Chapter Text
The day was like any other.
The afternoon sun was shining onto Mondstadt in an unrelenting, yet comforting warmth. A pleasant spring breeze blew in the air, liberating like the very god that fought for that freedom. Everyone, from the young to the old, was outside. Either by working their daily shifts or simply basking under the good weather, most made sure to enjoy the day to its fullest.
But for Bennett?
“Ow. Ow. Ow…”
The day really was like any other.
It was supposed to be a simple commission. Clear out some hilichurls that settled the whispering woods and head back. It was close by, and the reports said there weren't many of them to boot. Perfect for a nice, easy day like this one.
Then he stepped on one of Klee’s troves.
What happened next didn’t have to be said.
The one good grace he had was Razor. The wolf boy had been in the area with Klee and stayed behind to help the adventurer all the way back home while the Spark Knight tearfully ran ahead to confess what she did.
Now the leader of Benny’s Adventure Team, with the support of Razor, limped across the bridge to the city entrance, uncaring to the birds he spooked, or Timmy’s cries. This wasn’t the first time. He’ll get some wheat to make it up to him later.
Right now though, the injured boy just wanted to turn his commission in, get healed and get some rest.
Man, every left step he took hurt bad.
“You okay to leave heal for later?”
He turned Razor, unsurprised by the worry in his eyes. The guilt, however, caught him off guard.
Bennett ignored it.
“Honestly? Yeah, I’m pretty roughed up, but we both know this is far from my worst,”
He got a whine in response. Bennett couldn’t ignore it.
“What’s wrong?”
The wolf boy’s glare was hard.
“Still bad. Could bleed out,”
He could sense an argument brewing.
“Hey, I’ll be fine. I’ve got practise with losing blood,”
“Not something you practice,”
“Well I have,”
“I… can not believe that. Many lupical have lost blood a lot. None have… None have…?”
Razor grimaced in concentration. Was he stuck on a word?
“Do you mean they never got better at keeping their blood in?” asked Bennett.
A nod.
“Yes. That,”
He shrugged his shoulders.
“I mean, I don’t know what else to say other than I’ve done it before. Besides, if it gets bad I’ll cauterise it like always,”
“But still,”
“Still what?”
Razor looked away with a conflicted growl. He was a lot more pushy on this than normal. Why?
“My fault again,”
Nevermind, that’s why. Not really a good answer though.
“What the heck are you talking about? It was Klee’s bomb, and I don’t know what you mean by ‘again’-”
“I hid trove that went boom,”
Oh, okay.
“And?”
Razor looked at him like he grew a second head.
“And I hurt you because of that,”
“No you didn’t?”
He furrowed his brows.
“Is head alright?”
“No- I mean yes, my head’s fine- look. It wasn’t your fault, or Klee’s for that matter, either. Anyone else would’ve either spotted it or… not triggered it either. I didn’t do either. Normal bad luck stuff - no, normal me stuff. No one else,”
The wolf boy didn’t look convinced. Bennett sighed as they shambled through the city gates together.
“C’mon, Razor. If I can’t avoid you guys to protect you then you can’t blame yourselves for me getting hurt, either,”
“Different. You avoided us for stupid reason,”
“And you feeling guilty now isn’t!?”
“Well, aren’t you two lively today?”
The two’s back and forth was stopped to identify the third voice. Bennett’s previous frustrations were forgotten in favour of admiration as he locked eyes with Kaeya Alberich.
“Oh hey Mr Alberich! Are you going out on an adventure?”
The smirking captain sighed dramatically.
“Sadly not. While I would love to enjoy the good weather outside the walls, I am on training duty today, and no good knight like myself would dare shirk their jobs,”
He emphasised that last part with a pointed look to his companion, and Noelle furiously nodded in understanding.
“Yes, of course! A knight should never say no,”
“That’s not exactly what I meant…”
…
Wait, where did Noelle come from!? Was she here the whole time!?
Bennett wasted no time switching stances. He postured up and straightened his back, all the while ignoring his limbs that currently burned in familiar agony (especially his weak leg).
The pain was only temporary. He needed to look good in front of the maid.
The boy deepened his voice.
“Oh hey Noelle. Sorry, didn’t see you there,”
“Throat getting weak?” asked Razor.
Bennett blinked at him.
“No?”
“But voice is funny,”
A beat.
