10. Upright and Dependable Diluc

Of course, Aether could not directly say, "Actually, I have a major issue with your valiant Cavalry Captain," so he offered a tactful excuse. "Nana’s elders are very strict, so she doesn’t particularly care for serious environments or crowds. The Knights of Favonius headquarters is quite solemn, and the people coming and going are all important figures handling serious matters; it would put her under a great deal of pressure."

(So, it really is a case of kidnapping some noble’s daughter and fearing she’ll be recognized, isn’t it?)

"Then why not stay here instead?" someone said from outside the door.

Everyone turned to look. A red-haired young man of medium build pushed open the half-closed door.

Paimon exclaimed, "Ah! It’s Master Diluc!"

The young man at the doorway tapped his fingers against the door panel, tilted his head with an expressionless face, and spoke in a calm, indifferent voice. "Good afternoon, Traveler. Long time no see."

Paimon was speechless. "...Didn't we just see you not two days ago?"

The red-haired youth possessed a youthful, baby-faced appearance; his slightly rounded, blunt features gave him a sense of innocence that belied his age. Of course, people did not underestimate him because of this juvenile look, for he carried himself with an elegant temperament, a dignified demeanor, and mature, sophisticated attire. His dull eyes lacked a glimmer of light, and every gesture he made carried a steady, reliable sense of maturity that completely suppressed his otherwise vibrant and lively appearance.

This was Diluc Ragnvindr: the renowned Mondstadt billionaire, the true proprietor of Angel's Share, the leader of Teyvat’s premier wine industry whose family products were exported far and wide, and a man who detested all alcoholic beverages.

Aether turned around and said, "Good afternoon, Master Diluc."

Diluc walked into the room, cast a glance at the young girl lying on the bed, and asked, "Who is she?"

Paimon was sweating profusely, looking quite guilty. "She is, she is..."

"Ahem!" Aether decisively interrupted her, shifting Diluc's attention to himself. He said calmly, "She used to be from Liyue, but she isn't anymore. As for her past... everyone has things they would rather not have others know about, right? If possible, I hope no one probes too deeply. Both she and I hope that she can completely forget the past and have a fresh start. However, rest assured, I can guarantee that she will pose no threat to Mondstadt. Of course, I trust that with Master Diluc’s capabilities, you have your own judgment regarding whether she is dangerous. I won't force you on this point; you can observe and confirm for yourself. However, I hope that when you do investigate, you will be gentle and kind. She is as harmless as a rabbit, and just as timid. I brought her to Mondstadt hoping that the city's free spirit would make her feel more secure and at ease. Please, do not frighten her."

In a few short sentences, he had painted Pei Nana as a pathetic, pitiable girl with a tragic past who required gentle care. It would be hard to believe this wasn't a precision strike against a righteous gentleman like Master Diluc, who appeared cold and impartial but was actually filled with a protective instinct for the weak.

Diluc’s expression softened slightly, and he nodded solemnly. "I will. Thank you for your trust."

He looked again at the girl on the bed. "You can leave her here for the time being while you slowly look for a suitable house. If you find the noise downstairs bothersome, you could also temporarily place her at the Dawn Winery."

Aether gave a smile that was awkward but polite. "I don't think she would mind."

Just kidding. While he did put Nana under Diluc’s nose partly to use Diluc’s influence to get her a "good citizen" pass, he wasn't about to send her straight to the man’s home!

Nana was hardly an Oscar-winning actress. If she were watched twenty-four hours a day by who knows how many people at the Dawn Winery, who knows what kind of problems they might dig up!

Besides, Master Diluc was still a bachelor. It was said that every time the Ragnvindr family held a banquet, the servants were practically trying to turn it into a matchmaking event. If a young, beautiful, unmarried girl were brought back to his home to stay, well...

The tavern was different. Even if she were under observation, there were all sorts of eccentric patrons downstairs who could help distract from any prying thoughts.

Diluc did not insist. He acknowledged this and said, "By the way, there is a security guard downstairs looking for you."

