Three Years Later
Rustle…
"Hm?"
A young man fishing by the lake glanced toward the nearby bushes, startled by the sound. He stared at them for a moment, then turned back to the water.
Rustle…
"Huh?"
Curiosity got the better of him. He set down his fishing rod and slowly approached the bush. When he got close enough, he reached out, fingers brushing the leaves—
"Huf—"
"WHOA!"
A white-haired girl suddenly popped out of the bush. The man yelped, stumbled backward… and promptly fainted.
"Huh? Why is there a guy sleeping here?" Etoma stepped out and poked him lightly.
"Hello? Mister, you can't sleep here…"
No response.
Tilting her head, she wondered what to do. Just then, a voice called from behind her.
"Etoma, have you found the cat?"
"Kaeya-nii!" She turned and ran toward him.
Kaeya smiled and patted the head of the hamster girl—but then he noticed the unconscious man behind her. A dead body(lol) behind her which make his expression froze.
"E-Etoma… did you kill this guy?"
"Hm? Kill?" She blinked, tilting her head. She then quickly understood what her brother talking about.
"Ah! Don't worry," Kaeya said, grabbing her shoulders dramatically. "As your brother, I'll help you hide the body. SO PLEASE—tell me what happened..."
"Pfft—ahaha!" Etoma burst into laughter, finding this situation amusing. After wiping the tears from her eyes, she continued.
"No, Brother Kaeya, you're wrong. I was searching the bushes for the cat. When I came out, he was already like this."
"Ah…" Kaeya sighed in relief. "I see."
"So what should we do with him?"
"Leave him. He's probably just tired. Let's continue searching somewhere else."
"Ay, ay!" she said, raising her hand.
The search of the missing cat was a commission from the Adventurers' Guild. Yes, Etoma had become a full-fledged adventurer. Two years ago, she joined the Adventurers' Guild. Thanks to her natural curiosity and energy, she climbed the ranks faster than most.
Despite her high rank, her combat ability wasn't exceptional. She specialized in scouting and reconnaissance. And because of her kind nature, she often accepted tedious, low-paying jobs that others avoided.
That was how she ended up on this quest.
She had met Kaeya—her other "brother," that being adopted into Diluc's family—while taking the commission. Though she initially refused his help, knowing he was busy, she eventually gave in after some persuasion.
The search lasted until evening, ending with a hearty meal at Good Hunter. Of course, courtesy of Kaeya.
Whenever she dined with him or Diluc, they always insisted on paying, no matter how much she protested.
In the end, she could only sigh and promise herself she would repay their kindness someday.
Night fell.
Etoma walked home. Yes—home. Not a "shelter" anymore.
Though it was rented, it was hers. Thanks to her rank and steady income, she had managed to secure a cozy and affordable place.
High rank meant better missions. Better missions meant better pay.
Simple.
On her way back, she spotted a blue-haired girl.
Eula.
By now, Eula had cut ties with the Lawrence family and joined the Knights of Favonius. They had met about a year ago, when Eula was still slightly struggling with doubts about her family's legacy.
Those doubts didn't last long. Etoma's warmth had swept those lingering doubts away.
Of course, the first doubt wasn't from her. It was from Amber that she met another years ago.
Currently, she was still not a friend of Amber so Etoma became her one and only friend.
After a year of spending time with her one and only friend, she became her most important person in her life. Her most trusted friend.
Whenever Eula walks, she always pointed with discrimination, drowned in isolation by her family and the citizens of Mondstadt.
Because of that, Etoma became her light that repels the darkness and shine her world.
"Ah, Eula-nee!(Sister Eula)" Etoma waved.
"Etoma. Hello. Heading home?" Eula asked.
"Yeah! Just finished a commission."
"I see. Good work."
"Hehe~ Thanks!" Etoma smiled at Eula's praise.
Eula looked away slightly, a faint blush on her cheeks.
"…Ahem, Are you free right now?" she asked.
"Hm? Yeah, I am!" Etoma replied cheerfully, despite having worked all day.
Eula smiled.
"Then… would you like to take a walk with me? The breeze near Cider Lake is nice at night."
"Hehe~ A walk with my beloved Eula-nee? Of course I would!"
"…Beloved…" Eula muttered under her breath.
"Hm? Did you say something, Eula-nee?"
"Nothing. Let's go." She extended her hand.
"Un!"
.
.
By Cider Lake, the two walked hand in hand at a gentle pace. They reached the fishing bridge and sat along the edge.
Silence lingered—comfortable, but quiet.
Etoma spoke first.
"Eula-nee~ how was your day?"
"It was… normal. I woke up, bathed, had breakfast, trained with the Knights until lunch… then trained again until dinner. After that, I went for a walk… and met you."
'Waa, so detailed~ (–⩊–')' Etoma thought.
"I see…"
Silence settled again.
Then Etoma gently leaned her head against Eula's shoulder. Eula flinched.
"Hm? What's wrong, Eula-nee?"
"I… haven't bathed yet," Eula said nervously. "I must be smell!—sweaty and dirty! so you shouldn't..."
Hearing this, Etoma pouted as she spoke.
"So what?"
"Eh?"
Eula blinked, caught off guard, as Etoma suddenly hugged her.
"So what?" Etoma repeated, burying her face in Eula's chest. "That won't make me stay away from you!"
"Fueh! E-etoma—" Eula flailing her hand.
"I don't care if you're sweaty, full of dirt or anything!"
"W-wait, Etoma—"
"Eula is my beloved friend! I like Eula! So please… don't push me away…" The last part was almost inaudible as she buried her face deeper into Eula's chest.
Eula, who had already stopped flailing, slowly wrapped her arms around Etoma's back, returning the hug. A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Un… I won't," she whispered, smiling through her tears.
Her light in the darkness.
The one who gave color to her world.
At that moment, Eula swore—no matter what happened, she would protect this happiness.
No matter the cost.
.
.