Commission To Slay a Black Dragon

Chapter XI: Like Fireworks

"YOU WHAT??"

Hollow jade eyes shook like they might just pop out of their sockets. Albedo tries to take a step back, but the woman grips his upper arm with immense strength, pressing him down firmly.

"Annul the agreement for all I care. We can always find another way to sort this out!" she almost yells,

"It's too dangerous to go alone with a Harbinger, Albedo!"

Ah. So he was a harbinger. That explains the Acting Grand Master's current outburst at his news.

"It'll be fine," he tries to soothe, "I don't think the Fatui would seek to sabotage their relationship with us. Besides, at worst, I can probably take him on."

The tiny Fatuus was only around his size. He even took care during their first meeting to observe for any vision, which he noted that there was none. Logically, he would have the upper hand if there comes a need for combat. Jean stares into the bright teal, still reluctant to release the prince.

"If you change your mind, any time at all, just sound out to me," her voice was firm with resolution, "I will take your side, always." 

Albedo could not understand why she would sacrifice Mondstadt's diplomatic relations with a large empire like Snezhnaya just for his temporary safety. The exchange was unequal, and therefore illogical. But he gently brushes her hands down, offering a smile to pacify her like he does with Klee.

"Alright."

The Acting Grand Master softens her gaze in slight assurance. As the alchemist turns to leave, Jean offers to walk him out, lightly chatting over work and mundane days until her eyes rested on the long object that Albedo was carrying. Although it was neatly wrapped up in fine maroon with both ends carefully tied, Jean knew its shape all too well.

"New sword?"

"Ah...yes."

"Who is it for?"

Albedo stares ahead at nothing, the name has been whirling around his mind for the past week, but lodged deeply in his throat, refusing to be uttered. Unfortunately for him, the slight hint of pensiveness alone was adequate for the Acting Grand Master to arrive at her answer almost instantly.

"I hope you both make up soon," she says, darting worried eyes at the smaller man.

Albedo gave no reply, only nodding in silence. He desperately missed the golden boy, but perhaps it was spite? Or jealousy? That drove him to avoid patching things up with Aether, since he absolutely refuses to hand him over to that abomination in the basement.

Reaching the entrance of the headquarters, Jean bidded him a good night. And with a small wave, he continued onwards alone, heart pumping heavily as it began whispering for him to retreat, to simply get someone else to deliver his present. However, his legs were pacing in anticipation, little images of the golden hair, golden eyes, golden...

He stopped abruptly before a tavern door, the thumping in his chest finally getting the better of him.

Oddly enough, he had heard from Kaeya, out of all people, that the traveller has been visiting the Angel's Share almost nightly, since a week ago.

A week ago. He thinks back. That was when...

He froze, ears drowning out the muffled conversations and occasional laughter from the other side of the entrance. Something pulled at his chest as he felt his brows knitting.

"Hey are you going in or not?"

A gruff voice yanks him back to reality. Without waiting for a response, a burly hand reached over him, pushing the door open. The strangers from behind forced themselves in, shoving the dainty knight into the tavern. Albedo stumbles into the crowd, hugging the sword tightly as he awkwardly scans around like a lost child.