"..." Isaac, who was still in his bed, stared blankly at the ceiling with a dazed expression. After a few moments, he lightly muttered, "Today, the terrorist visits."
After uttering this, Isaac quickly jumped out of his bed. He cleaned it before fixing himself and changing clothes.
Tick—*
Tock—*
Looking at the mechanical clock that gives interval ticks, Isaac sighed. "Eight in the morning... There's still an hour before I open."
With that realization, Isaac decided to do things as he normally did. After changing clothes, he went down to the café and started arranging the tables and chairs.
As for the bread, Isaac casually took out the bread he bought and placed it in his inventory.
While inside the inventory, Isaac found out that the items he placed inside would be put in a frozen state. As such, when he takes them out, they'll still be the same when he puts them in. 'The system is so useful...'
He took the bread out placed a few in the glass case on the counter and turned on the lights inside.
After a few more minutes of setting up the café, he finally changed the 'closed' sign on the door to 'open'.
Isaac, who was now in his barista uniform, looked around the clean café and nodded. 'This should be Klee-proofed now.'
The Café was glistening with cleanliness. The four tables with two chairs on them were placed symmetrically to each other in the other half of the room. As for the floors, the quartz tiles were also clean.
To top it all off, the bright golden shine of sunlight was illuminating the café, along with the soft light of the café's light bulbs, it gave the whole place a comfy and serene ambiance.
Isaac also tried his best to make sure Klee didn't blow anything up. He placed things in a manner that the child wouldn't bump into anything and potentially injure her.
'Oh boy, I wonder how this will go...' Although Isaac was nervous, he was slightly excited. This was, after all, the child of the powerful Alice! 'Don't worry, Miss Alice, I'll make sure your daughter won't be a wanted fugitive in another nation.'
With that thought in mind, he soon shook his head and picked up the cup of green tea he had on a table nearby, and took a sip. "Alright, let's do this."
[Invite Klee? Y/N]
Isaac extended his hand to the system screen while drinking his cup of tea and clicked yes.
Shortly after doing this, the door of the café started illuminating once more. This time, a bright blue color was being emanated.
'Wait...' Isaac noticed the color and found it extremely familiar. His face then dropped when he realized what that color was. 'Don't tell me...'
As if proving Isaac's guess right, the bright blue light soon started changing to a vibrant golden color!
'It's the Gacha summon effect!' Isaac almost spewed his tea out, flabbergasted at the sight. He then gulped down his tea and tapped his lips with a handkerchief. 'Seriously...'
[Now connecting the door...]
*
*
*
Meanwhile, in the nation ruled by the Anemo Archon.
Mondstadt was currently dealing with a crisis. One of Mondstadt's protectors— the Elemental Dragon Dvalin— was now antagonizing them!
It was unknown to the citizens of Mondstadt why one of the Anemo Archon's four winds would suddenly turn its back on them, but there's one thing they're sure of: It was angry.
As of now, everyone is referring to the dragon as "Stormterror".
Knights of Favonius.
Inside a room right next to the Acting Grand Master's office, a child was tinkering with a cute toy.
"There!" The child, with her pale blonde hair and her conspicuous red coat, said with joy. "Humpty Dumpty Mk2000 is now complete!"
On a table in front of her, a toy the size of a pillow was resting. It had cute features and resembled a bunny.
Other than its cute appearance, there seems to be nothing wrong with it.
Ah, but of course, that's the most common thought of someone who doesn't know the child.
"This time, it can even explode much stronger!" The child, proud of her new type of bomb, giggled. "Those fish in Cider Lake won't see what's coming to them!"
Yes, it was a bomb. A new and terrifying variant, at that.
This child is none other than Spark Knight Klee. Infamous for blowing up any fish ponds she sees and destroying a mountain due to her explosives. As well as being the youngest titled Knight in the Ordo Favonius.
Due to the recent Dvalin problem, the Acting Grand Master, Jean— who is also Klee's guardian— temporarily kept her inside a confinement room, hoping to not only keep her safe but also limit her bombings.
Unfortunately for the Acting Grand Master, Klee found this as an opportunity to upgrade her bombs.
Klee then looked out the window and saw the dark clouds looming over Mondstadt. With a sad pout, she whispered to herself, "Why can't Master Jean let me out? I'm sure if I just give Stormterror a Humpty Dumpty, I can go out and play again..."
Just then, while looking out the window, Klee managed to take a glimpse of someone flying up in the sky!
