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The dawn of the day shines all throughout the City of Mondstadt.
As windows and doors flung open to greet a new glorious day of freedom.
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Streets flooding with cheerful and carefree people, as shopkeepers opened their stores and children joyfully playing tag in the busy plaza; laughter swirling in the air. Despite the hustle and bustle, the noise was nothing compared to the ever-glowing and prosperous Liyue Harbor, which was booming with loud chatter and gossip out in the open. Down the pavement of Mondstadt, numerous citizens traveled in their own journeys and expeditions for the day; Adventurers gathered at the Guild's Headquarters to share intel of the latest news, leisurely shoppers study every store offered in the city like Marjorie's Souvenir Shop or the General Goods owned by Blanche, Knights of Favonius roaming around their stations and keeping their guard, whilst others dine at Good Hunter, Angel's Share or Cat's Tail. Bards humming and plucking the delicate strings of the lyre, singing tall tales of freedom, peace, and love; enchanting passersby and charming them with eloquent poems.
The sun shines on the metal pendant of the alchemist's leather body strap, as he began strolling the cobblestone road. With every step, the tinkling of his coat's chains, and the sound of his heel clacking against the floor rang in his ear. His sword, Harbinger of Dawn, sheathed on his back; it wasn't as intricate or special as the sword named 'Festering Desire' that he found. Nevertheless, He favored the minimalist design and believing it served him a good purpose in his dangerous encounters. He was known to be observant with the tiniest details, rationalizing situations with collected facts, shreds of evidence, and predict accurate results. Ever since his arrival in Mondstadt, the city has been recognized for its great knowledge of the ancient art of alchemy they now hold, some people proclaimed that the said alchemist can even rival the scholars in Sumeru. Much as the praise he received from intellectuals and scholars alike; he seems troubled when it comes to sparking social relations. Draining him of most of his energy, with the exception of his half-sister, Klee, leading to little to no progress being done for his research.
Speaking of draining, he stopped dead in his tracks by a few admirers along the way to the Favonius Headquarters, due to the account of his recent breakthrough bringing a massive boost of popularity to Mondstadt. This endeavor costs him quite a lot of time.
"Oh! Great Albedo! It is an honor to meet you!" a young scholar approached him, smiled politely as she shakes the hand of the chief alchemist.
Taken aback by the name given to him, he returns the smile and shaking her hand as a respectful gesture. The scholar enamored by his snow pale skin, ash-blonde hair, and his twinkling turquoise eyes had lost her for words, completely starstruck, while her mouth gaping in awe. The soft jawline and a body type perfect for his height, and an alluring gold primo-shaped birthmark centered in his neck. Just as though he was a sculptor's masterpiece brought to life, not a single bruise nor any imperfection in plain sight.
Albedo, being the gentleman that he is, held her chin and gently closes her mouth. He chuckles in response to the situation. "Thank you for the kind praise but I apologize for I must cut this conversation short, I have several matters to attend to at the moment," he spoke as the young girl flustered in the sudden move, giving her butterflies in her stomach.
"If you do have any questions or important business you would like to converse with me, do not hesitate to appoint a meeting anytime." His soothing and calm voice that came from his mouth brought the girl back to her senses, apologizing for spacing out.
"I-I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you were on official business! I'll be sure to take your advice, Great Albedo!" She spoke as she bids her farewell and runs off wherever she may be. Tracing the small footprints of the girl's somewhat muddied shoes for a short while before darting his view back to the headquarters.
'How peculiar, she reminds me of her...' He thought to himself, rubbing his chin while walking. He decides to speed up his pace as to not cause any immediate disturbances in his jam-packed schedule. Running up the countless staircases, turning in every corner, he eventually arrived at the gigantic doors of his destination.
{-❃-}
Upon opening the laboratory door, Albedo expected to see his assistant working at her desk with beakers and test tubes filled with a variety of experiments. Greeting him every morning with a shy smile and the sweet-as-honey voice she possesses. Much to his surprise, he encountered empty tables and flasks, no sign of the mint-haired girl he works with. She usually arrives at the lab far earlier than him, and instantly puts all her time and efforts into the research she's currently studying.
Several inquiries clouded his mind.
'Maybe she's running a little late?' Albedo ponders as he saunters over to his side of the lab. Opening drawers to grab a few papers filled with notes and a small leather satchel laid down on top of the desk that he left there the other night. He sat and leans back on the wooden chair while he examines the notes from yesterday's report, the atmosphere is as though something was amiss. Glancing back at his assistant's table, reminiscing the warmth and peaceful sounds of the bubbling potions and the accompanying silence between them. The stillness of the room made him feel uneasy and unfamiliar with this new environment. Thinking of her presence in such a way was a bit unruly for him, he shakes off the thoughts and focuses on the matter at hand. Although, he did not realize the pinkish hue that colored his cheeks.
"Ah.. You're thinking too much about thi-!"
