Chapter Text
The morning came to light and wake up the young owner of the winery, his red hair shone due to the light, he wanted to continue enjoying the comfort of his bed...
It was time.
She stood up to stretch and adjust his white shirt, took his red hair in her hands to make a ponytail and then turned to the mirror in front of him.
Anyone who saw him would say that he is a handsome young man, but according to him, he was just a man with bitterness and low self-esteem.
Diluc's thoughts were in a dilemma as he looked at his appearance and put on his big black jacket that he always carried with him, even if it was in the middle of summer: He has nothing but wounds and scars on his skin that he doesn't need to show.
- "Well, that doesn't matter now."
He grabbed his things to start his day: he had a trip to organize.
The first thing was to find Charles to promise him a good salary upon his return, arrange with Jean for his early departure, ignore Kaeya's complaints and prepare his luggage.
The popularity of his vineyard is growing every day, so lately people have come from all over, including a businessman, who offered to sell his wine and buy the export to serve it in his restaurant.
In his mind he already had an answer: "No, thank you."
No sooner said than done.
He was really determined that it should be so, but the man named Arouet was very kind and chivalrous, despite the rejection. He offered a complete trip with a stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in Fontaine: the "Hotel Devord". Diluc has vague memories of Fontaine, but he cannot deny the majesty of its structures and their beauty. With the aim of demonstrating the quality of his establishment and what a good investment it would be to sell the wine, in addition to agreeing and signing contracts.
"Well... I might consider it."
Not because he really wants to go, but because he would like to come back and take it as a little vacation.
-Charles
Moving calmly, he stood in front of the employee who was washing the glasses behind the counter.
- Master Diluc! Good morning, I'm just opening the tavern. What is the reason for your visit so early? Did I have the wrong day and didn't I have to open the tavern today?
Diluc shook his head calmly - No Charles, you do a good job, I just wanted to let you know that I will have a business trip, so you will take charge of the tavern for a while, along with the rest of the employees.
- Oh sir, where are you going?
- Business, I'm seeing if I should export our wine to the city of water.
- Oh! That is new! In that case, count on us for that job.
- Thanks Charles, if Kaeya ever asks about me... Just tell him I won't be back for 1 month.
- Yes Yes what?!
The door closed behind him.
His walk continued towards Favonius's knights. Luckily, he met Jean on the way.
- Teacher Jean, it's good to see you here.
- Master Diluc, good morning, to what do I owe this meeting? - She asked with the smile that always characterizes her.
-I must tell you that tomorrow I will leave for Fontaine, I need to formalize some contracts for the sale of drinks from my vineyard.
Jean's expression turned surprised after hearing that, and after analyzing his words a little, he simply nodded.
- Oh I understand well. I will ask you to accompany me to the men's headquarters to complete the necessary paperwork in case of control and security that you will surely find there.
Finishing the quiet talk and ordering of the documents. The second was done
And he wished not to encounter the third
- Diluc!
Luckily or unfortunately, he ran into Kaeya when she was on her way to the front door.
- How come you're going to Fontaine? Why am I the last to know? - With quick steps, the brunette was right in front of Diluc demanding answers.
- ...I should have assumed that Charles would tell you as soon as I left. Or maybe you fell asleep inside the bar. - "Drunk, obviously" - In any case, I'm not obligated to tell you anything, so-
- How not? And why not?-
- Also, if you really want to ask, first answer my previous questions: Why do you always go to the snow mountains alone? Why does it take you so long to return? What are the important issues you have with Albedo?
-...!?
He saw how the minor lowered his gaze and paled at the question.
- That's what I thought, don't be so inquisitive when you're not able to answer. Besides, it's just a business matter, you can ask more details for Charles, don't worry; I'll be fine.
The redhead only heard a sigh of resignation and how the other turned to his side to allow him to continue on his way.
- Just take care of yourself and don't get involved in a national confrontation, please.
He just nodded disdainfully.
"Kaeya and him really didn't get along badly, although they weren't the brothers of the year. However, lately their relationship as such is much better than before, at least I think so, at this rate I could start calling him bro-
- That's right Diluc! please try yo give me a sister-in-law soon! I need someone to understand you and then explain it to me!
