you."

"You can hold my hand." Kaeya lends his hand to him.

"Why would I?" The prince frowned, looking down at Kaeya's hand. This is really getting ridiculous. Is he really this bold? We just met.

"You could get lost again. I'm not able to find you this time." Kaeya wore his sad face but it's obvious that he's teasing the prince. Prince Aether only gave him a funny look causing the tall man to chuckle, Kaeya seems really amused. "What? Is a pretty boy scared to touch a stranger's hand?"

"I am not a boy, you know. I am a young man, I am very much twenty years old." The prince quickly corrected him. He's just so tired of people assuming that he's underage even if it's obvious that he's not. Maybe because of his appearance and all.

"If you say so." Kaeya laughed. He's really teasing him.

"Fine." The prince mumbled, letting out a sigh. He just wants to get this over with. He needs to hide himself before he could be seen by people from Artenia. He put his hand on Kaeya's. Before he could say something else, Kaeya suddenly pulled Prince Aether towards him which made the prince squeal out of surprise."Sir Kaeya—!"

"There's a leaf in your head, Sora." Kaeya whispered as he removed something from the prince's head. Prince Aether blinked when the man raised their hold hands to show it off. "See? Fortunately, your hand perfectly fits mine."

Oh, Archons. This is going to be a long day.

Chapter Text

"Let me officially introduce the city of wind, freedom and dandelions. Welcome to Mondstadt, Sora." The blue haired man proudly enunciated when they finally set foot in the entrance gate after walking for almost an hour. It's already quarter past  three in the afternoon.

"Thank you, Sir Kaeya." The blond gave him a quick and tired smile, clearing his throat after he realized that the man was still holding his hand. "So, can you let go of my hand now?"

"Oh, of course. I almost forgot about that. " Kaeya raised his hands in surrender, seemed a little dismayed letting go of the blond's hand. "And drop the 'Sir', you can call me Kaeya."

"Okay, Kaeya." The blond didn't want to argue anymore so he just gave in.

"Good boy." Prince Aether blinked several times, choosing to pretend he didn't hear it. From their short journey there, he immediately grasped the way this tall man loves running his mouth and likes teasing the hell out of him— unfortunately, it's working.

"Are there other ways to get inside? Where people won't see us?" Prince Aether asked, gawking at the main entrance of the city and noticing a bunch of people inside. He doesn't want to be seen as much as possible, what if there's people out there who recognize him? What if there's Artenians who have already arrived here? And the royal guards?

"There is actually." The blond's face lit up when the man said that.

"Then, can we please go there?" Prince Aether clasped his hands. Kaeya didn't respond, he just stared down at the prince. He wants to melt off how cute the blond is when pleading.

"Mind holding my hand again?"

"Kaeya." The prince deadpanned, causing the man to chuckle. Well, what can he say? Kaeya couldn't help it, the blond in front of him is just way too addictive to touch and tease even though he just met him. The way his baby face was blushing whenever Kaeya was teasing him. Plus, his skin is so soft and warm.

"I'm just joking, follow me." Prince Aether didn't say anything, he just followed Kaeya's direction towards the left side of the main entrance.

When they arrived and went inside, Aether roamed his golden eyes around. The City of Mondstadt is pretty big, not as big as his own city in Artenia though but it can't be denied that the structures are greatly built. He saw a woman standing near the entrance. She looks like a dame because the clothes that she's wearing are the same as the uniforms of the knights that Prince Aether saw in the main entrance of the city.

"Sir Kaeya, surprised to see you here." The woman greeted. The prince knitted his eyebrows in confusion, snapping his neck to look at the blue haired man beside him. Sir Kaeya? So people really call him that way?

"I'm just escorting my new lovely companion here." The man glanced back at the blond, raising his left eyebrow upon seeing Prince Aether's expression whilst looking at him.

"Even more surprised hearing that, I thought you were too lazy to escort new arrivals?" The dame appeared to be skeptical, crossing her arms. She quickly recognized the looks coming from Kaeya too.

Someone caught his interest, huh?

Also, it's true, Kaeya always has a reason not to escort new arrivals from other countries. Whenever Jean, the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt, was calling for him— he kept saying he had things to do even though it's obvious that he was just being lazy, because he found it boring to show the City of Mondstadt around to visitors or new people. Just like right now, when he knew that Artenians would be in Mondstadt earlier, he ran off. That's when he found the blond.

"Hi there, by the way. You can call Hertha, I'm the Captain of the Knights of Favonius' 6th Company." The woman decided to change the topic since Kaeya was too busy staring at the blond and not minding her. She lent her hand, smiling wide.

"I'm Sora, from Artenia Kingdom. Nice to meet you, Dame— I mean Hertha." The blond removed his eyes from Kaeya and focused on the dame. He shook her hand and smiled back, removing his hold thereafter.

To be honest. Prince Aether isn't used to this situation at all, meeting new people, introducing himself as his other name that is not well known, people not addressing him as prince and them touching the prince when they've only just met.

It's one of the royalty protocols, one must not touch the royals unless they offer their hand first or they know each other very well or the royals allow them to have physical contact. That's how it is. But in this city, he should keep in mind that he's not a prince anymore. He's Sora, just a new commoner ready to live out his normal life and have a fresh start.

Don't get him wrong, it's not bothering him, not in the slightest. It's just that he's all new to this but he did desire for this situation to happen when he was in Artenia— you know, people treating him as equal, people seeing him a equal.

"Nice meeting you too, Sora. Welcome to Mondstadt. You can talk to me when you want to offer some help for the request of the citizens of Mondstadt. In return, you will get rewards." Prince Aether nodded, he should take notes of this. It may help him in his upcoming days here. Hertha continued. "And Sir Kaeya—"

"Yes?"

"I'm watching you." Hertha glanced between Kaeya and the prince, grinning cheekily. "Sora, you should watch your back too."

"Why?" Prince Aether frowned because of this, making Kaeya laugh.

"We're going now. And oh, lovely seeing you here, Hertha." The man formed his lips into a sly smirk, winking at the dame. The two were communicating through their sneaky gazes which confused Aether even more.

What are they talking about?

When they walked away, the blond cleared his throat and decided to ask a question. "So, you're a knight?" Since Hertha, the Captain of the Knights of Favonius' 6th Company, was calling him 'Sir', he should be a knight and ranked higher than her. Kaeya also has a duty in which he was lazy to do apparently— accompanying new arrivals, as the dame stated not long ago.

"I am, indeed. I'm the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius and the right-hand man of the Acting Grand Master." He knew it.

"What's Knights of Favonius?"

"The Knights of Favonius, we, were granted an honorary title of knighthood that protects the Mondstadt and its people from any harm just like any other knights. However, we act as the lawmen as you can see." The blond parted his mouth, he didn't expect it at all. Yes, Prince Aether somewhat learned that he's a knight but he didn't know Kaeya's big deal in Mondstadt. He didn't know knights here are the lawmen of the country itself. He needs to learn more about different cultures.

"Why didn't you tell me?" The blond pouted and luckily, Kaeya caught the sight of it, he wanted to melt again. How adorable. Kaeya thought.

"I'm trying to be as mysterious as you."

"But is that really okay to address you—"

"It's okay, Sora. I'm the one who insists, right? You can call me Kaeya as much as you desire or should I say, you're the exception."

Prince Aether didn't say anything anymore, he wanted to but he lowered his head instead when he noticed that the people they were passing by were eyeing him. He blushed in embarrassment. He wanted to cover his face but he lost his cloak so there's no point but to expose himself.

Why are they looking at me?! The prince wanted to facepalm so bad, almost forgetting that he's with the Cavalry Captain. Of course, he'll catch their attention when he's with their knight. So, the direction that they took has no point at all? The prince wanted to groan in frustration. The knights here are like the rulers of the country, so many people must've been adoring and favoring them.

Great, what a way of making myself not stand out.

However, the prince was wrong in one thing. The people from the City of Mondstadt immediately stopped at what they were doing and stared at Prince Aether not just because he's with the Cavalry Captain but also because they were distracted by his long blond braided hair that shines so bright. The shades of his eyes were golden-yellow that many could get lost into. His skin was rather fair and looking soft— he was too bright for them, too heavenly. His beauty couldn't be resisted.

But surely, the prince was too slow to even get it.

Prince Aether decided to just ignore their fixed eyes. He just studied the city instead. It has cobblestone streets and has several windmills both small and large dotting the city. It also features half-timbered houses, and medieval buildings. Kaeya showed him the lower area houses which had the market district, where the Adventurers' Guild was also located. All the travelers from other countries are welcome as Kaeya stated.

"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. I am Katheryne, the receptionist here." The black haired woman spoke over the counter when Kaeya brought Aether there.

"Good day, Katheryne. I'm Ae— Sora." The blond pursed his lips, wanting to hit his own head for being a reckless idiot. He almost uttered his real name, he should be extra careful next time. Kaeya gave him a suspicious look but he chose to brush it off.

"We provide a platform to help newcomers adjust to the adventurer lifestyle, while also supporting veteran adventurers and allowing them to adventure more freely. If you're interested, feel free to talk to me so I could assign job quests for you and you could start with commission. In return, you will get plenty of rewards."

The prince nodded and smiled. "Yes, I will. Thank you for the information."

"As for the requirements." The blond gulped when Katheryne said that. "You must have a background in combat. You must know how to use weapons because you'll need to fight creatures."

Prince Aether's face immediately went gloomy. Great, just great. He has a background, yes, but he doesn't know how to fight and win. Remember his situation in Artenia? He didn't do well. That's why his father kept bubbling how useless he was. The blond clenched his palm, shaking his head to get rid of his thoughts.

"Oh, look. The Artenians are finally here." The blond's eyes grew wider, gasping in panic when he saw a glimpse of the royal guards with the people from Artenia walking on the bridge of the entrance.

"Kaeya—" Prince Aether squeaked when the knight grabbed his arm, dragging him through the corner of the house.

The blond held his chest, panting so hard. He's glad no one has noticed him, if Katheryne hadn't said anything or if Kaeya hadn't quickly dragged him here, he would've been seen. "Thank you, Kaeya, it's like you read my mind."

"We have quite a connection, don't you think?" Kaeya tilted his head, resting it on the wall. They both pant, the knight took a peak and saw the royal guards with Artenians already walking near the guild.

"By the way, Kaeya. Can you uhm, like— teach me how to fight? I don't really know how." The prince scratched the back of his neck, fidgeting in his position. Kaeya blinked at him, that's why the blond suddenly felt the heat on his cheeks. "Since you're a knight, I thought maybe you could help me. If you're not busy, or if that's okay with you."

The knight grinned, tapping his boot on the ground. "Real question is, are you willing to take me as your teacher?"

"Of course. You're the Cavalry Captain, it would be my honor to learn something from you." Kaeya stared at him straight in the eye and discerned the sincerity in those golden orbs. The smirk on his face was formed once again, he leaned his face over the blond.

"Well then, guess I'll be with you for the meantime, little storm." The knight patted his head.

"Thank you so much, Kaeya." Prince Aether beamed, obviously distracted having the knight inches apart from him. What is he doing?

"As your teacher, may I make some suggestions?"

"Sure, feel free."

"Aside from sword fighting and other stuff. I know another type of training that is even more effective to get better in combat."

"Really? What is it?" Honestly, it got the prince curious. He just really wants to get better in fighting so he wants to learn more techniques.

Both of them paused, glancing at the road when they heard marching and gossiping, it's from the royal guards. They are near from the corner where they're standing. But it didn't stop Kaeya from whispering in the blond's ear though. "It gets sweaty. You breath hard, I breath hard. We get all hot together..."

"But— but that's the point of training, right?" The prince tried to back away but the wall behind him stopped him from doing that.

"Except you're wrong, all I have to do is watch you when you're training with a sword. But this, we have to do this together."

"Uhm... which is?" The prince felt hot, his face felt really hot. He doesn't know if it's the weather or something but his situation with the Cavalry Captain was definitely adding to it.

"You're honestly the cutest when you're all flustered and red." Kaeya was still smirking and the prince really wanted to wipe that off. No wonder he looks popular in this city or maybe all over Mondstadt. The blond even bet Kaeya doing it to whoever he's been talking to, he's flirting when he's given a chance. He meant, this tall man has been flirting with him since they've met. The knight's hobby must've been smirking and teasing to get on their nerves, or is it just the prince?

"Stop teasing." Prince Aether couldn't help but to roll his eyes upward.

"It's running, we have to run every morning. Helps you boost your stamina. But we could do another training if you want." Kaeya said between his laughter.

"Not another word, they're near." The blond put his finger on Kaeya's lips. The prince didn't know the knight was on the brink of biting it. Everything about the blond is just way too impossible to resist. "And please, it gets real sweaty when you don't give me some space any time soon."

"How rude." The knight commented, but he didn't seem offended. Glad he knew it's a joke or he just found everything just an amusement? The prince thought, raising his eyebrow. Kaeya lifted his hands in the air, sluggishly stepping backwards. "Instead of waiting here, fancy joining me in a tavern?"

"Yes, please." It would've been better than standing here until the royal guards left.

"Why, hello there, Master Diluc!" The knight greeted after they entered the tavern.

The prince saw the tall and slender attractive man standing over the counter, his expression appeared to be stern and unimpressed seeing Kaeya. The man looks like a nobleman from the way he dressed. He has pale skin, red eyes and bright red hair, worn in a low ponytail that extends to his mid-back.

"Oh, for Archon's sake. What the hell are you doing here and who did you—" Diluc scowled, stopping mid way when he scanned his red eyes and caught the sight of the ravishing blond beside Kaeya. "...bring this time?"

Prince Aether frowned, this time? So it means Kaeya has been bringing anyone here to the tavern? He shook his head, he's not really surprised— knowing this man.

"He's a newcomer from Artenia." Kaeya began, leaning over Prince Aether to whisper something. "He's one of the wealthiest gentlemen in Mondstadt." The red haired man narrowed his eyes at them.

The prince nodded in response, so that is why the Cavalry Captain was addressing him as Master. He walked towards Diluc and lent his hand, beaming. "Nice to meet you, I'm Sora."

"Likewise, name's Diluc." The red haired man shook his hand and pursed his lips, letting go of his hand afterwards.

"So, Master Diluc, would you let my lovely companion stay here for a bit?"

"Do not call me that, and sure, he can stay." Diluc eyed the blond once again and cleared his throat. His expression suddenly changed when he glanced back at the knight, he glowered. "But you can't."

"My, my. Someone's got a new favorite, huh. Don't worry, I'm not staying. I'm gonna escort some Artenians there, make them not get here." That made Prince Aether stun, he stared at Kaeya, thankful for what he's been doing for him.

"Thank you again, Kaeya. You helped me big time, I'll see you later?" The blond touched the knight's arm, sincerely giving him a smile.

"I'll see you later, little storm." Kaeya chuckled, exiting Angel's Share after he said his goodbye.

When the door was shut, the prince was left with the stoic man. The blond can't help but to feel a sudden lump on his throat. He sat on the stool in front of the counter where the fine red haired gentleman was standing. Prince Aether began. "So, Master Diluc, right?"

Diluc nodded in response, expression remained to be serious. Prince Aether scratched his neck as he chewed the inside of his cheek, he doesn't even know why he's getting shy. Maybe, he's just not the type of person to be more confident in meeting new people even though he's a royal. "Thanks for letting me stay, I don't really like drinking alcohol so it's that okay if I don't buy?"

"It's okay."

"I'm hiding from the royal guards that's why I..." The blond spoke out from nowhere. He thought it's awkward to just sit there and do nothing so he wanted to start a conversation without thinking. The red haired man didn't respond, he glanced at the blond but then continued on with what he's doing with the wine that he's about to serve. Was I being ignored? "I said too much, sorry. I didn't even know why I told you that, I mean, we just met."

Diluc hummed, Prince Aether didn't exactly know if Diluc was ignoring him or if he was just a small talker. The blond assumed from Diluc's aura and all. The prince wasn't really bothered with it, if the red haired man isn't much of a talker then it's fine but— what if he just hates talking with the prince? What if the blond is bothering him? It made Prince Aether nervous and even more shy.

"Hey Miss, what's your name?" The blond flinched when a knight suddenly approached him from behind. It's a different knight, not Kaeya. The prince held his chest and took a deep breath, frowning when he finally processed what the man just called him.

"I'm not a girl." Prince Aether mumbled, refraining himself to not mind it at all.

"Oh, my bad, you really look so pretty though. I'm Huffman, call me Sir Huffman. Want to drink with me, beautiful?" The knight sat beside the blond, grinning. He's holding a mug of booze and he looks really drunk.

"Thanks but I'm fine."

"I could buy you a drink, yeah?"

"I don't drink, sorry." The prince wanted to cringe so badly at how this knight kept leaning into him, he could smell a reek of beer and the blond found it disgusting. He's not a fan of alcoholic drinks, mostly because it looks like a piss and smells really bad.

"Please?"

"I appreciate you willing to buy me a drink but I don't really— I'm fine."

"Come on, Miss." Prince Aether stopped, knitting his eyebrows. Huffman nudges his elbow on the blond's arm as if they are close friends. Now, Prince Aether is starting to become uncomfortable. Yes, he's used to people in the first meeting thinking he was a girl but assuming it the second time is getting too far. Besides, he just told this knight he's not a girl. Is he that drunk or something?

"Just call me Sora, okay?" Prince Aether didn't want to argue so he pretended the knight didn't call him that way again. He's drunk so maybe he's not in his right mind?

"Sora, may I please buy you a drink?" Huffman questioned once again, leaving the blond with no other choice. He kept telling the knight he didn't want to, but from the looks of it, this man will not stop asking until he says yes. Prince Aether took a deep breath.

"Alri—" Prince Aether jumped on his seat, the line was interrupted when Diluc faced them and loudly put down the bottle of wine across the counter— catching everyone's attention inside the tavern. The red haired man glared at the knight without hesitation.

"That seat is not available for you." Diluc growled, red eyes piercing through Huffman.

"Master, hey! I'm just inviting—"

"Leave." Diluc spat, not letting the knight finish his sentence. Huffman immediately lifted his hands in surrender, looking very scared and confused.

"What did I do?"

"Are you deaf, knight? If I told you to leave, you leave without question." Every word was spoken in a threatening way, causing everyone to send shivers down their spine, including the blond. Without saying anything anymore, Huffman quickly exited the Angel's Share.

"What are you looking at?" The people immediately looked away and minded their own business when Diluc interrogated them.

The prince stared down and played with his fingers, biting his lip in embarrassment because he realized Diluc heard all that conversation with the knight.

"Here's a drink, it's on me. You look tired from hiding." Prince Aether parted his mouth, slowly looking up and saw a glass of milkshake in front of him. It looks really good and delicious, the blond's eyes glowed as he couldn't resist but to take a sip.

"Thank you so much, Master Diluc." The blond beamed, noticing that the red haired man wasn't ignoring him when he was saying something earlier— he was listening to him. It warms the prince's heart, Diluc is kind.

"Why didn't you defend yourself from that man?" Diluc frowned, still frustrated by the way the blond handled that situation.

"I don't want to be rude." Prince Aether muttered. He's always been like this to people, even when he's in Artenia Kingdom. His twin sibling kept telling him that it's okay to be rude sometimes, that people may take advantage of him if he continues to act like this but he couldn't help it. If Lumine was here, she would've hit him in the head already.

"He was being disrespectful to you, calling you that way to force you into telling your name."

"I didn't know..." It's true, he actually doesn't have an idea. Archons, I'm so dumb.

"Is this why you let Kaeya accompany you? Because you don't want to be rude?" Prince Aether's eyes turned wide and gasped when Diluc mentioned that, he quickly shook his head in disagreement.

"What? No—! Of course, not. He really helped me, without him, I wouldn't even make it here." The prince stated which are all facts. The red haired man only gave him a doubtful look, making the prince want to explain further. "It's true, Kaeya is very nice to me."

Diluc sighed, looking away to continue on with what he's doing. "Just don't trust him that easily."