All of sudden, someone barged through the door, startling him as he faced the wide-open lab entrance. Completely winded and a hint of sweat dripping down its face, the shimmering topaz eyes meeting his. The Anemo vision nestled in its scarf glistens and glows, catching his attention as well.
'Why is she panting like crazy? Did she run all the way here?'
{-❃-}
Sunlight cracks through the small opening in the navy curtains of a quaint room. Reflecting on the wooden floorboards and at the small vanity mirror in the corner of the bedroom. The light creeping up to the soft pale hands of the mint-haired alchemist, and slowly glosses over her amber eyes.
"Mnh.."
She flinches at the bright light blinding her pupils, tired eyes fluttering open as the crescendo of the ticking grandfather clock's melody came to her hearing. She scans the blurry surroundings of her late-night paperwork and dried black ink marks on coffee-colored letters. Back hunched over the oak wood desk and face buried in piles of journals. After examining, she glances at the mirror, second by second her vision cleared until she saw the time on the clock.
It's nearing noon!
"Oh! O-Oh Archons! No no no, I'm late!" Her frantic and stuttering voice was heard from the outside, disturbing the little blue jays resting on her window sill.
In quick succession, she skimmed through her desk with all her important documents for Albedo to review today and packed them into her charming azure-colored handbag. She hurriedly runs to her closet and dresses up in her usual uniform. Fitting into her bodysuit, black thigh-high stockings, leather belt with a few potions on the side, tying her metal shoulder pads and her fluffy black scarf. Grasping her Anemo Vision and dangling it on her scarf like a cat's collar. Lastly, slipping in her white gloves and boots that clearly had worn out for a year or so.
She stared at the mirror, looking from head to toe, as she tied her hair back to a ponytail, and putting the alchemist hat on her head.
In her mind, she looked hideous and set her schedule to go shopping in her free time to replace her damaged clothing. Although, she might request assistance from Noelle or Lisa to do the talking and negotiation.
After fixing herself up, she did not bother to eat and made haste to the front door, making sure to bring the handbag with her and locking her door with her silver key. She could have slept in the spare rooms of the headquarters, suggested by the Acting Grandmaster Jean herself, but she and Albedo declined the offer but Jean insisted that it will be free if ever they had been over-working, unable to go home after late hours. Which was very kind and compassionate of her, and that's why Sucrose respects Jean's dedication and hard work although she was a little stern and strict.
Once she had looked out, the street was active as ever. Anxiety crept up her back and froze her in place, this is one of the reasons why she barricades herself in the laboratory in rush hours. After a few minutes of steady breathing, her heart settles in a normal pulse and she began to run through alleys that could hide her presence. A glimpse of Timaeus on the Alchemy Store assisting a girl dressed in scholarly clothing, as well as the Honorary Knight, Aether talking with the alchemist-in-training. Her curiosity swirled in her head but she redirects her focus on getting to the lab to not cause any trouble to her teacher.
Sprinting up the steps and arrived at the doors.
{-❃-}
"Sucrose?" a faint sound of her name seeping through the sound of heavy breathing.
A gloved hand assists her and led her to a chair to catch her breath, the blow of the cold breeze grazed her milky skin, regaining her strength in the process. Her eyes focusing on the man who supported her fast recovery.
"Did you run all the way here?" The man spoke as he walks across the room, holding what it seems to be a glass cup filled with fresh spring water.
Sucrose, now able to say a few phrases, "Y-Yes.. I was afraid of running late. A-And this was my first time being late as well.." Her voice a bit shaky and she was about to apologize for her tardiness.
"Don't worry, I'm not upset." He conveyed a worried and sincere look which made her more guilty than she already is. "Don't exert yourself, We've talked about this a couple of times." The gentle voice felt as though she was listening to tranquility found in the waters of Starfell Lake. Him setting down the glass of water on the table beside her.
"I-I apologize, Mister Albedo. I just finished a few reports and research notes you requested the other day." Her face lights up at the mention of her last-minute efforts before crashing from exhaustion, scrambling through her handbag, and taking out the papers. On the contrary, Albedo finds himself stunned by those words and in a slight state of shock. Knowing that he had given her assignment the day before yesterday, and it was due next week. He sighed as to what he had witnessed and pinches the bridge of his nose in disappointment.
"You shouldn't rush things, Sucrose. Besides, the assignment I gave you was not urgent." He spoke as he crossed his arms. "Jean will be preparing a celebration of appreciation to all the employees of the Knights of Favonius next month. Giving us less work and plenty of rest since we did crack a substantial breakthrough a week ago." Albedo noticed her fox-like ears drooped down and hints of cherry blossom pink on her plump cheeks.
Sucrose's dainty hands grip the glass next to her and sips from it. Refreshing with a drop of bitter-sweetness in the drink, some find it strange but it's how she likes it. Bewildered by the fact that he remembers such a small, insignificant detail of things she enjoys most.
After the awkward silence, She was about to speak up about something until a knock on the door caught their attention.