Bennett shot a look of betrayal at Razor.
Razor cocked his head to the side and looked back curiously.
The message was clearly not received.
The adventurer sighed. Maybe he was just making himself look less cool with the voice…
“No… No, my throat’s fine,”
“Oh that’s good,” said Noelle with a (beautiful and amazing) smile. “Still, you should get it checked. Your voice did sound weird for a moment there,”
…
He deflated back into his wounded, uneven stance. Today’s attempt was an utter failure. No point embarrassing himself any further.
“Well, we better hand in our commission, see you guys later,”
Razor whined.
“But wounds…”
“They’ll be fine. It’ll just be a sec-”
“Hold it,” interrupted Kaeya.
Bennett stopped, his gaze moving back to the man. He didn’t look happy.
“Razor’s right. You are covered in bruises, blood and soot. I’m not letting you anywhere near the guild until you get healed,”
Oh c’mon…
He really wasn’t that bad! Sure, it hurt a lot, but it didn’t come close to his worst injuries. It didn’t even break into his top twenty!
“I just have to turn in one commission!”
“Don’t care. Not letting you bleed out,”
“But the guild’s right there! Why’d I skip it when I’m passing by?”
“Because that queue’s the longest I ever seen. Waiting in it’ll take the same amount of time as going to the cathedral and back,”
Bennett groaned, but said nothing as he looked at the line in question. It was pretty long today…
Fine.
“Alright, you win… Let’s go, Razor,”
Razor grunted in approval, and he followed as Bennett began the usual walk of shame up to the cathedral-
“Oh wait, I nearly forgot!”
The adventurer turned around, catching an unexpected look of surprise on Kaeya’s face.
“I just remembered. Razor, Lisa was looking for you,”
The wolf boy bristled.
“Teacher? Why?”
A chuckle.
“Nothing serious, don’t worry. C’mon, she should still be where I last saw her,”
Kaeya then turned to Noelle.
“Noelle, help Bennett to the cathedral, and I’ll meet you at Angel’s Share after. Captain’s orders,”
Wait, what!?
Bennett’s throat immediately tightened as Noelle extended her right arm into a Favonius salute.
“Understood!”
The maid wasted no time in rushing to his side and, without thinking twice, ducked under his arm to support his left side.
The adventurer’s mind went blank as her face suddenly became incredibly close, and all senses were overtaken by the soft scent of roses.
Bennett took one last look at the other two as Noelle turned him away.
Razor waved.
Kaeya winked.
Thus began the most awkward (butt also unforgettable) walk of his life.
This can’t be happening…
For the first leg of the trip he moved automatically, matching Noelle’s rhythm as she diligently supported and led the boy through the busy streets. It was around the Favonius Headquarters when his brain kick-started again.
It was a slow start, however.
“Th-thanks…”
Noelle shot a determined, yet cheerful glare.
“No need for thanks! Helping citizens is a Knight’s duty!”
Right. Of course he didn’t have to thank her. Didn’t make him want to any less, though, nor did it stop him from trying to strike up a proper conversation.
Small talk! Small talk!
“So, uh… how’ve you been?”
“I’m fine! How is your injury?”
“Oh, well it hurts, but it’s not the worst I’ve had either,”
“I see,”
…
…
…
Okay, that talk died a bit fast. Maybe he should be more specific?
“Any news, Noelle?”
The knight-in training looked up for a moment to ponder, before her eyes lit up.
“Ah, yes. There’s three new hilichurls camps set up near Dadaupa gorge,”
“Oh, okay…”
“And more reports of wolves attacking hunters near Springvale,”
“Right- wait. Reports?”
Noelle nodded.
“Yes. Reports from the Knights on patrol - news,”
Oh right, that was news in all fairness. He just expected something more… local? Personal? He didn’t really know.
“Any… crazier ones?”
She thought for a second.
“Someone set fire to the woods near Old Mondstadt. We’re on high alert to find the culprit,”
Ah.
That one was him. He was fighting a cryo whopperflower when the wind suddenly changed direction.
Great…
Bennett pushed his guilt to the side for now. He’ll confess his crimes once he hands in his commission.
And to do that he’ll have to get healed by Barbara first.
They had ascended every courtyard step. The grand cathedral entrance was just ahead.
Bennett stopped and turned to Noelle.
