Chapter Text
There are never quiet nights at the tavern, in summer no less. People want shelter from the sweltering heat of the morning and suffocating humidity at night alike, and what better combo in the eyes of Mondstadt's citizens than a fine glass of wine and the tavern’s numerous performances led by bards?
It is not unusual for the 'fun' to extend well beyond the middle of the night, especially when it's a weekend. What is, however, is the man known as Nimrod to be bumbling about Mondstadt this time of day. A spy in the treasure hoarders' ranks, getting paid by both ends, yet a drunkard who has no idea what the words 'fiscal responsibility' mean.
So why, you ask, is it unusual for someone with an affinity to alcohol to be lurking around the city of wine at the most opportune time?
We'd have to go a little back to answer that question.
Three Days Ago
If you were to look at the alley beside Cat's Tail, hidden from the blazing sun, as well as the eyes of curious onlookers, you'd find the city's very own Cavalry Captain, an unimpressed expression on his face and absent-mindedly tossing a coin. Opposite him would be -you guessed it- Nimrod in the rather pitiful position under a star-like scrutinizing gaze.
"I'm aware of the dull experience working under the Treasure Hoarders can be, but spinning such a fairy tale sounds a bit out of your league, Nimrod." A sigh escapes him, leaving the other man to cower slightly.
"I wish it was a fairytale, Sir Kaeya, but I'm telling you: I saw this, in sound body and mind."
"The sound mind part I can doubt."
"Sir Kaeya..." Ah, yes, the long-suffering sigh of his name that reeks of frustration. "What do you want more, I have your information, as requested. So unless you have another order for me?" He paused as the Captain's gaze finally lifted, instead choosing to gaze into the crowds filling the square from the little spot in the alley.
"As a matter of fact, I do. This information you fetched me could potentially cook us up something dangerous, so I'd like you to monitor the situation, and report to me as soon as you notice any changes." He pockets the coin and promptly walks off.
And that was that. Nothing happened the next three days, and I don't think you're here to read all about Nimrod's failed marriage. So, back to the matter at hand?
Of course, it isn't too difficult for Nimrod -already in a rush- to find Kaeya even with the added heads driven in by the weekend.
Luckily (and also decidedly not) for our dearest bartender, the owner of this fine establishment himself, the Calvary Captain chose to sit at the bar tonight, making it a whole lot easier to listen in when Nimrod drops the intel into Kaeya's lap.
The latter's eyes light up with something predatory at the information, and Diluc can't help but halt the towel wiping uselessly at an already crystal clear glass.
"So it's true? Well, this has gotten very interesting all of a sudden."
You already knew of this?
"It's not a very big camp, but obviously it's not a good idea to barge in what with that thing they're experimenting with either. Not to mention the manpower."
"Don't worry, Nimrod. You've done your part." An apathetic pat on the shoulder and a satchel of Mora dropped unceremoniously onto rough hands later, Diluc observes with interest as the cogs in the knight’s head almost audibly turn and click.
No one else seems to have caught on as to the information shared, and as Kaeya makes his decision, "Put it on my tab, will you, Master Diluc?", Diluc instinctively searches for Charles in the crowd, no doubt planning his own excursion as well.
And if the intelligence turns out to be accurate, well, the Calvary Captain could most likely use the extra muscle.
The safety of Mondstadt is at risk.
After all, it's not every day the Treasure Hoarders and the Abyss Order join forces.