Tss—
"Raining again..." Looking out the window, Isaac couldn't help but comment. "It's been happening more frequently than it usually does..."
'Is it Fontaine's rainy season or is Neuvillette okay?' He half-jokingly thought to himself as he watched the dark clouds outside bring down droplets of water onto the city.
The cold humidity of the rain slightly seeped into the cafe, mixing with the air-conditioned room, resulting in a slightly freezing temperature. Nonetheless, the combination of a hot brew from Isaac counteracts this temperature with a delicious warm drink.
Retracting his gaze from the glass pane window, he looked back at his café. Once more, only a few customers were present, each minding their own business.
In this tranquil cafe that shielded many from the rain, only the calm peaceful atmosphere was present.
"Mister Isaac!" Just then, a voice drifted over to his ear. Turning his head, Isaac found the little elf Klee trying to take a seat on the stool in front of the counter.
"What is it, Klee?" He asked as he helped her get up from the chair. "Weren't you playing with Nahida?"
"I know, I just wanted to talk to you!" Klee, who nestled on the stool, nodded her head as her innocent smile permeated her face.
Finding himself with nothing else to do, Isaac shrugged and agreed to her. Placing down the teacup he was cleaning with a clean cloth, he spoke to her. "Sure, why not? What do you want to talk about?"
"Umm... Well..." Klee hesitated at first, seemingly trying to find the right words for her sentence, but then she continued. "Can you... Tell me a story, Mister Isaac?"
"A story?" Momentarily taken aback by Klee's request, Isaac grasped his chin in contemplation. "I can do that, but why all of a sudden?"
"It's because of a promise I made to my friend, the traveler!" Explained Klee as she recounted her memories. "Before the traveler left, we promised to share stories!"
'Ah...' Immediately understanding what was going on, Isaac subconsciously nodded his head. "I see... Was that friend of yours a blonde traveler with a floating companion, by any chance?"
"Huh? Mister Isaac, you know her?" Surprised by Isaac's accurate description of the traveler, Klee's eyes glimmered with curiosity. "That's right! The Traveler helped me out so much when she was in Mondstadt!"
"She said that she would visit from time to time, so that's why I have to collect as many stories as I can before we meet again!" As Klee said this, she reached out for her backpack and took out her book full of scribbles, before placing it down on the counter.
She then opened the book and flipped to a specific page and showed it to Isaac. "See, Mister Isaac? I've already gotten a lot!"
"This one's from Albedo, oh, and this one's from Master Jean!" She said as she pointed at the neatly written words that were not her's in the book. "This one's from Bennett, it got burned a little! And this one's from Kaeya! Look, he even drew a pirate on the side!"
Seeing the child happily share the stories given to her, Isaac couldn't hope but let out a warm smile. "That's nice, Klee. You have a lot of friends to share stories with you— how fun."
"That's right!" Klee nodded her head happily as she looked at Isaac. She then took out a cute pen from her backpack and gave it to Isaac. "Since you're also my friend, it's now your turn, Mister Isaac!"
"Alright, I'll see what I can share." Accepting the cute pen from Klee, Isaac chuckled lightly. "Well then... Where should I start?"
At that very moment, innumerable stories flashed through Isaac's mind. There were so many that he genuinely couldn't decide which to pick.
Finally, after a few moments of contemplation, he decided on a story. 'I'll try this one.'
Lifting the cute pen, he placed his hand down on Klee's notebook and began writing while speaking. "Say Klee... You know what a monster is, yeah?"
"Of course I do!" Klee responded with a nod. She then reached for her backpack and took out a small scale. "Look, this one's from a monster I got when I visited Liyue with Albedo one time!"
'Is that a geovishap scale...?' Seeing the item Klee brought out, Isaac momentarily paused before nodding his head with a wry smile. "That's right. A monster like that..."
"Anywho, the story I'm going to tell you tackles about a person who suddenly became... half a monster." He explained as he wrote down a summarized version of the story he was thinking.
"Half a monster? How would that work?" Curious by Isaac's story, Klee stood up from the chair and leaned over to the book to see what he was writing down.
"Careful, don't fall."
Helping her stand up, Isaac helped her sit down on the counter. He then continued with an explanation, "As I was saying... This person who suddenly became half a monster became confused about his predicament. He was full of fear and disbelief about what happened in just one night."
"That sounds awful... Mister Isaac, would this be a good story to share?" Sensing the somber vibe of the story Isaac was sharing, Klee couldn't help but ask with a worried expression. "It sounds like a sad story..."
"I won't lie, it indeed is a sad story..." Pausing his writing, Isaac chuckled for a moment. Thinking for a moment, he then continued writing. "But it's also a story about discovery and acceptance."
