A Forbidden And Cruel Love (Genshin)

Part 2 - Cruel Twist of Fate

Tomorrow evening soon approached, and Jean could see the whole group leaving Mondstadt city through her window. With Hannah infront, and the group of rowdy knights at the back, presumably gossiping as usual. They should be back by tomorrow.

Jean watches from her window, a small, slightly amused smile on her lips as she follows the group with her eyes. Hannah was in the lead, looking serious and as grumpy as usual. But behind her were the other rowdy knights, including Karoline. They all seemed excited and loud as ever...

She couldn't help but feel slightly concerned about their trip, and the potential trouble they might get themselves into. She knew Hannah was a reliable captain who always got her missions done perfectly. But... she also knew that the five young, rowdy knights were not very disciplined nor well-behaved.

Jean lets out a small sigh, shaking her head slightly as she turns away from the window. She hopes that they'll all manage to get through the mission without any major incidents or injuries...

Until, a few days later, a grim looking knight knocked on her office door. Jean looked up, already exhausted from stressing and worrying so much. Where had they been all those days?!

"May I come in?"

The knight murmured outside the door.

"Yes, of course."

She responds, gesturing for the knight to come in.

He entered the office, shutting the door behind him as he sighed. This was not going to be good. Usually, this guy's inner thoughts were displayed on his face.

"...Master Jean."

"Yes? What is it?"

"You... Well..."

He cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry. The mission you sent Captain Hannah and the other knights out on yesterday..."

He trails off.

Jean's heart constricts at the expression on the knight's face, a sense of uneasiness and concern filling her. She leans forward again, her eyes staring directly into the knight's. Her pulse quickens, and she can feel her heartbeat in her chest.

"What about the mission? What happened?"

"The Chief Alchemist said that it appears that this particular domain was affected by Ley Lines, and have trapped the entire group inside it. We don't know if they're still... okay."

Jean's eyes widen in shock and disbelief as the knight explains the situation. The domain... it was Ley Lines-affected. And the entire group... was trapped inside.

"What? Are you certain?"

He nodded.

"Mr. Albedo personally investigated the domain, right after they were declared missing."

She can't help the worry that floods her mind at the thought of the five young and rowdy knights trapped inside the domain. They were all young, and so... full of life. And... so mischievous.

The weary knight spoke up again.

"...You must have confidence in them. They might be trapped, but they do have a good chance of surviving, if they make it out soon enough."

He didn't sound like he believed himself.

Jean nods, her expression serious and determined. She knows that the knight was right: the group had a chance at survival. They were strong and capable, and she believed in their abilities. But... the thought that they were trapped and in danger still weighed heavily on her mind.

"You're right..." She responds quietly, her eyes looking up at the knight. "I do have faith in them... But I still... I can't help but worry."

"Has anyone been able to make contact with them? Do we know what kind of situation they're in?"

She asks, her voice low and steady.

He crossed his arms.

"No. They have been trapped inside the Ley Lines affected domain for about a few days now, and they have a good chance at survival, with Hannah, captain of the Combined Arms team."

"But we must get them out as soon as possible, or they may be at risk of starving."

"I understand. We need to act quickly."

She responds firmly, her voice calm and determined.

"Have we sent in any rescue teams yet?"

"We have. They were deployed a while ago."

"Good. That's good."

She responds, her voice firm.

"That is all."

His serious expression softened, as he regarded Jean's worried one.

"They'll be okay. This is nothing Miss Hannah can't handle."

Jean feels a small smile form on her lips at the grim knight's words, a flicker of hope and relief washing over her. She knew that Hannah was a capable captain, and that she had the situation under control.

"I know..." She responds softly, "Hannah is... a reliable captain. She wouldn't let anything happen to the group."

"Still..."

She mutters, her voice a little shaky. She can't help the worry that still gnaws at her heart.

"I can't help but be concerned. They're... young, and... mischievous. They're bound to get into trouble, even with Hannah as the captain."

"We will do whatever we can to make sure they get out alive and well. I'll inform you of any news."

The knight stood up, bowed, and left the office.