It starts off as a day no different than others, just the usual knightly routine they're all used to. And when the slightest

It starts off as a day no different than others, just the usual knightly routine they’re all used to.

And when the slightest of changes are made, the Cavalry Captain notices it right away.

The first thing is the atmosphere.

For some reason, the Knights of Favonius’ Headquarters feels a little more… cozy today.

Not like it had been cold before, but it definitely is warmer.

If he’s not imagining it.

Shaking his head, Kaeya brushes the small detail off as he goes on to work.

“Good morning.”

Smiling, he returns the Acting Grand Master’s greeting.

“Morning, Jean.”

Is it just him, or does the smile on her face really say more than a simple “good morning”?

“In a good mood today?”

“Sharp as ever, I see.”

The woman chuckles.

Not too rare of her to do so, though he’s getting an inkling of… well, something he cannot quite place.

“But yes, you are correct.”

Interesting, he thinks to himself as a playful smirk makes its way up his face.

“I wonder what could have made our Acting Grand Master so happy this early into the day.”

Although the teasing in his voice is apparent, the blonde remains composed, as usual.

And in response, she smiles.

Her blue eyes shine with an emotion that’s borderline mischief, yet it carries her usual respectful demeanor.

That’s already an answer, yet all he can read from her is:

See for yourself.

Which makes him falter for a brief moment, as never once had he failed to read anyone other than…

A certain someone.

`“Together forever, promise?”

“… Mhm, promise.”`

The fond memory makes his features soften.

Ah… how long has it been?

As observant as anyone would expect her to be, or even more so, Jean breaks the silence carefully.

“Kaeya, feel free to tend to your own matters today.”

At this, still a bit dazed, the man blinks.

“Wait… What?”

He’s permitted to…

“Are you serious?”

“Of course, I would not lie to you, would I?”

The woman hums.

“Please, I know you have many things on your mind.”

Yes, being Cavalry Captain isn’t easy by any means, but how could his burdens compare to the weight on the Acting Grand Master’s shoulders?

Regaining his composure, he chuckles as he replies to her.

“Not as much as you.”

“I do not have clear information, nor would I allow myself to invade your personal space.”

He expected a comeback, though…

He didn’t expect one like this.

“However, you are far busier than I am with the amount of work behind the scenes.”

One accompanied with a knowing smile.

“You are more than you think.”

Stunned, the man can only stare.

What’s with this… warmth in his chest upon hearing her words?

To feel such sincere, such honest emotions from her without being able to read into it?

“Oh, Sir Kaeya…!”

Turning around when a voice reaches his ears, he finds Noelle - the Maid of Favonius - beaming at him.

“Good morning!”

She bows, as polite as usual, and proceeds to tell him something that’s perhaps as shocking as the Acting Grand Master’s display of kindness just now.

“I’ve prepared breakfast for you!”

She… what?

It’s not too much of a surprise, considering how often he skips it in favor of getting work done - not to mention the girl’s earnest nature - but it doesn’t always happen due to both of their busy schedules.

“Big bro Kaeya!!”

Before he even gets to process what’s happening, the Spark Knight - Klee - throws herself onto him, who he fortunately manages to catch despite his shock.

“Let’s go! We’ll have breakfast together!!”

That isn’t too unusual, at least, they do get to eat together on a few occasions as long as the small girl wasn’t in solitary confinement - which was the case most of the time.

“Ah, alright.”

Finally recovering once more, the tanned man chuckles as he brings Klee up above his head and allows her to settle on his shoulders.

“Let us go, then.”

The girl cheers gleefully, giggling as the Cavalry Captain brings her to the dining room within the Headquarters.

Once they’re out of sight, Jean smiles softly.

“Noelle, are they on the move?”

Bowing with grace, the Apprentice Knight responds with a smile of her own.

“Yes, everyone is ready.”

Humming, the woman nods.

“Thank you, let us hope this works.”

It is a special day, after all.

The second thing is everyone’s behaviors.

It’s not as if they’re not nice people already, Kaeya only finds that their kindness occuring in the same day like this makes him feel… strange.

Especially when it’s for him.

Nonetheless, the breakfast with Klee was wonderful.

Noelle made her specialty, Lighter-than-air Pancakes for them today, and the treat tastes as sweet as one’s materialization of love.

