A Return, or a New Beginning? Pt. 7

Hello everyone! I hope you all are excited and happy with the new events going on in Genshin right now! The motivation gods have blessed me with the ability to write a whole chapter all at once in just a handful of hours, so I hope you all enjoy! Again, its a bit of a long one for me, so I hope you like it!
(Previous) Part 6||

After the Creator left for Dawn Winery, Jean found herself once more submerged in work. Papers were strewn across her desk, detailing changes in knight training, a re-assignment of stationing, a diverting of funds to protective details, and half-formed contracts with local businesses to supply various parts of the upcoming celebration, as well as a mostly-formed schedule of events.

She sighed and rested her head in her hands before looking off to her left at Venti, who had surprisingly re-appeared soon after their dear Creator had taken their leave. He had been present for all of her planning thus far, a seriousness surrounding him that slightly unnerved her. Though, he had been surprisingly helpful, pointing out possible gaps in Mondstadt’s defenses and ways that she could further vet the protective detail that she would be assigning to the Divine One.

Despite having long known Venti’s true identity, she was sometimes still stunned that Mondstadt’s favored bard and drunkard was their Archon. But now she was experiencing a whole new type of surprise, and was having a difficult time comparing the serious being in front of her that exuded power to the Bard she often saw utterly smashed at the taverns of Mondstadt.

“Jean.”

She was pulled out of her thoughts at the call of her name.

“Yes Venti?”

He pointed down at the map of Mondstadt that laid between them and tapped it.

“Although we’ve managed to cover most of the security concerns, as much as I would prefer we take additional, more… severe measures… we also need to discuss how we will be keeping the Creator’s condition secret. As loathe as I am to admit it, due to their memory loss our Beloved Creator certainly does not act in a way that many would expect. They only remember living as what they thought to be a normal human being, and thus act like one, rather than the highest being we have. They certainly don’t seem to be expecting any sort of worship or praise.” Venti’s eyes gleamed with concern and determination.

She nodded. That had been one of the things she was concerned about. She, of course, would not want to make the Creator act in any way differently than they would typically, but they must do something to protect them against their fragile condition becoming known to the world.

“Hmm,” She thought, “Perhaps we should go about limiting the contact they have with the general population. I would still like there to be a ceremony showing everyone in Mond that our Creator has come home, and give them all the opportunity to worship them in person, but aside from that we can limit their contact with people. We can say something along the lines of, ‘the Creator is still adjusting to their return.’”

“Hmm,” Venti brought his hand up to his chin, “that might just work. We would need to make a big deal out of the ceremony, and then have the rest of the celebrations take the form of a… festival of sorts, perhaps a couple of days of festivities, games, and prayers led by the church to keep the people distracted. Perhaps there should even be a bardic competition of sorts, where the musicians of Mond show who can sing the praises of the Creator the best!”

At this, Venti returned to some semblance of his usual self and winked at Jean, who let out a short sigh before refocusing.

“Thank you, that sounds like a good plan. A large ceremony up front, and then festivities to let the people celebrate their return, and perhaps to let the Creator know just how much they deserve the worship.”

Venti nodded, and then let out a musical laugh, grabbing his Lyre from where it laid on a nearby table.

“Well then, Acting Grandmaster, it seems as though you have your hands full! I’ll be popping by from time to time to make sure all is well, but I’ll leave the paper work to you! See ya!”

He moved to open the nearby window, and then… jumped out of it.

Jean slammed her head onto her desk and let out a groan.

Somewhere deep in the woods of Wolvendom, two boys tromped along, woven baskets in hand.

“Razor, you haven’t told me why we’re collecting these things. What exactly are we doing?” A befuddled Bennet said, hand curling around the heavy basket in his hands.

Razor grunted a bit, continuing to walk at a fast pace as he sniffed the air and looked in between the trees.

“We are collecting for Creator, to make them strong! Razor will protect! Bennet will help!” Razor sent a lopsided grin to Bennet that showed a little too much teeth, but Bennet’s eyes only widened.

“The Creator! They’re here? Is that why the Divine’s presence has been gone lately! I haven’t felt it at all! So it really is true! I know I missed some Acolyte meeting and everything because… I was stuck in that hole you helped me out of… But I didn’t think it would have been something like that!!”

Razor stood proudly, puffing out his chest.

“Yes, Razor found Creator first! The Creator is kind, but Razor must help protect! The big red fiery man helps too!”

Bennet’s eyes widened in shock, even as he whispered ‘big red fiery man?’ under his breath in confusion, before looking back in the baskets.

“So… why are we collecting shiny rocks, seashells, wolfhooks, small lamp grass, and ascension gemstones?”

“And meat!”

