As Rosaria's heels stabbed the dirt road, little songbirds fled from her path in a flurry of wings. Part of why Rosaria enjoyed hunting ne'er-do-wells and monsters was because it got her away from conducting prayers and churchly services. She then was less than pleased that her agreement with Diluc so far resulted in her not only having to get up early but also praying for a random knight while off the clock. Rosaria could almost hear Kaeya's laughter in the back of her mind. She nearly gave into the temptation of leaving Diluc behind to run on ahead and try extracting the Shivada Jade herself, but she resisted. It's noon now, she told herself. Just a few more hours, we'll reach the Cryo Regisvine and get this over with.

When it came down to it, Rosaria didn't have much reason to dislike Diluc. She just wasn't used to traveling alongside others, with Kaeya being among the few exceptions. Still, she was willing to give new tactics a try.

Rosaria discreetly glanced over her shoulder at Diluc as they walked. His gaze appeared distant, almost forlorn as he stared wistfully somewhere else.

For all it was worth, Diluc looked the part of a noblemen, always dressed in a dark, elaborate coat of some kind, paired with high quality leather gloves, with finely polished demeanor to match. His bright red hair was highly unusual and added to this sense of being a rarity. Rosaria found his soft, almost baby-faced features to be comical when paired with his deep and dignified voice. Yet, there was a discreet but brimming sense of danger hiding under it all. His eyes were not the red of leisurely sunsets, but of blood droplets. She thought he was terrible at hiding his feelings, scowling often, but Rosaria also recognized much of the hurt tucked beneath his guard. She wasn't close to him in any sense, but she respected him and his diligence, as well as his quest for vengeance.

Rosaria had learned about Diluc's own secret, nighttime vigilantism not too long ago. She originally mistook him for some kind of Abyss spy lurking around town and she tried to capture him for questioning. He was a very tough fighter and didn't hold his punches—literally. He punched her clear across the town square, not alike a massive Mitachurl. She winced as she remembered the bruises that lingered for days afterwards. But at least her investigation ultimately resulted in them taking down an actual Abyss spy and Rosaria confirming that Diluc cared for Mondstadt's safety. The only thing Rosaria wasn't certain of was Diluc's stance on Kaeya.

It felt like it should have been obvious, that Diluc didn't like Kaeya and merely tolerated him. But Diluc accepting Rosaria's request threw that into question. Did he secretly still care for Kaeya due to their past history or did Diluc have ulterior motives? Rosaria's gut told her that Diluc likely wasn't planning to sabotage the gift, but she still pinned the possibility in the back of her mind for until she got confirmation of otherwise. At the very least, Diluc was avoiding something.

As much as Rosaria respected Diluc, she couldn't help but be protective of Kaeya's gift and, by extension, Kaeya himself. Her heart stuttered when she recalled Diluc saying to her "You must care greatly about him." It was true, Kaeya was important to her. It wasn't just due to him being someone like her who wasn't born in the city of freedom; it was him being someone who understood that even children could have dark secrets, that innocence was a luxury, not a guarantee. He comforted her in ways that no one else could. It was hard not to see his dark blue hair in the distant ocean nor hear his wispy laugh in the wind. But Rosaria was not one to openly proclaim these thoughts and feelings. Kaeya knew, and that was enough for her. It wasn't anyone else's business, perhaps even including his estranged brother that may-or-may-not still care about him.

As Rosaria and Diluc walked, the wind swam through the grass, making a chorus of sweeping rustles. A small bush rattled independently and slid across the valley, closer to the path. The honey-colored eyes of a Dendro slime poked up from the ground and peered at them. Rosaria flexed her fingers readily, but the slime ducked back into the earth and the bush shuffled away. Well, good, she thought. Dendro slimes tend to leave such horrible grass stains.

"Looks like we're not far off from the coast," Diluc commented, looking ahead.

Rosaria could see where a distant cliff towards the left overlooked the ocean, with the tell-tale light blankets of sand by its feet. She added, "Probably only a few more hours to get to the Regisvine."

