Chapter Text
The growing size of Joel’s horns made them look like two small black mountains. Mr. Puffy the Puffbird thought the space between said mountains was a perfect spot to rest for the morning.
“Why do you have a bird on your head?” Diluc asked, as he put a plate of freshly cooked pancakes in front of the boy before leaving back to the doorframe, grabbing another plate handed by Kaeya.
“You don’t know Mr. Puffy?” The blue-haired man laughed, shaking his head in almost disbelief. “It’s been almost nine months since you moved to the mountain, and you had never seen it?”
Diluc tried to make his memory work. So many things happened after moving to Dragonspine that probably if he had seen a puffbird it had been the lesser of his concerns and his memory decided to just roll with it.
“Maybe I have. I wasn’t aware that we were acquainted with it, though.”
“Mr. Puffy is seriously offended by that.” Joel wasn’t able to say it without chuckling.
“Well, maybe Mr. Puffy should have been kind enough to introduce itself to Diluc.” Aether fueled the conversation even further as he walked into the room with two more plates of pancakes in his hands.
“Don’t blame Mr. Puffy, he’s innocent!” The kid furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head.
“I seriously refuse to be put against a puffbird of all creatures inside this room.” Diluc declares, shaking his head.
Once all the plates were set, Albedo walked into the room and sat next to the rest of the family, between Aether and Kaeya, who glanced at him and shot a bright smile in his direction.
“Let’s try the pancakes, shall we?” Kaeya chuckles. “Since you didn’t want to spoil us what the new secret ingredient is.”
Aether nods, as he cuts a piece of the tower of pancakes on his plate and puts it on his mouth. After chewing and swallowing, he can only muster up something.
“Is this mist flower?”
The alchemist’s confirming hum made Joel gasp and almost run to put a piece of pancake in his mouth, chewing excitedly and laughing loudly.
“It’s true! It’s so cold and weird, but so cool!”
Everyone around the table imitated the kid, including Albedo himself, who was as curious as the rest about the taste of the pancakes. The table subsequently drowned in sounds of astonishment and curiosity upon the cold feeling on their tongues and took bite after bite to ensure the veracity of their experience.
“I can’t even begin to explain how strange the fact that I like this is.” Diluc mutters, taking a sip of his black coffee. Maybe that sentence could refer to many things more than just the cold pancakes, though.
If he had been told just a year ago that he’d be living outside of Mondstadt (not like he could do now anyway, considering it doesn’t exist anymore), he may not be so stoked. But that it’d be with his brother who he had denied for years? That would have gotten him to actually accuse you of being crazy or trying to toy with him. How was he supposed to guess he’d end up living on Dragonspine of all places, him and Adelinde getting their own bedrooms in a giant palace rebuilt by hilichurls and volunteers from all across Teyvat, with ex-fatui agents between them? That he’d have an officially adopted nephew who’s also half artificial dragon, that he’d have two brother-in-laws, or that he’d have the title of Duke of Ragvindr. Yes, his surname is nobiliary once again.
Despite the winery grounds being burned down and having a prospect of not being fertile again until approximately 2 years, the staff that still wanted to work there (and some new recruits from the kingdom that were interested in working with them too) decided to create a new plantation nearby, closer to the mountain. They also salvaged a few family relics from the burned-down manor, which he was more than thankful for.
This led to him doing something he never thought he would do, and called Kaeya one day into the small makeshift office he had in the new winery to split all that was salvaged and what he himself took the day they had to flee from the angered mob. His brother only took two or three things, feeling too guilty to take anything else, but Diluc was content knowing he at least now had something from their father too. They also hung some childhood photos on the walls of the palace, which was funny considering they were the only ones in the entire palace who could. One day, however, Aether jokingly placed a piece of chalk next to a frame in a table and said that was officially “Albedo’s baby picture” now.
Then there was also the whole after-war policies, which had obviously created a tense climate between the old residents of Mondstadt and the kingdom. At first, to soften the hits, they had sent Dainsleif as a representative to try and appease them, but since it seemed of no use they thought it would be a good idea to send Diluc. He had been the Darknight Hero and was probably more trustworthy as a person looking for their best interest than any of them. Needless to say, it was an utter and complete failure. But since he didn’t get thrown tomatoes and potatoes like Dainsleif did, they thought he was still their best choice. Diluc guesses he’s the only one who has thought that maybe they didn’t throw him food because they had run out of it when Dainsleif visited.