“And… meat. Razor, you know that meat will spoil quickly, right? You would have to give it to them today, or find some way to freeze it if you wanted to give it to the Divine One later. Otherwise, it would go bad, and not help them become strong.”

Razor let out a disappointed whimper.

“Fine, meat later. We collect these because Creator used to make Razor strong, so maybe Razor use them to make Creator strong! Shiny rocks and seashells just pretty offerings.”

“Oh! Well that makes sense. I think I saw some more small lamp grass over there!” Bennet pointed off into the distance. “And we could add in some Windwheel Asters too! Also-”

Albedo busied himself with his investigation. He would have long since returned to his lab up on Dragonspine, but for some reason, he could not bring himself to leave the city. As odd as it was, he was making due with his smaller lab in the Knights of Favonius headquarters.

He usually only used this lab if there was some immediate emergency, or if he was already in Mondstadt and there was something small he needed to do that didn’t require any of his more… elaborate equipment. However, for something as simple as going over the results of the alchemical scan he did on his Dear Creator, he didn’t need any of his more advanced tools.

Not yet anyway.

He looked over the numbers he wrote down in his notes and ran some internal calculations. He let out a concerned hum, and ran the numbers again.

It seemed as though his hypotheses were correct. During his scan, he had taken measure of the amount of Divine power his Dear Creator had left with them, as well as the rate at which it was recovering.

At its current rate, it would be another 7,867 years before you would regain your full power, of which it would take 1,480 for you to begin to retain any of your previous abilities. Even if he accounted for the possibility that your recovery may speed up the more power you got back, it would still be hundreds of years before you gained enough power to use any of your previous abilities.

You were healing… exceptionally slow. Divine beings such as Archons were known to heal quicker than humans. Even himself, a homunculus, healed faster than the average human.

So, it was incredibly odd that the being said to be the most powerful there is, would heal so slowly.

Perhaps you were simply… different. Afterall, there has never been another being like you. You were their Creator, of course you would be different in some ways. Perhaps your… death, as much as he hates to think of it, and the unintentional betrayal of your people harmed you in a manner beyond the physical. Perhaps it altered some part of your very being. Perhaps time worked differently for a being such as yourself? Or perhaps there is some sort of safety mechanism in returning without all of your power, although he could not think of any benefit this would have. And what of your previously red blood? Was it an illusion, some sort of a protection, or such a severe lack of power that your blood simply appeared red at first glance?

He wrote down the possibilities in his notes, also noting that the answer to these questions would require extensive study of the Divine One’s physiology and power, with more… invasive measures. He marked that line of study as ‘likely unable to pursue’.

At the very least, he now knew how long your recovery would take. He couldn’t say much about your memories, but from what he had learned when he brushed up on the literature available about memories and memory loss, it seems as though it may be connected to your loss of power. There had been several case studies in Inazuma where those who lost their visions lost some of their memories as well. Although he couldn’t compare someone as great as you loosing your power to a single human losing their vision, there was at least some precedent to your… situation. Although, there had been no records of those memories returning, just as none of those individuals had had their visions returned, so he really could not say for certain whether or not you would get your memories back.

Aside from this, he had already been able to confirm that much of your power loss was due to your travel to Teyvat before you were ready, as well as your previous… injuries, from several thousand years ago. After he left you with the Acting Grand Master and Master Diluc, he did some additional scans of the area around Windrise, where you arrived, only to find evidence of a massive energy surge that coincided with your transport here. So, aside from his questions as to your slow healing rate, the only thing that was left for him was to find a way to quicken your recovery.

However, finding a method to help speed up your recovery, or otherwise protect you, was an endeavor deserving the attention of multiple people. Though there was no other in Mondstadt who was nearly as accomplished in alchemy as him, and fewer more who he trusted to help him in this particularly delicate matter, he thought that Sucrose would be a good assistant in this case. As she specialized in Bio-Alchemy, and was another Acolyte, he thought that she may be able to bring him a different perspective from time to time.

He made another note to inform Sucrose of the situation and, before closing the notebook altogether, made another note to check in on his Divine One at Dawn Winery from time to time. Just to check in on their condition and update them on the progress of his investigation, that’s all. You were far too fragile at the moment, so it was better to be safe than sorry.

Finally, he closed his notes and stepped away from the desk he had been sitting at for the last few hours, putting on his jacket as he left his lab.

He had some tests to complete.

The rest of the carriage ride to Dawn Winery was peaceful. As you closed in on the manor, you looked out the window to see rows and rows of trellises on rolling hills filled with grapes. Surprise filled you as you realized just how large Dawn Winery really was. You knew that Mondstadt was far bigger than you had expected, but you hadn’t thought that there would be such a massive difference elsewhere. You hadn’t even thought about how Diluc actually ran a very big business, essentially running the entire alcohol industry in Mondstadt, and just how much land that would require.