That meant things were ahead of schedule, which Rosaria always welcomed, until Diluc replied, "We should probably go ahead and break for lunch."

She crossed her arms, "Why?"

"It's just after noon. Besides, Hilichurls tend to roost at Falcon Coast, so it's hard to say what may be in our way once we get there."

Rosaria clicked her tongue in annoyance because she agreed with him.

One of the sloping hills on their left cut off into a short, rocky ledge that stood as tall as them. They decided to sit on the ledge to eat, and Rosaria thought it was a good vantage point for the valley around them. Because they both packed their own rations, neither had to worry about cooking anything. Diluc had a sandwich with slices from some kind of honey roast, and Rosaria drew a parcel that contained chicken-mushroom skewers. Kaeya had at one point taught her his personal recipe, though Rosaria soon added her own personal touch, wrapping the skewers in coils of blackened thorns that she comfortably ate around.

She noticed Diluc's eyes had silently settled on the thorns. Rosaria slowed in her chewing, mentally daring him to make a comment. Diluc maintained an even expression and simply slid his gaze elsewhere. Smart move, Rosaria thought and resumed eating.

The stone ledge they sat on faced south, so they faced where the field of scattered trees had a small, sandy river cut through it. That river continued east and would have then fed into the sparkling waters of Falcon Coast. On the other side of the river, large shelves of grey cliffs rose up in succession like playful stairs, despite their ultimately looming size. It was a playground for people who enjoyed using wind gliders, which the sisters would have argued was evidence of the Anemo Archon's hand having shaped the landscape, for his people to enjoy and prosper. Rosaria could at least admit the scenery was beautiful as she ate her skewer.

"If you don't mind my asking," Diluc spoke up. "Were you planning on processing the jade or leaving it raw?"

Rosaria's knee-jerk reaction was to feel suspicious at his question. But his face appeared to be one of genuine curiosity. He hasn't technically done anything suspicious. He's been nothing but helpful so far. She decided to answer, "I'm planning on turning it into something he can carry with him, like an accessory. That way, it can amplify his Cryo."

"That will certainly be useful," Diluc commented in agreement. He took off his gloves when he ate. Once he cleaned the crumbs from his hands, he put the gloves back on. As he shifted around, Rosaria could see bits of glassy red gleaming off his outfit. Apparently Diluc did exactly what Rosaria was planning for himself, incorporating bits of Agnidus Agate to amplify his Pyro. He then suggested, "Perhaps we may acquire extra jade for you to use as well."

Rosaria shook her head, "No thanks. I'd rather give it to Kaeya." She flicked away her barren skewer stick and muttered, "After his last stunt, he needs it more than I would."

Diluc's brow furrowed. He asked, "…What stunt are you referring to?"

Rosaria was in the middle of another bite and her teeth hit the wood. I didn't mean to say that. She forced herself to appear unbothered as she finished chewing. She could feel Diluc's eyes pressing onto her, as intent as a falcon. Inwardly, Rosaria cursed herself as her stomach flipped. Kaeya asked me to keep that incident secret. Maybe I can still salvage this.

She swallowed and finally answered, "He just had a run in with some monsters a while back. He's obviously fine now."

Diluc's eyes flicked to the ground, and he seemed to flip through some mental log. He re-locked their gazes and inquired, "Are you referring to a month ago? When he was out of town and was seriously injured on his way back?"

Rosaria shrugged and tried to answer off-handedly, "Yeah, I think so."

But Diluc leaned in more intently, "I had been wondering about that. Something seemed off about it."

"Like what?"

His expression became very serious.

"A Fatui encampment was supposedly infiltrated by Treasure Hoarders around the same time."

Rosaria's throat tightened, but she expertly kept her expression neutral.

