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It was a peaceful day in Mondstadt, the kind of day where even the bustling streets seemed to quiet down in favor of a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh flowers. The Knights of Favonius Headquarters stood proud as ever, and nestled within it was Lisa’s library — a sanctuary of books, knowledge, and her personal domain of tranquility.
Lisa sat behind her desk, a cup of tea steaming at her side and an open book resting on her lap. Her emerald eyes lazily scanned the page as she reached for her tea, her movements unhurried and graceful. She’d had a few visitors earlier in the morning—some eager adventurers seeking advice and a couple of curious scholars—but for the most part, the day had been delightfully quiet.
That is, until Jean walked in.
Lisa looked up as the Acting Grand Master entered the library, her blonde hair tied neatly in a ponytail and her uniform as impeccable as ever. But there was a slight crease on Jean’s forehead, a telltale sign of the stress that seemed to perpetually follow her.
“Oh my, if it isn’t our diligent Acting Grand Master,” Lisa drawled, setting her book down and offering Jean a warm smile. “To what do I owe the pleasure, darling?”
Jean’s lips curved into a soft smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hello, Lisa. I was hoping to find a book on... time management. Things have been—”
“Busy?” Lisa finished for her, raising an eyebrow. She gestured to the chair across from her. “Why don’t you sit down for a moment? You look like you could use a break.”
Jean hesitated, glancing at the stack of papers she carried. “I really shouldn’t—”
“Nonsense,” Lisa interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. “Even the most dedicated knights need a moment to recharge. Sit, sit.”
Reluctantly, Jean set her papers on the desk and took a seat. Lisa poured her a cup of tea and slid it across the table. “Here. This should help you unwind a little.”
Jean accepted the cup with a quiet “Thank you,” and took a sip. The soothing blend of herbs worked its magic almost instantly, and she let out a small sigh of relief.
Lisa’s gaze softened as she watched Jean. “You know, darling, you’re allowed to take care of yourself, too. Mondstadt won’t fall apart if you take a few minutes to breathe.”
Jean smiled wryly. “It’s easier said than done. There’s always so much to do, so many people counting on me.”
“And you’ll be no good to any of them if you run yourself ragged,” Lisa pointed out. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “How about this: we’ll call this an unofficial break. Just you, me, and the soothing ambiance of the library. No work talk, no stress. What do you say?”
Jean hesitated again, but the warmth in Lisa’s eyes and the inviting atmosphere of the library were hard to resist. Finally, she nodded. “Alright. Just for a little while.”
“That’s the spirit,” Lisa said with a pleased smile. She reached for another teacup and poured herself a fresh serving. “Now, tell me, Jean. Have you read anything interesting lately?”
Jean’s expression softened as she considered the question. “Not as much as I’d like. But I did come across a collection of old Mondstadt legends recently. Some of the stories were quite fascinating.”
Lisa’s eyes lit up with genuine interest. “Oh? Do tell. Which ones caught your eye?”
As Jean began to recount the tales she’d read, the tension in her shoulders gradually eased. Lisa listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with her own insights or teasing remarks that made Jean smile. The library’s peaceful atmosphere wrapped around them like a comforting blanket, and for a little while, the burdens of leadership seemed far away.
Time slipped by unnoticed as the two women talked and laughed, their conversation drifting from legends to shared memories and little anecdotes about their lives. Lisa’s wit and charm had a way of making even the most mundane topics feel enchanting, and Jean found herself relaxing more than she had in weeks.
As the conversation flowed, Jean found herself leaning back in her chair, the faintest hint of laughter still lingering on her lips. It was rare for her to feel so at ease, and she silently thanked Lisa for creating such a moment of peace.
Lisa, ever observant, noticed the subtle change in Jean’s demeanor. The tight lines of stress on her face had softened, and there was a light in her eyes that hadn’t been there when she first walked in. Pleased with herself, Lisa decided to press her luck.
“You know, darling,” Lisa began, her voice soft but teasing, “if you ever find yourself in need of more moments like this, my library is always open. Perhaps we could even make it a weekly occurrence—your own personal escape from the chaos of leadership.”
Jean chuckled softly, though a hint of longing flickered in her expression. “That does sound nice, Lisa. But you know as well as I do how unpredictable things can be.”
“True,” Lisa conceded, swirling the tea in her cup thoughtfully. “But you must admit, even the most unpredictable storms have moments of calm. You just have to seize them when they come.”
Jean’s lips curved into a small smile. “You make it sound so simple.”
“Because it can be,” Lisa replied, her emerald eyes gleaming with a mixture of wisdom and mischief. “All it takes is a little perspective and, perhaps, the right company.”
Jean tilted her head slightly, a question forming in her mind but left unspoken. Instead, she allowed herself to savor the tranquility of the moment. The library’s warm ambiance, the soothing aroma of tea, and Lisa’s calming presence were enough to chase away the weight of her responsibilities, if only for a while.
“Lisa,” Jean began after a pause, her tone quieter now, almost hesitant. “Thank you for this. For reminding me that it’s okay to slow down.”
