Genshin Impact: The Realm's Delight

Poisoned

''Good morning''

''Good morning Raelin, did you sleep well?'' Diluc asked while he sat at the dinner table.

''Not bad.'' I also sat at the table and began eating. ''Have you heard any words from your contacts.''

''I have indeed. I'll inform you when the rest arrives at the Winery.''

After eating breakfast, Diluc and Raelin exited the mansion. Tunner, who worked at the Mansion gave them some grapes to sample the harvest.

After some time the rest of the group appeared and Diluc was ready to let them know what he found out.

''It was a bit of a hassle to get information on the Abyss Order, but I managed to dig up a few clues.''

''Really? That quickly? You really are well connected, Master Diluc.'' Venti praised him.

''Come to think of it, Mr. Big Anemo God - why exactly do you need the help of mere humans...?'' Paimon asked him almost mockingly.

''Ahh... How do I put it... The Seven as people know them, were once known as The Seven Archons, who have the authority of their own part of Teyvat. That's our role to play. By performing our duty, we attain power, but I never liked the idea of 'ruling' Mondstadt - and I don't feel like Mondstadt would like it either.''

''Another way to say it. Each Archon is associated with an ideal, and determine themselves how they govern over their region.'' Raelin explained in a simple matter.

'' Go forth and establish a city of freedom without rule. We have not forgotten Barbatos' wish for Mondstadt. '' Jean recited.

''Jean... You're such a devotee!'' Paimon chirped. ''Maybe someone got a little too free and is just to lazy to care...''

''Ahh... However it may have come to be... I haven't been back to Mondstadt for a extended period of time. I was here shortly when Raelin woke up from her slumber though.'' Venti trailed off. ''Without a doubt I am now the weakest Archon among The Seven!''

''And yet you sound almost proud...'' Aether pointed out.

''Aww, you flatter me!''

''Oh, such a humble god... Is it a blessing, or a curse?'' Diluc asked rhetorically, but...

''If you ask me, it is more of a troublesome thing...'' Raelin glared at Venti.

''Well, I did ask you if you wanted to become the Anemo Archon and take my place, Raelin.'' Venti smirked at her. ''And yet you refused.''

''Wha?! You refused?! You are at least more hardworking than Tone-Deaf Bard.'' Paimon yelled at her.

''It's the first time, I hear about this.'' Diluc stated.

''Me too.'' Jean joined.

Everyone looked at her, and felt being backed in a corner, Raelin put her horns down, not knowing what to do.

''Give her some space to explain. She must have a reason.'' Aether tried to reason with them.

''Thank you, Aether! At least someone gets it!''

''Well then let us hear.'' Paimon said almost accusingly.

'' I... I know that it is an amazing opportunity, but I'm not interested in it. I mean, I don't have an official title in Mondstadt and suddenly becoming an Archon is something big. The way I see it, I wouldn't be able to do the things I do now. Like working with the Knights, strolling around the city, the flower shop, visiting other nations... I would have to part with those things, because the people will look at me a lot differently. And besides I have worked for decades to not be seen as a higher beings than others. I know that there will be times when I have to play my 'divine being' card and I won't be seen as an equal... And besides, for personal reason I refuse to accept the offer. ''

''Paimon understands now.''

''So you are uncertain about how a big change will affect what you have achieved so far.'' Aether commented.

''Yeah, something like that... I guess...''

''Even so I think you are the best candidate for being an Archon. Let me know when you're ready and I'll make it happen!'' Venti exclaimed like giving away the title was a simple thing to do.

''Let's go back to the topic at hand: the common enemy of all mankind.'' Diluc changed the subject much to Raelin's relief. ''We have tracked the Abyss Mages to the vicinity of the winery.''

''Let's go get them!'' Paimon yelled happily.

''Wait a minute!'' Raelin stopped the group from going.

''Is something the matter, Raelin?'' Jean asked of out curiosity.

'' I've been thinking about it a lot, and I think I know how we can get the poison out of Dvalin's system.''

''Really?! How? Paimon is very curious now!''

''Well, back at Starsnatch Cliff, Dvalin had some kind of crystals on his back, and someone else among us can confirm that he never had it before.'' Raelin said as she faced Venti.

''Do you think that, those crystals are...?''

Before Venti could say anything Raelin confirmed his thoughts.

''Yes, I think that the two crystals spikes on his back are the reason for his behaviour. Over the year I collected information about the fight that took place 500 years ago. I found some ancient scrolls mentioning the shadow dragon that invaded Mondstadt that Dvalin fought. I only connected the dots yesterday, but the dragon was said to have poisonous blood. The crystals must be remnants of the battle, and has taken the form we say yesterday.''

At the very moment Venti realized what Raelin was trying to say, and the course of her actions during their reunion with Dvalin at Starsnatch Cliff.

''So the reason you shot an arrow at Dvalin wasn't to hurt him, but to test your theory? Raelin you are a wonder to be around.''

''H-Huh? W-Why did you say something like that all of the sudden?!'' Raelin stuttered, she was flustered by Venti's sudden comment.

''Why so embarrassed, Raelin~'' Paimon joined Venti's teasing.

''Yeah, why so embarrassed, Raelin~ Do you want a head pat for your idea of how to save Dvalin~'' Venti continued.

''N-No! I do not want any head pats!''

''Ha-ha. Liar~ You always loved head pats even when you were a child.'' Venti added, making Raelin more flustered.

Jean, Aether and Diluc smiled at the scene, they sensed that there was an awkward atmosphere between Venti and Raelin since the day before. They were relieved that it was lively between them again.

''A-Anyway! Let's go! The Abyss Mages won't go around and wait for us to appear!'' 

Word count: 1047

To be continued - Please leave a like and comment