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Diluc’s days always begin largely the same. After he crawls into bed depressingly close to dawn, Adelinde will pull back the curtains as soon as the sun breaks over the horizon. Diluc glares at her from underneath his blankets, but she’s long since become immune to his attitude.
“Good morning, Master Diluc,” she says. “Breakfast will be served soon. I will run through your schedule after you eat, but Elzer has requested a moment of your time before you leave the manor.”
Diluc grumbles incoherently.
“I’ll let him know you’ll be over in about an hour.” With that said, Adelinde excuses herself.
Diluc sits up with a groan. His muscles are sore and heavy after a long night of patrol. The Abyss Order has been getting increasingly bolder lately. Their attacks focus on the city itself, but Diluc has been able to intercept them before they can step foot within the fortified walls.
His clothes are laid out for him, laundered and mended. The coat is styled similarly to his usual one, but longer and thicker as winter settles into the mountains. As much as he wants to plop back into bed, Diluc pushes himself onto his feet. He didn’t return to Mondstadt to take it easy, after all.
Once dressed, Diluc descends the manor’s main staircase, greeting the morning staff as they wave. He takes his spot at the head of the table and starts on breakfast, wincing as his shoulder gives a twinge. An Abyss mage got too close for comfort, landing a Hydro bullet that left behind an impressive welt. It’s nothing to cry over, but Diluc is going to have a hell of a time signing papers later.
Adelinde appears as he eats, listing through his scheduled meetings and hinting at intelligence updates that Diluc mentally notes to follow up on later. It’s already shaping up to be a busy day, which means there’s no time to lose.
“Morning, Diluc,” Elzer calls as Diluc wanders into his office. “You look awful.”
Diluc rubs his forehead. “Adelinde says you wish to run something by me?”
“Yes. We’ve finalized the new trade route to Inazuma. We’re just waiting for your approval or any concerns you might have. After all, it’s been a—”
Diluc grabs the papers from Elzer’s hands and signs his name at the bottom.
Elzer sighs. “You could’ve at least pretended to read it.”
“You’ve been running business operations for a long time now,” Diluc says. “I trust you.”
Elzer smiles. “Well… I suppose you have bigger things going on right now. I swear to Barbatos that I’ll keep working up to your expectations, then.”
Diluc nods, though the mention of Barbatos makes him wonder what a certain bard would think about such complicated business proposals.
“By the way,” Elzer says, tone shifting in a way that signals Diluc isn’t going to like what comes next, “while I have you here, there are a few more papers that could use your signature.”
Diluc blanches as Elzer gestures to an absolute mountain of paper. His injured shoulder twitches. “I just remembered,” he turns away quickly, “I promised Charles I would take the morning shift at the tavern.”
Elzer snorts. “Right, right. I’ll be sure to save these for you, then.”
Diluc can’t get out of the manor fast enough. Pulling on his gloves, his day’s plans reshape until he can justify hiding in the Angel’s Share for a couple hours. He pushes open the front door, already dreaming of freedom, when he stops short and blinks.
“Um,” Diluc looks around, “can I… help you?”
Razor stands at his doorstep. He looks uncomfortable and antsy, wringing his hands and gaze darting around the manor. Diluc glances over his shoulder and calls, “Adelinde? Would you happen to know why there’s a teenager on my porch? Again?”
Adelinde shakes her head and hastens forward. “No, but it’s always a pleasure to host some guests! Invite him inside. There’s still lots of food.”
Diluc sighs. “Well, Razor,” he says, “would you like to come in?”
Razor fidgets, but his stomach growls. Face reddening, Razor nods.
It’s not the first time that Diluc has had Razor in his house. Though he’s far more comfortable outside, he’s still a child who needs shelter and care. Whether it’s patching up his clothes, wrangling him into a bath, or nursing a cold, the staff of Dawn Winery has grown accustomed to Razor’s presence.
At least Razor’s table manners have come a considerable way since they first met. He all but attacks the pile of pancakes before him, but he’s using a fork. Diluc sips on some grape juice and ignores Elzer’s amused looks.
“So,” Diluc starts as soon as Razor has finished his plate, “was there another reason why you came today?”