"Why?" Now, the prince is curious. It feels like these two had a terrible past that led Diluc to be like this to Kaeya.

"He may be helping you because he wants something from you, it's what I'm saying." Prince Aether shut his mouth, didn't know what to say. He doesn't want to judge them too quickly since he doesn't know Diluc and Kaeya very well, plus their whole story— it's just one thing for sure, Diluc didn't like Kaeya's guts. What about Kaeya? "And please next time, learn to say no."

"I will, I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize, there's no reason to." Now Prince Aether is even more embarrassed. He didn't know what to reply to that so he stared down at his milkshake and gave Diluc a nod. He feels like he's irritating the red haired man so he chose to not talk anymore and just focus on finishing his drink.

Diluc on the other hand, has noticed how the atmosphere has suddenly changed. He stared at the blond who was quietly drinking his milkshake. Diluc let out a sigh, clearing his throat to get the prince's attention. "Look, I'm not bothered by you or anything."

"Really?"

"Of course, I let you stay here, didn't I?" So if Diluc isn't liking some person he won't let them stay inside his tavern?

"Yeah, you did." Prince Aether warmly smiled, gazing upon the red haired man then after a minute, that's when he started to be comfortable.

The prince told Diluc about his first step on Mondstadt, how the boy saved his life on the ship, royal guards chasing him, his first encounter with Kaeya, and some other stuff. Diluc is just listening to him, sometimes reacting when it's necessary. He's been running his mouth until he finished drinking his milkshake.

The blond felt so refreshed but the exhaustion remained inside of him. His legs are aching so bad, that long walks from earlier have caused this. He definitely feels like running and hiding forever from the royal guards, it's very tiresome. Plus, he was hungry but he didn't want to eat anything because had no appetite. He just wants to get some rest in a nice soft bed but he's still waiting for Kaeya.

"By the way, if you're that tired, you can take a nap. It's getting dark as well. There's no room here in Angel's Share so I have nothing to offer. I won't let anyone bother you though." Diluc must've noticed the tired and sleepy face of the prince.

"I appreciate that, Master Diluc, thank you so much." Prince Aether yawned, laying his head on the counter and not caring anymore if he's going to sleep in a public place. He squeezed his eyes closed, freeing his mind from thinking, releasing himself from consciousness.

He's not letting his guard down, he just needs to get his energy back. Besides, Diluc is right there. Even though they've just met, he knows from the bottom of his heart that he could trust this man. When the prince was slowly falling into a slumber, he suddenly felt a warm coat around his shoulder, someone put it on.

"I'll wake you up when he arrives, rest well, Sora." Diluc whispered in his ear and that confirmed that he should keep his trust around the red haired man.

Chapter Text

The first thing the blond saw when he opened both of his eyes was the white sealing as he felt the warm and soft mattress around him. He turned sideways and rubbed his face on the soft pillow, smiling to himself in comfort. This felt good, just like my bed in the castle. The prince thought, was about to take a nap once again because he's still sleepy but then his eyes grew wider when he recalled what happened last night, realizing that this place isn't familiar as well.

Prince Aether immediately sat, roaming his sight to study the room. The bedroom has a large double futon white bed, where he's currently sitting. There's a side table beside him and a wooden chair. There are two wardrobes and a drawer cabinet on the left side. The other side is a study area, where there's a large bookcase. There are paintings on the wall over the study area and on the wall over the bed. The bedroom looks elegant and simple.

Where is he? Is he at Diluc's house right now? As far as he remembered, he was just taking a nap last night and Diluc said to him that he will wake him up once Kaeya arrives. But obviously, for some reason, it didn't happen.

"Where's Kaeya?" The blond mumbled to himself, rubbing his eyes whilst yawning. He suddenly heard his tummy growling, he held his stomach. Now that he felt it, he's really hungry.

The prince finally got up, walking towards the door and slowly opened it. He took a peek first before exiting the room. He wanted to look around because he's curious about what happened, about where he is, plus he does need something to eat. When he went outside, he immediately noticed that he's in the second floor. He walked downstairs to find someone. There are maids on every corner, which made him frown. Also, this doesn't look like just a house, it was big and classy.

"Hey, you're finally awake." Prince Aether flinched when someone approached him, he looked behind to see who it was. It was a woman with shoulder length blonde hair with bangs, she's wearing a maid outfit too. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay. It's just— uhm, where am I? And who are you?" Prince Aether frowned, continuing to look around, absolutely confused.

"I'm Adelinde, the Head Housemaid of the Winery." The blond eyed her, she flashed a beam at him. Winery? Prince Aether twitched his eyebrows even more. "You are in Master Diluc's manor. I supposed you didn't know because Master carried you here while you were asleep."

"He what?!" The prince gasped in surprise, blinking several times after he heard that. How come I didn't wake up? And where in the archons is Kaeya? Prince Aether suddenly felt a heat on his cheeks, imagining the way the noble carried him all the way from the tavern.

He wanted to facepalm so bad, just thinking about it makes him want to evaporate.

How does Diluc even carry him, bridal or piggyback? What if he's heavy? What if Diluc is struggling while carrying him? Also, is he that heavy sleeper to not wake up in that situation?

The blond cleared his throat. He became lost in his thoughts, he almost forgot he was talking to the head housemaid. "I'm Sora, nice to meet you. Can I, uhm, uh, maybe talk to him?"

"Not at the moment, Master is still resting in his room." Adelinde shook her head.

"Where am I? I mean— am I still in Mondstadt?" Did Master Diluc carry me by foot?

"Yes, you are. Don't worry, we're in Dawn Winery, it's just near the city." The prince was somehow relieved, he let out a sigh, opening his mouth to say something but paused when his stomach began to growl. He quickly flushed in humiliation. Adelinde only giggled, seems like she didn't mind it. "You can eat while waiting for him. I'm sure you're hungry."

"I apologize about that."

"It's fine, Sora. Here, let me guide you. We prepared breakfast for you." Adelinde walked towards the dining area, guiding him and showing a bunch of foods across the long table.

The prince couldn't help but to gulp, eyes focused on the dishes. It all looks so delicious, he could feel his saliva sticking out from his mouth and the inside of his tummy grumbling in crave. "Is it alright?"

"Of course, you're his visitor. Master told us to give you everything to eat. He must've heard your stomach last night."

"That is just embarrassing." The prince found his mouth parting into two, couldn't even imagine what Diluc now thinks of him after witnessing how he was sleeping whilst his stomach was growling. He's a prince for Archons' sake, he should've mastered the basic etiquette even when he's asleep.

"I think it's kinda cute." Adelinde chuckled.

"I know you're only saying that to make me feel better." Prince Aether cupped his face in disappointment.

"No, it's true. Master doesn't usually act like this. You know, too concerned for someone. He's even barely getting any visitors."

The blond paused, removing the palms from his face as he tucked the strand of his hair behind his ear. "Really?"

"Yes."

"I just met him last night, he's really kind and— gentleman." Prince Aether warmly smiled upon remembering what Diluc did to him.

"He is, he just doesn't like showing it. Although, I'm surprised to hear that you two just met."

"Why?"

"Nothing." Adelinde smiled, shaking her head. "Just eat all you can while waiting for him."

"Thank you, Adelinde."

"No problem at all, Sora. I'll be right back, okay?"

Seems like the head housemaid got something to do so when she left, Prince Aether walked towards the dining chair and sat there in silence. The table was filled with food and it made his mouth water. He hesitated to make a move since there's a maid on every corner in Diluc's manor. Although they were just minding their own business, it still made him conscious.

He shook his head. The blond should've gotten used to this since he's a prince, all of his life he was surrounded with royal servants. Why now? Maybe because when he ran away, left Princess Lumine in Artenia, and arrived in Mondstadt— he doesn't see himself as a royal anymore.

He started to eat, moaning when his tongue felt the taste of the food. He's so hungry, he could eat it all. He doesn't need to worry about being fat this time, there's no diet, no doctor to tell him what to do with his body, there's no people to impress, no father to body shame him. That feels good to be honest, he's beginning to like the idea of not being a prince at all.

"Master Diluc has finally woken up." One of the maids said to Prince Aether. The blond closed the book that he was reading, glancing at the woman.

He's currently sitting in the fireplace area. He didn't know how many hours had passed but he definitely didn't notice it because he was too busy reading the novel. It was such a good story, he lost track of the time. The maids were kind here, they were the one who recommended it and gave the book to him so he would not get bored while waiting for Diluc.

"Did he oversleep?" The blond was curious so he asked. He looked at the wall clock, realizing it's past noon. Diluc sure rested well.

"Pretty much." The maid, named Hillie, shrugged then continued. "All he did last night was brew wine, and said he couldn't sleep."

"Oh."

"Anyways, I will go to Master Diluc's room right now. I will bring this to him. Just wait for him here, okay?" The prince looked down and saw that she was indeed holding a basket, from the looks of it, there's a towel and other stuff inside he couldn't properly see.

Before Hillie could walk away, the blond stopped her. "Wait, Hillie."

"Yes?"

Prince Aether pointed at the basket, staggered at first but quickly decided to ask what was on his mind. "Can I bring that instead?"

Hillie blinked her eyes, frowning. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I want to help and I don't want to slack anymore." The prince played with his fingers. As much as he likes to read more, he wanted to be useful in this household. Diluc has been very kind to him since he'd met him last night, he wanted to pay him back somehow.

"You are Master's visitor, it's okay to slack off." Hillie chuckled.

"Please?" Prince Aether clasped his hands, gazing upon Hillie to somehow convince her to let him take her place this time.

Hillie groaned, barking a laugh when the blond gave him puppy eyes. She jokingly rolled her eyes upward then gave him the basket that she was holding. "Alright, here. He'll take a bath so you better hurry because he'll need this."

"You can count on me." The prince cheekily smiled.

"His room is beside yours." Prince Aether nodded in response and then proceeded to walk upstairs, following Hillie's instructions to him.

When he went to the second floor, he found Adelinde exiting Diluc's room. Should I give this to her? Prince Aether thought, slowly walking towards her for him to be seen. The head housemaid paused, looking surprised seeing him there. She looked preoccupied not long ago, that's why she didn't notice the blond immediately.

"Hey, Sora."

"Adelinde."

"Where's Hillie?" Adelinde questioned, looking at his back and finding out he's all alone.

"She's—uhm." The blond trailed off, showing to her the basket that he was holding. Adelinde mouthed 'o' when she discerned it then nodded. He cleared his throat. "I volunteered, I wanted to help."

"But—"

"Please don't get her in trouble, she didn't let me at first but I still insisted." The prince immediately reasoned, thinking of the possible outcome if he didn't say something first.

"Not at all." Adelinde giggled, shaking her head. She opened Diluc's room wider and showed the blond in. She pointed a white wooden door in the corner of the bedroom. "Master is in the bathroom there. You can put that near the bathtub."

"Thanks." Prince Aether nodded, asking her again to make sure. "Can I come in?"

"You may." The blond silently went in, gripping the basket tighter. He was about to walk towards the bathroom but he glanced back at Adelinde when she whisperingly called him.

"I know you two just met so you probably don't know much about him but Master is not really in the mood after waking up. You'll need to be quiet while he's taking a bath, he's still taking a nap apparently."

"I will keep my mouth shut, don't worry." The prince smiled.

"And sometimes Master Diluc asks for requests so you need to do it or I can do it—"

"No, Adelinde, it's okay. I got it, thanks."

"Thank you, Sora."

When Adelinde finally closed the door, Prince Aether began to walk through the bathroom door. He slowly opened it, taking a peek inside and saw the red haired man. He was in the bathtub, his head was leaning on it. His eyes were closed, arms were placed upon the edge of the bathtub that was filled with soap, he looked relaxed in his position. Adelinde was right, Diluc is still resting so he better hurry.

Prince Aether went inside and closed the door in stillness, not trying to make a sound. He slowly stepped towards Diluc, silently placing the basket Diluc needed, beside the bathtub.

The blond paused for a second, mouth gaping in awe upon having a close look on Diluc's face. His face is calm and peaceful, he looks so attractive. Prince Aether's golden eyes accidentally went down, he gulped when he saw Diluc's chest. He hasn't seen half of his body but the blond already knows this man is ripped.

Prince Aether blinked when he realized what he just thought there for a moment, he blushed and shook his head.

What was I thinking?

"Hillie, please wash my hair." The blond flinched, placing his hand on the top of his chest when Diluc suddenly spoke. He almost got a heart attack. He heard me entering?

Prince Aether looked down at the noble. Diluc still has his eyes closed. Adelinde said to quietly do Diluc's request, where he assumed they had been always doing— so he didn't have a choice but to sit near the red-haired man. He awkwardly sat there as he pulled the basket to get the shampoo.

He gently grabbed Diluc's red hair, beginning to rinse it with shower. The prince let the water flow over Diluc's head for at least one minute, running his fingers through his hair to make sure all of it was fully wet.

Prince Aether poured shampoo on his palm afterwards, applying it on Diluc's entire scalp and the tip of his hair. The blond took time to massage the noble's scalp with gentle pressure for about three minutes.

He didn't know how to properly wash someone's hair, to be honest even his own hair, since he used to be dependent on the royal servants. He's just doing what he remembered they've been doing to him.

His thoughts were interrupted when Diluc suddenly lifted his hand up and grabbed his wrist.

"Master—?!" The prince squealed in alert. Prince Aether wanted to cup his mouth but he knew it's too late. Diluc heard him, plus his hands were still soaked from shampoo.

Diluc opened his eyes upon hearing that familiar voice, he knitted his eyebrows in confusion. Am I hallucinating? The noble thought, he wanted to confirm this is not just a fantasy of his since he couldn't stop thinking about the pretty blond all night. So Diluc sat up, turning around to look behind him. His eyes widened when he saw the figure of the beautiful artenian he met last night, the reason why he couldn't sleep— he was running on his mind until he fell asleep.

"Sora?" Diluc looked glancingly at the prince, hand still gripping his wrist. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm so sorry! I just wanted to help them so... I hope you're not angry." Prince Aether immediately apologized, didn't know exactly what to do but he sure couldn't stare at Diluc. His face feels hot, he's looking away because now that Diluc is sitting up straight, the structure of his muscle on the upper body can be seen. He simply doesn't want to get accused of anything— and it's distracting.

"No, I'm not. Why didn't you say anything?" Diluc asked. The prince also noticed that Diluc is moving closer until he's on the very edge of the bathtub. Prince Aether's face turned red. What is he doing?

"Adelinde said to keep quiet and just do your requests, she also said you're usually not in the mood after waking up." The prince explained, trying not to think of anything anymore.

Although the noble didn't respond, the prince began to get nervous. Is he angry? He needs to look at Diluc right now, it would be rude if he's not properly talking to him. When Prince Aether glanced up, he found Diluc directly staring at him, as if he was too captivated. "Master Diluc?"

"Yeah, I apologize about that." Diluc blinked and then finally let go of his wrist.

"No need, I completely understand. I'm sorry again if— if I weirded you out and interrupted your nap." Prince Aether bit his lip, he's embarrassed at this point.

"No, it's alright. I just noticed it's not Hillie's hands, your hand feels so soft, more gentle and smaller that's why I got confused and..."

"Smaller?"

"Yeah, small." Diluc chuckled a bit, clearing his throat. "But it's... uh, nice. Your hand feels so nice."

The blond couldn't help but to beam, this is the first time seeing Diluc like that since he met him last night. He should always smile, it looks so good on him. Also, the noble doesn't seem in the bad mood, was Adelinde wrong or Diluc was trying to be nice to him? "Do you want me to continue?"

"If that's okay with you?"

"Of course, Master Diluc." Prince Aether gave him a nod, smiling wider.

"Thanks, Sora." Diluc turned his body around once again and then laid on the bathtub, his head leaning on the edge. There's still shampoo on his hair as well.

Silence befell before them, just a sound of streaming water. However, the prince understands since Diluc needs to rest. He shouldn't ask questions about what happened last night even if he's tempted, he should respect Diluc's time to relax and wait.

The noble's eyes were closed, feeling the blond's fingertips through his hair. He's definitely at peace. Prince Aether spends one to three minutes rinsing Diluc's bright red hair to make sure no shampoo remains. When he's done, he grabbed the towel from the basket near him. Prince Aether patted his hair with a towel and then wrapped it around, squeezing it gently to dry it off. He's not sure but he leaves it like that, that's what his royal assistant has been doing to him back in the castle.

He didn't know what to do after but it seems Diluc was still having a nap so he quietly stood up. He was about to walk towards the door but he wanted to check if he's done with everything first so he glanced back. Prince Aether frowned, he discerned that there's bubbles on Diluc's face, near the eyelid. Did he accidentally put shampoo on his face? Should he remove it?

The blond was thinking for a second, he didn't want to wake Diluc up but he also didn't want the shampoo to get in his eyes. Plus, he didn't want Diluc to think he's a messy bather. The man seems in a deep slumber too, that's why Prince Aether took this chance to lift his wet hand up and bend towards the noble.

"I feel like you wanted to ask me something, so ask away." Diluc talked so suddenly that's why the prince gasped so loud, almost having a heart attack. He out-balanced himself as well, slipping into his feet.

Prince Aether closed his eyes, preparing for the impact of the bathroom floor but he completely went pale when his body hit the water and the body of another person instead. No please. The prince frustratingly enchanted into his mind, but due to his clumsiness and bad luck— the next thing he knew, his whole body was in the bathtub with the noble. He was on the top of Diluc, face buried on the man's chest.

Prince Aether's eyes bulged out, he could feel the heat of Diluc's body, he could hear his heartbeat, he could feel the entirety of it all, what he shouldn't feel. Diluc is naked underneath him. Please bury me, the prince thought. Everything happens so fast, none of them reacted after that. When Prince Aether finally recovered, he quickly moved further away from Diluc until he was on the other edge of the bathtub whilst covering his face in humiliation. He's soaking wet.

"I am very-very sorry!" Prince Aether muffled, face was still covered. He is way too humiliated to show his face to Diluc after what the hell just happened. "I didn't mean to, I just—!"

"Sora." Diluc called him, his voice was soft but it didn't budge the prince from panicking.

"I'm so sorry! I somehow put shampoo in your face when I was washing your hair, I was just trying to—!"

"Sora, hey." The prince felt the hand on his shoulder, Diluc was trying to reassure him. Why would he? Prince Aether was the one who's at fault here. "It's okay."

"I didn't know how to face you at this point." Prince Aether tightly shut his eyes, he's feeling so frustrated right now.

"It's me who talked first, wasn't I? I startled you, I didn't mean to. I'm the one who should apologize."

"Stop being so nice, I know you're mad deep inside." Prince Aether bit his lip, eyebrows were both furrowed.

"No, I just think you're adorable, that's all." Diluc directly said, which made him pause. He was still covering his face so hopefully Diluc didn't notice how red his face was. Prince Aether didn't respond, he didn't know what to say. He slightly flinched when he heard that Diluc got up from the bathtub. "Just stay there, I'm going to get you a towel."

The prince waited, then he sluggishly put down his hands, eyeing the noble who was now wearing a bathrobe. Prince Aether stood up from the bathtub and mouthed 'thank you' when Diluc walked towards him, putting the towel around his shoulders.

"Wait for me here, okay? I'll call Adelinde to help you." Prince Aether nodded in response, looking down to avoid the noble's eyes. He's too scared to read the judgements in his eyes even though he knew Diluc wouldn't do that, but it's the trauma his father had caused so he couldn't help but to think that way.

One mistake, heck, even it's not that big of a deal— the king would say something to him that would make him feel sad and heartbroken.

Diluc gave him a gentle look once last time then exited the bathroom, leaving the prince standing there. Prince Aether gripped the towel, hugging himself. How stupid can he be? He was only trying to be useful and it didn't end the way he wanted it to end. Maybe his father was right all along, he was good for nothing.

Prince Aether stiffened when he heard loud footsteps coming from outside the room. Was that Adelinde? The footsteps were hustled. The blond waited and waited and waited, until the person arrived at the front door of the bathroom. It was the Cavalry Captain, Kaeya.

