Veiled Truth

Chapter 2

Mondstadt, Early Afternoon...

Albedo entered the bustling streets of Mondstadt, making his way toward the Knights of Favonius headquarters. He needs some new and fresh materials to maintain Aethers condition in its perfect form, so unfortunately he needed to leave his clone behind in the pot and head back to his lab. He moved with purpose, carrying a bag to gather more materials in it. His mind was focused on the tasks at hand, but he couldn't ignore the sudden awareness of a growing presence behind him.

Albedo sighs and a little annoyed thinking to himself 'Seems I'm not as discreet as I thought.'

As he entered the lab, he found himself cornered by a group of concerned friends and colleagues, including Jean, Kaeya, Diluc, and most notably, Klee, who looked up at him with a mix of worry and relief.

Klee shouted with a cheerful voice, moving to his side "Albedo! You're back!"

Albedo forced a smile, masking his discomfort. "Hello, everyone. I just needed some materials for my experiment. It's quite urgent."

Jean frowns, being concerned with his behaviour "Albedo, we've been worried about you. You've been missing for so long, and no one knew where you went."

Sucrose entered the room after hearing the commotion "I could have helped with the experiment. You know I'm always here to assist."

Albedo's eyes flicked toward Sucrose, but he shook his head, his voice firm. "No, Sucrose. I appreciate your offer, but this experiment requires solitude and concentration. It's important for the progress of my research."

With a frown Sucrose protested but Albedo stopped her "I need to finish this quickly. It's best if I work alone."

He gathered the materials with practiced efficiency, his movements tense. Klee tugged at his sleeve a frown and a small pout forming says softly. "Can I come with you, Albedo? I want to help too!"

Albedo's smile faltered. "I'm afraid not, Klee. This work is too delicate. I need to be alone to ensure it's done properly." As he said that, everyone in the room equally frown and the adults glanced at each other.

He quickly wrapped up his work and prepared to leave. As he turned, he noticed Kaeya and Diluc exchanging glances, their expressions troubled.

Kaeya was the first to talk "Is everything alright, Albedo? You seem... different. Is something disturbing you?"

Albedo quickly smile and says "I assure you, I'm fine. Just very focused. I need to return to my research. Please, don't worry about me."

He stepped away, casting a wary glance over his shoulder as he left the building to ensure no one was following. With quick, purposeful strides, he made his way out of Mondstadt and back to his Serenitea Pot.

Diluc watched Albedo leave the building from one of its many windows that had the view of the gates which lead outside the city, his eyes narrowing. "Something doesn't seem right, he was evasive and seemed on edge." Kaeya says as he approaches him, folding his arms.