the burden of the scribe

Chapter 5

You contemplate the Akademiya's strict policies. You think about the many scholars that have been kicked out, pried away from their lifelong dreams and thirsts for knowledge.

Even knowledge itself is cruel. And as a scholar in the pursuit of knowledge, why should you have to save everyone? Why should you care about other people? All it brings is pain and heartache when they're gone and they're never coming back.

So, you make it a personal rule to not care.

But somewhere along the way, you lose your passion. The thrill of seeking information no longer excites you as it did. With the Akasha Terminals exploding in popularity, nobody bothers with books anymore. No one can be troubled to read one, because why would they? The Akasha Terminal has all the answers they could ever want. 

But it's not enough. It's never enough for you. And so, you start your collection of physical books, even going so far as to buy banned books on the black market.

People won't bother with writing them, anymore. Not with the Akasha Terminals. The number of them in your collection will likely stay the same.

The thing that invoked your passion in finding the truth, in learning new things...it's gone. Rereading the same book multiple times can only get you so far.

It's gone and it's never coming back. Just like them.

—

"Lesser Lord Kusanali, you wanted to see me?"

"Oh, Alhaitham! Just 'Nahida' is fine right now. This is more of a casual meeting."

"Alright then, Nahida," Alhaitham agreed. "What did you want to discuss?"

"Well, it's to my understanding that you wish to resign from the position of Acting Grand Sage?"

"Yes, that is correct. Although I believe I will wait a little longer. Just until the new sages are appointed, and the Alademiya's business is running smoothly."

Nahida hummed. "That's reasonable. Am I correct to assume that you wish to resign because you prefer to live a comfortable and enjoyable life?"

"Yes, that is right."

"Is there no other reason? I'm asking as Nahida, not Lesser Lord Kusanali. I am in debt to you for your part in the plan to rescue me—if anything is amiss or there is too much work, I'll gladly help you in any way I can, as you are my benefactor."

"Nahida, we saved you, not for the benefits, but because what the sages were doing was inhumane and also broke the laws of this world. They broke a number of the Six Sins of Teyvat. Gods are meant to be respected. It's part of the natural hierarchy of Teyvat. As such, even if we released you from your prison, you do not owe us anything."

Nahida smiled. "I'm glad to hear you say that, but still, respect is earned, not given. I think you comprehend that better than most of Sumeru's citizens. I'm sure there are at least a few things I can do for you."

"I see. Then, could I hire an temporary assistant? They can help the official Grand Sage later down the line as well."

Nahida nodded her head. "Of course! I'll send you a scholar to be the Grand Sage's assistant tomorrow. Is there anything else?"

Alhaitham and Nahida talked for a few hours, discussing the appointment of the new sages and ways to streamline the funding application process.

"Alright, it's getting late," Nahida said. "Before you go, I wanted to give you this."

She handed him A Folio of Foliage with bright eyes, and Alhaitham eagerly took it from her.

"I know how much you enjoy physical books, so I asked the House of Daena if you could keep a copy permanently!"

"Thanks, Nahida. I'll be sure to read it soon. But while I'm on the topic, this doesn't have anything to do with Tighnari's dinner, does it?"

Nahida asked, with feigned innocence, "What do you mean?"

"Tighnari's cooking Sabz Meat Stew, and you're giving me A Folio of Foliage. Is there some mess I'm expected to clean up? What happened?"

Nahida laughed softly. "You've always been sharper than most, Alhaitham. I'll let your friends tell you when you get there. It's not my place to tell." She winked.

Friends. That's right, they were all his friends. The thought of it made his heart warm and mellow.

"Well, I suppose I'll find out soon. It's getting late, so I will to head over to the Avidya Forest."

Nahida giggled, her white and pale green hair bouncing playfully. "Have fun!"

Alhaitham walked out of the Sanctuary carrying his new physical book. He stared at it with contentment, mind drifting off to his bookshelf at home. His thoughts trailed off to Kaveh's Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei, and the Sabz Meat Stew they would eat together. For the first time since he was a young kid, doe-eyed and small, he let himself smile.