In Your Eyes: Empyrean Admonition

You Are Invited To A Dinner

Treasure Street, Sumeru City, Sumeru

You decide to sleep in Alhaitham's room since you know that Kaveh might want to work in his room and you don't want to bother him. You quickly tell the men your thoughts and Kaveh nods quietly.

"I also think that I can't travel too far yet." You turn to Alhaitham and add, "I don't think I can go to the Palace of Alcazarzaray without needing rest and I don't want to bother you on such an important event. Maybe asking Captain Beidou about the adepti is a good start."

"Very well," Alhaitham replies as he stands up. "Let me gather some of my things and clear off some books from the bed."

Kaveh stands up as well while saying, "I told you to let me make more bookcases for your room but you keep on denying my suggestion. And I even proposed that you can just waive my rent for a month in exchange for me making more bookcases for you."

"Fine, have it your way."

"Really?"

"As long as the amount you spend on making the bookcases is the same amount for your rent. Do not go over budget because I will not pay you."

"I'll start as soon as my other commission is done."

"The one in Gandharva Ville?"

"How did you know?"

"I am the Acting Grand Sage and the project proposal was sent to me for approval."

Your head keeps on switching back and forth on the two men as they continue talking about their work. Though they always end up bickering, you see respect and fascination in their eyes as they speak in ways most people will find intimidating. They speak about the sages and ambassadors or sustainable housing and rerouting water supplies like casually talking about the weather.

But since you have no idea whatsoever about the two geniuses in front of you, and the way you treat them like they are normal people, you take everything they do or say as somewhat normal. You let them discuss their work as you continue reading the book you picked up. Of course their talk ends in bickering.

"I told you before and I'll tell you again, I don't want to work in Fontaine! Just because my mom is there doesn't mean that I also want to be there," Kaveh starts to walk away.

Alhaitham walks towards his room while saying, "That project could've been your ticket to paying almost all your debt and you wasted the opportunity. You could've stayed there for the project then returned to Sumeru."

"My mom would do everything for me to stay there for good and you know it."

"Suit yourself, it's your life and your debt. It doesn't matter to me as long as you pay your monthly rent on time.

Alhaitham closes the door and an exasperated Kaveh just sighs before shaking his head. He looks at you and you shrug, you know by now that you shouldn't get in their way when their conversation gets heated.

"Well then, we will be going out tomorrow. At least I have that to look forward to."

Kaveh walks towards you and leans close, kissing the top of your head lightly. His cheeks are pink when he moves away.

"Good night, Rabbit."

He turns away before you can say anything. You notice how his ears are so red before he turns towards his room. After his door shuts closed, Alhaitham's door opens and the man comes out wearing his usual sleepwear. He's carrying a pillow and blanket on one hand and a thick book on the other.

"I've already fixed my bed with your things," he says quietly as he sits on one of the sofas. "I know you don't really need sleep but make sure you rest."