You were very wrong.

Dawn Winery was huge. Even the manor itself was huge. You knew logically that Diluc basically lived in a mansion, but you hadn’t quite grasped what that actually meant. Although the building was big in-game, it was nothing too out of the ordinary.

This was a rich person house.

Like- a rich-rich person house.

Damn just how much money does this guy have!

Diluc must have seen the awe-struck look on your face, because he chuckled.

“I’m glad you like my home, Your Grace.”

You nodded, embarrassed, half covering your face with one of your hands.

“Sorry, yeah. I wasn’t quite expecting it to be so big. What I knew of Teyvat from… the story, must have been… somewhat inaccurate when it comes to detail. I knew you had a mansion but damn.”

You watched as his face turned pink and he sat there, unsure of what to say. Before he had to respond though, the carriage stopped moving and he immediately took the opportunity to step out before moving around to your side and opening the door for you.

You took the hand offered to you and stepped out of the carriage, stumbling at the height of the drop. You wavered a moment before Diluc steadied you.

“Are you alright, Your Grace?” You could see concern in his eyes as his hands hovered over your waist, ready to catch you if you fell once more.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks though, we don’t exactly have carriages anymore where I’m from so I was just a little surprised at the height.”

He nodded, accepting your answer as he stepped back from you, giving you some space before turning to meet the woman who was walking towards you from the manor.

“Ah, Adelinde, perfect!”

So this is Adelinde!

“Adelinde, if you could arrange for our best room to be set up? We will be having a very important guest staying with us for some time.” Diluc glanced at you before continuing. “And please keep it discreet, I will explain in further detail later on. If you could also call for the usual tailor, it would be appreciated.”

Adelinde nodded to Diluc, bowing to both him, and surprisingly you, in turn.

“Of course, Master Diluc. I’ll ensure the rest of the staff know about the need for discretion as well. I’ll take my leave then.” Bowing once more, she entered the manor.

Watching as she entered, Diluc then looked around to check if anyone else was present. Finding no-one else but the two of you, he turned to you and kneeled.

Before he could get a word in, you waved you hands around and, with a slightly pinker face than normal, quickly interjected.

“Diluc, like I told Jean, you don’t have to kneel or anything! I know Albedo said I’m your guys’ Creator, but I honestly don’t remember any of the things I have supposably done thousands of years ago! To me, I’ve just been a human all my life so there really is no need for any of the bowing or kneeling or anything!”

Diluc didn’t move. Rather, he simply smiled, catching you off-guard.

“Your Grace, just as Jean said, I am happy to kneel before you. It is the very least of what you deserve. Just because you do not remember your deeds, does not mean that you are not deserving of worship and praise because of them. Besides, do you not remember this story you mentioned? You have done so much for us in Teyvat just through guiding us in the way you could! Even if you didn’t know that Teyvat was real at the time, you guided us with kindness nonetheless!”

You faltered. You couldn’t exactly argue with that, but…

“But I was controlling real actual people! Making them fight and complete quests, and for what? Progression in a story I loved? For the ability to control more people? I just don’t understand what is so good about that? It seems so…”

Cruel, manipulative, and controlling come to mind. Isn’t Mondstadt the city of Freedom? Shouldn’t what I have done be hated?

Diluc must have seen the look on your face.

“No Your Grace, your guidance is a blessing! Those chosen as Acolytes receive guidance directly from you! From what I’ve been told, they are not made to do anything. It is simply such an honor to be connected to you that they listen to your suggestions. I myself have longed for quite some time to become an Acolyte, only to now find out that you specifically wanted me, you just couldn’t quite reach me!”

You must have still looked a bit apprehensive, because he continued, eyes filled with reverence and determination.

“That’s not even considering the strength and power you give to your Acolytes. That alone would be a blessing, but the fact that they also are guided by you to travel, do good, and learn more about the world is nothing less than an honor!”

Is it truly that good of a thing that I was controlling them? I suppose… if they all see it this way then it might be fine. It’s not like I can do it anymore anyway…

“Alright Diluc, I’ll… think about that. It’s not like I can guide anyone like I could before anymore, so… Anyway, what was it you wanted to say before I interrupted you?”

With this Diluc stiffened, noticing the obvious change in topic, and complied.

“Your Grace,” he placed his hand over his heart, “I am honored you chose to stay with me. Myself, the staff, and all here at Dawn Winery are here to serve and protect you. I want you to know that if you need anything, anything at all for the duration of your stay, all you need do is ask. Myself and Adelinde, my head housemaid, are especially at your beck and call. And I assure you, everyone working here was hand-picked and I trust them to keep your stay here, as well as your… condition, a secret. You will come to no harm here, Your Grace.”

