Eula x Reader - Disgraced Yet Defiant

Chapter 21: Shifting Winds

Eula: "...So then, before we leave the safety of our home, might I inquire as to what the plan is for today?"

Y/N: "The plan? Well, I didn't really have one really! Not past exploring what there is available at the festival at least."

Eula: "You didn't even...? I would hope you have not so easily forgotten that I am an esteemed member of the Lawrence Clan! And as such I can not be seen idly wandering the stomping grounds of the common peoples."

Y/N: "Oh, come now! You're just as entitled to enjoying yourself at a festival as anyone else! And anyways, I'd be there too. So, if you must, then you could just consider it an escort mission or something like that! Although, I'd rather that... well..."

Eula: "Hm? You'd rather what, exactly? Y/N, I hope you know that you can speak your mind with me?"

Y/N: "I know that, I promise, I know that. But... well, I think I'd rather not just tell it to you now like this. Sometimes it's better to show than tell, right?"

Eula: "Hmmm... I suppose I will simply have to look forward to that then. Ah, and speaking of which, shall we finally depart now? Or are there any more preparations we should make first?"

Y/N: "None come to mind, no. And hey, we can always just buy something whilst we're out if there's anything we need, right? It'll help us get fully immersed in the festive atmosphere if we take part in the provided amenities to the fullest after all!"

* EULA'S POV *

"Just the two of us." That was what Y/N promised to me when they brought up such an unexpected request of theirs. They wanted for the two of us to have an outing together, just the two of us together... And, whilst I did my best to maintain a straight face and to preserve my indifferent disposition at the time, I must admit that I was quite interested in the thought of it.

We had since left our shared residence and had made our way out towards the side gate of Mondstadt, where the festival grounds of the Windblume Festival could be found. And whilst I would never admit it out loud, especially whilst I was out in public, I was definitely harbouring some anxieties about such a situation. I could just feel all the eyes that were on me, watching me as I walked beside Y/N, staring me down as if waiting for me to cause them a headache once again. Honestly, it was almost enough to have me back down entirely on accompanying my friend out here for the occasion.

And I certainly would have, if not for what I saw when I turned back to look at them...

Their eyes were darting all over the place, from the decorations that adorned the area to the many stalls that featured this year's activities. And the smile... oh gosh, that smile... Y/N looked to be genuinely happy to be here; be that the festival alone, or that I was alongside them for the experience I could not guess. Although I would definitely hope for it to be the latter, I suppose...

Being able to see such a sight, I think I would be more than happy to tolerate the intolerant staring down that I am currently receiving if it meant that I could continue to gaze upon such a pleasant scene... but I fear that I am perhaps overstepping my bounds now, it must seem weird to Y/N now after all, for me to be looking at them as much as I am currently...

Y/N: "You Mondstadt lot really know how to decorate for festivals, don't you? This place looks great! It's so warm, and... inviting."

Eula: "Hmm, I suppose so, yes. Although, I should admit to you now that I... well, I've never attended such an event, at least not for longer than absolutely necessary."