One's Own Freedom [Genshin Impact]

Chapter Two - Discoveries

Fast forward a few years. Two to be exact. It was my 16th birthday and as per usual, the kingdom held a large event in celebration. It was like this every year, same music, same food, same gifts; nothing really changed. People from the village also came to celebrate inside of the palace. Of course, Lumine and Aether wouldn't have missed it for the world.

I ran out from my room and down the windy staircase once more. I expected the place to be filled with people from the kingdom, every hall and every room. Meaning I would have searched for the twins a lot more.

I skipped through the crowds of people and everyone had wished me a happy birthday as I passed them. On this special day, I could do whatever I wanted, even going outside. But still under some restrictions that I am forbidden to read any of the books about wizardly subjects.

"Lumine! Aether!" I spotted the two blondes settled in a corner, casually talking. I continued to push forward towards them. Once they recognized my figure, a warm smile crept upon their faces.

"Rai! Happy birthday!" Lumine came from her spot and went to give me a short hug. "Feel any different?" I pulled away from her embrace, her smile filled my heart with joy. They both were only two years younger than me, but somehow I feel as if I'm still the same age as them.

"Not really, same thing everyday to be frank," I looked over to Aether who was still standing there with a small sly smile on his face. "Not even a greeting Aether? I see you smiling," I set a hand on my hip as he chuckled.

"Happy Birthday Rai," He said in the most boring tone I ever heard come from him. "I guess you're old now," The boy's smile came back once more.

"Hey! Who are you calling old?" I shot back in a sarcastic voice. Aether always loved to tease me more than his sister. I guess you could call me and him siblings more so with Lumine. "Being 16 is the life, thank you very much."

"18 will be the life, you'll finally be out there." He commented as he walked up to me and gave me a sincere hug. I was a tad bit taller than him, which made me feel a little better about myself. After I pulled away, I lightly hit the top of his head in amusement.

"But at least I'm a little bit taller than you still,"

"Heh, watch me grow to be taller than you when you're 18,"

"I doubt it,"

I heard the crowd start to quiet down, and then it suddenly hit me. I was supposed to create a birthday speech and dress accordingly. I looked down at my casual wear, which simply was a day gown and nothing special. I realized all the weird glances I also received while trying to visit Aether and Lumine.

"Damn, I forgot about the ceremony!"

The twins gave me a funny look, Aether looked like he was about to burst into laughter. Lumine only giggled softly.

"Then what are you doing here? Go change and get ready dummy!" Aether shooed me away while Lumine waved farewell to me. I nodded at them and quickly turned around, rushing back to my bedroom.

As I was sneakily wandering to the crowd, I found myself at the usual staircase where I climb up and down everyday. However when I finally reached the top, Luna was standing outside of my door.

"Ah! Uh, Luna, fancy seeing you here," I got flustered and embarrassed. I thought she had come looking for me to come scold me, but that wasn't the case at all.

"Rai! I was just looking for you-"

"My apologies for not being ready! I realized I wasn't in formal dress code and-"

"Oh darling don't worry about that for right now, the ceremony doesn't start for another 25 minutes," Luna reassured me, making myself look like an idiot for quickly explaining. "They simply wanted to start small talk and discuss some things with everyone,"