Prince Aether blinked. "Kaeya—! Why— how did you?"

"What happened?" Kaeya rushed into him, grabbing his shoulders and then checked him out. The knight looks so annoyed. "I asked Adelinde where were you and she said you're in Diluc's bathroom?"

"I volunteered to help, an accident happened that's why I— wait, where were you last night? Why didn't you—?"

Prince Aether paused, glancing beside him together with Kaeya when Diluc unexpectedly appeared next to them. He looks like he chased Kaeya from outside. "What the hell are you doing here? I told you to wait."

"I'm here to fetch Sora, he's coming with me." Kaeya hissed as he grabbed the prince's wrist, pulling him into him.

"He's not coming with you anywhere, let him change first." Before Kaeya could do anything, Diluc grabbed Prince Aether's other wrist and pulled him back. The blond almost stumbled.

"I'll let him change in my house." Kaeya's eyes were narrowed whilst glancing down at the noble's hold.

"In your house?" Diluc addressed the knight with derision. The blond was just looking back and forth between them as they're having serious conflicts. "Are you sure you're not drunk anymore? You're going to drag him into that state in the city?"

"It's not really my fault, wasn't it? He was with you." Kaeya snapped, jaw was clenched. "I let you do whatever you wanted last night but I'm not letting you this time after what I witnessed."

"You were drunk, remember? What makes you think it's what I wanted when you can't even handle yourself last night? I only did you a favor, you were only going to ridicule yourself in front of Sora." Diluc's eyes were like a dagger, so sharp as if it was ready to impale right through the knight and vise versa, Kaeya had these piercing look as well.

"What did you say?"

"You heard me."

The prince couldn't do anything, he couldn't open his mouth even though he wanted to say something that would somehow lessen the tension in the air that is beginning to suffocate him. The thing is, he's scared to get the attention of two angry powerful men.

"Oh, brother. You really love making me look bad." Prince Aether parted his mouth into two, eyes turning wide. Brother? They're siblings? How come they don't look alike?

"Do not call me that, get the fuck out, knight." Diluc growled, pulling the prince once again.

"I'll happily get out once I take Sora with me." Kaeya gritted his teeth and leaned towards Diluc, pulling back Prince Aether.

"You are not taking him." Diluc also leaned over, accepting the challenge of Kaeya. They both shared venomous gazes whilst the prince just stood there and watched them. Prince Aether winced, feeling both of their grip becoming tightened.

The prince instantly thanked the Archons when he saw from the corner of his eyes the figure of Adelinde. Diluc and Kaeya's hands were removed from the prince, which broke the tension apart. The three of them eyed the head housemaid, she was the one who grabbed Prince Aether away from them.

"Captain, Master!" Adelinde began, didn't even seeming bothered by how the two men were looking at her. She's Prince Aether's savior from this mess.

"Why won't I take Sora with me instead, hmm? I'll get him some dry clothes then we will all properly talk later, okay? Wouldn't want to make a bad impression in front of Sora, right?" Adelinde didn't let them respond even though she was asking them, she just walked away as much as possible like nothing happened whilst holding the blond who was still too stunned to react.

Prince Aether wanted to ask so many questions but couldn't voice it out. They both went to the guest room where the prince stayed last night. Adelinde quickly apologized to him, saying he just got involved in the brothers' quarrel and it's not his fault so there's nothing to worry about. She stated that those two have had certain issues for a very long time and it really seems like it, but the prince couldn't help but feel he's somewhat part of it— the cause.

He's the one who tried helping but it just backfired and Adelinde is there to fix it, he's ashamed. He uttered the word 'sorry' so many times, though Adelinde kept stating 'it's okay'.

"Sora, please just give Captain and Master more chances, they're good men."

"I know. Thanks again, Adelinde."

He didn't say a word afterwards, Adelinde left a towel for him and some dry spare clothes. Prince Aether took a shower, it pretty much helped him clear his mind. He just hopes Kaeya and Diluc are already settled as well. He just didn't like seeing siblings fight, it sort of reminded him of his own sister. There are times that they fought too and he didn't like that feeling very much, it's making him feel so bad, lonely and sad.

Now it got him wondering, how is his sister doing this time? And Dainsleif too, are they okay? Have they already found out he ran away or the king just didn't care at all?

Honestly, nevermind that. He just wished for Princess Lumine's safety, that's what matters the most. 

Chapter Text

It's been three days since the prince has gone missing. The king was absolutely furious after knowing this. Usually, he doesn't really care about his son's well-being but the set meeting arrangements with the harbingers are near. His Majesty just received a horrible report the other day when he was about to talk to his 'good for nothing' son, his royal advisor told him that Prince Aether is gone. When they went into his royal chamber, he couldn't be found anywhere.

They didn't immediately notice this because they thought the prince wanted to be left alone but as the days went by, they began to question the prince's situation so they barged in and found out he's been missing— they didn't know how many days.

"WHERE ON EARTH IS MY USELESS, INCAPABLE SON?!" The king roared, voice echoing in the hall. It made the royal servants bow their heads in fear, they were trembling seeing how angry the ruler of the country was— this includes the royal guards and the knights. The dark aura coming from the king frightens them. This is not good news, when the king is angry, all of them get involved.

No one said anything, not even the princess who was standing beside the king. Though, in her mind, she was looking at her cruel father with a satisfying smile and sadistic face. He's beyond furious, he should be. For all the pain and trauma he had caused to her twin brother, he deserves more than this. He deserves to experience more unpleasant feelings. She just hopes the king wouldn't do anything to the innocents.

"How dare he give me such a headache when he didn't even do anything for me?!" The king continued to emit a loud shout, angrily sweeping the antique glasses on the table with his arm. All of the expensive things were shattered into pieces just like that.

Didn't do anything for you? He did all for you, you were just too braindead to even notice. Princess Lumine thought in disbelief, stepping back because of her father's short outburst.

"How dare your brother?!" The king turned around, glaring at the princess. The blonde didn't flinch or speak, she only stood tall, not letting the king's choice of actions bother her.

The king paused for a moment, blinking after he realized what he'd said. He slowly took a step towards the princess. She let him gripped her shoulders as the king looked at her straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry if I'm acting like this but can you imagine it? He left you alone, you are his twin sibling but look what he did. How dare he do that to my little girl?"

Princess Lumine slowly formed her palm into fist, lips began to quiver. Now, she's beginning to get mad again, but she's trying her very best to hide it. The king was trying to make her take his side, he's trying to make her turn back on her twin brother. Little did he know, she's the one who planned all of this. Also, never in her life she'll take their father's side and betray her own sibling. The princess wanted to yell in front of him that it's all his fault that's why this is happening but she's smart so she chose to remain silent.

"Your Majesty." Both of them glanced at Dainsleif, who just arrived in the throne room. The princess thanked the Archons, she's glad Dainsleif interrupted since she didn't know what to say to that stupid statement.

"Clean this, you fools." The king pointed to the broken glasses. They didn't waste anymore seconds so they immediately moved from their place and did what the king commanded. The king sat on his throne, looking back at the knight commander.

"Well? Where is he? I don't see him anywhere."

Dainsleif put his hand over his chest and before he bowed his head, he took a quick look at the princess. "I apologize, my king, we looked at every corner of the city but we still found no trace of Prince Aether."

"Your Highness." Dainsleif muttered the moment he saw the princess standing on the balcony of the palace.

She was drinking a cup of tea and from the looks of it, she's been day dreaming there. She wanted to occupy her mind so she could ease the pain she's feeling because her twin brother is finally running away, unfortunately, it's not working. The idea of being away from her twin sibling wounds her deeply, it's hard to not be depressed but what they're doing right now— it must be done. They need to sacrifice for the greater good, for the Artenians.

"He's gone." The knight commander added, silence befall before them. Dainsleif noticed how Princess Lumine's hand trembled around the cup of tea. She was overwhelmed by the sudden wave of emotions.

She couldn't look back and say something, eyes were still focused on the view outside whilst tears streamed down her face, she couldn't help it. She bit her lower lip, trying to stop any sound that would come out from her. She didn't want to look weak in front of Dainsleif. She will be queen, she didn't need someone pitying her just because she cried in front of them.

The princess took a deep breath, letting the wind dry her tears away. "Thank you for helping us."

"It's my pleasure to help you both, Your Highness."

"Promise me, you will say this to no one. Promise me, Sir Dainsleif." The princess stated in a firm tone, staring at the knight commander, there's intensity in the eyes of hers.

"I swear on my life." Dainsleif gripped his chest.

"And for that, I'll continue to trust you. Also, I support your affection with my brother." The knight commander froze after the princess said that. She knew? Well, it's not really surprising since it's obvious. The prince, however, was oblivious to notice how Dainsleif was too fond of him, the way Dainsleif was treating him was different from others, too affectionate, too loving.

He still couldn't believe the princess supports him for his feelings for her twin brother. He's somewhat happy, but he still needs to make himself worthy and of course— wait for his beloved to come back home then make him his.

"Then look everywhere! Every village, every house even outside the city, barge in if you must!" Princess Lumine stiffened after hearing what the king commanded, he continued. "You will not leave a single house, you hear me?! Everything that is under a roof must be examined!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"If they didn't let you, kill them or burn their house. Maybe burn them alive, so it will become an example for those who wish to defy me." Princess Lumine's eyes turned wide, thinking if he's that desperate to form an alliance with the Fatui Harbingers. How could he say it so casually? She's disappointed but she's not new to this. The king always has his way through violence and it's sickening. "Now get out of my sight."

The princess and the knight commander shared a quick glance one last time, eyes communicated for a second. Dainsleif didn't say anything anymore, he just nodded and bowed his head again. He led the other knights on exiting the throne room.

"I want you to put a poster on every wall in the city." The king said to the royal advisor. "Write there, whoever can bring back the missing prince will be highly rewarded."

"I will, my king." He bowed before His Majesty then proceeded to make his way through the door.

Princess Lumine gulped. Now the king is willing to declare this to everyone, she's somehow nervous. People from outside the palace don't have an idea about the certain issues that the palace was currently facing but later, they'll eventually know. The news will certainly cause panic to the Artenians, they will know the king is angry and it won't look pretty. The princess, on the other hand, will do everything that she can to avoid any violence. She'll do what her mother does, a soon to be queen must protect her people from any harm.

People just need to comply, no one will get hurt. She needs to spread the message to everyone.

"What are you all waiting for? BEGONE!" All of the royal servants and guards scattered, and in an instant, they were out of the two royals' sight, not wanting to anger the king anymore.

"My king." The princess faced her father.

"Lumine."

"Can I help find my brother?" She pretended to be distressed in the situation so the king wouldn't suspect her. Though, she doubts he ever will since her father has a huge trust in her. The princess always plays the role of being an obedient little girl in front of her father. Even though deep inside, she's not. She was busy studying in her room in the past few days, so they won't question her. They know if she's busy, she'll have no time to see her sibling. So she's pretending that just like them, she found out when it's too late.

"Absolutely not, stay in your room and study." See? He won't even let her find the prince. The king wanted the princess to feel left alone, to be lonely, so that she'll become angry with her own kin. "I assure you, if I found out someone helped your brother, I will kill them myself."

Then we'll have to kill each other. Princess Lumine will not let him know that Dainsleif helped them as well. "And what of Aether?"

"I have to teach him a lesson, the one he'll never forget." The princess witnessed how the angry expression of the king turned into a sadistic and creepy smile. It horrified Princess Lumine, knowing the king already had something on his mind. Chills ran down through her spine, mouth parting a bit. She badly wants to draw her sword out and cut her father at that moment. But instead, she took a deep breath to calm herself and hold on with her stoic face.

You sick bastard. That gave the princess more reason to despise his father even more and keep her twin brother safe, away from this evil.

The public declaration of the missing prince has finally happened, everyone now knows about it. It can't be denied that the citizens felt uneasy at first. Although, the fear that they were feeling faded upon seeing that it was Dainsleif, the knight commander, who's leading the mission. They were relieved, they knew he wouldn't hurt or punish them in the slightest mistake. They know he won't use violence against them.

People love him and respect him very much, Dainsleif is kind and gentle towards the people unlike the other royal guards and knights. He's not arrogant, he's not bad, he's what a knight should be. He deserves having a title as the knight commander.

They began to look in every corner of the Artenia Kingdom after the declaration. They inspected each house, building, and other structures of the capital. Thankfully, everyone cooperated and that's why it became a peaceful operation. But it's not yet finished, they have a long way to go since they're still many people living outside the city.

The posters are pinned in every wall, which shows the drawn face of Prince Aether and the rewards for whoever finds him.

It took several days to finish inspecting the city, obviously they found nothing. Each day, the king is getting more furious and desperate. The set meeting with the harbingers is in a few days and they have yet to have any clue where the prince is.

Today is their rest day since the family of outcasts and the other royal guards are going back home from Mondstadt. Tomorrow, however, they will continue, they will move forward through the northern village.

"We found the rebel who was trying to escape. We executed her as an example, Your Majesty." The lieutenant of the royal guards reported when they faced the king.

The moment they set their foot in this country, the king immediately called for them. It's always like that but somehow, this time, it felt different for them. They found out that the prince is missing, posters can be seen everywhere. So they know the king is mad and cannot be angered further. Maybe, that's why they're getting bad feelings about it.

"As you all should." The king replied as if it's a common thing to do, face doesn't even seem satisfied. "As you can see, there's a missing prince. Any chance you have encountered a royal in the ship?"

There's a long pause between the atmosphere. The royal guards who were standing in front of the king stared at each other, obviously doesn't know what to say. The king on the other side, wasn't happy with their reaction, at all. The lieutenant immediately noticed how His Majesty's mood quickly changed so he spoke without thinking.

"We have not... though, we, uhm— there's a mysterious person. I believed he was one of the rebels." The lieutenant gulped when the king frowned, he began to sweat.

The princess immediately knew it was Prince Aether. She was sitting beside the king's throne, and just listening, observing, to their statements.

"The prince has been missing for five days, he was gone the same moment you set sail. I believed he was in the ship and used it to flee." The royal advisor, who was standing beside the king, commented. From the looks of it, the king agreed on what he said and it seems they already talked about this.

The princess side-eyed them, just like the lieutenant, she's beginning to get anxious. She didn't know this, she didn't know they knew how her twin brother escaped. Maybe they just assumed? Or they're not dumber than she thought. The king and his royal advisor tell no one about this information so Princess Lumine found this a little bit alarming.

"You think he's a rebel? How can you say so? Have you seen what he looked like?" The king added. The royal guards who were with the lieutenant can already see the horror awaiting for them. The lieutenant couldn't lie, even if he wanted to, it would become so much worse. Maybe, if he said the truth, the king will consider it. He hopes.

"We didn't get a glimpse of his face, Your Majesty. He ran away when we were teaching someone a lesson. It was by the time when we were inspecting the passengers."

"He ran away? This mysterious person, you let him?" The king's voice raised. They can already feel the argerness building upon him. Princess Lumine can already feel it, she gripped the armrest of her royal chair. "Answer me. You let him get away?"

"We tried to chase him, Your Majesty, to find him but we couldn't—"

"YOU LET HIM GET AWAY?!" The king roared, standing up from his throne, making everyone flinched. That shout shook their core.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The lieutenant bowed his head, he was shaking so bad. His heart was beating so loud as well as the royal guards who were with him.

"You managed to find the rebel but couldn't manage to CHASE THE PRINCE?!"

He knew. Oh, Archons. Princess Lumine bit her lower lip, slightly shaking her head and trying not to think too much. Heck, even though they found out that Prince Aether was already outside the county there's no way they'll find him, right?

"We didn't know it's the prince—"

"Even if it's not a prince, YOU FOOLS LET A REBEL GET AWAY!" The king growled, pointing at the royal guards in front of him, his voice and aura were terrifying, causing the people inside the throne room to panic even more.

"We're very sorry, Your Majesty, we could go back and search for—"

"Kill him." The king blurted, enough for everyone to hear. Several eyes turned wide, they couldn't fathom the king's sudden command and to whom he's ordering to do it.

The lieutenant went hysterical, he quickly got on his knees, clasping his hands and began to beg for his life. "Your Majesty, please, we will find him! I swear—!"

"Dainsleif." The second the king spoke the knight commander's name everyone froze, including Princess Lumine. She was shocked, mouth parting as gasp escaped from her lips. Everyone knows how much Dainsleif isn't that kind of guy, but now, the king is forcing him to do it and it's horrifying to think about.

The lieutenant cried his eyes out, he begged and begged and begged but the king doesn't hear him, or he's choosing not to. "Please, Your Majesty. It was a one mistake we won't—! I won't—!"

The king walked towards Dainsleif and whispered something in his ear. Princess Lumine tried to examine the knight commander's expression but the thing is she couldn't— he has this unreadable face. His eyes were hidden from his bangs whilst lips are shut, he's not saying anything. The princess intensely glanced at him, so he'd notice and he'd take a look at her, so she'd be able to communicate with him through her eyes. But Dainsleif didn't, even after the king sat back on his throne, he didn't look at her.

"Please, I'm begging! Please, give me a chance! Please, Your—" With one swift, the next thing they knew, Dainsleif was standing in front of the lieutenant with his sword pierced through the lieutenant's stomach. It happened so fast, he was so fast, like an assassin, he moved like a shadow. They didn't even notice how he bolted through the lieutenant, they didn't even see how it happened.

The blood was dripping from the lieutenant's stomach, he was pale, he's dying. His whole body was shaking. He coughed blood whilst he's glancing up at the knight commander and holding the blade of the sword that stabbed him.

"Put him out of his misery." The king doesn't even seem startled unlike everyone else. It doesn't look new to him, he's used to this. He's a monster.

Nobody breathed, not even when the knight commander slowly drew his sword out from the lieutenant's body and slashed his head, blood splattered everywhere. It landed right in front of His Majesty and the princess.

Princess Lumine's eyes almost bulged out, a shudder ran through her as she felt fluid streaming down on her cheek. She touched it, it was the lieutenant's blood. A feeling of nausea came over her so she cupped her mouth. This is madness. She wanted to vomit at the sight in front of her, there's blood everywhere, there's human head inches apart from her and she couldn't stand it.

Sure, the lieutenant hurt many people, he killed many people as well. She should be happy but her mother taught her better.

"Now, Dainsleif, find me a candidate for a next lieutenant."

"Yes, Your Majesty." That is the first and last word that came out from the knight commander that day before he exited the throne room, leaving the lifeless body of the lieutenant.

The princess didn't recognize Dainsleif at all, he looked like a stranger to her at that moment, he was scary. She thought she knew him. Now, she's having a second thought if she could trust him. She's questioning herself if he really is the knight who helped them? Who helped her brother? Is he the person who loves Prince Aether?

But then again, she's to blame here. She shouldn't accuse Dainsleif, he was forced to do it and she's one of the reasons why it happened, why all of this happened. She knows it and she doesn't know if she can sleep after carrying the guilt in her heart.

Oh, brother. Please be safe, that's all I'm asking for.

Chapter Text

The prince was sitting in the park near the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. He's resting there all by himself because his training with Kaeya just finished for today. He's sweating so hard because of the exhaustion from his training but the wind helps cool him off. He closed both of his eyes whilst leaning his head on the bench on where he's sitting, feeling the fresh air.

The Cavalry Captain had other duties so he left Prince Aether there even though he didn't really want to go. He wanted to be with Prince Aether more but the blond told him to go off. At first, Kaeya was offended, saying 'do you not want me to hang out with you anymore?'. Of course the prince was bold enough when it came to Kaeya so he told the Cavalry Captain to shut up and do his job. Kaeya acted as if he was hurt or was it a genuine reaction? Prince Aether doesn't really know but he couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Kaeya's face when he said that.

