The Vigilant Yaksha

Chapter 36

"Hm. Mondstadt is visually much different than Liyue."

As soon as they'd finally arrived at Mondstadt, Aether had to go see Jean, leaving Xiao and Vena alone to wander the city, not wanting to intrude.

Vena had never quite felt comfortable around the Knights, not because she didn't like them, but more because it all felt very official and professional- many things that she wasn't herself, so she never quite knew how to even talk or approach most of them, although she did like Jean and got along with her fairly well.

Aether also made sure to send the girl a quick wink and a nudge of his elbow before they'd headed back out the door of the Knights headquarters, clearly wanting her to go show Xiao around Mondstadt a bit while he took care of business.

"I guess you're right," Vena let out a laugh as she gazed around too, realizing how odd this must be for him.

He was so used to seeing the golden and brown hues of majority of Liyue, filled with mountains and hills or fields, where as Mondstadt was lush and green, full of trees and verdant wildlife.

"I think you'll like the place we're headed to." The girl smiled to herself smugly, excited to show him by far her favorite spot in all of Mondstadt.

"Is that so?" He quietly mused, taking note of the little twinkle in her eyes.

How cute.

Xiao had been simply following along beside her, actually quite content despite being in a completely new area.

It was odd for him to admit even to himself how... exciting this was. It wasn't something he would probably ever do by himself, but with her...

Seeing her excited and passionate about something warmed his cold and jaded heart.

The sounds of birds chirping amongst the wind as it rustled seemed to ease even his troubled mind as they continued to walk.

It was weirdly relaxing, and he wasn't going to question it.

They were clearly walking up an incline, Xiao gazing ahead as he realized it was a pretty tall cliff they were headed up to.

Vena was taking the side route up though, obviously to avoid all the hilichurls and slimes as they continued up, nearly the top now.

The wind had picked up even more the higher they got.

"This is Starsnatch Cliff." Vena gestured her hands out theatrically with a wide grin, turning now to face him once they'd reached the very top, now both gazing off together at the absolutely gorgeous view.

Xiao had to take a few moments to simply admire it. It reminded him of the view from the roof of the Wangshu inn.

It was very different obviously, but it was peaceful and tranquil. The breeze flowed through his raven hair, causing goosebumps to light up across his pale skin.

Of course, it wasn't nearly as high up, but it was still a beautiful view regardless.

Vena had taken a seat on the edge without Xiao even noticing, still entranced.

She had her back to him now, simply gazing out as she admired the world around her.

"It's... gorgeous." He finally muttered, coming over to take a seat beside her on the grass.

Vena hummed, agreeing with him.

"But not as gorgeous as you." His voice came out so soft it was almost lost across the wind, causing Vena to whip her head around to face him, wondering if she'd imagined that as she felt her face flush with heat.