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Chapter Text

The moonlight shines on the city of Mondstadt and through the windows of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, glistening in many unlit rooms. However, there is one place that remains lit up as a young woman continues to work behind a desk. A faint sound of a quill pen interrupts the stillness in the air, occasionally pausing in a thoughtful manner before resuming. With the exception of the evening guards outside the building, Jean Gunnhildr, the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and Dandelion Knight, carries on her remaining duties into the night.

After some time, she places the quill down and holds up the paper to carefully read over her words. Once satisfied with its message, she adds her signature to the bottom and evenly folds it into thirds. Her hand reaches for an envelope with the recipient’s name and address written in advance and inserts the letter inside. She stamps the closed envelope with an official Knights of Favonius wax seal.

“Finished at last,” she sighs in relief.

Stiff from the limited movement, Jean lifts her arms above her head and pushes them upwards before releasing the tension. She then brings them down onto the desk and briefly pauses before lowering her gaze. The empty mug nearby her right hand emits a bitter aroma from the small traces of leftover coffee. She lightly clasps the handle and tilts it towards her as if looking to see if there was more. Her eyes narrow while she stares inside the mug for what seems to be quite some time before a familiar, feminine voice breaks the silence.

“Jean, are you still here?”

She recoils, quickly lifting up her head towards the door and placing the mug down on her desk. It takes her a second to collect herself as she returns to reality.

“Lisa, you startled me,” she finally replies, trying to maintain a composed tone. “I thought you left a few hours ago.”

Known as the Librarian of the Knights of Favonius, she chuckles and places one hand on her hip.

“I did but as I was going to get some dinner, I noticed that your office light was on,” Lisa affirms. “I should’ve known that you’d still be working. Speaking of food, have you eaten yet?”

“I…suppose I haven’t,” Jean admits, somewhat embarrassed by her self-negligence.

“Well, if you’re all done, why don’t you join me?”

“Ah yes, I would be happy to,” she responds, pushing her chair back to stand up. “Where were planning to go?”

Lisa’s smile widens upon hearing her favorable reply.

“I was actually going to Angel’s Share,” she answers. “Rumor has it that there’s a limited time appetizer and drink special on the menu. Not to mention that the man himself is also working behind the bar tonight.”

Although seemingly obscure in who exactly Lisa is referring to, almost any citizen of Mondstadt could guess that she is talking about the owner of Angel’s Share, Diluc Ragnvindr. In addition to being a nobleman, he is an exceptional tycoon in the wine industry as the owner of Dawn Winery despite his aversion to alcohol. Unfortunately, his contempt towards the Knights of Favonius remains strong in how to protect Mondstadt and its people.

Despite conflicting ideologies and approaches, Jean maintains the upmost admiration for him. She acknowledges his resentment and understands why he parted from the Knights of Favonius regardless of her current title of Acting Grand Master. Through her devoted commitment, she hopes to one day change his views.

“Is that so…” Jean mutters to herself, then raises her voice as she continues to speak. “It has been a while since we last spoke.”

“All the more reason to go,” Lisa insists, turning around and motioning her arm towards the exit. “I’m sure he’ll be surprised to see you. Come on, let’s go.”

Jean gives a slight nod and then pushes her chair into the desk, taking one final glance at the room before flickering the lights off and locking the office door.

The crisp air refreshes Jean as she accompanies Lisa to Angel’s Share, the most renowned tavern in all of Mondstadt. The two knights at the headquarters entrance salute them as they leave, Lisa responding with a small wave and Jean returning the gesture.

“May the Anemo Archon protect you,” Jean proclaims to them.

Even though she is technically off-duty, Jean persists the formalities out of respect for those who continue their obligations. When the two are out of earshot, Lisa lets out a short giggle.

“Still in work mode, I see,” she jokes, folding her arms.

Jean stays silent as they descend down the staircase near the Goth Grand Hotel. Putting herself as a knight first is deeply ingrained in her system. After all, as the Gunnhildr saying goes, “For Mondstadt, as always.” Lisa furrows her eyebrows and exhales.

“Oh Jean, you know I jest. I know how important it is for you to be a role model for the knights.”

“No need to retract your words,” she softly replies. “You’re only looking out for my well-being and for that, I appreciate.”

“But of course,” Lisa chuckles, slightly looking down to watch her footing as they walk down another set of stairs. “Just remember that when we get to Angel’s Share, you’re there as Jean, not the Acting Grand Master.”

She nods in affirmation of the reminder, turning her eyes at the sky above for a brief moment before making a left turn towards an additional staircase. They acknowledge a knight on patrol in the area and then make their descent. Both Jean and Lisa give a short hello to Hertha, the Knights of Favonius Coordinator, and a few more knights as they pass by.

The outdoor seating on both sides of the tavern is nearly full of patrons, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. Food sizzles on one of the plates as a server puts the dish in front of an enthusiastic guest. Glasses clink together at a different table in a celebratory fashion with the holders of the mugs cheering in delight.

“Looks like business is thriving as ever,” Lisa remarks upon seeing the lively customers. “Not that I expect any less from the owner of Dawn Winery.”

Inside the tavern, even more seats are filled with people enjoying their food and drinks. To compensate for the large crowd, a handful of servers hurriedly walk pass each other on the main and second floor to maintain customer satisfaction. At the bar table, two bartenders share the counter as they mix and serve non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages alike.

One of the bartenders is Charles, a longtime employee of Dawn Winery who has been working at Angel’s Share for over a decade. He is regularly the barkeeper on most work shifts and is quite skilled in mixology. The other bartender next to him is none other than the owner himself. He sweeps his section of the bar with a cool rag when Jean closes the door behind her.

“Well, hello there,” Lisa greets as she seats herself on one of the bar stools. Jean leisurely sits next to her, watching Diluc clear off any remaining spots.

“Interesting,” he responds somewhat sarcastically. “I didn’t imagine that the two of you would be here tonight.”

“Now, now,” she teases, leaning a bit forward in her seat. “Is that how you treat paying guests at your fine establishment?”

Diluc lets out an inaudible chuckle and tosses the damp rag in a nearby sink.

“My apologies,” he retorts, though his tone remains unchanged. “What can I get you two?”

Both women order the limited time special. Lisa asks to substitute meat with mushrooms on the appetizer and chooses Dandelion Wine as her drink. Jean selects the Berry and Mint Burst instead of alcohol. He grabs a bottle of the requested wine and pours it in a glass. Diluc then collects the ingredients for Jean’s drink, skillfully mixing the concoction in a short time and presents it in front of her.

“Thank you,” Jean utters graciously. She takes a small sip of her drink, enjoying the taste of fresh berries and mint. It gives a cooling sensation that seems to gradually invigorate her. “This is exceptionally good.”

“Glad to hear it meets your expectation,” he responds, then turns his attention to their appetizers.

Within ten minutes, Diluc places their food on the bar table and begins to hand-dry some of the washed glasses. In the middle of their meal, he asks for their verdict on the dish.

“What do you think?” Diluc inquires. “Is it something that you would order again?”

“I really enjoyed it,” Lisa answers with a smile. “The portion size is great and accommodating to my preferences is a plus in my books.”

“We wouldn’t be much of a business if we couldn’t make simple adjustments,” he replies straightforwardly. “Besides, we planned in advance for a non-meat variation for people in your circumstance. In any case…Jean, your thoughts on the original recipe?”

Jean swallows a bite of her food and wipes her mouth with a napkin. She nods in agreement, sharing her sentiments with Lisa.

“It’s delicious,” Jean beams as she reaches for another piece. “I could see people walking around with this in hand during Ludi Harpastum.”

“I’ll keep that in mind then,” Diluc imparts, putting the clean glass on a rack.

Jean looks around the main floor to see the joy and carefree attitudes of the indoor patrons. The laughter from the second floor resonates above them. Charles finishes up a few cocktails before placing it on a tray for a server to take. He then resumes his casual chat with the customers sitting in front of him.

She turns back her attention to Diluc, noticing his crimson eyes occasionally scanning the tavern as he dries another glass. His hair is in its usual messy ponytail to keep most of it behind his back. Being a man with little interest in small talk, Jean is hesitant to start a conversation with him. Fortunately, Lisa decides to cut the silence between the trio.

“You know, Jean,” she starts with a slight hint of mischievous in her voice. “You ought to remember to eat dinner next time. The last thing we need is our Acting Grand Master passing out at her desk again.”

Jean blinks a few times as if to properly register Lisa’s words. She briefly glances at Diluc before quickly looking away in shame. Her hand lifts up instinctively to move part of her blonde hair behind her ear.

“I…of course,” Jean responds, attempting to mask her embarrassment. “I will be more mindful in the future.”

“That makes me wonder…” Lisa ponders inquisitively. “When is the last time that you’ve taken a vacation? Have you taken an actual break ever since you’ve became Acting Grand Master?”

She tilts her head slightly upward to consider Lisa’s questions. The only time Jean recalls receiving a break is when she collapsed from work exhaustion a short time ago. Aside from that, she is unable to confidently say that she has taken break from work on her own accord.

“To be honest,” Jean admits, somewhat dejected. “I can’t think of a time where I haven’t work. The only exception is when I fell ill while the Honorary Knight was last in Mondstadt.”

“If that’s true, then you’re clearly overdue for a paid vacation. Why don’t you take a personal trip for yourself? Think of it as…reenergizing your body and mind as a knight.”

“Even so,” she replies with a frown. “I couldn’t possibly leave my duties as Acting Grand Master unattended. My conscience wouldn’t allow me any peace of mind.”

Before Lisa continues to persuade her, Diluc suddenly interjects.

“Then might I offer a solution?”

Jean and Lisa turn their heads towards him, rather stun to hear Diluc speak up in the middle of their conversation. His cynical outlook of the Knights of Favonius is steadfast ever since his father’s death four years ago. It isn’t uncommon for him to take a jab at the organization when the topic arises. Jean almost anticipates that his next comment would be no exception.

“According to my intel, the neighboring nation of Liyue recently conducted the Rite of Parting to commemorate the farewell of the Geo Archon and, as a result, the beginning of a new era,” Diluc acknowledges discreetly. “The Qixing who govern Liyue also declared that the Fatui were responsible for the revival of an ancient god that threatened to destroy its people. Considering the dealings with Dvalin here in Mondstadt, this may be an opportune time to arrange a meeting with its leaders to strengthen our nation’s diplomacy.”

Jean brings her hand to her lips in a thinking manner. She also recollects the information provided by the Knights of Favonius about the incidents in Liyue. Although the Abyss Order was at fault for the manipulation of Dvalin, the relationship with the Fatui diplomats in Mondstadt is vigilant to say the least. If it is true that the Fatui almost destroyed Liyue, Diluc’s proposition may be worth pursuing.

“I have been in correspondence with the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing,” Jean adds. “Perhaps it is time that I send a formal request to meet in person to discuss the recent events in both Mondstadt and Liyue.”

Lisa’s eyes seem to glimmer with excitement at the notion.

“A trip to Liyue would be perfect for you,” Lisa reckons, encouraging the idea. “Sure, it would technically be considered a business trip but it also gives you the chance to get some much-needed time to yourself along the way.”

“I suppose that you’re not wrong,” Jean mutters softly and pauses for a moment. “I could delegate some of my duties during my absence.”

“As you already should,” Diluc scoffs without hesitation.

Jean averts her gaze. She is well-aware that she often overburdens herself with even the smallest tasks. Yet, she takes these requests as a way to constantly develop her skills as a knight and protector of Mondstadt. Jean believes there is always room for improvement.

“However, there is a slight problem,” Jean confesses. “With the recent reports of increasing monster activity, I don’t think it would be in Mondstadt’s best interest to reassign any guardsmen as escorts.”

“No need to concern yourself with that,” Diluc discloses calmly. “As it just so happens, I’ve already made my own preparations to visit Liyue Harbor to become better acquainted the alcohol produced there.”

She raises her head and turns toward him in surprise. Her grey-blue eyes meet his piercing gaze, unwavering and stern. “You and I—” she begins, but then stops herself. Diluc folds his arms and furrows his eyebrows.

“Is there an issue?” he asks, his tone slightly perplexed. The bar owner takes a deep breath and carefully leans against the tavern wall. “As much as you want to rely on the Knights, I doubt that they could keep up with you in combat. Or do you simply not trust traveling with me on your own?”

Jean fervently shakes her head to deny his claim.

“That is absolutely not the case, Master Diluc. You are more than qualified for such a task. I…hesitated because I didn’t anticipate that you would volunteer as an escort.”

Her words are earnest yet she withholds her initial thoughts. She has difficulty in remembering if she ever traveled with only Diluc in the past. Their most recent travels revolved around Dvalin but included the company of Venti, the carefree bard, and the Honorary Knight. Jean halts her contemplation further and continues to talk.

“Truly, I would be honored to have you accompany me to Liyue Harbor,” she reassures with a smile. “Thank you, Master Diluc.”

“Then it’s settled,” he responds, unfolding his arms and standing up straight. “Let me know when you’ve agreed on a day for your meeting and we can go from there. I recommend scheduling out one week at minimum. That should be plenty of time should something else comes up while traveling to and from Liyue.”

“Noted,” Jean confirms and drinks the remainder of her beverage. “I’ll contact you as soon as I hear back from the Liyue Qixing.”

She then pushes her bar stool back to stand up to indicate her leave. Lisa, who has been rather quiet for some time, finally speaks up.

“Heading off so soon?” Lisa inquires.

“Unfortunately so,” she reveals, securing all of her belongings. “I have another early day tomorrow. But thank you for inviting me to eat, Lisa.”

“Anytime,” she giggles as she wiggles her fingers as a goodbye gesture.

“Good night, Lisa,” Jean beams, then turns to Diluc and places her payment on the bar table. “Have a good evening, Master Diluc. May the wind lead you both.”

Once Jean exits Angel’s Share, Lisa immediately redirects her attention to Diluc to see his back facing her. She lets out a small laugh and takes a sip of her Dandelion Wine as he begins washing Jean’s empty plate.

“That’s quite the coincidence, already having a business trip to Liyue Harbor planned out,” Lisa snickers, lightly swirling her wine glass. “Then again, you were the one who suggested it first. I merely wanted Jean to take a nice vacation.”

“We both know that Jean would never concede to a day off, much less a vacation,” Diluc emphasizes. He momentarily turns around to grab the empty drink and returns to the sink. “I merely considered my word choice and presented it in a way that she couldn’t refuse.”

“Fascinating,” she chortles, taking another drink in between. “It seems like you really understand Jean when it comes to her duties as a knight.”

Lisa looks around before leaning on the counter towards him. She lowers her voice and smirks.

“I hope you take this opportunity seriously or you may never have a chance again,” she mutters slyly.

“…Excuse me?” Diluc snarls as he shuts off the faucet. His eyes dart to the side, as if to look behind him even though he refrains from turning his head.

“Ah, did I misunderstand?” Lisa replies. Her voice is playful but Diluc easily discerns the true intent in between her words. “If so, disregard what I just said. Perhaps someone else will be the one to show her that it’s okay to be a little selfish once in a while.”

Lisa gulps the rest of her wine and stands up, reaching into her purse and placing her payment next to Jean’s. She adjusts her hat and smiles at Diluc, his back still facing towards her. His lack of a response does not faze her and instead widens Lisa’s grin.

“Thank you for the meal,” she expresses sincerely and walks toward the exit. “And good luck.”

Chapter Text

The very next day, Jean constructs a letter to Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, to request a meeting about the recent incidents that occurred in their respective nations. Although this is not her first letter to the distinguished businesswoman, she carefully checks over her message to assure that it is suitable in its language and presentation. She hands the sealed envelope to a knight dispatcher and resumes her duties.

Within a few days, the knight returns to Mondstadt and gives Jean the reply letter. She thanks the correspondent and dismisses them, then sits at her desk to open it.

To the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius,

With the recent departure of Rex Lapis, the nation of Liyue has entered a new era of prosperity. Its people seek to reestablish contracts as a steppingstone toward progression and the Liyue Qixing is no exception to this notion. I accept your request to formally assemble as the official representative of Mondstadt to discuss current affairs.

Upon thorough inspection of your listed availability, I determine that the second option best suits my schedule. My special emissary will meet you at the entrance of Yuehai Pavilion half an hour prior to our conference.

May good fortune accompany you on your journey,
Ningguang, Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing

Jean smiles at the good news and grabs her calendar to mark her meeting with Ningguang. Since it takes approximately two days from Mondstadt to Liyue by foot, she decides that ten days will be sufficient for her business trip. As she begins to label the time frame, there is a knock on her office door.

“Come in,” she invites, looking up as the door swings open and sees Lisa at the entryway.

“Hi Jean,” Lisa beams and walks toward her desk. “Any update on that trip to Liyue?”

“Yes, I just received a reply. Once I write it in my notebook, I’ll add it to the main calendar for everyone else to see.”

Once she finishes, Jean takes her personal calendar with her and jots down the same information on the Knights of Favonius monthly schedule. Lisa glances down at her notebook as she writes.

“Wow, ten days?” she gasps in disbelief. “I would’ve guessed that you’d give yourself the bare minimum to get there and come back as soon as possible.

“It’s true that five days may have been enough,” Jean acknowledges. “But then I reconsidered the possibilities that may delay my arrival to Liyue Harbor. For instance, bad weather or monsters to list of few.”

“Smart thinking. Are you excited?”

“Excited?” Jean pauses for a moment to think it over.

Her knowledge of Liyue and its traditions is admittedly limited. Out of the seven nations in Teyvat, it is the oldest country that was previously under the protection of the Geo Archon, Morax, although better known as Rex Lapis by the people of Liyue. At the heart of the nation is Liyue Harbor, which is considered the greatest trading port in the world. Aside from its extensive history, there are many unique features that characterizes Liyue from Mondstadt.

“Now that I think about it,” she finally replies. “I look forward to educating myself with Liyue’s rich culture. I can imagine that there will be many historical locations to learn about and admire.”

Lisa raises an eyebrow and puts a hand on her hip.

“Nothing about Diluc?”

Jean almost drops her quill pen but then catches it. She slightly tightens her grip to steady her hand.

“Pardon?” Jean stammers, unable to hide her reaction.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Lisa laughs. “I figured that your answer was going to be, how should I say…rather textbook-like as the Acting Grand Master. But quite frankly, I’m more interested to hear how you feel about traveling alone with Diluc. Or am I prying too much?”

Jean feels her face heating up, taking a quick breath before turning her head towards the window behind her. If she is honest with herself, she has been purposely distracting her inner thoughts. Ever since his offer to join her, Jean’s mind started to wander about and the longer it went, the more her chest ached. Lisa frowns, seeing that it is difficult for Jean to disclose.

“Sorry, I didn’t think it was going to be such a sensitive topic,” Lisa apologizes, dejected to see her tense response. She walks over and places a supportive hand on Jean’s desk. “I know it’s easier said than done but try not to overthink it. If anything, it’ll be the perfect time to tie up loose ends.”

“…Perhaps so,” Jean manages to muster under her breath.

Throughout her entire life, even prior to becoming the Acting Grand Master, Jean was raised to prioritize her knightly duties above all else. In order to become a proper knight and the worthy successor to the Gunnhildr Clan, she meticulously trained both mind and body under her mother’s guidance. As a result, anything that was not deemed essential to her knighthood was deemed irrelevant.

Nevertheless, Jean finds herself tormented every now and then by what her mother alleges to be intrusive or unwarranted. Most recently, those thoughts are more persistent than usual and more difficult to push away.

“I apologize, Lisa,” she speaks up, turning her head towards her. “I need to run an errand soon. Please excuse me as I finish up my work.”

“No need for an apology,” Lisa tries to reassure as she lifts her hand and takes a few steps backwards. “Let me know if you need anything.”

Lisa gives one last smile and then leaves the room. Jean sighs and puts her elbow on her desk, resting her head on her hand. She looks at her written checklist to see each check box marked as complete. After a few seconds, she sits up and reorganizes her desk. Afterwards, she departs from the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.

The soft breeze rustles her blonde hair as she crosses the bridge and takes the path to Windrise. A large oak tree is easily seen from afar, representing the location where Vennessa, the Hero of Mondstadt and the original Dandelion Knight, ascended to Celestia. Because of its significance, it has become a place of solace for Jean whenever she feels adrift or weary.

Once she reaches the Great Tree, Jean unsheathes her sword and gently places it in front of her into the ground. She kneels and closes her eyes, listening to the leaves move back and forth above her. Her body is still as she concentrates on the wind.

“Lady Vennessa,” she whispers. “Because of your resolve and compassion, the people of Mondstadt today are capable of living their lives in liberty. I seek to continue your legacy by protecting our beloved nation as your title successor. And yet…”

Jean’s voice trails off. Her eyebrows furrow followed by her firm grasp around the hilt of her sword. She struggles at first to find the right words.

“…I fear that my judgment is becoming clouded. What must I do to reinforce my convictions to Mondstadt?”

Unexpectedly, a youthful voice begins to speak in response to her question.

“I’m no Vennessa but if you ask me, it’s pretty difficult to outdo the Acting Grand Master when it comes to her commitment to Mondstadt.”

Jean opens her eyes and turns her head towards the voice to see that it belongs to none other than Venti, the free-spirited bard. He laughs at her surprised expression and waves hello.

“Venti!” she exclaims before standing up. “I didn’t notice that you were here.”

“Hehe, sorry about that. I couldn’t help myself,” he replies in delight. “I just happen to be in the area. Sounds like you got something quite serious on your mind. Mora for your thoughts?”

Jean sheathes her sword and redirects her gaze to the side. It isn’t a matter of sharing what has been on her mind. Truthfully, she worries more that speaking out loud would further incite her thoughts and ultimately lead to disappointment and duplicity. Sensing her reluctance, Venti continues on.

“Well, if I have to guess based on what I know about the Gunnhildr lineage, it’s probably something not related to your knightly duties and, in turn, is causing some sort of inner conflict that you’re trying to repress. Am I close?”

She gulps at his accurate assessment. Being one of the few individuals who knows his true identity, she recognizes that it would be challenging to conceal her troubles from Venti of all people.

“I suppose it’s no use hiding it from you,” Jean concedes. She begins to twiddle her fingers, trying to figure out how to express herself without overtly revealing too much. “To put it simply, my mind has been shifting to trivial matters. Ordinarily, it is easy for me to set aside scenarios that are not likely to occur. Yet, as of late, it hasn’t been the case.”

“Hmm,” Venti utters, lightly rubbing his chin. “I mean, more context would certainly be helpful. Otherwise, all I can deduce is that these ‘trivial matters’ might not actually be so trivial.”

Jean slowly inhales, then lets out a long exhale. The bard ponders momentarily before resuming.

“I wouldn’t consider myself the best advice giver,” he admits as he looks up at the Great Tree. “So I think it’s fitting to recite a short poem inspired by an old friend’s wise words.”

Venti uses his magic to materialize his lyre, gracefully gliding his fingers on the strings toward himself and then descends in the opposite direction. He plucks one string, followed by another, and then strums two chords in succession. The bard grins at Jean who watches him in awe, ready to listen to his performance.

The winds of freedom have more than one form
Sometimes a gentle breeze, other times a fierce storm
For the people, its presence grants comfort and amity
Against them, its devastation can result in calamity

Unyielding tempests may strike fear in their hearts
Fortifying their walls until the disturbance departs
Those who desire to escape this stalemate
Instead construct windmills to reshape their fate

Jean lets out a short gasp before bringing her hand up to her mouth impulsively to stop herself. She remains motionless as she steadily grasps the meaning behind his poem. As the Dandelion Knight, she understands the importance of adaptability in regard to unsuspected circumstances, particularly to the potential threats concerning Mondstadt. When it involves the nation, she is astute in her decision-making and considers her options in order to select the best choice.

However, as Jean the person, her internal strife inhibits her from applying the same rationale to herself. It is not because she deems that she is undeserving but rather that her ambitions and obligations are her top priority. Etched in her mind, any distractions or frivolous thoughts that clash with her responsibilities as a knight signify that her devotion is diminishing.

When Venti realizes that Jean is completely absorbed in her thoughts, he breaks the silence.

“Well then, I usually charge a hefty price for a private concert,” he jests in hope of lifting the mood. “But I’m willing to make an exception for a drink. A fair trade-off if I do say so myself.”

Jean blinks and turns her attention him, his expression amiable and cheery as usual.

“Ah yes, of course,” she replies with a smile. “Thank you for sharing your insightful poem with me. If it’s not troublesome, I can treat you to a beverage of your choice in a few weeks. I will let you decide on which tavern to go to.”

“Heh! I’ll never say no to the wine served by Dawn Winery if I have the Mora,” Venti shouts in excitement. “Although whether I actually earn enough Mora to afford it in the first place is a different story… But I digress. I accept your generous offer and look forward to partaking in a delicious drink together.”

Jean beams. “As do I.”

“Great! See you later!” he cheers, whisking away his lyre.

Venti waves and skips off, already anticipating the taste of high-quality wine. Jean laughs when he begins humming a lively tune as he heads back to the city. She then folds her arms, recollecting the reply letter that she received from Ningguang.

“I need to inform Diluc of the scheduled time frame for our business trip to Liyue Harbor,” she mutters to herself. “Which would be the quickest method: Going back to my office to write a brief letter or visiting Dawn Winery in person?”

Jean concludes that it is more efficient to go straight to the winery. If Diluc isn’t present at the time of her arrival, she can pass on the message to Elzer, the manager of Dawn Winery’s affairs.

She follows the western path from Windrise and takes the intersection up the stairs into Springvale. As she traverses through the residential district, a few of the locals greet her from a distance. Jean returns the gesture with a smile and waves back as she continues south. A waterfall gradually appears in her sight and she halts to gaze at its simplicity. She then walks down the trail and makes a slight left at the crossroad.

Keeping left at yet another junction, she soon reaches a shallow body of water. Suddenly, a large Cryo Slime emerges in the center and proceeds to approach her. Unfazed by the creature, Jean pulls out her weapon to prepare for combat. Her sword strikes and Anemo abilities clash with its icy armor, slowing the process to break its protective shield.

Despite the odds, she refuses to retreat as she does not wish to put anyone else passing by in danger. She patiently persists in her attacks, dodging the slime’s ice shards and plunges during the fight. As she continues to alternate between her normal and wind-infused strikes, Jean hears rapid footsteps from behind her. She briefly glances over her shoulder to see Diluc charge towards the slime.

He pulls out his claymore and uses his Pyro Vision to imbue his blade with fire. Without hesitation, Diluc performs three consecutive slashes the Cryo Slime. Once its armor is destroyed, Jean rushes in and joins him in attacking the vulnerable creature until it is defeated. She relaxes her stance and turns to him.

“Thank you, Diluc,” she expresses in earnest. “But how did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t,” he replies nonchalantly. “Rather, this particular Cryo Slime is no stranger to lurking in this exact location on a day-to-day basis. I take it upon myself to deal with these minor pests whenever I go to or from Angel’s Share.”

Diluc looks to the side toward a rocky incline and spots a large Geo Slime meandering about in the grass just off the path.

“Best to take care of this one as well,” he asserts before dashing towards the monster.

“Yes, sir!” Jean bursts out instinctively and follows his lead.

A stifled grumble leaves his breath as they dart forward to attack the Geo Slime. The robust might of his claymore breaks through its rocky shell within a couple of hits. Together, they swiftly trounce the bulky slime. Once they confirm that the area is safe, Jean and Diluc sheathe their weapons.

“With that out of the way, what brings you here?” Diluc asks, his voice somewhat amused. “Are the Knights of Favonius so short on recruits that the Acting Grand Master has to resort to patrol duty?”

“No,” Jean retorts back, folding her arms in response to his verbal jab. His snide remarks at the Knights are nothing new to her. “I was heading to Dawn Winery to speak with you.”

“Oh?” he replies curiously. “I presume that it has to do with the upcoming trip to Liyue.”

She loosens her arms and returns back to a neutral position.

“Yes, I received a letter from the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing,” Jean informs him. “We’ll depart to Liyue Harbor exactly two weeks from tomorrow.”

“Good. I’ll make the necessary preparations in regard to reservations. Focus on whatever else you need to care of before we leave.”

“I couldn’t impose that responsibility onto you,” she implores with a frown. “It is an official Knights of Favonius business trip and therefore, I must be the one to arrange such accommodations.”

“Jean.”

His calm yet firm tone almost startles her. Their eyes align, his sharp crimson gaze contrasting her vivid grey-blue eyes. The wind quietly brushes against them as their hair moves in the direction of the current. Her cross-shaped earrings swing back and forth while the back end of his coat sways in a similar manner. The stillness lingers between them for what seems to be an eternity before he disrupts it with a sigh.

“Honestly,” Diluc murmurs, putting a hand over his face. “Your stubbornness knows no bounds.”

Jean grins and laughs at his statement.

“The same could be said about you, my tenacious superior,” she counters.

Diluc lets out a brief chuckle and then folds his arms. He looks up for a moment to contemplate before refocusing his attention onto her.

“Fine then. The Acting Grand Master can take charge of the reservations. However, I will only permit this under two conditions.”

Jean raises an eyebrow, intrigued to hear his sudden pronouncement despite the lack of tangible authority behind it. She settles on hearing Diluc’s compromise more so out of curiosity.

“First and foremost, do not call me ‘sir’ at any time during this trip,” he groans in exasperation. “The past is in the past. We’re equals now and therefore we should act accordingly.”

She nods to affirm the first half of his negotiation, a bit embarrassed after realizing her blunder during their fight with the massive Geo Slime. Jean quickly shakes off her trifling lapse and listens to the second half.

