Duchess of Crime | Genshin Impact

6. wriothesley ♥

My ears ring from the boom, smoke beginning to engulf the corridors.

The alarm begins to ring out, the echoes of footsteps racing to our location.

Crawling on my stomach, I attempt to find Archie to no avail. I shout his name, hoping to hear some reply but it doesn't come. Panic swallows me whole, have I got the newcomer killed?

My skin burns from the intense heat, and my black hair sticks to my cheeks. A horrific smell of plastic and wood suffocates me and my lungs feel like they're shrinking.

A white flash catches my eyes, I look for it in the smoke and for some reason, I hope it's Wriothesley. Loud stomping comes my way and to my relief, I'm pulled up into someone's arms.

"Gwen!" His familiar voice calls, gripping me tight, "I was looking everywhere for you!"

Coughing, I'm unable to utter a single word but I'm comforted by Wriothesley's musk.

Hydro seemingly pours out of nowhere, the blue glow radiating from a vision. A path is cleared for us and Wriothesley swings me over his shoulder, my head bobbing up and down as he runs to safety.

♥

In the distance, Sigewinne's set up an evacuation zone. Most of the inmates are gathered, muttering amongst themselves. I lean against Wriothesley for support, my hands and clothes covered in thick soot. Guiding me to a bed, I lean against it and wheeze, my throat aching.

"Where's Archie?" I sputter out, looking up at Wriothesley. Stress has made its home on his face, deep grooves scattered across his forehead.

He attempts a reassuring smile but it comes off more as a grimace, "He's attempting to put the fire out."

Archie's the one with a hydro vision? I try not to think too deeply about it as Sigewinne begins to check me over once again.

She concentrates hard, "Slight smoke inhalation but otherwise, you're fine."

We collectively breathe in relief, easing the pains in my chest. I'm handed an oxygen mask, "use this if breathing gets difficult." Sigewinne smiles before moving on to the next patient.

The Duke still stands next to me, the only time I've ever seen him unsure.

"How far has the fire spread?" I quietly ask, guilt eating me up at the trouble I've caused again.

Wriothesley simply shakes his head, running a hand through his hair, "Luckily, it's confined to one room. It's the smoke that does the real damage."

I nod, and I know what he's thinking.

How have they managed to sneak in explosives? I can see it causing unrest within Meropide-is that their plan all along? To cause mistrust towards Wriothesley and strike when he's at his most vulnerable? Nausea bubbles within, and I almost want to reach out and take his hand.

He deeply breathes, "Stay here, I need to figure out a plan."

Watching him walk away, tears spring in my eyes. It's all my fault, why haven't I been thrown out yet? It would be easy to get rid of me, whether it's a cover-up of my death or leaving me to fend for myself against the sharks.

If anything, I deserve it.

No, I shouldn't sit around, letting other people mop up my mess.

I carefully get up, wobbling a little. My whole body aches and bruises begin to brew on my hips and legs. Ignoring the pain, Sigewinne doesn't notice me slip out.

Meropide is suspiciously silent, the eeriness of the situation wreaking havoc on my mind. Wriothesley storms off in the distance but I don't have the energy to shout his name. Dark spots begin to crawl across my eyes, my head suddenly ten times heavier to hold up.

Instinctively, I lean against the nearest wall, the cold comforting as I sweat bullets.

The world disappears for a moment or two as I clutch my head, but I continue, determined to make it to his office. I guide myself, trying not to fall as my vision returns to normal.

♥

I burst into his office, still feeling a little faint but better than before. It appears to be the most normal room in Meropide, the smoke not daring to enter. He peers down from the balcony whilst he pins up pictures and scrawled notes on a wooden board.

"How are you?" He makes conversation.

I groan as I go up the wooden stairs, taking it slow.

"Could be better, what are you up to?" I ask nonchalantly, trying not to provoke any more anxiety.

I navigate his office, choosing to sit on his chair, the one that's fit for a king. Surprisingly, it's softer than it looks and my body stops screaming at me to sit down.

"Trying to save my home." He replies curtly, turning away to pin more pictures up.

I glance at the board, my heart leaping in my throat at the sight of Louis and Gracie. When did he get them?

As if he read my mind, "I've had my eyes on them before you even came down."

Sinking in his chair, I rub my temples, "I'm sorry, this is all my-"

"Don't apologise, it means nothing when you're a criminal."

I let out a small squeak, like a child about to burst into tears after being told off.

"...How can I help you?" I mutter, talking to myself.

The silence becomes the elephant in the room, every now and then Wriothesley mumbles a stressed-sounding sentence. His shoulders are tense, prepared for whatever's coming next.

"They're too unpredictable! What if they've rigged the entire place!" He suddenly slams down the pile of papers, pacing back and forth. Uneasiness grows within me as time ticks.

An idea pops into my head, it's definitely dangerous but it's worth a shot.

I'm going to pretend I've regained my memory and lure them out, they're desperate for the old me, so, I'll put on a show for them.

A devilish smile creeps onto my face as I get up to leave, I notice Wriothesley's glance of concern at me but I continue, a strong sense of determination blooming like flowers on the first day of spring.

I will end this.

♥