Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

5: Sucks To Be You

Vimara Village was a place that thrived by the riverside. Gandharva Ville, on the other hand, was a place for people who could live among the trees.

In Sumeru, trees were larger than towers and buildings. One may build two or more houses among their branches and they will never worry about Rishboland tigers entering their homes.

Gandharva Ville is also where the Forest Rangers live and work. Patients that cannot be brought to Sumeru City immediately were taken to Gandharva Ville. Though most cases were mostly about mushroom poisoning and were harmless in nature, the absurd amount of times it happened caused headaches for the Forest Rangers. Still, it was better than lethal poisoning.

Soleil and Cyno crossed a few wooden bridges unril they arrived at a pod-like house built near the tree trunks. Tighnari pushed the door open and stepped to the side for the pair to step in.

"Go in. Make yourselves at home," Tighnari said. Cyno walked in after Soleil and looked around emotionlessly.

"Where's dinner?" he deadpanned. Tighnari's eye twitched, "I spoke for formalities. But if you're that hungry, you can help yourself to a few pita pockets in the pantry."

"They're not hot," Cyno said. "Don't make me kick you out in front of our guest. You never said you were stopping by so there was no time to cook," Tighnari said irritably.

How domestic these two are, Soleil thought amusingly. Looks like the pair hasn't changed a bit. Cyno raised his hands in mock surrender before walking towards the pantry.

"Honestly," Tighnari shook his head, one hand on his hip. He looked at Soleil, who awkwardly looked the opposite way to avoid his gaze.

Tighnari stared at her curiously but said nothing. Cyno returned with a basket of pita pockets, one piece stuffed into his mouth.

"Have a bite," Cyno offered a piece to Soleil. "I'm full, thank you," Soleil declined.

"I'm assuming you left on some sort of secret mission. You rarely show up unexpectedly," Tighnari said. "That's right. No one's really meant to know I left Sumeru so I left secretly," Cyno said.

"I see. And that secret mission involves our guest, correct?" Tighnari mused, glancing at Soleil. "Correct," Cyno nodded.

"Hello. I believe I haven't introduced myself yet," Soleil smiled. Tighnari laughed in response.

"There's no need to pretend, Soleil. I know it's you," the Forest Ranger smiled, "You can alter your appearance, but I'll still be able to tell you apart by scent."

"Ah. I forgot I'll run into people with heightened sense of smell time to time," Soleil giggled. "Try to remember next time. You're supposed to be dead, after all," Tighnari said.

"Alright fine, you got me," Soleil raised her hands in mock surrender, smiling wryly, "I'll keep your words in mind."

"Good. Now that's out of the way, welcome back," Tighnari said warmly, "Word about your death has already circulated everywhere. I can't say if that was intentional or not, but I'm glad it isn't real."

"It's quite intentional. We'd appreciate it if you can keep it a secret. Soleil was meant to return to the Akademiya in secrecy," Cyno said.

"You have my word. But I just have to ask: what kind of mess did you get yourself into that you had to fake your death just to get out of it?" Tighnari looked at Soleil in bewilderment.

"It's a long story. Also, my death was quite real," Soleil said. "What?" Tighnari blinked.

"She wasn't joking. Putting her soul back into her body was exhausting," Cyno rubbed his nape. "What?" Tighnari turned to him next.