Visitors

The cathedral was quiet. It was early morning, and the sisters were only just beginning to stir, moving softly through the stone halls and going about their duties in hushed reverence.

As for Alexandra—she had already been awake for some time. She had gone out to attend to some business and had only just returned.

As for what she truly was—

She was a High Commander. She had her own task force stationed in Snezhnaya.

And she possessed a Cryo Vision.

Alexandra settled into the chair beside my bed, her expression unreadable at first. Then her eyes softened as they met mine.

"You're awake."

I smiled. "I couldn't sleep, not when my dear sister had vanished on me."

She chuckled and placed a hand gently on my forehead. "How are you feeling? The medicine they gave you last night should've eased the pain."

"Better," I admitted. "It doesn't feel like I'm going to crumble just from moving my arms or legs."

Her expression faltered—eyes darkening with that same quiet sorrow I'd seen each time I groaned or flinched. "It hurts to see you like this," she said softly. "You should've been more careful. If not for sheer luck… you'd be dead."

I let out a dry chuckle, staring up at the cathedral's high ceiling. "Guess it wasn't my time. God's plan or something."

Just then, the soft sound of footsteps approached from the hallway.

I turned my head—and if it wasn't our favorite Idol nun.

Barbara.

She stopped near the bed, glancing briefly at the medicines on the nearby desk, clearly a little nervous.

I looked up at her. "Good morning."

She offered a shy smile. "Good morning." Her eyes flicked to Alexandra, and she gave a polite nod.

I glanced at Alexandra, who said nothing, then turned back to Barbara with a faint chuckle. "It's nice to meet you, Sister."

Barbara clasped her hands in front of her, shifting awkwardly. "It's nice to meet you too. I… I've heard a lot about you. From my sister. And the Traveler."

I tilted my head. "Good things, I hope?"

She blinked, caught off guard, but then smiled—gently, more at ease now. "Jean spoke well of you. And the Traveler, too. They were both worried."

"Worried, huh?" I murmured, side-eyeing Alexandra. "Didn't think I made such an impression."

Barbara's gaze drifted to my arms, still wrapped in bandages. Faint bruises showed wherever the blanket didn't cover.

I reached out and lightly touched her hand. "Why so nervous? I don't bite." I gave a soft laugh.

Barbara blushed faintly and squirmed. "N-no, it's not that." She looked away quickly and produced a few more vials of medicine from her pocket, setting them gently on the desk.

"Thank you," I said, smiling. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Barbara shook her head, placing her hand over mine briefly. "It's my duty to help people. You don't need to thank me. I'll bring more tonic later."

"You're a lifesaver," I murmured.

She blushed again and looked down, then quickly put her hands behind her back. "Master Jean will be by soon to visit."

"How kind of her."

Barbara glanced at the flowers nearby. "I'll bring fresh ones later. These have wilted. Bye for now."

I nodded. "I'll be here."

She smiled once more before turning and walking away.

There was a pause.

Then Alexandra—still watching Barbara's retreating figure—turned to me.

"What was that?"

I raised a brow. "What was what?"

"That. Her."

I smirked. "Well, what can I say? What am I supposed to do? I'm just that charming. Just that good-looking."

Alexandra snorted and leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes. "We're the last of the Volkov name," she said. "It can't go extinct. But it has to stay pure."

"Volkov?" I blinked, puzzled.

She opened her eyes and looked at me, her gaze unreadable. "Looks like you've forgotten a lot." She leaned forward slightly, voice quieting. "Just focus on getting better. I'll explain it all later."

I shrugged and relaxed, preparing to go back to sleep again, even though I knew I was just gonna look at the ceiling until something happened.

An Hour Later

The Sun was now hanging in the beautiful sky, the nuns were up and doing their check-ups on the people, Alexandra was reading a book on Mondstadtian History and Culture.

And I was looking at either Alexandra or outside the window.

There was a surprised voice outside the door, "Oh, Acting Grand Master! How may I help you?"

It was followed by a gentle and formal voice, "Good morning Sister, I was just here to visit a patient."