At that declaration all you could do was blush slightly and nod. After a moment, you regained your composure.

“Thanks Diluc, I’ll keep that in mind.”

With that, he stood and gently took your arm in his, leading you into the manor.

He’s so warm… He really is like a human heater…

As he held the door open for you, you could see that the inside of the manor was just as lavish- if not more- than the outside. For a moment you just stood there, taking in your surroundings until Diluc addressed you once more.

“Your Grace, I wanted to ask if you had any preferences? Anything in particular that you may want during your stay? We can obtain the finest food, clothing, wines, or anything else you could possibly want. We have already called for a tailor, and they will likely arrive around mid-day tomorrow to fit you for a wardrobe fitting for our Divine Creator, and in the meantime, there will be some clothes sent up to your room. But, is there anything that we can possibly get you?”

You turned to him, a little shocked at just how much he was offering you.

“Well, I don’t really have many preferences, I’m fine with just about any food to be honest. Plus, I’m a little excited to see what kinds of foods Teyvat has to offer. And it seems as though you’ve already covered the clothing bit, so there really isn’t anything that immediately comes to mind. Plus, I don’t really drink alcohol, so… thanks but I think I’m good for the time being.”

Diluc looked stunned for a moment, before a strange look of awe came over him, accompanied by a soft smile.

“Well then, might I lead you to your room so you may rest before dinner?” He held out his arm for you once more, and you couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh as you took it and let him lead you.

Diluc shut the door to his personal office and buried his face in his hands.

The Divine Creator, in his manor. Oh my Archons. The Divine Creator. In his manor. And they had wanted him as an Acolyte?!?

He could feel his face burning.

…He needed a moment to compose himself.

After Diluc took in a few deep breaths and was able to somewhat calm himself, he moved to sit down behind his desk and started to ponder the situation he had somehow found himself in.

First of all, he would need to stop his… nighttime activities for a while. He was needed far more at his manor at the moment, and he couldn’t bear to think of leaving the Creator alone in his home. He would also have to let Charles know that he wouldn’t be bartending any time soon.

Additionally, he would need to expect periodic visits from Jean and Albedo, and likely… that bard as well. All three of them will be concerned about the Creator’s well-being and would be looking to update both the Creator and him about their plans to celebrate and protect Their Grace.

Jean would be heading the planning for the celebration, and he supposed he could trust the security detail in her hands, especially with something so crucial and important on the line.

And that Albedo would be studying Their Grace’s condition…

Hopefully we can find a way to get their powers and memories back, or at least find a way to help protect them in their fragile state.

That bard too… he had no idea what he would be doing. With how serious he was being earlier while their beloved Creator was sleeping, Diluc wouldn’t be shocked if he was somehow watching everybody, making sure that there were no slip ups when it came to the protection of the Divine One.

For once, that bard may make himself useful…

And… Sir Kaeya.

 Diluc already knew that he would be sent off to monitor his spy networks, listening for any word at all of the Creator’s location and condition, and ensuring that any word that does get out is quickly… squashed.

At the very least this meant that he didn’t have to deal with him.

As Diluc was thinking to himself, he almost didn’t notice Adelinde come into the room, but was able to catch himself before he let any surprise show.

“Oh, Adelinde!” He sat up from his slightly slouched position. “I suppose you want to be informed as to what is going on?”

She nodded.

“Yes Master Diluc,” she started, an inquisitive but firm look in her eye, “what exactly are we dealing with here? You and I both know that room is set aside for only the most prestigious of guests. Even in all my time here, it has only been used a handful of times. Just who are they?”

DIluc let out a sigh, and motioned for Adelinde to sit down, whose eyes widened at the implication that she should be sitting when she hears this.

“That, Adelinde,” he paused, musing at the ridiculousness of his next statement, “Is the Divine Creator themself. That is Their Grace.”

It took the head housemaid a minute or two before she could yet again compose herself.

“The Divine One… In the flesh…” She whispered, shock and reverence mixed together in her voice.

“So, you understand just how important discretion is now. I trust you, so I know you understand just how important it is that you make sure this stays quiet, especially since… the Creator isn’t in good shape right now.”

Diluc could hear Adelinde’s sharp inhale of surprise, but he continued nonetheless.

“They arrived in Windrise today, not remembering anything, and without any of their power. They are… very fragile at the moment. We cannot risk something like what happened thousands of years ago happening again. As loathe as I am to admit it, the knights are doing their job fairly well at ensuring this keeps quiet while a celebration is planned and protective details are arraigned. But, until then, they are in our care.”

“Oh my Archons…”

Adeline sat back in her chair, dumbstruck. Diluc could only mirror her expression of shock and exasperation as he too sat back in his chair, running his hands through his hair before leaning down and placing his face in his hands.

“Oh my Archons indeed.”

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