Sigewinne vs. Teyvat

Part 1: An Unexpected Invitation

It had begun as a typical day for the Fortress of Meropide's head nurse. She had awoken at precisely 7am, just as she did every day. Her job of head nurse was very important, so she always took it upon herself to get working as early as possible

She had her usual breakfast: recipes of her own creation that very very nutritious, then changed into her color nurse's uniform, did her hair, and headed to the infirmary.

She had been working for an hour or so filling out papers and updating patient's files when Neuvilette and Wriothesley entered the infirmary. Neuvilette had a warm expression on his face as he often did when greeting Sigewinne, and Wriothesley seemed to be in good spirits as well.

"Monsieur Neuvilette! Wriothesley!" she beamed, standing up from her desk and skipping over to them. "What brings you two to the infirmary?"

"Actually, we're here to deliver some exiting news," Wriothesley smiled, although Sigewinne could sense that they were both a little tense. "If now is the right time to do so?"

"Of course! Whatever it is, go on and tell me, I'm waiting~"

Neuvilette and Wriothesley seated themselves on the two stools at the desk and Sigewinne sat across from them on one of the infirmary beds. Wriothesley then removed a small envelop from his pocket and handed it to Sigewinne. She eagerly took it from him and examined it.

It was standard size, and it was sealed with the official seal of the Fortress of Meropide in sparkly golden wax. For a moment, she held it up at different angles to enjoy the way the sparkles caught the light. Only when Wriothesley cleared his throat was she back down to Teyvat.

"Sorry!" she mumbled. "I'll go ahead and open...wait--you're the Duke of the Fortress, and you're right here, so why are you giving me a letter?"

"It will be useful to carry with you in the coming days," Neuvilette explained. "Perhaps you'll further understand once you read it."

This only made Sigewinne more bewildered, but she followed instructions and opened the letter carefully, as not to damage the seal of the envelope, because she hated when things were ripped or broken. She supposed that was part of why she was a nurse--to fix things.

The letter inside read:

Dear Ms. Sigewinne,

The Fortress of Meropide has felt the utmost gratitude for your services to our community as Head Nurse, so we feel that it is time to repay you in the form of a trip into some of the other nations of Teyvat. The journey is scheduled to begin in two days.

Monsier Neuvilette and I, Duke Wriothesley, believe that this will be a wonderful opportunity for you to learn of the medicinal practices used in other nations, which we know you have always wanted. During your leave of absence, Ottnit will temporarily manage your duties at the Fortress.

For the first three nights, we have payed for a room in Sumeru City, and we will provide you with a total of two million mora for meals, medicinal purchases, and places to stay in nations of your choice.

"TWO MILLION mora?! But that's so much, I can't let you give all of that to me!"

"Please expect this gift as a token of our gratitude," Neuvilette held out a large cloth pouch that looked to be heavy with mora. "Isn't it you yourself who always says it's good to care for your mind?"

He was right. Sigewinne was constantly caring for not only the physical but also mental health of her patients, but had this come at a cost to herself? I have felt a little lonely recently, she admitted to herself. And I've never been outside of Fontaine...

"I think Ottnit is well-trained," she announced finally.

Ottnit was one of Sigewinne's friends who also had an interest in medicine, and while it was true that she was very much below Sigewinne's skill level, Sigewinne trusted her. Besides, there were rarely any medical emergencies at the Fortress.

"If Ottnit agrees, then I'll say yes!"

"We expect you will enjoy your travels," Wriothesley smiled. "And just think of all the new medicines you could gather!"

Sigewinne couldn't deny that she was already dreaming of the remedies and medicinal practices she'd heard of from Sumeru. Very plant-based and natural. Modern places like Fontaine could really benefit from some older ways, and Sigewinne could really benefit from new places to explore.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's a wrap on Part 1!

Thank you so much for reading, Part 2 coming soon! If you enjoyed, please like and/or follow! Also, feel free to comment requests for other Genshin fanfics or plot points in this one!

--local_bilby :3