"Over time, that person discovered the other monsters that he was once afraid of," Isaac spoke with the same melancholy feel around him that everyone had been accustomed to. "Those monsters also had their own lives and stories, and motivations for their reason to live."
"That half-monster person then grew close to those monsters, gradually becoming close and even becoming one of them."
Isaac then paused and put down the cute pen he used. Turning his head over, he saw Klee attentively listening to him.
Klee, who was immersed in Isaac's story, realized that he stopped and looked back at him. "And then? What happened after, Mister Isaac? Did that half-monster person become friends with the monsters?"
"Yes— they became his new friends and became very close." Isaac nodded his head. He then looked out the window as his eyes fell into deep contemplation. "They became his new pillars of support... In that new dark world he found himself in, he saw them as new hope."
"That man, who didn't have a clear purpose and where he wanted to go when he was thrust into that new world, decided to henceforth protect the new hope he found no matter the costs." As Isaac spoke, his voice grew heavier. His gaze then glanced over to Klee, Yae Miko, and Nahida.
However, even when he looked at them, a familiar figure with grayish-white hair still flashed through his mind. Thinking of this, his eyes fell heavy.
"All... For their sake..."
"Mister Isaac..." Sensing Isaac's doleful expression, Klee couldn't help but ask out of curiosity. "You sound sad... Is the story that sad...?"
Realizing that he was tainting the serene atmosphere with his melancholic attitude, Isaac quickly assessed himself.
Shaking his head, he quickly removed his previous sorrowful look and smiled softly at Klee. "Haha, I apologize. Looks like I became too immersed."
"If the story's not to your liking, I can stop here." He suggested as he rested the cute pen down. "What do you say?"
"Hmm... I think you should continue, Mister Isaac." Klee, who was looking at the words Isaac had written down in her book, hummed. She then lifted her head and looked at him in the eye. "Because I think you really wanted to tell this story."
'What a sharp child.' Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Isaac's face. "Alright... Then I'll continue."
"Now... where was I... oh right! Later on, that half-monster kept his promise and protected them, going as far as to even leave them just so his ideal peace would be achieved." Isaac continued after picking up the cute pen.
He then turned towards Klee and asked a question, "Can you guess what happens next?"
"Does the half-monster reunite with his new friends?" Klee, sensing Isaac's change in tone, quickly guessed.
"Clever you." Praising her, Isaac chuckled lightly. "That's right. After a few arduous adventures... He ultimately returned to his friends."
"Well then." Placing down the cute pen for the last time, Isaac closed the Hoon he was writing on and gave it back to Klee. "My job here is done. Did you like the story?"
Although it was an ultra-condensed version of the story Isaac was thinking of, he felt like he made out the important points.
"Hmm!" After listening to Isaac's intriguing story, Klee nodded her head with a satisfied smile. She then took back the book she gave. "I feel like this would be a great story to tell the traveler!"
"Thank you, Mister Isaac!" A sweet innocent smile permeated throughout her face as she thanked him.
"It's nothing." Looking at Klee's thankful face, Isaac smiled faintly. He then helped her get down the counter. "Alright, let's get you down, shall we?"
"Alright!" With the help of Isaac, Klee successfully got down from the counter and returned to her seat.
Just as Klee was about to get out of her seat, she stopped for a moment as a thought crossed her mind. She then looked back at Isaac and asked a question. "By the way, Mister Isaac... I want to ask a question."
"What is it?" He responded.
"What did that half-monster do while he was distancing himself from his friends?" She asked innocently.
Upon hearing this, Isaac stayed silent for a moment. However, he then answered with a faint smile on his face. "He met an inspiring figure that woke him up from his fake dream while away."
Isaac stayed silent for a moment again before gesturing to Klee. "Wanna hear the name of that person?"
"Eh? Sure!" Curious as to what the person's name was, Klee went back and leaned over, listening to Isaac intently.
Isaac, who was smiling faintly, then whispered silently.
"[The Nameless King]... Arima."
"The Nameless King..." Hearing this name, Klee thought for a moment before turning back to Isaac. "Mister Isaac, do you want to write down that person's name?"
"...how about we keep it a secret for now?" Winking at Klee, Isaac chuckled wryly. "Let's keep it a secret from the traveler until the right moment, yeah? A little secret between us, if you will."
"Would that be alright, Klee?"
"Oh!" Realizing that it was a secret, Klee immediately nodded her head. Seeing Isaac's secretive actions, she followed along. Whispering, she replied, "I'll keep it a secret, Mister Isaac!"
"Thanks, Klee." He thanked her with a genuine smile. "Well then, why don't you go back? I'm sure Nahida's getting teased to oblivion by that sly fox by now."
