Chapter Text
"Dainsleif, what do you think of the people here? In Mondstadt, I mean." The bluenette asked, seated on a chair under the dim light of the night.
"They are nothing but mere subjects, blindly devoted to their so-called Archon," Dainsleif replied, his tone cold and dismissive. "You need not concern yourself with something so trivial, Your Highness. They will perish soon enough, after all."
Kaeya’s grip tightened around the paper in his hands—the letter sent by his biological father, the King of Khaenri’ah. He was alive. All this time, he had survived. The realization weighed heavily on Kaeya’s mind.
Dainsleif stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Kaeya’s shoulder. "His Majesty knows what he’s doing. Or… are you troubled by the fact that they’re still alive?" he asked, kneeling in front of Kaeya.
Kaeya nodded silently, his head hanging low as waves of conflicting emotions coursed through him—anger, sadness, guilt, and something else he couldn’t quite place.
"You’ve come this far, Your Highness," Dainsleif murmured, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "I’m proud of you." He took Kaeya’s right hand and pressed a kiss to it, his lips lingering for a moment.
A calloused hand brushed through Kaeya’s hair, sweeping his bangs aside to clear his view. Dainsleif’s gaze locked onto his—a single, glistening tear traced its path down Kaeya’s cheek, landing softly on his hand. His star-shaped pupil contracted, and in the faint light, his sky-colored eye shimmered like a fragile fragment of glass.
"Don't forget what they’ve done Your Highness, they turned you into their puppet, forcing you to play the role of protector. They used you as nothing more than a tool—a machine," he glanced at Kaeya out of the corner of his eye, his words cutting like a blade.
"That's enough, Dain," Kaeya interrupted. "I— I just… I don’t know how to process all of this information at once." He sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his thoughts. "So many questions are lingering on my mind." Letting go of the paper, he placed it on the table beside him.
"I’m a citizen of Mondstadt," Kaeya began. "Moreover, the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. I’ve spent my whole life here, despite all the tragedy." He lifted his head, meeting Dainsleif’s gaze with uncertainty etched across his face. "Tell me, Dain," he asked softly, "am I still worthy of being Khaenri’ah’s Prince?" his voice fell quiet at the last word.
"If Your Highness thinks you’re not deserving of such a title, it will certainly create havoc in the palace." Dainsleif chuckled uncharacteristically at his own statement, though Kaeya didn’t find it amusing in the slightest.
"I wonder, when did the Royal Guard lose his sense of humor?" Kaeya remarked, a faint, almost imperceptible pout forming on his face. "Nothing’s worth a laugh, I reckon." He rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t deny that Dainsleif’s rare attempt at humor had lightened the room, if only a little.
"I thought we were finally having a serious moment to talk about this." Kaeya placed his hands on the table and rested his head down, disappointment painted on his face. Dainsleif, on the other hand, found this adorable. The youngest Prince of Khaenri'ah had this side to him as well.
"I suggest we do as His Majesty ordered, then we shall get to the discussion." Dainsleif unconsciously brushed Kaeya's hair. "Your idea is as bad as leaving Klee alone with the Knights explosive stash." Kaeya raised his head, staring at Dainsleif with a mocking grin.
Well, that certainly earned him a hit to the back of his head. "Ack—" Kaeya winced dramatically. "You’ll be punished severely for attempting murder against this Prince, you know?" Dainsleif’s expression stayed flat.
"We’ll go in two weeks from now," he replied. Kaeya’s eyes widened. "W-wait, isn’t that too soon? I can’t just leave Mondstadt whenever I want. Do you think they won’t be suspicious of me?" Kaeya explained.
"This is why it’s postponed until two weeks later, Your Highness. Your father has thought things through beforehand." The atmosphere grew heavy once again. "He’s letting you say goodbye, as he knows how you would feel." Kaeya sulked.
"What’s the point of saying goodbye when they’ll vanish at the end of the war?" Dainsleif raised an eyebrow at that. "Did I say they were going to perish soon? My mistake, Your Highness." Kaeya really wanted to throw this guy out of the window. Respect your elders, they say.