Diluc continued, "Though they both covet ancient artifacts, the Fatui outmatch Treasure Hoarders. So, the thieves generally abandon any domains that the Fatui occupy and don't bother stealing from them. Any foolish enough to try never succeed. Yet, somehow, the Treasure Hoarders got away last month without a trace and they barely stole any artifacts." Diluc leaned forward, his eyes piercing, "There is no doubt in my mind that this was actually Kaeya's doing. I also have reason to believe that this whole 'monster' business is only cover story and that Kaeya did not fight any monsters, which then begs the question, how did Kaeya really get injured?"

Rosaria realized she was stuck in a corner. Diluc was absolutely on the right track, and she had to admit his intuition was impressive. But this was problematic. Since he wasn't convinced by Kaeya's carefully crafted cover story, it was very unlikely Rosaria would be able to do any better in lying. She decided to make one last attempt to redirect him.

"Have you tried asking Kaeya?" she prompted.

His response was curt, "Half of what he says are lies. If he went so far as making a cover story, then he certainly wouldn't tell me. I don't intend on wasting time trying to decipher his riddles."

She instinctively frowned. Rosaria didn't like Diluc's tone, his anger. She didn't understand why he was getting worked up. Is he insulted somehow? Does he hate Kaeya lying that much? Even when it benefits Mondstadt? Her stomach boiled with annoyance. Rosaria scowled and asked, "Why are you making a big deal out of this? What do you care?"

"I want to know who hurt him!" Diluc snapped, his eyes flaring.

His answer startled Rosaria more than anything. She recognized the look on his face; it was vengeful. But his anger wasn't directed at Kaeya at all. He wants to hunt down the ones that hurt Kaeya.

Rosaria tentatively lowered her shoulders and relaxed her grip on her skewer that she had instinctively gripped like a knife. He seems to care for Kaeya more than I thought. Diluc hadn't stopped staring at her. His gaze only intensified as he waited for an answer.

Maybe he deserves to know.

She inwardly apologized to Kaeya before she finally answered, "Your hunch is right. Kaeya didn't actually leave town. Apparently, there was some kind of important evidence for a case that the Fatui were withholding. Kaeya said the Fatui locked it away behind a bunch of bureaucratic strings and ridiculous diplomatic conditions. He decided to just steal it from them himself, frame the Treasure Hoarders by disguising himself as one and pretend he was out of town so no one would suspect him."

"So it was the Fatui," Diluc murmured, his tone akin to someone sharpening a blade.

Rosaria had a feeling there would be reports of a Fatui camp mysteriously burning down in the next few days.

"Were you there with him?" he asked her, more gently than before. Now that his anger was redirected, Diluc lost the interrogative edge in his voice.

"Not entirely. I wasn't there at the beginning, just towards the end. He tipped me off on his plan to help act his backup, since he didn't tell any knights about it."

"No doubt involving the knights would've caused more problems," Diluc muttered. The bitter expression passed like a dark storm and he soon returned one of concern and curiosity when he looked back at her. It was subtle, but Rosaria could better see the shifts now that she knew what to look for. He wondered, "But then, do you know how he was hurt? Kaeya doesn't seem like one to botch a stealth mission."

Rosaria could hardly believe her ears. That almost sounded like a compliment.

Maybe there are miracles, she mused. Aloud, she answered, "I'm not too sure, honestly. When I got to our rendezvous, he already infiltrated the camp. I think it was just a case of a guard being at the right place at the wrong time. I didn't actually see him until after he escaped from getting caught, but it looked like some gunners got some hits in. He wasn't in great shape."

What she said was an understatement. Rosaria remembered blood staining his clothes, how his normally tanned-skin was a sickly pale. It was a miracle he made it as far as he did. "I was gonna haul him to the cathedral, but he said it would blow his cover. People would wonder why he was back in town and the Fatui would figure out what he did. We hid in a cave and I tended to his wounds."

"Where was this cave?"

Rosaria shrugged and muttered, "Somewhere west of Wolvendom, in a canyon."