It's only been 4 days but he felt like he knew Kaeya more than that, they've become really close friends because of the morning training. Kaeya likes teasing him so he's doing the same to him, giving him his own medicine, if that's what you want to call it. Besides, both of them like to joke around with each other so saying stuff like that is like a normal conversation to them. Although, Prince Aether for sure doesn't know one thing, whenever Kaeya was flirting to him, even if it's sexual, cute or cheesy— it's a real thing.

Unfortunately for Prince Aether, he only sees it as the way of the Cavalry Captain to keep his charming presence. Well, can you blame him? Kaeya likes to flirt around even with other people when he's given a chance and the prince always witnesses it.

The blond feels so refreshed now, Mondstadt is indeed the city of wind. Everything about this city is peaceful, how he wishes the Artenia Kingdom is the same. He pursed his lips bitterly, shaking his head to avoid thinking about that. He trusts Princess Lumine, he knows she'll do everything in her power to bring back the peacefulness of their country. The prince will do everything as well in order to help his twin sibling.

He's wondering what it's like to go far away from this city, to move to a different country as months goes by, to travel around the world, around Teyvat. He couldn't wait any longer to learn the wonders of different things that will help his twin sister in building a better future for the Artenians. Both of them will make the Artenia Kingdom a better place— that is his goal no matter what, their goal.

But he must be patient for that to happen, for now. Once he finally masters how to be a real traveler, he will go on an adventure without hesitation. He needs to be an expert on fighting monsters first, without actually being on the verge of dying. Surprisingly, he's learning so much from Kaeya. He's getting better little by little, he knew it himself because he was way too terrible at combat when he was still in Artenia.

Sword is the weapon that he had chosen since he grew up learning with that and he wants to be a good swordsman just like Princess Lumine. He adores his twin sibling so much. He really looks up to the princess even though he's older than her.

He didn't really learn anything from the palace he came from, remember? Due to his own strict master and everything about that gloomy place. He clenched his fist, remembering how his former master made him feel so weak and useless most of the time, just like his father. His master loved humiliating and tormenting him too. Not just that, the pressure and expectations of many people are too much for him to handle.

In the end, he didn't get better at swordsmanship. He's extremely bad at it, which became one of the reasons why the king hates him so much and it became one of the reasons why the prince grew up hating the idea of it too. Besides, he didn't want to hurt anyone. The idea of violence against other people isn't really Prince Aether's cup of tea.

But this time, it's different. He won't hurt people, but bad creatures. That's why he's really looking forward to learning different techniques, and discovering his own fighting style too. Kaeya taught him that everyone has their own fighting style and if he masters different techniques— he'll be able to get his own. Kaeya is a very good teacher, as expected from the Cavalry Captain.

How ironic that he's learning so much from 4 days training than his entire childhood's. Everything is just better when nobody's forcing you and you are willing to do it on your own.

Prince Aether is motivated to work hard because all of it will pay off, that's what his mother told them when they were just children. Just thinking about it makes the prince emotional. He misses the former queen so much. He misses her kindness, tender voice, touch, and presence. Everything about Queen Nyx is the embodiment of gentleness.

Reminiscing his old memories with his mother isn't a good idea. Before he knew it, he felt his tears streaming down his face. He opened his eyes and looked around, wiping his cheeks. This is why he shouldn't slack off anymore. He needs to do something to occupy his mind.

The prince got up and before he could walk away, he stopped in his tracks upon discerning a familiar person passing by. He squinted his eyes, gasping when he recognized who it was. It's the blond haired boy who saved him from the royal guards.

"Bennett—!?" The prince called out, enough for him to be heard. Bennett froze in his place and slowly glanced back at him. Prince Aether noticed how his pair of green eyes grew wider. There's an adhesive bandage on the bridge of Bennett's nose, there's slight bruises on his cheeks and there's a cut on his lower lip. From the looks of it, he's recovering from what happened that time. Prince Aether's guilt increases even more, it's his fault why Bennett is injured like this.

"Your Highness...?" Bennett walked towards the prince, almost couldn't believe Prince Aether was right in front of him.

Prince Aether bit his lip, he didn't want to waste this opportunity so he ran to Bennett and hugged the boy so tight as if they'd been friends for a long time. He's just really happy seeing him. "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

It's true, he's been looking for Bennett ever since his training with Kaeya. He wants to talk with him about so many things before he goes home to the Artenia Kingdom, he wants to thank him for what he's done. Prince Aether is hiding from the royal guards, yes, but at the same time, he's putting a lot of effort into finding the blond haired boy.

Bennett seems surprised at the prince's sudden action, he couldn't believe a royal was hugging an ordinary person like him. But not long ago, he smiled and hugged Prince Aether back. It's the prince of Artenia we're talking about here, of course he's kind. Bennett thought.

"Sorry, I'm just really happy seeing you. How are you? Does it still hurt?" He faced Bennett while still holding his shoulders, there's a hint of concern in his voice. He really looks worried too.

"I'm fine." Bennett shook his head. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

"I'm very sorry..." Prince Aether began to mumble, dropping his hands from Bennett. He looked down, continuing. "You got caught up, I involved you into my mess— it's my fault—"

"Your Highness, it's okay." Bennett interrupted even though he knows he's being disrespectful to the prince, Bennett couldn't bear to hear him blaming himself. "I chose to help you so you don't need to worry about that."

"I am still sorry." Prince Aether stared at him, his voice and his eyes screamed sincerity whilst saying those words.

"I know, but I understand. You are doing all of this for us, right? For the Artenians?" The prince shut his mouth when Bennett asked that. He didn't know what to say but the boy is right— all of what he's been doing right now is for the Artenia Kingdom. He will carry this burden until they succeed. Prince Aether nodded as a simple response.

"I knew it." Bennett said.

"Something terrible is about to happen if I don't..." The prince didn't continue. Bennett didn't know the reason why the prince ran away but he fully understood what he's been meaning to say. "Just don't tell this to anyone, please, Bennett. I don't want you getting involved, it's dangerous."

"Yes, Your Highness. You can count on me. I want to help you and the princess, I want the best for my home too."

"Thank you so much, Bennett. Just call me Sora, that is my new identity outside our country. I'm not a prince here anymore."

"Okay, So, S—Sora. Just be careful, the royal guards are still looking everywhere. It's our last day here so they are pretty tight with— you know."

"I know, I'm observing them too but never mind that. Can we talk somewhere else safe?"

"Sure."

They needed to talk without being anxiously hiding from the royal guards so they both walked through the exit of the City Of Mondstadt. The prince asked him about his visit here and how his father was. Bennett said they both had a really good time together for a couple of days and fortunately, his father is in a great situation. Bennett said his father's better off living in Mondstadt because he's way healthier here even though he'll be missing his father all the time.

The prince was sad hearing all those things, but as depressing as it was— that's a fact. He knew it because he's been feeling the same thing. He's more happy in Mondstadt, like he got out of the prison cell his father had created in his own home. How he wishes he could share the same feeling for his people, but that's another time to achieve. Although he's happy at the same time for Bennett, he's glad they had such a good time. That's enough for the prince to hear.

While they're on their way to the Spring Vale Village, the prince meets Bennett's best friend as well. His name is Razor, he's the same age as Bennett and the same height. Razor has long grey hair, red eyes, and pale skin. He has several scars on his body, as a result of his time living in the wild with his wolf family. Prince Aether is really fascinated hearing Razor's story.

Despite Razor's bad vocabulary of words, he's very sweet. They are both pretty funny to hang out with and Prince Aether is pretty sure they like each other too. They just didn't know it yet, the prince kept smiling while looking at them. He hopes for the best of these two, they really look good together.

Prince Aether wanted to meet Bennett's father but he didn't want many people getting involved so before Bennett went home to say goodbye to his father, the prince gave him a letter for his twin sister. After that, he bid his farewell to the two boys. He'll see Razor some other time but Bennett— well, it will take months.

"Hello, Mr. Bartender? Are you there?" The blond jumped, gasping as he blinked several times. He just woke up from his deep flashbacks, memories that had happened last week. He didn't know why he was daydreaming like that, maybe because there were no customers until now and there's no one to talk to since he's at work.

Prince Aether cleared his throat and looked at the lady in front of him. She has a fair skin, green eyes, and wavy brown hair, which is tied in a loose side ponytail. She's wearing a witch hat too. "Oh, I'm very sorry, Ma'am! Just lost in thoughts, anyways, what would you like to drink?"

"Can I have this one, darling?" The woman pointed to the love poem on the menu. Prince Aether noticed the way she talks and posture herself are flirty, she kind of reminds him of the Cavalry Captain.

Prince Aether giggled in his mind because of the thought. He nodded then smiled at the brown haired woman. "Of course, Ma'am. Please wait at the table, I'll serve it to you."

"Alright, thank you, dear."

The prince has been working in Angel's Share as a part-timer for almost a week. He wanted to have a job and work on his own so when he told Kaeya and Diluc, the red haired man gladly offered him a job. It's a good timing too since Diluc is a very busy man so he's looking for someone, an employee that can help Charles, Diluc's trusted bartender in Angel's Share. Apparently, Charles has been employed there for more than a decade.

Prince Aether's shift is from one PM to eight PM, every weekday, and his daily salary is four thousand mora for starting. It ain't much but it's enough for his daily expenses. Charles trained him to mix different ingredients and it took him days to master several drinks. He really took an effort to study it because he wants to do his job properly. It's not that easy studying how to mix the ingredients well, but it can be learned.

The Cavalry Captain and the noble helped him find a place to stay as well. He doesn't want to remain or stay another day in Diluc's manor or Kaeya's mansion even if they offered him their place. They said he can even live with them, they were pretty pushy about it at first, but eventually gave up when the blond kept on rejecting their offer.

Don't get him wrong, he's grateful for Diluc and Kaeya but he refused being a burden for the both of them, they helped him so much and he didn't want to keep relying on them. He's always reminding himself that he's not a prince here anymore to receive any special treatment.

Fortunately, they found a place which isn't expensive. Prince Aether can pay it every month with a salary he has, he'll save mora. It's a small cozy apartment, it's neat and simple. The prince is satisfied with it, he's very comfortable there too even though for all of his life, he's used to luxury things.

Come to think of it, they didn't have many taverns like Angel's Share in Artenia. The prince would say this is a good business and will help some of those people who are unemployed. People who also want to rest from their job to chill and have time for themselves. Although the prince recalled the reason why they didn't really have that in the Artenia Kingdom, mostly because the workers there who are not noble have been forced into unfair labor. It makes the prince sick.

Prince Aether clenched his jaw and focused on what he's doing instead, he doesn't need distraction right now. He began mixing the tea, caramels, and milk until it blended pleasingly. He put it on a tea cup, then proceeded to serve it to the customer who was waiting at the table.

The lady introduced herself as Lisa, said she's the Librarian in Knights of Favonius Headquarters. She praised the blond because she really liked what he served her, saying she would request a drink for him another time. She even told him if he needed to borrow books, he should go to the headquarters and meet her. She gave him a tip after their short conversation then left the tavern after finishing her tea. The prince couldn't help but smile, people here are very kind.

He should indeed visit the Knights of Favonius Headquarters sometimes, Kaeya also wants him to meet the Acting Grand Master. It would be a perfect opportunity for him to meet the leaders of this country. He wants to know them completely so that he could take notes on how they're leading Mondstadt and making it a City of Freedom.

"Sora!" An aqua green eyed person called upon entering the tavern. Prince Aether couldn't help but grin after seeing the familiar bard who has a dark blue hair that borders on black, with short twin braids that fade into aqua at the tips.

"Venti, hey!" The blond exclaimed. He's happy seeing him even though they are always hanging out with each other. Venti is a daily customer in Angel's Share so when they first met, they immediately vibe with each other then became friends.

He met Venti when he was just a starter at Angel's Share. It's an embarrassing story actually. Venti ordered some dandelion wine for him but of course, Prince Aether refused because Venti looks like a teenager. You can't really blame him, Venti has a baby face, a slim and small body. Prince Aether told him minors aren't allowed to drink alcoholic stuff. He didn't know Venti is older than he looks like.

The prince was way too embarrassed when Venti told him his actual age, he even showed him his identification card. Prince Aether apologized so many times but Venti just laughed it off. He's ashamed of himself because he literally had the same struggle, he should know better than anyone not to judge people's age by their appearance.

"I'm glad you came, I need someone to talk to." Prince Aether said.

"Just say you miss me." Venti smirked, sitting at the stool in front of the prince.

"Whatever, Venti." The blond chuckled, rolling his eyes upward. "So what would you like to order?"

"The usual."

"I don't know why you like this so much, it looks disgusting." Prince Aether commented whilst pouring alcoholic drink on his glass.

"Don't say stuff like, Sora! You're literally a bartender here." Venti gasped then pouted his lips like he's offended or something.

"I'm only saying this to you."

"Aw, am I the exception?" Venti grinned, giving him puppy eyes while leaning into him. "Sora really likes me!"

Prince Aether didn't answer, he wouldn't admit it but it's true. He really likes Venti as his friend, the way Venti treats him is refreshing. Actually most of the people in Mondstadt treat him refreshingly. For all of his life, people are indifferent to him because he's a royal, he grew up having zero friends outside the palace. He didn't even have best friends there except his own sister and Dainsleif. At least here, he is an ordinary person like them. He'll know as well if they really like him or are genuinely kind to him.

"Can you double the order? The other one's for you." Venti suddenly said, making the blond frown.

"What? Hell no."

"Why not?"

"I don't drink, Venti. You know that like ten times already and besides, I'm at work." Venti just won't stop harassing him into drinking with him ever since they became close.

"Come on, Master Diluc will understand!" Venti groaned.

"No."

"Boring."

"Still no." Prince Aether shook his head, tucking his tongue out, teasing the hell out of Venti.

"Kay, fine. You're so annoying." The blond giggled but stopped when someone suddenly came into the tavern.

Prince Aether paused for a moment, and didn't seem to recognize the tall man with amber eyes and yellow pupils. He's new here, or much like new to the prince's eyes. The tall man has a flaunting dark brown hair tied in a long ponytail reaching down to his waist. This is his first time seeing him. He looks like he's from another country, his clothes and his features don't seem to appear as a Mondstadt citizen.

Prince Aether thought he was handsome too. He quickly blushed when he realized he was staring at him too much. And what the hell was the thought? Though, the prince is even more shy because the man was staring back at him as well.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Venti exclaimed, after the man who just arrived cleared his throat, catching Venti's attention. "I brought a friend. He's from Liyue."

The man from Liyue Country, who is apparently Venti's friend, walked towards them and sat beside Venti. Now they're in front of each other. Prince Aether beamed when the tall man gave him a smile. He looks nice.

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Zhongli, he's a consultant to an organization known as Wangsheng." Venti was the one who introduced his friend. Prince Aether doesn't even know what Wangsheng is, he just nodded.

"Hello, Mr. Zhongli. I'm Sora, the sub bartender here in Angel's Share." The prince shook the tall man's hand, named Zhongli, according to Venti.

"It's an honor to meet you. I have heard a lot of you from my old friend here." Zhongli patted Venti's shoulder.

"Oh, I hope it's not too bad." The prince gave Venti a look, Venti mouthed 'what' then rolled his eyes when he recognized the meaning of that look.

Prince Aether wanted to facepalm so bad, he couldn't believe he had a friend that talked too much about him. He's not trying to be rude, it's just that— it would be risky if his other name spreads even more, that's the last thing he wants, catching the attention of other people. It's better if only a few people know him.

"Not at all, it's quite interesting actually. It's one of the reasons why I came here all the way from my home." The prince's cheeks heats up. He doesn't know what to say to that. Is he even for real?

"Yeah, I visited him in Liyue and invited him over here, to meet you. I kind of told him the story since we've met." Venti said, chuckling. Yup, there you have it. Prince Aether's new friend loves running his mouth.

"That is, uhm, flattering. Thank you." The prince pursed his lips, glancing at Zhongli then asked. "What would you like?"

Prince Aether was about to give him a menu list but Zhongli already responded. "I would like one misty garden please."

"Wow, you know your stuff."

"Well, yes. I love strong teas and I've been here before."

"I hope I won't disappoint you."

"From the looks of it." Zhongli paused for a bit, looking at him from head to toe, making the blond conscious in his place. "You won't."

"That's nice to hear."

"Oh, Archons." Venti reacted, slumping his head on the table's counter like he looked done. Zhongli just kept smiling. His mood is enlightening, the prince thought so.

He began preparing the ingredients needed for Zhongli's order. He chose to forget or not mind Zhongli's eyes that were focused onto him because it's too distracting. He must stay professional in front of them. He poured the bottle of tea, five times, into a glass to make it stronger, just as the customer wants. He then started to stir it, waiting for it to blend perfectly.

"You're good with your hands, Sora." Zhongli suddenly commented, making the blond flush.

"Th—thanks."

"Goodness, Zhongli! Don't distract him!" Venti wailed.

"Oh, I'm very sorry. Please continue."

"It's okay."

"Well, if it's okay, I'll leave you guys here for a moment. I'm just gonna use the toilet. I can't stand you two." Venti dramatically made his way to the bathroom of the tavern, looking back at Prince Aether then yelled. "Sora, don't let someone steal my drink!"

"As if someone's stealing your drink." The prince said as the bard slammed the bathroom's door. The blond laughed because of that. They just love annoying each other, it's like their days aren't complete without talking shit to one another.

When the mixing was done, Prince Aether poured the finished product into the cup then served it to the tall man waiting in front of him.

"Here's your order, Mr. Zhongli."

"Please just call me Zhongli, and thank you." Zhongli politely grabbed the cup of tea from his hand. He's mindfully savoring the smell of it, the prince thought he looks graceful while doing that. Zhongli closed his eyes then slowly took a sip.

The prince bit his lower lip, playing with his fingers. "So, how was it?"

"Mmm, the tea is clear and glows with a pleasing hue. Its richness is complemented by a floral and fruity fragrance. Exquisite." Zhongli stated, taking a sip again as he opened both of his eyes to look at the prince. He smiled, he seemed really pleased.

"Wow, Zhongli, you're knowledgeable about tea, huh?" Prince Aether was quite amazed. I guess Zhongli must've really loved tea.

Zhongli agreed with him, also saying that savoring tea shows respect to the person who brewed it. The prince thinks he's right, in his palace, royals must not slurp but sip the tea by showing respect as well. Zhongli told him so many things about tea and its different aspects with different cultures. Prince Aether became really invested, he couldn't believe not knowing this, this adds more knowledge.

The tall man stated that the good quality of a tea is hard to come by too and those who are capable of brewing tea. The prince is very flattered hearing that since Zhongli seems to like what he had served him.

"I learned a lot, thank you, Zhongli."

"So, what's going on here?" Out of nowhere, Venti slammed his palms on the counter. He just got back from the bathroom and he looks like shit.

"Venti, you're back."

"Yeah, and it sucks. My stomach starts hurting, I think I ate too much earlier." Venti slumped his head on Zhonli's shoulder while massaging his tummy. The prince thought the bard was having diarrhea.

"Why don't you go home?" Zhongli suddenly suggested.

"What?" Venti weakly asked, he's in a bad shape.

"You don't seem very well, with a stomach ache. It would be hard to cope with that in public. Soon enough, you'll go back and forth to the bathroom. You need medicine." The blond nodded, agreeing with the tall man's statement.

"It's fine." Venti sat up straight, grabbing his wine as if it was his medicine. He was about to bottom it up but Prince Aether stopped him.

"Zhongli's right, Venti." The prince said, putting down the glass.

"No, I can handle this."

"Are you sure? You look very pale."

"Yes, I'm okay."

"No, you're not." Zhongli said, grabbing Venti's arm, making the bard look at him.

"But I need to finish—"

"Venti, do me a favor, go home and have some rest." It's not even a request by the tone of Zhongli's voice, it's a demand. Zhongli was looking at Venti, his eyebrows were curled, like he's beginning to get frustrated by Venti's stubbornness.

"Oh." Venti formed his mouth 'O' after realizing something and by something, Zhongli's stare must've struck meaning in his nerves. The prince on the other hand was confused on why he's reacting like that. "I see what you're doing here, Zhongli."

