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The bright clear skies and cool gentle breeze made way for a pleasant afternoon in Mondstadt. For its citizens, it was another day for running errands and routine work. But today marked the end of a long ordeal for a certain weary Traveler.
Aether had returned from Inazuma following some unfinished business from the once-isolated island nation. He and Paimon decided to return to Mondstadt first as it was the very first place in Teyvat he considered home. The two had spent the day walking on the cobbled streets of the city and soaking in the familiar atmosphere, as well as making time for small talk with old friends in between leisurely strolls before ultimately stopping on a small bench overlooking the town square.
As he sat and savored the small Stormcrest Pie Eula had made for him as "swift vengeance" for his extended leave, Aether and Paimon quietly reflected on their journey through Teyvat so far.
Much has changed over the years since their absence. The Knights and the Church oversaw significant restructuring since their last major expeditions, with Jean serving as full-time Grand Master, Eula taking the helm as the new Cavalry Captain, and Mika serving her previous position as Captain of Reconnaissance. Bennett had grown his reputation as a reliable Outlander while Lisa served two jobs as both librarian and the new de factor leader of the Logistics company. The last six months had been difficult for the citizens of Mondstadt, as many continued to mourn over the losses of many of their great heroes in their fight against the Abyss: notably Grandmaster Varka, Hertha, and Frederica Gunnhildr.
Yet out of those deaths, Aether and many others considered Kaeya’s to be the hardest. Despite his roguish charms and unorthodox fighting methods, he was still well-respected by his peers and beloved by many Mondstadters. Since his passing, Diluc volunteered to do some work alongside the Knights in honor of his fallen brother; despite some tensions remaining present with some of its members, Jean was grateful to see his attempts to thaw the ice between them. As for Rosaria, it was said that she recently resumed her church duties again, though it was rumored that her night activities remain significantly reduced.
Aether held onto the ornate handkerchief that Kaeya had given him during their last meeting. He remembered the promise they made together whenever that day came, although he was unsure how things were going to unfold if it happened.
As he tucked the handkerchief away, a familiar sultry voice was heard.
“Traveler?”
The pair turned around to see an old friend adorned in her now typical form-fitting nun outfit from the Church of Favonius.
“Oh! Hey, Sister Rosaria!” Paimon greeted.
Rosaria nodded in acknowledgment. “I didn’t expect you back early. I take it your travels to Inazuma went well?”
“Well... I had to help the Raiden Shogun and the Tri-Commission settle some remaining issues,” Aether replied. “We also had to help out with some of the local festivities- “
“And Aether is going out with someone!” Paimon interrupted, to which she was slapped by Aether and was met with a stern look in return.
“Y'know... just another half-a-year-long vacation.” Aether cleared his throat and blushed slightly in embarrassment.
Rosaria smiled slightly in return. She hesitated to admit it, but she always considered seeing Aether and Paimon one of her few simple pleasures. “It sounded like you had fun.”
“Yeah, if you count managing to get an entire island nation back in order ‘fun.’” Aether quipped.
“But it’s nice to be back in Mondstadt after all that traveling,” Paimon replied. “Hope you’re doing okay!”
“I know you’re probably busy right now, but hopefully we can meet up sometime later once you’re free,” said Aether. He didn’t want to intrude too much as she was still on duty and had promised to visit his other friends.
Before the two waved and turned to continue their excursion around town, the pair were interrupted.
“Traveler?” Aether and Paimon turned toward the crimson-haired nun.
“Are you free tonight?” Rosaria inquired.
“I should be. What’s up?” Aether asked.
Despite some initial hesitation in her expression, Rosaria continued. “It’s… my birthday today. I know I was never keen on celebrating, but I was thinking of doing something special this year.”
Aether and Paimon exchanged glances. It was strange to see Rosaria looking to celebrate her birthday, considering she preferred to keep to herself around that time.
“There’s an Inazuman restaurant that just opened in Springvale,” she continued. “I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me there tonight.”