"Come in!" Albedo called out to the person behind the door and Sucrose's mouth sealed shut, now glad that she hadn't said anything foolish.
The blonde alchemist fixing his gloves before opening the door to the unmistakable, Honorary Knight. His blonde-to-citrine-colored hair and his golden eyes look at Albedo with a kind smile as he entered the room with a small vial in his hand, not to mention that his little floating companion was there following him as they always have been. They seem inseparable at this point.
"Good Morning, Albedo and Sucrose~!" Paimon yelled as her hand waved at them both. "It's noon, Paimon." Aether said while his eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, Yeah. Paimon knows that!" Her high-pitched voice was the right mix of vivid and annoying. It's quite a fine line between those two but the alchemists weren't bothered by the interesting creature.
"Ah, Traveler, What brings you here today, any leads on your expedition to find your sister?" Albedo questioned as he closes the door and signals to Sucrose to organize the papers on his table, as he leads Aether to a couch for them to consult on the outsider's needs.
Aether shakes his head as he sat down comfortably on the red couch. "Actually, we found something interesting in the remains of an Electro Cicin Mage. It's nothing like the Mist Grasses or the Insignias they leave behind." Albedo nods as he sat next to him,
"Is that so?"
"May I examine it for a while?"
The traveler gradually revealed the obscure vial in his hand, the alchemist then held it with utmost caution.
The shape of it is comparable to a talent material, "Shadow of the Warrior", in which Aether and his companion had previously introduced to him. Albeit, he already had acknowledged and experimented with it before. The liquid inside the vial illuminating a light translucent pink, rose quartz in color. When sloshed around the container, shimmering golden particles swirling inside resembling the galaxies and milky ways in starry nights. And when it remains stagnant, the liquid returns to what others may describe as "pink water". It was a marvelous sight to witness for the common folk.
The glasses-wearing alchemist has finished organizing her mentor's documents and journals that he haphazardly laid on his working table. Setting them back on the bookshelves, aligned and in perfect harmony. Making her way to a small table near the entryway of the laboratory, gripping two flowery-ceramic cups and setting them on a stainless steel tray. She held the kettle that contains boiling hot water that Noelle changes every now and again, looking at a small wooden rack of tea bags, she settled for candied dandelion petals with mint leaves.
Albedo swishing the vial gently to catch its reaction once more before he spoke, "Interesting, I haven't seen this kind of potion in quite a while"
"Ooh! So, you've seen a potion like this before, Albedo?" Paimon, eyes sparkling with curiosity, questioned him.
"Yes, I believe it's a variant of an infatuation potion, also known as love potions."
Sucrose's ears twitch upon hearing a new kind of potion she had not seen before, almost forgetting to not overfill the cups with hot water.
The floating child pressed Albedo with more inquires.
"How do you know it's a love potion? Where do you think it came from?"
"An Infatuation Potion is a rare and extraordinary alchemical recipe, as of what I have researched before I came here to Mondstadt, there are only 3 written recipes for the potion that exists in this world. One of the recipes can be found in the restricted districts of Sumeru, another in my possession, and the other one is unknown to me."
She patiently waits for the tea bags' essences to taint the warm water. Listening in the background of their conversation as she attends her tea-making session.
"Why would the Fatui do with something like this? Are they scheming an attack?"
"That is what I am unsure of but it's safe to assume that this can't be of any harm to the citizens of Mondstat, nor the whole of Teyvat. If they were scheming a malicious plan, I doubt that it would work as they have hoped for." He answered, stoic and calm when talking for professional or official business.
After a few minutes, the tea had finished soaking. Removing the tea bags and discarding them in a trash basket below. She carries the tray and made way to the low mahogany table, gracefully placing it down as to not disrupt them. Albedo glances at Sucrose and shows gratitude to her with a faint smile, which made Sucrose's face flush into a lightly saturated red.
"Albedo, You mentioned that you have a recipe for the potion," Paimon asked him which led him to pause for a second.
"What did you use the recipe for?"
The blonde alchemist,
of all his professionalism and renown glory,
had lost himself in his thoughts to what he has to say next.
{-❃-}
Author's Note:
Thank you for reading the prologue of my first Genshin Impact fanfiction!
Albedo and Sucrose have caught my eye when their trailer together first released and I think their chemistry as colleagues was really cute. What more if they slowly developed romantic feelings for one another?
As of writing this, The Windlbume Festival is coming to its end. Although I was overjoyed by the fact that Albedo had unintentionally given Sucrose flowers at Windblume. Mihoyo really be hinting at the slightest of romance between these two.
Note that this story will get a bit angsty and dark but I will try and balance it with fluff and hurt/comfort.
Once again, Thank you so much and please support this fanfiction if you enjoy it!
Ps. To all KaeBedo shippers, Albedo is bisexual in this story and had a previous romantic relationship with Kaeya. (;3 I got you guys, don't worry~, I too am a KaeBedo shipper)
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