"What am I doing? I am concerned." Zhongli blinked.

"Concerned my arse, I can totally see what you're doing. You must've prayed this to the Archons, didn't you?" Venti started to laugh, pointing at his friend like he's accusing him of something. He's mocking him but Zhongli continues to look at him dead in the eye.

Soon, Venti's laugh faded. He stopped on teasing the consultant as he sighed heavily. He raised his hands in defeat, rolling his eyes. "Okay, fine! Make sure to pay me back, Zhongli."

"I will, get well soon, my friend." The serious expression on Zhongli's face turned back into a smile. The bard hissed at him with eyes both narrowed then made his way into the exit of the tavern.

"Bye, Venti, see you tomorrow and get well soon!"

"Yeah, whatever. I want my drink refunded when I recover!" That's the last thing the bard said after he exited Angel's Share.

Now, it's only him and Zhongli once again. Surprisingly, it didn't become more awkward than the prince thought it would be. They talked a lot, with Zhongli, topics will keep up or will last long because the consultant knew a lot of different things. While Prince Aether is serving drinks to the customers, Zhongli will wait for him until he's done and then he'll continue on what he's telling afterwards.

The prince never got bored. Even if Zhongli finished his tea, he stayed and still talked with him. The prince wanted to buy something for him, wanting to thank the man for entertaining him and keeping him accompanied but Zhongli refused. The consultant said being able to sit near to him is enough.

Zhongli even told Prince Aether how Venti and him became friends when they were just kids. Apparently, both of them are childhood friends and the prince thought it's really cute since until now, they are still buddies.

It's been two hours and half since then when Prince Aether finally noticed what time is it.

"By the way, Zhongli. My shift is about to end, the main bartender here will soon swap with me." Prince Aether said, checking the wall clock.

"What time?"

"Five more minutes."

"Can I take you home?" Zhongli suddenly asked.

The prince was surprised because this is the third time he's been asked by a man to take him home. First, Kaeya. Second, Diluc. Now, It's Zhongli. Who's next? Why on earth are they obsessed with taking him home? He's not a girl, he pretty much can go home with himself. Refusing them is hard when they are really being nice to him but whenever he's dealing with this feeling, he just keeps on replaying in his mind what Diluc told him. Learn to say no.

"No, it's okay, no need—" The prince cut himself off when Zhongli's expression dropped, he looked disappointed. Now, it made him guilty. Prince Aether wanted to groan but he instead cleared his throat, pursuing his lips. Maybe, he should allow him since Zhongli is from Liyue. That's like a long trip from here so he's sure this won't repeat again. "Alright, Zhongli. Are you sure?"

"I am certain."

The two both exited the tavern when Charles finally arrived at Angel's Share to switch with the prince and after he changed his clothes from his uniform. Apparently, Charles and Zhongli knew each other since the consultant had been there before. He told that to the prince earlier.

It was already dark when they went outside because it was past eight. There's city lights everywhere and it's very beautiful. This is why the prince likes it when he's getting home at night, he could appreciate this place, the scenery even more.

He was not allowed to leave the palace when he was still at the Artenia Kingdom so he couldn't really appreciate the surroundings there. He could only see it from afar, from his window. It's really lonely, thinking about it kind of bummed him out. Royals would only go out if it's necessary, the thing is— it never was, for them. But from what the prince heard from Queen Nyx, the former king and his mother were always visiting the city and villages to know its situation and its people.

The prince is very sad because he never got a chance to experience it. Maybe he could, they could, his twin and him, when Princess Lumine finally sat on the throne.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? The city lights." The prince said. Zhongli hummed, nodding, both of his hands rested behind.

"Do you like things like this?"

"Yeah, they're really pretty."

"Then the Lantern Rite would be perfect for someone like you."

"Lantern Rite?"

Zhongli gazed upon Prince Aether, smiling as he started to spill information about it while they were walking. Lantern Rite is a beautiful, annual festival in Liyue celebrated on the first full moon of the year and lasts for five days, according to the consultant. Zhongli also stated that it is the biggest of Liyue's festivals. It has heaps of fun events and minigames to enjoy, and even more awesome goodies up for grabs, there's plenty to be excited about. And guess what? Everyone's invited, anyone all over the Teyvat can enjoy the Lantern Rite.

Every year, one fallen hero from Liyue's history is selected as the subject of the Lantern Rite's Mingxiao Lantern— a massive lantern constructed from materials donated by citizens and visitors alike. Originally, people began releasing lanterns as a way to remind soldiers of the way home, and to never lose sight of themselves.

Prince Aether is beyond astounded by what he's hearing, he couldn't shake off the feeling of excitement just by thinking about it. His eyes are shining while listening to Zhongli, he could already imagine what it would be like. He wants to experience it so bad, so very bad. Attending the Lantern Rite just became one of his dreams.

He couldn't wait to tell this to his twin sister. Oh, right. Maybe if Prince Lumine is here with him, they could've been together on this. It saddens the prince. He shouldn't think of depressing stuff when he just knew of an interesting event. For sure in the future, Prince Aether and Prince Lumine would go there, together.

"It's around February so you'll have to wait for several months."

"It sounds wonderful, Zhongli." The prince wanted to squeal. It's August right now so it will take 6 months to get there. He's excited but he can wait. He'll have more time to prepare himself to become a traveler.

"Even if there's no festival, you can still come with me, I can accompany you in Liyue."

"Oh, about that— sorry, but it would probably take months for me to visit another country. I need to focus on my training first."

"It's no problem, Sora. I understand, I'll wait for you."

"Thanks, Zhongli. You're very kind. Here's my place by the way." The prince said, stopping in front of the building. His apartment is located southwest inside the city, near the blacksmith and the building with boxes. His home is beside it, there's also city stairs at the right side of his apartment. "Do you want to come in?"

"No, it's fine." Zhongli shook his head, smiled, then patted the prince's head. "It's getting late, you should rest."

"Yeah, I know. I just got excited from what you've told me! Now, I'm pumped." Prince Aether exclaimed, his excitement is overflowing and the consultant finds it really adorable.

Zhongli chuckled because of how cute his new friend is. He continued to stare at the pretty blond in front of him, finding the likeness to become addicted at his features even more. There's something on the blond he couldn't explain. His aura and everything just gives him peace. "It turns out you're even more interesting than I thought you would be, Sora."

Prince Aether's cheeks began heating up. He didn't say anything, he beamed and just watched as Zhongli picked something from the pocket of his coat. It's a beautiful flower and it looks unusual to him. It looks foreign.

"Zhongli...?" Prince Aether mumbled.

"It's my favorite flower from Liyue, it's called Glaze Lily. I love picking it up whenever I see one because they're very rare."

"This is my first time seeing one of Liyue's specialties." It indeed looks rare. What is he gonna do with it?

"Please accept my gratitude." The next thing Zhongli did, immediately answer the prince's question. Zhongli stepped closer to him, now that the consultant was close to him, the prince realized the man was really tall. Zhongli slowly lifted his hand and gently tucked his blond hair. The prince gasped, watching Zhongli as he put the glaze lily behind his ear. Prince Aether didn't expect this so his face turned full red as his eyes widened. He just hopes his heated face is hidden in the darkness of the surroundings. Zhongli is inches away from him so when he stared up, he saw the sincerity of the consultant's eyes. "Now you're even more beautiful."

The prince was speechless, he began to panic inside. He didn't know how to respond to that. I mean, what would you say to that? Also, what's up with men these days and their affectionate words to him? Maybe they are really just being nice since he's new in the outside world. Maybe people know how isolated the Artenians are so they are doing their best to make them feel belong and not out of place. Yeah, that's just it.

"Sora?" Prince Aether jumped a bit, blinking.

"Oh, I'm—! Thanks, Thank you, Zhongli, that is very sweet. Thank you for telling me about the Lantern Rite too." The prince really appreciated it, he couldn't thank him more enough.

"And thank you for such excellent tea, Sora. Meeting you— spending time with you, rather, made my trip out here all the more worthwhile."

Chapter Text

The fatui are an organization who frequently participate in an array of criminal activities— such as murdering, gambling, labor racketeering, loan sharking, drug-trafficking, and other unlawful acts. Members of the organization play a variety of roles that include combatants, bureaucrats, politicians, and merchants. The principal activity and agreements between criminal groups and the fatui always use the threat of violence.

The fatui are organized into eleven divisions, each led by one of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers. Each harbinger has a distinct method of operation, which has an impact on how their subordinates behave.

The Eleven Fatui Harbingers are the fatui's executive officers or officials, an organization's most powerful and highest-ranking members. They are also lieutenants who have been given absolute authority. Each harbinger is in charge of their own fatui division. A number is allocated to each harbinger. Members of the harbingers are given a new identity and a title ( also known as an alias or codename ) when they join.

The harbingers chose from among the fatui those who have demonstrated their strength to be their immediate servants. All of the harbingers' subordinates and underlings venerate them, frequently addressing them as "Lady" or "Lord," and they endeavor not to offend them. Rank-and-file fatui regard sparring with a harbinger as a privilege.

Of course, many citizens are afraid of the threat these individuals pose to their safety. Fatui, mostly the harbingers are widely despised as well due to their conniving and deceitful reputation, that's why they are labeled as an enemy of each country in Teyvat.

They are all affluent and powerful citizens hiding in the shadows in every country, pretending to be one of them. No one have even captured any member of fatui, even if they have, fatui will only commit suicide. They don't like their information to be leaked so it was authorized to take one's life once caught. It's terrifying how loyal they are to their leader, which in fact is still anonymous to this day.

And as alarming as it was, the set meeting with the fatui is happening right now in Artenia Kingdom. His Majesty, King Erebus, and his daughter, Princess Lumine, are currently facing the members of the fatui together with the king's royal advisor, Herald, and the knight commander, Dainsleif. They are in the council chamber, sitting at the round table in order of rank.

Week has passed and the prince is yet to be found, clearly. They are still searching everywhere even though there's a high chance, a hundred percent rather, that the prince ran away in another country. Everyone already knows this, they are aware that their efforts are for nothing, however, they couldn't do anything but to obey or else— they will receive punishment from the king.

King Erebus was livid, desperate, and prideful for admitting his defeat. He's carried a heavy aura day by day since the prince was announced missing. He's filled with anger, that's why everyone was afraid of facing him, scared that they might piss off the ruler of the country.

The king couldn't seem to accept the fact that the prince who he looked down upon, ridiculed him, had done the worst possible action to him. He couldn't even take a move to another country because of his ego. King Erebus couldn't fathom the idea of receiving any help from other nations when he declares that the prince has gone missing and they want to find him. He couldn't fathom the idea of them knowing that his son escaped from his kingdom's strict and tight borders.

The king refused to acknowledge it, to endure just by thinking about it.

"I am ashamed to announce I can no longer meet the requirements in our arrangement. I know the harbingers are the ones who proposed this before me but unfortunately, the deal's off." The king was the first one who talked inside the council room, couldn't handle the long silence.

The members of the fatui don't seem surprised at this news since the state of the kingdom was obvious when they arrived. There are two members of harbingers and their four subordinates sitting beside them.

"When you enter Artenia, I assume you saw the missing posters of the royal prince. King Erebus' son, Prince Aether Viator, has gone missing for a week. He ran away from this kingdom." The king's royal advisor, Herald, added.

The fatui gave each other a look, although their expressions couldn't be read. They are wearing their stoic faces, as usual, and don't want to show what they are thinking.

"That's surprising, I thought the security in this country was tight? How did the prince run away?" One of the fatui harbingers asked, which has an indigo hair that covers his ears, as well as indigo eyes with bold red eyeliner. He's wearing a large hat too, with four upwards-curving hooks along the circumference, and what seems to be his mask on the center.

His name's Scaramouche, the balladeer.

The princess saw how the king beside her clenched his jaw. She knew that face, that composure, for all of her life she's been inspecting her father so she's aware that the king was beginning to get mad because of the harbinger's question.

Herald must've noticed this too that's why he volunteered to talk. "I'm afraid to say we let our guard down, we underestimated the prince. It is our mistake and we are very sorry for that but fret not, we assure you, we will find the traitor who helped him and bring their head to you— to show you how much we desire to form an alliance. I hope this situation isn't enough reason to leave bad taste to the harbingers, especially to your leader." Since he's the royal advisor of the king, he's knowledgeable to comprehend what's on His Majesty's mind.

Find the traitor and bring their head? Princess Lumine hid her frown, glancing at Dainsleif who didn't seem to mind what he heard. The princess was pissed but she wanted to laugh at the same time. Actually, hearing this isn't new to her, nor to Dainsleif. She was startled by the king's threat at first, but every time they kept threatening the 'traitor', it became futile and less scary. They are delusional to think they could determine her out. She won't even let them catch Dainsleif, over her dead body. King Erebus was too blinded by his daughter's and the knight commander's disguise anyway. They won't be able to do anything about it.

The members of fatui didn't answer, giving a chance for the king to speak once again. "One would hope we can still form a new set of arrangements."

Was he really that desperate? Princess Lumine thought, not really in disbelief.

"We will discuss this matter to our empress." The other harbinger immediately said, beside the indigo haired harbinger. He has a pair of red eyes, pale skin, short and curly blue hair. He's also wearing a white and black mask covering almost all of his face, whilst his right cheek and half of his mouth are shown.

He's Dottore, the doctor.

"This is maddening, we know, but we're doing everything in our power to bring him back. When the time comes and we find him, we are willing to propose a new deal, we do hope you accept it." Herald stated, putting his hand over his chest, flashing his utmost sincerity. The king and his advisor must have talked about this on their own before going into this meeting.

"That is the matter to be discussed in the future. Whether the deal is off or will continue, it's not our loss. I'm quite sure, it isn't yours either. But the missing prince, however, is your personal problem and we're sorry to hear that." Dottore responded, it may look like an agreeable statement but nothing more King Erebus hates than the pity of other people. It caused the room to be surrounded with the king's tremendous aura.

The fatui doesn't seem to get intimidated by this though. Princess Lumine was slightly impressed, she'll give them that. Everyone was afraid of his father because of this but she guesses they are harbingers for a reason. The princess sipped her tea, closing her eyes, observing and listening like she usually does. Not your loss, huh? Too bad, she wanted to see how these scums react knowing that the prince ran away before he got to marry one of them.

"This may be disrespectful to our arrangements but marrying the prince is just a personal interest of my fellow harbinger here." Princess Lumine almost dropped her tea when Dottore added that, she quickly opened her eyes and gazed upon the indigo haired young man. It was the balladeer? And personal interest, he says?

Princess Lumine's hand trembled around the cup, finally seeing the harbinger who wanted to marry her twin brother. She wanted to snap. He's the reason why I got separated from my brother, the reason why we had to do it. We sacrificed everything, just for him? The princess tried so hard to repress her emotions building up while looking at him, that explains why she's got a bad feeling about the balladeer the first moment she saw him. Now, she despises him with passion. Princess Lumine slowly put down the tea cup and clenched her fist under the table, looking away from the balladeer and eyed the knight commander, wondering what his reaction would be like.

Princess Lumine paused as she saw Dainsleif's face, as expected. The way he's looking at Scaramouche was frightening. He had this look, a cold and poisonous look as well as his sharp eyes. It was the same eyes he wore when he killed the lieutenant cold blooded. The princess could never forget that day. Of course, he's in love with my brother, that's why he's reacting like this. She couldn't really blame him, he's angry just like the princess. She would kill for her twin brother as well, but she must remain composed even after hearing all of it.

Calm yourself down, Lumine. The princess thought, focusing on her breath, steadying it.

"Unfortunately, we cannot also give to you what we agreed upon since you know— the deal's off." The harbinger said, he sounded apologetic too.

"I am quite aware of that." The king spoke. He may not be shouting, nor showing his anger right now but the princess exactly knows he's already boiling inside. The fatui just doesn't know when to shut up, even for her, they're really getting on her nerves.

"Your Majesty, with all due respect, I do hope you're also well aware that this isn't a big of a deal to our empress for her to leave bad taste. So you must not worry, this proposal was only her gift for Number Six of the Fatui's Eleven Harbingers." The princess goes rigid as Dottore said that. She grinds her teeth, fists are ready to blow at any moment. She was very furious right now, she wanted to do something, to show these trash their right places.

How could they?! A gift?! My brother is not an object to give! How could these scums?! How could our father agree upon this?!

"Then we're pleased to hear that. Once again, we offer our apologies, to the harbingers, and to your beloved empress. As well as our commitment that this shall never happen again." Herald clearly enunciated, looking at His Majesty for approval of his statement.

The princess was definitely not pleased by that and she's positive that her father wasn't too, but the king still gave his royal advisor a nod, fronting it to the fatui— maybe to show that it isn't really his loss, to keep his pride above. Although Princess Lumine was certain, this isn't anyone's failure or loss but him, the king. The princess was beyond satisfied, it's what he deserves.

"That's all we have to say. You can stay here in my palace to rest, please enjoy your time as a guest."

"We appreciate your warm welcome, Your Majesty. But we must report this to our empress in an instant, we'll leave by dawn." Dottore bowed his head along with the other members of the fatui.

"Alright, I am much obliged to you for understanding us."

"Very well then, please excuse us." The last words the harbinger spoke before they all left the council room, leaving King Erebus, Princess Lumine, Dainsleif and Herald behind. The royal servants used this as a sign to enter the chamber and stood beside the wall, waiting for the highest ranks to finish with their matter so they could get back to work.

No one talked after the members of the fatui exited, although the silent atmosphere was filled with the king's intimidating presence. King Erebus tapped his finger on the table, again and again, whilst his face was resting on his other palm that was leaned upon his armrest. He's calming himself, from the looks of it. Though, the princess knows that won't work, it never does. His Majesty's anger issues are getting worse so Princess Lumine is aware of what's about to happen. She's sure, everyone does.

And she's so right, Princess Lumine just watched as King Erebus lashed out like a wild animal he is. The precious furniture across the round table was angrily swept by the king, it landed on the ground, all broken. As usual.

"THAT FUCKING LOWLIFE FATUI!" The king blustered, eyes were glared and veins were popping out. The servants immediately moved to clean the mess even though they were all trembling in fear, they were horrified to get involved in the king's anger.

"My king, please calm down." Herald muttered but the king, of course, didn't mind him. Princess Lumine stared at her father flatly, it's always been like this. The king's temper is so thin, everything or everyone can anger him.

"They dared to mock me?! That piece of trash?!"

The princess took a deep breath, the way King Erebus acts like this annoys her off so much. Like for one minute, she doesn't want to deal with the king's nonsense outburst at all. She doesn't want to hear anything that comes out from her father's mouth whenever he's furious.

"They did not mock you, Your Majesty." Princess Lumine said out of nowhere, catching everyone's attention including her father. She couldn't help but to voice it out. The king was right on another thing though, the fatui did mock him— but the princess refused to waste any of her time here, listening to whatever her father had to say. It's dumb anyways so she's trying to convince him.

She stared at Dainsleif when she felt his eyes on her, the knight commander was giving her a look not to say anything anymore but she ignored it. "They implied to not fret because this situation can be resolved."

"Do not speak when you're not spoken to." King Erebus snapped, glaring at his daughter. Princess Lumine just stared at him, wanting to say something more but the king continued. "There's no situation to be resolved if your good for nothing brother didn't do anything, and just stayed in his goddamn chamber!"

The princess almost rolled her eyes, here we go again. It aggravates the hell out of her how King Erebus blamed her twin sibling so much, when in fact, it's all his fault. Why blame others when you know how much of a useless father you are? And a non reliable king?

