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Diluc isn’t proud of himself for lusting over his new maid.
He regrets that he followed Adelaide’s suggestion of him having another personal maid whenever he heads out. The reason why he had to was so that Adelaide would stop pestering him about it. When he brought up that she could assign the maids in the mansion to be his personal maid, she abruptly refuses, stating that the two are better off being maids cleaning around the mansion all day instead of tending to his personal needs the entire time.
So, it was up to Adelaide to hire new maids and Diluc since he trusts her judgment.
If he only knew that the maid Adelaide chose out of every applicant who applied would be someone that he couldn’t get his mind out of the gutter, he would’ve chosen someone else.
Although he would be lying if he said that he isn’t glad that Adelaide chose this one at the same time.
The first time he was introduced to his new maid, it was another normal day where the sun is shining brightly outdoors. He was in his office, absorbed with the huge amount of paper works, requesting his variety of wines throughout Teyvat.
When he heard a knock, he told them to come in, his eyes still locked on the papers in front of him.
“Oh! Then, please excuse the intrusion!”
Diluc huffs in amusement when he heard their voice. He could tell that they were nervous and he doesn’t blame them. Although hearing their voice was quite odd. It sounded a little deeper than an average woman’s voice.
He heard the door open and closed again, and heard footsteps coming closer to him.
That was when it all started.
The moment when he looked to see his new personal maid, his world wasn’t the same. He was speechless when he saw a young beautiful blonde maid, their hair was long and slightly wavy that reaches his mid-thighs, and his brown eyes sparkled as if they were from another world. The uniform that they are wearing is something more similar to the ones Adelaide is usually wearing so he could see how gorgeous their collarbones are and their legs were just perfect.
He was snapped out of their thoughts when they bowed, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Master Diluc. My name is Aether, and I’ll be your personal maid from today onwards. I hope you treat me well!”
When Aether sent him a smile, Diluc could’ve sworn he felt an arrow pierce through his heart. How can a simple smile from a person can make him feel this way when this is just his first time meeting them.
Sure, in the past, he found plenty of people really attractive but this is the first time in his life that he met someone so attractive that it makes him want to gawk at their beauty.
“Umm… Master Diluc?”
Diluc realized that he hasn’t said anything and made Aether worried from his silence. He clears his throat to hide his embarrassment before looking professional as much as he can, “My apologies. It’s just that I was quite surprised that Adelaide hired someone so quickly. Then again, this is Adelaide we are speaking of after all.”
Aether chuckles but quickly hides it. Diluc smirked, finding his new maid’s chuckle sweet to hear.
Sadly, their first meeting was cut short thanks to Adelaide, “Good afternoon, Master Diluc. Please excuse the intrusion. Aether, I need you to go to the garden help those two girls with their chores.”
Aether nods and turns back to face Diluc, bowing once more, “Then, please excuse me, Master Diluc!”
He masked his disappointment, nodding as he motions to Aether that he can leave. He watches Aether turn around and leaves the room, leaving the two of them alone.
Adelaide also watches Aether leave and turns to face Diluc again, smiling at the red-haired man, “It seems the introduction went very well. I’m really that I chose him to be your personal maid.”
“Yes, I also agree with you,” Then it hit him when he heard it. He looks at Adelaide, shocked was an understatement, “Did you just say ‘him’, Adelaide?”
Adelaide simply nods, smiling as usual, “That I did, Master Diluc. Your personal maid, is in fact, a boy.”
…
He wasn’t ashamed because Aether was a boy. He was mostly ashamed that his feelings towards his maid keeps on growing. He was shocked at first when he discovered Aether was a boy wearing a maid’s uniform but he quickly got used to seeing him in it.
The reason why Adelaide chose Aether, a man, to be his personal maid and dress up as a maid, was so that she would have more authority over him than their butler. Another reason was that one of the workers who worked on making the flyers for the job application forgot to put one of the main requirements: having experience in physical and elemental combat.
Because of that, all of the women who applied for the job failed to meet the requirements needed. Fortunately, Aether was one of the applicants. Adelaide was taken by surprise when she also discovered that Aether was a man. Then, as if it was a blessing by the anemo archon, she thought that she founded the one. The one that can serve Master Diluc, both his personal needs, and protection.
Diluc heard from Aether himself as to why he applied to be a maid instead of a butler, “Honestly? The work that butlers usually do aren’t really my expertise, however, I do consider myself to be great at cleaning, cooking dishes, and greeting guests! That counts right?”