"You know what? I'll withdraw the idea."
- BURN!
And the rest is history
~ Arriving at your destination, whose journey had delays. (He would later apologize to Jean for the burned floor) he set off for the mansion on his hours.
-"Someone who understands it?"
It had to be difficult, plus he didn't need anything, nor anyone in his life.
"What's the point? Falling in love so that little by little you lose your being and let your hormones control you because of the love you supposedly feel for someone? No thanks."
"Just the idea bothers him too much."
His horse was at the main exit of Monsdtad ready to take him to his mansion, he greeted Klee and Jean who were waiting to say goodbye, to finally go to his home.
It's not that he had much luggage, but he had to put everything related to the tavern and the general maintenance of the mansion and Angel's Share in order.
The day flies by, until the moon arrives
At night, Diluc left his shirt on again, having everything prepared for tomorrow.
He looked at the trunk of clothes to see his red outfit from earlier, considering taking it on his trip, although in the end it ended up being stored in one of his drawers.
Why?
It is simply because it is an old outfit, and perhaps it is known in that country.
As he lay down, he felt the comfort in his body and preparing him for a good sleep. Maybe his dreams weren't pretty, but it's not like he could control that.
Just as his eyelids drooped, one last train of thought filtered through his mind.
- "I don't need anyone... Right?"
He didn't know it, but someone else had that same thought that night.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The morning he was present to illuminate the entire vineyard of dawn again.
This time, before the sun had fully risen, the young owner of the place was already awake.
-Good morning young Diluc-Adeline was present while she watched the teacher load his things into the carriage that would take him on such a long trip-Do you really want to leave without saying goodbye to me?
The redhead just blinked in surprise, although she expected it from her clever housekeeper. "Let's just say I knew you would find me."
- I'm very glad that you know me too well.
He could hear Adeline approaching while his back was still turned.
- Adeline, I-
When he turned around and without seeing him coming, an arm surrounded him in a hug.
- Take care, oh my little phoenix.
He felt a very strong feeling of comfort in his chest, and although he wanted to return the hug, he only placed a hand on his back.
- I will do that.
Without further ado, the carriage moved forward along the dirt road. As he closed the door and with one last look at Adeline, he let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. There, sometimes she made him feel that part of maternal affection that he never got to know.
He couldn't be more grateful for that.
When he realized it, his journey began to Fontaine City.
~~~~~~~~~
The trip was not smooth, of course not.
Diluc had to fight throughout the trip against all types of enemies, from those he already knew to the most incredible.
Some in particular made his life impossible with so many attempted robberies or interrogations, it was obvious that he did not give in on any occasion, regardless of whether they outnumbered him or outnumbered him.
Variety was a theme:
The slimes were fun for him.
Treasure thieves ended up on the ground or on the run.
The Fatuis were the golden test for Diluc:
At first they just wanted to steal or disturb. Fortunately for them, he had no need to kill out of anger, that part of his life was already behind him. He may have knocked everyone unconscious but he made sure no one died.
Mondstad was his homeland, so he had no problem knocking down anyone who crossed his path, and it was only a matter of time before he reached the other nation.
Liyue was calm but with many enemies, especially the Geo element ones because they endured too much.
Maybe he had to bypass some monsters, like the pyro enemies, which he couldn't beat.
In Sumeru, although he was amazed by so much fauna and flora, he was forced to leave his transport in a warehouse to return later, having to hire a travel service because the desert was too dangerous. At least that's what people said.
He was escorted by people who belonged to the group "The corps of thirty." While Diluc did not doubt his ability to defend himself against it, he must admit that he does not remember much about how to navigate these deserts.
The last time he crossed the deserts he remembers that he did everything to follow his path, especially snatching resources from those who would try to attack him and move with their pack animals.
Well, details.
After generously paying Sumeru's escorts, he spent 3 days and here he is now, traveling in one of the most advanced ships he has seen so far to reach the Fontaine entrance.
This was what he wanted, or he remembered, the majesty of Fontaine and its border.