Then organized and patient steps followed, and a beautiful woman with golden hair walked in.

She looked around and then her eyes landed on me, she smiled and walked over.

Alexandra had long since closed the book and was now looking at Jean with narrowed eyes.

Jean was holding a bouquet, she walked towards me and held it near my face, "It's the flowers you really liked, I picked them from my garden."

I took in the fragrance of the flowers and then looked up at her, feigning suprise, "Who are you?"

Jean's happy face was replaced by a surprised one, she nearly dropped the bouquet, "You forgot me?"

I chuckled, "Just kidding."

Jean sighed a sigh of relief and placed the bouquet on the desk, "You haven't changed." She sat down on a stool and placed her hand on my forearm.

I shrugged, "Except for me nearly dying every time I do the basic of human labours, I am still that handsome charming fella."

Jean smiled softly, though her eyes still held a flicker of concern. "You had us all worried, you know. The Traveler kept checking in, and Kaeya's even been cracking fewer jokes."

Alexandra, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke. "You must have a lot of free time if you're hand-delivering flowers, Acting Grand Master."

Jean turned to her, still composed. "I make time. For my people."

There was a quiet tension in the air—neither hostile nor warm, but something in between. A mutual understanding, perhaps. Two women with responsibilities heavier than most could imagine.

Alexandra snorted, "Since when were we Snehznayans your people? Or is that you just have taken a liking to my brother here?"

Jean narrowed her eyes, "Unlike the Fatui, The Knights only go against criminals, not the innocent. I won't deny that your brother may be more important to me than the others, but every person in Mondstadt, whether they be Snezhnayan or of any other country, are my people as long as they pose no harm."

Alexandra snorted again and just leaned back in her chair, "As if."

Jean sighed and then looked at me, giving my arm a squeeze, "How are you doing?"

I smiled at her, "Except for wanting to scream whenever I feel like itching but I can't because I'd scream if I move, I've been doing fine. Especially with beautiful women like you two watching over me and caring for me."

Jean chuckled softly, though her gaze lingered on me, analyzing more than my tone. "You still deflect with charm. But that's alright—for now."

Her fingers lingered just a moment longer before she let go and folded her hands in her lap. "The Sisters said the fever's been mild today. That's good news."

"Feels mild," I muttered. "Everything's just a little… heavy."

Alexandra made a small sound, but didn't comment. She only reached over to pour a cup of water and handed it to me without a word.

Jean glanced between us again, then spoke gently. "I wanted to check on you personally. Not just as Acting Grand Master, but as someone who… worries. You were barely breathing when the Traveler carried you back."

"That so, huh? Well I was knocked out so I don't remember anything." I remarked.

Jean looked outside the window and squeezed my hand, "It's getting late for me, I have work to do." She lifted my hand and kissed the back of my hand before standing up, "Goodbye."

I was surprised but repaid the favor, "Goodbye."

Jean nodded and then turned around and started walking away.

Alexandra waited until the door clicked shut behind Jean before speaking again.

"She kissed your hand," she said flatly.

I turned my head slowly to look at her. "She did, yeah."

There was a pause.

"She kissed your hand," she repeated, as if the very concept offended her.

I raised a brow. "Are you mad because she's a Knight, or because she beat you to it?"

Alexandra scoffed and leaned forward, she held my hand up and kissed it before kissing my cheek, "There."

"Now the Volkov name hasn't been completely upstaged."

I blinked at her, my cheeks warming with the faintest flush. "You're unbelievable."

Alexandra smirked. "I don't lose."

I chuckled, "You are really badly in love with me, huh?" And rested my hand on my chest before going back to staring at the ceiling.

Alexandra sat down on the chair and looked out the window before turning back to her book.

Few Hours Later

I was still staring at the ceiling, counting sheeps in my mind, anything to fall asleep.

My streak was broken by a familiar loud voice, "Look! Traveler! Hes there!"

God I wish Alexandra would kill that thing.

It was Paimon, followed by the traveler.

"Hello." I said looking up at them.

