'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.
[Temporarily closed, will be back after a few hours]
Placing a signboard at the front of his café, Isaac softly sighed. 'As much as I love staying inside and earning money... There are times when I have to make decisions.'
'However, the reward is quite promising.' Isaac lightly smirked. The reward was a television, after all.
Other than the manga he buys from the system, Isaac has no other source of entertainment. As such, having another form of it would be of great use to him, as well as others who visit his cafe.
"Haha! Wow! Everything's blue!" Behind him, the innocent and overly excited Klee was looking around the street.
"Don't run too far, Klee. Also, play safely." Isaac saw her running and playing everywhere and couldn't help but raise a few limits. 'If she accidentally drops one of her toys... I don't know how I'll handle the situation...'
"Hehe, don't worry Mister Isaac, I know how to play safely!" Klee turned her head and looked at him while crouching down in front of a flower bed. "Master Jean gave me rules when inside a city! I won't cause any disasters, I promise!"
And yes, Isaac took the time to give his name to her, and likewise, she also told her name to him. It would be weird if Isaac and Klee kept referring to each other as Demoiselle and Mister respectively, after all.
"Alright, let's go. For our first tour, I'll introduce you to Palais Mermonia." Isaac lightly shook his head with an amused expression. "Be sure to stay by my side and don't run off too far, alright?"
"I will! I can't wait to look around!" Klee ran to him said with enthusiasm. She then looked at her toy that was hung on her backpack. "Me and Dodoko would play everywhere!"
Isaac calmly nodded and soon, the two of them departed. True to Isaac's words, their first destination would be Palais Mermonia— the palace where the Hydro Archon and the Chief Justice reside.
It was quite the sight in the Court of Fontaine. All administrative matters were handled there— of course, by Monsieur Neuvillette. As for the ruler of the nation herself? She hardly takes an interest.
While walking down the street, something caught Klee's interest. She gasped at the sight of an approaching machine. "What is that? Is that a ruin guard, Mister Isaac?"
"Those are Gardemeks." Isaac calmly explained. "They help with the nation's security. They can be found in the military, police force, and even the working class."
"Oooh!" Klee heard Isaac's explanation and understood it instantly. "So they're like the Knights of Favonius of Fontaine?"
"Yes, they would be akin to the Knights." Isaac nodded his head with affirmation.
Soon, the two of them momentarily stopped as they watched the Gardemek walk past them, its mechanical churnings heard clearly.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Remembering something, Klee turned around and reached out for her backpack and took out a red notebook and a pack of crayons.
She then opened the notebook and started scribbling on it with her different crayons— all while standing up.
"Hm? Are you drawing the Gardemek?" Isaac probed as he leaned to look at her drawing. From what he could make from the childish drawings, she was drawing a humanoid figure that looked like the Gardemek they had seen earlier.
"That's right!" Klee nodded her head as she looked at him. "I like to draw new things I found! Look, I've got a bunch of them!"
She then presented the book to him and Isaac saw her various sketches. From Mondstadt's seelies to even what seemed like Andrius, the Wolf King.
'...did she meet the King of the Wolves?' Isaac saw her drawing and asked internally as he felt nervous. 'You know what? I'm not even gonna ask her. It is what it is.'
Isaac calmly waited for her to finish her drawing before the two of them continued their walk.
The two of them saw a lot of people as they walked, and, as a curious child, Klee also saw all sorts of new things. Such as the poodles dressed in clothes.
Just then, the two of them walked past a Melusine, and Klee instantly turned around. Klee then separated from Isaac and ran to the Melusine patrol who was skipping.
"Whoa! You're cute!" Klee approached the Melusine with a playful and innocent voice.
"No— Klee!" Isaac instantly turned around and looked at Klee.
"Ah— young miss, please let go of my hand..." The Melusine, who was almost the size of Klee, tried to gently let go of Klee's hand which was shaking their hand. "Although I would love to play with you, this is not the appropriate time!"
"Oh... Sorry..." Klee let go of her hand and replied with a dispirited voice.
"I'm really sorry, officer." Isaac quickly interjected between them and apologized to the Melusine.
"It's alright." The Melusine let out a soft sigh and soon smiled. "Human children often do this, so we Melusines know how to handle the situation."
"Thank you for your understanding, officer." Isaac also felt relieved that the Melusine didn't feel offended.
Soon, the three of them reached an understanding and the Melusine went back to their patrol.
"You mustn't do that, Klee." Isaac lowered his head and looked at Klee as he spoke with a calm tone.
"I know... But they just looked so cute..." Klee replied with a dispirited expression. "I didn't mean to hurt them..."
"It's good that you learned something." Isaac lightly scoffed. "In the future, when you meet people like the Melusines, be sure to talk to them first before getting touchy, alright?"