Razor deflates. “Need to write letter. Can’t.”
Diluc relaxes. “Is that all?” Razor still looks horribly embarrassed so Diluc nods and stands. “I’ll get some paper and a pen. I’m heading into the city later so I can even deliver it if you like.”
Razor lights up. He smiles up at Diluc with stars in his eyes. “Thank you, Weird Guy!”
Diluc sighs. “You’ve been hanging out with Klee again, haven’t you?”
“Sorry, Diluc.”
“Never mind. Who is the letter for?”
“Venti.”
Diluc raises an eyebrow. “Venti? Why? I didn’t know you were acquainted.”
“Acquai…?” Razor frowns in confusion.
“Er,” Diluc backtracks, “I didn’t know you knew Venti.”
“Oh. Bennett write poem last time. This time, I write.”
Diluc fills in the blanks. “I see. So the bard is teaching another poetry class and you got roped into it, huh? This might be a little harder than I thought. I’m not exactly known for my rhymes or limericks.”
“Limer…?”
“Forget it. Let’s see what we can do.”
It takes a while for them to create something that somewhat resembles a poem. Diluc’s not very creative, but Razor’s unique perspective makes up for it. Adelinde watches them work with a fond smile, bringing more grape juice and cookies. Diluc munches thoughtlessly as he writes. Crumbs fall from Razor’s mouth as he tries to explain his thoughts.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Diluc says mid-bite.
Razor smiles. “Sorry.”
“It’s finished. If Venti has anything bad to say about it, tell him to find me.” Diluc crosses his arms. “Oh. Did you want me to deliver it instead?”
Razor shakes his head. “Show Bennett first,” he says, picking up the paper and looking at it proudly.
Diluc grins. “Right. Okay, then.”
“Wait!” Razor digs in his pockets and then drops several wolfhooks into Diluc’s hand. “For you.”
“Um. Thanks.”
Diluc sees Razor out, waving off his gratitude. Adelinde sends Razor off with more food, always fussing over his diet. “Take care,” Diluc says. “Come back if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Weird Guy!”
“And please stop calling me that.”
Once Razor is gone, Diluc drops the wolfhooks into a small bag and then puts his plan into action once again. He wonders if Charles and he could mix them into a new drink. “Okay, I’m heading to the city. I’ll be back late, so don’t delay dinner for yourselves.”
“Have a good day, Master Diluc,” Adelinde says. “Try not to rip this coat, too, okay?”
“I’ll do my best.”
The sun is high in the sky by the time Diluc starts his commute, but the temperature is still dropping. He should really arrange for his tailor to make Razor a proper jacket for the winter. His own jacket and scarf were made by his tailor, and he can go an entire night without a single chill. Perhaps Diluc could frame it as a birthday present.
Diluc passes the abandoned fruit stands in the ravine, noting the absence of hilichurls. They’re usually rummaging around in the debris, but today is clear. It seems someone has already been through here. He doubts it was the knights. They never bothered before so it’s unlikely they suddenly had a change of plans now.
“Help!”
Diluc freezes. He strains his ears until he hears the call again. It’s coming from the mouth of the ravine, in the forests between here and Springvale. He charges ahead, summoning his claymore to his hand and Vision glinting. If it’s another Abyss Order attack, he might be in trouble. His wounds haven’t healed, and he’s only running on a couple hours of sleep.
But when he gets to the clearing, he finds a simple group of treasure hoarders around a campfire. Behind them, in a wooden cage, stands Bennett.
Of course, Diluc thinks. This kid is a magnet for absurd situations.
“Stop shouting kid,” one of the treasure hoarders yells at Bennett. “There aren’t any knights that patrol this area so you’re out of luck.”
Bennett groans. “You have no idea.”
Diluc steps out of the brush. “The knights should be the least of your worries,” he growls, embers sparking out of his claymore. Flames soar overhead and the treasure hoarders scramble out of his phoenix’s path, shouting in surprise and fear.
“Mister Diluc!” Bennett cheers. “Man, am I glad to see you!”