Although there was something that kept him uneasy.
He was not the only one who used the boat, there were also people from the city who were traveling back and they kept looking at him, both out of the corner of their eye and directly.
He was forced to ignore it in the hope that they would stop and unfortunately, since he arrived at the port he felt eyes on him.
This time he will give benefit to the doubt and believe that foreigners are not so common, that's why he is drawing attention...
" Great..."
He was supposed to meet Arouet in the center of Fontaine to take him to the hotel and then start formalizing the contracts, but he said that he didn't want to rush or pressure, so he will take the floor.
Fontaine's guard were kind but serious in controlling, well; "Good job"
While he went up the elevator he searched his memories of what this place was like. However, when he opened the door, he didn't have to ask anything: The place was advanced and the views were incredible, allowing one to see to the farthest horizon.
....
- Melusine...
He couldn't help but feel confused by such a cute and strange creature, she turned out to be very talkative but not enough to bother him while he was traveling on the ship.
- Yes sir and don't forget that we are the most qualified for all types of work! Anything you need, want or just-
Well, he already understood it.
////////////////////////////
He knew that Fontaine had moved on since the last time he passed through town and yet he never stopped surprising him.
The structures were characterized by height, the people were formal and extravagant, formality and class were present in every corner.
It was overwhelming but charming.
Speaking of charming: During the whole walk he felt the eyes on him, maybe his shirt was transparent and he didn't notice him? During his trip in the desert, the heat forced him to take off his jacket and put it in his suitcase, he had forgotten to put it on when he arrived at the sea.
-"Ignore them... We're fine" he allowed himself relief to continue walking until he reached a large statue and a giant building that was probably the Archon's or some leader's.
- Excuse me!
A group of guards approached him with weapons in their arms.
That didn't look good.
- What's happening?
- Sir, I am afraid that it is not correct to walk around carrying weapons in the street and disturb the tranquility of the citizens.
- "Now I understand why the stares, I got so distracted admiring the views that I forgot to take my claymore away" I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I'm not aware of all the rules or laws-
- Please allow me your documents.
-...-he didn't need to say anything, he sensed that he was about to pass.
- These documents do not have the necessary stamps... Please come with us.
He knew that since the news of the Archon and the flood, she would be absent until her recovery, her citizens had to take care of themselves and would surely be alert.
But he didn't want to deal with this now.
- I have presented my papers at the entrance and no error was found, what really is the problem?
- They are supposed to have a seal certifying their stay, which I cannot find on this sheet.
He allowed a sigh to escape. “Fine… But at least let me leave my co-
- Arrest that person!
Welcome.
He knew it was just a misunderstanding, so with a twist of his hands the claymor disappeared and he stuffed the vision of it into his pocket. He didn't need that pair to neutralize his opponents until the situation was clarified, nor did he need to look around him to know that he was being surrounded by weapons to make him kneel and surrender.
- I apologize, seriously.
Diluc grabbed a spear, pulled it towards his arm to take the weapon from the soldier and used the blunt edge to hit his chin.
The man fell to the ground and made another try to push him with a gun in his arm, the redhead dodged him instantly and hit him in the back of the head with her elbow.
The rest immediately retreated, trying to line up to corner him.
Diluc wouldn't allow that.
He began to run to surprise the young man, who when he did not react was knocked down with a push against some flowers.
- "Just One More"
One actually tried to hurt him from behind him while he had braked a little after pushing the child. Diluc ducked just in time before his eyes flashed from the blade that passed through his head.
He grabbed the last man's arm to remove the weapon and raised one leg to hit him with a kick that completely spun both him and the man into the air.
Diluc was left in the center of the guards lying on the ground and recovering, when he felt his hair blur his vision, his red mane had come loose in the fight.
With his eyes he tried to find his league, that was the moment where he could see how all the people were looking at him, both stupefied and surprised. He could feel the discomfort inside him about the situation, so he just deigned to pack his things with annoyance and leave for your stay at once.
- I'm afraid I must insist that you accompany me, sir.
To the young man's amazement, this time he felt that he caught the attention of someone who shouldn't have just by hearing his voice.