Chapter Text
Dear Hat Guy:
It’s Durin, your best friend. I hope everything is going well at the Akademiya and with your classes. I am writing this letter to officially let you know that you are invited to spend the Windblume festival here in Mondstadt. Albedo told me that the festival consists of singing, dancing, and reciting lots of poetry. And the best part? It lasts for three days! Doesn’t that sound amazing?
I spoke to Jean—a very important person here—and she told me there would be a place reserved for you to stay in a comfortable and pleasant room several days before the festival. As for the expenses, they are also on her.
I really hope you can come and see the place where I live; I want us to make beautiful memories at the festival. If you can’t make it, I’ll understand; I know the Akademiya takes up too much of your time. Still, if you can make it, I’ll be so happy—though I’ll be a bit too busy to show you around myself since I have to help with the decorations. But don’t worry, Albedo will give you a tour of the entire city. (If he starts talking too much about alchemy, please stop him, or he’ll never stop...).
With love,
Durin
Of all the letters Durin had sent, this one was the shortest, though the handwriting was still almost impossible to read…
Wanderer accepted the invitation. Not for the festival itself, but because Durin had asked him and because, honestly, he needed a break from his routine in Sumeru. Besides, he didn’t think Nahida would mind him taking a short trip.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅
A few days later, Wanderer arrived in the nation of Mondstadt. It wasn't his first time in the lands ruled by the Anemo Archon, yet it was the first time he had actually set foot in the city. It felt quite small compared to the scale of Sumeru.
He crossed the bridge, watching as the sun slowly began to slip behind the mountains. He saw a boy feeding pigeons but didn't say a word to him; he only wanted to reach his destination, as the journey had taken longer than expected.
As he passed through the main gate, he was met with a burst of activity: people walking, shopping, and laughing.
Moving through the crowd, he recognized a familiar silhouette: a young man with ash-blond hair taking notes with devotion. It was the Alchemist.
Wanderer wanted to avoid any kind of social interaction at all costs, at least for today. However, he didn’t exactly know where to go, so he had no choice but to talk to Albedo.
He approached him with a steady pace. He must have been waiting for him.
"I’m here, Alchemist," he said, making his presence known with his characteristic dry tone.
Albedo turned around and, instantly, his pale eyes recognized the guest’s face.
"Oh, Mr. Hat Guy. It is a pleasure to cross paths again. It has been a while," Albedo said with an elegant bow.
"Ugh, yeah. Don't remind me of that moment where I ended up turned into... a cat." Wanderer crossed his arms, looking annoyed.
The alchemist let out a soft chuckle in response. It seemed he found the memory more funny than embarrassing, even though he had been turned into a clay doll.
"Don't worry, I won't mention it from now on," a smile lingered on Albedo's face. "At Durin's request, I will be your host. Therefore, it is my duty to act as your guide through the city of Mondstadt. It may seem small at first glance, but it holds a great history behind it."
Hat Guy, for his part, didn't say a word; he simply stood with his arms crossed, taking everything in.
What an awkward scene…
Out of nowhere, the Mondstadter decided to break the ice: "Oh, by Barbatos, where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself formally," Wanderer looked up, curious. "As you already know from our previous encounters, my name is Albedo... Albedo Kreideprinz, to be more exact," he concluded, placing a hand over his heart with elegance.
Upon hearing that name, something vibrated deep within Wanderer. Kreideprinz. Chalk Prince. He knew well what it meant to carry a title that defined the origin. His eyes narrowed slightly under the brim of his hat as he analyzed the alchemist in a new light. There was something in the perfection of his features and his almost unnatural composure that felt strangely familiar to him.
On the other hand, the alchemist waited for the guest to introduce himself, seeing as he had taken the initiative by giving his own full name. However, silence settled between them once again.
My... it seems he requires a direct question to utter a single word, Albedo thought.
