Duchess of Crime | Genshin Impact

11. goodbye for now ♥

Sitting in front of Wriothesley, my legs bounce up and down. We pass papers to and fro, signing my name under each disclaimer he specifically wrote for me. It feels nice to sit, my mind at ease peacefully—for now.

A steaming teacup waits beside the Duke's wrist, his reward for filing more paperwork than usual. 

I have no idea what I'm supposed to do when I reintegrate with the real world, do I still have a home? I assume my home was provided by the cult, those who want me to fulfil Fontaine's prophecy. In that case, I don't. 

"That's everything finished, how are you feeling?" He says in a low, husky voice between sips of tea.

I detect a hint of worry in his tone, and I almost feel bad for leaving him behind. I tried to convince him to join me over the past few days but to no avail. It's bittersweet with everything we've been through together. 

"Don't be concerned, I'll discover the truth and come back to tell you all about it!" I talk light-heartedly, but we both know my journey won't be all sunshine and rainbows.

He tries to smile at me but it fails to reach his eyes, I can tell he yearns to come along but I know Meropide is his only true home and nothing will ever beat it. Plus, who would run the place if he decided to come? I can only imagine the carnage it would cause. 

"When can I return to the surface?" I change the topic, forcing Wriothesley to put aside his personal feelings.

He stands up from his chair and walks around his office. He avoids any further eye contact with me.

"Whenever you're ready," Wriothesley replies curtly, his voice now stone-cold towards me.

I find myself hurt by this, "Are you against this, that much?"

He turns his head, breathing deeply as if to keep a calm composure, "You have to understand, I have never released a prisoner early, not even for an emergency."

The word 'prisoner' stings, even though it's the most truthful thing about me currently. I watch as he places his teacup down, noticing a crack running through its intricate design. 

"Then, why did you agree?" I huff a little, "You seemed enthusiastic a few days ago."

"Well, my feelings have changed!" He raises his voice, running a stressed hand through his black hair. His whole body is tense, veins popping on his hands and neck. 

I chew on my bottom lip, alarmed at his attitude. I stay seated, however, feeling like a child stuck in detention, "I don't understand..." I whisper.

Wriothesley whirls around, casting his shadow over me as he leans down, I nervously look away from his eyes as if he's a dog threatening to bite. 

"I apologise, I didn't mean to raise my voice." He finally sinks, resting on his knees and propping his elbows on the wooden desk, "I just have no control on the surface, I... I can't protect you."

He rushes the last few words, his face tinged with a slight red. I falter, unsure of how to reply. My heart flutters a little at the innocence. 

"I'm sure you would find a way to me, right?" I tease, watching him flush even more. 

I laugh, a weight lifting from my shoulders whilst he clears his throat. The moment soon ends when a knock echoes from behind me. He shifts his demeanour instantly, walking over to let someone in. That someone is Archie and I wave as he joins the party. 

"Here." Archie hands Wriothesley a pile of paperwork. It appears to be the same information I signed too, which is promptly stuffed into his prisoner folder.

On his shoulder, Archie has a backpack slung over it. I fold my arms, realising I haven't even thought to contribute to our survival on the surface, "When do you want to leave?"

He rolls his white sleeves up, "I'm ready when you are."

It's all on me, both Wriothesley and Archie await my answer. I reply by getting to my feet, my stomach tying itself in a knot. Archie grins, rearing to go and I can't help but smile back. I feel Wriothesley's stare as we begin to walk out, Archie leading the way.

♥

Travelling up the lift, the smell of temporary freedom floods my nose. 

Back in the reception, Wriothesley signs us out and hands us both cards that grant us access to the bottom floors if we need anything. He hands us over to the guards, who suspiciously gaze at us. 

"Wait for me outside," I say to Archie who nods and follows the first guard. The second waits for me.

"I'll be back before you know it, safe and sound." I get closer to Wriothesley.

Before he can reply, I throw my arms around him and squeeze him tightly. The Duke lets out a surprised laugh, but I feel his burly arms snake around my back too. We embrace for a minute, "Promise me that you'll send a message if you need help, alright?"

I pull away, slinking my pinky finger around his and childishly giggle, "There! I can't break a pinky promise!"

He warmly smiles, happy that we've had a proper goodbye. I just hope that this trip isn't a waste of our time or resources.

With that, I nod and the guard begins to lead me out. 

I wave one last time before turning away, a rush of adrenaline enveloping me as the first rays of sunshine kiss my skin for the first time in a while.

♥