Lisa’s smile softened, losing some of its usual playfulness but none of its warmth. “Always, darling. Someone has to look out for you, and I’m more than happy to take on that role.”
Jean felt a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks, but she quickly masked it with another sip of tea. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but there was something about Lisa’s words—her tone, her gaze—that struck a chord deep within her.
Jean set her teacup down, her fingers lingering on the delicate porcelain as her thoughts drifted. Lisa’s words echoed in her mind, soft yet insistent, like a melody she couldn’t ignore. There was a weight to them—a sincerity that made her heart stir in a way she didn’t fully understand.
Lisa always had a way with words, Jean thought. Every compliment, every tease, every gentle nudge felt so carefully tailored, so intentional. And yet, this felt different. There was a warmth in Lisa’s tone that made Jean feel seen, truly seen, in a way that left her both comforted and unsettled.
It wasn’t that Jean didn’t appreciate kindness—she did. But there was something in Lisa’s gaze, the way her emerald eyes seemed to hold an unspoken truth, that made Jean’s heart flutter in a way she wasn’t prepared for.
What am I doing? she chided herself, shaking her head slightly. I don’t have time for these distractions. Yet, the thought lingered, stubborn and persistent. Lisa’s presence wasn’t a distraction—it was a reprieve, a rare moment of calm amidst the storm of her responsibilities.
And that, perhaps, was what unnerved Jean the most. Lisa made her feel like it was okay to pause, to let someone else shoulder the weight for a while. It was a vulnerability Jean wasn’t used to, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it.
Her gaze flickered back to Lisa, who was calmly sipping her tea, her expression unreadable yet somehow still inviting. Jean’s thoughts tangled together as a quiet realization settled over her. Lisa’s presence wasn’t just comforting—it was something she found herself wanting.
That thought made her blush deepen, and she quickly looked away, picking up her teacup and taking another sip of tea to compose herself. Focus, Jean. This is just a friendly moment—a reminder to take care of yourself. That’s all.
But deep down, a part of her wasn’t entirely convinced.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The comfortable silence between them felt as natural as the rustling of pages in the library. Lisa’s attention shifted to the window, where sunlight poured through, casting a warm glow on the polished wood. Jean followed her gaze, taking in the tranquil beauty of the library.
“It really is peaceful here,” Jean murmured, more to herself than to Lisa.
“Exactly why I adore it so much,” Lisa replied, her voice soft. “A little slice of serenity amidst the chaos. And I dare say it suits you quite well, Jean.”
Jean blinked, caught off guard. “Suits me?”
“Of course,” Lisa said, her smile returning with a hint of mischief. “There’s something about you—graceful, poised, yet endlessly hardworking. You belong in a place where you can simply be.”
Jean hesitated, unsure how to respond. Compliments always felt awkward to her, but there was something in Lisa’s tone—gentle, sincere—that made her want to accept it. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
Lisa leaned back in her chair, watching Jean with an unreadable expression. “You know,” she began, her voice taking on a musing quality, “I’ve always wondered what keeps you going. What drives you to shoulder so much, even when it’s clear you’re carrying too much.”
Jean looked down at her teacup, her fingers tracing the rim as she considered her words. “It’s not something I’ve ever really thought about. I just… want to do my best for Mondstadt. For everyone who depends on me.”
Lisa’s gaze softened, her emerald eyes glinting with quiet understanding. “That’s very noble of you, darling. But don’t forget—you’re allowed to lean on others too. You don’t have to carry the world alone.”
Jean opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, a soft knock on the library door interrupted them. They both turned as a young knight peeked inside, looking slightly sheepish. “Acting Grand Master, I apologize for the intrusion, but there’s an urgent matter that requires your attention.”
Jean sighed softly, the weight of responsibility settling back onto her shoulders. “I understand. I’ll be there shortly.”
The knight nodded and left, leaving the two women alone again. Jean turned back to Lisa, her expression apologetic. “It seems my break is over.”
Lisa gave her a knowing smile, though there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes. “Duty calls, as always. But I hope you’ll remember what we talked about, Jean. Don’t let the world steal all your moments of peace.”
Jean nodded, standing and gathering her papers. As she made her way to the door, she paused, her hand resting on the frame. “Lisa,” she said, her voice quiet but firm. “I’ll try to take your advice. And… thank you. For everything.”
Lisa’s smile deepened, her eyes shining with warmth. “Anytime, darling. Don’t be a stranger.”
Jean gave her one last glance before stepping out, the door closing softly behind her. Lisa leaned back in her chair, her gaze lingering on the now-empty doorway. A small, wistful sigh escaped her lips as she picked up her book again.
“Oh, Jean,” she murmured to herself, her fingers brushing the pages absently. “If only you’d let yourself see how much more you’re worth than your titles and duties. One day, perhaps.”
And with that, Lisa turned her attention back to her book, though her thoughts remained with the woman who had just left.
It was, Lisa decided, a very good day indeed.