… Okay, that may sound a bit sappy but he definitely isn’t thinking of anything weird.

“What are you up to?”

He hears the little girl ask.

“Klee wants to play!”

“Oh, well- I may be a bit free today.”

He hums, holding his chin thoughtfully.

“If you want me to hang around, that’s alright as well.”

Though… he knows this wouldn’t turn out okay if Klee uses her…

“But you need to keep the bombs away.”

The girl opens her mouth and as if on cue, the door opens to reveal their Chief Alchemist - Albedo - walking in.

Youthful appearence yet incredibly talented, he moves to greet the two.

“Good morning!!”

Klee beams at the sight of the man, waving enthusiastically.

“Can Klee use your workshop a bit?”

“Yes, you’re welcome.”

The white-haired man responds, nodding.

“I believe I have a new formula for you, too.”

“Really?!”

The girl’s eyes shine in excitement at this.

“That’s awesome! You’re the best!!”

Kaeya shakes his head, smiling fondly.

“It’s rare seeing you outside of your workshop, dear Captain of the Investigation Team.”

Humming, he adds.

“What brings you here?”

“I’m just taking something necessary, for Sucrose’s project.”

The man responds, grabbing a few… spare utensils on the table.

“As well as getting Klee to try out this formula I made for her.”

New formula, huh…

“Okay, I’ll admit, that sounds a bit terrifying.”

The Cavalry Captain snorts.

“Are you sure Jean wouldn’t make her sit in solitary confinement for another while?”

“Of course.”

The other nods, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“It may be explosive, but it won’t harm anyone.”

And at times like this, he finds people’s words regarding the alchemist more accurate than ever.

You can never tell what he’s thinking.

“Besides, the Acting Grand Master herself approved of it.”

Kaeya blinks.

“She did?”

Before the man gets to speak, Klee jumps out of her seat and cheers.

“Yay!! Klee can test out a new bomb!”

At that, both men share a look - a pair of ice blue and a pair of teal - along with a knowing smile.

“Alright, let us go.”

Albedo hums, walking over to the door.

“Have a nice day, Kaeya.”

“See you later, big bro!!”

The small girl follows after the man, waving.

“Klee will be back in no time!!”

Smiling, the tanned man waves as the two exit the room.

Once the duo makes it to the older’s workshop, he closes the door and makes sure there’s a sign saying he’s busy outside before turning to the Spark Knight.

“Big bro Kaeya isn’t supposed to know of this, okay?”

Nodding, the girl grins as she puts a finger onto her own lips and speaks quietly.

“Everyone’s plan is a secret.”

The Chief Alchemist mirrors her gesture with a smile.

“A secret between knights.”

It is, definitely, a special day.

The day goes by as usual, though the man finds himself on a stroll through the streets of Mondstadt for most of it.

On his way to the library, the Cavalry Captain ponders about what has happened so far.

Jean letting him do as he pleases, Noelle making him breakfast, Klee sharing said meal with him, Albedo showing up outside, even Sucrose needing something like utensils for her work…

Just what really is going on?

“Ah, hello there.”

He hears the librarian and greets back with a chuckle.

“Hey, Lisa.”

The woman hums, leaning over on her desk.

“Are you borrowing a book?”

“Oh, not really.”

He shakes his head.

“I actually want to ask if you know of something.”

She is rather close to their Acting Grand Master, after all, so there’s a chance she has an idea.

And when the woman nods, letting him speak, he smiles.

“What are the others up to?”

At his question, Lisa’s green eyes flicker with amusement.

“Curious, aren’t you?”

The smile on her face suddenly seems a tad more mysterious, as if she’s back to being the Witch of Purple Rose for a brief moment.

“But sorry, dear, I don’t have the answer to that question.”

“…”

He’s left stunned once more, staring at the woman as thousands of questions swim through his head.

However, the majority of them are…

Why?

What’s so special about today?

He cannot help asking himself that question, knowing he won’t get an answer from the rest anyway.

“Oh, right.”

Lisa chuckles upon seeing his shocked face.

“Amber told me that she’d like to talk to you and asked if I could deliver the message should I see you, Kaeya.”

Good, that sounds normal enough.

Nodding, the man laughs a bit.