Though Rosaria spoke dismissively, it was because the memories raked down her stomach. She didn't like recounting this story. Tending to the wounded was never her strong suit or preference. It was worse with how helpless Kaeya looked. It was reminiscent of when he'd stumble out of tavern from drinking too much, but far worse. The hours had been a blur of trying to stop the bleeding, trying to prevent infections, ignoring his delirious mumbles and keeping watch for bloodthirsty Fatui prowling around. She violently cursed Kaeya for not waiting for her to back him up, in between her near-silent whispers of pleading for him to stay alive. She was beyond relieved when Kaeya pulled through, almost even praising the Anemo Archon she couldn't remember the name of.

Once Kaeya was recovered enough, he enacted his cover story, pretending that he was attacked by monsters along the way, and Rosaria helped set it up. Despite this, Rosaria had trouble talking to Kaeya for a while, and it wasn't until many, deep apologies from him that she forgave him. The incident also changed things between them, creating a trust that Rosaria felt couldn't be replicated between her anyone else. This was part of what spurred her to hunt for Kaeya's gift.

The wind nudging a Windwheel Aster flower against her side brought Rosaria back to the trees in Windrise. She looked to Diluc and his expression spooked her.

He wasn't staring at her, rather, at the grass. But his gaze was wide and burned like a house on fire, furious and broken. Diluc rumbled a murmur, "He was so close to Dawn Winery. Why not come there? We could have provided shelter."

"You'd do that?" Rosaria wondered, actually surprised.

Diluc's glare snapped to her and his grimace was indignant, "Of course I would have. Kaeya should know that!"

Rosaria felt her stomach twist and her pleasant surprise soured. She thought of all the times that Diluc cursed the knights in Kaeya's face, gave him the cold shoulder and provided near-constant threats of throwing Kaeya out of his tavern.

"You don't affiliate with knights," she answered coldly.

Diluc's face paled, and the anger stuttered. He gritted his teeth and retorted, "That—this doesn't sound like it was knights' business." She detected a bit of hurt in his voice. It only reminded her of the hurt she'd seen in Kaeya's eye.

Rosaria maintained a chilly expression and said, "Then maybe he was avoiding you."

A sound caught in Diluc's throat but he said nothing, simply turning his gaze elsewhere.

Rosaria also stayed silent, feeling incensed at his reaction. How could he expect Kaeya to reach out to him of all people?

Kaeya wasn't immune to his own tricks. Alcohol loosened tongues and made things harder to hide. This meant that Rosaria had seen the suave, ever-charismatic Calvary Captain reduced to a goofball that couldn't talk his way out of a paper bag. But then there were times, especially around Diluc's birthday, when Kaeya overdrank and Rosaria found him in an unseen corner, tearfully murmuring apologies to a brother he couldn't face. She saw a pain and loneliness far too familiar to her.

Does Diluc see that pain too? Rosaria wondered. He clearly kept tabs on Kaeya and knew something was up with Kaeya's cover story. Diluc had been watching, allegedly worrying over him. So why is it public opinion that Diluc hates Kaeya? Why don't his words and actions line up? Why am I learning of this, and not Kaeya?

Icy claws of a righteous fury squeezed her heart, and Rosaria stood over Diluc, covering him in her shadow. She hissed, "Do you actually care about him?"

Diluc's eyes went wide. He opened his mouth to answer, but only a choked noise came, "I…"

This made Rosaria even angrier.

Her voice was a vindictive whisper cold as lightless winter, "You avoid him, you insult him. Worst, you've said nothing to him. If you actually care, why don't you say something? Or is that why you're here? Pretending that helping with this gift will make up for it? This isn't repentance, this is cowardice."

Diluc snapped to his feet. His eyes bore down at her as boiling pools of red. He snarled, "There is nothing to say. The past is dead between us, and you have no grounds to speak of it."

The air around him sweltered and dried Rosaria's throat. Her instincts screamed danger and she was on the verge of summoning her weapon.

Diluc turned from her, yanking up his bag in a sharp motion.

Rosaria still did not summon her spear, but she tentatively stayed where she was, watching him carefully.