“I’ll take it from here, Noelle. Thanks,”
She looked unsure.
“Are you certain? I do not wish to leave you alone during your plight,”
Bennett forced a confident smile.
“I’ll be fine. It’s only a couple of steps on my own until I reach Barbara. Besides, Kaeya’s waiting for you down at Angel’s share. You better get back as soon as you can,”
She didn’t answer right away. A selfish part of Bennett felt happy to see her so conflicted over him, and when she gave a determined nod his longing had already begun.
“Very well. Do tell Barbara I said hello,”
“I will. Thanks again,”
“No need for gratitude. A knight helps anyone in need,”
With one last salute, and a graceful twirl, Noelle began to depart. Bennett watched her leave, and with every step she took the heavier the realisation was that he just willingly told Noelle to leave him.
…
I am an idiot.
No one to blame other than himself. He had a more pressing matter anyway.
Bennett sighed, and laid his hands upon the ornate oak doors.
Time to face the music.
The adventurer pushed the door open gently, slinking in quietly as if he was sneaking into the den of a foul beast.
Barbara stood with Albert at the top, nodding and smiling along with whatever the fellow fan was saying.
She seemed to be in a good mood. And he’s probably going to ruin it.
Bennett stood still, knowing what he had to do, yet his body refused to act. He still had better sense than to try and avoid her again (especially since he made her cry from doing that the first time) but the thought of seeing that same look of disappointment filled him with dread.
Maybe he could just sit down and wait for Albert to finish first-
“Move.”
The low, threatening command came from behind. Bennett whirled around, and came face to face with Rosaria.
She glowered at him, and he shivered from an inadvertent chill striking his spine.
Uh oh.
“Uh… Wh-what?”
Her eyes narrowed.
“Your blood’s dripping onto the tiles. Are you gonna keep doing that, or are you gonna speak to Barbara?”
He looked down, and saw what she meant. Blood drenched the left side of his shirt, to the point where it dripped freely onto the floor.
When did that wound reopen?
“Must’ve started when Noelle-”
“Don’t care. Get healed before I kick you out,”
Bennett shot a look of shock and frustration. Rosaria just rose a brow.
Whatever.
The message was clear, and the adventurer complied. He turned back around and marched (well, limped) to Barbara, refusing to deal with the nun that clearly hated him any more.
She wasn’t the first to dislike him, but she showed it so… bluntly that he couldn’t handle her for too long at any time.
Can’t imagine us ever being friends…
Albert had his back to the adventurer, but Barbara still spotted him before he could speak up, and her smile somehow brightened.
“Oh, Bennett!”
That sounded… excited? Was she happy to see him, even like this?
The deaconess stepped around Albert, who turned and looked at Bennett, clearly caught off guard by his sudden appearance.
“Uh, hi. Sorry, it’s me again-”
“Oh, don’t be stupid Bennett! I said it before, didn’t I? You’ll always be welcome here,”
“R-right,”
As Barbara leaned in to look at his abdomen and leg, Albert stepped forward to join them.
“Um, Barbara-Sama. As I was saying-”
Her shrill gasp made both boys jump, and unintentionally cut her biggest fan off.
“Oh dear,” she said.
That reaction was new. And worrying.
“W-what is it?”
Barbara made a long, drawn out sigh.
“This looks pretty serious,”
“It does?”
“Yep. I’ll need to put all my focus on this if we want to patch you up right,”
She turned to Albert.
“I’m afraid we’ll have to continue this conversation another time, Albert. You understand, right?”
“Well, actually I-”
“Great! Come with me, Bennett!”
She wasted no time in performing the same actions Noelle did earlier, and moved to support Bennett’s left side without care for staining her immaculate dress.
She led him to that same old side room, and Bennett took one last look at Albert before he lost the chance.
Albert glared at him with utter fury.
I’m sorry.
Once inside the room Barbara lowered him onto the hospital bed pushed against the corner before slamming the door shut and visibly relaxing. She closed her eyes for a couple of seconds, and when they opened again she levelled a scolding glare at Bennett.
There it is.
Bennett gave a weak smile back.
“Sorry,”
Barbara cocked her head, and a rare smirk on her lips eased the look in her eyes..
“I said it’s fine. Let’s get started, shall we?”
Shaking her head, the girl stooped down to look at him closer, and Bennett waited patiently for a response. When none came he made the first move.
