Chapter 13: Klee
The experiment was successful. Now, both of them were at the Statue of The Seven in Starfell Lake.
'It looks like it worked, Traveler.'
'Yeah, with this, we can travel between nations more easily.'
'That's right. Later, let's gather information on the locations of every Statue of The Seven in the library.'
As they continued talking, a sudden explosion was heard from the edge of Starfell Lake.
'Boom!'
'Boom!'
'Boom!'
'Huh?'
'What was that explosion?'
'It came from the lake's edge.'
They turned toward the direction of the explosions, which led toward Mondstadt. There, they saw a small child who looked about eight years old.
The child wore a red outfit and a red hat while throwing something into the lake. The object she threw exploded the moment it touched the water's surface. It was none other than a bomb.
'Is that child throwing bombs?' Paimon asked.
'It seems so.'
'She should be Klee. She looks a lot like Alice,' Aether thought.
'Should we stop her, Traveler?'
'She seems to be trying to catch fish. But throwing bombs around like that will harm the lake's ecosystem. Let's stop her first and then talk to her.'
Paimon nodded and followed Aether, who had already started flying.
'Hey, little girl over there! Stop for a moment!'
'Huh? Who's talking?'
Klee looked around and then spotted Aether jumping in the air.
'Ah! Papa…!' she shouted.
Aether, who was mid-jump, was stunned and, as a result, fell into the lake since he had suddenly stopped moving.
'Papa…!'
'Traveler… Eh?'
Paimon was shocked when Aether suddenly fell into the lake. But she was even more surprised by what the little girl had just said.
Aether quickly resurfaced and swam to the lake's edge where Klee stood. He then used Anemo to dry his wet clothes. At the same time, Paimon had also arrived.
'Lucky that Papa is okay,' Klee said.
Aether looked at Klee, who was only as tall as his waist. He then sat on the ground and asked her,
'What's your name, little one?'
'My name is Klee!'
'Then, Klee, why did you call me Papa?'
Klee reached into her bag and pulled out a photograph. She then showed it to Aether and Paimon.
'Because Mama said that the man in this photo is Klee's Papa!'
Aether looked at the photo Klee was showing. In the picture, he was carrying Alice on his shoulders. He remembered that this photo was taken when Alice was too tired to walk.
'Traveler, it really looks like you in the picture,' Paimon said in confusion.
'It is me,' Aether replied.
Even so, he still found it hard to believe. If Klee was truly his daughter, she should be much older by now. But Klee was still so young, both physically and mentally.
'Klee, hold out your hand,' Aether said.
Klee extended her hand as Aether requested.
'Follow along with what I say, okay?'
'Okay!'
Aether then slowly recited a magical incantation so that Klee could follow along. As soon as the incantation was complete, a warm light emerged from Klee's hand.
The magic spell Aether had used was a special incantation that could only be activated by him or someone related to him by blood.
Before arriving in Teyvat and meeting Alice, he had also been involved with several women from different planets.
However, those women did not have pure intentions—they only wanted to tie him to their kingdoms or nations. When they failed, they tried another method.
That method was having a child.
That was why this special spell was created—to verify whether the children who suddenly appeared before him were truly his.
Knowing Alice's personality, Aether doubted she would lie about something like this. But given his past experiences, he still wanted to be sure.
Now, seeing the light in Klee's hand, there was no doubt—Klee was his daughter.
Aether couldn't help but recall the moment when he and his sister first arrived in Teyvat and when he met Alice.
Back then, a highly advanced underground kingdom welcomed them.
Having been greeted by royal families countless times, Aether had grown tired and weary of dealing with them.
Moreover, this royal family was especially arrogant, which only increased his frustration. So, he decided to leave and embark on an adventure.
His sister, however, chose to stay in that kingdom. Aether left her there because, despite the arrogance of the royal family, he believed the kingdom was safe.
For several months, he wandered through Teyvat, adventuring. During that time, he met a girl of elf descent named Alice, who became his travel companion.
Of course, after spending so many months together, it was only natural for feelings to develop. Things like that were bound to happen.Just as their relationship was growing deeper, a terrifying war erupted in the advanced kingdom—a war that engulfed the entire world.
He then bestowed Alice with a protection spell and a summoning spell, allowing her to call upon him after he left Teyvat—something she had also agreed to.
After bringing Alice to a safe place, he immediately went to the kingdom, intending to take his sister away from Teyvat. However, his attempt ended in failure, and he was unable to keep his promise to Alice.
Upon regaining his memories, he was shocked to realize that the highly advanced kingdom was actually Khaenri'ah—the very kingdom destroyed by the Gods, as mentioned in the game.