It has been a few months since Aether has been Diluc’s personal maid. Currently, they are in Dawn Winery. Whenever they are in the winery, Aether would be cleaning around the place along with Hillie and Moco since he doesn’t need to be with Diluc twenty-four-seven, unless the master is out.
However, today, Diluc ordered him to dust every book on his bookshelf in his study area while he works. Aether didn’t protest and just did as he was told, dusting every book carefully, making sure he doesn’t miss a single speck of dust.
Although Aether doesn’t need to do that though. Diluc only made him do it so that he could watch Aether all day long while he works. As childish as this may sound, Diluc feels a slight envy of the people who work for him, interacting freely with Aether.
Whenever he looks out of the window and sees Aether goofing around with Hillie and Moco, then gets scolded by Adelaide but once she was gone, the three of them would resume goofing off. Seeing his smile but his smile isn’t directed towards him makes him clench his fist.
He thought to himself, ‘How could give your precious smile to anyone?’
So Diluc puts the effort into trying to get to know Aether. He doesn’t know if this is good or bad, but Aether easily opens with him. At first, he noticed that Aether would look so unsure whenever he tries to create a casual conversation but as time went on, Aether relaxed and even makes some sarcastic remarks.
Diluc knows that trying to get to know more about Aether, the more it will be impossible for him to get rid of his feelings for his maid. But he couldn’t, especially that time.
…
Diluc and Aether were walking back to Dawn Winery. The reason was that there are more patrons in the tavern more than usual so Charles needed help so he went. He planned on going there alone, but Adelaide persisted that Aether should come along.
“Master Diluc, I know that you are a capable and strong man and I trust you. However, news has it that Treasure Hoarder activities have risen up lately. Apparently, the number of treasure hoarders in a group has doubled or even tripled the number of their members so it would be best if Aether joins you.”
Diluc clears his throat, trying to mask his flustered expression as he puts on his coat, “There’s no need for that. I can take on even hundreds of Treasure Hoarders standing in my way.”
This isn’t the first time that he brings Aether with him whenever he goes out. However, it would usually be far from civilization to gather some ingredients for the next batch of wine. But he never brings Aether with him to the city of Mondstadt.
The reason is that he doesn’t to bring Aether to Angel’s Share, especially when it is packed with drunken men. He admits this sounds hypocritical but he doesn’t like the idea of men gawking at his maid. He’s aware of this because the men around the Dawn Winery seem to share the same feelings for Aether, and that doesn’t make him happy about it.
“Master Diluc, is there a problem for me to not come with you?”
Diluc was slightly startled when Aether showed up with a broom in his hand. His face went slightly red when he saw Aether pouting at him, waiting for his explanation.
“I… uh…” This was uncharacteristic of him. He rarely stutters. Diluc considers someone who knows what to say in every type of situation he is, regardless of how difficult it can get but this is the first time he doesn’t know what to say. Is he being so adorable a valid reason?
“I may not look like it but I swear I have experience using a sword! I was part of the Adventurer’s Guild before I became your maid full-time!”
Diluc could see the determination in Aether’s eyes. He was flattered that Aether seems so adamant about wanting to join him whenever he goes out. Then again, it is in his job description that Aether is technically his bodyguard, dressed up as a maid.
Cannot think of any valid reason, Diluc gave in. He sighs then gave a fond look at Aether, “Since you really want to come along with me to the city, then sure.”
Aether widens his eyes for a moment, a blush crept on his face when he saw how gentle his smile was before shrugging whatever thoughts he have and smiling at him, happy that he finally lets him join him.
“However,” Diluc steps forward in front of Aether, placing his gloved hands on his maid’s bare shoulders and looking directly at him in the eyes with a serious look on his face, “While we are in the Tavern, you are not allowed to leave out of my sight. Got that?”
He knows that Aether is very capable of defending himself but the thought of someone trying to make a move on him leaves a bitter taste in his mouth and makes his blood boil. But he couldn’t help it. Aether was just too beautiful.
Diluc was glad when Aether nodded, smiling at him. Then, he lets go of his shoulder then turns around, only to see Hillie and Moco already opened the front doors for them. He nods at the two maids and felt content when he sees Aether standing by his side.
“We’re heading off now. Adelaide, take care of the Winery while we’re away.”
“Yes, Master Diluc. May you and Aether have a safe trip to the city.”