“So… How serious is it?”
She exhaled softly.
“Well, it’s not your worst-”
Thank you!
“-but it’s still pretty serious,”
Bennett stopped internally celebrating his vindication.
“Wait, it is?”
She looked up at him flatly.
“You’re covered in soot, and your leg’s completely mangled,”
A beat.
“So…?”
A groan.
“It’s bad,”
“Bad?”
“Of course it is! What did you do, step on a bomb?”
He didn’t answer, and Barbara definitely noticed the way he thinned his lips.
“Bennett, you didn’t-”
“Hey, it wasn’t my fault! Klee just buried it like a minute before that,”
“Doesn’t she usually leave a big sign?”
…
…
…
Barbara leaned closer.
“Well?”
He avoided eye contact.
“I… sorta didn’t read the sign,”
…
“Really?”
His last protest was weak.
“They never lead me the right way when I do, so why would I follow them?”
She threw her hands up in the air and scoffed.
“This one’s on you, Bennett. Not much else to say,”
He chuckled lightly.
“Alright, yeah. That’s fair,”
Barbara took a minute to calm down, before shaking her head again and starting the job. She set to work healing him with a ghost of a smile, and Bennett leaned back until his head rested against the wall, letting the Deaconess’s water sooth his mangled leg back into a discernible limb.
The lead up to these visits was never fun, but Bennett would be lying if he said the actual process wasn't a bad experience. Barbara never left a wound aching, that’s for sure, and the concern she showed never stopped. After all, their little spats were something born from the constant worry he put her through. Even now, she failed to hide the worry as she washed away the last signs of his injury.
…
Hold on, she looked extra stressed about this one.
Bennett sat up.
“Barbara?”
She looked at him, blinking.
“Yeah?”
“Is something wrong?”
She stilled, and he didn't know if the question caught her off guard or if she was just debating on telling him.
But it didn't stop her answer as she rose and sat on the chair across the room, facing him at a more equal level.
“Bennett, do you think… The explosion. Could your artifacts have made it worse?”
He paused, his gaze moving to a pair of blazing trinkets on his satchel, adorned just beside his vision.
He truly hadn't considered that. In theory it should be the case, but…
“It… wasn't that different from any other bomb, really. I guess it could have, but I didn't notice anything,”
“Honestly?”
“Yeah, honestly. Like it's been a couple of weeks since we fought that regisvine. I've had these things long enough to know when they're making a bad fire worse. Trust me, this time wasn't one of them,”
She stared at him long and hard. He didn't challenge it, and simply waited for her response. He said his piece, and trusted his friend’s judgement.
…
Barbara closed her eyes with a sigh.
“Right. I understand. Nevermind, I guess I'm just a bit on edge today. That's all,”
Barbara's stress clearly didn't ease. She stared at his now healthy leg, her face giving away the conflict inside.
Yet again, he successfully stressed her to the sky and back.
“Sorry, Barbara,”
“Stop apologising Bennett, seriously. We're friends, through and through. You know I'll always be there to help. Nothing will change that,”
Her sincerity shone in her eyes. It was impossible to avoid placing faith in them - to believe everything will be alright.
So Bennett accepted the truth.
“You're right, sorry-”
“Bennett.”
“-Uh, I meant thanks. Sorry about- no wait!”
He pressed his palms into his eyes with a frustrated groan, while Barbara giggled at his expense.
“Wow, you can't stop saying it!”
“I'm trying! I swear!”
He lay back in the bed, refusing to uncover his eyes until the last dregs of her laughter died.
It took longer than expected, and Barbara spoke before it stopped entirely.
“Okay-hehe- okay… I'll accept it, since I know you're trying. Honestly, I should be thanking you. You came at the perfect time,”
Really?
Bennett sat back up.
“How?”
Barbara's mood shifted. Her shoulders sagged, and she stared at the ceiling for a second.
“Well… I’ve had a long day, and Albert had a lot to talk about too, and I just… I guess I needed a break from everything,”
Oh. It was a rough day for her. One of those ones where everyone wanted her help with stuff.
Just like what he was doing right now.
Bennett scratched the back of his head.
Don't say sorry. Don't say sorry…
“...I guess I really added onto the workload, huh?”
“No, you didn’t,”
“But didn’t you just talk about having to deal with everyone today?”