“More importantly,” Diluc stresses, maintaining eye contact with her. “In front of the Liyue Qixing, you represent the nation of Mondstadt. But beyond that, don’t travel as the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius or even the Dandelion Knight. Travel as Jean.”

“Travel as Jean…?” she slowly reiterates, as if trying to comprehend his words.

Jean closes her eyes and recalls her earlier encounter with Venti. If she solely focuses on her objective, it could renew her dedication as a knight and fortify her ability to better assist Mondstadt. If she falters on the forthcoming journey, it could result damaging her devotion or even hurting her heart. Yet, if she refuses to take command of her destiny, she may lose out an entirely new perspective that could be the key to finding her strongest self.

She takes a deep breath and opens her eyes to see him patiently awaiting her reply.

“I accept these conditions,” Jean declares, her voice slightly quivering. “Not as the Acting Grand Master or the Dandelion Knight, but as…Jean.”

“Glad to hear it.” Diluc places his hand on her shoulder. “Alright, get some rest. I’ll see you in two weeks, bright and early at Dawn Winery.”

The faint warmth emitting through his glove brings a sense of comfort to Jean. She catches a quick glimpse of what looks to be a smile before he lets go.

“Yes, I’ll see you then,” she utters softly.

They walk their separate ways, Diluc to the west toward Dawn Winery and Jean to the northeast back to the city of Mondstadt. After several steps, she turns her head to see him almost out of sight. Jean stops to look back and brings her hand to her chest. A light gust blows behind her, once again swaying her hair the direction she is facing. She purses her lips nervously to anticipation of what she is about to say.

“Let the wind lead.”

Chapter Text

Daybreak delicately illuminates above Mondstadt as Jean departs from the city. With a traveling bag in her possession, she walks across the stone bridge and stops at the four-way crossroad. She looks back at the city entrance, going through a mental checklist in preparation for her absence. Nodding in affirmation, she takes the western path to Dawn Winery.

Jean chooses to follow the trail through Drunkard Gorge to deal with the increased monster activity in the area along the way. She spots a small group of Hilichurls near vacant stalls and swiftly cuts them down. She defeats a few more slimes before the dirt path becomes more vibrant with foliage.

Dawn Winery soon emerges in sight, surrounded by natural greenery and vineyards alike. As she approaches the manor, she sees a farmer inspecting one of the blossoming grapevines. A few staff members are also seen filling a shipment of wine into a carrier, supervised by whom she determines to be a manager.

“His employees are quite diligent, even at this early hour,” Jean muses to herself.

She opens the grand doors into Dawn Winery and enters inside, promptly greeted by Adelinde, Diluc’s head housemaid.

“Welcome, Master Jean. Please allow me to lead you to the waiting room as I notify Master Diluc of your arrival.”

“Thank you,” Jean replies and follows her into a cozy space to the right of the entrance.

She takes a seat at one of the sofas and sees Adelinde go up to the second floor of the estate. Two different maids walk over to her, each holding their own serving tray. One maid has a tea set while the other has a large platter filled with a variety of breakfast food, such as pancakes, fried eggs, and hash browns.

“Would you like some tea?” one of the maids ask. “Or perhaps something to eat this morning?”

“Ah—no, thank you,” Jean responds, taken aback by the copious amount of food. “But I greatly appreciate the offer.”

Both maids bow and take their leave to place the trays on the dining table. As they begin to set up plates and silverware, Elzer approaches her.

“Greetings, Master Jean,” Elzer welcomes cordially. “I hope your visit thus far has been nothing short of hospitable. Is the current seating to your preference?”

“Hello Elzer,” she says with a nod. “Yes, everyone has been quite gracious. I have no complaints to speak of.”

“Excellent. I’m certain that Master Diluc will be ready momentarily but please do not hesitate if you have any inquiries or concerns.”

He bows to excuse himself and returns back to the counter on the opposite side of the manor. Jean shifts in her seat and looks around the vast room, quietly observing its splendor. Because of her duties as the Acting Grand Master, it isn’t often that she visits Dawn Winery. The combination of red and gold tones with the wooden architecture creates a warm atmosphere to the regal estate. As expected of the meticulous owner, there are no traces of dust to be seen.

Jean catches a glimpse of Diluc heading down the stairs to the main floor. She stands up to walk over and meet him near the entrance.

“Morning, Jean,” he greets in his usual calm tone.

“Good morning, Master Diluc,” she replies with a small smile.

“Just ‘Diluc’ is fine,” he asserts. “Or did you forget what we previously discussed?”

“No, I didn’t. I’m merely upholding formalities in front of your employees.”

Diluc raises an eyebrow and then scans the room to see two of his maids in the middle of setting up the table. Upon noticing the untouched food, he turns back his attention to her.

“Not hungry?” he inquires, folding his arms.

“Don’t worry, I already ate before I arrived,” Jean reassures him as she recalls the cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich from earlier. Her smile widens when she realizes the possible reason as to why the abundance of food was cooked so early in the morning. “Thank you.”

He simply nods and briefly glances at his head housemaid as she descends down the stairs.

“Adelinde, I trust that you and Elzer will oversee the winery’s affairs during my leave,” Diluc addresses in a respectful manner.

“Yes, Master Diluc,” she responds. “I wish you both a safe journey.”

The pair then depart from Dawn Winery and begin to follow the northwestern trail for a short time. They take a left near a broken stone pillar to follow the path near the body of water. Diluc and Jean easily dispose of the slimes that linger nearby.

“Do you have any injuries to report?” Jean asks once they defeat the last batch of Anemo slimes.

“No,” he claims, readjusting his gloves. “These slimes hardly pose a threat to those who are competent in combat. It’s primarily the commonfolk who need to be cautious.”

She looks down at the ground for a brief moment, worried that her words may have been misinterpreted as downplaying his swordsmanship. Jean sheathes her sword and remains quiet. Her uncertainty makes her question if she should better consider what she says out loud before speaking. Diluc puts away his claymore and notices her expression. He is also silent as the gentle sound of water disrupts the stillness in the air. He then walks up to her side and clears his throat.

“…I appreciate the concern,” Diluc imparts evenly.

Jean immediately turns her head towards him as he begins walking ahead of her. The tension building inside of her steadily diminishes, placing a hand on her chest to take a deep breath. She takes a few steps forward to catch up with him.

“Jean,” he interjects, stopping in his tracks.

In response, she halts her movements as well and waits for him to speak. She watches him bring a hand to what seems to be his mouth and hears a low exhale from him. Finally, Diluc turns to face her with his gaze peering at the waterside.

“I am aware that I can be difficult to converse with at times,” he admits rather solemnly. “Idle chitchat is quite exhausting and it’s easier for me to be forthright with my words. However, to be frank, it would be more upsetting to know that my conduct is the cause for your unenjoyment or reluctance on this trip.”

Diluc pauses to make eye contact with her, then returns his focus back to the water. He closes his eyes and sighs.

“What I’m trying to say is…I’ll do my best to be more cognizant what I say, although a reminder may be required now and then. Therefore, don’t hesitate to speak your mind.”

“Diluc,” she stammers in shock. “There’s no need to make such a declaration for my sake.”

“Nonsense. I asked you to be yourself, the real Jean, on this journey. If I claim that we’re to be on equal footing, I need to put forth the same effort.”

Jean struggles to find the right way to express herself. “I…don’t know what to say.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Diluc proclaims as he opens his eyes and turns to her. “Shall we proceed?”

He remains still as she nods and hurriedly catches up to him. Once Jean is beside him, they continue onward down the path. The enormous cliffsides tower above them, geologically functioning as the borderline that divides Mondstadt from Liyue. Instead of the iron lanterns that are commonly used in Mondstadt, paper lanterns dangle from bamboo-constructed lampposts.

It is not long until they come across two Hilichurls near the riverside armed with crossbows and begin to fire at the two with their arrows. Jean dashes to the side and rushes toward the nearest Hilichurl while Diluc charges at the further one. She focuses her Anemo power into her blade and promptly launches it forward into the deep end of the riverside.

“Efficient,” Diluc remarks to her as he slams his burning claymore at his target.

“They’re not the most proficient swimmers,” she laughs lightheartedly.

Diluc lets out a small chuckle and then swiftly uppercuts his foe, followed by another downward strike to knock the Hilichurl off its stony foothold. He jumps down and swings his weapon a few more times until it is trounced.

“Not much of a challenge but they’re more troublesome than your common slime,” he acknowledges somewhat annoyed when he realizes that most of his lower body is drenched.

Once he puts away his claymore, Diluc walks up the rocky terrain back to the trail and grabs one side of his coattail. Unlike him, Jean manages to stay dry because of her enemy’s placement. She joins him on the path and ponders for a brief moment as she watches him squeeze out some of the water.

“My Dandelion Breeze may be able to help with that,” Jean informs, raising her sword in front of her.

She concentrates her Anemo ability to create a swirling field of wind around them. Ethereal particles in the form of dandelions flutter about, delicately healing any minor wounds they may have sustained. The continuous draft also succeeds in speeding up the drying process.

“Huh,” Diluc lets out with a smirk. “Impressive. Not that I expect any less of you.”

“That’s quite the roundabout way of saying thank you,” she teases, sheathing her weapon.

“Seems like someone is already taking advantage of speaking her mind,” he retorts in a similar tone. “Hmph. Thank you.”

Diluc and Jean resume their travels through the grassy canyon and make their way across a long wooden bridge. Before they reach the other side, a few Geo slimes appear but are quickly defeated by the duo. They walk up the elevated slope that connects to a wooden pathway into Stone Gate. The riverbed pours beneath them and greatly expands into the vast Dihua Marsh.

“Let’s rest for a bit,” Diluc suggests, looking below at the nearby stalls.

A few travelers chat among themselves at the outdoor seating next to the tea booth owned by an elderly gentleman.

“Welcome, young travelers,” he beams as the pair approach him. “How may I help you today?”

“Hello there,” Jean greets. “May I ask what kind of tea you have to offer?”

“Certainly, miss. Although I don’t have any renowned tea from Liyue Harbor, the brew that I carry is quite good in my humble opinion. It is a simple yet delightful flavor that is sure to rejuvenate your spirits. One cup of tea is sold at the low price of 1,000 Mora.”

“Diluc, would you like to try it as well?” she turns to ask him.

Despite his seemingly dubious expression, he nods. “Sure.”

Jean puts out a small bag and reaches inside to grab some Mora to pay the vendor. As she is about to bring her hand up, Diluc places a hand over hers. She flinches at his unexpected gesture and releases the money from her grasp. Her cheeks turn a soft pink before she looks at him.

“I’ll pay,” Diluc interrupts, lifting his hand off to retrieve his own bag of Mora.

“That…that’s not necessary, Diluc.”

“Jean, you insisted on paying for the inn reservations. I believe it is more than fair that I pay for two drinks.”

She has a difficult time concealing the dissatisfaction on her face while he gives the tea seller his payment.

“Thank you for your patronage,” the elderly man rejoices with a bow. “Please sit wherever you like and I shall bring your tea shortly.”

Jean hears the vendor’s jovial laughter as the two saunter towards the table closest to Dihua Marsh. Diluc stops in front of the bulletin board to read its contents while she walks over to a nearby railing to admire the scenery. Wangshu Inn is seen from a distance, constructed on a colossal stone pillar. It is a popular landmark where many travelers and merchants come and go to rest.

“It’s much further than it appears to be,” Diluc discloses. “I imagine that it will be close to nightfall when we arrive.”

Knowing Diluc’s long journey from Mondstadt, Jean suspects that this is not his first visit to Wangshu Inn. However, she deems that it is better to avoid the subject out of respect and decides to ask about the information board.

“Read anything of interest?” she inquires, turning around to face him.

“Aside from the warnings about the increasing activity by the Treasure Hoarders, not in particular.”

Founded by a robber name Reed Miller, the Treasure Hoarders are a group of thieves notorious for their unlawful actions all throughout Teyvat. Although they’re no strangers to Mondstadt, they have been more prevalent in Liyue as of late. The most recent encounter with a member of the Treasure Hoarders is when the Honorary Knight accompanied Outrider Amber of the Knights of Favonius in the capture of Raptor.

“We’ll have to remain vigilant as we proceed to Liyue Harbor,” Jean blurts out. Her eyes suddenly widen, covering her mouth with both of her hands despite being unable to take back her words. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to—”

Diluc brings his own hand over his lips and looks at her for a moment before walking past her to sit down at the nearby table. She blinks in confusion at his unusual reaction. She thinks for a moment and concludes that he’s holding back from ridiculing her. Jean sits across from him and notices that his hand is in the same spot, albeit his gaze to side now. Her eyebrows furrow as she speaks.

“Are you stifling a laugh?” she queries with a frown, convinced that her initial assertion is correct.

“No, I’m not.”

She folds her arms. “No need to hide it. What is it that you find so humorous?”

“It’s better left unsaid,” he maintains, refusing to make eye contact with her.

Before she can press forward, the vendor brings their tea and places it in front of them. They both thank him and he returns back to his stall. Jean picks up the delicate teacup, enjoying its subtle aroma and warmth. Accurate to the seller’s testimony, its floral taste is simple and light. Her eyes move up to see Diluc taking a small sip of his tea, his expression unchanged when he sets it down.

“Is it not to your liking?” Jean asks him as she lifts her cup for another taste.

“It’s not my beverage of choice. However, from a business perspective, it’s worth trying different types of drinks to consider new possibilities. In addition…”

Jean tilts her head to the side. “In addition…?”

“…to discover potential counterfeits or stolen goods produced by Dawn Winery,” Diluc continues in irritation. “One of my primary objectives on this trip is to reprimand any con artists that dare to take advantage of what doesn’t rightfully belong to them.”

Dawn Winery represents the wine industry in Mondstadt, its alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks loved by its people. Dandelion Wine is the winery’s specialty, receiving praise for its sweet, invigorating taste. Because of its renowned popularity, it is not a surprise to Jean to hear that imitations or uncertified repackaging exists.

“I’ll certainly be on the lookout for such activity,” she declares with confidence.

“While I appreciate the offer, there’s no need to concern yourself with Dawn Winery’s affairs,” Diluc states firmly. “Not because you’re unqualified but rather that you already have enough on your plate.”

Jean stares into her cup. “I suppose it’s just in my nature to lend a helping hand.”

He pauses for a second and then drinks the rest of his tea in one gulp. Afterwards, he stands up and folds his arms.

“Selfless to a fault,” Diluc mumbles to himself. He looks toward Wangshu Inn and moves his gaze to the clouds above it. Redirecting his eyes to Jean, he speaks more clearly. “Once you’re finished, we can make our way to the inn.”

Not wanting to linger further, she quickly drinks the remainder of her tea. They then proceed down the slopes into Dihua Marsh. The stone bridge leads them to a curved path through the marshland. Jean catches a glimpse of a few peculiar sculptures interspersed in the grassy area, which appear to be a dragon with a shell of a turtle. Its exterior greatly differs to the dragons portrayed in Mondstadt, Dvalin being a prime example.

The path arcs around a lush hill with a Statue of the Seven in the center of it, depicting the Geo Archon seated on an elaborate throne. She walks through the grass to take a closer look at the deity figure. Diluc joins her for a short time and then turns to his left when he notices a nearby merchant. While she continues to observe the statue, he walks over to the stall and begins to converse with the salesman.

Meanwhile, Jean recalls her knowledge of the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, in comparison to her limited information about Liyue’s sacred deity, Morax. While Barbatos is known as the God of Freedom, Morax is recognized as the God of Contracts and goes by a multitude of names and titles. Although Liyue is transitioning into a new era, the history of Morax, or rather Rex Lapis, will inevitably live on in Liyue history.

Jean gives a small bow as a gesture of respect before heading back to Diluc and sees him receiving a wine bottle from the merchant.

“Thank you very much for your support, good sir,” the vendor cheers with glee.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” Diluc responds, carefully putting the wine in his bag. “I’m certain that I’ll be back soon.”

He returns to the main pathway to meet up with Jean. She briefly glances at the stall as they walk away.

“Purchased a bottle of wine?” she asks as they get closer to another stone bridge.

“Liyue’s finest local brew,” Diluc says with a hint of skepticism in his voice, repeating the merchant’s claim.

When the pair approach the bridge, a Millelith solider greets them and requests for a quick interrogation per regulation. The Millelith is a military force that serves the Liyue Qixing, similar to the Knights of Favonius. Jean and Diluc both present their proof of identification as the Acting Grand Master and Dawn Winery Owner respectively before proceeding forward.

By the time they reach the northern gate to Wangshu Inn, the sunset peeks between the vast mountains from afar. They decide to eat before checking in, ordering traditional Mondstadt dishes for dinner. Afterwards, the pair walk up the stairs and follow the outdoor hallway to use the elevator. Jean gazes at the view as they gradually ascend to the upper section, amazed by the landscape as well as the building’s sheer size and construction.

The elevator stops at the upper balcony that connects to an open entrance into the main lobby. They walk down a few sets of stairs and arrive at the front desk. Verr Goldet, the owner of the inn, smiles at the two.

“Good evening,” she welcomes politely. “How can I help you both? Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes,” Jean replies with a nod. “We have a reservation under the name Jean Gunnhildr.”

“Ah yes, Ms. Gunnhildr. We have been expecting you. One moment as I retrieve your room key.”

Goldet opens one of the counter drawers and gives her a small envelope, providing her with the room number and simple directions to find it.

“Thank you very much,” Jean expresses afterwards.

“You’re welcome. We hope that you enjoy your stay.”

As expected of an inn room, there is a main area with the essential furniture to relax and sleep. Next to the entryway is another door that leads to the bathroom. Exhausted from their traveling, Jean sits on one of the two beds and lets out a relieving sigh. Diluc scans the room before taking a seat in a chair next to a desk.

“I’m sorry, Diluc,” she apologizes. “Although I’m certain that no one would fault me, I couldn’t bring myself to choose a more expensive option for the sake of privacy.”

“I figured as much,” he admits nonchalantly. “However, if I found the arrangement inconvenient, paying for my own room is within my grasp.”

Jean places a hand over her face. “Ah, of course.”

“…Are you comfortable?”

She looks over at him, not expecting his inquiry. His expression is serious as usual but his tone has an underlining sense of apprehension. Diluc lets out an exhale and then continues to speak.

“The Acting Grand Master may have chosen a more financially apt decision,” he attests, slightly leaning forward in his chair. “But that doesn’t necessarily give permission to disregard your personal sentiments.”

“I…” Jean’s voice trails off.

She did not anticipate Diluc to be so mindful about her welfare to this extent. First, it was insisting to be herself. Now, he is verifying her comfort of sharing the same sleeping quarters as him. Jean finds herself both embarrassed and happy because of his efforts.

“I can assure you that I’m comfortable with this arrangement,” she answers with a warm smile. “Thank you for your consideration, Diluc.”

“Sure. If anything changes, or if boundaries are crossed, just say so.”

After their conversation, Jean is the first to freshen up from a long day of travel. Her iconic ponytail is untied, falling just below her shoulders. Even with lights on, she is quick to fall asleep. Unbeknownst to her, Diluc patiently waits until she is in a deep slumber before he turns off the lights and leaves the room to resume some unfinished business.

Chapter Text

Pulling the door handle behind him, Diluc locks the room from the hallway and places the key in its envelope. Once it is secure in his bag, he walks down towards the registry desk and to the outdoor terrace of the inn. As he makes his way to the left incline, he notices two men speaking with each other, one of them being Huai’an, the innkeeper.

“How’s business at the inn been lately?” the man with a mustache asks.

“Quite well for the time being,” Huai’an replies. “And you with the wine business, Landa?”

Diluc stops in his tracks. Curious to hear more, he changes his path to the nearby railing and rests his arms on it while he continues to eavesdrop.

“Can’t complain,” Landa shrugs half-heartedly. “I would love to go back to Mondstadt but work’s been keeping me on the road.”

“That’s too bad. At least you have your daughter to accompany you.”

“True, true. I have to thank my employer for making such kind accommodations.”

“And who might your employer be?” Diluc raises his voice, looking at the two startled men. He straightens his posture and walks over to them. “My apologies for prying. I’m also in the wine industry so when I heard that you were as well, it caught my interest.”

Landa grins with excitement. “Ah, a fellow colleague! I’m a traveling merchant who works for the esteemed Dawn Winery. As a result, I’m quite knowledgeable about the industry if I do say so myself.”

“Is that so?” Diluc inquires, almost unable to hide his grin. “Then pray tell, who is the owner of the winery that you’re employed by?”

“I haven’t met him personally,” he admits earnestly. “But his name is Diluc Ragnvindr. I hear that he is a rather young but very powerful man in the industry.”

“Hmph. At least there was some truth to your blatant fabrications.”

“E-excuse me?”

He recoils at Diluc’s harsh rhetoric and then grits his teeth in anger.

“I don’t know who you think you are,” Landa snaps as he clenches his fists. “But I can assure you that I’ve been telling nothing but the truth!”

“Evidently not,” he retorts, taking a step forward. “If you actually worked for Dawn Winery, I would be the first to know.”

The man steps back to regain some space between them. As it slowly dawns on him who he may be talking to, he shakes his head in disbelief.

“You…you’re bluffing,” he exclaims, his body tensing up more. “If you’re alleging to be who I think you are—no, there’s no way. Why would the owner of all people be here?”

“Simple. To shut down vermin such as yourself from deceiving people and sullying Dawn Winery’s name.”

“Wait! Please, I can explain—” Landa begins to beg, clasping his hand together. He turns to Huai’an, who has been particularly quiet since Diluc joined the conversation. “Huai’an, you can vouch for me, right?”

The innkeeper sighs and looks away. “Sorry, Landa. The Millelith will be here shortly.”

“No!” he hollers in distress. “Okay, I admit that I don’t work for Dawn Winery. But surely that’s not enough reason to detain me.”

“On the contrary,” Diluc answers firmly. “We both have sufficient information to believe that you’re a Fatui agent. If I’m not mistaken, the Fatui is responsible for the recent assault on Liyue Harbor.”

The man’s face turns pale, nearly speechless as two Millelith soldiers soon appear. It isn’t until they grab his arms that he forcefully yanks away from their grasps and attempts to run. His efforts are short-lived when Diluc lunges at him, slamming him to the ground and pulling his arm behind him.

The Millelith promptly dash over to handcuff the Fatui man who is slightly dazed while they lift him to his feet. Diluc folds his arms and watches as he struggles to escape.

“No, please! Let me go!” Landa screeches, his voice trembling. “I—I have a daughter! Please, I’m begging you…”

Diluc’s face grimaces as he looks away from him. His yelling persists on for quite some time as the guards drag him down the long flight of stairs and slopes. Diluc then turns to face Huai’an.

“I appreciate your cooperation in this matter,” Diluc thanks with a nod. Although the Fatui agent’s arrest isn’t a part of his initial agenda, he refuses to ignore the intel of a traveling merchant falsely claiming to be one of his employees.

“It is you that we should thank,” the innkeeper insists, giving him a bow. “Lady Ningguang instructed Goldet and I to assist you and the Acting Grand Master in any way we could, especially if it involves the Fatui. And please do not worry about his daughter. We will be sure to reunite them once the Qixing finish their business with him.”

As Huai’an returns to the main desk, Diluc begins to resume his original plan but once again stops. This time, it’s because he hears a soft yet somewhat frantic voice call out his name.

“Diluc!”

He looks in the direction of the voice to see that it belongs to Jean. Instead of her sleepwear, she is in her normal garb. However, something seems to be off about her appearance that somewhat puzzles Diluc. He brushes it off and walks over to her.

“Jean, I thought you were asleep,” he ponders, trying to think of how long he waited until he left the room.

“I was,” Jean informs as she catches her breath. “I heard shouting…and when I saw that you weren’t in the room, I…”

Her heavy breathing indicates that she must have been in a rush, most likely because of her worrying that he was entangled with what happened. He starts to thank Jean for her concern but pauses when he realizes what was so different about her.

Her hair was down.

For as long as Diluc remembers, she always puts her hair up in a ponytail. The most probable explanation for her current look is because she was too rattled to fix it as she usually does. Earlier before she went to sleep, he refrained from overtly looking at her to avoid making her uncomfortable. Now that she stands in front of him, he finds himself nearly awestruck by this detail.

“Your hair,” Diluc mutters without a second thought.

Jean’s expression is initially confused.

“I didn’t want to waste any more time than needed,” she explains, her cheeks slightly rosy. “In the event that something happened to you.”

He pauses to contemplate what to say next. Different scenarios begin to play in his head, confusing him even more. One mistake and he is possibly met with disdain, disgust, or indifference, none that he wants to deal with. Based on when he was reading the Stone Gate bulletin board earlier in the day, it seems that silence isn’t necessarily reassuring either.

Before he ruminates further in his thoughts, Lisa’s words seem to echo in his mind:

“Perhaps someone else will be the one to show her that it’s okay to be a little selfish once in a while.”

Diluc does his best to mask the strain in his face. Even though a few weeks passed by, he still finds himself deciphering Lisa’s cryptic message.

Because of her upbringing, Jean places a heavy burden on herself as the sword and shield of Mondstadt. The expectations of the Gunnhildr Clan are so intense that tavern patrons joke that their children learn to recite their family motto before addressing their parents as “mother” or “father”. It is expected that her diligence as a knight doubled when she received the title of Dandelion Knight. Her resolve intensifies further as the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.

The citizens of Mondstadt have nothing but the highest regard for her, constantly describing her as reliable and dedicated. He imagines that such praise motivates her to put forth more effort to her duties. As he carefully considers it more, Diluc speculates if the same concept can be applied when it comes to being herself.

“…It’s nice.”

Jean’s eyes look up at him. “…Huh?”

Diluc sighs to conceal his slight embarrassment. He clears his throat and averts his gaze.

“Your hair,” he repeats. “It looks nice.”

His eyes look back at her to see the rest of her face turning the same color as her cheeks. She combs a piece of her hair back and parts her lips to only press them back together firmly. Regret begins to sink in as the silence between them lingers on. Diluc deliberates to himself if he should have been so direct.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything,” he acknowledges before he turns away from her. “Anyway, I need to—”

“Wait!” Jean interrupts abruptly. She rushes over in front of him and takes a deep breath. He watches her gaze struggles to maintain eye contact. She closes them for a brief moment and then fixes her eyes onto his. “Please don’t apologize. How do I say this…?”

“There’s no need to push yourself—”

“I was really happy,” she beams, placing a hand on her chest. “Or rather, I am really happy.”

Taken aback by her words and smile, Diluc begins to feel a slight warmth in his face.

Ever since his return to Mondstadt from his long journey, Dawn Winery’s success continues to thrive. Aware of his affluence and legacy, many fathers attend the winery’s occasional gatherings to introduce the single owner to their daughters. In turn, Diluc has become quite masterful in identifying and deflecting an individual’s intention, particularly when it involves him as a bachelor.

Yet, the situation with Jean feels different. Unlike his previous encounters with women, she isn’t seeking flattery or attention from him nor does she concentrate on his appearance or wealth. The thought brings him a feeling that he hasn’t experienced in a long time.

“I hesitated because I didn’t expect such a compliment from you,” Jean continues with a hint of playfulness towards the end of her sentence.

“I’d appreciate if word didn’t get out,” he responds in jest, folding his arms. “I have a reputation to keep.”

“Cautious as ever,” she teases lightly. “Rest assured, your secret is safe with me.”

As the atmosphere surrounding them gradually relaxes, Diluc recalls his original objective for the evening.

“In any case, I have some business to attend to,” he notifies her. “You should go back to rest.”

“May I ask what kind of business exactly?”

He pauses for a moment to think over how much to divulge to Jean. To provide some context to her, Diluc grabs his bag and pulls out a wine bottle.

“Do you remember what I said about this before we arrived at Wangshu Inn?” he asks, handing it to her.

Jean gently takes the bottle of wine and looks at it.

“Liyue’s finest local brew,” she imparts while carefully examining the label. “Is this…a repackaging?”

“Correct,” Diluc confirms. “Without a doubt, this is Dandelion Wine brewed by Dawn Winery. Not only is the taste indistinguishable but the merchant’s testimony was less than convincing.”

“What do you plan to do?”

His eyebrows furrow, reluctant to reveal the specifics to handle the offender. “To confiscate all of the alcohol that lawfully belongs to the winery and reprimand him.”

As he anticipates, Jean’s eyes flicker with apprehension. Diluc wonders if her expression is a result of her worrying about his wellbeing or perhaps another reason that he has vigilantly hid from her and the Knights of Favonius.

Since his homecoming to Mondstadt, he acts incognito as a nocturnal protector against the Abyss Order and additional threats to the nation. Given the alias of “Darknight Hero” by the people of Mondstadt despite his distaste for the pseudonym, he works alone and uses any means necessary to complete the task.

Unfortunately, his deeds can be viewed as undermining the authority of the Knights of Favonius from their standpoint. Combined with his more severe approaches and refusal to rejoin them, Diluc upholds his anonymity. The only people who know the Darknight Hero’s true identity are Elzer, his adopted brother Kaeya, and the Honorary Knight.

At this point, Diluc cannot say with certainty that Jean knows that he and the Darknight Hero are one and the same. She may have her suspicions but has yet to personally question him. His best conjecture is that she merely entrusts Kaeya—a Calvary Captain in the Knights of Favonius—to the mission of investigating the Darknight Hero’s identity as a formality.

“Are you going alone?” Jean wavers, stepping towards him.

“It’s better if you stay here,” he advises somberly.

“Why? Surely, there’s some way that I could help.”

“I already told you, Jean. Don’t get involved with Dawn Winery’s affairs.”