They named him head of the Peacemaking and Rehabilitation Jurisdiction. This was one of the five different Jurisdictions the territories of the former Dragonspine Kingdom had established besides the Kings for ruling and administration. The other four were the Military Jurisdiction, Development and Welfare Jurisdiction, Investigation and Research Jurisdiction and External Affairs Jurisdiction. Despite all of them being led either by one of the kings or a close person, it seemed like all the Kingdom trusted in their responsibility and abilities and thought that separating their tasks in such a way, in which they also allowed other residents to take part as well by joining the Jurisdictions as functionaries, was better for global decision-making as well as easing the weight off the rulers’ shoulders.
So there he was now, working on rebuilding both his wine empire and the relationships with Mondstadt’s residents. At least the winery was going well.
It wasn’t like all Mondstadtians were hard to deal with. Most of them, upon having a heart-to-heart conversation, were at least able to understand that the destruction Albedo inflicted upon them was completely unintentional and he tried with all his might to control it (forgiveness wasn’t expected however, given the degree of the situation they were just looking for the civilians to accept this fact), that Kaeya was just trying to prevent the Knights from killing him because he hoped they could peacefully save him instead (given there had been other instances of this, example Dvalin) and that the second destruction of Mondstadt was no real destruction but simply the vanishing of the illusion Venti kept over the city, which prevented them from rebuilding it and truly regaining normality anyway. The idea that Jean and Eula’s deaths were an act of self defense, however, seemed to create a bigger division between the people. Surprisingly, the majority of knights understood this, with the only exceptions being those closer to the dead and some few knights that had never actually experienced the heat of a battle.
The biggest obstacle in this reconciliation, however, was the Church of Favonius. Obviously they weren’t gonna accept so easily the fact that they had killed their god and wanted to destroy everything about him, but the fact that they simply couldn’t coexist with the ideals and system of the Dragonspine Kingdom basically was threatening to disband them, and this couldn’t be accepted. The nuns locked themselves up in the Cathedral and had guarding shifts to prevent any suspicious guest from approaching. Many civilians who were seen in friendly conversation with Dragonspine habitants were denied entry after said sighting, and many times Diluc was forced to leave his messages in paper at least 50 meters away from the building, only to receive no response at all.
In the end, the risk of rebellion was undeniably there. Since they didn’t want to cause more commotion by forcing themselves inside of the Cathedral or making their church illegal in such a drastic manner, they were basically allowing them to use the building as the base for a burning pot of disdain and resentment. Everyone knew that Lisa’s usual visits to the nuns weren’t precisely because she was thinking of joining their sisterhood.
Diluc had never been a good talker, the best way of conversation he knew being his trusty greatsword. So when he was placed as a diplomat in such a complex environment, he could almost hear his head throbbing at all times. He was mature enough to understand, however, that he was probably the only one in the current situation who was able to have an even slighter advantage to calm down the fiery landscape of the relationships between the victors and the defeated.
At least he still had moments like this, with unconventional pancake-testing, playful banter and the warm company of his recently recovered (and expanded) family.
“Do I really have to go to class today? Even with the school being under reparations?” Joel complained, his attention now away from the pancakes. Just like any kid, he disliked school just for the sole fact that he had to be forced to do things he didn’t want to do for six hours, and for the same reason most humans hate any sort of routine.
“The school is being expanded, which means your class is intact.” Albedo chuckled and shook his head. “We’re just making space for the Fatui families’ kids that have recently arrived.”
“Then they don’t have to go to class but I do? That’s so unfair!” The pout in the kid’s face became bigger with each passing second.
“Those kids have just gone through a really long journey that they didn’t even want to make, Joel.” Aether spoke with a soft and empathetic tone, not wanting to sound reprimanding but simply explaining their reality to the child. “You know what people in Snezhnaya did to Teucer’s family for being related to Ajax. Most of those kids come from similar situations, too. I think they deserve some time to rest now that they’re safe, don’t you agree?”
Joel lowered his head, now feeling guilty for his words. He was a thoughtful kid, really understanding and empathetic, but it was still hard for him to get used to the fact that most people in the kingdom usually came running away from harsh realities and painful dangers. He nodded his head and hummed lowly, not saying anything.
“Don’t beat yourself up for that, little dragon.” Kaeya was quick to notice the shift in attitude, and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sure those kids will be more than happy to return to school soon, even more knowing they’ll have someone as kind and understanding as you as their schoolmate.”
“Kaeya’s right.” Diluc nodded, trying his best to be supportive as well despite his hardships. “It’s normal to assume people don’t usually go through such horrible things.”
“The important thing is that you know now, and to keep it in mind for the future.” Aether adds, putting his hand on his other shoulder. His smile was glowing with warmth and love. “And just like all of us, they will bloom again too with company, acceptance and love. That’s how things are done here in Dragonspine.”