“Yeah, but you’re different,”
I am?
He went to ask how, but a rapt series of knocks on the door stopped their conversation.
Barbara looked at him expectantly. Bennett signalled his consent with a nod.
“Come in!” called the Deaconess.
The door opened swiftly, and a flash of dark electricity announced the presence of the new arrival.
Princess Fischl marched into the room with an air of pride and grace only royalty could uphold. Her loyal companion, Oz, flew past her and perched himself onto the headboard. The Prinzessin der Verutreilung wasted no time in striding to his side, where she stood tall and looked down at him.
She didn’t say anything right away, and Oz greeted them instead.
“Bennett. Miss Barbara. Good day to you both,”
Bennett responded with a smile back.
“Prinzessin, and Oz! What brings you two here?”
“Yeah,” added Barbara. “What brings you here?”
Bennett was shocked to see the investigator’s eye narrow at Barbara.
“Why do you wish to know, Deaconess?”
Said deaconess didn’t show any reaction to Fischl’s challenging look. She just answered the question evenly.
“Well, this is a private room for healing people in need. Not really a place for visitors like you to just walk in,”
“Which may prove perilous for those unaware,”
Unaware?
Barbara looked as confused as he was.
“What are you asking about, exactly? I just took him here to heal him faster,”
“Hah! Likely story,”
“...Yeah? It is likely, because it’s the truth?”
“Mmhmm, sure,”
At that last comment Fischl swiftly turned back to Bennett.
“The truth, my most esteemed servant, has roots in the stories one hath heard of this morn’s venture that you had taken. It felt… impertinent to witness your condition with my Auge der Verutreiling - for ease of mind, of course,”
Oh, she heard about his accident already? Word really travelled fast.
Bennett cracked a disarming smile.
“Well there’s no need to worry. Thanks to Barbara I’m fit as a fiddle,”
Fischl didn’t ease up, and pursed her lips instead.
“One acquiesces,” she began. “That there is nothing evidently wrong with your condition upon a cursory glance… However, you must not let your guard down, for betrayal hath never come from a foe,”
Huh?
Bennett was completely taken aback by that warning. Like, he knew she had a point, and completely trusted Fischl’s judgement and experience.
But… this was Barbara. The worst he’s ever seen her was when she scolded him, which only happens with him (and also sorta deserved most of the time).
Said deaconess, again, was just as lost, and now looked a little offended too.
“Are you saying I did something to him?”
“No, not at all,”
Despite that denial Fischl still gave Barbara a pointed look, which was returned with one just as sharp.
Bennett’s head swivelled wildly as he looked between the two. This whole conversation seemed… off.
Hold on… is there something between them?
Oz put a stop to the staredown (and maybe any potential blows as well) with a calm and regal interruption.
“Mein Fraulein, I think it best we drop this topic for the time being. We came for Bennett, and nothing else,”
Fischl clicked her tongue.
“Very well. Hath your strength achieved enough rejuvenation to support yourself?”
Bennett nodded.
“Yeah, I can walk,”
“And what, pray tell, is your destination?”
“Oh I just need to turn in this commission-”
“Then let us be off,”
She had already turned on her heel and was facing the door. Oz had dissipated with a spark.
“The less time i pass in this heretical sanctuary the better,”
She marched forward and out without another word.
The investigator left no time for any more conversations with Barbara. It took Bennett’s brain a second to catch up, and when he did he scrambled to his feet.
“Uh, I guess this is goodbye, later Barbara!”
Barbara just gave a stunned wave at his departure.
He barely caught a glimpse of Fischl when he got back into the main space. She was already exiting the front door.
Slow down!
Bennett rushed to catch up, hissing as the door swung back into his shoulder right as he passed through.
Fischl’s strides were long, and he had to run to catch up.
“Prinzessin, hold on!”
She side-eyed him, refusing to slow her pace.
“Hold on? Whatever for?”
He kept up, scratching his cheek.
“I mean… It's hard to keep up with you right now. I appreciate you wanting to see me, but my leg’s still a bit stiff,”
Fischl blinked, a bit confused, before her steps became noticeably shorter.
“Right. My visitation was to seek your company, which is difficult given your condition. Pardon me, for my goal hath been lost upon me,”
She forgot? So soon? That wasn’t normal, and neither was her clear distrust with Barbara. The idea of anyone, let alone the investigator, being so standoffish with Barbara Pegg of all people? Unimaginable.