Her hands tighten into a fist. “You don’t always have to do everything alone. Please let me go with you.”

“No.”

As their voices grow louder, their increasing agitation begins to overwhelm them both.

“Is it a matter of trust?” she asks in bewilderment.

“No, it has nothing to do with trust.”

“Then what is it?”

Diluc lets out a huge exhale. “Do I have to repeat myself? It doesn’t concern you.”

“It may not concern me but I can’t help but feel that there’s another reason why you don’t want me to go.”

“It doesn’t concern the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius,” he retorts sharply, causing her to recoil.

Even though immediate guilt sets in, Diluc decides that upsetting her is the only way to prevent her from witnessing his harsh tactics. There is no doubt in his mind that Jean would not only condemn his actions but also perceive him in a negative light.

Her eyes dart downwards and begin to move side to side as if trying to recollect herself. Diluc frowns at his insensitive comment, especially when he has been encouraging her to separate her work self from her personal life.

“I’m sorry, Jean,” he finally laments and walks past her.

When he reaches the end of the first set of slopes, he begins to hear the sound of running behind him. Before Diluc looks back, he nearly falls over as Jean grabs his right forearm. She wraps both of her arms to stop him from moving forward. He turns his head towards her in complete shock.

“Diluc,” she murmurs, lowering her gaze. The quivering in her voice matches her unsteady hands. He listens in silence as she goes on.

“Forgive me for speaking out of line. I understand why you are so critical of the Knights of Favonius. If I worked harder and earned my current position sooner, perhaps the outcome could have been different.”

Diluc attempts to withhold his resentment from the recollection; the tragic incident four years ago that resulted in his father’s demise and the subsequent conflict with the Knights, more specifically, the former inspector of the Knights of Favonius. His eyes darken at the memory of the grief, betrayal, and outrage from the absolute disgrace of his father’s aspirations.

“The past belongs in the past,” he remarks evenly to retain his composure. “Dwelling on what can’t be unchanged is futile.”

“You’re right. That is why I continue to push myself as the Acting Grand Master and hope that one day, you will have a renewed perspective of us.”

“The Knights as an organization still have a long way to go,” Diluc sneers without hesitation. However, his tone softens as he continues. “But maybe that’s partially due to the sheer difficulty to attain your level of commitment.”

The moonlight glistens on her face when she looks up at him, appearing to accentuate her fair  skin. Her eyes reflect a sense of wonderment. Diluc finds himself turning away in order to refocus his thoughts. After a few seconds, he speaks up.

“Let me ask you this.”

Jean is still as she waits for his question.

“What do you expect to achieve if you join me on this excursion?”

She remains silent for a brief moment, which Diluc presumes is because of how much she is  willing to disclose. This may be an opportunity to connect his methods with those of the Darknight Hero. Another possibility is to scrutinize him as the Acting Grand Master.

“I want to understand you better,” Jean replies.

“…To understand me better?” he reiterates, rather perplexed by her simple statement.

“Yes.” Jean’s fingers squeeze around his arm. “As Diluc, the person. Just as you’re doing for me.”

Diluc makes eye contact with her to see a sudden shift in her expression. The ambivalence that previously shrouded her demeanor is now replaced with assurance. Despite the slight glimmer of fear, he sees the valor as the Dandelion Knight overcoming it.

“Fair enough,” he gives in, turning his body toward her. Without another thought, Diluc lifts his free arm to lightly press his index finger on her cheek. “Well, we can’t go anywhere if you don’t let go.”

Jean is quick to release her grip afterwards. He smirks as he retracts his hand and watches her face turn pink. As a knight, she is calm, diligent, and hardworking. But as herself, Diluc is amused to see how fast she becomes embarrassed by the smallest gestures.

Walking alongside each other, Diluc and Jean gradually descend to the lowest part of Wangshu Inn. Towards the end of the wooden slopes and staircases, she glances at the large watermill attached to the side of the rocky structure as they pass by.

The pair soon reach the bottom and turn left to take the northern bridge back to where he purchased the wine. Not far from the other side of the bridge, they spot a small group of Hilichurls blocking the path.

“Four Pyro Hilichurl Shooters and one Geo Samachurl,” Jean confirms after a swift deduction.

“I’ll handle the Samachurl and its Geo constructs,” he declares, taking hold of his claymore. “Once its dealt with, I’ll help with any remaining Hilichurls.”

“Understood!”

Charging at the Samachurl, Diluc swerves between two fiery arrows and knocks back his target with his weapon. Before the two Hilichurl Shooters reload their crossbows, Jean uses her Anemo energy to create a whirlwind around her to pull them towards her. She then redirects her aim at the other Hilichurls and launches them forward.

With the archers temporarily immobilized, he manages to hit his foe with a few Pyro-infused strikes until the Samachurl summons a rock pillar underneath it.

“Tch,” he grunts at the inconvenience and proceeds to focus on destroying the column. The longer his opponent remains, the more problematic it would be for Jean if it creates more pillars for its allies.

Meanwhile, Jean slashes at one of the Hilichurl Shooters, occasionally hitting the nearby Hilichurl in the crossfire. The other two deliberately withdraw to gain some distance from her and recharge their bows. Aware of their next move, she uppercuts the enemies in front of her with the power of wind to propel them in the air for a gradual descent. She turns around and rushes to her other opponents to disrupt their attacks.

With another mighty blow from his claymore, the pillar crumbles into dust and results in the Samachurl to lose its foothold. It swings its club with all its strength but Diluc promptly deflects it back.

“Ah!”

Jean flinches from the sharp cut near her right shoulder, causing him to halt his next attack and look over to her. She pierces the assailant with a decisive blow.

“It’s just a scratch,” Jean tries to reassure from afar. “Don’t worry—”

Diluc slams his blade at the Samachurl and knocks it towards the remaining Hilichurls. His entire claymore then engulfs in flames. Jean dashes out of the way as he releases a blazing wave at their enemies. Resembling a Phoenix, it soars across the terrain and pushes them back with its destructive power. Once the fire recedes, he verifies that they are all defeated before walking over to her.

“Are you alright, Jean?”

“Yes, thank you.” She raises her capelet to uncover her wound. “My negligence resulted in a minor incision but it can be easily healed. I wanted to wait in case you sustained any injuries.”

Jean calls upon the wind to regenerate their health, mending her cut in the process.

“I appreciate the consideration,” Diluc thanks, then brings his hand to his chin. “It’s rather suspicious that these Hilichurls were here, armed no less.”

“I also found that quite unusual. It may be the work of the Abyss Order. But why?”

“Pure speculation but it’s possible that they’re targeting you.”

Her eyes lower in contemplation. “Me? I suppose it wouldn’t be the first time.”

“We’ll have to keep our guard up as we continue our journey through Liyue,” Diluc asserts, turning towards Wangshu Inn. He pauses for a moment before speaking. “Let’s return back to the inn.”

“Oh?” Jean utters as she tilts her head. “What about the other merchant?”

His primary objective this evening is to apprehend the man who is relabeling his wine and claiming it to be from Liyue. However, with the new likelihood that the Abyss Order is targeting the Acting Grand Master while she is away from Mondstadt, he reevaluates his priorities.

“I’ll deal with him another day. Your safety is imperative. If something were to happen to you, I would never hear the end of it from the Knights.”

Jean simply smiles. “Thank you, Diluc.”

They examine the vicinity for lingering monsters before they turn around and walk back to Wangshu Inn. Diluc briefly looks behind them, scanning for signs of danger. He narrows the space between them and remains alert to their surroundings even when they enter their inn room.

Chapter Text

The morning sun peeks beneath the mountainous Dragonspine from a distance as Diluc and Jean depart south. Their path takes them into Guili Plains, one of Liyue’s many historical regions. It is mostly green with trees scattered away from the dirt trail. The pathway connects to a wooden bridge where a road sign directs them to continue south to reach their destination.

Next to the sign is a single tree plentiful with apples, which catches Jean’s attention.

“I wonder if it’s alright if we pick some for ourselves,” she thinks out loud.

“I don’t foresee any issues,” Diluc figures as he views the environment. “There would’ve been another signpost otherwise.”

Jean lightly jogs over to the tree and gathers two apples from its branches. She returns to Diluc with a smile, handing over one of them to him.

“Here you go,” she offers. “We’ve already eaten breakfast but this could be a suitable snack for later.”

His crimson eyes stare at the fruit and then look up at her. Based on his initial reaction, she assumes that he is deliberating how to politely decline. Before she brings back her hand, Diluc reaches over to grab the apple.

“Thanks.”

Jean blinks, trying to figure out if the faint grin on his face is something she imagined. She continues to wonder while he retrieves his bag to put the apple inside.

Once they cross the bridge, the pair come across another sign that notify them to prepare for an official inspection from the Millelith. Greeted by the two guards, Jean and Diluc state their identities and hand over their belongings for review.

“All clear,” verifies one of the men. The other solider echoes the same statement. The Millelith return their bags and permit them to pass.

Although there is a resting spot, they proceed on and follow the footpath dispersed with streetlamps. They eventually spot a stone entrance left of the road that Jean glances at as they walk by.

“Interested in ruins?” Diluc asks.

“To some extent,” she replies, redirecting her gaze. “I’m curious to know more about the history behind them. Mondstadt is a much younger nation compared to Liyue.”

“Fortunately, there are plenty of books and storytellers in Liyue Harbor. Granted, if you permitted yourself time for sightseeing.”

“Perhaps,” Jean considers. “I meet with the Tianquan in two days. If we arrive at Liyue Harbor by tonight, then tomorrow could be a free day.”

Diluc lets out a short chuckle. “I didn’t think the words ‘free day’ were in your vocabulary.”

Her cheeks begin to redden by his witty retort. She brushes a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“Of course they are!” Jean insists, somewhat flustered. “I admit that I may not typically apply it to myself but I do know what it means.”

“Hmm.” His eyes look towards her with intrigue.

“Do you have something else to add?”

“I could say it but you might regret it afterwards.”

Confusion emerges onto her face. “I might regret it?”

“Never mind,” he sighs, returning his focus to the dirt road. “I already said too much.”

Jean speeds up ahead and steps in front of his path, causing him to stop in his tracks. Her curiosity compels her to convince him otherwise.

“Diluc,” she contends as she places a hand on her hip. “If you continue to hold back, how am I going to understand you better?”

Her voice gradually trails off when he begins to walk up to her.

“I would appreciate it if…you were more compliant…”

The poise in her posture dwindles as Diluc closes the distance between them. Battling against her nerves, Jean stands her ground and maintains eye contact with him.

“More compliant?” he repeats. His tone is direct that aligns with his expression.

“Yes, well…” Jean reconsiders her word choice. “Perhaps compliant isn’t the correct term to use. Rather, I want you to be more honest with me.”

“Is that what you want?”

“Yes.”

He leans forward. “Are you certain?”

“…Yes.”

Silence looms over them, both sorting out their thoughts. Known for his forthright mannerism, Diluc is often the first to speak his mind. His strong sense of justice surpasses many people and prefers to deal with certain matters himself without constraints. Yet, he seems to be more wary to completely dismiss her. Jean speculates that he may be avoiding a replication of last night’s outburst. His ability to conceal his emotions makes it difficult to know.

Diluc straightens his stance. “If that’s truly what you want, then I will abide. However, only under the premise that you will inform me of any discomfort or disapproval straightaway.”

“Yes, of course,” she responds, albeit puzzled by his specific compromise. “I trust that you wouldn’t intentionally hurt me. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have agreed to you accompanying me on this trip.”

“Trust, huh?”

“Yes, trust,” Jean reaffirms. “We may have gone our separate ways regarding the Knights of Favonius but my respect for you hasn’t changed. If something were to ever happen to me, I have no doubt that Mondstadt will persevere under your protection.”

“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” he declares, furrowing his eyebrows. “Without your leadership, the Knights would be in complete disorder.”

She laughs at his peculiar compliment. “Without your presence, Mondstadt wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully at night.”

Jean’s eyes widen. Unable to withdraw her words, she turns around and hastily treads across the stone bridge in front of them.

“We shouldn’t linger further,” she diverges, maintaining her pace. “Onwards!”

“Jean, hold on—!”

A Pyro slime hurls into the air towards her. She narrowly dodges the blast and looks back to see two Pyro Hilichurls lurking beneath the bridge. One of them starts to run up the hill while the other tries to aim its crossbow at her. Diluc dashes for the sprinting Hilichurl Grenadier while Jean focuses on the Hilichurl Shooter.

She leaps off the bridge and notices a few explosive barrels near her opponent. As it prepares to shoot its fiery arrow, Jean hides behind the bridge support as a barrier. Once it begins to reload, she enters into its close range. As expected, the Hilichurl Shooter instinctively backs away from her and the barrels. Taking advantage of the situation, she pierces it with her sword further back and then defeats it within a few hits.

Spotting a few more Hilichurls in close proximity, Diluc and Jean reconvene and vanquish the group together.

“It looks like that’s the last of them,” she proclaims after scanning the area. “We should remain cautious as we proceed.”

“Jean.”

She walks through the grass back to the path with Diluc not far behind her.

“If there were Hilichurls waiting to ambush unsuspecting travelers, we cannot rule out the possibility that there could be more traps ahead of us.”

“Jean.”

“We should consider a verbal report about this incident to the Millelith once we reach—”

Diluc promptly cuts her off by stopping in front of her. Her face flushes at the sudden role reversal, not able to meet his gaze.

“Care to explain yourself?”

She looks everywhere else but his eyes. “Ah, you see, I’m merely concerned about the commonfolk, especially those who are unable to defend themselves.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh, right. The topic of trust. As I stated, I have full trust in you and I hope that you have the same assurance with me.”

Jean takes a glimpse to see his intense eyes lower.

“How long have you known?” Diluc redirects the conversation.

“Known about…what?”

“Jean, you’re not getting out of this one.”

She gulps. Her heart rate starts to increase.

“…I’ve known for quite a while now,” she finally admits. “That you are the Darknight Hero.”

“Is that so?”

Without warning, Diluc lifts a hand to her face and firmly squeezes her cheeks. Jean’s chest races faster as he leans close. It isn’t clear to her whether the warmth in her face is because of her blushing or the heat radiating through his glove.

“If you knew this entire time,” Diluc inquires, his voice above a whisper. “Why didn’t you reprimand me?”

“I…that’s because…”

Jean tries to muster a coherent sentence but to no avail. He then releases his hand and leans back to fold his arms. Her face still bright red, she clears her throat.

“It’s what I’ve been saying over and over,” she confesses as she looks at him. “I trust you. Maybe it’s foolish of me as the Acting Grand Master but as Jean, my instincts told me that I can trust that you will do what must be done to protect Mondstadt at all costs.”

“Even if it undermines the influence of the Knights?”

“I believe that the strength and resolve of the Darknight Hero can be reshaped as an inspiration for the Knights to improve from within.”

“That’s quite optimistic,” he scoffs. “I can imagine the opposition in convincing every member to change their opinions.”

Jean closes her eyes and tilts her head down before she speaks.

“To some, change is frightening. It is unfamiliar and unpredictable. Without change, we feel safe. But if we continue to reject it, we may miss out on the opportunity to discover something better for ourselves.”

She takes a deep breath, then opens her eyes. Diluc continues to listen in silence.

“It’s much easier said than done,” Jean acknowledges. “Even I am scared to seek change at times. I want become better for the sake of my family name and all of Mondstadt.”

He lets out an exhale.

“When will you stop putting yourself down?” His voice is somehow firm yet gentle. “I’ve personally witnessed many of your accomplishments. Need I remind you that you earned the title of Dandelion Knight when you were fifteen?”

“Yes, but—”

“That’s enough, Jean,” Diluc interrupts. “If I must be the one to remind you of your worth, then so be it.”

She looks up at him. “Diluc, you don’t have to overextend on my behalf.”

“True, I don’t have to,” he discloses, then averts his eyes. “It’s what I want.”

Jean’s heart skips a beat.

In that moment, it takes all of her willpower to control her thoughts from spiraling into disarray. She instead watches his expression. Although his face remains the same, something faint catches her eye.

“Diluc, are you blushing?”

He turns his head to the side. “You’re mistaking my hair.”

“I am not.”

Jean walks over and raises her hand with her index finger pointed out. She softly pokes his cheek where his skin fades into a light scarlet. His eyes immediately lock with hers.

“I apologize for my presumptuousness,” she exclaims and steps back. “Let us continue to Liyue Harbor.”

Together, they walk up a short set of stairs and follow the wide pathway south. More trees and rocky mountainsides enclose the area as they near Liyue Harbor. Once more, a Millelith solider stops them for a mandatory inspection before they proceed up a long stairway. As the pair pass by a Statue of The Seven, Jean recalls their conversation earlier.

“Hey Diluc,” she begins as they get closer to another flight of stairs. “What was it that you were going to say? Something about me regretting to ask?”

“That’s still on your mind?” he questions, somewhat amused.

“It’s difficult not to be curious based on how you phrased it.”

Jean remains quiet while they walk up, gradually becoming impatient. It isn’t until they reach the top when Diluc stops and turns to her.

“Fine then.” A subtle grin appears on his face. “Since your persistence is unparalleled, I will tell you my thought at that very moment. Quite simply, I didn’t suspect that you were rather easy to tease.”

“Ah—” The initial shock in her face changes into a pout. “That’s not true.”

“On the contrary, it’s nothing but the truth,” Diluc asserts with confidence. “I wager that both Lisa and Kaeya have had their fair share of banter towards you.”

“Honestly,” Jean concedes, putting her hand partially over her face. “Your insight is frightfully precise.”

He shrugs and keeps moving forward. “I’m just observant, that’s all.”

Jean reconsiders his statement from earlier and catches up to him.

“So when you grabbed my face earlier about the Darknight Hero,” she wavers, her face heating up. “That was just to tease me?”

Diluc slightly tilts his head to look at her for a brief moment.

“Not necessarily,” he imparts. “Or should I say, that wasn’t the sole reason.”

“Oh?”

“I’ll leave it to you to figure out the rest.”

His unexpected smirk forces her to look away. A strange sensation stirs inside of her as she clutches onto her chest. Despite its unfamiliarity, Jean finds herself smiling.

Liyue Harbor comes into view underneath the glowing sunset. In awe of the spectacle, she hurries off the stone path into the grass near the cliffside. The scent of the ocean tickles her senses as the water lightly sways the docked ships. Sprinkled between stone structures and buildings are colorful trees, adding another layer of beauty to the scenery.

“We’re finally here,” Jean beams. She turns to Diluc who stands a few feet behind her.

“Despite minor setbacks, we managed to arrive before evening struck.”

The pair travel along the downward trail and reach the main entrance to Liyue Harbor. Two Millelith guards greet them as they cross the grand bridge into the city. They walk up a few more steps and make their way to Baiju Guesthouse to check in.

Jean receives their key and locates the room that they will be staying for the next several days. Similar to Wangshu Inn, the spacious chamber includes two beds and a separate bathroom. She sinks back into the mattress as her lower legs rest on the edge of the bed.

“I didn’t realize how much we’ve been on our feet,” Jean expresses as she slowly rotates her ankle. “How are you holding up?”

“As much as you’d expect after two days of travel,” Diluc says with a hint of sarcasm.

“Fair enough,” she giggles and sits up before looking at the window. “Now that we’re in Liyue Harbor, I’m looking forward to exploring the city and trying out the cuisine.”

“If you’re not too exhausted, we can tour the outdoor shops in this area and ask for restaurant recommendations.”

“Good idea.”

Both tourists and locals stroll through the Feiyun Slope district to chat with vendors and observe their wares. As the central location for commerce in all of Teyvat, commodities range from traditional Liyue goods to foreign imports. Jean and Diluc eventually come across Wanwen Bookhouse. As she scans the summaries of a few books, the owner speaks up.

“Found anything that catches your interest?”

Jean places the book back on the shelf. “Not yet. Do you have any recommendations for a first-time visitor to Liyue?”

“Sure. What genres do you usually read?”

She hesitates to answer while Diluc is in earshot. The book owner stares at her while she twirls a strand of hair.

“Romance,” Jean murmurs reluctantly.

“Romance?” she restates, bringing her hand to her chin. “It may be a bit of a stretch but you may enjoy ‘Customs of Liyue’. There are some aspects that could be considered romantic but it’s primarily about cultures and traditions. It’s one of the bestsellers in Liyue.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“Excellent. Based on your preference, my suggestion is to purchase volumes one and three.” The owner gathers the two books for Jean and places them in a shopping bag for her. “Your total is 3,000 Mora.”

As she hands her the payment, Diluc walks over and glances at Jean’s purchase.

“What suggestions do you have for a place to eat?” he asks the book owner.

“That depends,” she replies. “Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk are highly regarded for their Li and Yue cuisine respectively. However, unless you made a reservation three months in advance, you’re out of luck.”

“Anywhere else notable?”

“Wanmin Restaurant is rather famous in the Chihu Rock district. The owner and his daughter are both renowned chefs. In fact, rumor has it that she’ll be in town within the next day or two. Their unique dishes are worth trying at least once.”

Jean turns to Diluc. “We should plan to go there tomorrow then.”

“That would be my recommendation,” says the owner as she gives Jean her bag of books. “In my opinion, you also can’t go wrong with the street food in Liyue.”

“Thank you for the advice,” Jean nods. “We appreciate your time.”

“Thank you for your purchase. Enjoy your stay.”

They leave Wanwen Bookhouse and decide to eat at one of the food stalls in the southeastern area of Liyue Harbor. At first, Jean is startled by the appearance of Grilled Tiger Fish compared Mondstadt’s counterpart. The crispy exterior of the fish head balances the flavorful, tender inside. Fresh green onions offer a touch of bitterness to the briny dish.

“This is delicious.” Jean savors another bite and then looks over to Diluc. “How’s your food?”

“Good,” he confirms. “It has the right amount of heat without overpowering it.”

After they finish their meal, Diluc and Jean make their way back to Baiju Guesthouse. As the pair walk down the wooden slopes, she stops at the bridge railing and looks toward the sea. Jean lets out a long sigh.

“Something bothering you?” Diluc joins her and watches the ripples in the water.

“Ah, I suppose that the Knights of Favonius crossed my mind. I hope that they’re all doing well back in Mondstadt.”

“They’re inefficient but they’ll eventually get the job done, or so I hope.”

“Diluc…” She playfully nudges his arm.

He clears his throat. “They’re fine, Jean. You overthink too much. If worst came to light, I would assume that even a certain bard couldn’t stop from getting involved.”

“You’re probably right,” Jean ponders as she leans forward on the railing. “Worrying isn’t going to solve anything.”

“Exactly. Preoccupy yourself with more pertinent thoughts. For instance, tomorrow’s agenda.”

A day of no obligations. The schedule is completely decided by her, not dictated by paperwork, commissions, or emergencies. The more Jean contemplates, the more surreal it becomes.

“What should we do?” she utters with uncertainty. “Forgive me, I’m not used to this kind of freedom.”

Diluc pauses for a moment. “I have an idea.”

Chapter Text

Steel strikes vibrate the air with footsteps shuffling in the grass. Sweat trickles across her forehead as Jean scans for an opening. Wielding a short sword, Diluc lunges for another attack from above. She deflects the hit and adjusts her grip for a sharp thrust. His blade propels down on hers, requiring her to retract her arm up to escape.

Her swordsmanship is on full display, interchanging offensive and defensive positions within seconds. Diluc’s movements restrict leniency from the start.

Snapshots of their earlier years in the Knights of Favonius begin to surface. She recalls a similar exchange in uniform, pushing each other to their limits. For him, his father; for her, her mother. Even now, both continue to uphold their family ambition to defend Mondstadt.

Diluc’s forward jab nearly misses her, evading the tip by a few inches. Jean fades to regain distance but his advance coerces her further backwards. As he hurls a diagonal swing, she sidesteps and rotates her arm for a straight cut that hits near the hilt. They freeze momentarily before relaxing their posture.

“You’ve improved since the last time,” Diluc commends, lowering his weapon.

“Likewise.”

Jean takes a seat on the grass and wipes her temples. He hands her a water canteen, then looks over at Yujing Terrace.

She sips some water and gazes at the view. “Thank you for agreeing to spar with me.”

“You were rather insistent to include it on today’s to-do list,” he reminds her evenly. “But it was expected coming from you.”

Unable to rebuff his claim, she lifts the canteen for another drink. Hunger starts to develop from their extensive sword practice.

“Let’s go back to the guesthouse before we have lunch,” Jean suggests as she stands up.

They carefully walk down the steep slope and cross the wooden bridge into the Yujing Terrace district. Back in their inn room, she washes up first and changes into a new set of clothes before switching places with Diluc.

Opening her personal notebook, she marks their training session as complete. Unlike Jean’s regular daily schedule, she only has a few tasks listed with approximate times. She tucks it into her bag to suppress the instinct to add more to her abnormally unfilled calendar.

Once Diluc is ready, the pair depart Baiju Guesthouse and walk over to Chihu Rock, one of the many commercial areas in Liyue Harbor. The aromatic flavors of meat and spices intensify as they near Wanmin Restaurant. Numerous carryout orders rest on the counter when Diluc and Jean join the long line of customers.

“Welcome to Wanmin Restaurant,” cheers Chef Mao, the owner, when they finally approach him. “How many? Are you here for dine-in or takeout?”

“Two and dine-in please,” Jean replies.

“Certainly! The current wait time is between fifteen to twenty minutes. Is that alright?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Great,” he beams and grabs a piece of paper. “A name for the table?”

“Jean.”

“Thank you.” Chef Mao jots down her name. “We’ll call out your name when a table is ready for you. Please feel free to shop around Chihu Rock until then.”

“Thank you very much.”

Following his recommendation, they stroll through the streets to browse at the different stores and stalls in the neighborhood. From precious jade to colorful kites, Jean’s eyes sparkle seeing the variety of goods. She deliberates purchasing souvenirs for her companions in the Knights of Favonius but reconsiders on account of misinterpretation and fairness.

“Perhaps another time,” she murmurs to herself.

Jean looks over to Diluc. Other than the occasional straightforward question to a vendor, his speech is minimal. She waits until they walk up to the side alley to speak.

“Are you doing alright, Diluc?” Jean begins tentatively.

“I have no complaints,” he remarks, turning his gaze towards her.

“That’s a relief.”

Diluc raises an eyebrow. “…Does that not seem to be the case?”

“Well, you aren’t the easiest to read,” she admits with a smile. “Although I suppose that you would’ve simply left otherwise.”

“In certain situations, yes.”

He speeds up and passes by Scent of Spring before the shop assistant at the entrance has a chance to greet him. Jean hurries to keep up with Diluc who slows his pace after a short period. Guyun Stone Forest emerges into sight from afar as they approach the harbor warehouse from above.

“However,” he continues on. “That’s not the current circumstance.”

“Good. I wouldn’t want to waste your time.”

“I assure you that you’re not wasting my time.” Diluc stops next to an askew tree and folds his arms. “Relax, Jean. It’s not as if you’re on duty with a commission to appease me.”

“Yes, but…” she starts to say, then hesitates. Her face lightly flushes. “…that makes it even more significant.”

Jean avoids eye contact as she tries to sort out what she said. Despite the tourism being his suggestion, her inner voice compels her to verify his contentment. Before he has a chance to reply, she walks by him and turns the corner near the Adventurer’s Guild.

“Anyway, let’s go back to Wanmin Restaurant,” Jean promptly urges. “Our reservation may be ready soon.”

Diluc remains quiet while the pair return to the eatery. Upon arrival, Chef Mao calls out her name and guides them to their outdoor seating.

“I’m very pleased to inform that your waitress and chef today will be our head chef,” he announces as he places two menus in front of them. “She will be with you both shortly.”

Not long after he walks back to the front counter, a young lady scurries over with two glasses of water.

“Welcome to Wanmin Restaurant!” she greets enthusiastically. “My name is Xiangling and I’ll be your server today. Can I offer you another drink besides water?”

“I’m fine with just water,” Diluc affirms.

“As am I,” says Jean. “This is actually my first time in Liyue. I’m open to any food recommendations that you may have.”

Xiangling grins with excitement. “Ooh, welcome to Liyue! Everything on the menu is great but I’m always open to experimenting.”

True to her word, her standing as a chef extends through both Liyue and Mondstadt. Unlike most Liyue chefs who choose between Li-style or Yue-style cuisine, she refuses to restrict herself to a specific practice.

“Oh?” Jean wonders in curiosity. “I’m certainly interested but I don’t want to impose.”

“Don’t worry, I love trying out new recipes,” Xiangling insists, putting her hands on her hips. “Tell you what: I’ll make your favorite dish with a twist. The price will be determined by your satisfaction.”

Her confidence amazes Jean, seemingly undeterred by possible failure.

“In that case, would pizza be too farfetched to request?”

“Not at all. Is there anything that you don’t want on it? How about spice level?”

“I’m not picky. Mild on the spice please.”

“Great!” She turns to Diluc, maintaining her smile. “And what would you like?”

He points to the dish on the menu as he speaks. “The restaurant special please.”

“One custom pizza and one Wanmin Restaurant’s signature dish coming right up!” Xiangling grabs their menus and hops into the kitchen to prepare their orders.

The line in front of the eatery is the same length when they initially arrived. Many customers walk away in merriment with takeout bags in their hands. Nearby patrons sitting outside also delight in their meals, praising the chef’s presentation and taste.

“I wonder how a Liyue-inspired pizza will turn out,” Jean muses softly. “Have you eaten here before?”

“At least once,” he responds, then takes a drink of water. “Though I don’t remember if Xiangling was in the kitchen during my travels. To be honest, I’m quite surprised that she’s even here today.”