He didn't know exactly why the kingdom was destroyed by the Gods or why their pure-blooded people were cursed, as he hadn't progressed that far in Genshin Impact.
However, recalling the arrogance of the royal family that he had witnessed firsthand, he suspected it might have something to do with it.
'Wow, Klee's hand is glowing!'
Paimon thought for a moment and then whispered to Aether,
'Traveler, this child can use the same light element as you. Could what she said be true?'
'What she said is true.'
Aether then stood up, lifted Klee into the air, and embraced her.
'Uwaa...!'
Klee was startled by Aether's sudden action, but she quickly felt happy to be hugged by her father.
Aether didn't know how Alice had delayed Klee's birth or if it was due to her elf blood, which might have extended the pregnancy period significantly.
But regardless, he was overjoyed. From his brief relationship with Alice that lasted only a few months, they had a sweet and adorable daughter.
Aether then sat back down on the ground and spoke to Klee.
'Klee, this is Papa's travel companion. Her name is Paimon.'
'Hello, Paimon! Nice to meet you!'
'Hello, Klee! This is the first time someone has recognized Paimon right away. Usually, people call Paimon all sorts of weird names first.'
'What are you doing here, Klee?' Aether asked.
'Klee is catching fish! Papa, you should know that the fish here are really delicious!'
'Oh? Really? In that case, let's try some together.'
Aether then used his Anemo element to lift both the fish that had been killed by Klee's bombs and some that were still alive.
He then used Anemo again to clean the fish in mid-air.
Paimon, watching this, remained silent. If people knew Aether was using his elemental power just to clean fish, someone out there would probably cry about it.
'Klee, go ahead and cook the fish.'
'Yes, Papa!'
Klee then used her Vision to summon Pyro energy, instantly cooking the fish and making them ready to eat.
'Klee was right! These fish taste sweeter!' Paimon exclaimed.
'Yeah, they taste different from the ones we've had before.'
'Hehe, see? Klee wasn't lying!'
'Yeah.'
Aether gently patted Klee's head, and she enjoyed the affectionate gesture.
'Klee, where is Mama right now?'
'Mama?'
'Mama is currently traveling with her friend to complete a mission.'
'Are you lonely, Klee?'
'Nope! Because I have Big Brother Albedo and the people in the Knights of Favonius! Like Master Jean, Big Sister Lisa, Big Sister Amber, Big Brother Kaeya, and all the other big brothers and sisters in the Knights of Favonius!'
'Before she left, Mama also said that Papa would show up in Mondstadt soon, and Mama's words finally came true!'
'I'm sorry, Klee. Papa hasn't been able to be by your side all this time.'
'It's okay, Papa.'
'Then, Klee, how did you end up here?' Paimon asked.
'When everyone left this morning, Klee ran away from the confinement room and came here to catch fish.'
'Papa wants to know, why were you locked in the confinement room?'
'Eum... eum...'
'It's okay, Papa won't be mad.'
'Klee... blew up the warehouse.'
'But Klee really didn't mean to do it!'
'Yes, Papa believes Klee.'
'That's why, from now on, Klee must be more careful when blowing things up, okay? Like when catching fish, Klee shouldn't throw bombs carelessly because it will destroy the fish's home.'
'If their homes are destroyed, they won't have a place to live, and that means there won't be any more fish in this lake.'
'If that happens, Klee won't be able to eat grilled fish anymore.'
'Okay, Papa! Klee understands!'
'Traveler, Paimon thinks it would be better to advise Klee to stop playing with bombs altogether.'
'It's useless, Paimon, because Klee inherited this trait from her mother. So instead of telling her to stop, it's better to teach her to be more careful.'
'Ugh, Paimon has nothing to say to that...'
Aether and Paimon then listened to Klee's stories about her experiences so far. He also took a moment to check Klee's status.
[Name: Klee]
[Level: 62]
[HP: 28,921]
[Attack: 2,863]
[Defense: 861]
[Dexterity: 809]
[Elemental Mastery: 600]
[Stamina: 620]
[Relationship: 9]
Before they knew it, time had passed, and they returned to Mondstadt just as the sun had set. At the city gate, Jean and Lisa stood there, looking worried.
'Traveler, you came ba—Ah! Klee...!' Jean's words were cut off when she saw Klee sleeping on Aether's back.
'Shh, she's exhausted and just fell asleep,' Aether said.
'You both look worried. Is something wrong?' he asked while checking Jean and Lisa's status.