Yet it happened, and Bennett couldn't fathom why.
…
…
…
Well, no harm in asking.
He dropped the question right as the two passed the Favonius Headquarters.
“Hey, uh, Fischl?”
She focused on the street ahead.
“What is on your mind?”
“Do you have a problem with Barbara?”
The way the Prinzessin visibly clenched her jaw gave him the answer he expected. What she said, however, was the answer he didn’t.
“No. What makes you say that?”
Wasn’t that obvious?
“Well you were accusing her of doing something to me,”
“I did no such thing. Hold your tongue of such slander,”
“Then what was all that talk of betrayal?”
Fischl growled and chewed her cheek, and didn’t answer right away. Bennett waited patiently.
He knew she would answer. She was just thinking about how she’d phrase it.
…
Any moment now.
…
Still no answer.
…
Maybe she wasn’t going to-
“I… am not feeling myself today. I’m on edge a bit. Sorry,”
Very direct. And very quiet too. Even so, it still managed to alert Bennett.
“Wait, you’re not feeling well?”
Her nod was stiff and abrupt.
“Yes. A foul Curse of Pestilence has befallen me, and I am lacking the required rest because of it,”
“Really? You don't look too bad,”
“The symptoms are… beyond terrestrial,”
“What?”
Oz reappeared with a small violet flash.
“Her illness comes with some rather odd side effects. For instance, Mein Fraulein’s nose looks a little longer than usual,”
“Oz!”
She shot her companion a glare, and his response was to simply disappear once more. There was a faint red tint to her cheeks, and Bennett could see why. That illness sounded… kind of unbelievable. He didn’t even know that a sickness could actually change your face like that. He’d be embarrassed too if he had it.
Actually, how did someone as unlucky as me not catch this yet?
Despite that odd stroke of fortune, everything else made sense now. Bennett’s been sick enough times to know that it can suck big time, and Fischl’s responsibilities as an investigator meant she most likely didn’t have any chance to rest on top of that. No wonder she was so grouchy with Barbara, or fast on her feet. She obviously wanted to get to bed as soon as possible, and today’s injury made her delay that.
There was no way Bennett would have Fischl ignore her health like this.
He stopped just before they turned the corner onto the city’s front plaza. Fischl did the same in response, looking at him with… worry?
Bennett began to explain before she got the wrong idea.
“Sorry, Fischl. I’ve kept you from your bed long enough,”
She blinked.
“Bed?”
Another short reply. She was sick alright.
“No need to act stupid. It doesn’t take a genius to know escorting me is pushing your recovery back. You need rest ASAP,”
“Rest? Whatever do you mean?”
Fischl looked genuinely confused. Maybe he didn’t explain himself properly?
Oz appeared yet again, this time acting as his translator.
“Your illness, Mein Fraulein,”
Her eye widened.
“OH!”
She coughed into her fist.
“Ah, yes. One understands your concern, however I-”
“No.”
His firmness clearly caught her off guard.
“No?”
“No. I can’t let you exhaust yourself any longer. My leg’s fine now, and the guild’s only around the corner. Please, uh, heed this request from your humble servant. Just get some rest and take care of yourself. I’ll be fine,”
He ended his plea with a bow. It was probably the wrong way to do one, especially to someone from another world.
But it seemed to have worked. When Bennett straightened he was met with the sight of a stunned Prinzessin.
Once again, Fischl composed herself with a cough into her fist, before levelling a regal gaze onto him.
“I, er… one supposes your plea is rooted within a heart of concern. As Prinzessin der Verurteilung, who am I to deny the altruism of such an esteemed subject? I suppose I have no other option,”
A beat.
“Yes. Nothing else comes to mind,”
Bennett nodded. She kept speaking.
“Not one single reason why I should stay here-”
“No, Mein Fraulein. There is none,”
She made a face at Oz, before sighing.
“Well then. I shall begin the eve’s recuperation. Good day Bennett. Please rest thine own limbs upon the commission’s resolution,”
Fischl struck a pose and began to walk - not around the corner, but instead past him. He watched her leave, a sense of relief taking over his heart.
That was one less person burdened by him today. Good.
With nothing else to do Bennett stepped onto the main street and headed for Katheryne’s desk.