“We’re fortunate that the bookhouse owner told us about her visiting.”

“Even then, the district bulletin board directly states that she was exploring all of Teyvat to hone her culinary skills and it could be a while before she returned to Liyue.”

Jean thinks for a moment. “Perhaps the restrictions into Inazuma may have impeded her travel plans.”

“Hmm…”

Xiangling returns to their table with two bowls of soup and a pitcher to refill their water. “Here’s a complimentary appetizer while you both wait for your entrées.”

“Ah, thank you,” Jean expresses graciously, taken aback.

She dashes back inside before they could say more. The golden broth emits a delicate fragrance as Jean scoops a spoonful. Its silky quality blends with the hint of sweetness from the lotus seeds. They both empty their bowls in gratification.

After some time, Chef Mao accompanies his daughter to deliver Diluc’s order while she carries Jean’s.

“Here is your personalized pizza,” Xiangling rejoices as she places it on the table. “The chicken was grilled with a handful of spices and herbs. Garlic cloves and matsutake were sliced and sautéed in a pan before putting it in the oven. Once finished, I topped it with fresh green onions and a drizzle of my mild sweet-and-spicy dressing made from Jueyun Chilis and almonds.”

“As for the special,” Chef Mao chimes in. “Xiangling simmered the fish fillets in a flavorful broth with diced Jueyun Chilis, crushed Violetgrass, and a touch of salt. A few mint leaves and scallions sprinkled on top complete the dish.”

“We hope that you enjoy your meal!” They both bow and then take their leave.

Jean carefully pulls a slice towards her as the gooey cheese stretches apart. The buttery crust melts in her mouth, followed by the tangy sweetness of the sauce. Combined with the succulent chicken and tender vegetables, her palate is full of bliss.

“You look quite pleased,” Diluc comments.

She nods fervently and grabs a napkin to clean her lips. “It’s amazing. Diluc, you have to try it.”

Stopping midway before another taste of his own food, he places his spoon in his bowl and sets it aside. Diluc takes a piece and puts it on a small plate, glancing up at her in the process. She watches his expression with diligence as he takes a bite.

“You’re right,” he agrees with a nod. “An exceptional blend of Liyue-infused flavors while maintaining the fundamentals of a traditional pizza.”

“It’s remarkable how versatile pizza can be.”

“Indeed.” Diluc rotates his wrist as he examines it. “I may have to consider adding something similar to the menu at Angel’s Share. A smaller portion size could work well as an appetizer.”

“I certainly welcome more locations in Mondstadt to serve pizza,” Jean discloses, reaching for her second slice. “The pizza at Cat’s Tail is delicious but it’s a shame that they don’t deliver.”

She quickly regresses and apologizes.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be talking about one of your business competitors like that.”

“No need for an apology,” he reassures earnestly. “The liquor industry is arduous and competitive. I respect those who accept the challenge with integrity.”

Diluc eats the remainder of his piece and returns back to his hearty stew. The rich red broth is nearly identical to his hair color. His handling of chopsticks is adequate, grasping smaller portions with relative ease. The glass of water is halfway empty by the time Xiangling checks up on them.

“How’s everything tasting so far?” she asks with glee.

“Wonderful,” Jean praises, which widens Xiangling’s smile. “Everything has been absolutely incredible.”

“I concur,” Diluc confirms.

Xiangling clasps her hands together and bows. “Thank you so much! Nothing makes me happier than seeing my customers enjoy my food. Is there anything that you would want different?”

“Goodness, no,” Jean informs, shaking her head. “I couldn’t even begin to imagine how to make it better. Although…I do have a question for you if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. What do you want to ask me?”

“Well…”

Jean starts to reassess her inquiry. Her apprehension stems from humiliating herself in front of both of them. Xiangling may or may not be aware of her revered titles that she holds in Mondstadt. Nevertheless, she deliberates if her question would undermine her position as the Acting Grand Master.

“How did you become so confident as a chef?” Her hands tighten under the table, pressing down on her thighs. “How did you achieve success where you no longer fail?”

“Oh, that’s easy!”

Jean’s head jolts up by her nonchalant tone.

“I celebrate all of my accomplishments, whether I succeed the first time or the hundredth time.”

“All…of your accomplishments?” she repeats slowly.

Xiangling nods and places a hand on her hip. “As I said before, I love to experiment in the kitchen. Deviating from recipes is bound to have many trial-and-error situations. I still have my fair share of disastrous dishes but that doesn’t mean I should just give up as a chef. It’s all a part of the profession.”

“That does make sense.”

“Take your custom pizza for example: I could’ve easily made a standard pizza with marinara sauce, cheese, and common toppings. There’s nothing wrong with a traditional pizza. But if I didn’t take a chance in recreating new flavors, you would’ve completely missed out on this new experience for your tastebuds.”

Unable to convey the right words, Jean continues to listen in silence.

“Sure, I could’ve ruined the entire dish but that doesn’t mean that a non-traditional pizza isn’t possible. If that happened, I would’ve tweaked and modified the recipe or even restart from scratch. As long as I never give up, I know that I could make it work regardless of how long it takes.”

“That’s very admirable,” Jean murmurs. “I wish that I had your self-assurance.”

“I’m sure that you’re capable of it too,” Xiangling claims with a slight frown. “You just have to believe in yourself and find what works for you. For me, my dad always told me that the most important secret to cooking is passion. But for you, it may be something different.”

Jean pauses for a moment, then smiles. “Thank you. Your cooking and words have been uplifting.”

“Glad to be of service,” Xiangling beams before noticing Diluc’s empty glass. “Ah! I’m so sorry, let me refill your water. I’ll be right back.”

In a blink of an eye, she sprints inside and returns with a water pitcher. After Xiangling leaves, the remainder of their meal is predominantly quiet between them, with the exception of the chatter from dine-in customers and street onlookers. Once finished, Jean and Diluc pay at the front counter, both providing a substantial tip for Xiangling.

“Is there somewhere we could go with less people?” Jean asks him when they depart from Wanmin Restaurant.

“…Follow me.”

Diluc leads her to the southwest bridge and turns left where a lone tree stands in the outskirts of Liyue Harbor. They each take a seat on the grass and look off in the distance. Dragonspine looms far beyond the city borders, its icy temperatures differ from the comfortable weather in Liyue. For a short time, neither of them says anything.

Jean eventually breaks their silence.

“Diluc,” she wavers, wrapping her arms around her knees. “Do you ever feel conflicted on your needs and wants?”

“I would be lying if I said no.”

“Then you understand the pain it brings. The painful thought that your desires could never come to fruition because they don’t align with what you need to do.”

“An unfortunate, familiar feeling. It is easy to rationalize from a logical perspective but difficult to relinquish from an emotional standpoint.”

Jean lets out a somber sigh. “Sometimes I can’t stop myself from thinking so selfishly, thinking of ‘what ifs’ and ‘if only’.”

“Even I share those sentiments.”

“…However, after hearing Xiangling today,” she mutters as she closes her eyes. “It fills me with hope.”

“Hope?”

“Yes. Hope that there is a way.” Jean opens her eyes and gazes at the sky. “That there can be—no, that there must be way that I can fulfill my duty as a knight and live happily as Jean.”

The image of her mother emerges in her mind. Responsible for training her all these years; preparing her to become a knight of Mondstadt in honor of the Gunnhildr Clan.

“It may be challenging to find a new path,” she continues. “But I believe that I can achieve both. I expect to stumble and fall along the way but I’m strong enough to overcome my struggles.”

Jean turns to him and smiles.

“And I believe that you can do the same, Diluc.”

He looks down and lowers his eyes. “I cannot cling onto memories of the past. It only brings me contempt and remorse.”

“Then,” Jean places her hand over his. “Focus on new memories for the future. I’m…certain that your father would’ve wanted that for you.”

Diluc’s hand grips the grass underneath it. As it begins to shake, she lightly squeezes it. Aware of the grief of losing his father in his arms and the cruel response from the former inspector of the Knights, Jean regrets her inability to support him when he needed it most. Unable to rewrite the past, her newfound resolve seeks to change that moving forward.

She does not utter a word. Her gaze redirects to Liyue Harbor while her hand remains still. It is unknown how much time passes by before he speaks.

“Thank you, Jean.”

Nodding her head, she removes her grasp and shifts the conversation. “Tomorrow, I meet with Lady Ningguang.”

“Nervous?”

“A bit,” she confesses. “She is a powerful individual with tremendous influence and authority here in Liyue.”

Diluc leans back and looks at her. “True, but you have the upmost respect and trust from the people of Mondstadt. There is no better person to represent the nation than you.”

“Grand Master Varka would’ve surely been better than I.”

“Tch.” He grimaces upon hearing his name. “All I’ll say is that I disagree.”

Jean does not press further on the matter as her thoughts linger back to her bold proclamation. Breaking the lock on the door, the impossible is now possible. Once it is open, she must decide whether to walk through it or close it.

Chapter Text

“And that concludes my report on the Stormterror incident in Mondstadt.”

Delicate, precise scratches from a quill pen reaches Jean’s ears at the council table. Akin to the front desk in Yuehai Pavilion, the spacious conference room is spotless with only the essentials in close proximation.

She glances at Ganyu, the secretary to the Liyue Qixing, documenting key details of her account. Next to her—and directly across from Jean—is Ningguang. Her intense red eyes lower as she places a hand over her mouth. Two golden accessories on her fourth finger and pinky dangle below her chin.

“Fascinating.” Ningguang’s tone embodies an air of sophistication and confidence. “The organization responsible for the dragon’s corruption is the Abyss Order?”

“Correct,” Jean confirms. “They intended to control him as a weapon of war.”

“Liyue is no exception to the presence of the Abyss Order. However, we have not encountered a confrontation to the degree of Mondstadt by any means.”

“We still know very little about them aside from their animosity towards humans and resolve to overthrow all of Teyvat.”

“I surmise that it would be wise for both nations to monitor these factions with vigilance.” Ningguang leans and intertwines her fingers. “Because of the recent event with Osial, the Fatui are already facing public censure in Liyue.”

Jean slightly shifts in her seat. “The Fatui diplomats in Mondstadt have yet to execute behavior severe enough to warrant a similar condemnation.”

“Then we shall utilize the distinction to our advantage,” she proclaims with a grin. “Tension between Liyue and Snezhnaya will be impossible once the Tsaritsa learns of the discontentment. The implicit neutrality from Mondstadt will act as a guise for our alliance. Should Mondstadt require support from Liyue, be it intel or soldiers, it will be fulfilled.”

Ningguang releases her grip and adjusts her right arm to rest her head onto her relaxed hand. Her eyes briefly look to Ganyu and then to Jean.

“What do you think of my proposal, Master Jean?”

“Mondstadt is appreciative of your consideration to our standing with the Fatui,” she imparts, straightening her posture. “What is it that Liyue requests from Mondstadt to uphold your proposition?”

“Simple,” Ningguang reveals. “Mondstadt will do the same for Liyue. If circumstances necessitate the exposure of our partnership, you will do so despite the inevitable divergence with Snezhnaya.”

Although fair in concept, Liyue and Mondstadt differ in their current relationship with their Snezhnayan envoys. The confrontation with Osial, Overlord of the Vortex, is the foundation for Liyue’s newfound scrutiny of the Fatui. Current allegations gossip that the Eleventh Harbinger is solely liable for its revival. His orders to send members of the Fatui to disrupt the efforts of the adepti and Qixing to defeat it reinforces the rumor. Even with the previous situation around the Holy Lyre der Himmel, Mondstadt maintains Snezhnaya as its ally on the surface.

“Rest assured, Liyue is more than self-sufficient in handling affairs,” Ningguang coaxes. “Such a possibility would only occur as a final resort.”

Jean deliberates to herself for a moment, then concludes her decree with the long-term in mind. “As the representative of Mondstadt, we accept your offer under these premises.”

“Excellent. I am certain that our contract will be favorable to both nations.” She lifts her head and gestures her hand with an open palm. “Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

“That is all of the official business that I have.”

“Then, meeting adjourned,” Ningguang declares and proceeds to stand up. “I can imagine the fatigue from your travels all the way to Liyue Harbor. Allow me to extend an invitation to dinner for your time and effort.”

“I would be honored,” she replies graciously, remembering Diluc’s prior deduction of this prospect.

“Which would you prefer? Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk?”

“How about Liuli Pavilion?”

“Li cuisine it is.” Ningguang turns her attention to Ganyu while she collects her written notes. “Please notify Xinyue Kiosk of my cancellation.”

“Yes, Lady Ningguang,” Ganyu acknowledges, then walks over to open the door.

Ningguang leaves the conference room, followed by Jean. Ganyu diverges from them, likely returning to her work. Outside, the warm glow behind Mt. Tianheng bids farewell to the day with its light partially resting on the building across Yuihai Pavilion. The Millelith overcompensate their stance in Ningguang’s presence, raising their heads and firming their grasp on their polearms.

“What are your initial impressions of Liyue?” Ningguang inquires to Jean as they depart and walk down a set of stairs.

“Vibrant and breathtaking. It is quite remarkable to see the blend of ancient customs with modern practices, as well as them independently.”

“Indeed, it is noteworthy to see how the nation of Liyue has adapted over the millennia.” She motions her hand to their right. “See that azure flower? It is a Glaze Lily. What was once common throughout Liyue is now on the verge of extinction. Its rarity greatly influenced the value to obtain one—50,000 Mora, to be exact.”

Jean nearly trips on the elevated stone edge near a rocky structure. Although quick in her recovery, Ningguang grins.

“Riveting, is it not?” she continues. They focus on their footing as they descend an enormous staircase. “It is one of countless examples of the adaptability in Liyue’s history, for better or for worst.”

“Mondstadt has also experienced change throughout its existence,” Jean shares with her. “War and rebellion shaped the nation into what it is today. The Knights of Favonius was established to protect its people from tyranny and destruction.”

“If your leadership aligns with the impeccable presentation of your letters, then the people of Mondstadt have nothing to fear.”

Her eyes widen briefly. “Thank you. Although I still have more to improve on, your praise means so much coming from you.”

“I merely speak the truth.”

After reaching the bottom of the second staircase, they turn right into the long pathway that leads to Feiyun Slope. It is a short walk from the gateway to their destination.

“Welcome to Liuli Pavilion,” greets the outdoor waitress. “Everything has been prepared for your arrival, Lady Ningguang.”

“Perfect.”

Inside, the waiter bows as Ningguang heads to the dining space. A single table with eight chairs rests in the center of the room. The wooden tones and smaller dimension create an intimate setting with the wall divider adding another layer of privacy. Placed on the table are two glasses of water and a tea set. Jean sits across from Ningguang and watches her fill her teacup.

“Order anything you’d like,” she informs Jean. “You are welcome to request a menu or ask me for recommendations.”

“I am open to suggestions.”

“In that case,” Ningguang turns to the waiter who enters the area. “One Stone Harbor for me and one Noodles with Mountain for my esteemed guest please.”

He bows once more and leaves. Jean pours some tea for herself to try. The floral scent soothes her spirits as she blows air to cool it.

“Now that we’re no longer discussing political matters,” Ningguang announces. “I am interested to hear about your trek to Liyue Harbor.”

“Journeying by foot allowed me to appreciate the incredible landscape. There were many places along the way that I wish to revisit when I am not on a time constraint.”

She sips her tea and nods. “It is a nation of great magnitude. From Guyun Stone Forest to Cuijue Slope, Liyue is overflowing with history that will captivate you.”

“Yes, I concur.”

“On the topic of captivating, tell me more of your travel companion. Owner of the Dawn Winery, correct?”

Jean begins to cough from the abrupt inhalation of her tea. Ningguang lets out a chuckle under her breath.

“My apologies for startling you,” she discloses in amusement. “My eyes and ears encompass all of Liyue. Once his identity was confirmed, I was intrigued to learn that he is not a member of your organization.”

“He is a close ally of mine,” Jean affirms after regaining composure. “After careful consideration, we determined that he was the best choice to join me on this important journey.”

“He must be an individual with immense strength and capability to earn your trust.”

“Our methods may differ at times but I wholeheartedly trust him.”

Ningguang leans back in her seat and crosses her legs. “Diluc Ragnvindr…I have heard tales of his feats in the wine industry but I have yet to meet in him in person. Could you provide a brief description?”

Jean looks toward the ceiling and pauses for a moment.

“Rational, perceptive, and courageous but sometimes impatient and sarcastic. He is often silent but unafraid to be outspoken. Diluc prefers to work alone and does not limit himself to reach his goals. He’d rather stay in the shadows than be in the spotlight.”

Her eyes lower.

“Diluc doesn’t talk about his past but doesn’t deny it. Regrettably, he’s experienced grief that no one should ever face.”

She smiles as her voice softens.

“Despite what he’s been through, his dedication to Mondstadt knows no bounds. Beneath his darkness is a flame that shines true, refusing to be extinguish in order to overcome his adversaries and achieve justice.”

Her body bends forward. Although her gaze meets the table, her mind focuses on the tightness in her heart. She clutches her chest with both hands in vain. Multiple voices emerge within, overlapping and vying for dominance.

Yes. No. Could it be…? That’s ridiculous. Maybe there’s a mistake. But the winds of change… Preposterous. As the Dandelion Knight—no, as Jean. It could be a waste of time. It could be worth it. What if it’s unrequited? What if it’s not? Don’t abandon Mondstadt. Never… Don’t abandon the Gunnhildr legacy. Don’t abandon the pride and honor as a knight. Don’t—!

“Jean?”

She jerks back. Her grip loosens to reach for her glass of water. Ningguang observes her in silence.

“I apologize for my rudeness,” Jean laments, unable to make eye contact. “I became lost in thought.”

Ningguang tilts her head. “He must be quite special to you.”

“He…” Her voice trails off as the waiter enters the dining space.

Steam rises from Jean’s dish, releasing an earthy aroma that increases her hunger. She grabs her chopsticks and recalls yesterday’s practice session. Following Diluc’s instructions from memory, she rearranges them in her right hand until the placement seems accurate. Upon a successful grasp, she is rewarded with a burst of rustic flavor.

Ningguang monitors the server as they begin to eat until he exits the room. After some time, she returns her attention to Jean.

“Is the food to your liking?”

“Yes. All of the Liyue cuisine that I’ve eaten has been amazing.”

“Splendid.” Ningguang takes another sip of her tea. “The beauty of Liyue’s gastronomy lies with its bold flavors and spices.”

“What kind of food do you usually enjoy eating, Lady Ningguang?”

“Please. Ningguang is fine,” she insists. “We are dining as two individuals. Such pretentious formalities are not needed here.”

“Ah, my apologies.”

“No apology needed either,” Ningguang beams, lightening her tone. “Contrary to popular belief, I prefer simplicity over extravagance when it comes to food. My culinary requirements are unrestrictive compared to most wealthy folk.”

“If your schedule allows it, I would be honored to treat to you a meal from Mondstadt in the future. I believe that you would enjoy Barbatos Ratatouille. It’s a simple chowder with a rich taste and history.”

“Of course. I will certainly arrange an upcoming visit to Mondstadt. I also wish to experience the acclaimed alcoholic beverages produced there as well.”

Jean struggles to keep the noodles between her chopsticks. After a few slippery escapes, they finally reach her mouth.

“Forgive me for prying,” Ningguang notifies. “But you seem rather perturbed whenever your traveling companion or anything related to him is discussed.”

“I…” She sighs and puts her chopsticks down. “It’s complex to say the least.”

“Hmm. Speaking out loud could better sort out your thoughts.”

"Alright then.”

She fidgets in her chair, lightly patting the table with her fingers. Her eyes look up to the left, then to the right. The sound from her hand becomes increasingly louder.

Ningguang raises an eyebrow. “Perhaps it would be easier if I ask you some questions that I consider when it comes to investments.”

“Investments?”

“Absolutely. There are different types of investments. Often times, the higher the risk, the higher the reward. Play your cards right and you will reach the pinnacle of success. Naturally, the reverse has the opposite effect. Limiting your answer to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ can be crucial to your final decision.”

“I see. I am ready for your questions.”

“Let us start with an easy one. Are you interested in this investment?”

Jean’s cheeks flush. “Yes.”

“Are you being pressured to invest?”

“No.”

“Do you understand this investment?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

Ningguang and Jean continue to eat their meal in between their exchange.

“Does it fit in with your other investments?”

“I…believe I can make it work, yes.”

“Are you and the investor open to negotiation?”

“Yes, I trust that he—” Jean clears her throat. “Uh, the investor is open to compromise.”

“Do you accept the possibility of losing in this investment?”

She hesitates to answer. The denunciation from the public and the disapproval from her mother weighs heavy on her. Merged with the rejection from the person in question causes her heart to ache. In contrast, losing the chance to uncover both happiness and strength fuels her willpower.

“Yes.”

“Now for a question that requires more explanation,” Ningguang divulges. “How much are you willing to invest?”

“I wish to put forth the same effort that I do for Mondstadt. I will be unequivocally devoted and compassionate.”

The redness in her face brightens, furrowing her eyebrows for a more determined expression. Ningguang finishes her last bite of food and folds her arm.

“And finally, why do you want to invest?”

“Why?”

Jean’s face relaxes while she thinks of her response. The corners of her lips raise as she speaks.

“I want to invest because he’s already done so much for me. Diluc gave me the push to start thinking of myself. His criticism of the Knights remains and understandably so. Yet, he continues to look out for Mondstadt as well as my wellbeing. He comes off as aloof and bitter but that’s because of his own protection. My hope is to show him that he doesn’t have to do everything alone and perhaps in turn, I will learn the same.”

Tension dissipates from her body. Her trembling hands subside, averting her gaze. The wind clears the fog, revealing the truth above her collapsed wall.

“It appears that you reached a verdict,” Ningguang speculates.

Jean nods. “Thank you, Ningguang. I’m in your debt.”

“No repayment is required. But if you’re adamant for a transaction, we shall postpone until you are further along in your investment.”

Laughter fills the room with both women smiling. Ningguang fills up her teacup to drink while Jean enjoys the rest of her entrée. Upon request, the waiter brings a plate of Almond Tofu to split. Each bite indulges her tastebuds with its smooth texture and sweet tang.

The moonlight illuminates the harbor when they depart from Liuli Pavilion. Jean turns to Ningguang and bows.

“Thank you for today. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to meet with you and share a wonderful meal together.”

“You’re welcome.” Ningguang places a hand on her hip. “I too benefited from today’s events. I look forward to our next encounter in Mondstadt.”

“Mondstadt welcomes you with open arms. May the wind lead you.”

“And may fortune be on your side. Until we meet again.”

The two go their separate ways, Ningguang towards Yujing Terrace and Jean to Baiju Guesthouse.

As she nears her inn room, nerves begin to flutter in her chest. Her hand stops short of twisting the key. She realizes that how to proceed with her self-discovery is obscure. Regret settles in about dismissing all of Lisa’s topic of romance in the past. Jean shakes her head and turns the key to its side.

Flipping the light switch on, she glances around the unoccupied room. She sighs at first, then finds herself frowning. As she begins to take off her boots, her eyes spot a piece of paper on the desk table. Her footwear stays intact as she rushes over to read the note.

Jean,

I’m out on an errand. I expect to return after midnight. See you in the morning.

Diluc

She stifles a laugh. “Concise as ever. How typical.”

Jean folds it in half and tucks it in her bag. She walks back to the entrance and removes her boots. After a warm shower and change of clothes, Jean pulls out her books, Customs of Liyue: Volume One and Three, from Wanwen Bookhouse and sinks into her bed.

It is not long into the first volume that she shuts it close.

“I don’t think I should be reading about that so soon,” she muses in embarrassment, placing it on her nightstand.

She opens the third volume, which focuses on the topic of Silk Flowers. Its primary associations are perfume and the Geo Archon, the latter surprising her. Jean continues to peruse its contents about creating perfume from the flower. Her eyes brighten about the intricate details on discussing a woman’s perfume in Liyue.

“Interesting,” Jean says out loud. “I’ve never bought perfume before but I wonder if I should. Then again, would he find it peculiar? What if it’s unpleasant or he simply doesn’t like it?”

Her face begins to burn as she listens to herself.

“What am I thinking? Nothing has happened between us. If I can’t constrain my thoughts now, I don’t know how I’m going to last on this trip.”

Jean rests on her side and reads more about the origins of Silk Flowers. Her eyes wilt similar to her waning clasp on the hardcover. An involuntary shake from within shoves her awake, only to fall back into a drowsy state. With book in hand and nightstand light on, she succumbs to her fate and drifts into a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

Burning grass reduces to ash after a group of Treasure Holders retreat. Diluc grumbles under his breath and sheathes his claymore. A vacant Millelith lookout stands a short distance to his right. He returns to the split pathway between Liyue Harbor and Qingxu Pool to resume the southwestern trail, scanning the environment for his target.

The moon brightens the landscape while he follows the footpath, deviating once to eliminate a large Dendro slime in the vicinity. Further down is a concentrated body of water. In the center is a piece of land where an Abyss Mage loiters.

“Hydro,” he concludes by its dark blue wardrobe. “But it’s strange. Why is it facing away from the path?”

Diluc watches his footing as he approaches the creature, slowing his pace before he steps into shallow water behind a boulder. With the Abyss Mage’s backside still towards him, he lifts himself on top of the rock and waits. After a few seconds, he lunges with his weapon in hand.

His first fiery swing connects before the Abyss Mage forms its water barrier. Following his second strike, a cluster of Hilichurl Shooters materializes around them.

“I figured as much.”

Diluc bashes his claymore at the Hydro shield, then sprints to the edge of the area. With all of the monsters in his sightline, flames erupt from his claymore to unleash its blazing upsurge. The Hilichurl Shooters disintegrate instantly, destroying the Abyss Mage’s defenses in the process.

Undeterred by the fire beneath them, his Pyro-infused weapon thrashes against his foe and knocks it into the water. He leaps into a sharp plunge, launching it forward. The creature struggles to raise its arm in defeat.

“Stop!” begs the Abyss Mage. “Please stop! I’ll talk, I’ll talk!”

“Took you long enough.” Diluc towers over the monster, clutching onto his claymore. “Tell me, what are you scheming?”

“What do you mean?”

He releases a scorching sphere from his other hand, causing the Abyss Mage to yelp. “I ask the questions and you answer.”

“Ouch, ouch,” it agonizes in contempt. “If you’re referring to that Favonian scum—”

Diluc throws his weapon to the side and seizes its face, hurling the Abyss Mage at the rocky incline nearby. It wobbles back and forth as it tries to regain its balance.

“Watch your mouth,” he growls, lowering his gaze. “The next time you speak out of line, it will be your last. Now talk.”

“…The Abyss Order will capture her before she returns to Mondstadt. They want to bring about suffering to the people with the absence of their beloved leader and send a warning to the other nations in Teyvat.”

“What do they plan to do?”

“I don’t know.” A flash of fire bursts from Diluc’s hand. “I—I don’t know! Torment her for classified information, outright dispose of her, it’s all speculation. I swear, that’s all I know! So please…”

“If that’s the truth,” he threatens as he reclaims his claymore. “Then dispatch this message to your superiors.”

The Abyss Mage shudders in terror.

“Hellfire awaits all attempts.”

Diluc turns his back and departs for Liyue Harbor. Silence lingers on before the teleportation sound cuts through the air. The abandon buildings around the steep trail are commonly occupied by Treasure Hoarder members. He glances sideways at the fresh singed marks and continues up the slope.

Outdoor lanterns lead him towards two monumental statues. He keeps forward when the path splits. The glow of Liyue Harbor emerges in sight before the dirt pathway turns to stone. As he crosses the bridge, Diluc adds another task to his agenda and heads to Third-Round Knockout.

The interior is smaller than he expected of a tavern with a recognized name in Liyue. A few customers prattle amongst themselves with half-filled mugs in their possession.

“Welcome,” nods the bartender as Diluc takes a seat at the counter. “What can I get you?”

“The tavern’s specialty.”

“One order of wine-fermented sweet rice balls. Anything to drink?”

“Water.”

He raises an eyebrow but complies, filling a glass of water and placing it in front of Diluc. “We’ll have your dessert ready shortly.”

When the bartender walks off to assist other patrons, the woman seated nearby cackles.

“Didn’t think someone would come to a bar and not order booze,” she jeers in merriment.

Diluc turns his eyes towards her and spots an Electro Vision hanging from her belt. A red eyepatch covers her left eye, almost identical to her eye color. She takes a swig of her beer and then makes eye contact with him.

“Some people prefer to try something other than alcohol to see the merits of an establishment,” he retorts.

“Bar critic, eh?”

“Somewhat.”

She snickers and points her arm towards the alcohol display, her drink still in her grasp. “Well, if you ask me, they’ve been skimping on the liquor in those rice balls lately. Maybe hearing it from a non-local will knock some sense into them.”

“You’re a regular, I assume?”

“More or less. Depends how long I’m out at sea.” She puts down her mug and grins. “The name’s Beidou.”

“Diluc.”

Her expression changes to disbelief. “From Mondstadt’s Dawn Winery?”

Before he responds, Beidou shoves her seat back and stands up. Without warning, she slams her hands on the counter. One of the waitresses almost drops her tray of drinks on the way to a customer. Everyone veers their attention to her.

“Hey!” she roars, looking straight at the bartender. “We’ve got the Dawn Winery man himself here. Better not screw up your first impression!”

The mixologist scratches his head in response to her abrasive allegation. He turns to one of his coworkers who appears equally perplexed. The bar patrons eventually resume their discussions, glancing at Beidou every so often.

Diluc stares at her in disapproval. “That wasn’t necessary.”