With that, the two men left the Winery. When Hillie and Moco shut the door closed, they looked at each other for a moment then squealed in delight. They were holding back their excitement when they saw Master Diluc was at a loss for words when Aether asked why he can’t join him in the city.
Adelaide wanted to scold the two but she lets it slide for today. For she too, also felt great when she saw Diluc stuttering, trying to come up with an excuse while Aether pouts at him. She was glad that the two of them are getting along pretty well. It’s been so long since she saw her master with that expression on his face so she is glad that Aether came to his life.
…
On the way to the city was one of Diluc’s highlights of the day.
Throughout the walk, he and Aether were deep in their conversation. Aether did most of the talking while Diluc did most of the listening but he doesn’t mind. Hearing his voice was soothing to his ears, he doesn’t mind whatever conversation topic they had.
Except anything to do with the men in the winery. He could tolerate hearing Aether talking about what he does with Hillie and Moco, and Adelaide sometimes, whenever they do their chores together, but Diluc refuses to hear what Aether does with any of the men or else he’ll feel jealous. He doesn’t want to possibly Aether’s feelings so he would slickly change the subject.
A gust of strong wind flew by, making Aether stop in his tracks as he forces to push down his skirt, making Diluc also stop but for a completely different reason.
He could feel his face burning up when he saw something he shouldn’t have seen, even though both of them are men. Aether saw the red cheeks from Diluc’s face. Feeling so embarrassed, he glares and pouts at his master, “Forgive me, Master Diluc. But it would be for the best if you walk a few meters ahead of him.”
Diluc clears his throat and nods. He walked a few steps forward away from Aether, then he shortly followed him after.
He knows he shouldn’t be feeling this way but he was glad that caught a glimpse of Aether’s underwear. He mentally wants to slap himself for being such a pervert for his maid but he would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy that sight.
The two of them continue on with their conversation as if nothing happened and Aether slowly walked a bit faster to walk side by side with his master, this time with his hands in front of him, making sure his skirt doesn’t fly upwards by another unexpected wind.
Diluc was relieved that Aether somewhat forgave him.
But as the saying goes, time flies so quickly when you’re having fun.
Diluc felt really disappointed that before he knew it, they are on the bridge to the city of Mondstadt. He wanted to spend some more alone time with Aether but sadly, he remembers why they came here.
He hopes nothing would go wrong.
…
Everything went wrong. In his perspective that is.
When they entered the city, many of the Knights of Favonius stopped in their tracks and gawked at Aether’s beauty. Even Wagner stopped what he was doing but he quickly recovered from his gawking. The sound of his hammer made a lot of those men snap out of their trance and continue on with their life.
“Umm… Master Diluc? Do I look weird in a Maid’s uniform?” Aether asked.
“Absolutely not.” Diluc quickly answered. “You’re dressed perfectly fine. They were probably just surprised to see you in a maid’s uniform after you were working in the Adventurer’s Guild for so long.”
He doesn’t want to tell Aether the truth those good-for-nothing knights were actually gawking at his beauty. He doesn’t want to give any of the men a chance to his Aether, even though there is nothing romantic between the two.
Although his response made Aether feel reassured. It has been a while since he’s been to the city.
“I see! Thank you, Master Diluc!” Aether looks up and smiles brightly at his Master.
Diluc returns the gesture, feeling extremely happy that Aether is smiling at him.
However, the Knights weren’t actually going to be his main problem that day. Diluc felt he should’ve predicted that this would happen. However, it was also that night that his feelings and how he saw him changed for the great.
When Diluc and Aether got into Angel’s Share, they were surprised to see how crowded the place is, despite the sun was about to set in an hour or two. Based on their clothes, it was as if all the men in the tavern came from different parts of Teyvat.
Although something doesn’t feel right. Diluc and Aether exchange eye contact as if they are thinking about the same thing.
Diluc was grateful that Aether has good instincts when there is danger so that means he can fend for himself. However, there are times when Diluc would fantasize where he would save the defenseless Aether from danger but that is a story for another time. Right now, their guts are telling them to be very careful with these patrons.
The two men saw Charles struggling to keep up with orders and trying to mix some drinks all at once. Seeing how the man needed help, the two of them walked towards the bar, but as they were heading there, Diluc noticed the glances that some of these men are giving specifically towards Aether. His teeth clenched in rage when he saw their looks as if they have malicious intentions. Their catcalling proved that he was right.