"I know you're enraged at the fatui, my king. I was angered by those scums as well but they are not worth it and blaming Aether won't do anything." Princess Lumine tried to tone down her voice, she tried to relax her face as well, not wanting to show her true expression. She didn't want to look angry in front of her father or to anyone— she must maintain her obedient disguise at all times. "So please, as your daughter, I am asking you to not let them get to you. They are nothing but trash, am I—"

"Have I told you to say nothing?! I did not ask for your opinion!" The princess turned stiff when the king shouted, interrupting her. She blinked, absolutely surprised because King Erebus had never been this voluntarily mad to her. Princess Lumine usually convinced her father. This is bad, the king is beginning to get angry at her too.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" The princess was really shocked by that, she didn't even notice that she was frowning at her father. Princess Lumine gripped her armrests and slowly erased any emotions written on her face. She cannot let this happen again. "It is your own doing, is it not? I may have done so many favors to you but this time, I want you to learn. Do you understand me, princess?"

Princess Lumine didn't answer but her mouth was itchy, tempted to spout anything that's running in her mind. I don't want to learn anything from you, you're nothing but a pathetic man. The princess bit her lower lip to stop herself from saying any word.

"The king asked if you understood him, Your Highness." Princess Lumine closed her eyes, avoiding herself from glaring at the king's royal advisor. Would you shut the hell up? She took a deep breath and cleared her throat, opening her sight once again to glance at her father.

"I understand." Princess Lumine nodded then stood up from her seat, wanting to leave the council chamber immediately. She needs to let out all her frustrations in her own room. "If  you'll excuse me."

The princess turned around and walked towards the door but before she got a chance to leave, the king spoke, making her stop in her tracks. "The prince is going to pay for what he's done, making a fool of me in front of everyone. I do not care if he is your kin— if he is found, I will make him regret ever defying me."

Good thing the princess wasn't facing them, because if they could see her right now, she wouldn't be able to hold back a murderous intent flashing in her face. Her entire body was tense, fingers were trembling around the door knob she's holding. Like hell I'd let you do anything to my brother.

"You and Aether's life belongs to me, I am the one who will decide what fate awaits you."

Princess Lumine clenched her jaw whilst her other hand was gripping the handle of her sword. Then I'll have kill you, if it's the last thing I do.

After the set meeting with the fatui, the princess went into her room to rest and clear her mind. She needs peace for a while, she couldn't sleep so she read her favorite book instead whilst sitting in the balcony of her chamber.

Princess Lumine has been dealing with a lot of emotions for the past couple of days and it's exhausting and draining. The princess doesn't know for how long this will continue but she must sustain it no matter what, letting it out would only make her weak and she doesn't want that.

Though, without her twin brother on her side— everyday is truly hard for her.

Princess Lumine is doing her best to resist all of what's happening in order to continue to fight because she knows the prince has been doing the same. Can you imagine that? It must have been so scary for her twin sibling to run away from their cruel father and live in a foreign country— where he doesn't know anything or anyone about. But despite that, Princess Lumine believes that her brother will handle his new life just fine. Aether is brave, he's braver than me. The princess thought without a doubt.

The royal highnesses have been doing all of these sacrifices for their people, it is their burden and responsibility until their last breath.

The princess is not yet satisfied with the rest she's getting, there's someone knocking on her door already. She didn't even read half way through her favorite book. Princess Lumine sighed heavily, leaning her head on the chair to stare at the sky above.

She almost forgot, a crowned princess isn't allowed to slack off.

Princess Lumine lazily stood up and walked through the door, opening it. She's expecting she will be faced with paperwork and obligations but fortunately, she's wrong. It's the knight commander standing before her, it's Dainsleif. There must be news for her from the looks of it, Dainsleif was sweating as if he badly wanted to talk with her.

"What happened?" The princess immediately asked, not wanting to waste anymore time.

"There's someone who would like to meet you, Your Highness."

"Who?"

Dainsleif didn't say who it was but there's something in his face, a sign of hope and relief. Princess Lumine paused, immediately getting an idea that Prince Aether was involved with this 'news' and she's very pleased with it.

Dainsleif explained to her that he met someone earlier in the northern village when they were doing daily patrol. It's a young boy, saying he's one of the passengers on the ship with the prince when he ran away and apparently, the boy helped Prince Aether escape from the royal guards when he almost got caught. He also said he's a friend of the prince and he was told to trust the knight commander because Dainelif was an ally.

At first, Dainsleif didn't believe this, what if it's a trap? What if the king ordered him to say these to him? What if someone was already suspicious of him?

But then, when the boy showed the knight commander a letter from the prince, Dainsleif finally believed when he opened it for a moment. It was indeed his beloved's handwriting, he would never forget how Prince Aether wrote. It was a letter for the princess too so he hastily gave it back to the boy, he didn't want to take it since it's not for him. The knight commander said it's much better if the boy handed it to the princess himself.

The knight commander told this story to Princess Lumine, she was beyond relieved and happy when she heard all of it. My brother is safe and he has made his own friend too. That's all she cares about, somehow the emotions that were building upon her lessen. She can finally breathe.

At that moment, the princess decided to sneak out, she wanted to meet the boy who helped her twin sibling. She needs to know the situation of her brother right now. They must do it without acting reckless though, they must be careful with how they move.

After the important conversation between them, she told Dainsleif to meet her at the back of the palace unseen. The knight commander agreed to this, saying he'll wait for her as he gave her a little nod then walked away.

Princess Lumine went back into her bed chamber, she squeezed her eyes shut and gripped her chest. This is a perfect opportunity to see the situation of her people too, so she must do this.

When she calmed herself down, she opened her eyes once again, wearing a fierce face. The princess stepped through her drawer to wear a cloak, to hide her face and everything else. She unclosed her drawer to pick up the keys, it was the keys to her own room and this is the first time she'll use this. Princess Lumine pocketed it, exiting the chamber then locked her door so that no one will suspect she's not in there when someone knocks, they will assume she's sleeping and cannot be disturbed.

Princess Lumine took action.

Without breaking any sweat, the princess successfully exited the palace, she's so glad no one has seen her. She knew the shortcut of the palace so it's easy, the route she took is an emergency exit where Prince Aether also broke out. Only the higher ups know about this passage, others don't have an idea about it. Besides, people in the palace are busy with their jobs so they didn't notice the princess sneaking out.

Princess Lumine met the knight commander in the hidden area just like they talked about, at the back of the palace. Dainsleif was wearing a cloak too, for them to avoid getting much attention and so that they can move freely.

"Let's go." The moment the princess whispered it, the two unsuspiciously began to advance.

It's hard to sneak out of the area outside the palace because there's so many royal guards and knights marching, standing, guarding everywhere. Thank Archons the princess is with the knight commander, he was very skilled to pull this off so they managed to get away without being noticed. The princess was way too impressed because of Dainsleif, he moved so fast, too neat, all of their actions were timed perfectly, he's not a knight commander for nothing.

When they got out, Princess Lumine let out a sigh of relief. She leaned on the wall for support, her knees are getting weak because of tension, heart is also beating so fast. She was so afraid of being caught, she was very anxious. Aether must've felt the same way too, or worse, because what he did was too scary.

"Your Highness?" The princess flinched when the knight commander called her, he looked concerned. Princess Lumine stood up straight, and didn't want to show she's feeling nervous.

"It's okay, I'm okay." Princess Lumine reassured.

"Come, Your Highness, stay behind me."

Princess Lumine obeyed Dainsleif, and they began walking through the City of Artenia. It's unbelievable how for all of her life, she's been living in this country yet this is the first time she got to see what it's like being here, with the people she's going to rule.

The princess' mouth parted into two whilst roaming her eyes around, she's like a little kid who just got out of the city, curious about everything of what's store. She continued to admire how big, how wide, and how loud the city was. Princess Lumine didn't expect this at all because of how small and quiet it is from afar, from her balcony where she can only see the aerial view of the rooftops, of everything. Knowing these things, made the anxiety inside of her fade.

The establishment has a heavy emphasis on classic arts, architecture, and literature. The statues and temples embodied an understanding of beauty. The kingdom truly endured the style of art and architecture. The orange and white color popped against the structures, making it lovely and refreshing. Most buildings and roads are made of stone, marble or granite. The streets are vibrant, there's endless rows of orange trees on the sidewalks. Whatever road you are walking on, everything appears to be brand-new and sparkling. There's also a market store in every corner.

On the other side of the coin, the princess is very aware there's something wrong. Well, not just something, there is something really wrong within the nation. Yes, the Artenia Kingdom itself is well made, greatly built in fact— but there's this aura going around in the atmosphere. Usually, people living in a country like this tend to be lively and happy. But here, it's not, it's dull and it's horrible. Princess Lumine can clearly see the impact of her father, the effects of His Majesty dictatorial leadership to the citizens.

Princess Lumine is about to change that though, she'll make sure to do everything to make her people live in peace without no one to fear. She's become more ambitious and not afraid of the challenge she's about to face.

The princess came back to reality when Dainsleif gently pulled her into the corner to hide from the royal guards and knights who were passing by. Even though their faces were hidden, they wouldn't take the risks.

After waiting for a minute, they started to walk again when they discerned there's no sign of the royal workers anymore.

"Shit." Dainsleif cussed under his breath, stopping before they got out to the city and reached their destination.

"Sir Dainsleif?" The princess frowned, eyes were on the road so she doesn't have an idea why the knight commander suddenly reacted like that.

"I have to stop him." Dainsleif whispered, enough for the royal highness to hear. Princess Lumine got curious so she glanced up to him and followed Dainsleif's eye, to where he was looking.

Her mouth gaped seeing the awful scenario in a distance, the princess gripped her palm in anger. It's some royal knight and he's beating the shit out of a villager. The poor man on the floor wasn't even fighting or resisting, he was just laying there, taking all the punches from the knight who was supposed to protect him. People were just watching, they were not doing anything. Of course, they are afraid of getting involved. But what angers Princess Lumine the most is that the knights and the royal guards were doing the same. Aren't they supposed to do their jobs?

Princess Lumine scowled, ready to step up and stop the knight but Dainsleif immediately grabbed her arm and dragged her behind the alley.

"Your Highness, don't."

"But—"

"I'll handle it, just wait for me here. You must stay hidden." Dainsleif muttered, slowly letting go of the princess who was still furious at what she just witnessed. The knight commander gave her a pleading look, making the princess shut her eyes. "Please, Your Highness."

Princess Lumine pinched the bridge of her nose, she couldn't do anything but to take a deep breath and nodded in defeat. Dainsleif's right but she feels so useless right now, her people need her but she's just hiding there, waiting for someone to do something. She didn't know and she didn't care what the reason for that violence act was at all or who the hell started it, but it isn't right to do that to her people.

The princess opened her eyes once again and looked back at the knight commander with fire in her pair of orbs. "Alright, go now, please hurry."

"I will, Your Highness." Dainsleif bowed, then proceeded to run towards the scene, away from the alley where the princess is standing.

Now that Princess Lumine was left alone, she couldn't help but to feel so upset. She kicked the garbage bin near her out of frustration, making the trash scattered across the ground. The princess stomped on a piece of junk again and again. Damn those bastards, you are all doomed when I become queen.

"Just you wait!" She growled even though there's no one out there who can hear her threat. It's better this way though, no one can see how she loses her composure.

Somehow, she's glad there's still a knight out there who is willing to protect her people. One of them is Dainsleif, she's really grateful for him because he's not just any knight as well, he's a commander, a trustful ally and a precious friend for both of the royal highnesses. She knew he wouldn't turn his back on them, Dainsleif is different from those knights who always abuse their power over people. Princess Lumine will continue to trust him, she even gave him her blessings on her twin brother.

Thoughts running inside her head were interrupted when she heard a ship horn signal coming from the port at the western side, it's so loud. It's two long blasts, meaning the ship is about to sail. It must be the fatui, they're already on board. The princess assumed, remembering Dottore's statement that they'll leave by dawn.

Princess Lumine thought Dainsleif would probably take long so she marched to where the sound of honks were coming from, it didn't take long for her to arrive at the location since the dock was close by.

Princess Lumine didn't even know why she came here in the first place, maybe because she wants to know if they are really leaving. She wants them gone so bad, away from her country. The princess also wants to memorize the face of her enemy, so the princess could picture different ways on when or how to murder that indigo haired harbinger. Just thinking about the meeting earlier makes her blood boil, and that arrogant face of the balladeer.

The princess hid herself and took a peek on the ship, she saw a few members of the fatui but not the harbingers. Where the hell are they?

"Well, if isn't a little princess." The princess jumped in shock when she heard a sudden voice from a person behind her. His voice was familiar. She held her chest and slowly glanced back to know who it was, of course, it was the balladeer.

Princess Lumine tried to calm herself down after seeing the indigo haired harbinger, how badly she wanted to wipe that grin off his face. She wore her rested face for a second but then after realizing the fatui had the audacity to call her 'little princess', the glare on her face flashed. "What did you just call me, fatui?"

The harbinger shrugged, chuckling. "What are you doing here, Your Highness? Roaming around? I thought royals aren't allowed to go outside?"

The fatui didn't even acknowledge the disbelief of her question, now he's questioning her too. How dare he?

"That is none of your business, stay out of it." The princess snapped, doesn't even give a damn if she's talking that way to the fatui, who apparently her father desires to be allied with. The balladeer needs to know his place when he's talking to a royal and standing in her country.

The princess declined spending the little time she had with the low life so she didn't bother waiting for his response anymore. She angrily stared at him for one last time before rolling her eyes as she turned around, was about to walk towards where Dainsleif left her but the fatui said something that shook her entire core. "Quite a rebel, I see... not really surprising, since you're the one who pushed your brother into running away."

Princess Lumine froze on the spot, deeply shocked. A lightning crackle through her veins and time seemed to slow down. She immediately eyed the harbinger, shooting him a frown. She gasped. "What—?"

"Oh, was that supposed to be a secret?" The fatui grinned so wide, he was amused by this.

No, calm down, Lumine, calm down. This is a trap, he's trapping you, don't fall for it. The princess barely moved a muscle in her face, trying to show less of an emotion. She shook her head, opening her mouth then closed it back. The fatui was enjoying this, he's waiting for her answer.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, fatui. Stop accusing people of stuff you don't know." She's so glad the tone of her voice was the same, there's no sign of panic. That's good, she should keep this up.

Scaramouche laughed out loud, as if the princess was joking. "But we do know, you see... we harbingers have unfolded so many secrets. I think you're aware of what I'm talking about."

The princess scoffed, raising her eyebrows. She wasn't convinced at first but started to change her mind when the harbinger's expression became straight, an arrogant grin written on his face faded. The indigo haired man doesn't seem like he's joking. He is serious. The balladeer really knew what happened, did they? They knew. Then why are they keeping this to her father? What was the reason?

When you think about it, it is not impossible because just like what the harbinger stated, they have unfolded secrets simply because they are everywhere. They have ears and eyes everywhere, concealing themselves in every nation. But even so, she won't satisfy him by giving up the truth, she'll continue to act.

"No, I do not, you are just being disrespectful. Why don't you just accept the fact that my brother ran away because he doesn't want to do anything with you?" The princess snickered, wanting to spite him. Sadly for him, it's the truth. Scaramouche didn't give a reply, his entire visage is blank. Princess Lumine wanted to laugh, thinking that two can play this game. "Must be hurt, huh? You never even got a chance to meet him."

Scaramouche's countenance lightened up, he didn't appear to be displeased by hearing it. The princess expected it would annoy or piss the hell out of him but that statement of hers went sideways, too late, she couldn't take it back anymore. The harbinger's lips turned into a sly smirk as he crossed his arms. "How would you know? I have plenty of chances now he's outside this country. Your little rebellion has made this easier for me."

"What do you mean?" The princess queried, twitching her eyebrows.

"Like Dottore said, whether the deal's off or not, it's not our loss— my loss. Do you want to know why?" Princess Lumine definitely doesn't want to know why because she's beginning to get uneasy, she could feel she's not going to like this. Even if the princess didn't respond, the balladeer still continued. "Because I can still find Prince Aether myself, of course, with the help of my fellow fatui too. Without your shitty rules in another country, we are free to move however we like. I am free to do anything with the prince."

Princess Lumine's eyes darkened, knuckle whitened as she gripped the handle of her blade, ready to draw it any minute. She could feel her heart pounding, blood pressure was rising. The princess has never been like this in front of anyone but the harbinger really hit the button. She's oozing bloodlust.

Scaramouche, on the other hand, gave the feeling of satisfaction. He's smirking, fascinated by the princess who was currently showing a murderous intent she's been hiding since the meeting with them. "Look at you, princess, finally showing your true color. Now, I remember— I noticed the way you and the knight commander looked at me earlier, eyes were like a dagger, so sharp."

"Good for you then, I don't need to hide anything from you. And what are you saying we made this easier for you? Oh, please, we both know it's not true and keep on dreaming, fatui. You won't find Aether, give it up, do not underestimate my brother." Every word was spoken firmly, not even bothered by the fact that she's not denying everything that the harbinger had accused of her. It's the truth anyways, what's the point of hiding it when she's this close to killing off the balladeer?

"More challenging, I like it!" Scaramouche exclaimed, fingers twitching with excitement as if all of this was a game. "But when I do find the prince, you and this entire kingdom wouldn't even know."

"Why are you so obsessed with my brother?" The princess hissed, both eyes were still hardened and narrowed into slits, boring it to the harbinger. "You don't even know him!"

"Why? Honestly..." The fatui halted briefly, striking with sudden wonder. He put his fingers on his chin, caressing it. "I don't myself— but there's just something in him that's pulling me in. Like a temptation, so I bite. Now that he resists me, I am more interested than ever."

"What kind of reason was that? Leave him alone! Go find someone else to creep, not him!" Her temples pounded in her rage whilst nostrils were flaring.

"Do you want to know what I'm going to do when I find him?" No, I do not. The princess couldn't voice it out because her facial muscles became rigid but you can clearly see the answer in her visage. Though, the indigo haired man couldn't care less. He wanted to speak of it, wanted her to know his inner desire. The harbinger beamed sadistically, flaunting his apparent lust. "I will lock him up in my bed, making sure he'd never leave again and make him obey every word I say. I will take him, however, whenever I want."

That's when Princess Lumine saw red, her stomach twisting in disgust. Her cheeks flushed, she suddenly couldn't breathe, the air felt like it was looming in around her. In the princess's mind, she was growing larger and larger, expanding with rage. All she could feel was animosity toward the harbinger. If she didn't do anything fast, to get the situation under control, she'd explode.

Princess Lumine needs to do something right now— so she did.

Her first thought was to stomp towards the balladeer, grabbing him by his collar while drawing her blade out on another. Princess Lumine swung her sword without hesitating, to cut the balladeer's head off so that she'll never have to see him again and never give him a chance to have a glimpse of her brother one more time.

However, it's not going to be that easy. The balladeer has a title 'Number Six of the Fatui's Eleven Harbingers' for a ground. Scaramouche was fast, he pushed the princess off him and dodged before her sword could even touch his neck.

"You sick fuck, I will fucking murder you, fatui scum!" The princess growled when she stumbled, with her hostile glare and bared teeth.

"My, what a vile word coming from the princess and such bloodlust!"

Princess Lumine lunged at him, not wanting to hear anymore of what he says. The harbinger drew his swords up instantly, blocking her attack before it could cut him. She snarled at Scaramouche who was smiling slightly, she withdrew her blade as she turned onto the other side to swing it. As usual, he blocked it and dodged to the left.

The two circled, carefully watching each other's movements. The balladeer feinted at the princess several times, nevertheless it seems like he never intended to strike, he's only waiting for her to attack, luring her. Princess Lumine gritted her teeth, he's playing with her, fucking toying with her and the royal hated it so much. The fatui may have more experience on the battlefield, in the ways of the world, but she could outwit him if he's being cocky like this.

Princess Lumine attacked in earnest, Scaramouche blocked her sword and leaped back. She set her jaw grimly, she will make him fight her seriously. The princess charged, sounds of the clashing blades continued, every swung, every strike was personal to her. The fatui was still keeping his guard high. Princess Lumine couldn't get through, she's getting impatient, frustrated.

Lumine, get a grip.