Diluc ensures that the treasure hoarders won’t be returning before turning and resting his claymore on his shoulder. “Bennett,” he glares, “how many times am I going to have to tell you to keep out of trouble?”
Bennett laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his head. “Ah, well, you know how it is! I was following a lead about treasure when I accidentally, uh, ran into some treasure hoarders. They threw me in here and talked about ransom. You should’ve heard some of the prices they were thinking about. I doubt I’m worth anything near that.”
Diluc scowls. “You can’t put a price on life. It’s insulting that they thought any amount of mora would equate to your value.”
Bennett beams. “You’re always so nice, Mister Diluc. I really owe you this time.”
Diluc sighs. “All I ask is that you watch where you step. Well,” he touches his chin, “and that you find Razor. He has something he wants to show you.”
“Really?” Bennett grabs onto the bars. “Do you know where he is?”
“He can’t be too far,” Diluc says. “I just saw him at the winery this morning. I’m sure he went back to Wolvendom.”
“Hey, that’s lucky! I was just heading there before I got kidnapped again!”
“Stop saying kidnapped so casually,” Diluc mutters.
Bennett just laughs again. “So, uh, I hate to bother you more but… could you… let me out?”
“Oh. Right.”
Diluc kneels down and grabs a twig to pick the lock. These big locks are weak and old, and Diluc has lots of experience springing Bennett out of various traps to know how to work one. “Did you say you were following a treasure trail to Wolvendom?” he asks. “Who told you such a blatantly false rumor?”
“Venti did,” Bennett replies. “I talked to him yesterday. He said an old song hinted that there was secret treasure buried by a tree stump covered in moss. As an adventurer, it’s my duty to check it out.”
“Venti, huh?” Diluc mutters as the lock falls open. “Here’s a word of advice: don’t believe a word that drunk says.”
“Thanks,” Bennett pipes as he steps out of the cage. He stretches out. “I was starting to cramp up. These cages felt a lot bigger when I was a kid.”
Diluc pinches the bridge of his nose. “We’re going to have another long talk about personal safety and awareness the next time we meet. Got that?”
“Roger.” Bennett salutes him. “I should be going, then. It’s already past noon.” Bennett takes one step forward and trips over a small rock. Diluc grabs the back of his shirt before he can fall. “Whoa.” Bennett flashes him a thumbs up. “Nice catch!”
“What did I say about awareness?”
“Sorry.”
“Stop apologizing. Also, it’s winter. Where’s your coat?”
“I didn’t bring one. It was a lot warmer yesterday and I didn’t think I’d be spending the night out here.”
“You were in there all night?!”
“It was fine! The fire kept me warm enough.”
“For the love of…” Diluc pulls off his scarf and wraps it around Bennett’s neck. “This should at least keep you from freezing to death. I swear, you kids…”
Bennett touches the scarf with wide eyes. “Thank you,” he says softly. “I’ll return it on my way back.”
“Forget it.” Diluc waves him off dismissively. He notices that he burned the fingers off of his gloves again. Adelinde was going to be furious. “I don’t need it. Now, go. And be careful.”
“You got it!”
Diluc watches Bennett go warily. Part of him wants to escort Bennett to Wolvendom, but he also doesn’t want to be overbearing. He remembers how embarrassing it was when his father sent knights after him as a child. Besides, he has business to attend to.
He continues down the dirt road, noting the time. It’s already early afternoon. At this rate, he’ll get to the tavern for the evening shift instead.
“THERE YOU ARE!”
A pink blur rushes towards him. Diluc takes a step back, confused, as Diona skids to a halt. She glares up at Diluc, ears pinned back angrily. “I’ve been waiting for you, you tyrant! I should’ve known better than to trust that green guy!”
Diluc has a bad feeling about this. “Diona,” he greets, “I thought you worked at this time.”
Diona huffs. “You think I’m out here for fun?! I’m on a rescue mission!”
“A rescue mission? For who?”
Diona points at the sunsettia tree behind them. “Roger!”
A cat meows from a high branch, looking a bit rattled. Diona turns around. “It’s your fault! You got yourself up there and now you can’t get yourself down? What kind of cat are you?”
Roger meows again.
