The sun dipped low over Mondstadt's walls, casting long streaks of gold across the cobblestones as Henry started pedaling. Eula mounted her bike beside him with her usual ease, and the two set off along the path, the city gradually fading behind them.
River lined the route, their surfaces rippling in the early evening light, with greenery stretching along the banks.
Henry found his gaze drifting toward Eula more than once. She looked… happier.
Her ponytail moved with the wind, and without her usual knight attire, she stood out in a different way—black leather pants, a simple shirt, a black jacket thrown over it. It suited her, and the way it fit didn't make it any easier for him to look away.
"It's quieter out here than in Mondstadt," Henry said.
Eula nodded, her expression brightening, then dipping slightly as she remembered something. "Yes. It is quiet here"
He caught it and quickly changed the topic, glancing at her again. "You look good, Eula."
She didn't answer. Instead, she pedalled a little faster, pulling ahead just enough to break his line of sight as if she was trying to hide something.
Henry smiled to himself, knowing she was pleased but wouldn't show it openly.
They continued along the path, conversation coming and going in small pieces. Henry would start something, and Eula would answer, sometimes brief, sometimes more, the rhythm settling between them as easily as the road beneath their wheels.
Birds called from the trees overhead, and the steady motion of the ride eased the tension from his shoulders. After a while, he realized he hadn't felt this relaxed in days.
Soon, they arrived at Springvale. They parked their bikes outside The Hunter's Hearth, the smell of roasting meat drifting toward them.
Inside, the restaurant was warm and inviting, wood beams glowing in the soft lamplight. They sat at a small table by the window, with a clear view of outside.
Eula had ordered boar steak for both, and Henry smiled in approval at her ordering for them.
The first bites were quiet, the richness of his medium-rare boar prompting small exhalations of satisfaction. Eula leaned back slightly, breaking the comfortable silence. "So, what do you think of Springvale?"
Henry chewed thoughtfully. "Peaceful. Less structured than Mondstadt, but I can see it has that small village charm. It's… pleasant."
"I thought you'd enjoy it. That's why I suggested we come here. A break from daily life and duties is always welcome—and the view in front of me is a bonus." Henry grinned, letting his eyes roam over Eula.
She allowed a faint smile hearing Henry's compliment, "I'll allow it this time and not seek my vengeance."
Their conversation flowed naturally, moving from their recent training session to more personal topics.
Eula tried to hide a smile whenever Henry made a point she found amusing or sharp. Henry noticed, a small smile tugging at his lips, but he stayed silent, his eyes never leaving her.
Their meal finished as the last rays of sunlight faded from the window. Henry paid the bill, and together they stepped outside, mounting their bikes once more.
The sky had softened to a light blue, stars beginning to peek out as they pedalled back toward Mondstadt.
The ride back was quieter, the chill of evening brushing against their faces. As the city gates came into view, they could see the lanterns glimmering at the top of the city walls.
Eula and Henry stepped off their bikes and stored them in their respective virtual space before entering the city together on foot.
Some turned their heads as Henry and Eula walked through. Henry saw their expressions change to anger upon seeing Eula. Eula noticed the looks people were giving her and tried to create some distance between herself and Henry as they walked.
But Henry closed the gap immediately, walking beside her and reaching subtly to take her hand. Eula froze, startled, a flush rising to her cheeks, but she did not pull away.
Their joined hands drew more attention than either expected. Henry's reputation—his noodle shop, his bikes, his friendly demeanour—was well-known.
Now, walking hand in hand with Eula, the usually cautious stares softened a little. Suspicion and distrust in the townsfolk's eyes began to wane, replaced with tentative curiosity, though some still looked with hatred, now directed at Henry as well. But Henry paid them no heed.
As they reached a main square, a voice called out from the shadows. "Eula?" It was Schubert, Eula's uncle, stepping forward with a sharp glare.
Eula tensed, but held her ground, his hand still firm around hers.
"She's with me," Henry said evenly, positioning himself slightly in front.
Schubert's eyes flicked from Henry to Eula, disbelief mixing with indignation. "This is inappropriate! You know who she is! She is Mondstadt's royalty and a Lawrence. How dare you touch her!"
Henry was already irritated by the way people had been looking at Eula, and her uncle only made it worse. He was starting to get mad, ready to jump him, but Eula stepped closer and squeezed his hand before he could.
"I am just Eula. I am no longer a Lawrence. I already left my clan because I no longer agreed with your behaviour and practices. I have no relation to you anymore. "
"Also I am holding his hand because I want to."
Her words made people stop. Nearby townsfolk turned to watch. Some looked shocked at what they heard—they saw for the first time that Eula had really stepped away from her family, that she wasn't part of the Lawrence clan anymore.
Those who heard it shifted, realization settling in—they had misjudged her.
Schubert scowled and turned away abruptly, muttering under his breath as he left.
Eula exhaled, realizing the difference Henry's presence had made and how defensive he was for her. It hadn't escaped her attention that he was willing to hit her uncle for her.
She looked up at him, something soft in her expression, and without thinking, pulled him into the narrow gap between two shops. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss.
For a moment, the world disappeared for both of them. As they pulled back, their faces stayed close, heat lingering where their lips had met. They could feel each other's breaths, and even after fully separating, their faces remained near.
Eula's mind started rebooting. Realizing what she had done, she pulled back sharply, eyes wide, and dashed away toward the Knights' headquarters, the red flush still evident across her face.
Henry watched her go, a small smile tugging at his lips. Stoic Eula, running off like that—unexpected, and entirely due to her own initiative.
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Thank you for giving power stones last time.❤️
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