Chapter Text
In Teyvat, people from all walks of life carry on their daily routines: farmers tend to the fertile lands, merchants trade along bustling streets, and the Knights of Favonius keep the city safe. Yet, if you asked Mona, the hermetic astrologer in Mondstadt, how she spends her days, she would say she’s working off a debt she calls life. She chooses a modest lifestyle, believing that simplicity unveils deeper truths, where beauty can mask reality and fine food may conceal its true essence. Each resident’s story intertwines uniquely with Mondstadt’s spirit, including Mona’s quest for cosmic knowledge amidst her humble life.
"Does my ability to see through your secrets so easily not evoke any memories?" Placing her quill pen on her inkwell once more, she can't help recalling the circumstances of their previous encounters.
Gossip around says that recently, Mona’s master, a highly accomplished astrologist with a history of rivalry and friendship with a particular someone, entrusted her with an important mission. She was to retrieve a confidential package, which turned out to be her master’s diary from over fifty years ago.
With a sigh, Mona looked back at the stack of documents she had just finished signing, wondering what secrets lay hidden in those yellowed pages and what purpose they might now serve in her own journey.
"How peculiar. There will come a time soon when I will echo those words to a traveler." As the aroma of sunset berry tea filled the air, the rest of the thought faded from Mona’s lips. Normally, she would brush it off as a hunch after a long day, but something in her gut urged her to take it seriously. The traveler and their floating companion had kindly left refreshments and food for her, and their small gesture inspired Mona to adopt a more hopeful outlook. Determined to make a change, she resolved to begin a diligent job search the next morning.
Propping up her documents, Mona stood up from her desk and made her way to the door.
The apartment was spacious but in dire need of a thorough cleanup, as Mona believed that a tidy workspace fosters satisfaction and boosts morale. According to the guild receptionist, one of the old houses in the city had once functioned as a magical laboratory until a mysterious stranger sealed it. Using her hydromancy skills, Mona managed to break the seal, impressing Ludwig Goth, the owner of several housing accommodations. In recognition of their agreement, he offered her the best rates and a week to gather enough Mora for payment.
Seizing the opportunity, Mona took to the city streets in search of her landlord. Following the knights' gossip, she made her way to a small park south of the Knights of Favonius’ headquarters, where Ludwig often relaxed during his afternoon walks. Though the knights were initially unhelpful to her as a newcomer, she eventually spotted the old man, who was in a hurry to meet a businessman named Master Lu. He quickly outlined the ground rules, reviewed her signatures, and confirmed that the exchange was proceeding smoothly.
“Wide-open space and a clear sky? This will do nicely,” she muttered, feeling an urge for a bath. Perhaps a brief trip for some window shopping could provide a welcome distraction. As the streetlights flickered to life, the locals greeted her warmly. At the General Goods store, she met a shopkeeper who kindly shared the price lists, recognizing her connection to the traveler. The citizens praised the honorary knight for her bravery, a sentiment that lifted Mona's spirits.
While browsing a gift shop, another shopkeeper named Marjorie showed Mona an array of trinkets and ornaments. They shared a good laugh, exchanging compliments about their attire. Mona spotted some cards she still couldn’t afford and a pair of indoor clothes that caught her eye. Noticing her interest, the shopkeeper offered a tempting deal: “Buy one ornament, and you can take five silk nightdresses for just two Mora. They’ve been in the shop for ages, and I need to restock by the end of the week.”
Mona hesitated, wary of trusting anyone these days with their idle and unclear motives, but ultimately decided to seize the opportunity. The thought spun in her mind for several minutes, but as she realized the shopkeeper was about to close up, she had no choice but to carpe diem. In the end, budgeting wasn’t her strong suit, a nagging realization that lingered in the back of her mind.
As she walked back to her apartment, the moonlight cast a calming glow that soothed her thoughts. Yet, once she stepped inside, an unsettling sense of strangeness and loneliness washed over her at the realization of living so far from her coven. She understood that in every realm, whether in the wilderness or within city walls, the rule is reserved for the strong. Wise beyond her years, Mona knew that what awaited her could not be addressed with mere preparation; she had to make the most of what she had.