Time to turn this thing-
All thoughts ceased at the sight of gold.
It flowed past his vision as long strands of tied, immaculate hair, holding a divine grace that captured his full attention.
Bennett unconsciously followed its owner as they stepped away from Katheryne and passed by, walking towards the front gate with an air of relaxed confidence. Their white outfit made them stand out even more, coupling with their stark highlights into a beacon that captured his full attention, so much so that he didn’t even notice the person’s weird floating companion until their high-pitched voice pierced through the air.
“Okay, one more commission to go! Paimon thinks we should get a healthy serving of Fisherman’s toast afterwards - to celebrate today’s work!”
Their voice was relaxed, yet confident.
“You sure you can handle that? It’ll be pretty late for a meal as big as that,”
“Hehehe it’s never too late for tasty food!”
“If you say so…”
Bennett didn’t take his eyes away from the stranger, no matter how creepy it was. They were so… calm. So different.
So cool.
“Bennett?”
“Huh-wha?”
He looked at Katheryne. She had an amused smile.
Oh, he had zoned out. How long was he staring for?
Bennett fought the heat rising to his cheeks.
“S-Sorry for keeping you waiting. I’m here to hand in my commission!”
The receptionist’s grin didn’t leave as she opened her book and checked off the listed task, before counting and handing over the pay.
“No need to apologise,” she said. “It’s not every day you see the Honorary Knight,”
He chuckled sheepishly.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right-”
…
Hold on.
Did he hear that right?”
“The Honorary Knight?”
Katheryne’s smile grew.
“Yes,”
“As in, the one that stopped Stormterror, and never failed a commission? That honorary knight?”
“Mmhmm,”
Oh.
Oh!
That was… that was the traveler he heard so much about!? The legendary adventurer that found hundreds of chests across Mondstadt!? That traveler!?
Weren’t they supposed to be in Liyue? Are they back permanently? Or…
Or did he just waste his chance to meet them to instead stare at them like a creep!?
Bennett groaned into his hands.
I should’ve said something!
Thanked them for stopping Stormterror, asked for treasure hunting advice, or even checked to see if he could help them out with anything. So what if he just came back from a rough adventure? He wouldn’t have missed that for the world.
Except he just did.
…
…
…
No, wait, hold on. He still had his chance. They couldn’t have gone far.
Bennett moved to rush off, but caught himself just in time. He forgot one thing.
The adventurer flashed Katheryne one last thumbs up.
“Thanks again, Katheryne!”
She giggled.
“Any time, Bennett,”
Alright, now he was free to-
“Hello Bennett,”
…or not.
All plans were dashed with that woman’s voice. He sighed, before glancing behind him and locking onto Acting Grandmaster Jean.
She looked back with weary eyes, showing how she didn’t want to be here either. To say their relationship was awkward would be an understatement. After the whole deal with the Regisvine they had tried keeping their distance like before everything went down. Too bad his luck kept forcing them to cross paths more than ever.
There was no question about this visit’s reason.
“This is about the treasure trove, isn’t it?” he asked.
Jean nodded.
“Klee’s in solitary confinement at the moment. I’m just here for some questions,”
“You don’t have to lock her away. I’m fine,”
“Maybe so, but she still turned the whispering woods into a minefield. Again,”
Okay, that was fair. Guess it was time for another round of questioning.
“I have to visit the headquarters, don’t I?”
She gave a sad smile.
“Unfortunately yes. Don’t worry, it shouldn’t take too long,”
Something sparked in his memory that made him sigh yet again.
“Actually, it might take a while,”
She made a face of dread.
“Why?”
“You know that forest fire that happened near Old Mondstadt?”
A beat.
“You didn’t…”
“I swear if I knew you guys were looking for the one behind it I would’ve turned myself in sooner,”
Jean looked up to the sky with sagged shoulders, clearly fighting the urge to scream.
Like always, she won that battle, and just began the tired march to her office.
“Fine, let’s get this over with…”
Bennett gave one last look at the front gate before following in the Grandmaster’s footsteps. The traveler was long gone.
…
Oh well. He’ll meet them some day. The world wasn’t ending any time soon. He’ll have plenty of chances to meet others, both friends and strangers.
Tonight he'll be answering Jean’s questions.
Tomorrow?
Bennett didn't know what tomorrow would bring.
And that was what made it so exciting.