"You mean they won’t die?" Kaeya’s eye glimmered with hope. "Indeed, no. His Majesty doesn’t plan to take the innocents for things they did not commit." Kaeya stayed silent for a moment, as if thinking.
"Tomorrow. I’ll start preparing for the departure tomorrow." he finally agreed.
•°.✯.°•
What a wonderful day to retire in Mondstadt, the sun shining ever so brightly, the wind blowing soft to the touch, and it's green grass looking as fresh as new. Kaeya is walking through Mondstadt in a casual, comfy clothing, not his usual charming knight attire that attract eyes wherever he goes.
In hand, is his resignation letter. He'll have to take care so much more, and working as the Cavalry Captain sure is tight. He wouldn't have time to get ready for the so called visit Dainsleif mentioned. Visiting the Abyss, the Fatui, and most of all visiting his family Archon knows where.
"Captain Kaeya! You look different today. What's the occasion?" Noelle asked, Kaeya's trust-able ally. She glance at him up and down, because it seemed weird that Kaeya's not in his usual flashy clothing.
"Hello there Noelle, I'm afraid it is not a happy announcement. We shall discourse this after I comply with the Acting Grandmaster." He sighed a little. "Very well, I trust it is nothing threatening." As Kaeya made his way to Jean's office, Noelle turned back, her eyes tinged with worry.
"Good morning Grandmaster, today's weather is lovely isn't it?" Kaeya stepped inside the office, greeted by Jean who's staring out the window. She turned and smile when she saw him. "What brought you here this fine morning Captain Kaeya?" She asked, heels clattering finding her way back to her chair.
"Well, I can't say this will be a pleasant surprise." Kaeya handed the letter to her, Jean furrowed her eyebrows. She opened the letter, finding a paper inside. "Resignation..?" She looked at Kaeya in confusion. "It is as you can see, I'm resigning." Jean read the rest of the paper, Kaeya already signed it as well.
"Why? No- is there any reason for this sudden meteorite you're dumping on me?" Kaeya tilt his head to the side. "I'm moving out of Mondstadt." Her eyes widened at the bomb Kaeya dropped. "Did something happen with Diluc that I am not aware of? Or maybe, are you unsatisfied in Mondstadt?" Jean looks agitated.
Kaeya shook his head in disapproval, "It doesn't have anything to do with Diluc, nor Mondstadt." His eye fell to the window, looking at the sight outside. "Everyone's great, and so is everything about Mondstadt." Kaeya explained.
"Then.. why moving out so suddenly?" Kaeya on the other hand feels tense, he did thought of the reason beforehand. As ridiculous as it may sound, it is the only logic explanation that will get him out of here without suspicion.
"I'm planning to start a new life with my lover." Bewilderment spread across Jean's face, she's not sure how to process the unexpected news. "When did you..?" She asked, her curiosity evident. "We met a few months ago, thanks to a certain blonde traveler. Things have gone well, and we're even planning on engagement soon."
Jean doesn't know how to respond to that, she's happy that Kaeya has found a person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. But, on the other hand, she's slightly down. Kaeya is her best friend, and moreover they grew up together alongside each other.
"Is there a reason she wanted you to move out instead of coming to stay in Mondstadt with you?" Kaeya jolted at her words. "Jean.. It's a he, not a she." He nervously scratch the back of his neck. Jean reddened at Kaeya's correction, she quickly cleared her throat.
"How embarrassing.. Pardon my assumption Kaeya." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "It's alright, you didn't know." Kaeya chuckled. "He's from Snezhnaya, and his family is from there as well. He wanted to introduce me to his family, it’s a big step to move in with him. But, he encouraged and reassured me, so I think I've already made him wait long enough."
Hearing that, Jean felt a sense of awe for her best friend. Kaeya seemed genuinely happy with his decision, who is she meddling into his business like this. She felt bad for asking so many questions now. "When will you depart?" Kaeya give his usual smile, "two weeks from today."