The royal started to recall her intensive training. Instead of simply reacting, she began to think and act just like what her master had taught her. Princess Lumine parried quickly and reflexively, their swords rang. The princess was pressuring him to thrust back whilst he's blocking her attacks. She remained on doing it since the harbinger isn't fighting back, she took this advantage. Princess Lumine threw an overhand cut, here and then, until Scaramouche was knocked off balance and was forced to stumble away.

"As expected from the crowned princess!" The fatui vehemently commented, he sounds pleased too but the princess wasn't having it. "But if you do kill me, there will be war. You wouldn't want to involve the innocent lives of your people, now, would you?"

"I do not fucking care! I will kill you right here before you even get to my brother!" She bared her teeth and growled, breathing hard. She cares though, she deeply cares for the sake of her people, but just not in a trice. Her wrath is clouding her judgements, her morals. The fatui laughed at her remark. Princess Lumine's heart was filled with anger right now and all she was thinking was to act upon it.

The ship horn signal released two long blasts a second time, catching the attention of the harbinger and making him get distracted. The princess raised her hands up and parried the next blow with a point of her blade directed to Scaramouche's face. He was caught off guard for a moment but he reacted just in time, the fatui clicked his tongue. He leaped backward and blocked it, knocking her sword aside. Just like that, the weapon in her hand flew in a distance, where she couldn't reach fast.

"Hate to spoil the fun but our ship is about to sail and don't worry, little princess, I assure you— war won't happen." Because she couldn't even get her sword to touch his skin, she couldn't kill him. The balladeer didn't say it but the princess can clearly read it written all over his arrogant counterpart, there's a smirk playing on his lips.

Before she knew it, Scaramouche was nowhere to be seen. Princess Lumine panicked inside. Where is he? He's fast. It's like he teleported, he's not standing in front of her anymore, she didn't even blink when it happened. The princess stood there numb, eyes widening as she heard footsteps of the fatui behind her, he was walking away and she didn't even notice it beforehand. "Don't worry, Your Highness. What happened here, will only be our little secret."

Princess Lumine didn't say anything, didn't even glance back at him. She let him go, not that it's her choice anyways. She's frozen solid, realizing from the start she's no match for him. His combat skills are way too out of her league, it's different, it's unmatchable. Fatui Harbingers are indeed threats, they are dangerous, and bad news.

What the hell am I doing?! The princess started to question everything, she felt like all of her training was for nothing, all these years, all this hard work and she's still incapable. The harbinger didn't even sweat whilst fighting her, didn't even go all out. Her nails were digging hard in her palms, it almost bled. Her knees suddenly wobbled, drained by waves of emotions and from exhaustion.

Princess Lumine couldn't help but fall on her knees, cupping her face. Why is she so weak? She's disappointed in herself. All of them see her as worthy of a crown, a ruler of the country but deep inside, she knows she's weak. She couldn't even face her father, unable to deal with the situation of her brother, couldn't even save her people. What am I exactly doing?

"Your Highness!" Someone called, it was the knight commander. He must've immediately looked for her when he found out the princess wasn't in a spot where he left her. Dainsleif was startled seeing the condition of the royal. He slowly walked towards her, squatting to meet her level. "I was looking everywhere for you, what happened—?"

"Sir Dainsleif..." The princess hiccup, tears falling, overwhelmed with strong different feelings that were happening at once. She's not even bothered showing her weakness right in front of the knight commander, she just needed to let it out.

"What happened here?" Dainsleif gasped, staring at Princess Lumine with wide eyes open. He was completely taken aback, not expecting to see the royal having a breakdown. Now, he's even more curious what happened. "Are you alright, Your Highness? Can I hold you?"

Princess Lumine gripped Dainsleif's arm, tears continued to fall down. She gave him a gaze, her eyes were worried but firm. "My brother... he's— my twin is—"

"Breathe, Your Highness, breathe."

"Aether is in danger."

Chapter Text

The blond couldn't stop humming a song as he brewed drinks for the customers at the Angel's Share. Even though he's clearly exhausted for his shift tonight, training and running errands in the morning, he couldn't help but just be happy and content because he's beginning to get better at his new lifestyle as a nobody in a foreign country.

It was rough at first, it was very hard, and depressing. The prince isn't going to deny that. Every night, he feels so alone in the world, he's homesick. He's crying his eyes out every chance he gets, when he's missing his loved ones mostly. It's an everyday struggle, even now.

The royalty thought he couldn't do it all by himself, he thought he's useless without any of his sister's or Dainsleif's help but coming all this way— he finally realized, he could. He definitely can and he will try more.

Little by little, he's starting to build up the self confidence that his father took away from him a long time ago. It's not easy to take it back but he's slowly getting there. There's progress, that's what is important.

The prince became independent and it truly is a great feeling he couldn't shake off. Having a mora, a small cozy apartment all by himself, a decent part time job, errands to run and getting better at combat. The blond does all of that, not because he's a royal prince but because he earns it and wants to do it— all of it.

Good thing, his training with Kaeya really paid off, the Cavalry Captain took him several times outside Mondstadt with other knights to fight creatures or monsters, robots, whatever you name it. Prince Aether was scared at first, he was injured several times too. The knights were helping him through it, guiding him and he's so thankful they're all kind to him, this includes Kaeya of course. They are all willing to take him with them on their trips outside the city so that he could improve more.

By the time he gets used to fighting— he finally fought off some creatures without any help from knights. They were so proud of him, it's heartwarming for the prince.

Prince Aether found his fighting style too and his twin sibling inspired him so much, he's been thinking about this for a long time since he was training in the palace but couldn't manage to pull it off.

The prince notices how Princess Lumine's fighting style focuses more on being elegant, agile and always on offensive stance as she puts her strength with her legs— that's why Prince Aether focuses more on defensive stance, strength, dominance and whilst putting his strength with his arms.

Prince Aether has chosen to have an opposite fighting style with his twin sister so that both of them could be able to cover each other blind spots, becoming unstoppable or untouchable when they fight together. Just thinking about it makes the blond eager to get stronger even more, he doesn't want to be a burden on the princess' side. He wants to be able to protect her when she needs him.

Prince Aether wanted to be the yang to Princess Lumine's yin, the sun to her moon. So he needs to be as strong as her. That is his goal for now.

Despite all of that, there's still a part of his heart where it's still filled with anxiety and sadness. He's worried of being caught by the royal guards, or Princess Lumine and Dainsleif getting caught. He's also worried about the state of his country, he's always asking himself if are they all okay?

Since he gave his letter to Bennett, he has yet to receive any signs of reply from them so he's over thinking of what might happen, but he'll stay patient for his sibling's response.

"Earth to Sora!" Venti exclaimed, waving his hand in front of his face.

The blond rolled his eyes and slightly slapped it away from his face. "Oh, you're here."

"Hey, that's rude!" Venti pouted, as if the prince really hurt his feelings.

"Let me daydream in peace, would you?"

"You are literally working here."

"Still."

"Get me my dandelion wine first, blondie." The bard tucked out his tongue.

The two laughed at Venti's remarks as the blond prepared for his drink. They are always like this to each other since they become really good close friends.

"Did you know Zhongli wants to visit here again?" Venti smirked and there's something malicious with that expression.

"Really?" Prince Aether's cheeks began heating up, remembering the night when Zhongli took him home. "That would be great."

"If he's not busy, his ass was probably here, kicking me out and staring at you all night until your shift's end." Venti said, drinking his wine.

The blond blinked, staring at me all night? He wanted to ask Venti about that but chose to shake his head, absolutely not. There we go again, Venti is just bluffing. The bard was not even here most of the night at that moment so why would he know? "Kicked you out? When did he do that?"

"Actually, you both kicked me out." Venti crossed his arms.

"But you were having diarrhea that time, remember?"

"I did but I can handle it."

"Keep telling that to yourself, you should've seen your face." Prince Aether teased and the two start their bickering again in which it's considered a playful fight.

Thank, Archons for Venti. That's what the prince kept telling himself whenever he's with the bard. For the first time in the prince's life, he could actually call someone his best friend where they could annoy or tease each other. Tell something only they would know, laugh at each other. It's a good feeling.

Venti is actually one of the few people Prince Aether could actually imagine revealing his biggest secret to, but not for now, not right now where he still has goals to achieve. He will though, when he's ready.

The prince has met plenty of citizens in Mondstadt, they were so kind to him and so accommodating that's why he didn't feel like an outcast at all, it honestly makes it easier to fit in. He still feels awkward whenever they were eyeing him when he was walking around the city. Some said they were just mesmerized by his beauty and he was beyond flattered for it.

Prince Aether also met the highest ranks of the country besides Hertha and Kaeya— not all, but they were so welcoming to him and even told him if he needed something, just call for the Knights of Favonius' help.

The Knights of Favonius are well-respected by the people of Mondstadt, they are good leaders, protectors, the swords and shields of the city. Their most important responsibility is maintaining order among Mondstadt's inhabitants. Mondstadt is the City of Freedom, yes, but unchecked freedom without any kind of rules only invites chaos and anxiety.

The Prince can tell how the citizens adore them and how much they look up to them. Mostly to Varka, the current Grand Master and Jean, the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt.

He didn't meet Varka though, Jean stated before he first got his feet in Mondstadt, Varka headed off on an expedition with the city's elite forces, leaving as the Acting Grand Master in his absence.

But Jean, the prince can already sense what kind of leader she was— it seems like she has always been devoted to her duties and maintaining peace in Mondstadt, that she is willing to guard Mondstadt with her life. Kaeya also mentioned Jean takes all of her responsibilities and duties seriously, regardless of how minor the tasks may seem, such as finding a lost pet. With this, Jean has the prince's utmost respect.

How he wishes his people have a good king too, a leader they can rely on. Unfortunately, they've got nothing but cruel leadership. Freedom and peacefulness were taken away from them, members of families were separated against their will. It's indeed an unfair world his people are living in.

Prince Aether shook his head, not wanting to think of tragic things anymore. He got up from his bed and began to do his daily self care routine before going out from his apartment to train and run errands in the morning, everyday for him is a new busy day so he's managing his time well.

After he's finished, he finally goes out, greeting everyone whenever he sees someone he knows. He walked through the training grounds, which are located outside the Favonius Headquarters in Mondstadt.

The blond found Noelle whom he was associated with lately, Prince Aether considered her as his training companion since they've been training together at the grounds. Noelle has a pair of olive green eyes and short gray hair. She is extremely strong and reliable, she's also considered to be "the maid of all maids" in the Knights of Favonius.

"Hey, Noelle!" The prince called, waving his hand.

"Sora, glad you're here!" Noelle waved back, putting on a big smile on her face.

"Did you just get here?" The blond asked, warming up.

"No, actually, I've been training since earlier. I have no duties in the headquarters for now."

"You're very hardworking."

"Thanks, Sora, you too and oh—! By the way, Captain Kaeya wouldn't make it today. He wanted me to tell you again."

Prince Aether nodded as a simple response, picking up the wooden sword and started to practice with it.

Kaeya wasn't present lately in his training. Well, he's a Cavalry Captain. Of course, he's a very busy man. Prince Aether can fully understand that Kaeya can't be with him at all times. Besides, he doesn't want to be a burden for the man anymore. Kaeya trained him for free, without asking for anything and the blond already learned so many things from him. Prince Aether is greatly indebted to Kaeya.

The two continued their intense training uninterrupted. Prince Aether should be able to achieve a minimum of one hour at the grounds for one day which consists of warming up, main course and cooling down.

The Cavalry Captain gave the prince some tips to keep his training below one hour for one day at maximum because it's unhealthy to extend his training duration beyond one hour a day when he's running errands and taking shifts by night. It is to prevent overtraining injuries especially on the joints, sore muscles and minimize tissue breakdown.

Prince Aether appreciates how Kaeya teaches him so much knowledge about this matter.

After his training with Noelle at the grounds, the blond gave her a farewell, saying they'll see each other the next following day. Noelle agreed, heading back to the Favonius Headquarters.

The prince led off to start running errands like delivering a package, buying food or a supply, collecting items, transporting a person or a thing, and so on and so forth. Sometimes, it may be exhausting or bothersome. There's some people even asking him to do a simple thing they can already do but despite all of that— Prince Aether still finds it helpful. He can earn mora just by doing all those things and it is getting him to be exposed to different situations. It is helping him. His problem-solving skills are improving a lot.

It makes him adaptable as well, living in another country by all means. He's learning so much, he's becoming more capable. There's more to life than he could ever imagine in which he didn't learn, realize, nor experience when he was at Artenia Kingdom. How he wishes his twin sister can feel the same way but he's sure to teach her all these things once he gets back.

The prince stopped in his tracks, immediately pausing his thoughts. He was taken aback, having a glimpse of a familiar merchant nearby. He immediately pulled back behind the wall, hiding, those two are members of fatui. They are standing in front of the cobblestone house, gossiping as usual.

How would he know? Well, he overheard their conversations multiple times. At first, he didn't really mind it since he's always hearing people talking about stuff whenever he goes off to somewhere else but when they mention something about "kingdom, deal's off, issues at every division, and the prince's missing."

He put the puzzles together, investigated them even, to be certain, and then that's when he grasped what they were talking about and who they were. They are apparently merchants in this city but the blond knows damn well they're disguising themselves to hide. That's what the fatui do, disguised as one of the citizens.

He was completely shocked when he first took in all the information in his head. He remembered how his stomach twists because apparently, he's the only one who knows what or who they were. None of the citizens in Mondstadt knows. At least that's what he's aware of.

He wants to tell Kaeya, Diluc or Jean or any member of the Knights of Favonius— he really does, but chose to keep his mouth shut, he doesn't want to get involved when he's hiding from the fatui as well. Prince Aether couldn't stand a chance to be targeted and recognized, he must stay irrelevant. Besides, the prince couldn't accuse them without having full evidence.

As guilty as he may be, he must stay out of their business.

So this is what he only does, observe them, and gain information by eavesdropping. He might get one from the situation of the Artenia Kingdom right now.

"Are you the famous Artenian Kaeya always talks about?"

"Holy mother—!?" The prince jumped whilst gripping his chest in shock. Eyes were turning wide as he turned around and looked at the young man behind him. Thank goodness he quickly cupped his mouth before he fully shouted, the fatui could've heard him and caught him there, spying on them.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." The young man giggled. The prince let out a heavy sigh of relief, finally calmed down.

Prince Aether noticed how the young man's face was unfamiliar to him. He hadn't seen him around here in Mondstadt.

He's about the prince's height, who has a pale skin and a golden diamond-shaped mark at the center of his neck. The slender young man has bright teal eyes and an ashy light-blond hair trailed down to his shoulders and was pulled back into a braided half ponytail.

He's very handsome, the prince could tell. He could feel the heat on his cheeks after realizing he's been staring at the young man's face for too long.

Prince Aether cleared his throat, saying. "It's okay, gosh, don't do that again."

"Sorry." The young man apologized then beamed at the prince, he's staring at the blond for too long as well. "You're a beautiful specimen as they described you."

"Oh, thanks—! I'm, thank you." Prince Aether was definitely caught off guard, blood rushing to his head at the compliment from an attractive man. People in Mondstadt are really straightforward, aren't they? He pursed his lips, choosing to ask something because he got curious of what he heard about the Cavalry Captain. "Kaeya always talks about me?"

"I'm Albedo by the way, the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius and the Captain of the Knights of Favonius Investigation Team." The young man, apparently named Albedo, obviously ignored his question but introduced himself instead while lending his hand.

Prince Aether nodded, shaking his hand. He actually knows his name, he is one of the high ranks in Knights of Favonius he hadn't met until now. "I actually heard about you, it's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Albedo. I'm Sora and sorry about shouting at you."

"It's okay, Sora. That was my fault." Albedo said as he put his finger on his chin, thinking. "You have a wonderful name too, although an Artenian has an Inazuman name? Fascinating."

"It's because I'm kind of half Inazuman?" He immediately responded without thinking. It's because the way Albedo examined the prince made him panic on the inside. It may sound defensive but it's actually true. Although, he must think about his next words first before saying about himself.

He has Inazuman blood because the former Queen Nyx' mother came from Inazuma. This is why both Princess Lumine and Prince Aether have a separate Inazuman name which only a few know about.

"Is that a question or a statement?"

"No, it's— I truly am, that's my name because—" Prince Aether stopped himself from spouting any more explanations. He wrinkled his eyebrows, cringing at himself. "Wait, why am I explaining this to you?"

"You are quite adorable, aren't you?" Albedo couldn't help but chuckle. "What are you doing here, Sora? Are you spying?"

"No, of course not." Prince Aether denied, gulping when the alchemist gave him a doubtful look.

The prince didn't say anything as Albedo walked past him and then proceeded to take a look where the two fatui were still standing and talking. He's checking if Prince Aether is telling the truth.

Prince Aether groaned, instantly pulling Albedo's arm and started to walk away. Prince Aether brought Albedo to the plaza in front of the Favonius Cathedral, near the Anemo Archon Statue, Barbatos.

"So you are." The Chief Alchemist started with raised eyebrows when they stopped. "But why?"

"It's actually nothing, I'm just curious." Prince Aether casually shrugged, trying to cool it down but thinking he's failing to do so because he couldn't look directly at Albedo.

"Curious about?"

"I kinda forgot." The prince scratched his head, acting dumb. Prince Aether is lying, yes, but he doesn't have a choice.

"Alright, I won't ask anymore." Albedo carefully said, smiling and not pushing his unanswered query anymore. "I know we just met but you can trust me, I am one of the knights."

I know but trust is a big word. The blond wanted to say but he chose to keep his mouth shut and just have him a nod. You couldn't really blame him, he needs to be careful around strangers. He doesn't even know Albedo that much.

Plus, the prince could feel the alchemist was examining him since they've met, from the looks of Albedo's poise and everything— he's smart and he likes to analyze things and Prince Aether doesn't want that. What if his secret got accidentally revealed? What if Albedo could smell it?

However, Prince Aether knows Albedo is just living up with his title 'Captain of the Knights of Favonius Investigation Team.'

"I have some advice for you, Sora."

"What kind?" Prince Aether questioned, looking up as he stepped backwards when he heard Albedo's footsteps nearing him.

They are at the corner of the cobblestone hall. The prince gasped as the alchemist stopped inches away from him. Prince Aether parted his mouth when Albedo suddenly grabbed his chin, hooking it up with his finger then moved his face near Prince Aether's ear.

What—?

There's so much happening right now, he couldn't focus on one thing. The way he could feel the alchemist's hot breathing in his side face, the way his fingers are touching his chin. The way they're so near to each other makes his cheeks heated.

Is this even necessary?

"I need you to act not surprised, okay? There's a fatui near us, standing in front of the cathedral and there's two behind the Archon Statue." Albedo whispered and the prince didn't know how to react to that. His mind just got blank for a moment. The new piece of information somehow made him anxious.

"Don't look, Sora, pretend we're flirting." Albedo added, reminding him. It made the prince gulp, he's trying his best to remain composed even though his heart was beating so loud. There's another three here?

The Chief Alchemist doesn't look like he's kidding, he seems not the type of person to be doing this for fun. By the seriousness of his voice and composure, it's true and Albedo knew about the fatui too. Well obviously, Albedo knew more.

"Why did you tell me this?" The prince whisperingly questioned, side eyeing Albedo.

"Because you knew, I know you knew— and I interrupted you earlier because what you did was risky." Prince Aether didn't reply, he couldn't. His mouth became numb, that's why words couldn't let out from his lips. He has so many questions but remains silent.

"They are everywhere, Sora. They have eyes on me apparently, although I can handle myself but you— however, you need to be careful. You're being open as a book, someone might see you. As I said, they are everywhere. I'm sure you know this, so you mustn't eavesdrop at them in an open area." Albedo let go of his chin, directly staring at him.

Albedo's right. He needs to be more careful next time. Though, he doubts there will be anymore next time. The prince should really mind his own business. Prince Aether wants to knock himself off for being reckless. He's glad Albedo told him this but somehow it made him realize one more thing, he needs to be careful not just around the fatui but from Albedo too.

Prince Aether should be very wary of the Chief Alchemist, if he could figure out who were the members of fatui, then there's a chance he could also figure out his real identity.