"I have always referred to you as Hat Guy... but if it is your wish to tell me how you prefer to be addressed, I would be most grateful,” the blonde expressed. He truly hoped that, this time, the other man would deign to make a sound.
"I don't have a name. But if you insist on informality, you can call me Wanderer," the Sumerian finally spoke.
"Oh, please, do not misunderstand me. I would still like to maintain a level of formality with you. It was simply to... well... to start a conversation. At any rate, I assume you must be tired after your long journey, is that right?" The nerves were visible on Albedo’s face. He was so polite and seemed like such a proper gentleman, yet it was almost funny to see how, in the other's presence, his entire social protocol seemed to unravel.
"It isn't necessary. My body is adapted to not grow weary," the hatter replied with indifference.
A shadow of disappointment clouded the alchemist as he saw his welcoming plan thwarted.
"Oh... well, I must admit is that I am the one who is tired. The festival and my work have had me running back and forth," Albedo confessed, fighting the urge to scratch the back of his neck out of embarrassment.
Wanderer felt a sudden urge to laugh, though he limited himself to hiding his smile beneath the brim of his hat.
“In that case, let’s go to a cateen. Durin mentioned a very popular one in Mondstadt to me."
"Good Hunter... he enjoys the grilled platters there very much," Albedo replied quickly.
"What are you waiting for, then? Take me there," the dark-haired man ordered.
"You don't have to say it twice; let’s go," the alchemist responded, beginning to lead the way toward the spot.
Soft music floated through the air. The buildings were drastically different from those in Sumeru and, of course, those in Inazuma. People chatted amongst themselves and some laughed loudly… a bit too loudly for his taste. In the distance, the silhouette of the Cathedral rose up imposingly.
He found it curious to observe such absolute devotion from the citizens toward a single Archon. In Sumeru, faith was fragmented; there were specific groups that still worshipped deities of the past or lesser figures, like those who remembered King Deshret or the legends that still persisted in the corners of the desert. Here, by contrast, everything seemed to revolve around the wind.
"I present to you the 'Good Hunter,' Mr. Hat Guy," Albedo’s soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
Looking at the place, he noted it was a small outdoor establishment with a few tables. One of them was occupied by a group of men laughing and drinking giant mugs of beer.
"Please, take a seat. I’ll treat you to whatever you’d like; after all, you are m-my... I mean... o-our guest," Albedo corrected his sentence clumsily, his cheeks tinting a light pink with embarrassment.
"Alchemist, I should also inform you that my body is designed to not require food or supplements," he let out smugly, wearing a look of boredom that made it clear how much he despised human weaknesses.
Under no circumstances was Albedo going to allow Hat Guy to simply sit there and watch him eat. Besides, his salary as the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius was more than generous; he could afford the most expensive dishes if he so desired.
"Are you... not able to eat, or is it simply not necessary for you?" the blonde asked, trying to understand how his body functioned.
"It’s optional. I am able if I want to," the alchemist sighed in relief at the answer.
"Then, please, let me treat you. You can order whatever you would like," he insisted kindly. Wanderer stared at him and arched an eyebrow.
"Anything? Fine. Order absolutely everything this place has to offer; I want this table piled high with food," Wanderer leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and legs arrogantly. "And make it quick."
The Sumerian instinctively recalled his days as a member of the Fatui—those days when he gave orders without a second thought. It felt strangely good to be in command again, especially over an alchemist who was so... submissive.
For his part, Albedo was momentarily speechless. He never imagined that Hat Guy would take the offer so literally. But what did it matter? If he was going to please his guest, he would do it in style.
"Very well," Albedo accepted his request, as if trying to master the chaos. He rose from the table and headed to the counter, where Sara, the owner, was already looking at him with her usual cordial smile.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Albedo. Can I help you with your order?" Sara, the cook, asked kindly.
Albedo cleared his throat, bracing himself for what he was about to say.