"Alright! Thank you again for the story, Mister Isaac!" Waving at Isaac, Klee ran back to the table where the other two were.
"No worries." Seeing Klee leave, Isaac watched in silence for a moment before letting out a small sigh.
'Confiding to others like this... Is really thrilling, isn't it?'
Unbeknownst to Klee, Isaac had just told her one of the most important details about his grand plan.
Looking at the world outside the glass pane again, Isaac let out a small sigh.
Such was the life of a fool.
Just then, while Isaac was in the middle of gazing outside, the door suddenly opened, and in came a person. "Hm?"
"Oh?" Seeing who it was, Isaac couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He then greeted the new guest that just entered. "A bit rainy today, innit? How do you do..."
"Xiao?"
Looking at Xiao, who was slightly drenched with water, Isaac let out a wry smile. He then gestured, "Need a towel?"
"...no need." Upon realizing the inconvenience he brought, Xiao snapped his fingers. In just a moment, the wind started to envelop his body, drying him of any liquid. "Elements like this... are easily removable."
'How convenient.' Isaac maintained a courteous smile while secretly being envious. He then uttered, "The usual?"
"The usual." Xiao nodded as he sat down on one of the stools in front of the counter.
"Alright, just wait a moment." Nodding his head, Isaac left to fetch Xiao's usual order, which consisted of lavender tea with a squeeze of lemon and almond tofu.
Watching Isaac leave for his order, Xiao moved his eyes and looked at the other people present in the cafe.
"Good afternoon, Conqueror of Demons." The one who greeted him, Yae, said with a smile. "Have you been well?"
"I'm fine." Xiao gave a direct answer. He cared little for small talk and liked to get straight to the point.
"That's quite good to hear." Yae Miko nodded her head with a satisfied smile. She then walked over and sat on the stool next to Xiao.
She then lowered her voice and glanced over at him. With a soft voice, she uttered, "Regarding that matter we spoke of..."
"...I won't say a single word." Xiao closed his eyes before letting out a faint sigh. From his expression, it seemed that he had no interest in what Yae Miko was mentioning. "Such meaningless things... I care little for them. Rest assured that I will not disclose it to anyone."
"Thank you." Upon hearing his words, Yae Miko's face brightened as she felt a sense of relief. "Other than you, no one else knows that we can still access the cafe at night... so for now, it's best to keep it for ourselves."
The two have reached a mutual understanding regarding this matter. As long as the other doesn't expose this to the children, then it would be fine.
"Still," Just then, Xiao glanced over to Yae Miko. He then continued with the same disinterested voice, "I don't think even Isaac knows of this."
Hearing this, Yae Miko paused for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. She then rested her hand on her face and looked back at him with an amused look. "That's why we should keep it a secret."
"..." Xiao took his gaze off Yae Miko and closed them. He then let out a faint sigh. "As long as you do not harm anyone..."
"I'm glad we both have a good mutual understanding." She replied with a satisfied smile.
Ding~
Just then, the doorbell chimed and a familiar figure walked through. It was none other than Nahida.
"Good afternoon, everyone." The familiar soothing voice of the silver-haired child chimed in.
"Good afternoon, Nahida!" Klee waved back at her friend with a joyous smile. She then ran up to her. "Did you find what I was looking for?"
"Hehe, I did, but I'm afraid it won't be easy for me to take it out." Nahida smiled at Klee as she lightly shook her head. "Although... I did manage to learn its blueprints. I can give it to you if you want?"
Upon hearing this, Klee nodded her head in excitement. She then immediately shook Nahida's hands with both of her hands. "Really? Thanks!"
"Hm? And what is it that made my dear little Klee so excited today?" Yae Miko's curious words then drifted over to the two children.
"It's—" Klee was just about to respond when she suddenly stopped. She then looked around and saw that Isaac was nowhere to be seen.
After making sure that Isaac wasn't around, she continued. "It's a surprise gift for Mister Isaac."
"A gift? What's the sudden occasion?" Still curious, Yae Miko continued to ask. This too, was a fork of entertainment for her.
"Since Klee had given Mister Isaac quite a few headaches in the past already... I suggested this as compensation." At this moment, Nahida joined the conversation and answered Klee. "Isaac is a pragmatic materialist, as such, I figured that giving him a functional gift as a form of compensation would relieve Klee of her previous wrongdoings... to some extent."
"Hm? Now I'm curious..." Intrigued by the secret being held by the two children, Yae Miko hummed. "Well, there's no trouble waiting. Patience, too, is one of my virtues."
"Uhm. Let's keep it a secret from Mister Isaac until then." Nahida nodded her head in agreement.
She then turned her head and noticed another person present. Looking at him, Nahida was the first to speak. "Oh... It's you! You're... Xiao, right? Miko told me that you were the latest person invited by Isaac."
