Henry was already awake when the faint morning light slipped through the window. Mondstadt was quieter at this hour, the streets still half-asleep, the air cool enough to clear his head. He washed quickly, pulled on clean clothes, and stepped out just as Alina emerged from her room, tying her hair back.
"Big day today," she said, glancing toward the stairs.
Henry nodded. "Let's not keep Mona waiting."
They headed down together. Sure enough, Mona was already there on the ground floor, seated near the counter with a book balanced on her knee. She looked up when she heard them, her expression calm, composed, as if she had been waiting for hours rather than minutes.
"You're early," Henry said.
"I prefer to be prepared," Mona replied, closing the book. "Especially today."
Henry smiled faintly. He wished he felt half as composed as she looked.
He gave them both a quick rundown before things became chaotic—who would handle what, where they should stand, how to direct people once they began arriving.
He turned to Alina, his tone shifted into something more practical. "Stay with Mona today and help her manage sales and explain the payment plans. If things get crowded, she'll need backup."
Alina saluted exaggeratedly. "Understood. I'll make sure no one gets past us without their mora accounted for."
Henry headed to open the front door—
—and nearly collided with Grandmaster Varka.
The man stood solidly in the hallway, broad-shouldered and imposing even at rest, flanked by several knights in uniform. Eula stood among them, arms crossed, posture rigid.
Henry froze for half a second before recovering. "Grandmaster. Captain Lawrence. You're… early."
Varka chuckled, the sound deep and warm, echoing slightly in the narrow space. "Ah, Mr. Henry, the man of the hour. I was curious—I wanted to see this so-called miracle contraption before the crowds arrive."
Henry stepped aside. "Please, come in."
The knights filed inside, eyes immediately drawn to the rows of bicycles lined neatly along the walls. Some leaned closer, inspecting the frames. Others whispered to each other, hands hovering as if unsure whether they were allowed to touch.
Varka moved deliberately between them, examining each bike with keen interest.
Henry turned toward Eula. "Good morning."
She didn't answer.
Her gaze flicked to him briefly, sharp and cool. "So," she said at last, "this is how you spend your time?"
Henry blinked. "I—"
"I'll be enacting my vengeance later," she continued, tone flat. "Don't think I've forgotten."
Henry opened his mouth, then closed it again.
[Henry, don't Eula and Jean stay in the same knight quarters?]
Orianna's voice chimed in cheerfully.
[Maybe they exchanged notes. Hahaha. You may be in trouble.]
Before he could say anything else, voices drifted in from outside. More guests were arriving.
"I'll be right back," Henry said, already moving toward the door.
Outside, he spotted two unfamiliar figures near the entrance—one with platinum blond hair, eyes sharp with quiet focus; the other hovering slightly behind him, green hair tied neatly, round glasses, posture hesitant.
Henry approached immediately. "You must be Albedo."
Albedo turned, studying him with open curiosity. "Henry, I presume."
They shook hands, the grip firm and measured.
"This is Sucrose, my assistant," Albedo added.
Sucrose stepped forward, pushing her glasses up nervously before offering her hand. "I-it's nice to meet you."
Henry smiled, keeping his tone gentle. "Likewise."
Albedo's gaze lingered on the bikes visible through the doorway. "I've heard… reports," he said, voice calm but curious. "People mentioned you riding a small mechanical vehicle outside the city. No animal involved. I found it… intriguing."
His eyes brightened. "So, you made these? Are you a researcher?"
Henry nodded.
For the first time, Albedo allowed a small, genuine smile. "Then we should exchange notes."
"Absolutely." Henry shook his hand firmly, stepping aside to let them enter.
More footsteps echoed outside, signaling additional arrivals.
Jean and Lisa had arrived together.
Henry noticed Jean first. Their eyes met—just for a moment—before she looked away, and adjusting her gloves as if suddenly very interested in them.
Lisa, on the other hand, did not hesitate.
"Well," she drawled, stepping closer with an unmistakable sway, "Imagine my surprise. Opening day, and you didn't even think to invite me personally."