"Sara, my guest has requested a purchase of absolutely everything your kitchen has to offer. This includes the entire day’s production, the full inventory of grilled platters, stews, drinks, and every raw ingredient you currently have for sale."
Sara blinked once, twice, three times, and her smile faded, replaced by total disbelief.
"Mr. Albedo... are you joking? That would cost... that would cost a total of...!" Sara began crunching the numbers, adding up the value of the ingredients and the prepared meals she had planned for the day, plus the loss of future sales.
Wanderer, still seated at his table, watched the scene over his crossed arms, savoring the obvious panic of the shop owner.
Sara slid a wooden tablet toward Albedo with the number written on it:
275,000 Mora.
"Here you go, Sara. Please serve everything that is already prepared," Albedo said, as he quickly scribbled a note on the back of the paper the woman had handed him. Then, he added: "As for the raw ingredients, please have them delivered to this address."
Without another word, he handed back the paper and returned to his seat.
"I assume you settled the entire bill," Wanderer said, propping his elbows on the table and resting his head on the back of his hands.
"I did," Albedo confirmed, sitting down. He seemed unfazed by the small fortune he had just spent.
Poor Sara began an endless parade between the kitchen and the table. She went back and forth with loaded trays, bringing skewers, steaks, Mushroom Pizzas, Fisherman’s Toasts, and pitchers of Wolfhook juice. At first, the table looked like a luxury banquet, but the situation soon turned absurd.
When the space on the wooden surface ran out, Sara—with a mix of professionalism and desperation—simply started stacking the dishes.
The pizzas served as bases for the salads, and the pitchers of drinks balanced dangerously atop the meat platters. Finally, it reached the point where it was impossible to add anything else without the whole thing collapsing like an unstable tower of food.
Albedo observed the mountain of food with imperturbable calm and expressed his gratitude to the young cook. Sara, wiping the sweat from her brow, had to hang a "Temporarily Closed: Out of Stock" sign at the entrance.
All that food, and neither of them was taking even a single bite. Albedo knew exactly what Hat Guy was up to, and in one way or another, he had accepted the challenge.
The most absurd part of the situation was the pile of plates and glasses rising between them, forming a wall that prevented them from seeing each other's faces.
"You can speak whenever you'd like, Alchemist. I'm already more than comfortable with your warm welcome. I must say, it’s very kind of you to spend so much money just on me," Wanderer smiled, letting his mocking tone drip from every word.
"I am glad you feel that way, Mr. Hat Guy," Albedo replied.
The Sumerian still couldn't wrap his head around the golden patience the alchemist was displaying. If he had been in the blonde's shoes, he would have already hit himself just for putting up with someone so insufferable.
"Wan—, I mean... Mr. Hatter, could you tell me how things have been going for you at the Akademiya?" Albedo began the conversation with a question.
"Huh?" he let out a sound, clearly confused. "I already know you're trying to fish for information. Don't beat around the bush with all this kindness and courtesy," he added, looking away with scorn. It seemed as though he would never uncross his arms.
A tiny pang pricked the alchemist's chest. Did the dark-haired man really think he was that kind of person? Of course not! He wondered what his home was like; was there little communication between the members of his family? Or had the weight of his past simply made him a man of very few words?
Albedo’s hand moved to his own chest, specifically resting over his heart.
"Mr. Hat Guy, my curiosity does not stem from a desire to ‘fish for information,’ but from a genuine interest in your well-being. I would like to know how you have handled your responsibilities at the Akademiya and if you have found satisfaction in your daily life. In my eyes, you are not an object to be assigned a function, but an existence with a will of its own," he spoke firmly, yet with a lingering softness in his voice. "I see you as I see any other human being: complex, changing, and worthy of attention."
The silence that followed Albedo’s words was so heavy that the noise of the tavern seemed to fade away. Wanderer went rigid. His eyes widened slightly more than usual—a crack in his armor—before sharpening into a piercing gaze.
