Stuck in Teyvat! (Genshin Impact x Reader)

Chapter 19 - Song of the Dragon and Freedom

2nd POV

"Are you sure you'e alright?" Paimon gazed at you with a worried look, floating next to you.
You waved your hand in with an indifferent expression, "Yeah. Don't worry. I was just being a bit overdramatic that day.", scratching the back of your head, you bashfully lowered your head, "It's kind of embarrassing that you had to see me this way. I'm sorry that you had to see me in such a state."

A scoff escaped the silver-haired's lips as she crossed her arms.
"Don't say that." Aether spoke up with a frown, "You don't need to apologize. To be honest, I'm surprised that you were able to stay so calm all that time, despite having to deal with all those troubles."
"Yes!" Paimon agreed, eagerly nodding her head, "Aether is right. If Paimon were in your place, Paimon would have had a breakdown a long time ago."

A faint smile spread upon your lips, "Thanks for saying that; though, I simply didn't want to burden you with my problems."
"There's no way-"

"(Y/N)!" A familiar cheerful voice greeted you, interrupting the girl.
Looking up, you spotted Venti cheerfully waving at you. He was next to Diluc and Jean, who seemed to have been waiting for your arrival. 

"It's nice to see you again." Jean spoke up with a polite smile, hands resting upon her chest.
You returned her smile with a similar one, "Likewise." 

Venti waved at you with a grin, trying to get your attention.
"How have you been?"
You couldn't tell if he was simply playing dumb, or if he actually didn't know what had been going on.
It was Venti. You were confident that he clearly knew about everything.

You gave him a faint smile, "I can't speak for Paimon and Aether there, but I've been doing great. I've even made a few new friends."
In the corner of your eyes, you could see Paimon flinch. She knew that you were obviously lying. Still, the fact that you lied without batting an eye, made her worried.

"That's good to hear." He replied, wearing his signature smile; though, you could have sworn that his tone was colder than usual.

"Oh! Paimon and Aether were-"

Diluc cleared his throat, having the pixie cut off once again.
His crossed his arms, with a quiet sigh, "I'm sorry to interrupt your small talk, but I'm sure there are more important things that need to be taken care of." 

Paimon backed away nervously, "Oh- uh... yeah." She muttered quietly, shrinking into herself.
Feeling kind of sorry for her, you gave her an encouraging smile. Seeing that, the pixie returned it, her spirit seemingly lifted.

"Come to think of it..." Paimon muttered, looking down at Venti, "Mr. Big Anemo God Barbatos - why exactly do you need the help of mere humans?"
After having zoned out for a while, the girl's question brought you back.
"Ahh... How do I put it..." Venti sighed, scratching the back of his head, "The Seven, as people now know them, were once known as The Seven Archons. Each Archon presides over their own part of Teyvat. That is the role the Archons play. Only in performing this duty can we attain power, but I don't like the idea of ruling Mondstadt - and I don't feel Mondstadt would really like it either."

You crossed your arms, lips pressed into a thin line.

"'Go forth and establish a city of freedom without rule.' We have not forgotten Barbatos' wish for Mondstadt." Jean spoke up with a calm smile, one hand resting on her chest.
"Jean... You're such a devotee!" Paimon sighed, crossing her arms, before glancing at Venti, "Maybe someone got a little too free and is just too lazy to care."
Hearing this, the Archon sheepishly scratched his cheek, "Ahh... However it may have come to be... I haven't been back to Mondstadt for an extended period of time." He grinned, crossing his arms, "Without a doubt, I am now the weakest Archon among The Seven!"