Paimon: "Security guard... You mean a Knight of Favonius? Why would they be looking for the Traveler?"

Diluc: "I heard someone saw the Honorary Knight carrying a passenger while gliding over Mondstadt."

He looked at Aether deeply, his eyes meaningful. "It seems it was true. However, they can only harp on such trivial matters endlessly."

Aether: "..."

Paimon: "Wow! Our license isn't actually going to be revoked, is it?!"

Diluc said, "In any case, I’m just letting you know. Whether you go down or not is none of my concern."

With that, he turned and headed for the room next door.

Aether looked at Charles, who said, "Master Diluc sometimes takes over shifts at the tavern at night, so he generally has the habit of taking a nap during the day."

Paimon was quite indignant at his dismissive attitude. "Taking a shift? I think it’s—"

Aether interrupted again. "I understand! Anyway, thank you both for being willing to help look after her. Paimon and I won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye!"

As he spoke, he dashed to the balcony, stepped onto the railing, and leaped—his Wind Glider snapping open with a flourish.

Confess? Impossible! As long as I slip away fast enough, the patrolling knights will never catch me!

In the room next door, Diluc watched his retreating figure from the window, silently poured himself a glass of juice, and felt entirely unsurprised by his choice.

Was he there to help the security guard find someone? Of course not; he was there to tip them off.

"Knock, knock."

The door was tapped.

Diluc: "Come in."

Charles pushed the door open, stood at the threshold, and asked, "Master Diluc, how should we handle this matter?"

Diluc swirled the grape juice in his wine glass, pondered for a few seconds, and said coolly, "Since the Traveler is willing to trust me, I certainly cannot fail that trust. As for the girl, I will handle it personally. As for you all, just treat her as you would a friend's family member."

"Understood." Charles took his orders and left. Two seconds later, he appeared at the door once more.

Diluc: "...?"

Charles looked grave. "By the way, Master, I suspect the Traveler brought her here to elope."

Diluc: "??"

Master Diluc’s large, dull dark-red eyes widened. "...What did you say?"

Charles looked even more grave. "After all... even if one were to save a damsel in distress, there would be no need to buy a house and live with her, right? Unless he intends to be responsible for her for the rest of his life."

Diluc: "..."

Good heavens, this was a massive scoop. Do tell!

Charles: "The Traveler didn't want you to investigate the young lady's past—it might be because he's afraid you'll touch upon her painful memories, but it could also be because he doesn't want you to uncover her former identity. After all, eloping couples don't want to be discovered, do they? Especially if that young lady was likely once a pampered noblewoman."

Diluc: "..."

Diluc: "I understand. I will be careful."

...

Waking up from his dream, looking at the wooden ceiling, feeling the softness and warmth of the bed, and sensing the ubiquitous scent of wine in the air, Pei Nana was momentarily dazed, thinking she had transmigrated again.

Wait, with every blink of her eyes, were they changing locations a bit too frequently?

She sat up in a daze, looking around, finding not a trace of familiarity. She called out Aether and Paimon’s names in a low voice, but no one responded.

She didn't dare call out again. Seeing a nearby window open, she hesitated for a moment before stepping lightly off the bed and walking to the window to peer outside.

Outside was a magnificent city with bustling street scenes.

The buildings, constructed of massive stone, carried a naturally wild and bold air. The roofs of every house pointed toward the firmament like sharp, pointed swords. The orange-red tiles, smooth and glossy, were arranged as neatly as fish scales, reflecting brilliant colors. Under the setting sun, the entire city looked like a burning red dragon.

Especially the towering windmills, their blades rotating slowly as if they would never stop.

Pei Nana had never been abroad, nor had she seen such architecture with her own eyes. Facing such a grand and exotic city, the sense of awe she felt at that moment was truly beyond words.

"How are you feeling?"

Someone asked from not far away.

She was still in a state of shock and struggled to regain her senses. Hearing the voice, she looked over and saw a baby-faced youth in black clothes and red hair sitting on the adjacent balcony.