Valor

The early hours of Liyue were always the most pleasant for the consultant. They were a specific time of the day where he could take a moment to relax and unwind without the constant hustle and bustle of the harbour-- Even if all that energy and noise was also something that he enjoyed, as well.

Yet, it was during these times that he'd take a quiet stroll through the golden streets of the main city. Taking in how the rays of sun sparkled and softly covered each area of Liyue as it rose, like hands touching the most delicate of silk.

But what Zhongli didn't expect was to see a new face so early in the day and it started to make him ponder for a brief second. Walking up to the figure, wondering if, perhaps, they were lost or searching for something or someone in particular.

Someone from the Knights of Favonius? That was a rare sight in Liyue these days. He always heard traveller tales of them having just as many monster issues as Liyue had, so to see someone from there was always a pleasure. Even if it was on business.

“A Knights of Favonius.. Blanche, did you say? I shall do my best to remember this. My name is Zhongli. I am a consultant for the Wangshen Funeral Parlor. 

You said you were here to deliver a few letters, yes? Lady Ningguang being one? If you wish, I could try and give you a hand in finding these people. The streets of Liyue can become rather confusing to those who do not know them and it will not take long for the merchants and people to start flooding in once the sun reaches a near full rise.”

He had to wonder just what these letters were for, but that was not something he should be prying in to. The letters were not for him, but maybe he could get some idea if she allowed him to travel alongside her.

“A consultant? Wow, that sounds like a tough profession.” Especially in a Funeral Parlor. Regardless, she gave a nod and addressed him properly. “I would be most indebted to you if you helped me, Sir Zhongli.” It was a habit of hers to address people with Lady or the Sir pronounce.

Either that or Miss/Mister if they were a civilian.

“I’ve only been to Liyue a couple of times, so if you could show me the way, then I’ll treat you to some lunch.” It was the least she could offer as a thanks. Of course she did hold out her hand for a friendly handshake as well.

“I thought about coming here in my armor, but it felt like a bad idea. Seeing a Knight so early in the morning must be alarming to both the citizens and the guards.”

“Hmm.. There’s an unusual trace of anemo energy embued within these hydrangea bushes.” Muttering to themselves, Sucrose flitted here and there between ornamental arrangements recently replanted outside the Knight’s of Favonius headquarters. Crouching low to gather a q-tip sample of each blossom’s pollen, they thumped their clipboard rhythmically against their bent knees with their free hand, hardly even noticing the milling knights just behind them on the walkways. “What could it mean..?”

Suddenly, a shadow from a larger presence loomed just behind them. Caught off guard by the unanticipated approach, the researcher startled to their feet, only to lose balance halfway up and go stumbling headfirst into the brush. “EEP!”

The nerves that had the scientist all jittery initially calmed abruptly with the kind touch, quieting their heart and speech alike as they listened, somewhat enraptured, to the passion in Blanche’s reasoning. And to think, they’d have the same honor as hearing the very words she’d spoken to the Grand Master… their ears angled forward almost unconsciously with eagerness, giving little nods of affirmation.

“I understand completely!” And truly, they felt they did. It was no secret that most members of Mondstadt cared about the city and its people- Surely, most everyone felt similarly to the pair now seated at the Good Hunter. But it was rare to hear someone actually put a voice to those motivations, and hearing someone with such a strong understanding of what freedom and progress meant was truly inspiring.

“Everything you’ve said… It definitely corroborates your actions throughout your career as our Captain. I know I’m hardly fit to say it myself, since we work in separate departments, but… I can feel it,” Their voice softened slightly. “Even just having observed you around town, I can tell you really care. You’re making those aspirations into a true reality.”

Then, as if suddenly becoming aware once more of their very public location, Sucrose flustered, fixing their glasses in a fumbling gesture if only to obscure the slight pinkening of their face. “Um- That is to say- I-I guess we really are similar…”

If anyone was looking at them, the icy gaze of Blanche had shut them up.

“I’ll pick out Angel’s Share next time.” The Captain mumbled and returned her gaze to Sucrose. “I can only return the words to you. Seeing you around town with Albedo and even alone from time to time, helping the people...You’re doing a fantastic job, Lady Sucrose.”