"I... I am not human," Wanderer replied in a thin thread of a voice, almost as if the confession carried a physical weight.
"Whether you are human or not, there is something about you that is human: your feelings," Albedo stated calmly.
How cheesy..., Wanderer thought immediately, trying to shield himself with his usual cynicism. But a second later, doubt struck him.
Wait... It can't be. Does Albedo actually understand what I meant?
"Regardless, please do not worry. I know we have only crossed paths a few times, and that doesn't mean you must trust me. Therefore, I understand why your attitude is a bit... cold," the alchemist stole a glance at the mountain of dishes separating them and couldn't help a stray thought: Though, considering he’s trying so hard to annoy me, he didn't seem to lack the confidence for that...
With a long sigh, Wanderer decided to open up to Albedo just a little. He told him about his days in general—how everything was going peacefully... peacefully and very boringly. After he finished, he turned the question back to the other man, who admitted he had been feeling exhausted lately. It was difficult being the Chief Alchemist of Favonius, managing his alchemy stall, leading expeditions to Dragonspine, and looking after both Klee and Durin. All in all, it was undoubtedly too much work for one person or… for an individual.
"You should take a break," Wanderer suggested.
"This is the break," the alchemist replied. "It makes me happy to meet Durin's best friend, and I consider learning more about you to be a great rest. Furthermore, Durin mentioned to me that he'd like the chance to visit you, traveling on his own."
"WHAT??!!!" Hat Guy exclaimed, jumping out of his seat, shocked by what he had just heard. "I assume you won't let him go out on his own; he doesn't know the first thing about the real world yet!” Worried, he voiced his opinion to Albedo.
"Please, Mr. Hat Guy. Do not overreact to Durin's wish. If we are gathered here today, it is for a reason—and that reason is the affection, love, and concern we both have for Durin, isn't it?" The alchemist calmed Wanderer with his words, and Wanderer nodded, though Albedo couldn't see him behind the wall of food.
"You and I both know that Durin is still learning about the dangers outside of Simulanka; he still has much to explore in this world since, after all, he is a being from a fairy tale. I will not leave him alone on an adventure where anything could happen; even with a Vision, that won't save him from every risky situation," Albedo explained serenely.
The Sumerian felt an internal sense of relief upon confirming that the alchemist was being responsible and protective.
"Even though Durin is being emotionally supported here in Mondstadt, he is still dejected because of his mother's absence. He needs you... and he misses you," the blonde emphasized those last words, trying to catch his guest's reaction. "When Durin is ready to make decisions on his own, you will have to be ready for his frequent visits."
Wanderer remained lost in his thoughts; he was worried about Durin. One could even say he saw him more as a son than just a friend.
"Has Durin made friends here?" the dark-haired man asked.
"Many friends, in fact. For an introverted little dragon, he has truly formed many friendships in Mondstadt. Every day he goes out to play with Klee, then goes on adventures with Bennett. Oh! and they all play together with Fischl as well. Not to mention that Venti accompanies him to drink orange juice at the tavern, and Lisa, who is a great and very wise teacher, is teaching Durin everything he needs to know."
Filled with satisfaction, the hatter sighed, letting all his worries drift away into the air.
Before he realized it, night had already fallen.
"Have we been here that long?" Wanderer asked, looking up at the starry sky.
"Not really. Barely forty minutes have passed. You arrived just at sunset. I believe our conversation made you lose track of time," Albedo gave him a small, genuine smile.
The dark-haired man felt strangely caught off guard. Suddenly he decided to stand up abruptly and, with a theatrical gesture, shouted to the people walking by.
"Hey, everyone! Free food! Everything's on the Alchemist Captain today!”
Albedo blinked, surprised by the sudden announcement, but he soon relaxed. He watched as people approached with curiosity and joy. At the end of the day, he preferred this bustling chaos a thousand times over seeing all that food go to waste.