“Maybe not but it should liven things up. Might even get some more customers to show up knowing that you’ve been here.”

“Declining business?”

“Seems like it,” she sighs as she sits down. “Word on the street says the owner’s been rather stingy, from the portion size to the amount of alcohol in their food. It’s a shame, really.”

“Then why try to help the owner with the commotion?”

Beidou faces forward and leans on the bar table. “Wasn’t doing it for him. It was for his workers. Can’t imagine being stuck with a lousy boss, unable to find another job to top it off.”

Diluc folds his arms. Her methods are brash and unapologetic but her intentions appear more mindful than anticipated. Based on her coherent speech, he presumes that alcohol isn’t distorting her judgment. She snags her beer for another gulp and turns towards him.

“Anyway,” Beidou deviates. “Mondstadt, huh? Must’ve been a long walk on your own.”

“Traveling in good company made the trip less cumbersome.”

“Couldn’t agree more. Setting sail surrounded by like-minded crewmates is quite nice. So where is this traveling companion? Didn’t think to bring them?”

“She had an important matter to attend to.”

“Is that so? Well, hopefully she isn’t as uptight as you are.” Beidou bursts into laughter. Noticing his facial expression, she stops and smirks. “I’m just messing with you. Lighten up!”

Diluc lets out an exasperated sigh and waits for his order. A server exits from the kitchen and places the bowl on the bar counter. He examines its appearance, then takes a spoonful to try.

“Your thoughts?” Beidou inquires.

“While I personally don’t mind the subtle alcohol taste,” he indicates after a bite. “The lack of it can be viewed as misleading from a customer’s perspective.”

“Spoken like a real businessman.”

“I’ve said nothing remarkable. Any successful business balances the confidence in their product and valuable feedback to maintain its quality.”

“Modest.” She finishes the last of her beer and motions to the bartender for a refill. “Alright then, tell me more about this companion of yours.”

His eyebrows furrow.

“Why?”

“I figure that you’d rather talk about her than yourself.”

Unable to shake off her persistent push to chat with him, Diluc lets out a long exhale and concedes. Becoming acquainted with the captain of the Crux, one of Liyue’s armed fleets, may prove beneficial in the future.

“What do you want to know?”

“Hmm…her looks, her attitude,” Beidou suggests with a shrug. “Whatever you think is worth mentioning. I’m all ears.”

He places a hand over his chin and ponders.

“Overworked and overburdened,” Diluc states in irritation. “She shoulders too many responsibilities for one person to endure. It’s not a question of strength or resolve. The problem lies within the burden she places on herself because of her upbringing.”

“That’s rough. Escaping from your past isn’t easy for everyone.”

“Speaking from experience?”

Beidou nods with a slight frown. “That’s right. My success doesn’t show the hardship that came before it. Not that I want anyone to live through what I did.”

“Respectable.”

“At any rate, give me some positives. I don’t think someone like yourself would travel with just anyone.”

Diluc chuckles, amused by her straightforward remark.

“She is strong-willed, honorable, and generous. Stern and professional on-duty, gentle and delicate off-duty. Her elegance and sincerity follow wherever she goes. In addition to sharing the same dedication to Mondstadt, it’s difficult not to…”

The cheers from inebriated customers fill the tavern as his voice trails off. Beidou glares at the racket and pushes her arms on the counter to lift her upper body.

“Hey! Keep it down, you drunkards!” she fumes, causing them to recoil. She lowers back in her seat. “Sorry about that. What were you about to—?”

Hair between his fingers, his hand covers most of his face. Diluc keeps his focus down and remains still. Beidou tilts her head, then rests her elbow on the bar table.

“I don’t claim to be an expert,” she admits, softening her voice. “But it seems like this woman’s made quite the impact on you.”

“…That’s one way to put it,” Diluc mutters.

“Well then, why not go for it?”

“Wha—” He removes his hand and looks at her with narrowed eyes.

“From the way you speak about her, she sounds like a catch. Don’t know what’s holding you back.”

Diluc averts his gaze, deliberating in silence of how to properly articulate his thoughts. She takes a drink of her beer in between. Another sigh escapes him.

“I doubt you’d understand.”

“You’ll never know unless you say it,” Beidou counters with a smug look on her face.

“…I want her to decide.”

She looks at him in bewilderment. “Okay… Care to elaborate?”

He turns towards her and crosses his arms.

“It isn’t often that she has the freedom to make her own decisions. Her life has been primarily dictated by the will of the people or the expectations of her family name. If there is something that I can bestow to her, it’s the power of choice. It’s the reason why I haven’t made a direct statement. Whether the next step results in approval or rejection, it’ll be her decision.”

Beidou’s eyes widen. “That’s incredibly selfless of you and all but what about your feelings? Aren’t you afraid of getting turn down?”

“It’s unnerving to say the least,” Diluc confesses despite the composure in his tone. “However, I’m trying to look at the future in a better light, one filled with…hope.”

“That’s a good outlook,” she praises. “Well, unless you left her completely in the dark, she has some clue of how you feel, yeah?”

“I have been relatively restrictive with subtle hints on occasion. Although, there may have been a moment or two in which an impulsive action was more overt than intended.”

Diluc recalls the matter about the Darknight Hero before arriving to Liyue Harbor. A small smile appears on his face as he remembers her reaction.

“Ha! Hard to imagine a fellow like you trying to flirt,” Beidou blurts out. “Don’t be too mysterious now or she might think you’re leading her on.”

“Hmph. I thought you weren’t an expert in this.”

“I’m not. Just giving you something to think about. Wouldn’t want the poor lass getting her heart broken over a misunderstand.”

He scowls and turns away. “…Thanks.”

“No problem.” Beidou grabs her mug and holds it in the air. “I propose a toast to our encounter and your future.”

He gives her a strange look, then takes hold of his glass of water. “Sure.”

“To new friendship and young love!”

Diluc flinches as their drinks clink together. She begins to chug her beer, disregarding his embarrassment. It takes him a moment to accept the warmth in his face and then drinks the rest of his water. Once empty, she lets out a satisfied exhale.

“Now that I think about it,” Beidou ponders while she sets down her mug. “You’ve never told me her name.”

“I’d rather not say. More precisely, I don’t want to trouble her with baseless rumors.”

He suspects that word of their travels together to Liyue have circulated in Mondstadt by now. Although unfazed by gossip involving him, he is concerned about Jean’s mental state when it may regard her in a negative view, true or false.

“I get it,” she beams. “I won’t push further.”

“Much obliged.” Diluc grabs his bag and places his payment on the bar counter, then stands up. “It’s getting late. I should go.”

“Already? You didn’t even have a drink!”

“It’s…not a pastime that I partake in.”

Beidou laughs and rests both elbows back on the counter. “You really are a strange one. A good guy but strange.”

“I’ll assume that to be a compliment.”

“It is!” she insists with a grin. “Anyway, next time we’re both in Liyue Harbor, I expect an introduction, you hear?”

“Heh. Sure.”

Beidou waves goodbye in enthusiasm, Diluc returning the gesture with a brief nod.

The streets of Chihu Rock remain vibrant as he leaves Third-Round Knockout. He strolls through the avenue, passing by Yanshang Teahouse and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor along the way. Millelith soldiers scrutinize their surroundings to safeguard the public during the night, either standing guard or patrolling the area.

A wooden sign catches Diluc’s attention, stopping to reread it. After some thought, he walks to the front counter.

“Welcome to Mingxing Jewelry,” greets the owner. “How may I help you?”

“What do you have in stock in regard to jewelry?”

“Ah, my sincerest apologies. Due to the high demand, we are only accepting advance orders on gems. These are only on display.”

“I see. Can you tell me more about these Lucent Crescents on your advertisement?”

“Certainly,” she replies. “It is an exquisite Liyue ornament, valued by wealthy merchants and young people alike. Because of its popularity, we are only able to produce a very limited amount per month. Word on the street is if you are able to purchase one, you will win the heart of your beloved.”

“Is that so?”

She giggles. “I can’t verify this but I would personally be swayed if someone bought one for me.”

Diluc’s initial instinct is to ignore the absurd claim, convinced that it is a marketable tactic to entice hopeful romantics. However, his memory recaps his earlier visit to Wanwen Bookhouse and Jean’s interest in romance novels. Faced with an unfamiliar predicament, he reconsiders on the premise that she may appreciate the ornament and the lore behind it.

“I’ll place an order for one Lucent Crescent.”

“Oh? Of course, but please be aware that we require full payment in advance. As for the price…”

“That won’t be an issue.”

He pays the amount and provides the necessary information to place the order. Once the receipt is in his hands, Diluc departs from the jewelry shop and heads back to Baiju Guesthouse.

Opening the door to their inn room, he notices a dim light peeking behind the corner. When he enters the main area, Diluc tilts his head upon seeing Jean asleep in her bed. The book in her hand lies flat with both sides flared out. He walks over and places his thumb between the pages, carefully lifting it from her grasp.

Diluc uses both hands to flip it over and glances at its contents.

“Silk Flowers?”

He sits on his bed and skims the page that she left off. Leaving a finger as a bookmark, Diluc turns to the beginning. The topic of perfume and the intricate details about discussing perfume to the wearer reminds him of his jewelry purchase.

“Huh. Guess this is more prevalent than I realized.”

Diluc stands up and looks around the room for a suitable bookmarker. He opens the desk drawer and tears off a piece of notepad paper.

After setting down the book on her nightstand, his eyes glance over to Jean. Hesitant at first, he lets out a sigh and leans over. Diluc pulls the blanket underneath her arm in order to place it over her. Her slight movement causes him to step back. Once he confirms that she is still asleep, he turns around and covers his mouth.

“I swear, this is going to be more challenging than the Abyss Order.”

Chapter Text

The morning ray peeks through the window onto Jean’s pillow. Her eyes wince when it falls over her face, bringing a hand to darken the glow. Little by little, her vision adjusts to the light as she wakes up. She moves her hand above her head and ruminates the preceding dinner conversation with Ningguang.

Feeling the warmth in her cheeks, she yanks the blanket over her face. A few seconds later, Jean pulls it below her eyes and slowly turns to her left. The empty bed next to hers stirs a mix of relief and disappointment. She sits up and stretches her arms, letting out an extended yawn.

Jean stops midway when she hears the sound of a twisting doorknob. She clutches the blanket and holds it over her beating chest. The door clicks open and then closes. After a few footsteps, Diluc appears from the corner. For a brief moment, his calm exterior changes when they make eye contact.

“Jean. You’re awake.”

“Yes. Good morning.”

They remain motionless, both averting their gazes at their awkward greeting. She rubs the blanket between her fingers.

“…Have you eaten breakfast?” Jean manages to ask.

“Not yet.”

“Then we can go together.” She lowers her voice. “If you don’t mind waiting, that is.”

“That’s fine.”

Diluc takes a seat on the chair next to the desk as Jean scurries to the bathroom. She looks at the mirror to see her rosy face. Turning on the faucet, she repeatedly splashes cool water on it in hopes to reduce the redness. Once her morning routine finishes, Jean goes back into the main room.

“Where do you want to go?” she inquires as she grabs her boots.

“I have no preference.”

Jean glances up at him and frowns. “Is everything alright?”

Diluc looks to his side, then back to her. “It’s nothing to fret about. There’s just something important that we need to discuss.”

“I see,” she replies, noticing his somber tone.

Her eyes look to the ground while she carries her boots to the foot of her bed. Jean sits down and stares at them, then begins to put them on. As she ties the back lace into a bow, her hands flinch when she sees Diluc’s boots in her peripheral vision. He kneels and rests an arm over his leg, looking up at her.

“Hey.” He pauses at first, followed by a sigh. “How do I say this…?”

Diluc lowers his eyes and scowls.

“If you’re concerned about something in particular, it’s probably not it.”

She watches him stand up and turn away to clear his throat. Although vague in his remark, Jean beams at his attempt to console her.

“Alright then,” she affirms. “I trust you.”

They depart Baiju Guesthouse and have a small meal at a nearby stall. Their conversation is minimal throughout the meal. Jean concludes that the subject matter Diluc wishes to talk about must be confidential.

After they pay the vendor, she follows him across the northern bridge. The pair walk up a flight of stairs and stray from the path, turning left in the grass. Diluc takes a seat underneath a tree.

She joins him and looks out at the north gate. “What is it that you wanted to discuss?

“The Abyss Order. They intend to abduct you before we return to Mondstadt.”

Her eyes widen. “Is this true?”

“It is. I received word that there has been suspicious activity in Liyue as of late. That’s when I decided to seek out an Abyss Mage to interrogate about their plan.”

“That’s odd. When I spoke with Ningguang, there was no mention of the Abyss Order’s recent conduct. Perhaps they’re disregarding the citizens of Liyue and only focusing on me.”

“It does align with the Abyss Mage’s claim to send a warning to the other nations,” he informs. “Discretion prevents the risk of getting the Liyue Qixing involved, which would undoubtedly result in failure.”

“Even then, it doesn’t stop the possibility of an innocent bystander getting hurt in a crossfire.”

Jean puts a hand under her chin as she contemplates their options. The chances of the Abyss Order attacking while they remain in Liyue Harbor are slim. Staying in the city longer than required may provide sufficient time to set up traps at all of the entryways. Another consideration is which route to take and whether they should go back to Mondstadt right away or not.

She turns to Diluc. “I think…we should leave Liyue Harbor as soon as possible.”

“I figured as much.”

“I’ve finished my business here. There’s no need to loiter about.” Jean pauses, then hastily interjects. “If you have no other business to take care of, that is.”

“Anything unresolved can be postponed,” he notifies. “More importantly, we should consider our next destination.”

“It sounds like you have something else in mind aside from Mondstadt.”

“From a defensive position, one would deem it necessary to return to Mondstadt and evade any encounters with the Abyss Order in the process. However, we should reconsider an offensive approach.”

“An offensive approach?”

Diluc nods and folds his arms.

“There is a cavern northeast of Mt. Aocang where a group of Abyss Mages lurk. If we travel to their hideout and defeat them, the Abyss Order may withdraw their plan if they see that the Acting Grand Master is targeting their followers in retaliation.”

His tone is firm, narrowing his eyes as he continues to speak.

“I imagine that we’ll come across more monsters once we depart, which we can use to our advantage. By defeating them, they may catch onto our plan and gather reinforcements for a battle. It’s a dangerous tactic but if successful, the Abyss Order will think twice before coming up with a similar scheme in the future.”

“I agree that this sounds rather precarious. Do you think that the two of us alone can accomplish such a feat?”

“It’ll be difficult but not impossible.”

Uncertainty lingers in her thoughts, not because she doubts his advice but rather if she is capable of meeting his expectations. As a knight, Jean views herself more as a shield to protect the people instead of a sword that vanquishes foes. On the opposite spectrum is Diluc with his unshakeable conviction that evil must be punished.

“I’m a bit nervous,” she confesses. “However, if you believe we can do it, I’ll also believe in us.”

Diluc raises an eyebrow. “You’re not going to offer a rebuttal?”

“I considered it. It’s certainly less treacherous to go back to Mondstadt and simply fight any monsters that we come across. Even if the Abyss Order fails, it may only encourage them to modify their plan and have the people of Mondstadt more involved.”

“If they’re bold enough to conspire the capture of a nation’s leader, their arrogance could lead to more drastic measures.”

“The next thing we need to decide is which path to take.”

Diluc grabs his bag and pulls out a map. Once it unravels, he holds both sides while Jean leans in to look closer.

“According to my intel, this is where their hideout is.” Diluc points to curved out area near Mt. Aocang. “We can either follow the northern trail to Guili Plains or take the northwest path through Dunyu Ruins. If we choose the latter, we’ll have to cut through the hills near Cuijue Slope to avoid Jueyun Karst.”

“Jueyun Karst,” Jean repeats. “Is that where the adepti reside?”

From her knowledge of the topic, the adepti are mystical beings bound by a contract to protect the nation of Liyue. After the Archon War ended, Jueyun Karst is recognized as sacred ground for mortals not to enter.

“Correct. Since we don’t have a Sigil of Permission in our possession, we need to go east of the region to reach our destination.”

“What are the pros and cons of each pathway?”

“The path to Guili Plains will be shorter and safer but more likely to have travelers,” he explains. “Whereas the route through the ruins and valley is longer and more hazardous but with little to no passerby.”

Jean presses her lips together. “With the possibility that there may be even more monsters summoned by the Abyss Order, perhaps it would be best for everyone if we took the path with the least amount of traffic.”

“The last thing to plan is when to leave.”

“How about tomorrow?” she suggests. “We can make the necessary preparations today and depart in the morning.”

“Then it’s decided.” Diluc tucks the map back into his bag and gets on his feet. “If that’s everything, let’s go.”

Jean looks up at him as he begins to walk.

Her hand clasps onto her chest. It stiffens, struggling to silence her throbbing heart. Her throat tenses up, as if she were losing air. She shuts her eyes, lets out a deep exhale, then breathes in.

“Diluc, wait!”

He stops and turns towards her. Jean looks away, certain that her face is flushed. She wraps her arms around herself and sighs.

“There’s something else we need to discuss,” her voice trembles.

Without a word, Diluc walks back and sits beside her. A gentle breeze rustles the tree, gradually soothing her spirits.

“I…want to start by saying thank you.”

Jean brings her arms down, intertwining her fingers and placing them in her lap.

“Thank you for encouraging me to be myself, to not be afraid of who I am and who I want to be. To be honest, I’m still scared of letting people down. But I won’t give up. I will continue to strive for a way to live my life as Jean Gunnhildr, the Dandelion Knight, the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, and, of course, the person.”

A smile emerges on her face.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. You have been so considerate of my wellbeing. You’ve done so much to make sure that I feel safe and comfortable on this journey. Even with your reservations about the Knights, you don’t hold that against me. It truly makes me happy. That’s why I—”

She takes another breath and looks into his eyes.

“I’ve become smitten with you.”

Eye contact lasts for a short moment before Jean cover her face with her hands. A rush of dread and shame engulfs her. It is reminiscent of her younger years, scolded by her mother whenever she seemed to stray from knighthood. Tears begin to blur her vision, wishing to take back her betrayal, begging for forgiveness of how selfish she has become. These feelings—unwarranted, unreasonable, and unbefitting.

In one fell swoop, Jean is met by an embrace.

“Diluc?” she hesitates, closing her fingers into her palms to look up.

“If you need to cry, cry.”

Her eyes water. Upon seeing his expression, she wraps her arms around him and buries her face into his chest. Jean’s grip tightens as she begins to sob without restraint. Her perception becomes disorientated, pouring out the suppressed anguish throughout her years. It is an honor—the titles, the reputation, and the Gunnhildr family name—and a heavy burden.

After some time, Jean raises her head. They release their grasps and redirect their attention towards the harbor, Diluc remaining quiet while she regains her composure.

“Thank you, Diluc.” She rubs her eyes with one hand. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve cried. Maybe I thought that it was something that I wasn’t allowed to do.”

“Why is that?”

“I’m sure many people would think that I’m being unappreciative of my life, that my hardships are nothing compared to those who have truly suffered and that my accomplishments are proof of my ingratitude.”

Diluc curses under his breath. “Your pain is real, Jean. Anyone who tries to invalidate it through comparison is a fool. What’s more, you think too much of others before yourself.”

“Perhaps so,” Jean murmurs, glancing at the ground.

A cluster of delicate flowers sway by the wind’s command, many of them overwhelm by the tall grass. The shadow from the tree above covers most with only a small group basking in the sunlight. She reaches over to place a hand beneath one, lifting its petals with a solemn smile on her face.

“The feeling is mutual.”

Her hand drops. “…Huh?”

She looks over her shoulder to see Diluc with his arms cross, facing away from her. Jean places a hand over her cheek, partially covering her mouth.

“What was that?” she stammers, fixing her gaze on him. When he remains silent, she presses both of her hands into the grass. “Diluc, now is not the time to be reticent!”

“Fine.”

He turns to Jean and places an arm down to lean towards her.

“I’ll only say it once more.” Diluc stares into her eyes. “The feeling is mutual.”

There is no deception in his voice. The sarcasm that habitually accompanies his statements about the Knights of Favonius is nowhere to be heard. He appears poised, refusing to look elsewhere.

“Diluc, I… I didn’t expect to have my feelings reciprocated.”

“The citizens of Mondstadt would agree that you have many favorable attributes.”

Jean bursts into laughter. “Is that so? Well, I too find your attributes quite favorable.”

His eyebrows furrow, pulling himself back to fold his arms. When she begins to sniffle, he turns back to her.

“Don’t worry,” she insists as she fans her face with her hands. “My emotions are still a bit unhinged. But rest assured, I’m simply overjoyed.”

“Glad to hear.”

“…Are you happy as well?”

“Hmm?”

Before she can withdraw her words, Diluc glances again in her direction.

In many of the romance novels that she reads, the main protagonist and their love interest seem to transition smoothly into their relationship. The dialogue between the lovers is often confident, passionate, and profound. Even in one of her favorite stories, the confession exudes absolute heroism in the character’s devotion to stand together by his love after a twenty-year journey.

Yet, Jean fidgets with her hair, mortified by her inexperience. Her mind floods with endless inquiries. What to do, what not to do, what changes, what stays the same. The more she wonders, even more questions arise.

“Jean?”

She blinks back into reality.

“Forgive me. I was absorbed in my thoughts.”

“That’s fine.” Diluc taps his finger against his arm. “To answer your question, I am.”

“Truly? Ah, I mean—” Jean lets out a sigh. “I’m so sorry, Diluc. It seems that I don’t have a good grasp on how I should act now or what should happen next.”

“There is no definitive means to the beginning of a relationship, platonic or otherwise. So long as there is honesty and communication, that should be a respectable starting point.”

“You’re right. We’ll go about this at our own pace and see where the wind guides us.”

“Indeed.” His eyes look out to the sea as its serene waves flow towards Liyue Harbor. “Is there anything else to talk about?”

“I think that’s everything for now.”

Diluc stands and looks at her. “In that case, let’s return to make the necessary preparations.”

As Jean is about to lift herself, he extends his arm. His eyes dart sideways with his other hand on his hip in an enclosed fist.

“…Too soon?” he mutters.

She shakes her head as she places her hand into his palm. “Not at all.”

Their fingers lock together, redistributing their weight to bring Jean onto her feet. Nearly stumbling forward, their eyes meet at a closer distance. The stillness between them lasts a moment before both release their grip, turning away from each other. A hasty exchange ensues.

“Shall we?”

“Yes.”

Side by side, the pair walk back into Liyue Harbor. Diluc departs for Chihu Rock to gather provisions while Jean goes back to Baiju Guesthouse to notify the front desk of their early check-out. Afterwards, she strolls through the lower area of Feiyun Slope to reconvene with him.

The sound of rippling water brings her inner tranquility while she passes by the northern docks. A peculiar feeling rouses within Jean as she crosses the wooden bridge, which intensifies going up the slopes into the commercial district.

Her eyes brighten when she catches the familiar sight of scarlet hair from afar and hurries over to Second Life, an outdoor general goods shop.

“There you are,” she rejoices once Diluc is within earshot.

He looks over and gives a subtle smile. “Finished already?”

“It was a simple task. Have you bought anything?”

“Not yet. I wanted to confirm the list before making a purchase.”

Diluc and Jean sort out the suitable quantity and type of food for their upcoming travels. After paying the salesperson, they continue to shop for supplies in the area. In the remaining time of their last day in Liyue Harbor, she retraces today’s events.

Despite the gravity of the situation with the Abyss Order, her fears dissipate in Diluc’s presence. He is an individual who is no stranger to grief and pain. Yet, his personal voyage four years ago has strengthened his resolve to protect Mondstadt and its people. If he can commit to his newfound ambitions in the midst of his healing, perhaps she can endeavor the same.

Chapter Text

A cascade pours from Mt. Tianheng into a waterway on the outskirts of Yujing Terrace. At the end of the bridge, Jean glances over her shoulder towards Liyue Harbor. The sunrise radiates over the city, greeting those who are awake and starting their morning routine. She turns back to see Diluc waiting a few steps away.

“I hope to come back to visit again,” Jean expresses as she joins him.

“There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. It’s a matter of choice on your part.”

She tilts her head and folds her arms. “Are you implying something?”

“Not at all,” he replies with a smirk and hastens his pace. “The Acting Grand Master must surely be acquainted with the definition of time off.”

Jean stops, her face turning pink. She then rushes forward up the hill to catch up with him. A dirt trail leads them west with stone structures in their sights. On one of the fragmented buildings is a Pyro Hilichurl Shooter.

“Diluc,” she addresses, both focusing on the Hilichurl. “This path may not be well-used. However, I’m reluctant to leave any monsters that could be a threat to travelers.”

“Agreed. Let’s go.”

The pair follow the pathway down beneath the broken overpass to search for an accessible route without being discovered. They veer left into the grass between two large rocks and curve around the cliffside. Once they climb the boulder near the ruins, they spot more Hilichurls in the area.

Jean turns to the fragmented lookout tower. “There might be more of them on the other side.”

“Then I’ll take care of the ones we can see while you check.”

He grabs onto the edge to pull himself up but halts when a sudden force tucks him back. His head turns to see Jean grasping part of his coattail.

Diluc blinks. Her eyes dart to the side, embarrassed by her impulsive action. She loosens her grip and brings her hand back.

“…Be careful,” Jean stammers, then meets his gaze.

His eyes soften. “You as well.”

They sneak over to the left ledge and split off at the vantage point, Jean continuing forward while Diluc turns east in the direction of Liyue Harbor. With claymore in hand, he dashes at the Hilichurl Shooter and knocks it below where two more lurk.

From a distance, a fourth Hilichurl aims its crossbow at him but is dragged by Jean’s Anemo ability. She launches it into the wall and defeats it within a few strikes of her sword. After she scans their surroundings, she notices Diluc going down into a concealed stairwell. The sound of surprised Hilichurls and a heavy blow reverberate above as Jean leaps across the stone structure.

She catches a glimpse of him vanquishing a Hilichurl Grenadier and redirecting his concentration on the Berserker with a flaming club. Her attention moves to the Hilichurl Fighter that gets back on its feet. Before it can raise its weapon, Jean drives it away from Diluc with her blade. Within moments, the duo prevails over their foes.

After the scuffle, Jean surveys the narrow interior. “That appears to be all of them.”

“Judging by the outdoor cookware, this must be a recurrent gathering spot,” Diluc assesses, sheathing his claymore.

“It’s good to know that the Millelith are guarding the entryway that follows this path. If there’s nothing more to do here, let’s continue on.”

They walk up the stairs and retrace their steps. Descending from the boulder, Diluc turns around and waits. After Jean slides down safely, they proceed in a similar pattern until they reach the trail once more.

Further along the path, Jean glances at an abnormal flower bud resting near a boulder.

“How peculiar,” she imparts, putting a hand under her chin. “It must be a—”

Diluc sprints over to the sprout and imbues his claymore with Pyro. Upon the first hit, the creature reveals itself as a large Dendro slime. Jean watches in astonishment as the flames beneath him expand with each swipe of his claymore. After the Slime dissipates with the grass, she covers her mouth. Noticing her expression, he raises an eyebrow.

“What is it?” he asks, somewhat confused.

Behind her hand is a smile. “It’s just…you were so quick to act.”

“We knew it was a Dendro slime. Since it’s vulnerable to fire, I simply took the initiative.”

“I noticed.” Jean walks over the singed grass and pulls out her sword to generate her healing wind. Amusement sparkles in her eyes. “Perhaps next time you won’t burn your coat in the process.”

“Hmph. How considerate.”

Their banter is short-lived when they spot a small group of people from afar. Using the nearby boulder as cover, Jean peeks over Diluc’s shoulder for a brief moment and then scurries to the other side. Scattered on the hill are an array of tents with an infamous insignia on them.

“Treasure Hoarders,” Diluc grumbles as they saunter to their campsite on top of the cliff. “I suppose word of mouth hasn’t gotten out yet.”

“What was that?”

He shakes his head. “Never mind. It would be best to remain cautious if anyone suspicious approaches us.”

“Understood.”

The downhill footway leads them to a rocky path where an enormous Anemo slime temporarily hinders their travels. Afterwards, Jean and Diluc steer right at the crossroad to take the northern path. As they traverse forward, they see three men with masks loitering about.

Both sides ready their weapons and charge into battle. Diluc targets the two Treasure Hoarders wielding a shovel and hammer. He slams his claymore at the Gravedigger to stagger his attempt to impair Diluc’s sight with dirt, then focuses his attacks on the Crusher. Meanwhile, the Marksman struggles to defend himself against Jean in close combat.

One by one, each of the robbers admit defeat and flee through the use of a smoke bomb.

“Ugh,” groans the remaining Treasure Hoarder. “Should’ve known this was a bad idea seeing that red hair.”

He makes his escape in the cloud of smoke, leaving the pair by themselves.

Jean turns to Diluc. “Did you recently come into contact with the Treasure Hoarders?”

“There may have been an encounter on the evening of an interrogation.” A small grin appears on his face when she crosses her arms. “If they have any semblance of forethought, we won’t have further confrontations with them.”

This is not the first time she has overlooked Diluc’s abrasive approach. Under the guise of the Darknight Hero, his actions have proven to be reliable assets in the ongoing conflict with the Fatui and the Abyss Order. She acknowledges that they both share the same dedication to Mondstadt, albeit utilizing different methods.

She finally lets out a sigh. “As long as you’re safe, I suppose.”

“Your concern is appreciated.”

“Of course I’m concerned. You usually go about your business alone. I know that you’re capable of undertaking these dangerous tasks but I still worry about your safety.”