"You won't mind if I come along to bid farewell do you? Maybe seeing the person who managed to win over our Cavalry Captain." She teased. "No worries you may come, he's especially friendly with new faces." Kaeya glance down at Jean.
"I'll make sure to visit you guys." He waved at Jean, then walks out of the door. Her shoulder immediately fell, she sighed heavily still looking at the paper in her hand. A sudden knock echoed at the door, "Jean dear, may I come in?" the soft sultry voice of the librarian asking from outside.
"Come in Lisa." She answered, Lisa saw the puzzled look on her face, the lump shoulders, and sitting posture tell her that something had happened. "Is something bothering you? I sense the taste of something sour." She took a sit on the sofa in the room. "Nothing too troubling. Lisa, would you mind accompanying me to Angel's Share this evening?" She's startled by the offer, "I wouldn't dare turning down an offer by the Grandmaster herself." She smiled satisfied.
•°.✯.°•
Diluc Ragnvindr despite the complicated relationship he had with Kaeya Alberich, found himself constantly watching the man whenever he came for a glass of wine. The man who fit in with the drunkards in search for information, Diluc can't deny that Kaeya is the embodiment of manipulation itself.
Tonight, Diluc is bartending at Angel's Share. Unfortunately for him, his shift coincided with Kaeya’s after-work hours—a situation he thoroughly despised. The door bell rang as he wipe the wine glass, unexpected guests making their way to sit right in front of the bar.
"One dandelion wine please Master Diluc." Jean requested with a tired look across her face. "I'll do one apple cider please." Lisa followed, "two sunsettia juice for the traveler and his amazing companion Paimon!" She cheered. Diluc look at the odd combination of people, he understand if it's the traveler. But Jean and Lisa? Those two are not a big fan of taverns, moreover he don't think there's a special event going on today. If Jean's eye bags couldn't be much of a proof.
"What's the occasion?" He asked, while pouring each of their order into a glass. Before Jean could answer a slam from the door startled everyone, Amber was panting with hands on her knees supporting her upper body. She look up and smiled when she saw Jean.
"Grandmaster!" She beamed. Amber took a sit beside the traveler as she catch her breath, "un- believable. Did- did you know," Jean looks at the teenager concerned. "Slow down, I have all the time tonight." She reassured Amber. Diluc served everyone's drink, and placed another Sunsettia juice in front of Amber.
Amber chugged down half the juice after calming down, everyone wait for the teenager to start speaking again. Instead the traveler goes first, "has anyone seen Captain Kaeya? I was trying to find him around the city today, but he wasn't anywhere." Paimon nodded in agreement, sipping her juice messily.
Amber's face light up, "what a coincidence, I'm also looking for him. But I can't find him everywhere in Mond, I even asked the knights but they said they haven't see him as well." Lisa and Diluc perked up at that, "strange, Jean hasn't sign Kaeya up for any mission outside of town as far as I know." Lisa said.
"Kaeya's fine, we had a conversation this morning." Jean cleared up. Diluc raised an eyebrow at her. "To be specific, Kaeya is no longer a member of the Knights of Favonius." She explained. Amber gagged, Paimon choked, the traveler gasped, Lisa's eyes widened, and Diluc almost dropped the glass he's holding.
"Whyyy?!?!" Paimon yelled. "So suddenly? Did something happen?" Lisa looked worried, her tone slightly lower than usual. "That's so unlike him! No way this is real!" Amber denied. Diluc on the other hand is silent, thinking of the possibilities. "There is an explanation, calm down." Jean sighed.
"Paimon can't believe he ditched us without telling!" The traveler somewhat agreeing with her, "Kaeya resigned for personal reasons. I did talk it out with him, and hearing his reasons I can't help but let him go. Apparently, he's moving out of Mond as well." A simultaneous shouts emerge from everyone around Jean, "What?!?!". Even Diluc and Lisa who always manage to keep their composure.
Various questions were aimed at Jean, yelling, and chaos ensues eventually.