"Hello." Hearing Nahida talk to him, Xiao glanced over to her and lightly nodded his head. "Yes, you're right. You must be... Nahida."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
'The conqueror of demons...' Looking at Xiao, who was sitting down on the stool, Nahida's ever-so-active mind wandered. 'I heard that he's the last of the Yaksha... Looking at his current state, he looks to be suffering from some kind of curse... likely the lingering resentments of fallen demons and gods...'
'However, despite that...' As Nahida continued to observe Xiao, her verdant green eyes shined with a curious glimmer. 'Isaac still managed to offer peace to him... How magical.'
The four of them then started chatting amongst themselves, with Xiao being relatively silent most of the time.
Occasionally, some Fontanian customers would look their way and notice their attire, but would soon turn their heads away when looking at the short person that was Xiao sitting near the counter.
A few minutes passed by, and soon, Isaac came out of the kitchen carrying Xiao's orders.
"One lavender tea with a squeeze of lemon, and almond tofu..." Isaac, with the same jovial smile and attitude, served the dishes in front of Xiao. "Order up!"
"You seem particularly lively today?" Noticing Isaac's joyful attitude, Yae Miko raised her eyebrow in suspicion. "Did something good happen?"
"Yeah, your smile is even brighter today!" Soon after, Klee ran up to Isaac and pointed out his smile, supporting Yae's claim.
"Was it that obvious?" Lowering his head in embarrassment, Isaac chuckled lightly. He then closed his eyes before exhaling a soft sigh. "Well, it's nothing special, really. It's just that..."
Then, slowly, Isaac opened his warm amber eyes to see the four people gathered around him looking at his expression with interest.
The warm, cozy atmosphere of the cafe and the tranquil environment he had created for troubled souls had, to some extent, also affected him.
Looking at everyone, whose eyes were looking at him, Isaac's eyes softened as he felt a sense of belonging here. The warmth of the cafe enveloped him, giving him a cozy experience.
"Seeing you guys harmonize here... brings me a lot of joy. Really."
It was a genuine statement. After a troubled episode of him collapsing and rethinking his decisions, a sense of belonging behind the warm counter was all he needed.
Yes, he had caused a bit of trouble for the fate of this world, but he had also set up the stage where these people could meet and greet each other, bringing a tad bit more harmony. To him, that holds a more special place in his heart.
"Well, it seems that I've grown a lot on you, huh?" Upon hearing Isaac's reply, Yae Miko's expression also softened as she conjured a satisfied smile. "That makes me delighted. Indeed."
"Isn't that right, Xiao?" Yae Miko then turned over to the person next to her and passed the conversation.
"I... won't object to the notion." Holding his cup of tea, Xiao responded with a calm tone. "Although I prefer solitude most of the time..."
"But socializing is important, Mister Xiao." Just then, Nahida joined the conversation. "I believe that a decent amount of socializing is good for the mind."
"As for me... Talking to Klee is... indeed great." Nahida, who was beside Klee, nodded her head as she agreed with Isaac's notion. "Guiding her like a teacher makes me feel joy too. It's a profound feeling, even."
"And learning from Nahida is the best!" Klee, beside her, giggled joyously. She then continued and pointed at everyone. "And Yae Miko is the best! And the scary Xiao is the best!"
"And Mister Isaac is the best!"
Klee pointed at Isaac lastly with her same innocent smile and childish wonder present in her lively eyes.
"..." Isaac, who heard Klee's compliments, was momentarily taken aback. For a moment, he fell into silence.
"Pft... haha..."
However, his silence was soon broken by a laugh that escaped his mouth which gradually got more energetic. "Haha!"
"Yeah? Is that right? Maybe you're right! I'm glad everyone here feels the same!" Realizing that his plan of serenity had taken effect and everyone was comfortable with each other, an innate sense of joy formed in Isaac.
Finishing his laugh, Isaac calmed himself down and once more looked at everyone around him.
Then, with a satisfied smile, he uttered softly, "I'm glad."
'Hanging on to this fragile thread of hope I created... Isn't so bad.' He thought with a light smile. 'Maybe... I should postpone that plan of mine at a much later date.'
'I still have a lot of time, after all.'
In this little world he created, the serenity he finds was everything. Thus comes forth the warmth of the cafe.
Unbeknownst to Isaac, however, is that a certain Harbinger was now planning to head to his café.
There truly is no rest for the wicked.
Comentário de parágrafo
O comentário de parágrafo agora está disponível na Web! Passe o mouse sobre qualquer parágrafo e clique no ícone para adicionar seu comentário.
Além disso, você sempre pode desativá-lo/ativá-lo em Configurações.
Entendi