Something Sweet

Chapter 10

Author's note: Welcome back everyone.

I was able to write and get a chapter up before finals coming up in two weeks. Its not a long chapter, but it's a progressing point in the story that must be done. 

Hoping to get working on the next chapter after finals.

Thanks to everyone coming back, and welcome to the new readers. 

Enjoy!

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-In Mondstadt- 

"It might not be as bad as you think. For all you know, you might even change your mind later," Lisa shared her view on her grandmaster's current dilemma. "Based on what you've told me, I have to say Diluc does make a good point. Per rule, you technically shouldn't be anywhere near a sword at this point." The annoyed eye roll Jean couldn't suppress didn't convince her mage friend any further. "You're making this more of a personal matter, aren't you?" Lisa paused to take a sip of her cup of tea. "Tell me, is there anything you feel unsure about?"

Two days have already passed since she was given her deadline to finish any last-minute arrangements. Yet, even as she felt confident about Lisa handling administrations, Jean felt hesitant about leaving.

"I..." The rush of thoughts crowding her mind kept her from speaking too readily, "It's... not like that...." Her voice trailed off, not being able to explain.

How could she justify her need to protect Mondstadt if all she really was now was nothing but a liability. Never in her right mind did she expect to be a burden to her knights, but she knew the longer she remained active, the more her actions grew accountable.

"What am I supposed to do?" Jean breathed out distressfully, setting her head down on her desk. "I don't--" Cutting her words short from revealing too much, she almost exposed her next concern. "I can't...."

The evasive and unsure direction of her grandmaster's expression confused the curious mage even more, "You can't...? What?"

A deep sigh left Jean as she kept her head down on her folded arms, "What I'm trying to say is... I'm not ready-" to marry him.

"Ready...?" Lisa questioned, "Ready for what—to take your leave? You know you already discussed this with commissioners and captains. You have clearance for medical leave. What don't you have--"

"Not that..." Jean felt her pulse quicken as she uneasily lifted her head and met Lisa's gaze, "It's something else...."

Lisa settled back in her seat and crossed her arms, uncertain about her friend's mixed message.

I can't... "Nevermind, it's nothing." Jean sharply stood from behind her desk and ignored the sudden hint of lightheadedness. "If you'll excuse me. I think I'll step outside and get some fresh air."

With the endless cloud coverage finally parting open in the sky, the downpour has now stopped for the majority of the morning hours. The morning dew and scent of rain remained in the air as the storm could return at any given moment.

Traversing down the knight's lobby and out the main entrance doors, Lisa followed at a distance, noticing her grandmaster pause and glance up at the partially clouded sky.

"Jean?"

The faint smile her acting grandmaster insisted on holding unexpectedly trembled, hinting out the gradual pain brewing in her lower abdomen.

Jean tried to keep her act together despite the lightheadedness and growing pain she was experiencing while a group of knights appeared to be nearing her direction.