Diluc tilts his head to one side. “And you were waiting… for me?”
“UGH!” Diona stomps. “Weren’t you listening at all? That green guy with the hat told me you were the best cat catcher in Mondstadt! So,” she gestures up to Roger, “go get him already!”
Venti, again, Diluc thinks with a grimace. He’s going to have to set a few things straight with that bard. Diluc hasn’t climbed a tree since he was a child. Beyond that, animals don’t seem to like him. The last time he tried to pet one of the stray cats that linger around the Angel’s Share, he received a bite and a hiss for his troubles. He doubts this will end any better, but Diona’s obviously upset and worried.
Diluc sighs. “Right. I’ll just… Go grab him.”
“Hurry it up!” Diona crosses her arms. “He’s got customers waiting for him.”
“Don’t worry.” Diluc pats her head as he passes. “Roger will be okay.”
“Who’s worried?” Diona grumbles.
Diluc finds his footing first then hauls himself onto the lower branches. The wood creaks under his weight. This really isn’t an activity meant for adults, but he has no choice. “Okay,” he wheezes as he climbs higher. He extends his hand. “Here, kitty… Nice kitty…”
Roger smells his fingers then hisses.
Diluc tries not to feel rejected. “Alright, then.” He’s going to have to climb higher.
“Is he okay?” Diona calls from the ground.
“He’s perfectly fine,” Diluc answers, straining to keep himself balanced. He braces his foot on another branch and pushes. From this height, it’s easy to grab Roger and cradle him in his arms. “There, see? Nothing to worry abou—”
Crack!
The branch under Diluc’s foot snaps. He drops in an undignified heap on the ground, taking the brunt of the fall while shielding Roger from any harm. For a moment, Diluc sees stars circling above him. Then, Diona appears with an unimpressed frown.
“You call that a landing?” she mutters.
Diluc groans as he sits up. There are leaves in his hair and his coat is covered in dirt. He’s going to really get it from Adelinde later.
Roger meows and wriggles out of Diluc’s arms, jumping over his shoulder and scratching Diluc’s cheek as he goes. “Hey!” Diona shouts and chases after him. “Get back here!”
Diluc touches his cheek with a wince. He’s otherwise unharmed, aside from his pride. He’s just grateful there weren’t any knights around to see him acting so foolishly. Or even worse, Kaeya.
Diona returns with a sheepish expression as Diluc picks himself up. She has Roger securely under her arm. “Um,” she whispers, “thank you for saving Roger. He’s grateful, too, even if he won’t say it.”
Diluc’s shoulders drop. “So long as everyone is safe. But you should really get back to the city. It’s dangerous out here.”
Diona points accusingly at him. “D-Don’t misunderstand! We may have had a truce today, but you’re still my number one enemy!” With that, she runs off, face red and tail twitching.
“I don’t understand that girl,” Diluc sighs. He tries to wipe some dirt from his coat, but he only succeeds in smearing it further. The damage has been done, and so he resolves to just get to the tavern as quickly as possible. He has some spare clothes upstairs.
Shaking a leaf from his hair, he keeps walking.
Today has been exceedingly eventful. And all thanks to Venti.
As Diluc crosses the stone bridge leading to the city, he takes a moment to admire the sun glittering off Lake Cider. As long as he can stand, he’ll keep defending this place. Even if it means pulling cats out of fruit trees.
Diluc enters the city, careful not to disturb the pigeons on the bridge. The last time he did so, a little boy thoroughly scolded him. Diluc would prefer not to have any more detours.
Except, it seems another detour finds him regardless.
“MISTER WEIRD GROWN UP!” Klee barrels towards him. “HELP!”
Diluc holds out his arms, catching Klee as she runs into him. She’s frantic, feet still moving as Diluc lifts her off the ground. “Klee,” he frowns, “what in Celestia is wrong?”
“I’m being chased!” Klee sniffles. “You can’t let him catch me! Or Master Jean is going to be really angry!”
“Him?” Diluc looks around. He spots Huffman patrolling the area, hand shielding his eyes from the sun as he searches. Diluc returns his attention to Klee. “You didn’t happen to leave headquarters without permission again, did you?”