Diluc walks over and places a hand on her shoulder.

“Truth be told, I once believed that it was a dark path that I could only take alone. Perhaps it was wrong to make such an assumption.”

“I understand, Diluc,” Jean laments. “I sometimes question if I am truly worthy of my title of Dandelion Knight. I fear that complacency will be my undoing. That’s why I feel that I must not relent on my duties as a knight.”

“It is because you refuse to be complacent is one of the many reasons you earned that title, Jean.”

“That is a comforting thought.”

“Good.” His hand reaches over to her face. Before she can react, he lightly pinches her cheek. “Don’t forget that.”

Jean’s blush stays on her face as he releases his grip. “I—I’ll do my best!”

Resuming forward, they deal with a few Cicins along the trail into Dunyu Ruins, zipping through the air and shooting elemental bolts at them. Once the pesky bat-like creatures are eliminated, Jean gazes at scenery. A natural pool covers the presumed walkway into the damaged architecture. As she continues to observe the ruins, her eyes widen upon seeing two armed individuals across the water.

“Fatui soldiers?” she speculates based on their weapons and particular clothing. “But what could they possibly be doing here?”

“Skirmishers acting as war machines,” Diluc concludes. “Knowing the tactics of the lower ranks, there’s certain to be more in this area.”

“We must avoid a confrontation at all costs. It is not in Mondstadt’s best interest if rumors assert that the Acting Grand Master is engaging in combat with the Fatui.”

An exasperated expression emerges on his face. “Fine. However, I will not hold back if they show signs of hostility.”

They navigate left through the uneven terrain, defeating two normal Hilichurls beneath the stone ruins as they proceed. Using the natural landscape and debris, Jean and Diluc travel northwest while evading detection from the Fatui Skirmishers.

More soldiers patrol near an abandoned building across a destroyed structure, causing them to redirect right to gain higher ground. The vacant hillside provides a straightforward path to Tianqiu Valley where many monsters roam the land, including the monstrous Primo Geovishap in the deepest part of the vale.

Diluc turns west towards the large towers. “We should be able to take shelter for the evening in one of those buildings.”

“Great. Please lead the way.”

Once they defeat the Geovishap Hatchling near the trail, Jean follows him up the stone stairway to avoid its more treacherous counterpart. They turn right and continue forward through the grassy hill until they reach a pair of trees. Large, twisted roots act as a bridge to the side of the southern tower.

Inside, the walls and ceilings are well-preserved in spite of the overgrowing vines and foliage. Unexpectedly, a stack of books lies near the entrance.

“I’ll scout out the building,” Diluc suggests as he heads towards the staircase. “You can take a look at those in the meantime.”

She nods and begins to skim through each book. Within one of them is a handwritten note with a peculiar message. When Diluc returns, she walks over to him.

“Anything to report?” Jean inquires.

“Nothing out of the ordinary. And you?”

“I found a note that may have been written by one of the Treasure Hoarders.” She places it in Diluc’s hand to read. “It mentions an overwhelming number of monsters here but it may be outdated.”

He finishes looking over the note and hands it back to her. “Just a hunch but it’s possible that a certain traveler has already been here.”

“The Honorary Knight? That’s not farfetched to believe.”

“In any case, this should be a sufficient place to rest tonight.”

They move to the second floor where they prep a quick meal to eat. Without any windows in the tower, the sparse lanterns are the only source of light in the barren building. Sitting with their backs to the wall, Jean deliberates to herself on how to break their silence. When she begins to speak, her voice overlaps with Diluc’s.

“How has—?”

“What are—?”

They both stop and look away, then talk in unison. “Sorry.”

Jean pushes a piece of hair behind her ear.

“You can go first,” she offers, twirling a strand around her finger.

“It was nothing significant. Go on.”

She looks back at him with an apprehensive smile. “I was simply going to ask how business has been for Dawn Winery.”

“Business is more or less the same. More recently, we are in the planning phase for the upcoming Windblume Festival.”

One of the celebrated events in Mondstadt, the Windblume Festival commemorates the Thousand Winds in which its citizens bestow Windblumes to the Anemo Archon as well as their loved ones. Even though romance is the forefront of the festivities, it is also an occasion for people to strengthen any of their relationships.

“How did I almost forget?” she beams through her shame.

“It’s still several weeks away,” Diluc notifies. “As a business owner, official holidays are perfect opportunities for increasing sales through promotions.”

“I heard that the Applebloom Cider is quite popular.”

“It is, although the price doesn’t come cheap.”

Jean leans back as she looks to the ceiling. “That makes sense. The quality of a product often corresponds its value.”

“Precisely.”

Her mind starts to wander on the topic of the Windblume Festival. In the previous year, Kaeya takes charge of her administrative duties for her to personally go on patrol throughout the event. While Jean intends to replicate her actions, melancholy weighs her heart. She lowers her head and stares at the ground.

“Diluc.” Her hand tightens as she brings it to her chest. “Do you think it’s acceptable for someone like me to partake in the festival? Even only for a day?”

He folds his arms and looks at her. “I think the people of Mondstadt would be delighted to see the Acting Grand Master taking a day off. It’s well-deserved and overdue.”

“Then perhaps I too could, dare I say, indulge. Is that selfish of me to say?”

“Of course not. It’s normal to strive for the balance between needs and wants.”

“Then…” Jean closes her eyes and leans to the side, resting her head on his shoulder. “Maybe we could enjoy the festival…together.”

Her heart rate escalates, strident in volume and pressure. Certain that he can hear it, she opens her eyes and considers lifting her head off him. Her chance vanishes when Diluc rests his head over hers.

“Sure.”

A heartfelt smile appears on Jean’s face as her reservations melt away. Part of his hair falls over the side of her face. Its color reminds her of the Pyro Vision he wields, a reflection of his burning disposition. In battle, his fiery conviction stirs fear into his opponents. However, in their current circumstance, his warm presence brings her solace and ease.

“Diluc, what were you going to say earlier?” she asks, slightly tilting her head up.

“…It was about those novels you read.”

Jean musters all of her energy to not jolt and inadvertently slam her head against his jaw.

“What about them?”

“Your favorite genre is romance, correct?”

She presses her lip together in hesitancy. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

Diluc lifts his head and darts his eyes to the side. Straightening up, she glances at him to see a trace of bewilderment in his face.

“Never mind. The conjecture is illogical.”

“Surely it’s not!” Jean leans forward. “Or at least, you won’t know unless you say it.”

He sighs and makes eye contact. “Promise you won’t tell a soul?”

“I promise.”

Diluc clears his throat and averts his gaze once more.

“The male protagonist in these romance novels you read… Are there certain characteristics that you view as ideal?”

For a moment, Jean mulls over the personality traits of the love interests in some of her beloved stories. Common attributes that they seem to share include commitment and courage. Before she ponders more, she then realizes the rationale behind his question.

“Diluc,” she giggles, trying to control her laughter. “Are you worried that you won’t meet the same expectations in the romance novels I read?”

A shade of red touches his cheek. “As I said, illogical.”

“I admit that I find the bonds developed between two characters in such stories quite appealing. Nevertheless, my feelings towards you are not built on what I imagine you to be or who you may become.”

Jean intertwines her fingers and continues.

“Rather, it’s because of who you are and what you’ve shown me up to this point. I want to learn more about you, learn more about the Diluc that perhaps most people wouldn’t see.”

“Is that so?” he remarks in a nonchalant tone. “And if you don’t like what you see?”

“We’ll see what happens when the time comes,” Jean teases, lightly nudging him with her elbow. “Besides, you can say the same thing about me.”

“True. I’ll be sure to send my grievances in writing to the Knights of Favonius.”

“Ah—Diluc!”

She forces a scowl but is unable to maintain it, his satisfied smirk claiming victory in their playful exchange. As night falls, Jean volunteers to night watch despite Diluc’s initial rejection to the idea. He eventually concedes to her persistence and searches for a decent spot to sleep.

“Don’t hesitate to wake me up,” he informs, taking a seat away from the two staircases.

“I won't.” She stops in front of the downward stairs and smiles at him. “Good night, Diluc.”

“…Good night, Jean.”

On the first floor, she sits down on the lower steps and looks at the open entrance. The drizzling sound of a waterfall outside the tower reminds her of their departure from Liyue Harbor. Their trek to the Abyss Mage hideout is still a few days on foot. She clenches her fists, confident in their abilities and cooperation to face any challenges they may encounter next.

Chapter Text

Morning greets the sleepless Jean through the front entrance, dutiful to her night watch within the tower. To her relief, her vigil is uneventful all through the evening. Upon hearing footsteps from above, she walks up to the second floor to see Diluc heading towards the staircase.

“Good morning, Diluc,” she beams when they make eye contact. “Did you sleep well?”

“Morning, Jean. As well as you’d expect in a place like this. Any suspicious activity to report?”

“Fortunately, no. The night was quite peaceful throughout.”

“Good.” He opens his bag and puts out a map. “I’m going to figure out our next path to reach the road between Guili Plains and Jueyun Karst. Rest in the meantime.”

Jean watches him take a seat at the top of the stairs that lead to the ground floor. Opening the map, his eyes pinpoint their current location and begins to scan for a suitable route. His finger draws an imaginary pathway from their starting point as his other hand preoccupies underneath his chin. The movement in his hand is deliberate, pausing to consider the topography.

It isn’t until Diluc turns to her that she notices how long she was staring at him.

“Something wrong?” he questions with a puzzled expression.

“No, it’s nothing,” she hesitates, looking away and rubbing the back of her neck.

“Alright then. Get some rest.”

She surveys the hollow space for an adequate spot for a nap. Her gaze continues to return on Diluc who resumes his attention to his map. When the realization dawns on her, Jean lets out a brief exhale and walks over to him.

With the wall at her backside, she sits down behind him and leans her head against his upper back. A smile appears on her face when he slowly readjusts himself forward, providing more comfort for her neck. Warmth emits through his dark coat, which encourages Jean to lean further into him. Her eyes close, lulled by his composure and company.

After some time, she rouses from her serene state. As she regains consciousness, Jean’s clouded sight processes the soft scarlet hair near her face. Its subtle scent maintains her relaxation, enticed to tighten her grip around her heat source. Her eyebrows furrow in confusion at her physical position. Half of her body has twisted to the side with her upper portion facing Diluc’s back. Mortified, she discovers her arms wrapped around him.

Jean scrambles to her feet and jolts back, almost knocking herself against the wall. He immediately turns around with a worried look on his face, followed by a sigh.

“You’re awake,” Diluc remarks in a calm tone. “Did something happen?”

“I’m so sorry.” She covers her face to hide her flushed cheeks. “I didn’t mean to—I mean, it must’ve occurred while I was asleep.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Well…”

“If you drooled on my back, it’s not a big deal.”

Her face brightens. “No, it’s not that! That didn’t happen…I think.”

She lowers her hands and looks at him. Based on his expression alone, Jean is uncertain if he is unperturbed or oblivious. He raises an eyebrow as he waits for her to clarify.

“I just hope that I didn’t make you uncomfortable,” she says with regret.

Diluc folds his arms. “That’s what riled you up?”

“Well, I didn’t ask for permission. Not that I could in my sleep but still.”

“Was my non-verbal response not clear enough?”

“…Huh?”

Getting on his feet, Diluc put a hand on his hip.

“If I was uncomfortable with anything you did, I would’ve already told you.”

“That’s true.”

“Even so, I understand your concern, Jean. If you prefer verbal consent, then I will put forth more effort on my part.”

“Diluc…”

To his surprise, Jean takes a few steps forward and looks up at him.

“I will also do the same!” she declares, placing her hand over her chest.

He chuckles. “Much obliged.”

Once they finish a quick breakfast, the pair depart from the southern tower and make their way up the tree roots intertwined with the building. They return to the stone structure, spotting a group of Hilichurls from afar as they descend the outdoor stairs.

“To reach our next destination,” Diluc informs. “We’ll need to go northeast through Tianqiu Valley.”

“There’s quite a bit of monsters in our path, including some on platforms.”

Her mind begins to formulate a strategy to eliminate the threat ahead of them. As she analyzes the number and type of Hilichurls, Diluc glances at her.

“If I can impose,” he interrupts. “I have a suggestion.”

“Sure. What is it, Diluc?”

“There are six Hilichurls in total. Two Pyro Shooters, two Fighters, one Hydro Samachurl, and one Anemo Samachurl. How many can you defeat?”

Jean tilts her head. “It may take some time but I’m capable of defeating all of them.”

“Alright. How many can you defeat if I’m fighting alongside you?”

“That’s an odd question. I suppose half of them in theory, but…”

A sudden wave of nostalgia pours into her thoughts. Back when they both swore in their oaths for the Knights of Favonius, she recalls her desire to strengthen her swordsmanship as a knight. Impressed by Diluc’s achievement of becoming the youngest Cavalry Captain, Jean remembers requesting his assistance for additional training. Among the extra drills and exercises, they set aside a day at the end of the week to see who could destroy the most training dummies in one minute.

She crosses her arms and grins. “Are you proposing a friendly contest?”

“Perhaps.” His expression reflects hers. “I’m curious to see how much progress the Dandelion Knight has made over the years.”

“Fine. I accept your challenge, Darknight Hero.”

With her last words, they dash forward in the direction of the Hilichurls.

Jean hops onto the wooden container to reach the Pyro Hilichurl Shooter on a platform. She unsheathes her swords and slashes her foe, then launches it into the air in a swift defeat. Below, Diluc charges at the two Hilichurl Fighters targeting him. With the size comparison between their weapons, his claymore has no difficulty in attacking both opponents at once.

She leaps to the ground and rushes past him towards the Anemo Samachurl as it summons three gusts. Veering to the side, Jean avoids the wind currents and stabs the monster with her Anemo-infused strike.

Meanwhile, the Hydro Samachurl’s healing rain changes from a boon to a bane for its club-wielding allies through Diluc’s Pyro strikes. The elemental reaction bolsters his blaze, vaporizing the Hilichurl Fighters within a few hits. He then sprints at the Samachurl responsible for the miniature rainstorm.

When she eliminates the Anemo Samachurl, Jean scurries up the slope to jump onto another wooden platform where the second Hilichurl Shooter lingers. Hurling it into the grassy terrain near the remaining Samachurl, she hurries down in a bold attempt to land the finishing blow on both monsters in succession. Diluc slams his claymore on his initial opponent to secure his third defeat.

Before he aims at the Shooter, her sword connects with the creature. As it disintegrates into nothingness, they look at each other with their weapons still in hand.

“A tie?” she reckons, catching her breath.

“Not for long.”

Their eyes dart to the large Geovishap, a mature form of the standard Geovishap Hatchling, roaming near a body of water. In a split second, they race to the massive rock creature. Combined with her uppercuts and his scorching swipes, the Geovishap struggles to initiate an attack as they drive it into the water. After an intense burst from Diluc and powerful blow from Jean, the beast is slain.

“I believe that was my point,” she indicates, turning towards him to see that they are both partially soak from the waist down.

“Oh?” Diluc approaches her with an amused look on his face. “What makes you so sure?”

“It’s conjecture but I am fairly certain that my blade struck before your flaming phoenix made contact.”

“And I am confident that my flames ended the battle prior to the wind flowing into your sword.”

A pout emerges, unconvinced of his presumption.

“My attack was quicker in contrast to how long it takes to unleash yours.”

“I will dispute that the might behind mine, particularly in the water, no doubt resulted in that monster’s demise.”

“Seems that we’re at an impasse,” Jean laughs. “Perhaps a rematch is in order. Although next time, no use of Visions to better determine the victor.”

“Fair enough.”

She sheathes her sword and ponders for a moment. “And the victor earns one question that the loser must answer.”

“Confident.” Diluc leans forward and smirks. “Be prepared to answer then.”

Jean gives his cheek a playful press with her index finger and turns around to head back to land. Once they both exit the water, she summons her Dandelion Breeze to dry their garments and mend any minor injuries.

With the Fatui Skirmishers on the prowl, Diluc and Jean stay east of the road to avoid an altercation. Two Geovishap Hatchlings lurk on the hillside, splitting up to deal with them individually. Afterwards, they hike northeast towards Cuijue Slope and follow the pathway surrounded by cliffsides. The loitering Hilichurls are quickly dispose of along the way as they continue on.

Once the traveling duo pass by two Sunsettia trees, Diluc stops to check his map.

“Here’s where we’ll need to deviate from the trail,” he discloses, nodding his head to the right. “Jueyun Karst is beyond there.”

“Understood.”

The grassy incline forms another dirt footpath around the edge of Cuijue Slope. Nine massive pillars are scattered through the deep valley that glow a luminous amber. More Fatui soldiers requires them to steer left up the hill, passing by an incomplete wooden construction. With the clear vicinity ahead of them, Jean takes the opportunity to gaze at the snowy mountain from a great distance.

“The view of Dragonspine is extraordinary,” she imparts, the sunset amplifying its splendor. “It is fascinating to think that there was once an ancient civilization in such a perilous place.”

“Indeed.”

“Were there any places in Teyvat that you enjoyed during your travels?”

He looks above to the sky in hesitation. “I haven’t given it much thought. My mind was consumed with vengeance and discovering the truth.”

“Oh—” Jean frowns and lowers her voice. “I apologize for my insensitive comment. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It’s alright, Jean. I know you didn’t have malicious intentions behind your inquiry. After a near death experience, I had to reevaluate my shortcomings in order to move forward.”

“How admirable.”

“Necessary is more accurate,” Diluc asserts. “I had to decide whether to drown in my wrath or return to the surface to reignite the conviction I once had. It may have taken four years of my life to figure it out to some extent but it was a path I needed to face.”

“I’m proud of you, Diluc.”

He suddenly stops, causing her to retract her steps.

“What was that?”

It is difficult for her to discern the potential shift in his emotional state. Although he appears to be composed, there is a semblance of shock in his face. Jean walks over to take his hand, giving it a light squeeze.

“I’m proud of you,” she repeats with a smile, then lowers her eyes in shame. “The mistreatment that you endured was absolutely sickening. You withstood grief and agony in isolation, betrayed by those who should’ve shown you compassion and support. Even I…”

Jean lets go of his hand and continues.

“I couldn’t be there for you when you needed it most. By the time that I heard of your father’s death and your resignation, you were preparing to leave Mondstadt. Truly, if I could go back, I would find a way to be at your side, even if short-lived.”

“The sentiment is appreciated,” Diluc mutters, his tone placid. “However, the past cannot be changed. It’s no use to dwell on it.”

“I am aware of that. But even so, I can’t stress enough how much I wish differently. It hurts so much to fathom what you must’ve felt all those years.”

He places his hand on her shoulder. “Overcoming hardships is one of life’s methods to grow as an individual. The pain may not completely disappear but instead, one learns how to effectively cope with it.”

She looks up at him. His inner strength remains exemplary to her, amazed by his demeanor and insight.

“You have such a remarkable grasp on the topic of growth. We’re talking about you and yet, it seems as if you’re comforting me.”

“You give me too much credit, Jean. Sometimes self-guidance is not as valuable to our subconsciousness compared to receiving support from others.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Her hands reach over to her shoulder where his hand is. She beams as her left cheek rests on top of them. “From now on, I’ll be sure to support you however I can.”

Diluc averts his gaze and clears his throat.

“Likewise.”

Once they release their grips, the pair proceed further east across the grassy slope. They descend into more even terrain near a shallow stream that flows into Dihua Marsh. Redirecting north, Jean soon recognizes Wangshu Inn across the vast wetland. A slight incline returns them to the main road.

“Night is approaching,” she acknowledges as the sun falls below the horizon. “Do you know of any possible locations where we could stay for the evening?”

“I have a place in mind if it’s still intact.”

Diluc leads her forward off the path into another hillside. On top of the highest point, a curved dirt trail appears close by. They navigate right towards a cluster of trees where there are a handful of Dendro and Pyro slimes in the area.

A swing of his flaring claymore coerces the Dendro slimes to arise from the ground, allowing them to defeat the creatures. More cautious with the Pyro variants, the duo evades their explosions upon elimination.

Back on the footpath, they turn northwest at the intersection and continue onwards. Shortly after, piles of stacked stones appear on their left. Moss and ivy overlay the wooden beams in between the stone construction, elongating into the grass.

Jean follows close by as Diluc pushes through the foliage into the concealed shelter. They swerve around the set of boxes to uncover a semi-indoor area with a low, rocky ceiling. The main room contains numerous red vases on bamboo shelves with a short L-shaped corner on their right.

“It’s more compact compared to the tower in Tianqiu Valley,” he verifies while she observes the space. “Regardless, it should provide a sufficient amount of cover from our adversaries or inclement weather.”

“I have no objections. Although I’m quite intrigued by the unusual number of containers in here. Is this an abandoned storage area?”

“That is one plausible assumption. I haven’t bothered to view the contents inside. Whatever their purpose, those who are familiar with this location will hopefully preserve it for future use.”

She sits on the tattered steps to rest her sore feet, loosening the back ties on her boots. Once they unwind from a long day of travel, they partake in another light meal.

“Diluc,” Jean begins, glancing at him beside her. “Do you still enjoy grape juice?”

“…I do,” he affirms. “Why do you ask?”

“I just remembered that it was something you drank often when we were younger. It’s…”

Her voice trails off, reluctant to complete her sentence.

His eyes narrow as he looks away. “Childish?”

“No! Not at all!”

Jean’s fervent exclamation, along with her sudden physical shift towards him, causes Diluc to recoil by her forward motion. She leans back and puts her hand over her mouth before she clarifies.

“I was going to say that it’s…endearing.”

“I see.”

Both turn their heads from each other, Jean’s face matching the same color as his hair. She sneaks a glimpse to see a trace of red on his cheek as well. Diluc grabs his canteen for a drink of water and then resumes talking.

“How about you?” he inquires with interest in his voice. “Still a coffee enthusiast?”

“Yes, very much so. However, I think I may have become immune to its effects.”

“Not surprised. Your workload must be filled to the brim.”

“That’s why I have a daily schedule,” Jean reveals. “To manage all of the tasks as Acting Grand Master. I must admit that there have been several modifications within the last few months.”

“And how many alterations has this schedule undergone?”

“Seventeen.”

He stifles a laugh at the figure, deepening her blush.

“Then an eighteenth time shouldn’t be too much of a hassle,” Diluc murmurs, somewhat tentative.

Her eyes widen. She turns to him and beams.

“There may be another drastic change soon,” Jean teases. “Though it may depend on a certain nocturnal vigilante’s schedule.”

“Hmph. I suspect that their schedule is much more flexible contrary to a certain overworked knight.”

She catches him with a small grin despite their silly exchange. A yawn overcomes her senses as her exhaustion reappears.

Diluc stands up. “I’ll be on night watch. You should get some more rest.”

Before Jean gets on her feet, he takes off his coat and tosses it to her. She opens her arms in time to catch it. Without his coat, Diluc’s white top is more visible to her. The subtle difference is enough to make her heart skip.

“Thank you,” she mumbles, covering most of her face with his coat.

He nods and then starts to search the area for an evening lookout spot. In the meantime, Jean takes a seat in the L-shaped corner and lays the coat over her. Fatigue is quick to force her into shutting her eyes. The delicate sound of the wind relaxes her further as she begins to doze off. Before long, she falls asleep with a gentle smile on her face.

Chapter Text

In the hours of darkness, Diluc ruminates his previous activities as a vigilante of Mondstadt. Unrestrained and unrelenting in his methods, many monsters have perished by his blade. Criminals who come across him are detained, often facing interrogation and humiliation. For him, justice must be achieved at all costs.

To honor his late father’s wishes, he maintains the Dawn Winery motto: “Shine True.” Many interpretations exist among the public, the most popular speculation being the quality and consistency of the winery’s products. The true meaning reflects his objective, approach, and resolve. It is a cautionary to the potential threats of Mondstadt that evil deeds will not escape retribution.

He carries out his new role as a mysterious protector of the night ever since his return, unaided by choice. Thinking back, the idea of a companion is daft. Capable of victory on his own signifies that assistance is unwarranted and inefficient.

Upon this thought, Diluc briefly looks over to Jean as she sleeps from afar.

Shortly after his return to Mondstadt, he recalls the news of Grand Master Varka’s expedition and Jean’s promotion to Acting Grand Master. Accurate to his presumption, she prioritizes her obligations as a knight over her leadership position. She undertakes the smallest tasks without question. It is baffling from a leader of her status and yet fitting from a knight who swore to defend and aid the people.

Such a conflict makes him wonder if her current status in the Knights of Favonius is her true calling. It is not a matter of competence or development but rather her mindset and understanding how to balance the responsibilities of both roles that will bring her contentment.

The ultimate decision must come from Jean, not him. Despite his good intentions, Diluc recognizes the importance of respecting her choices. Not once has she questioned his motives with the purpose of changing his ways nor attempted persuasion to rejoin the Knights because of the removal of the former inspector and his traitorous comrades. Her goal has always been to comprehend and trust him, both acknowledging their mutual dedication to protect their nation and its citizens. When she seeks or requires guidance, he will then oblige.

“Hmm,” he murmurs to himself, leaning further back into the wall with his arms crossed. “Has it been longer than I realized? I wonder if it’s the same for her.”

The sound of flapping wings disrupts his deliberation as an Umbertail Falcon soars into the room from the entrance. He lifts his right arm to provide a landing spot for the falcon. Tied on its claw is a pocket-sized note.

Its inscription is brief and cryptic in all caps: “CHAMP”

He scowls.

“How inconvenient,” Diluc grumbles as he swaps it with another memo written by him in advance. “But it was expected. We’ll have to strategize tomorrow.”

Once the new note is secure, he pets the falcon with a smile before sending it off to its next destination. Afterwards, Diluc takes a seat and rests his head back on the stone wall behind him, resuming his night watch in silence.

At sunrise, he glances over to see Jean open her eyes. She blinks a few times in a dazed state as she regains full consciousness. His gaze shifts to the side and considers a verbal greeting, then withdraws the notion. The timing may result in a misinterpretation. While she is not one to jump to immediate conclusions, the risk of discomfort dissuades him.

In his peripheral vision, she begins to stretch her neck by leaning towards one shoulder and then gradually moving to the other one. A gentle exhale escapes her before she redirects her attention to him.

“Ah,” Jean lets out with a smile. “Good morning, Diluc. How was your vigil?”

“Good morning, Jean. It went well. I have new details about the Abyss Mage hideout but we can discuss it after I get some sleep.”

“Of course. Please rest first.”

As he nods, a peculiar look appears on her face. With his coat still draped over her, Jean stands up and walks over to him.

“Um…” she mutters, hiding part of her face with it. “Do you want this back?”

Diluc brings a hand over his mouth to conceal his grin. It is uncertain to him if her tone implies a reluctance to give back his coat or embarrassment of her using it as a blanket. After a moment, he decides to go with the former insinuation.

“I don’t need it right away,” he replies in amusement. “Although the proper way to wear it is turning it around.”

“I—I know how to wear a coat!” Jean blurts out, her face turning pink.

“Alright then. Let’s see.”

He anticipates a playful scolding or even her flinging his coat at him in a lighthearted manner for the blatant sarcasm.

Instead, she flips the coat over and starts to put her arm through one sleeve. Her outward appearance insists that she is self-assured, but her intense blush reveals otherwise. The unexpected feat from Jean makes him intrigued of her intent.

With his coat on, she places a hand on her chest and looks away.

“There.”

The stark color of the coat contrasts with her almost all-white ensemble. Somewhat oversized for her stature, the sleeves extend beyond her wrists and hide her knuckles. Similar to her own, the dark coattails fall below her knees with the inner red material peeking behind the soft blue fabric.

Diluc clears his throat. “I didn’t expect you to demonstrate.”

“You asked, therefore I followed through.”

"Spoken like a true Dandelion Knight,” he chuckles, then folds his arms. “You’re welcome to wear it as long as you want. However, I imagine it may prove to be a hindrance in battle.”

“Perhaps.”

Her voice is affectionate as she beams. Diluc offers a similar expression before he lowers his head and closes his eyes. They remain shut when feels the weight of his coat over him. Jean makes some quick adjustments around his shoulders to assure that he is fully covered.

“Sleep well, Diluc.”

He resists the urge to open them. “Thanks, Jean.”

After a few hours of rest, Diluc awakes to a faint aroma that prompts his appetite. As he reclaims all of his senses, his eyes turn towards the scent and discovers the source. Sitting across from him is Jean with a pair of skewers in each hand. Upon making eye contact, her face brightens up.

“Ah, you’re awake now,” she exclaims as she stands up. “I made some food for us before we depart. Although, it may be a little cold now…”

He begins to put his coat on while he gets on his feet. “I don’t mind. What is it?”

“Grilled fish. There was a small pier northeast from here.”

“I see. Utilizing those survival skills.”

Jean nods and reaches out a hand for him to take the fish kebab, which he accepts with gratitude. The outer layer has a slight sear that offers a satisfying crunch into the fish. A delicate sprinkle of pepper adds a hint of earthiness to each bite.

“How is it?” she hesitates to ask in between eating her own.

“Good. I have no complaints.”

“Really? Are you sure? It’s been off the open flame for a while.”

His eyebrows furrow. He muses over the potential reason for the uncertainty in her voice.

“Relax, Jean. I appreciate how much thought was put into this. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But if—”

“None of that,” he interjects in disapproval. “Have more confidence in yourself. In our current circumstance, this is exceptional.”

She looks down at the floor as the corner of her lips curve up. “You’re right.”

“Besides,” Diluc adds as he starts to walk towards the entryway. “A smile suits you best.”

