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Dear Cavalry Captain,
Although you asked me to send a letter your way upon my arrival in Sumeru, I must admit that I did not quite follow through with your request. I arrived in the City early last evening, and it is currently the night of the day after. As you can imagine, this indicates that my first lecture is tomorrow.
If I may be so forward as to get ahead of your nagging, yes, I have, indeed, been awfully busy, despite not having had any lectures yet. The General Mahamatra and Mr. Cyrus treated me to breakfast this morning*, before showing me around the Akademiya. I was particularly surprised, and quite flustered if I am being honest, to see several of my articles on-file at the House of Daena.
*We enjoyed some Aaru mixed rice and a mushroom hodgepodge. Cyno insists that I try Tighnari’s recipe at some point during my stay, too.
As you know, I am here as a guest of the Spantamad Darshan, but I was shown around several of the lecture halls in the Akademiya. I think you would find the Vahumana facilities the most impressive. They are currently hosting a mural of ancient civilizations of Teyvat, which you can see in one of the pictures I have included in this letter.
In any case, I am sure you are not the least surprised to hear that I spent most of the day in the Akademiya, until Cyno nearly physically dragged me away in time for supper. Tighnari and Collei made their way to the city from the forest to attend the upcoming seminars, but arrived earlier to see me.
For dinner, the three took me to a tavern called Lambad’s. In my understanding, Lambad’s is Cyno and Tighnari’s version of your Angel’s Share. They frequent there almost every night with their close circle, and have become close friends with the owner as well*. Considering how delicious the food was, I am not at all surprised. We ordered several dishes to share, but, admittedly, what stood out to me the most was the rose custard dessert. I have never had anything like it before. Cyno’s cousin, Sethos, was more than right to insist on getting it.
* When he found out I arrived from Mondstadt, Mr. Lambad was eager to show me his selection of Mondstadt wine. Yes, a certain winery’s logo did make an appearance. It made me think of you.
You know, of course, that I am not the best with people, especially when it comes to meeting new ones, but I found Sethos’ company to be very pleasant. I believe you would get along nicely, as his keenness for conversation and drinks reminded me of a certain bard’s.
Tomorrow, after my lecture, I am to meet more of Cyno and Tighnari’s friends. I am a little nervous Even though I am looking forward to it, I cannot help but worry about what they may think of me, as both a potential friend and academic. They are all renowned Akademiya graduates, and all our friends from Sumeru speak extremely highly of them.
I am happy to have caught up with Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei, though. I had missed them dearly, more than I thought I had.
On that note, I am afraid I must leave you. It is already far too late for someone who is supposed to be lecturing tomorrow. I can almost hear your scolding from here.
If I may be so selfish as to ask you to write me back as soon as possible
I am well aware that I was late in sending my letter, but please write back to me
I am looking forward to hearing from you. It has barely been a full day, but I already miss you more than your company.
Albedo
P.S.
Mr. Cyrus insists that I pass on his greetings to Lisa. I am also certain that Klee will be pleased to hear that I have gathered several stories about our librarian’s student days. I am looking forward to telling you both in person.
My Dear Alchemist,
Picture me surprised when a letter arrived during the last bit of the evening sun, right when Klee was starting to quiet down after a long day. I was beginning to think a certain Captain had gotten swept up in all the excitement and forgotten to write before the busy days started. But teasing aside, it’s good to know you arrived safely. And that, from what I can see, you’re enjoying yourself too.
You’ll have to hear some nagging anyway, My Dear. While it does sound like the General Mahamatra and his family* are taking good care of you, I do hope you’ll find some time to rest and see more than the Akademiya’s walls, no matter how well constructed they are.
*I’m glad to hear Collei is still doing well. She hasn’t written to me in some time, and even Amber had a small break in time between the last letters she received from Collei, but it sounds like she must be busy helping Mr. Tighnari.
I’m not surprised to hear that there are files with your articles. The last time I had the pleasure of visiting Sumeru, so many students would brag about how the Akademiya collects all forms of academic writing for their students and researchers to have access to. Not to mention, even with my limited knowledge of alchemy, no matter how much you try to help me understand, I know that your research and findings are truly most important.
I have fond memories of visiting Lambad’s tavern, even if it wasn’t the same comfort as the Angel’s Share. I can’t recall if I mentioned it to you, but the night I stayed in Sumeru City, I found myself wandering into the tavern and sipping a glass of wine. I find that no matter how much I enjoy trying various kinds of alcohol from across Teyvat, I always prefer the familiar taste of wine. If you find time to go elsewhere, there’s a small tavern in Port Ormos called Djafar Tavern that was quaint but very nice. Djafar Tavern is where I had the most delicious tandoori chicken, which I suggested you try, as well as they have rose custard that your new friend* Sethos recommended.
*Yes, I shall call him your friend. No matter how much you protest and claim that you have a hard time getting along with people or do not understand how to connect with others, people flock to you all the same. Myself included.
As you might be able to tell, nothing very exciting has happened in Mondstadt since you left. I see Sucrose and Timaeus huddled over the crafting table every so often. The previous night, Diluc was tending the bar at the Angel’s Share, and I had the best seat in the house to watch him kick out two drunkards, causing a fuss. Of course, Jean hasn’t stopped fluttering around headquarters and the city. There was a small upset when an abyss mage was said to have been causing chaos around Springvale’s waters, but as it turns out, it was only Klee experimenting.
It’s been only a few days since you left, and yet our darling Klee asks me every day when you will be returning. She will be so excited when you return with many stories of your time there, as well as about Lisa. The gifts you’re planning on bringing her will help, too. Sometimes I find myself passing your office, ready to enter and see you sitting there, so I can’t blame her for wanting you to return.