"I will!" Klee, who had now learned a new rule for herself, nodded with a determined expression.
"That's good. As long as you do no harm, you can do as you wish." Isaac felt like a teacher giving his pupil a life lesson right now. And to be honest, he kinda of likes it. 'Acting like this makes me sound wise... I might try this more in the future.'
*
*
*
The two of them chatted a bit more before finally arriving at the center of the Court of Fontaine. Klee saw the rotating core at the center of the plaza and didn't miss the chance to draw it.
They then took the elevator and went up. After a few moments, they finally arrived in front of Palais Mermonia.
Isaac then got curious about something and looked at the public clock which was near the elevator. 'It's already sharp noon? An hour and a half already passed...'
'Time flies when you're babysitting.' Isaac sighed internally. He then looked at Klee as he pointed at the palace in front of them. "Well then, Klee. Here is Palais Mermonia— the palace where our beloved Hydro Archon and respected Chief Justice resides."
Before Isaac could finish explaining, Klee had already run off toward Palais Mermonia. Since it was only a single pathway leading to the palace, Isaac wasn't worried that she'd be lost.
'...children.' Isaac watched her run before shaking his head with a light scoff before also walking.
It didn't take a while for Isaac to catch up to Klee as the latter was busy looking around. They were, after all, quite high up. It was the perfect vantage point.
Soon, the two of them stood by the path leading to Palais Mermonia and looked at the Court of Fontaine it's entirety.
"Look— if you look at your left, you can see the famous Opera Epiclese." Isaac pointed his hand before looking at Klee. "..."
"I can't see anything!" He then realized that she was too short to look past the railings.
He then thought for a moment before getting an idea. "Pardon my rudeness," He soon gently lifted her and placed her on his shoulder. "How is it? Can you see now?"
"Whoa!" Klee, who was suddenly lifted, marveled at the sight presented to her. A soft gentle breeze brushed past her face while being lifted by Isaac. "So this is Fontaine!"
Isaac nodded. He then continued with what he was saying earlier. "As I was saying, if you look at your left you'll see Opera Epiclese, most commonly known as the Opera House. It's where Fontaine's trials are held."
'Just don't notice the thing that looks like a head cutter without a blade in front of it...' Isaac silently prayed.
"Oooh! I can see it! Can we go there, Mister Isaac?" Klee, who saw the Opera House, lowered her head and looked at Isaac with anticipation.
'That's way above my pay!' Isaac internally lampooned. He then put up a wry smile, "Forgive me, Klee. Perhaps a chance in the future."
"Oh, well I understand." Klee didn't seem to be too disheartened by this and nodded her head.
Isaac calmly nodded before he pointed in another direction where flying ruins could be seen. "Now if you look at your far left, you'll see the former Fontaine Research Institute."
"Due to an accident a few months ago, the research institute is now a floating attraction," Isaac explained to her. "However, for now, it's off-limits to the public."
"Now, finally, if you look at your far right, you'll see Elynas— where the Melusines live." He then pointed at the right side, pointing at a mountain. "There are a lot of stories regarding Elynas, if there's a chance, I can tell some of them to you if you want."
Isaac then finished speaking and was finally about to let Klee down. Just then, while putting her down, something slipped out of her backpack.
Isaac saw what it looked like and his reflex moved faster than his thoughts and he quickly caught it. 'I-Is that a Humpty Dumpty?!'
With a fast-beating heart and cold sweat, Isaac quietly and carefully slid the "toy" back into Klee's bag and placed her down.
He just stopped an arson from happening.
He then quickly tried to change and shift the conversation. "W-Well? How is it? Although there is more to Fontaine for you to see, Klee, this is what I can show you for now."
"It's fine," Klee, oblivious to what just happened, shook her head. "I liked this tour very much, Mister Isaac! I got to see new things and draw them too!"
"I'm glad you liked it." Isaac let out a sigh of relief with a gentle smile. He then looked at her with languid eyes. "Well then, now that we've finished our tour, isn't it time for us to return? I'm sure you'd want to go back to Mondstadt now."
"Yeah, I'm getting hungry," Klee said as she patted her stomach. She then looked at Isaac once more. "Let's go back, Mister Isaac!"
Isaac nodded. "Sure."
Soon, a barrage of notifications bombarded his face.
[+15]
[+15]
[+15]
[+10]
[...]
Everything went smoothly.
Klee got to explore the Court of Fontaine.
Isaac learned how to watch over a child.
Nothing exploded.
He reaped system points.
And most importantly, he would now get his reward.
All according to keikaku.
However, there was one problem that he hadn't anticipated.
High on top of Palais Mermonia, on an unsuspecting window, a person with grayish-white hair that had a big ahoge looked Isaac's departing figure.
'Oh? It's that man again...' She curiously looked.
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