A rush of heat surges through his face following his remark. His word choice, along with the decision to speak aloud, are purposeful. Even then, the seemingly impulsive statement prods his sensibleness of how absurd he appears. He continues to mask his minor internal strife when Jean joins him by the array of ivy at the entrance.

To his relief, she changes the topic.

“When did you want to discuss about the Abyss Mage hideout?”

“Let’s deliberate the details on the way,” he confirms. “If we depart soon, we should arrive there by nightfall.”

They finish up their food and leave the stone shelter, moving forward and turning right at the dirt trail. At the crossroads, the pair follow the northern route in the direction of Dihua Marsh that leads them to the shore. From there, they head northwest alongside the water.

“It’ll be a straightforward path for a while” Diluc notifies after a swift glance at his map. “According to recent intel, the hideout consists of three Abyss Mages that harness Cryo, Hydro, and Pyro elemental energy.”

“That is quite troublesome. Do we have an idea of their strategy?”

“It is likely that the Hydro and Cryo Mages will be collaborating to halt and slow our efforts,” he speculates. “That gives all of them, especially the Pyro Abyss Mage, more opportunities to land an attack.”

Jean folds her arms. “Their elemental shields and teleportation ability will be our primary focus until their safeguards are broken.”

“Breaking the Cryo shield will be easy with my Vision. It’s determining our best course of action with the other two.”

Diluc’s numerous encounters with the Abyss Order—predominantly under the guise of the Darknight Hero—provides him the knowledge and experience in dealing with these particular magic wielders. His heavy impact from his claymore delivers sufficient strikes in dwindling the might of their shields. Nonetheless, opposing elemental attacks are more effective in comparison.

A small group of Hydro slimes interrupt their conversation for a brief moment. Once they are eliminated, they resume their trek.

“I have a suggestion,” Jean informs as she sheathes her sword. “Perhaps we should approach the Abyss Mages in the order of Cryo, Hydro, and Pyro.”

“That would be ideal based on our elemental abilities.”

“Indeed. With your Pyro Vision and claymore, you are the best matched to destroy their shields.”

“So what is your exact proposition?”

His forethought suspects her plan to entail undertaking a precarious role on her end. A knight of her prestige comprehends the significance of an efficient strategy with a high success rate and low casualty count. Meticulous preparation for a confrontation is vital, followed by adaptability.

Diluc focuses ahead of the path as he listens to her speak.

“The execution may be difficult for two people but I believe we’re capable of it. There are essentially three tasks in order to achieve victory against the Abyss Mages. Concisely, to distract, to destroy, and to defeat. I deem that it is necessary for someone to be a distractor of the other two while the breaker concentrates on demolishing the Cryo shield.”

Her deduction stems from the insight of the powerful spell that each Abyss Mage has at their disposal.  In addition, their teleportation ability can inflict elemental harm if an individual is too close when they temporarily vanish and reappear.

Jean continues to share her plan.

“Once the shield is broken, the breaker will trade places with the distractor who will proceed to attack the exposed Abyss Mage. In the meantime, the breaker will redirect their attention on the Hydro Abyss Mage to repeat the process. The distractor will then switch between attacking the unprotected Cryo Mage and distracting the Pyro Mage.”

Diluc turns his eyes towards her. “An interesting approach. Though it might have been quicker to state that you were going to be the distractor.”

A sheepish grin appears on Jean’s face. “I didn’t want to come to conclusions on roles in case there was a disagreement.”

“You preface that I was the more adept of breaking elemental shields,” he reminds with a smirk.

“Are you not?”

The mischievous in her voice causes Diluc to laugh. Seeing a more vibrant, confident Jean makes it impossible for him to return to a neutral expression. He attempts to avoid her ploy by shifting back to the strategy itself.

“What makes you certain that a distractor is required?” Diluc discloses. “It’s possible to forgo that task if the Abyss Mages realizes that tactic. Their plan could be to target their attacks on the individual who is the most threatening to their elemental shields.”

“That is true. In that case, we should review their magical spells, warning signs, and how to evade them without putting the other in danger.”

Their route converts into a grassier landscape with a distinct footpath as they exchange information about each Abyss Mage. Sidestepping the large puddle of water near a statue of a dragon head, Diluc soon spots a Geovishap Hatchling by a tree. Together, they defeat the lizard-like monster within a short time.

An incline leads them further west where the grass changes into a lighter chartreuse color. Aside from a few Pyro slimes, the upward path is a peaceful walk. They pass by a vacant tent as the trail curves and steers them closer to large cliffsides and abandoned buildings. Continuing forward at the intersection, a pair of Hilichurl Fighters are seen roaming along the path.

Once they defeat the Hilichurls, Diluc narrows his eyes.

“Based on their movements, there may be more of them in the vicinity.”

“Agreed,” Jean responds with a nod. “Let’s be on the lookout for a nearby camp or gathering.”

They advance forward where the sun begins its gradual descent. Near the footpath is a wooden barricade attached with iron spikes on the outskirts of a Hilichurl encampment. Among the few regular-sized Hilichurls is an enormous Stonehide Lawachurl, a ferocious and menacing creature that is revered as a chieftain for its strength and size.

As they scan the area from a distance, Diluc catches sight of multiple red barrels at the main entrance.

“Explosives,” he cautions to Jean.

“Got it. Allow me to handle the smaller ones while you focus on the Lawachurl.”

“Are you sure?” Diluc moves closer for a better view of the camp. “It may be more tactical to target the Hilichurls first and then work together to defeat the Lawachurl.”

“This can be training for our upcoming battle.”

Before he has a chance to contend, Jean dashes into the Hilichurl campsite with her weapon in hand. Diluc unsheathes his claymore and follows after her. Perhaps she wishes to attest her skills to him in order to validate her strategy against the Abyss Mages.

Complying with her request, he advances towards the Stonehide Lawachurl. The behemoth roars and pounds its chest until a burst of Geo engulfs its entire body. Although his concentration remains on his opponent in breaking down its defensive armor, Diluc notices his mind wandering back to Jean—her fighting style in particular.

Faced with two Hilichurl Fighters, she evades their attacks with grace and then unleashes an Anemo-infused thrust that launches them further from the Lawachurl. A few slashes later, Jean departs from her defeated foes and sprints towards a platform where an Electro Hilichurl Shooter prowls. Her versatility and movement stir a sense of familiarity within him.

Diluc refocuses and dodges a large jab from the Lawachurl. With its Geo shield eliminated, his flaming claymore swings at the creature. Jean plunges from above and joins him against the Lawachurl. Once they vanquish their final foe, she lets out a relieving sigh.

“Do you have any injuries?” Jean tilts her head side to side while she examines him.

“Some minor scrapes, that’s all.”

As she mends their wounds with her Dandelion Breeze, Diluc places a hand under his chin to consider his forthcoming remarks.

“…Jean.”

“Yes, Diluc?”

“Your favorite pastime is reading, correct?”

Jean rubs the back of her head and averts her gaze. “Yes. We’ve talked about how I enjoy romance novels.”

“Well, are you acquainted with mine?”

“Your favorite pastime?” she reiterates in curiosity. It takes a brief moment before her eyes light up. “Oh, I remember! You enjoy playing chess, right? I think that I’ve only played against you once or twice when we were younger but I could never beat you.”

“Indeed,” he boasts with a smile. “You may be better at it now. However, if you play in the same manner that you conduct yourself in the Knights of Favonius, the outcome would be unchanged.”

Her cheeks puff up as she pouts.

“Ah—! And what do you mean by that?”

“Do you recall all of the chess pieces and their own way of moving?” he inquires.

“I believe so. Each piece has their specific movements that they must abide to.”

“Chess is a game of strategy that is analogous to combat. Although its origins are disputed, it was once used to teach tactics of war among aristocracy. If we were to allocate chess pieces to a respective position in the Knights, then my initial declaration will become clear.”

“Let’s see.” Jean looks to the sky in contemplation. “Pawns would be regular members of the Knights of Favonius. I have a few people in mind for a knight or even a rook.”

Diluc crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow. “Go on.”

“Well, if we were to strictly conform to the number of pieces per player, then who are the two that I would choose for a knight? Kaeya seems to fit well for the role, especially the unique way it moves around the board.”

Before she deviates further from his original intent, he intervenes with a question.

“What about you?”

“About me?”

Conceding to his impatience, Diluc lets out a short breath and makes eye contact with her.

“The queen, Jean. The most powerful chess piece in the game.”

He elaborates while her face becomes flushed.

“Although the queen cannot leap over other pieces, it can move in any number of unoccupied spaces vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. Experienced players value sustaining the queen and often delay movement until the endgame. I may be speaking out of line but perhaps it is something to consider as the Acting Grand Master.”

“I…I’m flattered, I truly am,” she wavers, clutching onto her chest. “But it seems more appropriate for the actual Grand Master to be the queen chess piece.”

Diluc takes a step forward. “When a queen is no longer present on the board, a pawn who has persevered to the end can become one.”

Jean struggles to reply, her eyes appearing misty as she looks up at him. She closes them and shakes her head, then beams.

“Thank you, Diluc.”

Back on the path, the cliffs progressively close in as the pair continue west. The dirt trail becomes rocky when they near a crucial juncture. Once Diluc affirms to turn left, they begin to maneuver through the maze-like area. While he utilizes his map to guide them to the Abyss Mage hideout, Jean clears her throat.

“Say Diluc?”

“Hmm?”

“Going back to our previous topic of chess,” she begins in a nervous tone. “You seemed rather decisive on who the queen was.”

“Yes. That’s because it was obvious.”

“Well, if that’s true, then…would the obvious choice for the king be…?”

He glimpses at her and then returns back to the map. “Simple. Mondstadt.”

“M-Mondstadt?”

“Naturally. Whoever can checkmate their opponent’s king is the victor. I couldn’t imagine the king being anything else.”

“Ah, of course. How silly of me.”

Diluc stops in his tracks and looks at her.

“…What were you thinking?” he asks, somewhat perplexed.

“Never mind that.”

A smirk emerges on his face.

“Don’t tell me that you were going to say—”

“Don’t say it out loud!” Jean pleads through her rosy cheeks. “It’s embarrassing enough that I can’t hide it.”

“Heh,” he chuckles as he resumes forward. “I suppose someone has been indulging a little too much into their hobbies.”

“Diluc!”

She catches up to him and nudges his arm with her own.

Apart from a few Treasure Hoarders, they proceed within the cliffside labyrinth without hassle. A natural stone gate directs them to a vast body of water where the grassland tapers.

“It’s just to our right and up the hill from here,” he notifies, putting away his map. “Let’s rest up a bit before we enter.”

“Alright.”

She sits down on one of the rocks and stares at the ground. Noticing her unsteady hands, he takes a seat next to her. Diluc pauses, then places his arm down with his palm facing up.

“…If it helps,” he mumbles, avoiding her gaze. “You have permission.”

His eyes dart sideways. Her hand fidgets, reflecting her emotions. They tense into a fist before she loosens her grasp. The pulsation in his chest increases watching her hand reach over to his. Upon contact, her fingers close around his hand in an embrace. He mirrors her action and feels her grip tighten as she leans on his shoulder. Once more, he returns the favor and rests his head on hers, bringing him serenity and fortitude.

Chapter Text

Bleak clouds shroud over the first quarter moon, obscuring their natural light as they tread up the verdant incline. Beyond the doorway to the stone temple resides a small cluster of shrubs near the elevated cliffside. An ominous aura seeps through them, its presence forewarns the imminent danger that dwells within.

After a few precise swings, the hidden entrance emerges in sight. A dim glow inside indicates a source of illumination to guide their path through the darkness.

Diluc turns to Jean and folds his arms.

“Ready to go?”

“Yes,” she confirms with confidence.

A mental reminder of the Gunnhildr family motto instills her with courage and determination. In order to protect the people, she refuses to falter. Her additional desire to support and safeguard Diluc reinforces her valor.

The opportunity to fight alongside him against the threats of Mondstadt seldom occur. Remembering his decision to reach out to her as a reliable contact during the Stormterror incident brings a smile to her face. Despite his resentment of the Knights of Favonius, their mutual trust and respect for each other override his partiality. It fills Jean with hope of their future—but first, the task at hand.

Diluc gestures a hand towards the entryway. Accepting his offer, she nods and steps forward to enter the Abyss Mage hideout with him trailing close by.

Her eyesight soon diminishes from the scarcity of torches in the narrow corridor. Apprehension begins to weigh down on her state of mind, a sensation that Jean has become accustomed to. Even with the title of Dandelion Knight, she is not impervious to a fatal outcome. Her expertise in knighthood amplifies her odds; all it takes is one critical misstep to meet an unfortunate fate.

The unsettling atmosphere thickens as they venture deeper into the concealed lair. Both stay vigilant to their environment, scanning for potential hazards and enemies. As the passage lightens up and expands into a wider space, they take note of their observations.

“Three mechanisms in the middle,” Jean imparts while Diluc walks over to the sealed door.

“And a fourth apparatus here,” he notifies. “The hollow engravings suggest that we’ll need to acquire three keys to move forward.”

She places a hand on one of the mechanisms, revealing a new area to access. Upon pulling away from the device, the wall reverts to its original configuration. Jean furrows her eyebrows, then repeats the process with the other nearby mechanisms. While two additional doors uncover themselves, her actions replicate the same result.

“Hmm, it appears that there must be someone to keep it open.”

“Tch,” Diluc scoffs, walking over to her with an exasperated look. “A ploy to mitigate our solidarity by forcing us to proceed individually.”

“I have no doubt that there will be adversaries awaiting behind these walls. We should carefully consider how to best approach the situation.”

Further examination verifies that the mechanisms in the center are identical in appearance with each device activating three distinct hidden rooms. Because of how quick the walls close up when physical contact is released, it is ineffective to rush to the door before it shuts. Even in the circumstance in which it is conceivable, there is a lack of assurance to reopen the wall on the other side.

“I’ll go through the hidden passages,” he declares in a firm tone. “Stay here to conserve your strength.”

Jean scrunches her face, causing him to tilt his head.

“No, I can do more to help. Let me enter one of the routes.”

“There’s no need. I’m acquainted with this type of scenario and have done so multiple times alone.”

“That may be true,” she admits as she looks down at the floor, then redirects her gaze. “However, you’re not alone now. I…”

Without a second thought, her hands reach over to grab one of his. Its warmth encourages her to offer a soft squeeze. Battling through her hesitance, Jean turns to make eye contact with him.

“I’m here with you, Diluc. We should—no, we can do this together. We’ve traveled from the city of Mondstadt to Liyue Harbor and now to here. We’re both trying to reestablish new habits to improve our wellbeing. Therefore, for our sake, let’s figure out something collectively.”

A brief chuckle escapes his breath.

“…You’re right,” Diluc concedes with a small smile. “Let’s reconsider our options and devise a plan based on your original idea.”

Between two people and three passageways, there are a handful of arrangements to mull over. Although Jean has the ability to heal with her Dandelion Breeze, it requires a sufficient amount of Anemo energy within her Vision to conjure it. The drawback—and conversely, the benefit— of a versatile skillset necessitates a well-rounded individual who is swift to adapt on the battlefield.

Loosening her grasp, Jean moves her hand over her cheek as she speculates.

“How about I enter second while you go in the first and third passages? I have enough stamina now to mend any potential injuries you may receive. That way, I can hypothetically regenerate my elemental burst to heal us both after you retrieve the third key.”

His eyes glance at one of the hidden passages. “If there are indeed enemies behind these walls, then this could work in our favor.”

“Yes. We can always readjust our approach each time we reconvene here.”

With both of them in agreement, Jean rests her hand on a mechanism to open a path. Her gaze lowers when Diluc disappears behind the corner.

Seconds turn into minutes. The stillness increases her unease, causing a gradual flow of fear to flood her inner thoughts. A deep inhale follows a sustained exhale and repeats itself once more.

Jean then closes her eyes to muse about her hero, Vennessa, and her drive to claim freedom for the people from the clutches of corrupt aristocracy. Conviction and perseverance have prevailed over despair in the past, thus the same sentiments ought to apply to the present. She wishes to uphold her trust in Diluc’s swordsmanship and judgment as he has established for her.

Silence lingers. There is no indication of anyone else around. The tension between her eyebrows persists.

Without warning, a strident smash from afar shakes the room. Her body lunges forward towards the open path but stops short by clutching onto the mechanism, almost falling over by the contradictory motions. As the floor rumbles beneath her, she lowers herself on one knee.

“No,” Jean mutters, tightening her grip on the device. “I mustn’t lose focus.”

She rises to her feet and waits. The occasional thuds and thumps reverberate into the bare room where she remains. A scorching sound brightens her disposition in anticipation of the individual behind it. When the noise reaches a halt, Jean holds her breath upon hearing footsteps.

The tightness in her chest releases when Diluc reemerges from the passage. Suppressing the urge to run over to him, she adjusts her concentration to scan for injuries.

“I’m fine, Jean.” He reassures, noticing the concern on her face. “Just a few Mitachurls and a Lawachurl. They appeared when I got ahold of this.”

In his hand is a circular gemstone that radiates a delicate gold hue. After a few moments, Diluc takes it to the apparatus next to the locked door and places the stone into the round slot. Its color intensifies, signifying as one of the keys they are searching for.

Diluc continues on as he moves to the middle.

“If it follows the same pattern, the other keys will be on a pedestal. Search for a stone in the shape of a crescent or diamond and be prepared for an ambush.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

Exchanging roles, the previous passageway closes while a new one opens. Jean gives him a resolute nod, then turns to walk through the unveiled path.

The hallway guides her left into another chamber that resembles a storage room. Wooden boxes and barrels are scattered throughout with a handful piled high to the ceiling. She scrutinizes the space for enemies in addition to the descriptors provided by Diluc.

With limited options, Jean starts to push the unstacked containers in search for a pedestal. Based on speculation, she suspects that the Abyss Order members may also require these keys to gain further access into the hideout. It is more suitable to safeguard them within the area instead of produce replicas. The risks outweigh the convenience.

She shifts more crates to the side until a silver glimmer sparkles in her peripheral vision. Moving another box in the direction of the gleam reveals a gemstone in the shape of a crescent. Her eyes survey the surroundings once again and then reaches to grab the stone with haste.

A metallic clatter rustles the air, followed by two flashes of light behind the tower of boxes. Iron bars descend from the solitary pathway to obstruct her exit. The wooden containers tumble to the floor as a pair of large, mechanical humanoids push through and advance towards her.

“Ruin Guards,” Jean acknowledges, unsheathing her sword. “Without an archer, I’ll have to take extra precaution on their actions.”

Both machines twist their upper bodies and prepare to launch their opening onslaught. In anticipation for the imminent missiles, she adds a substantial amount of distance between herself and her foes. Jean stands her ground for a few moments, then sidesteps as the projectiles continue forward.

She enters close combat and proceeds to focus her attacks on one of the Ruin Guards. Familiar with their strong yet sluggish strikes, Jean switches to defense in order to evade their incoming hits. Their high resistance to physical attacks slows her progress, utilizing her Anemo skill whenever feasible.

Sparks from its mechanized body denotes the defeat of her primary opponent as it topples forward. Turning to her final foe, the other Ruin Guard marches towards her with its upper half spinning in a clockwise motion. Jean maintains her spacing from its range while she avoids corners and obstacles in her footpath. Once it concludes its hazardous barrage, she replicates her preceding strategy until the last Ruin Guard is trounced.

The gate opens in response to the vanquished enemies, permitting Jean to return back to the main area with the crescent gemstone in her possession.

“Unscathed?” Diluc inquires, taking his hand off the mechanism after she reenters the room.

“Thankfully, yes.” Jean inserts the stone in its respective slot and turns to him. “There were two Ruin Guards hidden within the vicinity. I wonder what awaits behind the last mechanism.”

“Only one way to find out.”

A third doorway manifests following her hand placement over the final device. Similar to their initial occurrence, there is a period of quietness while she waits. Although more prepared for the impending disturbance, Jean flinches when a raucous roar rebounds from the pathway.

“A Geovishap?” she presumes in a calm tone.

Her worries subside as she recalls their encounter with the beast in Tianqiu Valley. She retains her composure throughout the unseen skirmish, setting aside earlier doubts.

The commotion eases with time. Diluc’s reappearance boosts her spirits and joins him in front of the apparatus. He places a diamond-shaped gemstone into the remaining slot, its color resembling an onyx. With the three keys in their designated apertures, the central door unlocks. Both glance at each other before they advance.

Compared to the previous areas, the chamber is well-lit and pristine. A deep sapphire fills the spacious area with a few stone torches cutting through the bluish tone. Intricate etchings reside on parts of the wall and columns; two identical carvings bear the triquetra design imprinted on Mora.

Standing near the midpoint are three Abyss Mages of Hydro, Cryo, and Pyro variants. An energy field surrounds the area, eliminating the option to retreat.

“We’ve been expecting you, Acting Grand Master,” greets one of the Abyss Mages. “Our sincerest gratitude for surrendering yourself to the Abyss Order.”

“I am not here to submit,” Jean informs with her eyes narrowed. “I am here on behalf of Mondstadt to dispel your malicious scheme.”

“Ha! Do you truly think the two of you can defeat all of us?”

“Yes.” She draws her blade, Diluc following suit. “We will always fight to maintain peace and freedom for the people of Mondstadt. We will not be deterred by fear or malice.”

“Tch, don’t speak as if you are righteous. Your ignorance will be your ultimate undoing!”

The Abyss Mages vanish for a brief moment to disperse across the room protected by their elemental shields. With the Cryo Abyss Mage closest in the center, Diluc charges forward and swings his claymore engulfed in flames. Jean joins him against the same foe to accelerate destroying its glacial barrier.

A surge of fire shoots towards them from the Pyro Abyss Mage, forcing the pair to split away from each other. Jean dashes sideways as the flaming attack steers in her direction, narrowly escaping an icicle dart from their original target. They resume their raid on their opponent when the Hydro Abyss Mage rematerializes behind her.

Before it can summon a spell, she stabs at the Cryo shield with her Anemo-infused strike. The swirling reaction from the ice bounces back, causing the water shield around the Hydro Abyss Mage to freeze.

Another cold projectile cuts her cheek as she dodges a second wave of fire. The persistent offensive on her provides less disruption for Diluc, who slams his blade downward and shatters the Cryo Abyss Mage’s shield. He rushes to the frozen Hydro Abyss Mage while Jean continues to attack the exposed enemy.

Her sharp uppercut hurls it overhead, then pulls her foe closer with her whirlwind ability. As a third fiery spell lunges at her, Jean launches the Cryo Abyss Mage into the air towards Diluc and his opponent.

“Diluc, above!” she shouts as she sprints to his side to land a few hits on the Hydro Abyss Mage’s shield.

When it plunges to the floor, he unleashes his searing burst against the two enemies while the Pyro Abyss Mage disappears. It teleports in Jean’s line of sight while the Hydro Abyss Mage vanishes for a short time. Upon reappearance, she once again heaves her injured enemy within Diluc’s path to strike in the crossfire. A frenzy of flares erupts beneath her, wincing as she escapes from the blistering assault. The duo trounces the Cryo Abyss Mage with one final swipe from each of them.

“Grr…you will pay for your insolence!”

In retaliation, the Pyro Abyss Mage conjures an array of demonic heads around them, spewing out fire in rapid succession. Jean leaps before another flare explosion releases underneath her.

Without warning, her body yanks back into an aquatic sphere summoned by the Hydro Abyss Mage. Losing grip of her sword, she thrashes her arms to propel herself closer but the spellbound water constricts her movement. The outbreak continues to flash outside of her confinement as Jean struggles to reacquire her weapon. Heavy pressure tightens around her throat whenever she moves in attempt to dissuade her efforts. She pushes through the pain and extends her arm forward.

Once she grabs hold of the hilt, Jean uses all of her strength into a downward strike to break the bubble. There is a moment of resistance until the blade pierces it, dropping her to the floor. She rolls back onto her feet and joins Diluc to gain some distance from the Abyss Mages.

“Stay close,” he states as he turns his back towards her.

Based on his condition, she surmises that he may have overstretched his limits with the enemy’s fiery incantation. Although his brief utterance and posture carries the intent of protecting her, Jean recognizes that it is also his request for her to aid him.

“One hit is all I need,” Jean affirms, focusing her gaze onto the Pyro Abyss Mage.

“Got it.”

They dash towards the two Abyss Mages as the demonic heads breathe out their final flames, continuing forward when the Hydro Abyss Mage teleports away from them. The Pyro Abyss Mage stands its ground and flicks its rod for another attack. Pulling her arm back, she imbues her sword with Anemo and stabs the elemental barrier, tucking her head into her shoulder as the fire collides into her.

Jean straightens her stance and rotates her sword upwards, placing her other hand on the tassel. A gentle glow encloses around her as she channels her energy into her blade. Her burns dissipate upon the outpour of healing wind. Reinvigorated, Diluc veers to the Hydro Abyss Mage while Jean stays behind to distract its Pyro counterpart.

The Pyro Abyss Mage warps outside of the curative field, forcing her to chase after it. An eruption of flareups forces her into a defensive position. Despite the overwhelming blitz, she situates herself near the wall. With her opponent’s backside facing the other two, Jean restricts her evasion range at the expense of her surveillance on Diluc’s battle.

Another wave ignites below, its accuracy escalating as fatigue develops.

Her foe cackles in delight. “I expected more of a fight from the supposed Dandelion Knight of Mondstadt.”

She disregards the rebuke and continues to dodge its attacks amid her declining exhaustion. A whirling aura emanates beneath the Pyro Abyss Mage, which leads Jean to conclude the reason for its abnormal frequencies of spells. As it summons another slew of demonic heads, the Hydro shield shatters from afar.

Jean swerves through the fiendish creations between their blasts of fire to convene with Diluc against the dazed Hydro Abyss Mage. Soon after, the Pyro Abyss Mage teleports near them. She heaves their unguarded enemy into the air, soon followed by a blazing bash from him. Their target soars across the room away from the other Abyss Mage.

They proceed forward and focus their attention on it. An outbreak of flames ensues as Diluc’s attacks intertwine with the explosive magic from the Pyro Abyss Mage. Jean endures the scorching affliction, sidestepping whenever possible and slashing their target before it recuperates.

Once the Hydro Abyss Mage is defeated, they redirect to their remaining opponent. Battered throughout the fight, the Pyro shield breaks within a few more hits. Diluc summons his fiery phoenix to send the Abyss Mage forward.

They both advance before it has a chance to act. Using the power of Anemo, she pulls it back into close range with her whirlwind. Diluc takes full advantage and braces himself for an onslaught of quick strikes. She steadies her blade in the face of the torrent of flareups beneath her, then launches their foe into the energy field.

The eruption ceases, followed by the disappearance of the barricade. Jean’s eyes examine the area before sheathing her sword, then looks over to Diluc. While he focuses on their surroundings, she finds herself rushing towards him.

Her momentum nearly knocks him over as her arms wrap around his back, his claymore clattering onto the cold floor. Overwhelmed with elation, Jean lets out a long sigh.

When she realizes her spontaneous act, Jean begins to pull away.

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to—”

A firm yet comforting hand draws her back into him, placing his other hand behind her head. The sound of his heartbeat resonates into her ear. His pulse is rapid and heavy, contrasting his habitual controlled expression.

“Diluc?”

“…just a bit longer.”

There is a trace of distress in his tone.

Her mind leads to the devasting account of his father’s death divulged in greater length by Kaeya during a preceding investigation documented as the Black Fire Incident. She aches at the thought of losing a loved one in a similar scenario only to receive disdain and apathy.

Jean buries her face into his chest. “We did it. We’re both still standing, alive and well.”

“Indeed.”

“That was quite the battle. It is unfortunate that we can’t seem to reconcile with them.”

“The Abyss Order have continually demonstrated their resolve in opposition to not only Mondstadt but all of Teyvat. Their hatred for humans appears to know no bounds.”

“How pitiful to be so oblivious to the truth,” interrupts an unfamiliar voice.

Both turn their attention towards the source. A tall figure emerges from a cosmic portal, their face concealed by a peculiar face mask. Embedded in the center of their torso is a lustrous core, the color corresponding with their exterior. Before either of them reacts, the stranger continues.

“At ease. I am under strict orders to not engage in combat.”

“Then why are you here?” Diluc sneers, maintaining his embrace around her.

“I merely wish to congratulate you both on your small triumph. Perhaps a reassessment of our original plan is required. However, it is but a minor diversion towards our main objective.”

Jean’s hands tense up. “Why does the Abyss Order sought to destroy the nations and its people? Is there sincerely no means to achieve reconciliation?”

“The truth shall be revealed in due time. It is then that all will learn why such idealistic notions are unattainable.”

The Abyss Order delegate steps back into the portal, vanishing into the void. Their unexpected arrival and elusive speech linger within. Her eyebrows crease as she starts to decipher the motive behind their actions. Perhaps their words are a red herring to muddle her judgments. Or there may be more mysteries to uncover that could result in drastic reconsiderations of how she views the world.

“Jean.”

She flinches upon hearing her name. Diluc loosens his arms to place his hand on her shoulder.

“We should go,” he remarks when their gaze meet. “No use staying here longer than needed.”

“Agreed. Let’s leave at once.”

Side by side, the pair traverse through the lair in silence. Her concentration reels back to the Abyss Order member. How much to disclose to her higher rank colleagues in the Knights of Favonius revolves in her mind. By chance, the obscurity would be more detrimental if discussed. She glances over to Diluc who also appears to be deep in thought.

The cool breeze of the night greets them as the moon and stars shimmer above. After a few steps from the entrance, Jean halts.