[Name: Jean]
[Level: 70]
[HP: 37,822]
[Attack: 3,631]
[Defense: 1,031]
[Dexterity: 1,145]
[Elemental Mastery: 520]
[Stamina: 920]
[Relationship: 7]
[Name: Lisa]
[Level: 69]
[HP: 32,451]
[Attack: 3,863]
[Defense: 911]
[Dexterity: 809]
[Elemental Mastery: 780]
[Stamina: 790]
[Relationship: 8]
'Their overall stats are lower than mine?'
'Does this have something to do with my level requiring more EXP to increase?' Aether wondered.
'We've been looking for the child on your back,' Lisa said.
She then signaled the sky using her Electro element, notifying the other Knights who were searching for Klee.
'I see. Sorry for making you all worry,' Aether said.
'It's okay. The important thing is that Klee has returned safely,' Jean replied.
'But, Traveler, you two really look like a father and daughter,' Lisa remarked.
'Do you think so?' Aether responded with a smile.
'Oh? It seems like you're not denying it?' Lisa teased.
'Who would refuse a good, sweet, and cute daughter like Klee?' Aether replied.
'Yes, Klee is indeed a good, sweet, and cute child. But her love for bombs is completely unsuitable for someone her age,' Jean said.
Aether didn't respond to this and instead changed the topic.
'So, where is Klee's home?'
'Klee lives with Albedo. Come on, we'll take you both to her house,' Jean answered.
Aether and Paimon nodded, then followed Jean and Lisa as they led them to Albedo's house.
After fifteen minutes, they finally arrived, and Albedo was already waiting outside.
He had rushed home after seeing Lisa's signal, and when he saw Klee on Aether's back, he was slightly surprised but quickly smiled, making Aether think about something.
'Sorry for the trouble, Traveler, Captain Jean, and Miss Lisa,' Albedo said.
'Did you not see Paimon?'
'Haha, Paimon too.'
Jean and Lisa gestured that it was no problem.
'It's okay. By the way, where is Klee's room?' Aether asked while checking Albedo's status.
[Name: Albedo]
[Level: 67]
[HP: 33,921]
[Attack: 3,263]
[Defense: 1,461]
[Dexterity: 1,009]
[Elemental Mastery: 580]
[Stamina: 830]
[Relationship: 8]
'Come, let me show you. Would you two like to come in first?' Albedo asked Jean and Lisa.
'No, I still have work to do, so I'll head back to headquarters,' Jean replied.
'Me neither. I'm too tired, so I just want to go home and rest,' Lisa added.
Albedo nodded and didn't insist.
'Well then, see you later at Angel's Share, Traveler,' Jean said.
'Yeah,' Aether replied.
The three of them entered the house, and Albedo showed Aether Klee's room. After placing her on the bed, they returned to the living room, where Aether asked Albedo,
'When we first met at the Knights of Favonius headquarters, you already recognized me, didn't you?'
'Yes.'
'Did Alice tell you not to mention anything about Klee?'
'Yes.'
'Miss Alice had already foretold your arrival in Mondstadt. So, she instructed me not to say anything and to let you discover Klee on your own.'
'Then, where is Alice now?'
'Sorry, I don't know either. But she told both of us that the borders of Teyvat are becoming fragile, so she has to start working.'
'The borders are becoming fragile? What does that mean?' Aether thought.
'I see. Aside from you, does anyone else know about this?'
'No one.'
'Don't spread this information. Even though I don't fully understand what she meant by 'borders,' the word 'fragile' is unsettling to hear for ordinary people.'
'Understood.'
'Oh, by the way, do the people at the Knights of Favonius know that I'm Klee's father?'
'They don't.'
'Good. It's better not to tell anyone for now, because I'm still too weak.'
'If people find out, it could be dangerous for Klee. We don't know what those fanatics might do.'
'Are you referring to the Fatui?'
'Yes. Because I feel like I'll be clashing with them often.'
'I understand. Then, what should I call you now?'
'Huh?'
'I actually call Miss Alice 'Aunt Alice,' and I consider Klee my little sister. So, should I call you Uncle?'
'Uncle?!'
'Haha, Traveler, you're being called an uncle.'
'No, just keep calling me Aether.'
'Okay, Unc... Traveler, actually, there's something I want to ask you.'
'What is it?'
'Are you really from outside Teyvat?'
'Yes, I come from the starry skies.'
'Then, what is life like for people out there?'
'Paimon is curious too, Traveler!'
'Basically, it's not too different from this world, but every planet has its own uniqueness. Some planets have highly advanced civilizations, while others have none at all.'
'Besides that, each planet has different kinds of living beings. What exists on this planet might not exist elsewhere, and vice versa.'
Aether continued explaining about the different life forms outside Teyvat, and suddenly, Albedo asked,
'Then, are there beings like me out there?'
