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Diluc sighed as he leaned back in his chair. Three months now. Three months he had waited for a new letter. He was starting to worry. He took a deep breath and centered his focus back on the paperwork. He couldn’t let himself get distracted.
A knock on the door made his head snap up. He stamped down his hope. He couldn’t always think that there was a new letter when Adelinde came to check on him.
Except this time he was wrong. When he opened the door, Adelinde had that signature blue envelope in her hand. She held it out to him with a smile. Diluc took it and bit down the smile that threatened to appear. Then, he thanked Adelinde before shutting the door and breathing a sigh of relief, like he had held his breath the entire time he waited for the letter that was now in his hand. He walked over to his desk and sat down, opening the letter in a bit of rush.
~
Diluc,
There’s a big mission coming up for me, though I don’t entirely know what it’s all about just yet. I’m not allowed to talk about the details, but I’m sure you understand that. I hope you’re doing well and I hope Mondstadt is okay.
This mission will most likely be overseas, but I cannot tell you where I’ll be. I don’t know yet. The moment I find out, I’ll write a letter. I hope it’s somewhere close to Mondstadt. I’m tired of being away.
All of my missions in Snezhnaya have gone well. They’re all rather dull, though. Mostly debt collections. I’m tired of debt collections. I want something actually challenging to do. Maybe I shouldn’t think that way, though. I guess the less challenging it all is, the safer I am, huh?
Make sure to stay rested, Diluc. Don’t get too reckless, either. Some of those monsters you’re probably facing can be rather tough. I don’t want you to get hurt.
Love,
Ajax
~
Ajax sighed as he walked back to his private quarters. He was so sick of the other Harbingers. He could be nothing but glad that he was no longer in their presence.
“Tartaglia.” A cold voice stopped him and he turned his dull blue gaze on Signora.
“What?” He didn’t care for pleasantries with any of the Harbingers outside of the throne room. It didn’t matter what he said here.
“I’m pulling some strings for you.” The woman muttered. “I’ll expect a thank you by the end of it.”
“What would I ever have to thank you for?” Ajax growled, narrowing his eyes.
Signora sniffed and turned her nose up at him. “You’ll see in due time, Tartaglia.” And then she was walking away.
‘Cryptic bitch…’ He thought, rolling his eyes. He figured he’d just ignore what she said. There was nothing Signora could do for him that would ever make him consider saying ‘thank you’ to her face in a thousand years.
“Oh. Before I forget.” Ajax wanted to stab her, but he turned to her as she took a few steps closer to him. Suddenly, her expression turned somewhat kinder than her usual haughty look she gave everyone. “I believe this is for you.” He looked down to see that she was holding a red envelope in her hand. He snatched it from her and looked it over. The seal wasn’t broken. He looked back up at her and started to open his mouth, ready to ask why she was giving this to him and not one of the usual guards or agents, but she was already walking away.
~
Ajax,
Whatever this big mission is, promise me you’ll stay safe. I don’t care where you’re going, just stay safe for me. I’m not sure I like the idea of you going on some big mission suddenly.
You’re telling me not to be reckless, so I guess I should tell you the same. Especially on any challenging mission you might be facing in the near future. Don’t be an idiot and go rushing into anything blindly.
Mondstadt is safe and I am fine. Busy, so finding time to rest is difficult, but I am fine. I hope you are also doing well. Make sure to get plenty of rest.
Love,
Diluc
~
Diluc dismissed his claymore as he got closer to the winery. He was a bit startled to see Adelinde standing outside the front door. She was holding a blue envelope. Diluc let a small smile slip this time as he took the letter. He bid the head maid goodnight and headed up to his room.
~
Diluc,
I’ll be safe, I promise. I won’t be too reckless. At least, I’ll try. Sometimes being reckless is part of the job.
I’ve found out a few more details about this new mission, but I’m still unsure of where I’m going. I hope I find out soon. I don’t like not knowing.
Just so you are aware, I won’t be able to receive a letter this time. I could already be gone by the time the letter gets here. Hopefully wherever I’m going is close enough that it makes up for that.
I hope I can see you again soon. I hope this mission doesn’t take me any further from Mondstadt than I currently am.
Love,
Ajax
~
Ajax boarded the boat with a sigh. He was frustrated that he’d only found out where he was going. Liyue, of all places. Right next to Mondstadt. And he hadn’t even had the chance to write to Diluc about it yet. He felt like he was going to go crazy.
Diluc would be right there . He’d be so close. The only thing that would separate them would be Stone Gate. But they could meet there, couldn’t they? Every day. He’d set up a meeting time. He knew Diluc would be able to make it. He’d find the time. And Ajax would make the time himself, no matter what.
‘If I have to, I’ll go straight to the winery.’