Klee pouts. “But this time it’s really important! And no one would listen to me!”
“Important how?”
“There’s a big monster in Lake Cider! Albedo said it was only a story, but that guy told me it eats Dodocos! I gotta blow it up before it’s too late!”
“Eats Dodocos.” Diluc glances at the little toy tied to Klee’s backpack. “Who told you that exactly?”
“The guy who’s friends with the dragon!”
Diluc grits his teeth. What exactly is Venti’s intent, sending all these children running around Mondstadt with fears of monsters and hopes of treasure? “That’s ridiculous. You shouldn’t listen to him.”
“Please!” Klee pleads, putting her hands together.
Diluc sets her down, folding his arms. “If I promise to get rid of this monster, will you go back to your brother’s room? I’m sure he’s going to worry if they can’t find you.”
Klee considers it, but Huffman calls Diluc’s name before she can answer. Klee squeaks, ready to run, and Diluc acts quickly. He lifts his long winter coat and urges Klee to hide behind him. It’s not a perfect hiding spot, but his coat conceals her well enough.
“Sir Huffman,” Diluc greets flatly, “good afternoon.”
“Er, yes, good afternoon, Master Ragnvindr. Have you seen Klee recently? She’s broken out of her room and run off again. I’m worried about Mondstadt’s infrastructure. The last time one of her bombs went off…”
“I haven’t,” Diluc lies easily. “But I’ll keep an eye out. However, I trust the knights will be more than capable of tracking down one little girl.”
“O-of course! Um. Then I should be on my way. Thank you for your assistance.”
With an awkward salute, Huffman shuffles away.
Once the coast is clear, Klee pokes her head out of Diluc’s coat. “You saved me! I knew you were a good guy! That monster will have no chance if we fight him together!”
“Listen, Klee, there’s no such thing as a—! Hey, wait! Don’t run off while I’m talking!”
But Klee is already gone, waving Diluc forward with one hand and getting out a bomb with the other.
“I am getting far too old for this,” Diluc mumbles to himself and chases after her.
One explosion and three frightened fishermen later, Diluc carries an extremely satisfied Klee back into the city. He’s completely soaked, as is Klee, but she seems convinced that the monster has been defeated and Dodoco is safe.
“Did you see how big the waves were after my bomb went off?” Klee rambles. “That monster must have been huge!”
“Uh huh,” Diluc replies tiredly. His bones ache. And to think that Albedo deals with this all the time. The next time he comes into the tavern, Diluc will buy him a drink. “You did great. Now, you need to get back to the knights’ headquarters and dry yourself off. Or else you’ll get a cold.”
Klee hops out of Diluc’s arms and jumps happily. “Thank you, Weird Guy!”
“Diluc,” he corrects her, but Klee is already gone.
Diluc shakes water out of his coat. The water didn’t entirely save it from the force of Klee’s bomb. The tail is mostly singed off and filled with holes from all the rocks that got flown during the blast. It was all Diluc could do just to keep Klee from getting hit by one. Folding his ruined coat over his arm, he starts once again to the tavern. At this rate, he’s going to need to give Adelinde another raise.
“Oh, Master Diluc!”
“Now what?” he snaps, flinging water everywhere as he turns.
Barbara approaches with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb. I just thought you might need some help.”
Diluc blinks at her. His impatience disappears. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to snap. It’s nothing to trouble yourself over.”
“Nonsense!” Barbara pouts. “Let me at least heal that scratch on your cheek! Excuse me for saying so, but it looks like you just had a huge battle with a dragon!”
Diluc smiles warily. “I guess you could say that.”
“Just hold still. It’ll only take a moment.” Barbara waves her hand. Hydro energy wraps around her fingers. When she holds it to the cat scratch on Diluc’s cheek, he feels a cold, tingling sensation for just a moment. The scratch heals in a matter of seconds.
“There we go. Good as new!”
“Thank you. That does feel better.”
“Of course!”
“Is there any reason why the deaconess is out at this time of day? There’s usually an afternoon service now, isn’t there?”