"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice tight.

"To the Regisvine," he answered in an unsettlingly neutral tone. He did not face her and he finished putting on his bag. Diluc continued, "I will complete what you asked and get you your jade. But let me be clear—" his voice sharpened for a moment, "—this is simply another monster for me to slay in my quest to purge Mondstadt of evil. I seek no compensation and I am indifferent to your reasons for the request, whether it's for Kaeya or not."

Without waiting for her, Diluc marched towards Falcon Coast.

When the winds blew against her, Rosaria shivered. Without Diluc standing in front of her, it felt frigid in comparison.

Her nerves were burning and heart pounded. I'm not in danger right now, she had to remind herself. If he really wanted to attack me, then he would've just done it. Rosaria was half-tempted to head home, but remembering Kaeya's gift made her stay put. She exhaled shakily to calm herself down. The wind seemed to mimic her, caressing her head.

Rosaria didn't regret what she said. She didn't agree with Diluc's avoidance, how two-faced it seemed. But there was an uncomfortable hollowness in her chest, and the conversation didn't sit right with her, like she messed up something. Rosaria never felt she was one to charm or console others, only interrogate and tell things as they were. But maybe I could have been more tactful…

It was then Rosaria realized that Diluc was halfway across the massive field, walking without stopping. Considering that Diluc hadn't stopped at all to check if she was following, he clearly intended to fight the Regsivine with or without her. All despite the fact a Regisvine of any kind was dangerous for a full team of adventurers, much less a single person.

She quickly grabbed her own bag and rushed after him. However, Rosaria didn't end up reaching his side, deciding instead that she would go around and run ahead of him. His temper was far more intense than she anticipated, and Rosaria didn't like her odds of setting him off again.

Continuing south-east led directly into a small grove of scattered cedar trees. Rosaria was glad to be out of direct sunlight and under their fragrant shade, though she sorely missed the more-familiar night. Rosaria caught a glimpse of Diluc walking through the grove. He still walked in a straight-line for the Regisvine but he was clearly lost in his thoughts, barely registering the world around him otherwise. With Rosaria slinking through bushes and melding into the shadows, she even more easily went unnoticed and darted past him.

The trees ended and the area opened up, where pale sand steadily appeared among the grass and dirt. The grass diverged from the sand, leaning left and going up a hill where the Wolf Temple sat. The hill ascended until it ended in a cliff that overlooked Falcon Coast. The sand in front of Rosaria continued forward, along the foot of the cliff. Rosaria glanced back at the grove, which Diluc hadn't yet emerged from. Rosaria decided to peek at the beach ahead, and she inwardly groaned at what she saw.

In order to get to the Regisvine, they needed to follow the beach around the foot of the cliff and the monster would be to their left. Unfortunately, the light brown beach teemed with the distinct dark and pale shapes of a Hilichurl camp. Many dug Pyro slimes from the ground, dousing them in the nearby beach water before cramming them inside red barrels, fashioning the slimes into explosives. Production was overseen by a few Samachurls, whose tiny, shriveled bodies were dwarfed by the heavy staffs they used to summon elements. Samachurls were deceptively dangerous and their powers made them a pain to get close to. Rosaria also spotted a few Hilichurls wielding crossbows, which would give the Hilichurls even more of a long-range advantage.

If we go charging in like before, we're not gonna get out unscathed. But trying to take them out carefully is going to take way too much time, Rosaria observed. She exhaled in annoyance and glanced at the hill. It was possible to enter the Regisvine cave from above instead. We could go around them, but I was hoping to avoid that path since it's always teeming with Whopperflowers, which are even worse. Still, maybe there was a chance they could avoid any enemies up there. Rosaria shook her head and slipped back towards the grove.

Around the same time, the distinct red hair of Diluc's emerged from the shade of the trees. His stormy expression briefly shifted to surprise when he saw Rosaria waiting for him.

"We may need to detour. Take the upper path instead," Rosaria said.

