Genshin Impact ⟼ In her shadow

In her shadow

The bustling city of wisdom is illuminated by the hot star shining bright up in the sky, the numerous leaves adorning the meanders of Sumeru City's structured streets act as a screen; screen reflecting various patterns onto the ground and buildings. In the heart of the capital, a peculiar boy walks through the Grand Bazaar, gray hair emerging from his hood which holds resemblance to an animal's head features. His skin is tanned and his piercing eyes are colored with the same hues one would find in the desert's sands before twilight.

It is none other than the General Mahamatra, Cyno.

Everybody he passes by reflexively straightens up, his reputation as a strict enforcer of the law regarding research at the Akademiya to blame for it. Even regular people just living their lives outside of academic research, fear him. They're scared even if they have having nothing to hide, having never done anything reprehensible. The Akasha told them all they needed to know about him and his methods. Surely a way for the leaders of the prosperous city to further tighten their grip on the citizenry.

In this location, Cyno is able to observe the stage onto which he can often see an individual train in her art. An art that doesn't find its place in a city where knowledge and research are primordial. Decried, shamed for it, she nevertheless withstood the waves of critics going her way to pursue the path her heart envisioned. Being a witness of the constant hubris exhibited by these so-called sages and researchers, he knows firsthand how difficult it is to deal with such people under normal circumstances. His position and his personality allows him to pay it no heed, but for regular persons, they have no choice but to surrender to peer pressure for the greater good of the city. Especially since everything is shared through the Akasha, you can't expect people to keep many secrets.

The girl which enters his field of view on many occasions during his time in this place is also there today. She is the main lead of the Zubayr theater, a dancer with no equal who's loved by all who aren't pursuing academics. Every merchant, traveler, and other people from all kinds of backgrounds admire her art, going so far as to recommend it to newcomers despite the critiques of the Akademiya. In return, she also loves every person under her gaze, who has come to appreciate her life's work. She remembers their names, their activity, their habits... and keeps all of their letters of encouragement.

Despite his aloof attitude, which would make one expect Cyno wouldn't care at all about this kind of thing, the General actually knows these facts about Nilou. He's quite intrigued with her vitality and fortitude in the face of adversity. No matter how troubled the state of Sumeru may be, she never wavers, putting her dancing skills to appease the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to set their sights on her. That includes himself.

Yes, even Cyno happens to feel the relief she provides through her performances. Fluttering about like a butterfly on a stage prepped up just for her, it's a scenery he's grown to recognize and value. After a long day of dealing with missions attributed to him, coming back to the Grand Bazaar allows him to regain the stillness his soul yearns for.

Her scarlet hair swirling in the air, the sound of her numerous accessories resonating under her movements, her fair skin lit by the peeking moonlight... no one could oppose the tranquility it instills in them once their eyes were capturing the moment.

'Ah. She is performing today.'  Cyno thinks, loosing a bit of the tightness he usually holds his weapon with.

A proof that he's entered a more relaxed state.

Under his cloak, a piece of paper resides, waiting to be delivered to its recipient.

'I should leave this to one of the Zubayr theater members... I don't want to disturb her focus on the task at hand.'