The Tsaritsa held nothing back.
She told them about Diluc's mother.
Of a fleeting Phoenix who drifted with the wind's whim.
Who traveled everywhere and nowhere for the sake of an empty Vision.
Who wrecked the Harbingers like a tidal wave after a storm.
Who dreamed of a world free of the old "laws".
To the Tsaritsa, that Phoenix was a treasure.
One she held so dearly but could not keep.
The Phoenix had a desire to live a life of "normalcy".
A moment's respite.
From the years spent in silent company.
It overruled her spirit of adventure.
But only for a brief moment.
She refused to rest— until her journey came to an abrupt end.
An unintended outcome.
A lie her beloved Phoenix decided to keep.
Just for a certain life that was brought into the world.
The Tsaritsa's cold eyes bore down at Diluc.
And her words echoed throughout the cavern.
Bearing down on the two children in her presence.
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"My promise to your mother is fulfilled.
Your promise to me is fulfilled.
I have no obligation to you.
Nor you to me.
Choose your path from here.
Stay with me, or leave me.
That choice— I give to you.
But always know, I will always, always cherish you."
._._._._._.
The throne room was eerily silent.
It had been for hours.
The Tsaritsa abandoned them there.
Left them with nothing but a choice to make.
Childe paced back and forth.
Back and forth.
Back and—
Plopped right next to Diluc.
Who stared rather aimlessly at the glass display above them.
"Well, shit."
Diluc didn't even glance at him.
"Well, shit indeed."
._._._._._.
It wasn't until days later.
Maybe even weeks later did Diluc say something.
He looked at Childe.
Crimson eyes full of honest determination.
"I'm leaving."
Childe smiled at him.
Cerulean eyes full of quiet acceptance.
"Then let's go home."
._._._._._.
"You know he won't come back."
"That's his choice," the Tsaritsa smiled, "As long as he does not interfere, let him be."
Her First looked at her for a long moment, and turned away.
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"As you wish, Your Majesty."
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