Paimon zipped forward before the Traveler could even say a word, her tiny arms waving dramatically in the air.

"You idiot! You absolute reckless idiot! Do you have any idea how worried we were?! We thought you died! AGAIN!"

I blinked. "...Nice to see you too, Paimon."

The Traveler stepped forward with a small smile, their eyes soft but tired. Lumine, in this case—her golden gaze meeting mine like an old friend returning from war. She looked worn, even moreso than the last time I'd seen her, as though the weight she carried hadn't lightened in the slightest.

"Hey," she said quietly. "You look... alive. That's good."

I smiled, "Right?" And then looked at Paimon, "Turn down the volume you f-" I looked at Alexandra and then back at Paimon, "you damned loud flying nuisance."

Paimon covered behind Lumine, "Look, he is being mean again!"

Lumine raised an eyebrow at my insult and the way Paimon dove behind her like a squirrel avoiding a hawk. She sighed, then looked at me, lips curling just slightly. "At least that means you're feeling well enough to insult people again."

"Insult?" I asked innocently, though the smirk playing on my lips betrayed me. "That was a pet name. She's my little sky rat."

Paimon's muffled gasp could probably be heard in Sumeru.

"How dare you! Paimon is your savior! Your emotional support companion! Your life coach!"

"More like my emergency food supply with Wi-Fi."

"What does that even mean?!" she screeched, flailing her tiny arms.

Alexandra turned a page of her book without looking up. "I liked 'Sky Rat.' Had a bite to it."

"You people are awful," Paimon huffed, floating to the other side of the bed, arms crossed with maximum offense packed into her little hovering body. "Paimon knew she should've gone to Liyue instead."

"Don't threaten me with a good time," I muttered under my breath.

Lumine chuckled quietly and sat on the edge of the bed, folding her hands in her lap. "We were really worried, Brat."

"Well," I raised my hands up, feeling the stinging pain but still went through with it, "I am alive."

Lumine chuckled and placed a bag on the desk, "I brought some sweets, Paimon nearly ate those on the way."

I picked the bag up and looked into it, "Woah, Bagels? Croissants? Did a fontanian sweet store open up nearby? Cup noodles?"

I took out the bag of croissant and looked at the stamped price.

300,000 Mora.

"WHAT." I looked at Lumine, "300 Thousand Mora??"

Aside from me and Paimon, Lumine and Alexandra didn't look surprised.

Paimon flew up and whined, "Waaahh! You never buy these expensive sweets for Paimon!"

God, just how rich is she? Alexandra didn't look surprised either, so I am also rich I guess.

Alexandra glanced at the bagel in my hand with a shrug. "You always had expensive taste. Even before all this."

"I don't remember that," I said, turning the bag over like I was expecting it to rain Mora. "Are we royalty? Did we rob a Liyue bank in our sleep?"

"You're a Volkov," Alexandra replied simply. "Act like it."

"Why were we raised in a Orphanage then?" I asked.

"That's after Aunt and Uncle died." Alexandra said, "You've forgotten everything haven't you? We still have a mansion in Snezhnaya."

I looked at Paimon, my voice formal and graceful, "Call me Master Boris from now on. Filthy peasant."

Lumine just smiled, calmly sipping water someone had left at my bedside. "It's from Château du Lys. Fontaine's finest. And a favorite of Kaeya, apparently."

I took out a croissant and took a bite, "Mmhmmm, this is divine." I looked at Paimon, "Peasant, if you wish to take a bite, wash my feet, brush my teeth, wash my clothes and bring me water."

Paimon flared up and zoomed across the bed, trying to snatch the croissant, but I moved the crosissant in time to save it, winning in pain, "Nuh-Uh, Peasant."

Paimon's face turned a bright shade of red and kicked her legs in the air before sitting on the far end of the bed near Alexandra.

Alexandra looked at Paimon for a moment and then threw the book at her.

Paimon screamed and flew up, "Ow! What was that for!"

Alexandra hummed, "So it feels pain, huh? I thought fairies didn't feel pain."