“Ohhhh? Hey Missy! You lookin’ for a good time?!~”
“Can you lift your skirt a bit, little cupcake?!~”
“Damn, show us your goods!”
Diluc was going to kick those men out of the tavern. No one has the right to give their nasty comments to others and think they are complimenting them. Even if they weren’t catcalling Aether and someone else, he would call those people out regardless.
However, it seems that won’t be necessary. This was the first time he witnessed Aether snap.
Aether calmly walks up to the nearest catcallers. That catcaller whistles and the others nearby smugly smile at him, thinking what embarrassing thing Aether would do. They were dead wrong.
“What’s wrong, cupcake? Can’t take a compliment?” The others obnoxiously laughed at what that catcaller said.
Before anyone processes what just happened, the man that called Aether ‘cupcake’ who was once sitting in a chair with a beer in his hand, is now passed out after Aether brutally punched him with the power of anemo and was sent to the wall.
The others looked extremely shocked at what just happened before a lot of them drew their knives out.
“You bitch you’re going to pay for that!!!”
“Don’t think you can escape from us, slut!!!”
“COME HERE YOU WHORE!!!”
Charles ducked under the counter, afraid for his life as Diluc summoned his claymore and smacked the nearest bastards near him.
But he caught something spectacular.
When Aether said he has experience with physical and elemental combat, he wasn’t joking. In fact, it was an understatement. His movements were extremely light, dodging their attacks at the right time, and hit their weak spot, causing them to pass out one by one.
As if time slowed down for him, he felt butterflies when he watches fight those men so elegantly, calmly, and confidently. This was the moment that he fell harder for Aether.
While Aether was focusing on attacking the people who are trying to hurt him, Diluc glanced at the doors and saw that a few of them are trying to escape. He can’t just let his maid do the work now would he.
He held his claymore and used his pyro vision for the pyro infusion, and leap towards the men that are trying to escape, “Time for Retribution!”
A few minutes later, because of the loud commotion on what is going on, a group of Knight of Favonius charged in and was surprised to see a bunch of unconscious men tied up in the middle of the room. Aether was sitting by the bar stool, drinking grape juice as he watches the tied-up men while Diluc was cleaning some of the glasses behind the bar.
Aether finishes his drink first before he jumps off the stool and walks towards to one of the knights to explain what happened.
The men that they beat up were treasure hoarders that disguise themselves as merchants so that they could enter the city with no issues. Diluc glares at the knights who were in the tavern, judging them for their incompetency in protecting the city.
But his gaze returns to Aether. His gaze softens and he couldn’t resist smiling, seeing how Aether was scolding one of the knights. He leans against the counter and continues to admire and gawk at Aether. Aether then turns around to face him, smiling as he calls out his name, “Master Diluc!”
“Yes, Aether?”
…
“Master Diluc?”
“...Huh?”
Diluc realized that he has been daydreaming all this time that he didn’t notice that Aether was in front of his desk, looking at him questioningly. Has he been watching Aether dusting his books off the entire time? He looks down and was shocked that he didn’t make some progress with the paperwork.
“I’m done dusting off every book. I can assure you that you won’t be able to see a speck of dust!” Aether puffs his chest with pride as if he is waiting to be praised by Diluc.
Diluc chuckles and shook his head, then looks at him with a soft gaze in his eyes, “Well done, Aether. I’m grateful for your today’s hard work.”
“It’s no trouble at all, Master Diluc. However, I should attend to my other duties in the Winery. Dinner isn’t going to cook themselves you know.”
Diluc was shocked to hear this. He quickly glances out his window and was speechless that the sun is about to set. So not only did he waste his time daydreaming the day when he fell harder for Aether, but he also didn’t do much of his work and didn’t get closer to Aether like he originally planned.
Not wanting to let Aether see his state, he told him he can now leave while his back is facing his maid. Once he heard the door shut, he leans against his hands, groaning as he mentally curses himself for being an idiot.
“I still have some opportunities to get closer to him… That’s right, I am his Master and he is my maid so of course I have the advantage.” He stood abruptly, feeling a sudden rush of confidence run through him.
Diluc thought he should also take this opportunity by cooking alongside with Aether. With that new plan in mind, he went out of his study to go to the kitchen but before he leaves the room, he mentally tells himself, “Don’t screw this over, Diluc. I need him to fall for me like I am to him.”