“Yes, but I volunteered to help Jilliana with our medicinal supply. I actually just got back from Wolvendom. The church is entirely out of wolfhooks, but I couldn’t find a single one in the woods. I guess someone got there before me.”
“Wolfhooks, huh?” Diluc reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a wet pouch. “As it happens, I have some on hand.”
“Really?” Barbara claps her hands together. “Oh, but you probably were going to use them. I couldn’t just take them from you.”
“I’d be far happier knowing they were used to help someone. Take them. But, fair warning, some of them might be squished beyond salvaging. I… fell out of a tree earlier.”
Barbara giggles and covers her mouth, politely trying to stifle her humor. “I-if you insist then I must thank you. I’ll find a way to repay you.”
“Let’s just call it payment for the heal.” Diluc taps his cheek.
Barbara nods. “I should get back to the church right away. Oh, and I won’t mention anything about this to my sister. I’m sure she’s going to have questions about the explosion in the lake earlier.”
Diluc looks down at his wet clothes. “Oh. Right.”
Barbara doesn’t hide her giggles this time. “Have a good day, Master Diluc!”
When Diluc finally makes it to the Angel’s Share, it’s the late afternoon. Despite that, it’s still relatively empty. The regulars are mostly in their usual spots, quietly enjoying a lazy respite from work and responsibilities.
Then, Diluc sees a man sitting at the bar, green hat and green cape flowing softly even though there’s no wind. A whirlwind of emotions rises in Diluc’s chest. Yet, he strides forward confidently and only says, “I see you’ve returned from Inazuma. You’ve got half the city running around for your entertainment today it seems.”
Venti chuckles, spinning around on the stool and smiling with an innocent sparkle in his dubious eyes. “Who, me? All I did was help some lonely kids chase their dreams a little.”
“You almost got Bennett hurt. Diona could have been injured climbing that tree, too. And Klee really doesn’t need any more stories filling her head. Albedo’s going to have words for you eventually.”
Venti just seems proud. “They’re all children of Mondstadt, and that means it’s my job to protect their dreams for as long as possible.” Diluc rolls his eyes and moves behind the counter. If everyone knew what the Anemo Archon was really like, Diluc is sure the church would close down entirely. “Besides, it sounded like you became a real recluse while I was gone! And those kids admire you so much. It was good for both of you.”
“Admire?” Diluc parrots incredulously. “All I did was write some poems, chase off some lowlifes, climb a tree, and lie to a knight.”
“To a child, that means far more than you know.” Venti smiles, resting his cheek in his hand. “Don’t you remember being young and getting into trouble? I know for a fact from Kaeya that you used to be quite a rascal.”
“Don’t talk to him,” Diluc mutters.
“Something about believing pirates would invade Mondstadt and trying to build a barricade on the city’s docks? Or perhaps the time you tried to climb my statue to blow dandelion seeds and wish that all the knights would be safe on their next campaign? I think you got stuck and had to be rescued by the very same knights.”
“Kaeya’s mouth might be big, but his memory is obviously diminished,” Diluc mutters. “That never happened.”
“Right, right.” Venti doesn’t look like he believes him at all. “Did you at least have a little fun today? I think my efforts deserve a free drink at the very least.”
Diluc hums noncommittally.
“Oh! I almost forgot! I brought you a souvenir of sorts.”
He raises an eyebrow. “From Inazuma?”
Venti digs in his pockets and lifts a small piece of polished wood. “Ta-Da!”
“What is it? A paperweight?”
“It’s a stamp! I met a young writer whose signature was dismally unreadable. He was extremely distressed about being able to sign some books for his devoted readers, and the solution was to make a stamp like this. It got me thinking, and so I asked my new friends if they would create another. See? It’s styled as your signature. No more cramped hands for you!”
Diluc’s hand goes to his injured shoulder and his lips quirk up. “I see.”
“Perhaps this gift would qualify me for two free drinks tonight, hm? Or,” Venti drops his voice and winks, “maybe even a kiss?”
Diluc’s smile grows. He has no qualms about throwing a god out of his tavern, but he supposes his boyfriend deserves a complimentary bottle every now and again. And maybe a bouquet of Cecilias the next time he passes Flora’s shop.