The traveler wasn’t just talking about them as a group, but about the whole kingdom. In just seven months after the final battle, their kingdom had settled support groups for former treasure hoarders, Fatui discrimination survivors, people with traumas generated by the battle against Mondstadt, and basically any group that came to the palace requesting scheduled meetings. Since most of the inhabitants of the mountain had the trauma factor in common, being displaced and forced to migrate, they all shared a feeling of understanding even if their experiences were barely related at all. This had also created a society where your background only mattered if you wanted it to, with some former Fatui soldiers still wearing their old uniforms now that they could do so at peace while others even took a foreign name to completely cut ties with Snezhnaya.
The freedom to choose who and what you wanted to be, added to the incredible cultural diversity and inclusion, also led to the opening of a wide variety of businesses and the development of many intercultural relationships in the kingdom. Flora was able to reopen her flower stall with the help of an Akademiya eject that dreamt of pursuing the art of hanakotoba, which an inazuman nobushi was more than glad to teach him. They had two bars and a tavern inside the mountain alone with dancers, bards and performing bands and singers. They even had a few mail deliverers, a knitting club, and a Tea Tasting Society.
With Puffy’s morning chirp, Joel was signaled that it was time for him to get ready for class. He grabbed the now empty plate which used to contain his pancakes as well as his finished glass of bulle fruit juice, and as he made his way to the door a Serpent Knight saw him and silently grabbed the utensils, walking himself to the kitchen. When the mysterious figure left, the kid saw who was standing behind it.
“Dain!” He exclaimed and went to hug the man, who was following the shadowy husk with his eyes.
“I… I wasn’t expecting him to do that.” He sighed and shook his head, hugging Joel back. “Nevermind. How did you sleep, Joel?”
“Really good! But I must hurry now, I’m already late, seeya later?”
“Of course. If you and Teucer want another swordplay lesson, I’ll probably be at the training grounds once you’re out of school.” A small, almost invisible smile tugged at the blond’s lips.
Joel cheered and then left, which finally gave room for Aether to question.
“Was that a Serpent Knight?”
“Yes.” The general of the army nodded, a somber and almost solemn look on his face. “Apparently the combination of the celestial nail, the remains of Abyssal Energy from Barbatos’ corpse and the rebuilding of the ruins have lured a group of a few of them here, as well as some ruin machines.”
“That’s new.” Kaeya whistled. “I’ve never seen any of those black-armored guys before.”
Realizing that probably only Dainsleif and Aether had ever seen a shadowy husk, they both decided to give the table a quick run-down on their identity and current situation. Knowing now their relationship with the general, Diluc spoke.
“I’m assuming you want to take charge of them?”
“That was my intention, yes.” The man nodded, lowering his gaze. “Most of them hold no memories of their identity, but still keep their desire to protect Khaenri’ah’s people. They have been guarding the hilichurl village in the mountain and walking around the palace’s perimeter. I don’t believe they’ll pose a threat at all.”
“Protecting their people as their primal instinct…” Albedo hums and nods. “I guess it’s not so dangerous to allow such noble souls to roam freely around the kingdom. We’ll have to issue a notice of their existence to avoid alarms, though.”
“Maybe mentioning it in tomorrow’s meeting will be a good idea.” Kaeya points out. “We were already going to introduce the Abyss’ Baptist that said they wanted to come live with us, so why not add our Serpent friends to the list too?”
“I’ll tell Adelinde about it, then.” Dainsleif looked around, estranged. “Where is she? I thought she usually had breakfast with you all.”
“Ah, she’s taking care of Granny Ulma.” Diluc shook his head. “Her granddaughter was the doctor from Fontaine that facilitated us the blood for her transfusions back when she needed them after the war, so now that she’s sick she wanted to stay with her as a way of showing thanks.”
“I see. Kind and caring, as always.” Another almost invisible smile tugged at the man’s lips. A smirk formed on Aether’s lips when he luckily noticed it. “Well then, I’ll go find her. Sorry for not being able to stay any longer, the recent recruits are too soft and need me to guide their training. Can’t risk Ajax giving them any of his ideas.”
“That’s way beyond understandable.” Kaeya laughs. “Go ahead, we’ll see you tomorrow at the meeting.”
The knight bowed and left hurriedly, and so the remaining four adults finished their breakfasts and then left to their daily duties. Aether went to the nearest waypoint, leaving for Sumeru where he had to run today’s commissions. Albedo, as always, made his way to his expanded lab in Starglow Cavern where Sucrose and Timaeus were already waiting for him. And while Kaeya went to his office to sort through any mail and revised his schedule for any meetings with information providers, Diluc got ready to try his luck at peacemaking with Mondstadt’s people once again.
That day was, just like they had all been for months after the battle, another normal day in Dragonspine. One of the last normal days for a really long time.