The Mondstadter stepped aside to make room for the hungry citizens and redirected his gaze toward Wanderer, who was reading a piece of paper with a note written on it. The alchemist approached his guest.
"What a kind act you have performed, Mr. Hat Guy," Albedo commented from behind Wanderer’s back.
"Just because I'm cold it doesn't mean I'm evil," the Sumerian snapped, immediately turning defensive.
"I know," Albedo replied. His attention then shifted to the note. "What is it you're looking at?" Albedo asked, his curious nature ever-present.
"This?" Wanderer showed him the note. "It’s the address of my place that Durin wrote down."
"As our guest, I must be the one to guide you to your place of rest."
"Albedo..." For the first time, Wanderer addressed him by his name. "There’s no need for you to do that. I can find it on my own," Hat Guy said.
Wanderer turned around, ready to depart, but the brush of a gloved hand over his own stopped him. The contact was firm, yet gentle enough that it didn't feel like an order.
A woman walking by stopped in her tracks when she saw them. She stared at their joined hands for a long moment before walking away with a look of disgust, her silence speaking volumes.
"I know you can do it on your own; I am not underestimating you," the alchemist’s voice sounded a bit lower, laden with an unfamiliar seriousness. "What I mean is... wouldn't it be easier to simply let me be the one to guide you towards your destination?"
"Ugh! Fine, you win," the hatter grumbled, turning back to face him.
However, the biting words died in his throat. He hadn't expected to find the great Albedo Kreideprinz with his face flushed a soft pink, avoiding his gaze and intensely studying the cobblestones at his feet. The man who always had all the answers seemed to have lost the map to his own composure.
Wanderer felt a strange warmth rising in his own chest and delicately withdrew his hand.
"Then start walking, alchemist," Wanderer murmured, pulling down the brim of his hat to hide his own eyes.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅
The alchemist and Mr. Hat Guy walked toward the residential area of Mondstadt. Albedo stayed a few steps ahead, leading the way, until he stopped in front of a facade made of wood and stone.
Albedo gestured, indicating that this would be his stop. The Sumerian took a moment to appreciate his temporary residence before climbing the small stairs leading to the door.
“Acting Grand Master Jean has provided all the necessary supplies; I believe they will suffice for the duration of your stay. Should they run out sooner than expected, please do not hesitate to reach out," Albedo gave a smile so faint it was almost imperceptible, yet it carried a weight of hidden intent. "I have also left a gift of my own; I hope you find it to your liking.”
Confused, Wanderer narrowed his eyes, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. However, he decided to ignore the comment for the time being.
"Thanks, I guess?..."
Albedo closed the distance between himself and Hat Guy. Being so close, Wanderer could catch a scent of vanilla emanating from the alchemist.
"Thank you, Mr. Hat Guy. For allowing me to be your guide and for accepting Durin's invitation. I promise you that you will make lasting memories here in Mondstadt."
After sealing his promise, he added: "I will be waiting for you tomorrow morning at 8:15 at my alchemy stall. If I am not there, you will surely find me in my office."
Finally, the two said their goodbyes.
The dark-haired man opened the door to his lodgings, but his peace lasted for only a moment. Like an unexpected surprise, he found the floor cluttered with supplies: sacks bursting with vegetables, fruit, eggs, and bags of flour were scattered across the entire room.
Approaching the bed, he saw a small slip of paper resting on the nightstand. He picked it up and read Albedo’s perfect calligraphy:
I hope you enjoy the rest of your order of ‘absolutely everything’ the canteen had to offer.
— Albedo :)
Wanderer crumpled the paper, realizing the alchemist was far more cunning and wicked than he appeared. He let out a groan, tossed the note aside, and began picking up the heavy sacks, resigned to the consequences of his own arrogance.
Meanwhile, Albedo was walking back to his home, stifling a laugh as he imagined the look of absolute defeat on Hat Guy's face when he walked through the door.