While I’m sure you won’t have much time to sit, let alone write, I will wait for your reply regardless.
Yours Truly,
Cavalry Captain Kaeya
Dear Kaeya,
It is not hard to imagine a sneer of satisfaction planted on your face as Diluc brings the commotion to a halt. Dare I suggest, however, that I struggle to believe our beloved Cavalry Captain did not offer his helping hand… Then again, I am not one to frequent the tavern, so perhaps I am getting ahead of myself?
Speaking of taverns, I visited Djafar Tavern a few days ago. Although I have had my fair share of food tours with Cyno, Tighnari, and the other scholars, I went to Djafar by myself, and tried all the dishes you mentioned. I don’t have the words to express how much I loved them, but I am sure you would have come up with the best of compliments for the chef on the spot. I spent the entire meal wishing you were there with me Hopefully, we can visit the tavern together sometime.
Nevertheless, I already mentioned that I have not been short on company. Over the last few days, I have been dragged to far more outings than I had planned. I cannot lie, though, I have enjoyed every single one. Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of seeing a dance performance at Zubayr Theater*. It should have been no surprise, considering the praise you have given the performers of Sumeru, but I was left in awe. To this moment, I am still moved. In fact, I am writing this letter in-between some sketches of the performance that stood out to me.
*The crowd was so enthusiastic that it is almost hard to imagine that the Akademiya had put a ban on performances until recently. I have a lot to say about Sumeru, the Akademiya, and the arts, but I will save those thoughts for when I see you in person.
Believe it or not, I have somehow managed to avoid every single one of Cyno’s invitations to Genius Invocation TCG night at the tavern thus far. I’m afraid my streak ends tomorrow, however, as everyone else is going*. I know you briefly met with Cyno in Mondstadt, so this should not surprise you, but I really think you would get along.
*I enjoy TCG, my love, before you misinterpret my words.
It would feel wrong to end this letter without at least giving you a hint of what I know you find the most interesting in this trip — gossip.
The most recent talk in Sumeru is regarding this “Hat Guy.” It did not take me long to figure out who the individual deserving of such a title is, because the day after I first heard of him, I spotted a student with a giant hat in the back of my lecture room. I have yet to talk to him, but Sethos and Collei swear by him. Perhaps, he will show himself for Genius Invocation TCG tomorrow?
In any case, there is a little over a week until I return to Mondstadt. Should this letter reach you in time, please send one back. I cannot lie, I miss you terribly I wish you had come with me on this trip. Perhaps you are right, and I have improved in connecting with others, but I find myself missing you and home more and more with every passing moment
I will see you soon.
Yours,
Albedo
P.S.
It appears I got carried away and forgot to mention how the seminar is coming along. I am satisfied with how my lectures have gone so far. Several students came up to me at the end to tell me that my way of lecturing is “entertaining,” whatever that may entail. I have also attended a few other lectures, which were wonderful.
My Dear Alchemist,
If you were to ask me, I think your presence in the tavern would make the sometimes boring atmosphere much more interesting. I know you always find the subtle, or sometimes not so subtle, ways I can handle a commotion. Although I know you’re much more comfortable in your office than around the lively bunch that frequent the tavern. One day, the two of us can go back to the tavern in Sumeru together and enjoy all sorts of food and entertainment, and each other’s company.
Ah, the theater. I remember the dance performances were one of the most breathtaking parts of Sumeru. It reminds me of when Diluc and I would force Master Crepus and Adelinde to watch what we thought we the best dance performances. Even now, I’m sure my dancing skills could use some more practice — perhaps you’ll have to help me, my dear.
I have to admit, I would have loved to see how Cyno convinced you to play Genius Invocation TCG. Half the time I ask if you would like to play a match with me, I feel like you manage to slip away on some sort of business. I do hope you were able to hold your own against some of the others. I’ve told you all my tricks before.
You know me well, my dear. The gossip, or what the aunties call the city’s news, in Mond has been very dull lately. The latest talk has been about whether a certain bard is really allergic to cats or if it’s all a clever ruse. You will have to let me know when you have returned, if you got to talk to whoever this Hat Guy is.
With no cavalry for the cavalry captain, you would think I would have been able to come with you. As much as I tease, I would have loved to come with you. Even if you were busy talking to all the different scholars. Hopefully, one day soon, the two of us will be able to go back, and maybe we could even take Klee with us.
By the time you receive this letter, I’m sure you’re on your way out of Sumeru. I admit I’m basically counting down the hours until you return. I have managed to keep myself busy, but my mind strays to the thought of you time and time again. The bed has been terribly cold without you. Only a few more days until I can hold you again.
Yours Truly,
Cavalry Captain Kaeya
To Cyno, Tighnari, & Collei,
At last, I am writing to you from my study in Mondstadt, with a drowsy Cavalry Captain by my side. He urged me to extend his gratitude for “tending to his dear Alchemist” as well. Ever so modest, he is.
Still, I want to sincerely thank you all for the hospitality you’ve shown me over the past few weeks, as well as your gifts for my family and friends. They all loved them.
The crowd of Sumeru does not compare to Mondstadt in size, but the city here is still as lively as when I left it. It would be great to have you again, sometime soon, and I am sure Kaeya and Klee would agree.
Alas, I must return to my duties. and to my Cavalry Captain I am looking forward to hearing back from everyone.
Albedo
P.S.
Please, remind Kaveh once again that he does not need to pay me back for the drinks we shared. After all, I found the drunken impressions of everyone in your close circle to be far more valuable than mora.