Henry stiffened. "I—uh—things moved quickly."
Lisa leaned in slightly, voice dropping. "And here I was wondering why you haven't visited the library lately."
Behind her, Jean's expression tightened. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she watched the exchange.
"I'll come by soon," Henry said quickly. "I promise."
Lisa smiled, satisfied.
Jean's eyes flicked toward Henry, a faint trace of jealousy crossing her face, though she quickly masked it. The unspoken message was clear—she would make sure to be present if Henry ever visited Lisa.
By the time the doors were fully open, the shop had begun to fill.
The space was modest, and soon Mondstadters had to pause outside, craning their necks to see. Shopkeepers, craftsmen, and curious citizens crowded, their numbers growing steadily as word of the event spread.
Many halted immediately when they noticed Grandmaster Varka standing among the bikes, his presence commanding attention even amid the bustling crowd.
"That's the Grandmaster."
"Is he really here?"
Henry greeted each newcomer patiently, explaining what the bicycles were, how they worked, what purpose they served.
People leaned closer, curiosity sharpening into anticipation.
Henry raised his voice just enough to carry. "If you want to see it properly, there's a demonstration outside the city gate. One of my employees is already there with a bike." He gestured toward the door. "You can watch it in motion—and if you decide to buy one, he will teach you how to ride as well."
That was all it took.
Those who hadn't yet seen the bike moving—including Varka and several knights—headed out at once, the sudden rush spilling into the street. The shop felt oddly empty for a short while.
When they returned, it was with widened eyes and low murmurs of awe. Conversations overlapped as people tried to put words to what they had seen, excitement buzzing through the room.
Soon, a small line formed near Mona.
She stood straight, voice steady as she explained pricing and the monthly payment scheme for those unable to pay in full. Alina stood beside her, handling questions, redirecting the impatient, keeping order with surprising authority.
Then Varka stepped forward.
"I'll take thirty of these for now," he said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "What were they called again… ah, yes. Bikes."
The room went silent.
Henry blinked. "Thirty?"
"For the Knights," Varka said joyfully. "Carriages and horses are effective, but limited. These will be useful for patrols, rapid movement and situations where horses are unavailable."
Henry let out a slow breath. "You can take those thirty today itself. Just settle the payment with Mona."
"I also need instructors," Varka added.
Henry's gaze shifted instinctively toward Eula. "Captain Lawrence is already the best rider here," he said without hesitation. "I taught her myself."
Varka chuckled. "Then it sounds like we're settled."
Henry nodded to Varka, then turned to Jean and Eula, gently guiding them a short distance away from the crowd—far enough that the noise softened into a distant murmur.
"I need to clear something up," he said.
Both women turned toward him. Eula's posture was straight, arms loosely crossed. Jean's hands rested together in front of her, attentive but cautious.
"I'm your friend," Henry continued, voice steady. "Both of you."
He looked at Eula first. "I taught you because you're my friend—and because you walked into it while I was already teaching Mona and Alina. That's all there was to it."
Eula held his gaze, her expression easing just a little.
Then Henry turned to Jean. "And I asked you out because Lisa mentioned you were overworking yourself. I'd noticed it too." He gave a small shrug. "I thought you deserved a break."
Jean's face warmed despite herself, fingers tightening slightly as she nodded.
Gradually, the tension eased. Eula looked away, embarrassed.
Jean and Eula exchanged a glance—competitive, unreadable.
Henry missed it entirely.
But Alina didn't.
She grinned openly, then cleared her throat. "Henry, excuse me. I need you for a moment. Mona could use help."
He nodded and followed her back inside.
Sales continued well into the afternoon. More people signed up for partial payments. Others placed future orders. The shop buzzed with voices until Henry finally closed the doors.
"We'll open again tomorrow," he promised.
As the crowd dispersed, Henry leaned against the counter, exhausted—but satisfied.
Modernization had begun.
---
P.S. Power Stones, please.
Thank you Mistress Ahri for your support ❤️
I stan Lux though.
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