"Whoa! Is that person fighting Stormterror?" Klee said as she watched the blonde-haired person fly up the sky, following the dragon.
Unfortunately, they flew so high up that Klee wasn't able to see them anymore. "Aww... I wanted to see more." After saying this, she then looked around the room.
"It's so boooring here... Big brother Albedo only comes once in a while." She sighed to herself before jumping to a couch. She then thought of her mother, Alice. "Mommy said that if I'm really bored, I should wish for something. She said that if I wish hard enough, perhaps that wish would come true..."
"Then, I wish something fun happens!" Klee said while holding her toy Dodoko.
Woosh—*
Just then, something strange occurred in the room.
As if responding to her wishes, a mysterious gust of wind started appearing in the room, bringing life to the stale environment. Soon, a silhouette of a door started carving itself on a wall.
"Huh? What's that?" Klee, who saw the door being formed, was both curious and cautious.
After a few more minutes, the door finally finished forming, and a rectangular wooden door materialized in her room.
On the door, a single sign was present. What was written was: "Le Souffle du Silence."
"Le suffal du silence?" Klee tried to say the words were written, but she had difficulties reading the second word.
Klee looked around to see if it was dangerous, and even threw a Humpty Dumpty to it. But nothing happened. The Humpty Dumpty didn't even explode.
She then looked at the door leading to her room. She wanted to tell someone about the door, but the Grand Master prohibited her from going out.
With that option thrown out, Klee decided to investigate the mysterious door.
Klee inspected the door a bit more and found that it didn't do anything. She held her toy Dodoko in her hand and curiously looked at the enigmatic door. "What is it? Do you know, Dodoko?"
She looked at her toy, and, as if the toy also responded to her, she nodded. "You're right. Should we check inside?"
"You think so too? Then let's be prepared!" Klee agreed with her toy and quickly took her backpack.
She stuffed her bag with various items— mostly explosives and some lunch boxes with some fish in them. After doing this, she then hung her toy Dodoko on her backpack and picked it up.
Carrying her backpack, she jumped with excitement. "All set, let's go!"
With the enthusiasm of a child, she opened the door, bracing herself for what was about to happen.
*
*
*
"What's taking her so long... It's been minutes..." On the other side, Isaac was having breakfast while waiting for Klee. "Don't tell me she tried blowing up the door?"
He was having a simple nice meal. Two sunny-side-ups, a pair of toast, peanut butter, and two sausages. To finish it off, he also had cold water.
"Well, thinking back to when she fought a Primo Geovishap alone in the game, I guess something like that won't be impossible." Isaac lightly laughed at his words.
He then finished his meal, and, just after finishing the door finally opened.
"Hellooo? Is there anyone here?" The familiar voice rang through the café as the head of a child cautiously peered inside.
Isaac, who had already cleaned the counter, tidied himself and welcomed her. "Welcome, Demoiselle. Is there anything you'd like?"
"Whoa!" Klee saw the café and entered, closing the door behind her. She looked around the café before looking at the smiling person behind the counter. "Mister, where is this?"
"Why, this is but my humble café," Isaac said with a soft chuckle. "Out of all the cafés in Fontaine, I dare say that mine is the only one where you'll get the finely brewed coffee and tea."
"Huh? Fontaine?" Klee, who heard where she was, exclaimed. "That can't be right, I was just in Mondstadt a moment ago!"
"Hm? Is that so?" Isaac, pretending to know nothing about it, grasped his chin with a concerned look. "Then, can you try going back through the door to see if you can return?"
"Oh! Yeah, I'll do that!" Klee took his advice and quickly ran back through the door.
Isaac waited patiently. He already asked the system about this, and he was informed that the people he invited could go back through the door whenever they wanted.
After a while, Klee returned. This time, an excited look on her face. "Wow! I could switch between two places in an instant! This is just like one of mom's magic!"
'Teleportation magic?' Isaac thought of the powerful mage Alice and believed Klee. Someone as powerful as her can indeed do something like that, now that he thought about it. 'If it's Alice, then it's possible.'
He then looked at her with a polite smile, "Well then, Demoiselle, do you wish to have some coffee or tea?"
And so starts the business.
'Wait... Giving caffeine to a child? Would that be alright?' Isaac's thoughts then drifted somewhere else. 'No, if I were to give someone like Klee coffee... Dear God...'
A caffeine-filled arsonist with a backpack full of bombs has a result you can imagine clearly.