'What do you mean?'
'Created life. I was born from an alchemical process.'
'Eh?'
'Albedo, you're not human?' Paimon asked.
'No.'
'Is alchemy so advanced that it can even create humans?'
'If it's the alchemy my master used, then yes. But I can't do that myself yet.'
'Wow, Paimon didn't expect that. Your master must be an amazing person!'
'Yes, I think so too...'
'So, what do you think, Traveler?'
'Artificial life, huh?'
'Even though the process is different, you could say that many types of created life exist.'
Aether then explained about humanoid robots with their own will, homunculi, and various other types of artificial lifeforms.
Without realizing it, time passed, and it was already time for dinner. Klee woke up, drawn by the delicious aroma of food.
After eating, Aether played with Klee while Paimon decided to take a nap, saying she was too tired.
Aether continued playing with Klee and finally managed to persuade her to sleep around midnight. He then woke up Paimon and bid farewell to Albedo, who was still awake.
At dawn, Aether and Paimon entered Angel's Share. Inside, Venti, Diluc, and Jean were already waiting.
Aether immediately checked Diluc's status:
[Name: Diluc]
[Level: 71]
[HP: 41,921]
[Attack: 3,863]
[Defense: 1,161]
[Dexterity: 1,209]
[Elemental Mastery: 550]
[Stamina: 990]
[Relationship: 7]
However, he still couldn't see Venti's status.
'Traveler, you've finally arrived,' Venti said.
'Am I late?'
'No, we just gathered not long ago.'
'Acting Grandmaster Jean, why are you here instead of Kaeya?' Paimon asked.
'Because this time, I want to take action myself. It wouldn't be right for me to leave everything to Sir Diluc.'
'I've already told you, stop calling me 'Sir,'' Diluc replied.
'I've confirmed where the Holy Lyre der Himmel is. It's located at their headquarters, about 15 km from Springvale Village.'
'Can we finish this before sunrise? Just traveling from Mondstadt to Springvale Village already takes two hours.'
'I've asked someone to bring a Portable Waypoint to that area, so don't worry.'
'What's that?' Paimon asked.
'A type of teleportation device created through alchemy. However, it only works for one-way teleportation and doesn't last long,' Jean explained.
Diluc then handed out coin-like objects to everyone. These items allowed the holder to teleport to the Portable Waypoint that had been placed earlier.
'How do we use them?'
'Just hold it,' Diluc said.
'Alright, are you all ready?' Diluc asked.
'Yes.'
'Good.'
Diluc then activated the Portable Waypoint, which was placed 3 km from the Fatui base. In an instant, they all vanished from Angel's Share and reappeared in the middle of a forest.
'Where is this?' Paimon asked.
'A forest behind Springvale Village. The Fatui base is still about 3 km from here. We'll run the rest of the way,' Diluc said.
'Take these,' Diluc added, handing out full-face masks, gloves, and cloaks to everyone.
After putting them on, they ran toward the Fatui base and stopped 100 meters away.
'That's their base,' Diluc said, pointing at a cave embedded in a cliffside.
'That doesn't look like a natural cave,' Aether noted.
'It's not. The Fatui dug it out themselves, but inside, there are ruins that seem to have existed long before them. It has now become their base. I only discovered this place while tracking the Holy Lyre der Himmel.'
'When did they excavate this? A project this large should have been noticed,' Jean said.
'That means someone in Mondstadt is hiding this. And I think I know exactly who,' Diluc said.
'I think so too. Once this mission is over, I'll have a word with them,' Jean added.
'What are you two talking about?' Paimon asked.
Aether and Venti, however, had already guessed—Jean and Diluc were likely referring to the Lawrence Clan.
'I'll explain later, Paimon. For now, who's going inside?' Jean asked.
'I'll stay outside. After all, I'm just a weak bard who can't fight,' Venti said.
'What about you, Traveler?' Jean asked.
'I'll go in. I've grown stronger recently, and I want to see just how strong I've become.'
'I'll go in too,' Diluc added.
'Paimon?' Jean asked.
'I'll go wherever the Traveler goes!'
'In that case, I'll stay here with... Venti,' Jean said.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
'So, should we kill all the Fatui inside?' Aether asked Jean.
'If possible, please don't kill them. Officially, they are still considered Mondstadt's allies. If too many of their people die here, it will bring a lot of trouble to Mondstadt.' Jean explained.
Even Diluc didn't argue, as Jean was right. If a war broke out between Mondstadt and Snezhnaya, Mondstadt would suffer greatly. In terms of technology and military strength, Mondstadt was far behind.
'Alright.'