After latching the door and securing all the windows, she decided to tackle her planned cleanup before bed. The last thing her eyes fell upon were the silky white curtains swaying gently in the night breeze as she sank into her soft lounge sofa, too tired to seek a more comfortable spot. With a weary sigh, she allowed herself to drift off, the soothing ambiance of the night cradling her into a peaceful sleep.
“I need to stay in an undisturbed environment, so I will leave the investigating to you,” Mona said, placing a hand on her chest. She trusted her newfound companions to handle the task, knowing that the more information they gathered, the closer they would get to the truth.
“Is there anywhere we haven’t been to yet?” Paimon asked, her curiosity piqued. Fischl’s familiar then suggested exploring Qingce Village in Liyue. Despite it not aligning with their preference for a busier location, they had no choice but to go along with the idea, eager to uncover what secrets the village might hold.
Mona watched her companions leave, mentally noting each of their constellations and what she could expect from them. Her master had once warned her that asking strangers in a dream could unravel subliminal messages, but she realized she was not in a dream; she was merely wandering down memory lane. This sensation was familiar, reminiscent of the meteorite and mountain incident. As cold anxiety and uncertainty gripped her, she heard footsteps approaching in the distance.
A slender man with a youthful appearance waved at her. His indigo hair framed his face, covering his ears, while his striking indigo eyes were accentuated with bold red eyeliner. He wore black shorts and sandals, topped off with a large hat featuring four upward-curving hooks along its circumference, and what appeared to be a mask at its center. Two ornamental accessories dangled from red threads tied to the back of his hat, but the most eccentric and captivating detail was the black, translucent veil that added an air of mystery to his appearance.
He must have noticed her eyes darting about him, so she decided to play it cool and initiated a conversation. "I presume you are a traveler from Inazuma?" she asked, raising her eyebrows in genuine curiosity.
"Close, but I’m nothing more than a mere vagrant. There was a poor gentleman affected by the meteorite strike. Have you seen a couple with distinct flying pests?" he replied.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Mona reevaluated his question. His statement hinted at deeper intentions, and since their validity had yet to be established, she opted for caution. "I see. I appreciate your kindness in wanting to help those in need," she said. "I’m facing a similar predicament. A mage of my stature, however, can't afford to exhaust—"
"I will pay you a fair price if you so desire," the vagrant interrupted, his tone authoritative. Mona frowned for a moment but decided to play along with another nod. It was best, she thought, not to poke a cat while it was lying on its back. With a flick of her wrist, her scryglass materialized out of thin air, its soft light illuminating her face as she prepared to delve deeper into the conversation.
"That, I suppose, is unnecessary, good sir. You'll reunite them just before dawn. Please accept my free divination as an offer and save yourself some Mora. I will now take my leave and carry on with my journey." She ended their exchange with a tentative smile and a wave.
Her dismissive demeanor might have saved her from potential danger, as she sensed something unsettling about his presence. A genius like her could read people quickly, and the intensity of his gaze sent goosebumps crawling down her neck. Who knew that looking back would haunt her, even in her unconscious state?
His eyes were dark and gleaming with selfish intent, paralyzing her mind and threatening to consume her very essence. It felt as if they were siphoning the life out of her, and he stared at her wide-eyed like a maniac. The innocent face she had encountered was nothing but a façade, masking a much darker reality.
A sudden coughing fit jolted her back to awareness. Mona sprang up, frowning and disoriented, as she scanned her surroundings, feeling as if the images from her conscious and unconscious minds had melded into one chaotic blend. Everything seemed in place, except for her heavy breathing and persistent coughs. A wet taste in her mouth and the metallic tang of blood dampened her mood further. She wiped the back of her hand across her lips and hurried into the bathroom, too preoccupied to confront the disturbing revelations that lingered in her mind.