'Gotta change it quick!' Isaac quickly retracted his words and changed them. "O-On a second thought, why not have tea?"
"You mean those things where you put grass on hot water? No way!" Klee instantly knew what tea was, or at least what she knew, and rejected it.
"Ah, but you see, they're more than just leaves on hot water." Isaac then shook his head with an amused smile. "Take a seat, Demoiselle. And let me explain."
"Hummm..Okay!" Klee hummed before jumping up to a seat and sitting down.
Isaac cleared his throat and passionately explained with a smile. "Tea is more than just brewing a herb into a drink."
"It takes the right practice for one to achieve the perfect drink. The taste of your tea all depends on the amount of water, temperature, and the type of herb you're putting." He continued. "And, if all conditions are met, you'll be left with a great drink good for your mind and body."
"So, young miss, would you like to try one?" Isaac said with a gentle smile. However, in his mind, he was rejoicing. 'I'm getting good at advertising!'
"Oooh! You make it sound so delicious, mister!" Klee said with her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I'll have one! But... I don't have any Mora on me right now..."
"Oh! That's right!" As if remembering something, Klee turned her backpack and placed it in front of her. She then started scavenging the items inside.
'Wait... Is she... Don't tell me...' Feeling something ominous, Isaac backed away a little. Just to be safe. 'She won't hand me a Humpty Dumpty... Right?'
Just then, Klee pulled something out of her backpack and presented it in front of Isaac. "Here, mister! Is this be enough?"
"Ah, that's...?" Isaac looked at the item Klee was holding and visible confusion appeared on his face.
"It's something I took from Albedo's research room! Hehe, he said that he didn't need it anymore!" Klee giggled as she placed what looked like a vial on the counter.
"Hm?" Isaac looked at the vial and saw that it had a label. He leaned closer and read what was written. 'Invisibility... Potion? What the?'
Yes, it was indeed an invisibility potion. One that lasts for fifteen minutes, at that! Although it may seem short, it was still invisibility!
"Well, is this enough?" Klee looked Isaac in the eye with her innocent eyes and asked. "I still have more things in here."
'It's more than enough! This thing's a miracle potion!' Isaac felt guilty inside his heart, as he felt like scamming a young girl. 'This is worth more than the tea!'
"Yes, umm... It is." In the end, Isaac just decided to give Klee more of what she wanted in exchange for the potion. "I'll go brew up your tea now. Please wait a moment."
After saying this, Isaac went back to the kitchen which can be accessed through a door behind him, and boiled a pot of water.
He then took out the Tea pack from the system inventory and patiently waited for the water to boil.
While he waited for the water to boil, Isaac took a peek at the counter and saw that Klee was looking outside the windows with an awed expression. 'Looks like she wants to explore Fontaine...'
After a few minutes, the water boiled and he soon started making the tea. He placed the tea bag into a cup and poured the still-boiling water.
After doing this, he let the tea steep for about five minutes. A few minutes later, he took out the tea bag and placed the cup in front of Klee.
'Oh, let's not forget this...' Remembering something, Isaac quickly bought something from the system store and took it out. He then asked, "Would you like some honey with your tea?"
Klee turned around to look at Isaac's hand and saw the jar. She then vigorously nodded. "Yeah! I like honey!"
Isaac nodded and placed a bit of honey on the cup before gently stirring it with a spoon. He then extended his hand into the glass case near him and took out a pair of croissants before placing them on a small plate.
"Your meal is now ready. Do enjoy, Demoiselle." Isaac smiled proudly at his work as he presented Klee with a hot tea and a croissant on the side.
"Oooh!" Klee enthusiastically looked at the food in front of her and her eyes gleaned. She looked at the curved bread and curiously asked, "What kind of bread is this, mister?"
"It's a croissant," Isaac said with his utmost proficient French accent.
"Quaso?" Klee tried to repeat Isaac's words but failed.
"No, it's a croi-ssant." This time, Isaac hardened his tone for her to easily understand.
"A Quaaaaaso?" However, Klee still didn't get it and also hardened her tone as she looked at him with a dazed expression.
"..." Isaac maintained his amused smile before shaking his head. He then softly chuckled, "Yes, it is a Quaso."
Klee heard him and nodded her head with an innocent smile on her face. "Hehe, it's such a funny word!"
'Same thoughts.' Isaac's mind momentarily resonated with the child's and silently nodded. He then shook his head before letting out a soft sigh, "I highly recommend you eat your food right now, Demoiselle. Or else they'll turn cold."