“Diluc.” He stops and turns to her. “What do you plan on doing with the information that we heard? That is, if anything.”

“I will have to deliberate if there is something of substance worth pursuing. Although I have learned more about the Abyss Order in recent years, there is still much to unearth.”

“I admit that I am pondering what to share from this excursion and who to converse with,” she confesses. “I don’t wish to conceal secrets. On the contrary, I don’t want to trouble any of the Knights with extraneous details should it not be pertinent.”

Diluc crosses his arms. “Then allow me to offer a suggestion. After we both had some time to reflect tonight’s proceedings, we can further discuss the best course of action.”

“That’s a good plan. No reason to be hasty on the matter. Whether we converse about it now or later doesn’t change our duty to protect Mondstadt.”

“Exactly.”

“With that said…” Jean feels her cheeks warming up while she looks at the waterside. “I’m still committed to finding a balance between my work and my…personal life.”

Between the limited light and her refusal to make eye contact with him, she is unable to ascertain if the corner of his lips curved up. His mellow laugh supports her deduction.

“Glad to hear. I’ll be sure to do the same.”

As they return to their previous lodging near Dihua Marsh, both experience weariness from their extensive encounters with the Abyss Mages and the enemies prior to them. After several fortuitous side collisions and graceless hand touching, their fingers interlock. Upon reaching their destination, Jean and Diluc are overwhelmed by exhaustion. Tomorrow marks their trek back to Mondstadt, as well as a new beginning for the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and the Owner of Dawn Winery.

Chapter Text

An abundance of flowers adorns the streets of Mondstadt, ranging from common florets to the unique Windwheel Aster. Beautiful garlands made from Cecilia join the standard flags that dangle over the entrance into the market district. Beneath the trimmings are two runner rugs covering the stairway, identical to the grand flight of steps leading to the Favonius Cathedral.

Many fervent locals convey delight as they participate in one of the nation’s cultural celebrations: The Windblume Festival.

Business soars for Floral Whisper—an outdoor flower shop—with eager customers buying bouquets and solitary blossoms to demonstrate their adoration and appreciation to the recipient. Restaurants and taverns are no exception to the influx of patrons, equally contributing to the festivities through exclusive offers and limited-time products.

As the sunset illuminates over the vibrant city, Jean nears the end of her patrol. Accompanied by Lisa, they follow the stone path left of the marketplace fountain on their way back to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.

“It’s been so busy lately,” Jean discloses, reflecting on the previous weeks. “Certifying commercial licenses are up-to-date, embellishing the city as well as the Statue of The Seven throughout Mondstadt, transferring administrative duties to Kaeya, and not to mention the essential preparations for the Windblume Ceremony…the list goes on.”

“Diligent as ever,” Lisa remarks with admiration. “Even with your schedule adjustments, your productivity hasn’t changed in the slightest.”

“As it should be if I am to maintain it, although I created a temporary agenda for the Windblume Festival.”

“And does that separate schedule also have a heart next to each occasion with Diluc?”

Jean’s cheeks redden as she struggles to sustain a straight face.

“Lisa! It isn’t good manners to look through one’s personal belongings.”

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself,” she giggles. “Curiosity got the better of me when you dashed out of your office one day. I glanced over at your open notebook, worried that something dire came up, only to see that you had five minutes to meet Diluc for dinner at Dawn Winery.”

“I—it’s not that he wouldn’t be understanding of my tardiness. Quite the opposite, in fact. I pledged to improve my professional and personal lifestyle and I refuse to falter regardless of how inconsequential it may seem.”

She redirects her gaze sideways to hide her expression from Lisa. Although honest with her declaration, Jean withholds the additional detail of the teasing that often ensues whenever a similar situation occurs. Despite her initial embarrassment, their lighthearted banters are one of the many enjoyable moments that she looks forward to. Whether in between the job or after a busy workday, the opportunity to destress at any capacity is an experience that Jean did not foresee herself partaking in.

“Your dedication is astonishing,” Lisa compliments. “Speaking of which, are you still committing to your two half-days starting tomorrow?”

“Yes. It’s strange to say out loud but I’m excited to participate in the festivities outside of patrol. I would’ve been content with one half-day but Diluc insisted on two.”

“Is that so?”

“We’ve merely arranged some plans when there are less people active,” Jean clarifies, her rosy cheeks resurfacing. “Please don’t misconstrue.”

“The fact that you felt the need to explain says enough.”

“With you and Kaeya constantly on the pursuit, it has become a necessity.”

Lisa laughs, placing a hand on her hip. “It’s just human nature to be inquisitive. I’m sure Kaeya gives his fair share of prying to Diluc, even if to no avail.”

“Must I repeat my explanation when I returned from Liyue?” she asserts her in a stern manner. “Diluc and I decided to pursue a committed relationship. While we do not wish to conceal our relationship, we have no intentions to make a public announcement at this time and prefer to proceed in private.”

“Yes, yes. I understand, Jean.”

Behind her strict exterior is a heartwarming gratitude for the continuous positive reception from those who know of their newfound romance. Jean recalls the diverse reactions of the individuals she chose to reveal the news to as the Knights of Favonius Headquarters draws near.

Lisa’s eyes had brightened up straightaway with a satisfied look. The smirk upon Kaeya’s lips widened whereas Amber’s gasp quickly transitioned into a vivacious cheer. Outside of her colleagues, she also informed her younger sister, Barbara, whose tears of joy could not be quelled.

The two greet the watchguards at the main entrance before entering inside. While Lisa heads towards the library, Jean enters her office and walks over to her desk. Opening a drawer, she retrieves an envelope with the Liyue Qixing wax seal. As she rereads its contents, her eyes look at the glass vase containing two blue flowers in full bloom.

After she places the letter back into her desk drawer, Lisa walks inside and scans the room.

“Looks as though Kaeya already finished up for the day.”

“So it seems,” Jean agrees, turning her attention to the stack of documents in the completed bin.

“Well, I have an idea of where he is. Perhaps we could pay him a visit to follow-up on how he’s been handling his administrative duties?”

She folds her arms, furrowing her eyebrows. “Lisa, I know what you’re trying to do.”

To accommodate the increase of thirsty customers, Diluc dedicates more of his time at Angel’s Share to assist Charles during the festival. With Mondstadt’s prominent drinking culture, his inclusion of an alcohol delivery service boosts the winery’s profits. Charles undertakes the distribution responsibilities while Diluc remains behind the bar.

Moreover, both the Knights as well as tavern personnel must manage individuals who may have partaken in excess. However, ensuring that electrocutions are not part of the detainment process is a distinct dilemma when on duty with Lisa.

“Come on, Jean. I’m sure Diluc would be thrilled to see you at work. Imagine all of the inebriated patrons he’s been dealing with as of late. Treat it as an extension to your patrol.”

“…Very well.”

Conceding to Lisa’s persistence, Jean locks the office door behind her before departing from the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.

The upsurge of people in pairs are in full view within city walls. A variety of expressions and body language suggest a particular phase in their relationship, whether it is stiff individuals with quivering hands beside each other or amorous duos hand in hand as they stroll to their next destination. Jean beams seeing citizens and visitors alike rejoice in peace, one step closer to the Mondstadt she hopes to attain.

Bit by bit, her facial appearance shifts when the renowned tavern emerging in sight. As they walk up the stairway, Jean notices Charles from the opposite direction holding two stacked boxes. She quickens her pace and reaches over to open the door. After he thanks her, Charles enters inside, followed by Lisa and then herself.

Kaeya’s flowing cape is quickly discern from a glance at the main counter. On his right is a woman wearing a long headdress akin to a nun. Based on the unique cut of the coif along with the Cryo Vision on her lower back, Jean identifies that it is Sister Rosaria from the Church of Favonius.

Behind the bar is Diluc with his arms crossed, appearing unamused by his seated guests. Upon glancing at the entryway, his eyes soften for a brief moment.

“Oh my,” Lisa exclaims, causing him to resume his original expression. “The night has yet to come and there are already quite the patrons here.”

Kaeya grins, holding onto his mug with pride. “But of course. It is only natural to unwind after a productive workday, exceptionally so during celebratory times. Is that not why you both are here now?”

“That’s one of the reasons.”

“Actually,” Jean interjects with haste. “Lisa and I were concluding our patrol of the city and, as our final stop, wished to check in at Angel’s Share.”

He chuckles and rests his elbow on the counter.

“I see. If that’s the case, I have a report to make.” Tightening his grip, Kaeya uses his mug to motion towards Diluc. “The steadfast owner of this fine establishment is refusing his services in retaliation for valuable commercial advice. Perhaps you can remind him that blatant spite is not justification to deny goods to paying customers?”

“Gratuitous disparagement does not equate to valuable commercial advice,” Diluc sneers.

Jean tilts her head, then smiles. Although their squabble is not a new concept, being pulled in the middle of the facetious dispute is unfamiliar territory.

“My apologies, Kaeya, but if there’s good reason to regulate a customer’s alcohol intake, I trust the proprietor’s judgment.”

“And yet I am much too sober for such restrictive measures,” he counters, raising an eyebrow. “Isn’t that right, Sister Rosaria?”

Hearing her name, Rosaria darts her eyes in his direction. The sound of silver against wood is faint as she intermittently taps her fingers on the counter. She grabs the handle of her stein and angles it toward herself, then lets out a soft sigh.

“Don’t drag me into this further than you already have,” she retorts. “It seems that I’ve been wrongfully punished by alleged association.”

Kaeya smirks. “Alleged? I’m hurt. Does our time in the tavern hold no substance?”

“The only substance that I expect from a tavern is a glass of wine.”

Despite her cold statement, he responds with laugher before turning his attention to Diluc.

“Come now, Diluc. To deprive a lady of what she seeks is improper of a true gentleman. You have no excuse for such cruel mistreatment, especially now that you and the Acting Grand Master are—”

“Kaeya…” Jean interrupts in a threatening tone. “Do you need another reminder about privacy as well?”

“As well?”

He glances at Lisa who simply places a hand over her cheek and smiles. “Guilty.”

Jean exhales in defeat as she folds her arms. Perhaps the announcement of her budding romance to her meddlesome coworkers may have been best postponed until after the festivities.

Although several weeks have passed since her travels to Liyue, the incremental attention from those who know is still rather overwhelming to her.

“If there is nothing dire to report, I’ll be taking my leave. I wish you all a joyous Windblume Festival.”

She moves towards the exit before anyone has a chance to protest. When she reaches for the door handle, her hand rests on the handgrip for a few moments. Jean then looks over her shoulder to make eye contact with Diluc. He returns her smile with a slight nod, the corners of his mouth faintly pointed upwards.

As she turns her head forward to pull the handle, the tavern door swings open from the other side. The sudden motion almost catches her by surprise, stepping back to maintain her balance. She reaches out her arm in time to avoid the doorway slamming into her face. The small group of people entering inside stop their laughter when they spot her.

“Ah—Acting Grand Master!” shouts one of the men. “Sorry about that. We didn’t know you were behind the door.”

“No need to apologize,” she reassures, trying to mask her startled reaction. “Please enjoy the festival.”

Jean scurries out of Angel’s Share bright red from her inelegant departure. She takes a quick breath of air, then begins to walk home. With tomorrow’s special itinerary in place, she finds herself unable to conceal her grin.

The next morning goes according to schedule. As luck would have it, there are no disturbances on her early patrol around the city.

While her focus remains vigilant throughout, an uncommon sense of excitement builds up inside. Often times during celebratory events, citizens exchange festal farewells instead of standard goodbyes. To hear it from the townsfolk today adds another layer of enjoyment that she is unacquainted with.

When she returns to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, she spots Kaeya at the meeting table in her office with a few papers in front of him.

“About to clock out for the day?” he asks, looking up from his work.

“Yes. It almost feels improper to do so.”

Kaeya folds his arms and leans back in his chair. “Not having any doubts now, are we?”

“No, not at all.” Jean writes her initials on her timecard, then places the quill pen on her desk. “Although it is unnatural and even a bit uncomfortable, I believe going on this new path will bring me better health and happiness. If I intend to seek a more compassionate and peaceful Mondstadt, I should not compromise the compassion for myself nor my inner peace.”

“Well said, Acting Grand Master.”

“Jean,” she corrects him with a smile. “This is my new resolve, not just as the Acting Grand Master, but as Jean.”

“…Fascinating,” he mutters before raising his voice. “Who would’ve guessed the significant impact that trip to Liyue was for you. Perhaps I should consider a short vacation sometime. Although the real question is who should accompany me.”

“Kaeya—”

“I know, I know. It was for official business, correct?” Kaeya sits upright to rest his arms on the table. “However, I can’t help but remember the intrigue I felt upon learning that a certain someone coax you to going in the first place…”

“Diluc!” Jean cries out, turning her attention to the clock. “I’m sorry, Kaeya, but I need to leave. We can resume this conversation another time.”

“Heh, looking forward to it. Happy Windblume Festival.”

Once she steps outside, Jean heads straight to Angel’s Share. She broadens her strides in an attempt to hasten her pace without appearing frantic to onlookers.

“Good afternoon! May the Anemo Archon protect you!” she blurts out to one of the Knights on patrol.

Without slowing her momentum, she gives a quick nod of acknowledgement and continues onward. Once down a flight of stairs, she turns the corner and soon recognizes a familiar shade of green standing outside the tavern. As she approaches the side of the building, Jean spots Diluc in close proximity with his arms crossed.

“Venti?” she calls out.

He looks over and waves with a bright smile on his face. “If it isn’t Master Jean! Long time, no see.”

“The Windblume Ceremony was only a few days ago,” Jean laughs, recalling his attendance. “You seem to be in good spirits.”

“How could one not be during such a splendid festival, where wonderful memories are being created and shared as we speak? And, might I add, wonderful wine to drink.”

“Oh! That reminds me, I still need to treat you to a beverage. I’ve been rather busy regarding the Windblume Festival but I promise to stay true to my word.”

Diluc straightens his posture and walks over to them. “He should be content for the time being, seeing that he managed to acquire three bottles of Applebloom Cider.”

“Three?” Jean repeats, taken aback by the quantity.

Venti places both hands on his hips. “Soon-to-be four. Or perhaps three after all. Depends how fast my current provisions go.”

Diluc shakes his head in disbelief. Regardless of his disapproval, Venti upholds his cheerful nature.

“The amount of alcohol you can consume in one sitting is horrendously inhuman.”

“Very astute, Master Diluc,” he remarks, widening his grin. “But with the alcohol industry in the palm of your hands, isn’t that a good thing?”

“Not when the consumer lacks the sufficient funds to pay.”

“As long as someone pays, that’s all that matters, right?” Venti nudges him with his elbow in which causes Diluc to groan. “At any rate, please don’t let me keep you two from enjoying the festivities.”

Jean blinks in wonder. “Oh? How did you know?”

“Easy! When I saw Master Diluc standing outside of Angel’s Share, I asked him what he was doing and he responded that he was waiting for someone. I presume that the person in question is you?”

“Yes, that’s correct,” she hesitates to answer.

Venti glances over at Diluc, then to Jean. His eyes dart back to Diluc again before his smile amplifies.

“Ah, the union between a Gunnhildr and a Ragnvindr…can’t say that I’m in complete shock.”

Her cheeks begin to burn. “Venti, please. We are still quite early in our…circumstance.”

“Hehe, if you say so. Well, I better head off then. Happy Windblume Festival!”

He scampers towards the entrance to Angel’s Share, waving to the pair with a wide grin. Diluc brings a hand over his face while Jean giggles.

“It’s good to see Venti pleased with the festival,” she beams.

“A bottle of wine is all it really takes.” Diluc lets out a deep exhale, then looks at her. His eyes lower as he folds his arms. “Where to first?”

Jean searches through her bag to pull out a flyer containing the various events during the Windblume Festival. It also comprises of festival-exclusive promotions, general advertisements, and a summary of the festival’s origins.

“Let’s go to Springvale,” she replies. “They’re hosting one of the archery challenges at the lakeside.”

Together, they walk down the stairway and depart from the northeast gate. Following the faint path near the city walls, Diluc and Jean stroll through the natural terrain. Once across the stone bridge, their hands interlace. Their shoulders relax into a comfortable position, sharing similar expressions.

Along the way, she gazes at her sunlit surroundings.

“This weather is perfect for the Windblume Festival,” Jean says, looking above them. “The clouds are sparse and the temperature is comfortable. We’re fortunate to have a day such as this.”

“Rain would have added some inconvenience. With the festival coming to an end, rescheduling may have been near impossible.”

“I would’ve been at fault. Thank you again for allowing us to wait until after the Windblume Ceremony.”

Diluc chuckles and glances at her. “It just so happened that our preference aligned. Work would’ve been on your forefront instead of enjoying the excursion to the fullest extent.”

“You may be right,” she admits, rubbing the back of her neck. “While we’re on the topic, I hope Kaeya and Lisa didn’t give you too much trouble yesterday.”

“I didn’t dare linger much longer, not with how intrusive those two are.”

“I suppose it’s their way of showing their support.”

“Hmph. Respecting privacy would be the best method if you ask me.”

“Perhaps so. Though I must say that I’m happy with the current outcome thus far. I hope that it will continue to go in this direction.”

He stiffens his grip. Jean glimpses over to see him facing forward. A spark ignites behind his fierce eyes, a familiar manifestation when he is in front of an adversary. The sudden upsurge of heat beneath his glove is noticeable through her metallic gauntlet. His shift in temperament displays the same aura when the topic of Mondstadt presents itself.

“I will make certain of it,” he affirms, then redirects his gaze onto her.

His intense expression corresponds with his solid grasp. She shuts her eyes for a brief moment before resuming eye contact with him.

“I will also do my part.”

They both tighten their hands and walk up the main stairway into Springvale. While many of the residence continue their everyday errands, a few civilians gawk upon recognizing the pair. Some appear astounded by the spectacle whereas others perk up at the implication. She pushes through her nerves and waves at those who initiate the gesture. Although stoic in his disposition, Diluc also returns the greeting with a nod.

Once they arrive at the archery location, the duo watches the ongoing round in line as participants shoot different colored balloons in the air. The contest is a long-standing tradition when hunting and pioneering first established in Mondstadt. Jean appreciates the inspiration to incorporate historic occurrences into festive recreations. To partake in such activities diminishes her earlier apprehensions.

After the group finishes, one of the moderators provides them with a wooden bow and quiver. He reiterates the rules and parameters of the game, perhaps emphasizing safety on account of Jean’s presence. She steadies her bow stance and waits to begin.

“Three, two, one…start!”

Two minutes and thirty seconds seem to elapse in a blink of an eye. Jean almost recoils when the game concludes, astonished by the quickness of time. Lowering her weapon, she joins Diluc and two other participants to return the items and receive their score cards. They look at their results on the way to Windrise.

“1800,” she says in curiosity. “A satisfactory score. It’s been a while since I last wielded a weapon other than a sword. How about you, Diluc?”

“2200. However, these games aren’t comparable to the rigorous training to become an archer ready for battle.”

“I still think that’s quite remarkable. Maybe I should ask Amber for a few lessons to refresh my bow proficiency.”

“I recall that you were reducing your workload, not adding to it.”

Jean furrows her eyebrows, trying to hide her pout. “It would be purely recreational.”

“Knowing you, it would become a weekly regiment.”

“Diluc!”

He glances at her and smirks. In response, she lightly bumps into his arm with her own.

“I’m kidding,” he laughs. “She appears to be the considerate type.”

“She is. Her recent growth as an Outrider and individual has been rather impressive.”

They continue to converse on their route to Windrise. Retracing their steps back to the four-way intersection, they steer southeast and follow the path near the Temple of the Falcon. The celestial glow from the Statue of The Seven can be seen from afar. It stands at the base of the vast oak tree, its branches and leaves extending over an infinite amount of land below.

Several feet away is a temporary setup for another festival activity. Because of its specifications, participants must have a wind glider as well as an active gliding license to take part. Those who are approved ascend to the wooden platform above with the assistance of a wind current created by enhanced Anemo Amber. The fluorescent flower balls and honey-petal crowns are also infused with elemental energy to float in the air.

The current participant descends onto the circular garland holding a bundle of flowers in her hands. She sprints over to the assistant in charge of tallying the score with a big grin on her face. From her bright red bow alone, Jean knows that the young lady is Amber.

Once she collects her score card and turns around, she catches sight of the pair.

“Master Jean?” she gasps. “And Master Diluc as well! I didn’t expect to see you two here.”

“Hello Amber,” Jean responds with a smile. “It is good to see you enjoying the festival. I would imagine that the three-time winner of the Gliding Championship would be interested in the Floral Freefall challenge.”

“You bet! I’ve been playing as much as possible, trying to beat my personal high score. Seeing that you’re here, I assume that you’ll also be participating?”

“Indeed, although it will only be me. Diluc politely declined on this particular activity.”

Amber rubs her chin for a moment, then clasps her hands together.

“Oh, I get it! You’re here to catch her when she lands, right? Wow, you’re more romantic than I thought, Master Diluc!”

Diluc clears his throat. “That wasn’t my original intention—”

“No need to be so bashful about it,” she interrupts. “Jean loves that kind of thing but I’m sure you already know that. You should stop at HQ sometime! I can’t think of anything sweeter than surprising her at work with a morning coffee.”

Jean’s face color become progressively closer to Amber’s attire the more she chatters. She swerves between them and heads towards the game moderator.

“I shouldn’t delay any longer. Please excuse me.”

Amber scratches her head and turns to Diluc with a concerned look. He retains his composure, albeit covering his mouth with one hand.

After the moderator approves of her gliding license, Jean uses the wind current to soar to the platform. On it, another moderator recites the instructions and guidelines of the game. When she receives permission to start, she leaps into the air and opens her wind glider to control her descent. Utilizing her knowledge of combat techniques, she flows with precision and grace while evading obstacles that could affect her time.

Upon landing over the finish line, she walks over to the assistant and returns the flowers she collected. Once she obtains her score card, Jean reconvenes with Amber and Diluc.

“Welcome back, Master Jean!” Amber says with her usual energetic tone. “How did you do?”

“I received a 3000,” she informs, pleased to see a higher score compared to her archery.

“Wow, that’s amazing! Looks like I got some competition.”

Amber glances at Diluc and put her hands on her hips, as if anticipating him to contribute to the conversation. He sighs and looks up at Jean.

“…Good work.”

“Oh?” Jean utters, then beams. “Thank you, Diluc.”

“Good work?” Amber bursts out without restraint. “Hmm, I guess a strange compliment is better than no compliment at all.”

Jean giggles, noticing a subtle shade of red on his face. Amber offers a sympathetic smile and shrugs before she continues.

“Well, I better get back in line. That high score won’t change itself. Bye, Master Jean! Nice to see you, Master Diluc!”

In a flash, Amber rushes back behind eager and nervous participants alike. Jean turns to see the sun beginning to set in the sky.

“Shall we have dinner?” she inquires.

He gives a brief nod and then offers a hand, averting his gaze. Her heart skips a beat before reaching out to accept.

Following the trail, they arrive at Dawn Winery for their evening meal. Although Diluc and Jean have dined within city walls on rare occasions, eating at the estate correlates best with their itinerary. As night draws near, she fiddles with her fingers. Regardless of their preparations, she glimpses at her bag periodically while they talk in front of the fireplace.

After some time, the pair depart from the winery and make the long trek to their final location of the night. The cool breeze sways her ponytail as they traverse through Galesong Hill. Because of the popularity of the destination—both throughout and outside of the Windblume Festival—more Knights patrol the area to protect travelers and tourists from monsters.

They deviate right from the dirt path and continue uphill into the grass. The small clusters of trees begin to thin as they approach the highest point. At the pinnacle, Jean gazes over the cliffside to admire Windrise from a distance. It is another beloved place for her in Mondstadt, one that embraces her more sentimental self: Cape Oath.

“The view never ceases to amaze me,” she expresses in awe.

The moonlight glistens in the sky, adding a sparkle of brilliance to the water below. Excluding the two of them, not a soul lingers about in the middle of the night. Jean is in near disbelief to visit Cape Oath without anyone else in the vicinity.

She turns to Diluc besides her. His eyes scan the landscape, steadily moving from side to side. Her heartbeat begins to accelerate as she struggles to speak.

“Should I go first?” Diluc offers, detecting a change in her behavior.

“Thank you but no. I…I would like to go first.”

Jean pushes a strand of hair behind her ear as a gentle wind stirs. She takes a deep breath and then opens her bag to pull out a medium-sized container. Once in his possession, she places both hands behind her back.

A faint light emits upon lifting the top cover. Inside is a gleaming bud that curls downward towards its stem.

“For our Windblume exchange, I’ve chosen for you a Small Lamp Grass. Although its glow may go unnoticed by many, there are those who cherish its ability to illuminate the darkest of nights.”

Her body fidgets as his gaze remains on the flower. Embarrassed by her preplanned dialogue, she cuts the silence with a hasty addition.

“It is also an excellent cooking ingredient for a few dishes. Its practical use is another reason why I selected it for you.”

Diluc looks up at her, somewhat startled by her interjection. He brings up a hand to hold back his laughter.

“A thoughtful gift… Thank you, Jean.”

He places the lid over the container and places it in his bag. Reaching inside, he pulls out two wrapped boxes with a bow on each of them.

Jean’s eyes widen. “Oh no, I didn’t think to wrap my gift. I’m sorry, Diluc.”

“No need to apologize, Jean,” he maintains in a calm tone. “Your packaging meets my satisfaction. I simply decided to embellish yours, thinking that it would suit your…romantic partiality.”

“I—I see.”

She unwraps the smaller box to unveil none other than her favorite flower. It is dainty plant with numerous pappus bundled together to form its unique appearance. A single blow can disperse its seeds into the air, as if seeking to journey to unknown lands through the wind’s guidance.

“As one would surmise, I selected a dandelion.” Diluc looks to the side where Windrise resides. “I consider it to be the best representation your ideals and individual qualities.”

“Thank you, Diluc. It is a flower that is near and dear to my heart.”

Jean closes the box and switches to the second wrapped gift, unsure of what it contains inside. Her mind sorts through the possibilities based on the size. However, it is too small to be a sword or a pair of gauntlets. She tears the wrapping paper and sees a foreign insignia on the case.

An exquisite ornament rests inside, its intricate design being one of its notable features. The craftsmanship is exceptional with the meticulous placement and purity of the gemstones.

“Diluc, I…I don’t know what to say. This is absolutely beautiful. Where did you purchase this?”

“In Liyue,” he divulges. “It is quite in demand, enough to require ordering months in advance.”

“I don’t know if I could accept this. I could never risk tarnishing it while on duty, nor do I have the appropriate attire or occasion to wear it.”

“Keep it. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to properly display it.”

“…Thank you,” she concedes with a smile.

Once the cover is on, Jean carefully places both boxes into her bag and turns to Diluc. She steps forward to lean towards his cheek but stops midway.

Ever since their return from Liyue, they have taken the initial stages common to an exclusive relationship. Though both infrequent and embarrassing for her to confess, a short peck on the cheek is the furthest they have achieved up to this point. With the prolonged time between their recent milestone and now, an overwhelming feeling looms from within.

“Diluc,” she mutters, taking a step back. “How do I say this…?”

Jean wraps her arms around herself and avoids his gaze. An upfront question may seem to lack sophistication or captivation often seen in novels. In contrast, to overstep his boundaries without consent is imprudent and not worth the potential consequences that could follow. The more she contemplates, the more self-conscious she becomes.

“Here.”

His voice causes her to flinch, unaware of how long she has been musing. Jean musters her might to look up at Diluc to discover him with his arms folded and eyes closed.

“Diluc?”

“Take your time. If you change your mind, grabbing my hand will suffice.”

He remains still while Jean processes the situation. She clutches her chest upon realizing the position he has placed himself in. His answer is clear. Whichever she decides, he has chosen to accept either outcome. It is upon that insight that she knows what to do.

Her hands reach over to his, keeping her gaze locked onto him and awaiting his reaction. The moment she takes his hands, a slight grimace appears on his face. As he begins to open his eyes, Jean closes hers as she tightens her grip and raises onto the tips of her boots.

The motion is simple and yet the sensation behind it is a complexity that is inexplicable to define. Her heart races, her fears dissipate, and her mind is at ease. To experience an opportunity that was once considered unattainable fills her with a profound happiness.

She lowers herself and releases his hands, accepting the visible blush across her face. Before she has a chance to open her eyes, Jean feels his warm hands against her cheeks. Her lips press together in anticipation for another.

Instead, Diluc scowls and squeezes both sides between his fingers. She manages to grin through his pinches, which results in a muffled explanation.

“Sorry. I wanted to tease you for once. I hope I didn’t overstep.”

He lets go of her face and folds his arms with an annoyed expression. Seeing through his facade, Jean smiles as she mirrors his stance.

“Lesson learned, perhaps?” she contests in an assertive manner.

Diluc maintains his stern demeanor. His eyes narrow, followed by a subtle change in the corner of his lips.

“On the contrary,” he affirms, his tone rather devious. “I view it as an invitation. As the saying goes, fight fire with fire.”

Unable to counter with a witty comeback, Jean turns around and keeps her arms crossed. An abrupt draft pushes against her. She redirects her gaze in the direction of the wind, guiding her eyes back to Diluc.

The future holds many uncertainties. It may be filled with endless passion, relentless challenges, or a blend of both. In spite of the inability to see what awaits them, their resolve is undeniable. The winds of freedom may be volatile at times but its true beauty lies in the power of change.

In that moment, Jean finds herself reminiscing wise words once spoken to her:

Those who desire to escape this stalemate
Instead construct windmills to reshape their fate