"Come on," Henry said. "Today you learn how to ride."
Henry stepped outside with Alina, the crisp morning air brushing against his face. The shop's doors were locked, the keys safely tucked into his pocket, and a strange mixture of excitement and nerves fluttered in his chest.
Alina fell into step beside him, calm and composed as always, her golden hair catching the sunlight. She carried herself with effortless grace, yet there was a faint glimmer of curiosity behind her measured expression.
As they walked through the city streets, a small crowd of children noticed Henry.
"Hey! That's him! The guy with the wheel-thing!"
"Sir! Ride it again!"
Henry's lips curved into a small smile. Kids darted toward him, weaving through the marketplace in a blur of energy.
Alina glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You're surprisingly popular."
Henry shook his head with a chuckle. "It's the bike, not me."
The cobbled path outside Mondstadt stretched ahead, sunlight glinting off the uneven stones. Henry mounted the bike first, pushing off carefully. The wheels hummed smoothly over the stones as he rode to the far end, then looped back toward Alina, his posture steady and relaxed.
Alina's eyes widened, the rare sparkle of awe breaking through her usual composed demeanor. "That speed… with just that thing?"
Henry slowed to a stop, grinning. "This is just a simple invention. No Visions, no magic—purely mechanical."
She stepped closer, curiosity alight in her gaze. "May I try?"
Henry gave a small nod. "Sit here. Feet on the pedals. These handles — they're brakes. Pull gently to slow down."
Alina nodded, settling onto the seat. Her fingers curled around the handles, tentative but eager.
She pushed off. The bike wobbled violently.
"Keep steady—" Henry warned, but it was too late.
Alina toppled sideways, landing in a graceless heap on the ground.
Henry's laughter echoed through the quiet afternoon, breaking the stillness.
Alina groaned, sitting up and shooting him a glare. "You're laughing too hard!"
"That fall was… impressive," Henry said between chuckles.
"Stop laughing!" she snapped, smacking his arm lightly.
Henry cleared his throat, still grinning, and crouched behind her bike. "Okay, okay. Let's do this properly."
He steadied the seat with firm hands, his fingers brushing briefly against hers as he adjusted the pedals.
"Rule one: Don't choke the handlebars. Hold them gently, let the bike move naturally."
Alina loosened her grip, nodding.
"Rule two: steer with small, controlled movements. Don't twist with your whole body."
"Noted," she said, eyes narrowed in concentration.
"Rule three: speed helps balance. Slopes are your friends."
She tilted her head. "Speed helps? Really?"
"Trust me," Henry said with a grin.
"And rule four?"
"Practice. A lot. Every mistake is progress."
Alina's lips pressed together. "Then let's continue."
She pushed off again, wobbling immediately. Henry sprinted beside her, steadying the bike when it leaned too far. Her concentration deepened, brows furrowing. Each attempt lasted a fraction longer than the last, the bike beginning to respond to her commands.
Henry encouraged her, running beside her. "Pedal smoothly, don't fight the motion. Let the bike do the work. That's it, keep your balance!"
By the fifth attempt, she managed several meters before faltering, teetering but recovering slightly. She threw him a sideways glance, cheeks flushed but eyes bright. "Progress."
Henry laughed softly. "Exactly. Tomorrow, you'll do this on your own."
They continued, taking short breaks to catch their breath and drink from a small flask Henry carried. During one pause, Alina sat on the curb, wiping sweat from her brow.
"This is harder than it looks," she admitted, a hint of frustration creeping into her normally calm voice.
"You're doing better than most beginners," Henry said. "I fell countless times too. Takes patience, that's all."
She nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "Then I'll keep going."
Evening shadows began to stretch across the path. Henry finally called it a day. "That's enough for now. Dinner awaits, and you need your strength."
As they turned back toward Mondstadt, Henry spotted a familiar figure ahead — a blue witch hat and skin tight costume, unmistakable from a distance.
"Mona!" Henry called, waving.
She spotted him and returned the wave, her usual calm mask slipping into a small, shy smile.
Henry gestured toward Alina. "Alina, this is Mona — our shop's salesperson. Mona, meet Alina — ledger keeper."
Alina inclined her head politely. "Pleased to meet you."
Mona's eyes softened, and she nodded in return. "Likewise."
Henry pointed toward Good Hunter. "Now, Let's all eat together. My treat."
Mona's hands went up slightly, panic flickering in her expression. "I… I shouldn't— I'm busy—"
"Nope," Henry said firmly, tugging her wrist gently. "My employees don't skip meals. Come on."
"Henry—! I can walk myself—!" she protested, flustered.
Alina walked behind, suppressing a quiet laugh at the exchange.
At Good Hunter, Henry pulled out chairs for both of them. Mona sat reluctantly beside him, cheeks still tinged pink.
"Eat," Henry said firmly.
She tried to demur. "I shouldn't trouble—"
Henry's grin widened. "If you don't eat, I'll feed you myself."
Her blush deepened, as she pulled the plate towards her. "I—I'll eat! See? I'm eating!"
Mona gave a small, embarrassed smile, shovelling food onto her plate with renewed determination. Henry leaned back, content, while Alina quietly observed the interplay, amusement flickering in her eyes.
Dinner passed with easy conversation. Mona slowly relaxed, and Alina remained polite but intrigued, occasionally offering small smiles at Henry's subtle humor.
When plates were cleared, Henry rose. "Mona, tomorrow morning, you'll learn to ride. It's part of the shop. Since you're an employee, you need to know how it works."
Mona blinked, confusion and apprehension mixing in her eyes. "A… what?"
"A bike," Henry said, nonchalantly.
"What's a bike?" she asked, the question muffled behind her fingers as she touched the edge of her hat.
"You'll see," Henry said with a smile, letting the moment linger, a playful glint in his eyes.
Mona nodded slowly, still bewildered, then waved goodbye and headed home, her steps hesitant but curious.
Henry turned back to Alina as they walked toward the establishment, the cool evening air brushing their faces.
Climbing the stairs, Alina paused halfway. "Henry… thank you. For hiring me. For the room. And for today."
Her tone was calm as always, but the sincerity was unmistakable.
Henry smiled. "It was nothing. Get some rest. Training continues tomorrow."
Alina's lips curved into a soft smile. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Henry entered his room, closing the door behind him, exhaustion settling in.
Henry closed the door behind him and leaned against it, letting his shoulders relax.
[Two employees in one day. At this rate, your shop will be ready before entire Mondstadt even notices.]
Henry smirked. "I'm aware. But they seem reliable. Alina and Mona both."
[Indeed. Your team is forming nicely. Keep this pace, and the shop's opening will be smoother than expected.]
Henry nodded to himself. "Tomorrow's another day. More practice, more progress."
[Exactly. Good work today.]
---
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