"Oh! Yeah!" Klee's mother always reminded her not to waste food. As such, she hurriedly blew on the tea cup to make it cold.
"Haha, slow down now. Food is meant to be eaten at a slow pace." Isaac interjected at her actions with a soft smile. "Don't rush."
"Oh, alright." Klee nodded her head. She then looked at the food in front of her before deciding on what to eat first.
She then decided to eat the croissant first.
She picked up one croissant with both her hands and looked at it curiously for a moment as if inspecting it. Soon, a soft sound escaped Klee's mouth before munching down on the croissant. "Nom."
'What an audible bite...' Isaac, who sat down and was reading a manga not too far away, glanced at Klee.
Klee, who had just bitten down on the croissant, showed a gleam in her eyes. "Whoa! It tastes good!"
What Klee first noticed when she took a bite was the rich and buttery flavor with subtle hints of sweetness present in the bread.
This is all because the butter used in the dough creates a depth of flavor that's both savory and slightly sweet.
Followed with the taste were the multiple layers of delicate, flaky pastry crisp present on the outside and the tender softness on the inside.
When Klee bit on the croissant, she immediately experienced a satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, airy interior.
Of course, its slightly warm temperature also helped with Klee's overall enjoyment.
Without her knowing, Klee was not munching down on the croissant at an astonishing speed.
"Careful now," Seeing her, Isaac quickly interjected and slightly extended the cup of tea to her. "Slow down and drink this. It will help with washing the bread down."
A customer's comfort and relaxation was Isaac's top priority when in business. As such, he would try his best to give them the best experience.
"Thank you!" Klee didn't forget her manners and took the teacup— which was not that hot now— and took a sip.
When she took a sip of the tea, a new set of flavors entered her mouth.
The tea has a mild and slightly sweet flavor with subtle floral undertones. It had a distinct apple-like aroma with hints of floral sweetness. The scent was calming and soothing. Coupled with the bit of honey that Isaac added earlier, it gave the taste a bit more sweetness.
'It tastes like the apples of Mondstadt!' Instantly, Klee's first impressions were the sweet and delicious apples from Mondstadt's trees that she would often pick while exploring in the wild. 'I love it!'
Klee drank a bit more before putting down the teacup. "Wow! It tasted so much better than I thought! I thought it would taste like grass and plants..."
"The way you made it must be special!" Klee looked at Isaac with a joyous expression. "You made a great tea, mister!"
"Haha, I'm flattered." Isaac let out a soft chuckle with a gentle smile on his face, "Still, I'm glad you liked it."
There was no greater feeling of joy and accomplishment than someone praising someone for their work. And Isaac was no exception to this.
The two of them then chatted for a while. Isaac was reading a book while Klee was eating and talking to him.
After a few more minutes, Klee finally finished eating. Isaac took the emptied teacup and plate and was just about to head into the kitchen when he heard Klee.
"Hey mister, I have a request." Klee's voice floated and Isaac turned around.
He then saw Klee looking out the window and into the Court of Fontaine. She was looking from the few people that walked the café to the unfamiliar buildings.
"Can I go out? I really want to see Fontaine!" Klee turned around and looked at Isaac.
'Klee? In Fontaine's city?' Instantly, flashes of possible scenarios flooded Isaac's mind. 'Something tells me that it'll cause a disaster...'
Just then, a familiar system window appeared in front of him.
[C-Rank Quest]
[Name: The Spark Knight's Visit!]
[Type: Side Quest]
[Objectives: Escort Spark Knight Klee as she wanders around Fontaine.]
[Rewards: Television(1), 30 SP.]
'...' Isaac silently looked at the system screen and remained unfazed for a few moments. He then looked at Klee again. '...but then again, this might be a good chance for a child to explore beyond her home.'
He was instantly tempted by the reward.
Making up his mind, Isaac placed his hand on his neck and cleared a stiff neck.
He then looked at her with a soft smile, "Alright. Then, for just today only, I'll be your guide to Fontaine's arts and beauties."
"Really?!" Klee heard him and stars instantly gleamed in her eyes. She then jumped with a joyous expression. "Hehe, Yay! I'll get to see Fontaine!"
"..." Isaac maintained his silent smile before letting out a soft sigh. 'I guess I'll babysit for a while.'
It was now time to unleash the child.
* * *
A/N: I apologize for not uploading yesterday. I literally fell asleep while writing this chapter. High School, and all that.
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