It was even stranger for someone like Rosaria to try out different cuisines as well, let alone food from Inazuma. Although still astonished by her request, Aether nevertheless accepted. “Sure. What time?”
“Dinner starts at 7,” said Rosaria. “I’ll make the reservations.”
“Sounds good,” Aether replied. He reached for the pocket with the handkerchief. “I... uh, also have something to give you as well.”
“I appreciate it, but that can wait until later,” she remarked as the Cathedral bells rang from a distance, signaling the sisters to congregate back. “I'll see you soon.”
The elusive sister turned around as she headed towards the Cathedral, leaving the Traveler and Paimon slightly befuddled by the events that unfolded.
“Well…” said Paimon. “Looks like you have a date.”
Later that night, the three arrived at the restaurant on time and sat at a booth away from the crowded tables and bustling kitchen in the middle of the restaurant. The newly opened bistro, a testament to the recent Inazuma wave spreading across Teyvat following the abolishment of the Sakoku Decree, exuded a different atmosphere from the pubs of Mondstadt and the sleek restaurants of Liyue; the patrons were lively but enjoyed their food and drinks with a bit more restraint than the typical pub going Mondstadter, though not necessarily as stiff as an average Liyue food connoisseur.
The trio was overwhelmed by the variety of famed Inazuman cuisine present on their table: wagyu, ramen, okonomiyaki, gyoza, tempura, and an assortment of sushi and sashimi. Despite the portions, Aether, Paimon, and Rosaria managed to sample each platter in between sake shots, though Aether quietly noted that Rosaria had taken more than expected. Though despite finishing one and a half bottles of sake, her composure remained relatively sound.
“Hmm… so this is ramen?” Rosaria inquired as she relished the tenderness of the chashu and the spice of the broth. “I never expected this to be so… hearty.”
“Pretty good, huh?” Aether remarked as he poured sake shots for himself and the guest of honor.
“And this wagyu…” Rosaria turned towards the plate with the perfectly marbled steak and savored a piece. She was instantly delighted by the flavors melting in her mouth. “I never thought they made steak with so much marble. It's so delectable.”
“I hope Xiangling doesn’t mind a little competition,” Aether replied as he gave Rosaria her newly filled shot glass.
“Don't get me wrong, I love Xiangling, but Inazuma food is the best,” Paimon commented as she stuffed her mouth with gyoza from her second plate.
Aether turned to his traveling companion with disgust and lightly slapped her shoulder. “Swallow your food! Where the hell are your manners!?”
Rosaria smiled softly as she helped herself to another shot. As Aether filled his glass, he observed his drinking partner's collected façade slowly dissipating as she drank with noticeably less vigor.
“Aether?” said Rosaria.
“Mmm?” He hummed as he slurped the remains of his ramen bowl.
“Paimon said you met someone in Inazuma?” she asked as she took a piece of tempura shrimp for herself. Aether and Paimon exchanged glances before the latter silently pulled back out of respect.
“Sort of.” Aether nervously chuckled as he placed the finished bowl down. “Her name is Ayaka. Her people call her the Shirasagi Himegimi. ‘The White Heron Princess.’ She’s been working with her brother to improve Inazuma’s relations with the other nations.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo of Ayaka for Rosaria to see. It was the White Heron performing her signature fan dance in front of the Inazuman sunrise as the orange glow accentuated her graceful silhouette.
“She's pretty.” Rosaria remarked.
“She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met.” Aether blushed, unashamed about his infatuation with the princess. “We’re not ‘going out’ just yet, but we’ve been seeing each other a lot lately. I even accompanied her on some of her diplomatic trips.”
“It sounds like you two enjoy each other's company.” The nun remarked as she slowly took another shot.
“We do.” Aether smiled as he stared at the photo. “I love her. And I want to take what we have to the next step.”
He placed the photo down on the table next to his shot. His face morphed into slight concern, though he did his best to keep his cool. “But I'm not sure what to do. I don't want to tell her how I feel too soon, but I don't want to be too late.” Aether remarked as he took another sip of his sake.