Paimon flew to Lumine, crying, "Waa! Traveler! Both of these are meanies!"

Lumine sighed and stood up, "Well, I have to go to Liyue, I'll get going."

"Liyue, huh?"

Lumine turned around and started walking away, but not before blowing me a kiss and winking.

I raised my eyebrows at the gesture, and Alexandra narrowed her eyes.

"Bye, I guess."

Alexandra glared at me, "Are all the friends you've made women who seem to really like you."

I shook my head, "No- No- I have some men friends too, it's just that one is a wolf boy, two are dead, one is someone you'd hate to see and he would hate to see you just as much, one's a cavalry captain, and one is a wolf spirit-"

Before either of us could say more, a soft knock at the door broke the silence. A nun peeked her head in politely.

"Pardon the interruption. Sir Kaeya of the Knights of Favonius has come to visit."

Alexandra raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing.

"Let him in," I muttered, already preparing for the inevitable sarcasm.

The door creaked open, and in he walked—Kaeya, sharp as ever, with a bottle of juice under one arm and a mischievous grin already playing on his lips.

"Well, well. Still breathing. Good. I was worried I'd have to write a very dramatic eulogy."

"I'd haunt you just to correct the grammar," I replied.

Kaeya chuckled and dropped the bottle onto the table beside me, then turned his attention to Alexandra. His smile didn't waver, but his tone cooled slightly.

"And you must be our mysterious visitor from Snezhnaya."

Alexandra didn't rise, didn't offer a hand. She just met his gaze, calm and unbothered. "I didn't come to be interrogated."

"Of course not," Kaeya said with a small, theatrical bow. "Just curious. The Fatui usually don't sit bedside unless they're delivering ultimatums or threats."

"I'm here for him," Alexandra said simply, nodding toward me. "Not your city. Not your politics."

Kaeya raised his eyes, "Alright, alright, I mean no harm." He sat down on the stool beside me, "So, kiddo, how have you been doing?"

I shrugged, sitting up so Kaeya could help me drink the Apple Juice, "I've been healing fine, the nurses and the deaconess are real good at their job, though having healers who could revive in seconds would be better, but this works just fine."

Kaeya chuckled and took off the lid of the bottle and raised it to my mouth, "I've gotta say, you are much interesting than other acquaintances I made. What was your ass doing in Dragonspine anyway? It's clearly visible you weren't fit for the mission."

I took a big gulp of the juice and then spoke up, "Confidential." And then drank some more juice, "God I love this juice, thank Master Diluc for me."

Kaeya chuckled, "I will." Then he looked out the window, "It must get boring here , right?"

I nodded, "Yes, very boring."

Kaeya grinned, "Well, lucky for you, I have about an hour of free time."

I looked at him, "Oh, is that so?"

Kaeya nodded and stood up and went towards the cupboard, "They used to keep the chess board here, that's what I remember from the last time I was here- Ah Ha!" He pulled out a chessboard and walked to the bed and placed it on my lap.

"You know how to play chess, right?" Kaeya asked, opening the little box and started placing the pieces on the board.

I nodded, "Yeah, not too good, not too bad."

Kaeya grinned, "Well, you are looking at the Knights Of Favonius' Chess Champion! I defeated Varka in last year's final!"

I smirked, "Looks like I've got alot to learn from you."

Kaeya nodded and then positioned the board correctly and then motioned me to speak, "Go on."

I looked at him and then said, "Pawn to E4."

One Hour Later

"oh ma god." It was checkmate once again.

The score so far :

Kaeya 11-0 Me

It was just pure destruction, this guy had the entire game planned within the first 5 moves.

Alexandra was observing the games, chuckling at my defeats, "Foolish little brother, Rook to C4 was the best move."

Kaeya looked out and then at me, "Ah Ha, looks like my time is up, here, you two should play, cya."

Kaeya stood up and left and I looked at Alexandra.

Alexandra sat up from the chair and sat on the bed, right beside me, "Here."

I look at Kaeya and waved, "Goodbye!"