maid • kaeya

lxviii

• third person •

Kaeya had been awake for a while. Perhaps even from sunrise — Adelinde wasn't too sure. She watched him fondly through the window, where he paced idly through the grape vines outside.

He was going back to the Knight's dorms today. Adelinde couldn't help the pang in her heart every time she tried to convince herself to accept it. She had made him a big breakfast for his last day here, and for perhaps the last time she would ever be able to make him breakfast, but she was yet to call him inside.

It was so painful. To call him inside for his last breakfast at his own home. Yet, she knew it would be even more painful to try and convince him to stay.

With a large sigh, finally, Adelinde stepped outside. The morning winds blew gently, the sun's rays warm and welcoming. Her head tilted, noticing that Kaeya had now sat on the ledge, a crystalfly resting upon his finger.

"Good morning, Master Kaeya," Adelinde greeted.

Kaeya lifted his head. The crystalfly fluttered away as Adelinde approached. Kaeya simply smiled lovingly.

"Good morning Adelinde," he replied. "I suspect breakfast is ready?" He grinned.

Adelinde stood before him as Kaeya looked up at her. "That's right."

Kaeya didn't get up. Instead, he patted the floor next to him upon the ledge, a look of anticipation on his face. Of course, Adelinde couldn't resist the young master in the slightest, even since he was just a little boy.

The head housemaid sat quietly beside him, gazing off into the fields, where crystalflies flew gracefully with one another.

"Thank you for taking care of me these past few days, Addie," Kaeya spoke warmly. "I really am so grateful."

Adelinde shook her head. "There's no need to thank me. Our doors are always open for you, Master Kaeya..."

Kaeya met her eyes. Although she tried to hide it, there was a clear frown on her face, and her sadness was laced within her tone.

"Adelinde," he called. Adelinde's eyebrows raised a little. "This isn't a goodbye, you know." He chuckled. "I'll be back, don't you worry."

Adelinde hummed. A small sigh left her lips, before, reluctantly, she nodded.

"I made lots of food for you to take back to the dorms. Make sure you're eating well, alright? If you're struggling or need any help, just come right back home, okay?"

Kaeya beamed. "Of course. I'll keep that in mind, Addie. But don't worry, I'm good at looking after myself."

Adelinde didn't look like she believed that in the slightest. A big, playful exhale left Kaeya's chest as he stood, helping Adelinde up too.

"Will you eat with me, Adelinde? For my leaving breakfast."

Adelinde's lips pursed for moment, though, when met with those puppy eyes of Kaeya's... it was impossible for anyone to say no.

"For you, Master Kaeya."

Kaeya giggled. He cheered quietly to himself, before the two returned back inside the winery, where they shared a hearty meal and endless chatter.

And now, Kaeya was standing in his childhood bedroom, taking one last glance at it all.

To think that all he had known and grown up with for the past ten years could be gone in an instant.

How interesting... life was.

Kaeya's eye narrowed. Finally, he stepped out of the room, his hand resting upon the doorknob.