Still, she had a bit more free-time, hence why she decided to spent it talking with the other. “Your field of Bio-Alchemy has really enrichened and advanced the field as a whole. I did hear that sometimes your inventions are weird, but I’ve only seen the positive ones.”

Again, she rarely, if ever trusted rumors. If she did, then she never would have approached Sucrose in the first place!

“One of my favorite inventions of yours is definitely the spray that allows Sunsettia’s to stay fresh for an entire month. It helps to pack them up for long-trips that the 3rd Company and I have to take sometimes.” Of course she did give a light bow, as best as she could in her sitting position and spoke again. “Thank you for that.”

“Newly crowned knight is what I am! Hoping to make Grand Master Jean proud and protect the people of Mondstadt!” Kyana answered with a salute again and a silly grin. She lit up at the question of lunch and nodded. “I would love some lunch! I’m pretty hungry from my earlier training! Where are we going? Angel’s Share?” she asked eagerly.

“Hmm.. There’s an unusual trace of anemo energy embued within these hydrangea bushes.” Muttering to themselves, Sucrose flitted here and there between ornamental arrangements recently replanted outside the Knight’s of Favonius headquarters. Crouching low to gather a q-tip sample of each blossom’s pollen, they thumped their clipboard rhythmically against their bent knees with their free hand, hardly even noticing the milling knights just behind them on the walkways. “What could it mean..?”

Suddenly, a shadow from a larger presence loomed just behind them. Caught off guard by the unanticipated approach, the researcher startled to their feet, only to lose balance halfway up and go stumbling headfirst into the brush. “EEP!”

“That’s an interesting question.”

Seated across from Blanche now- after having ordered their favorite Crab, Ham and Veggie Bake- the researcher maintained their exceedingly casual demeanor for the day, although it couldn’t altogether stop the nervous fidgeting of their hands. It’d been a long time since they’d been out with anyone who wasn’t directly involved with their research or otherwise scientifically associated. This sort of talking and sitting around together… was this was friendship entailed? It was unfamiliar, but. Not as scary as they might have supposed.

The question the other asked was equally unfamiliar. While it was common to have people ask where Sucrose had received education and what they studied, it was unusual to have to think back so far as to their initial inspiration. A little shyly, they let the question sink in for a moment, speaking cautiously when an answer came to mind.

“Well… I suppose it’s… Well, it’s a little childish. I pursued Alchemy from a very young age, but I don’t think I really understood what it meant until I was too deep in to second guess myself. Like- Chasing a fantasy?” Their gaze dropped momentarily, a little worried that they may be giving the wrong impression.

“Not that I’m any less serious about what I do! I-I just mean… I really only figured out I wanted to use Alchemy to help other people after I started it on a whim, more or less. It was a late realization, but- Well, Alchemy can do things even vision bearers can’t do. My field in particular focuses on modifying and expanding the benefits of our existing resources, as vague as that may sound. I sincerely believe it is the future of our modern technologies. At least, Mr. Albedo makes a very good case for it…”

Pausing one more time, they lifted their head to try and get a read on Blanche’s thoughts as they finished off apologetically. “I’m sorry if that’s all very broad. I guess it’s hard to say much more than… wanting to help people. Is what drives me, I mean.”

“Is it now?” Blanche bemusedly remarked and waited for Sucrose to finish speaking. Her expression remained as neutral as it always was, but had a smile as well. Putting a hand on Sucrose’s shoulder, she gave a gentle squeeze to it to try and calm the Alchemist down.

“That is a fantastic reason. Being broad is not bad and being too concise can be bad too at times.” Of course as promised, Blanche would also share her own reason for why she wanted to become a Knight of Favonius. “As for me? I wished to attain a kind of freedom I wouldn’t have as either a civilian or an Adventurer.”

“I wished to freely help the people of Mondstadt and even the surrounding nations if necessary. I told it to Grand Master Varkaz and I will tell it to you as well; I am a Knight of the People and my duties lay with them. To help others and to better myself in the process and make progress, that is the greatest freedom of all for myself.” It was pretty vague, but Blanche tried her best to keep it as honest and to the point as she could.