That can't happen, he can’t simply let it happen.

Chapter Text

The blond grunts, taking damage from the enemies. Aether backed away a little, changing his stance to a better position, and continued to slash each one of them to the very last standing hilichurl at the area. When all of the creatures were dusted away, he buried the tip of his sword to the ground, using it to support his exhausted body.

He's been doing commissions nonstop since Aether officially and finally became a traveler. After his hard work, weeks of training with Kaeya and Noelle, he passed the test that Katheryne gave him.

Apparently, before anyone becomes part of the Adventurer's Guild, they must undergo a physical examination first. It is to measure their skill, knowledge, intelligence, and capacities in combat. If they pass it, the receptionist will give them their ticket.

It's an adventurer's certificate showing that an exam has been completed or passed. They must give it to Wagner afterward, he's the main blacksmith in Mondstadt. He owns a blacksmith named after his apprentice, Schulz. He will forge the adventurer's desired weapon and armored suit for safe traveling or adventuring.

If they don't have that kind of ticket, then the blacksmith won't produce for them. If they don't have any weapon or suit, then Katheryne won't give them commissions nor allow them to travel in dangerous places, as simple as that.

Aether can proudly say, he achieved and has done all of that. He chose a sword as his weapon, it's a dull blade. It's not a good weapon, to be honest, but it can be used as a beginner and it's carried by travelers who seek the thrill of adventure. The blond needs to collect more cores, creature drops, and other resources and have a large sum of mora in order to have a well-crafted blade.

As for his armor, he preferred to wear black, white, and gold outfit. His white scarf and cape are split in two which have golden patterns on them. His midriff shirt is colored black and gold, exposing his stomach the way he wanted. He's also wearing a shoulder pad on his left arm, black gloves, black pants which are supported by a brown belt with a golden star buckle, and black boots which go all the way up to his knees. Aether designed his own costume but Wagner made it beautifully. It fits him so well, he's even more beautiful in his suit.

Of course, he won't forget the single earring on his left ear which the Princess gave to him when they were kids. Aether considered it his lucky charm.

The blond stood up, stretching his arms up whilst admiring the view at the top of the Starsnatch Cliff. Aether placed both of his hands on his waist, peacefully closing his eyes as he inhaled-exhaled the fresh air. Ever since he started commissioning, he could see or explore strange and different places, creatures, and other living things in Mondstadt. He is learning so much in a span of several months living in Mondstadt.

How he wonders what's waiting for him in other nations. He's looking forward to more adventures.

Sadly, after Aether became a traveler, he resigned as a sub bartender in Angel's Share. He wanted to continue working on Diluc's tavern, he really did— but his body couldn't handle anymore of the daily commissions and running errands across the country.

Diluc was saddened when the blond said his goodbye as his worker but the noble fully understood it, not forgetting to be thankful for Aether too, for being such a great sub bartender. Diluc insisted that he should really quit working for him if it would only exhaust his body to the core.

The Cavalry Captain was beyond proud and happy when he heard that his trainee also passed the adventurer's exam. Kaeya told him that he knew Aether will succeed, he didn't doubt him because Kaeya believed Aether has a natural talent for combating. The blond was flattered hearing that coming from the knight who taught him to be better. For all of his life, he didn't hear anything but harsh words from his father and his former master, so this is all new to him.

Diluc and Kaeya both told him to always take care of himself and to be careful at all times. When Aether needs a travel companion, the Ragnvindr brothers will be there to help him. The same goes for Venti, Noelle, and his close friends in the high ranks of the Knights of Favonius. They were all so proud of him and Aether was very grateful for the people like them. He's glad to be here in Mondstadt. He received many opportunities to be in his position right now.

He was mostly gratified for Ragnvindr brothers, without their help, he wouldn't get here.

Aether went back to the city to claim his rewards for completing his commissions for today. Everyday, all adventurers must complete their four daily commissions so that they can receive the price from the guild.

Travelers have a choice to take a bounty or request from Mondstadt citizens as well, all they need is to talk to the Captain of the Knights of Favonius' 6th Company, Hertha.

Adventures need to choose from the list simply— there are one, two, or three-star bounties— which depend on the difficulty they want. Travelers will be given general information on the bounty, such as its weaknesses, immunity, traits, and the reward they can expect after taking it down alongside increasing their reputation.

They will receive plenty of rewards once they've completed it. The sum of mora depends on what level of bounty the adventurers have chosen to do. The harder it is, the more rewards they get to receive. Though, it is only available once a week.

"Sora!" The long and dark brown-haired woman called Aether from afar, she's waving her hand. She has a pair of golden eyes and fair skin.

"Amber, hey!" Aether greeted back, smiling so wide. Amber is an Outrider of the Knights of Favonius. Kaeya even described her as "a model of justice."

Amber fulfills her duties as an Outrider diligently. She abides by the rules, except for when using her wind glider, having her gliding license revoked numerous times.

Wind Glider is the primary tool that adventurers use for gliding in mid-air through open terrain. The utilization of it is to negate user fall damage from height. Gliders are also used to be able to reach high areas that neither normal jumping nor climbing would achieve.

Anyone can have it but of course, it costs mora so not everyone can afford it. Users can also choose what design they want for their gliders too.

However, the Wind Glider cannot be used if there's no gliding license. Not using it properly will revoke the license as well.

"I'm glad to see you here, I've been looking for you," Amber said.

"Oh, I just got back from doing my daily tasks." Aether scratched the back of his neck.

"Are you ready for your gliding training?" The outrider excitedly asked. Amber volunteered to teach Aether how to glide after he became a traveler, since Amber does love gliding and gets trouble for using it in areas that are not allowed to glide— she took this advantage to tutor and help Aether learn the controls of a glider.

"Yes, please. Though, I'm kind of nervous." It's his first time using it and he's not even sure if he can learn it.

"Don't worry, once you try it, you'll love it! All travelers love gliding!"

The blond took a deep breath. "Then let's do it, I'm ready."

Amber's right. Gliding was so much more fun than Aether thought it was. It was easy to learn and not just that, it eased the blond's fear of heights. He's not yet a master of using it but he is able to control it without being scared. He's starting to love gliding too, now he can understand what's the hype about it. With a few more tutorials with Amber then he'll be able to take full control of it. Aether will surely get his gliding license by the end of this month.

For now, he should focus on his commissions today. Aether went to the Adventurers' Guild to take on his tasks.

"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild."

"Katheryne, hello."

"Hey, traveler." Traveler, that sounds so good to hear. Aether couldn't help but beam so wide, motivated as ever for another adventure.

"Here's your commissions, good luck." The Receptionist handed him a piece of paper.

"Thanks." The blond mouthed, slowly walking away to take a look at the paper. He paused, eyebrows twitching as he saw what was written.

Ask Rubedo for Sucrose and deliver it in Dragonspine, directly to the camp of The Chief Alchemist and Captain of the Investigation Team of the Knights of Favonius— Albedo.

Not only did he try to avoid the alchemist too many times but he also never went to Dragonspine because he heard how cold and hazardous it was to be there and he thinks he was not ready— yet.

Well, now is the time to be ready and to talk again with the alchemist again, he guessed.

Great. Aether whispered to himself.

Dragonspine is located in Mondstadt, it is a huge mountain that is covered in old ruins, and has snow-capped regions. On the mountain, there are certain oddities with how the snow accumulates but never melts. Dragonspine is one of the most dangerous areas in Mondstadt because of its extreme cold.

Not to mention, he's been avoiding Albedo ever since his first encounter with him. It is rude but Albedo is too smart and too observant to his liking, people like that make him nervous or anxious— since he's obviously hiding big revelations. Aether should probably just act cool and calm around him, it may not come too easily but he'll try.

Aether needs more tools and knowledge on how to survive Dragonspine as well. Fortunately, he read a guidebook about it. Of course, travelers need to learn about different places in order to survive.

For starters, bring a pyro tool to light campfires, cooking stations, and beacons. There will also be heat emitters as seen below, don't forget to activate them. Eat Delicious Goulash before going to Dragonspine, it will lessen the freeze factor. Break and carry the Scarlet Quartz when you see one, it is a mineral in the mountain that prevents the sheer cold to worsen. Be wary of falling icicles, there will be a truckload of them while entering caves, and many more things to avoid and to remember upon traveling Dragonspine.

The blond's antsy but he can do it, he knows he will.

Aether got back to his apartment to pack up the things he needed in Dragonspine. Afterward, he went through the library to find Sucrose where she usually studies alchemy. She is the Head Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius and the assistant of Albedo. Sucrose has short minty green hair and orange eyes.

Aether knew Sucrose because they are acquaintances. The blond noticed how she spends much of her time experimenting in the library but due to how much time she spends isolated working on her experiments, she is incredibly reclusive and has poor social skills Aether managed to befriend her because he totally gets her— he has moments where he doesn't know what to say because of his social anxiety since he had been isolated in his own kingdom.

After finding Sucrose, he asked for Rubedo— which he doesn't know about, even its appearance. It's an alchemist thing apparently, she stated it's one of the ingredients needed in Albedo's experimental potion. Sucrose gave the Rubedo to Aether, thanking him for his service afterward.

When the blond finally achieved the item, he began to travel through Dragonspine whilst looking at his map and holding his compass. It will surely be a long day.

The Dragonspine Adventurer Camp is a traveler camp in a small area on the outskirts of Dragonspine. It's a place created where adventurers can rest before going to extremely cold and dangerous locations.

Aether stopped by just to ask for directions toward the alchemist's campsite. Luckily, they were all helpful and provided him with some useful more insights about Dragonspine that he didn't know about.

Albedo's campsite is a small laboratory outpost in Dragonspine used by the Chief Alchemist, obviously. It is located along the path from the Entombed City— Ancient Palace leading to the Entombed City— Outskirts. The lab is situated in a little cave, on the mountainside.

As the blond arrived, he didn't see any glimpse of Albedo. Honestly, finding his campsite wasn't hard as Aether thought it would be. With eyebrows curled, Aether searched his golden eyes through the surroundings. Where is he? Should he leave the item here or wait for the Chief Alchemist?

Aether was unsure but he doesn't want to leave either because he was freezing. There are two lit braziers at the entrance that can warm the adventurers as they approach so he walked inside. He wouldn't stand a chance to travel anymore in this situation anyways. He might get frostbite if he pushes himself.

His stomach grumbled when he smelled something nice coming from a cooking pot. Aether flushed, as a former prince, he couldn't believe his tummy released that sound while he was awake. Well, he did release a sound when he was asleep and Diluc was carrying him his first night in Mondstadt. Reminiscing about that moment isn't a good idea. That is so impolite for a royal but he remembered, he was not a royal anymore.

He couldn't help but get hungry, it just smells so delicious.

Aether shook his head and wondered around, finding something to do to forget about the smell. There are four shelves and two workstations, they are filled with research materials. There is also a crafting bench that Albedo probably uses for alchemy. Furthermore, different crates and barrels were spread throughout the outpost.

The blond's stomach continued growling, and he held it. The food's aroma was too hard to ignore, he was absolutely tempted to open the pot and eat what was inside.

"Looks like somebody's hungry."

"Archons!" Aether held his chest in shock, turning around to eye the alchemist who just got arrived. He blushed in embarrassment, realizing that Albedo heard his stomach growling. Someone swallow me whole right now.

"Quit doing it." The blond traveler sighed heavily.

"Doing what?" Albedo asked, walking inside his camp as he put his sketchpad on the top of the shelf.

"Giving me a heart attack like the first time we met?"

"Oh, that was very rude of me. I apologize." Albedo stated whilst his hand was on his chest.

"It's okay, no need to be formal," Aether said, grabbing the Rubedo inside his bag and then giving it to the alchemist. "Here's the item that you need by the way."

"Well, thank you, dear traveler." Albedo beamed, putting it down. "And I'm sorry for making you wait too."

"No, it's fine. I just got here and you're welcome..."

"Oh, I'm glad. I was busy sketching outside."

"You sketch?"

"I do, would you like to see them?" Albedo asked, taking hold of his sketch pad once again.

"Yes, I'm actually a big fan of art!" The blond traveler excitedly said, which is true. He loves admiring art even when he was at the palace. There were paintings, and sculptures everywhere, he always looked at them, completely mesmerized by their beauty.

Aether walked beside Albedo, leaning to take a clear look. As the alchemist flipped his pad, showing all his sketches— the blond's mouth was parting into two. Absolutely astonished at how beautiful Albedo's sketches are. It's all wonderfully drawn, the details, the emotions, and everything.

"Wow, Albedo. This is— you are so talented. I think you're my favorite artist now!" Aether complimented, eyes shining.

"Thank you, Sora, that is flattering," Albedo responded, continuing. "Would you like to eat before leaving, perhaps?"

"I don't mean to impose but is it alright?" Aether shyly scratched the back of his neck, smelling the sweet aroma from the cooking pot.

"Of course, you seem hungry anyway." Albedo pointed to the chairs in front of the fire camp where the cooking pot is placed. "You can sit over there, please wait for me."

"Thanks, Sir Albedo." Aether mumbled, following the Clief Alchemist. He almost closed his eyes when he felt so comfy in his seat. The fire is so nice, it's warm.

"Just call me Albedo, I won't mind," Albedo said, handing Aether a bowl of food that he had prepared for him.

"Okay, Albedo. Thanks." Aether smiled, staring at the bowl in front of him as he tasted it. Not only is Albedo a knight, Chief Alchemist, artist, and smart, but he's also a good cooker too. It is indeed delicious as it smells.

"I wasn't seeing you around the city. You were very busy?" Albedo questioned once he sat at the chair beside the traveler, he was holding a bowl too, eating with Aether.

"I was, yes, I mean. I am." I was avoiding you. Aether thought as he shook his head a little. "Why? Do you need something?"

"No, I just want to talk to the famous Artenian." The Chief Alchemist slightly smiled.

Aether looked down, fingers were trailing around the bowl. "After we met, I wasn't really... I am not spying on them anymore, I got scared about what you said."

"Good, and you should be." Albedo nodded, immediately getting who Aether was referring to. He also seems glad to hear that.

"Hey, Albedo, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"How do you know?" About them?

Albedo paused for a second, directly looking at the traveler. "I am the Captain of the Knights of Favonius Investigation Team, Sora. Of course, I know."

"Then why they are still here? In the city?"

"I need evidence, lots of evidence, and besides, they will just kill themselves off once they get caught. I need to know what they are doing here first and how many they were." Albedo explained, which in fact is right. He won't be able to do anything about it if there's no proof. Besides, capturing a fatui is tricky, as Albedo said, they will kill themselves if they get caught. "They have some kind of device attached to them which allows them to get off themselves, this is why we cannot act freely."

Aether tensed, he didn't know about this information until now. He thought they are using some kind of knife or something physical to off themselves. But a device? They were given that kind of device? It's cruel to even for them.

"And also, they aren't just in the city. They have camps, everywhere, even here in Dragonspine. That's what makes them dangerous."

"Are they not attacking you here? Since you have told me they are wary of you." Aether is overthinking again, he's just scared for the alchemist since he's all alone in this campsite too and there's no one here that can help him if it occurs.

"No, not yet but I can handle myself when it happens." Albedo shrugged, reassuring Aether but he still feels somewhat uneasy.

"Are you certain?" The blond immediately asked, searching for the alchemist's eyes.

Albedo finished his food, staring at Aether for a moment then asked, smiling. "Are you worried about me, traveler?"

"Of course, I am. Why wouldn't I be? You're also an important figure in Mondstadt, so you need to be careful."

"Well, aren't you delightful? Is this why many have fallen for you?" Albedo shamelessly questioned, chuckling.

"I— what?" Aether blinked, he was definitely caught off guard. Fallen for me? What does it even mean?

The blond traveler was about to ask Albedo what does he mean but Albedo spoke first. "Don't be troubled, Sora. I am a knight, pretty sure I can manage to fight, and I have plenty of traps here in my little cave."

"That is good to hear." Guess, Aether can finally rest assured after hearing that. Although he kind of feels embarrassed for underestimating Albedo, he forgot he's one of The Knights of Favonius. Of course, he's stronger than he looks, stronger than him.

"Since you're here, are you willing to be my test subject?" Albedo changed the topic.

"For what?"

"For my healing potion, if that's okay with you, I want you to try it."

"Of course, if you teach me how to do it." This would be new knowledge and new experience for Aether, that may help his people when he gets back home.

"I will gladly, might as well give you some potions you need for traveling."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Thank you, Albedo!"

"No problem, dear traveler." Albedo beamed, putting his empty bowl on the ground. He sat up straight afterward then put his fingers on his chin, giving Aether a look. "You know, Sora, I'm quite curious about you."

Oh no, don't do that. Aether thought as he realized Albedo was beginning to analyze him yet again.

"There's nothing to be curious about." Aether let out a fake laugh, continuing to eat whilst looking away from Albedo.

"What is your business with the fatui? Why were you spying on them?" Albedo raised his eyebrows, it looks like he's been wanting to ask those questions.

"I overheard them many times and I guess I just wanted to confirm it? That's all." Aether was contemplating his decision for staying here, he's glad to think fast of an excuse but Albedo doesn't seem satisfied with his answer.

"Aren't you nosey, traveler?" Albedo's lips turned into a smirk, making the blond twitch his brows and squirm in his seat.

"Stop, I am not." And stop asking me questions anymore, please.

"Kidding." Albedo laughed a bit as Aether eat faster to get this over with. "So, Sora, I heard you were running away from the Artenian royal guards the first time you met Kaeya. Why?"

"Who's being nosey now, Mr. Chief Alchemist?" Aether stared back at the alchemist, smirking even though he's really panicking inside.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't help but get curious."

"Curiosity could kill, Albedo." Aether commented, standing up and picking up Albedo's empty bowl on the ground after he finishes his food. He turned around, putting the dishes on top of the self.

Albedo didn't respond as Aether remained in that position, relieved and satisfied with himself. Good, he just needs to avoid giving direct answers. Aether then froze up because the next thing he knew, he could feel the Chief Alchemist's presence so close behind him.

"Why? Are you hiding something, traveler?" Albedo whispered from behind. Aether's eyes widened a little but his posture remained composed. He took a deep breath before turning around to face the alchemist.

This is the first time someone from Mondstadt asked him that kind of question, good thing he's prepared.

"We all have our secrets so technically, yes."

Albedo didn't say anything but Aether knew he was examining him. Albedo is not even breaking eye contact with the blond traveler. Aether couldn't read what was on his mind, he's not giving any expression at all. The traveler gulped, he's uncomfortable about the situation.

"Words from the city are true after all." Albedo finally muttered. Aether frowned, not knowing what the alchemist was talking about.

Albedo leaned forward, making Aether back a little until his waist hit the shelf. "An Artenian Traveler who has a pretty face, is charming, smart, strong, reliable, a mysterious person, and so on and so forth."

"Me?" Aether queried in disbelief as he pointed himself, eyes blinking several times.

"You built quite a reputation, Sora."

That is not good at all. He definitely doesn't want to build a reputation, he just wants to mind his own business and be the traveler or adventurer he always wanted to be.

"You seemed... not happy, which is surprising and fascinating. I wonder why." Albedo continued, cutting Aether's inner dialogue.

"Some people prefer to be irrelevant and out of the public eye, you know."

"That is reasonable— but the thing is, traveler, there's nothing irrelevant about you." Albedo lifted his hand and put it on the left side of Aether as if he was cornering him. Or that's what Aether thought, clearly he was wrong when he discerned that Albedo just took a potion behind him. "Even I, think you're that traveler."

Aether cleared his throat, doesn't know how to respond to that so he just took the potion from the alchemist's hand. Assuming it's the potion Albedo wants him to be a test subject for, he bottoms it up and then directly glanced at the alchemist.

Albedo smirked. "You're enchanting, traveler. How could I ever be not curious about you?"

"You are suspicious of me, Albedo, aren't you? But worry not, I am an ally, not your enemy and I can assure you that."