Rosaria quietly listened as she held onto her empty shot glass. Aether felt like he was internally beating himself up briefly, but he attempted to shrug it off with a dry chuckle. “I know you’re not much for matters of the heart, but that’s my situation.”
She nodded, and the trio were quiet for a while.
“When I realized my feelings for Kaeya, I didn't run and confessed to him about it. I kept to myself because I didn't want to be vulnerable.”
Aether and Paimon listened as she continued. “I was afraid and tried not to think about it. But over time, those feelings grew stronger and eventually, I couldn't deny that I loved him.”
She lowered her head as her eyes fixed on the shot glass at hand. “One day, I got tired of waiting. I came to the Angel's Share, only to find out that he had left early with the rest of the Knights for that expedition, and...”
She clutched tightly onto her glass and lowered her voice. “You know the rest.”
Aether gently placed his hand onto her hand, and she relaxed her grip. A moment of silence befell the trio once more.
“When Kaeya and I last saw each other at the Angel's Share, he looked scared.” Aether replied. “He told me he wasn't sure if he was going to make it this time.”
He reached out to his pocket and pulled out the handkerchief Kaeya had given to him. “Before he left, he told me that if he didn't come back, he wanted me to tell you that he knew.”
Aether handed the handkerchief to Rosaria. The cloth was surprisingly soft, yet incredibly elaborate with its decoration. In its center lay a blue rose blooming from its delicate Cryo stem. At the bottom of the flower was a crown with a striking red jewel as its centerpiece.
Rosaria swallowed a knot in her throat as she felt her composure falling apart. Tears began rolling down her face as she partially covered her face with her hand as the other clutched onto the handkerchief.
“That idiot doesn't hide his feelings well when he's drunk.” She sniffled.
“No, he doesn't.” Aether smiled softly.
The two shared a laugh. Rosaria smiled gently as she wiped her tears. She looked fondly at the handkerchief once more. Although her favorite drinking buddy may not be around anymore, she could finally move on knowing that her feelings were finally reciprocated and that his memory would forever live on.
“Thank you, Aether.” said Rosaria. For the very first time, Aether felt a comforting warmth in her voice. He silently nodded as the two shared a moment of solace before regaining their composure.
“I should be the one thanking you.” Aether smiled. “Maybe it's time I told her.”
“You should.” Rosaria agreed as she tucked away the handkerchief. “Don't make the same mistake I did and wait until the last minute.”
Paimon nodded in approval. “I have a feeling she feels the same way.”
“I hope you're both right.” Aether replied as he poured another glass of sake for himself and Rosaria. He raised his glass once more for a toast.
“To Kaeya.”
Rosaria smiled as she raised her glass in return. “And to you and Ayaka.”
The two gleefully clinked their glasses and drank their shots with vigor.
Suddenly, a mild pain rushed through Rosaria’s head. “Ugh. I’m starting to feel a little tipsy,” she remarked as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
“I thought you said you never get drunk.” Aether raised his eyebrow as he placed his drink down.
Rosaria chuckled as she placed hers on the table. “I lied.”
The two exchanged glances before breaking into laughter.
“Morons.” Paimon sneered playfully as she rolled her eyes at the drunken fools.
“Oh, please. It's my birthday.” Rosaria scoffed as if her old callous self had returned briefly. “Don't be such a nuisance.”
“Maybe Paimon should pay our tab.” Aether quipped.
Rosaria snickered once more as she took note of Paimon’s panicked face. The trio knew they had spent way more than anticipated, but for the Traveler and his drinking buddy, there wasn’t a care in the world.
“This feels... pretty good.” Rosaria sighed, grateful for deciding to truly celebrate her birthday for the first time and finding catharsis from a grieving heart. Aether, too, was relieved to see Kaeya’s promise fulfilled and to see the once-callous sister of the Church find joy and warmth in the comfort of her loved ones.
“How about another round?” Aether smirked. “The night's still young.”
Rosaria smiled mischievously as she took up Aether’s offer. After all, it’s just another bottle of sake.
“Indeed, it is, Honorary Knight.”