19. A Spectacular Failure of Seduction

The young girl furrowed her brow slightly, a touch of self-pity mingling with a misty, endearing melancholy. “Miss Barbara is quite remarkable; the wounds on my body have completely healed. But perhaps because it hurt so much before, my body remembers that sensation. The moment I mention it, it’s as if the memory rushes back instantly.

“Of course, I know that ignoring an illness is no solution, and I can’t avoid walking forever. This psychological barrier must be overcome, but there’s no need to rush.

“Besides, due to the previous high fever, my limbs are still somewhat weak. It would be too embarrassing if I were to lose control outside.

“Why not postpone this lunch invitation? When you return, I should have fully recovered, and we will prepare a grand feast to properly thank you for your care.”

Diluc remained silent.

Miss, your intentions are rather transparent.

Diluc spoke calmly, “That was my oversight.

“In that case, Miss Nana, please rest well here. I will have lunch sent to your room.”

Sensing Nana’s guardedness, he added once more, “Lord Albedo is very efficient; the only issue is that locating him in the snowy mountains is difficult. Once found, they will return swiftly.

“Before the Traveler returns, if you wish to go out for a stroll, you may inform Hailey, who will then let Charles or me know.

“If I am available, I would be glad to serve as your temporary escort. If not, I will arrange a suitable guard for you.”

He paused and then spoke frankly, “For a young lady alone, a measure of caution is wise. But please forgive my bluntness, this entire tavern is staffed by my people, and even the seemingly fragile maids could easily subdue you. If I bore ill will towards you, your vigilance would be meaningless.

“So, you might as well relax a little.”

Fortunately, it was him—a man of strong will. Had it been someone less resolute, they might have mistaken the hint for a seduction and exploited it. Regret would come too late then.

That delicate ‘adoration’ indeed stirs compassion, yet it may also awaken dangerous desires! How can you be sure you won’t end up burned by your own flame?

Truly a naïve and reckless young girl!

Nana was speechless.

Her suspicion so suddenly exposed, her face flushed deeply, and she stammered, unsure how to defend herself.

Diluc feigned ignorance, maintaining his calm tone. “Of course, I understand the difficulties of being alone.

“I can promise you that from this moment until the Traveler’s return, no one but your assisting maid will disturb you.”

Nana was silent.

Did you expect her to immediately feel ashamed of her mistrust and apologize, then decline?

Of course not!

Though unwarranted suspicion wounds, the world is no stranger to hypocrites skilled at deception.

She would never be coaxed into trust by mere words!

Her cheeks still flushed, she covered her burning face with cold hands. “Thank you for your understanding and kindness!”

She bowed deeply to the young man and fled the office before he could say more.

At the door, maid Hailey waited, eyes wide with surprise as Nana dashed out like a frightened rabbit. “Miss Nana?!”

Yet gentle Nana paid no heed, instead quickening her pace until she vanished around the stairwell corner.

Hailey instinctively took a couple steps after her, then turned back in confusion. “Master Diluc? What just happened?”

Diluc sat behind his desk, holding a teaspoon between his gloved fingers, lightly tapping the rim of a fine porcelain cup, producing clear, melodious notes.

Though his face was expressionless, Hailey sensed a subtle pleasure in the rhythm of his absentminded tapping.

Her gaze towards him became somewhat nuanced.

Still, even in free-spirited Mondstadt, workers know to keep a respectful distance from their employer. Hailey feigned ignorance and asked, “Master Diluc, is there anything you need?”

“No.” Diluc smiled faintly, stirred the tea with the spoon, and said lightly, “You only need to perform your duties and take good care of that young lady until the Traveler returns.

“If she does not wish to go out, do not try to persuade her. Only when she asks to go out on her own initiative should you inform Charles or me.

“Other than that, do not interfere with her actions, but ensure no one disturbs her.

“You may leave now.”

“...Very well, Master Diluc.” Hailey turned to leave but then heard him call out, “Wait!”

She looked back. “Master Diluc, is there something else?”

Diluc hesitated, then said uncertainly, “She may continue sending flowers tomorrow. If she forgets, you can gently remind her. Should she continue, from tomorrow onwards, you may order flowers from a nearby shop to be delivered. If she does not intend to, then act as if nothing happened.”

Diluc was unsure if Nana would keep arranging flowers for the tavern. If she felt awkward about staying without paying and wanted to thank them by decorating with flowers… those blooms on her balcony might not last long.

“Remember to be tactful and not offend the guest.”

“Understood, Master.”

Hailey left, and the office was left with Diluc alone. Faintly, the noise of boisterous tavern patrons drifted up from below, making the quietness here feel even more serene.

Diluc smiled involuntarily, exhaled deeply, and stirred his tea again, unable to suppress another faint, reserved smile.

Since last seeing the Anemo Archon, the tension in his heart had finally eased.

Hailey thought he seemed very pleased—indeed, relaxed and joyful. How could he not be?

That outsider feared him!

Diluc was no sadist who enjoyed others’ suffering or fear, but Nana was different. Without understanding her fully, he could not sleep.

Although he still did not know the extent of the threat she concealed, a ruthless predator fears neither its prey nor the insignificant ants beneath its feet.

Yet now, Nana, in a position of weakness, feared and guarded against him.

Moreover, she even chose not to leave her room.

Such a well-behaved, obedient little creature.

He had to admit, suddenly, his sense of security had multiplied.

“You’d better remain this harmless, Miss.”

...

True to his word, no one disturbed Nana after she returned to her temporary room, except for meal deliveries. Even Hailey left obediently after she finished eating.

This greatly comforted Nana. Though Hailey was lively and kind, her gentle attentions unnerved Nana, who was keenly aware of her many secrets and feared revealing a telltale sign by accident.

Her very “common sense” was off, and she worried she might cause a major problem without realizing it.

With no disturbances, she felt she could finally breathe.

In the afternoon, the wind rose. Carrying a pot of tea, she pretended to sip and enjoy the view as she once again settled on the balcony. Her beautiful eyes quietly observed every movement of the townsfolk below.

The six-bladed great windmill spun with a whoosh. Though she couldn’t hear the villagers’ chatter, she could see their behavior.

The city, vast and reminiscent of a burning red dragon, appeared very ancient. Despite the many residents, there was no hint of chaos. On the contrary, smiles were warm and friendly, and armored guards patrolled the streets.

The city’s overall style leaned toward the old-fashioned, yet unexpectedly, the law enforcers seemed polite and well-mannered.

Sitting on the third-floor balcony, Nana watched a fruit vendor below. A gust lifted the tarp over his stall, blowing it aside.

A patrolling guard immediately came to help, and then, before departing, performed an unexpected gesture.

He stood straight, faced the vendor, and tapped his left hand over his chest before leaving.

It was clearly a saluting gesture.

Nana was greatly surprised—an officer saluting a civilian?

Was the city’s law enforcement truly this approachable, or was the seemingly ordinary vendor hiding some secret identity?