"Where is he moving to?!?!!" Paimon screamed.
"He won't die out there would he!?" Followed by Amber.
"Why move out so suddenly?" Diluc ask, enraged.
"Maybe I shouldn't have been too harsh on him a few days prior." A worried Lisa state.
"What's his reason for moving out?" the traveler ask, having the same question as Diluc.
"This is why I hesitated to speak about this." Jean facepalm. "Don't freak out." She inhale before continuing, "Kaeya said he met someone through the traveler. And he kept in touch with that person, apparently they're in a relationship now and is planning on getting engaged." No one said anything, they're too stunned to speak knowing the fact that Kaeya has a lover and is about to get engaged.
"Who?! Paimon remembers every single person we met along our journey! What's her name?!" The unpatient little creature can't seem to hold back as she sounds excited. Diluc looks calm despite the news. He does feel somewhat disturbed that Kaeya's moving out, but knowing he found someone, Diluc sort of feels better. Not that he cares about what's going on with Kaeya.
"My, what wonderful news. Turns out we were worried for nothing, I'm glad he found the right person. May we know who the lucky lady is?" Lisa ask, looking curious. "Yeah, where is she from?" Amber beamed, the traveler nodded agreeing with them. Jean giggled at the assumptions, this must be how Kaeya felt when she asked the same thing.
"It's a man, he's from Snezhnaya." Silence erupted once again, Diluc looks livid eyes glaring open. Amber and Lisa broke, Paimon brought her hand up her chin, trying to recall the person. The traveler stunned in place. Diluc's eyes seemed like it will bulge out anytime, he's furious at the fact that Kaeya's lover came from the land of the Fatui.
"Ah! Paimon remember! It's Childe, the red head Harbinger!" The traveler shut Paimon's mouth and hold her in place, which is a good thing because everyone looks upset after hearing her. "Tavern's closed, everyone out." Diluc ordered. After the customers left, they all sit quietly. The traveler finally letting go of Paimon, "uh.. did Paimon say something wrong?" She asked, flying around looking at their faces.
"Not just a Fatuus, but a Harbinger you said?" The look in Diluc's eyes made Paimon shiver, that she hide behind the traveler. "As far as I know, despite his status of a Harbinger. Childe is a genuinely nice person, he helped us through our journey. Moreover he's a family guy, he's close with his family." The traveler explained. "Yeah! He's a good guy, and he owns a Toy Factory too!" Paimon add, still behind the traveler.
"It's quite concerning knowing Kaeya is dating a Harbinger. But, your explanation of him seemed positive." She said, sipping her apple cider. "Doesn't matter, a Harbinger is dangerous in their nature. Those wretched vermin might have brainwashed him." Diluc scoffed. "I shouldn't have approve his resignation letter. I didn't think it could be a Harbinger in the first place." Jean looks troubled and frustrated.
Amber is still silent, her eyes wandering on each of them quietly. "But, what if sir Kaeya has already thought of the possibilities?" Fingers fidgeting. Everyone turn to look at the outrider. "What do you mean Amber?" Jean asked. "What if sir Kaeya know that he is a Harbinger, how much of a threat he is but still chose to continue their relationship. He knows that people will view him differently once they learned of Childe's actual reputation, but what if he can't help it?" Her eyes filled with worry.
"It probably took a lot of courage to move in with Childe. I'm sure he's been keeping this a secret because he's afraid of our reaction, just like now. What if he's genuinely happy with him?" That made everyone quiet suddenly. They didn't think of the possibilities, nor how Kaeya would've thought. How disappointed he must be if he knew they were thinking nonsense.
"I.. didn't thought that far." Jean raise her head. "Like they say, we never saw it coming, but the best things in life often arrive unannounced." She chimed in, "I suppose this might be for the best, we shall respect his private life." Lisa smiled. Diluc has calmed down, but he's still feeling uneasy somewhat. "Then we should give him a celebration before he go!" Paimon suggested
•°.✯.°•