His slight surprise quickly settled back into a resting scowl, "Why?"

Rosaria gestured to the beach and said, "There's a hefty group of Hilichurls, including Samachurls and explosives. Taking them all on could take a while and get risky."

Midway between her words, Diluc grunted and walked past.

The sand shuffled beneath her feet as she went after him, "Where are you—"

"Stay back," he snapped.

Rosaria stopped. She watched Diluc proceed onto the beach but still summoned her spear out of caution. What is he doing? Diluc marched forward without ceasing, not going behind any rocks for cover, and he brought out his claymore, which burned brightly in the sunlight. He's just going for it?

A Hilichurl croaked in alarm, followed by several more crackling in anger, and Diluc stopped, upraising his blade over his shoulder. Rosaria bolted forward but stopped when she saw Diluc's Vision flash. And she was glad she didn't get close. The cool air snapped in half and fire erupted around Diluc several feet up. His sword became a pillar of fire that writhed and burned to look at. The Samachurls started to raise their staffs, but it was already too late. As Diluc swung the sword, the fire roared along with him.

"Burn!"

The flames on the blade then tore free, rushing ahead as a wave—no, a massive bird of fire with seething wings spread wide. It crashed against the Hilichurls at the front, dragging them across the sand and into the rest of the group. Its wingtips touched the explosive barrels, which each ripped into plumes of fire, swallowing up any fleeing Hilichurls and their gargling cries. It was a blinding storm of orange and red fire. What was once a dozen Hilichurls was now none. With a throaty grumble, the flames steadily died and the wind carried away the ashes left behind.

The beach was practically silent without the gurgling Hilichurls and their nails scratching into the sand. Splintered wood and debris rained onto shore as the fires fizzled away. All that was left was the fire coating Diluc's blade. As Diluc shifted the weight of his sword, his shoulder twitched sharply.

Rosaria saw why and observed unthinkingly, "You got hit."

A cut in his sleeve was tinged with ice that emitted a chilly fog. An Cryo archer must have nicked him. Diluc pressed his hand over it, melting the ice with a huff of steam. He experimentally rolled his shoulder and then said, "Barely a scratch."

Diluc lightly spun the sword and buried the tip in the sand in front of him. The fires dissipated, leaving the metal to utter a cooling hiss. Diluc unsheathed the sword from the earth and said flatly, "Let's not waste time."

Despite what Diluc said and him walking ahead, Rosaria didn't move. She still stared in shock. A lot more made sense now. Why people respected and didn't cross Diluc. The Uncrowned King of Mondstadt. One to rival the Acting Grand Master Jean in strength. In any other circumstance, Rosaria would have been impressed and a part of her was. But another part of her felt helpless as she tightened her grip on her spear, which now seemed more like a metal stick than a weapon. Rosaria didn't understand why this cold feeling lingered in her chest, until realizing she was disappointed; despite all her reservations about working with others, Rosaria had actually hoped that collaborating with Diluc would go well.

She had always respected him and his efficiency in vigilantism. Rosaria had actually wanted to learn more about him and understand him more. She wasn't seeking a friendship, but at least a comrade-in-arms. But now there was a rift that only seemed to yawn wider with each step towards the Regisvine. A small voice in Rosaria snapped at her naivety, Just because you do similar work doesn't mean you have any common ground. You're both just strangers, and this was a reminder of that. This paved the way for a more venomous voice to hiss, Do you expect these children of freedom and light to understand you? You got lucky with Kaeya.

For a second, Rosaria considered letting Diluc face the Regisvine by himself. It certainly looked like he was capable and willing, along with him not appearing interested in her help. If a man like that decided to march into the Abyss itself, would anyone be able to stop him? But her conscience drew a line here. If something happens while you're sitting on the sidelines, could you handle his blood on your hands?

No. Rosaria resolved that she could not allow Diluc to fight alone. She still expected them to resume being strangers once the job was done, but, at the very least, Rosaria still felt responsible for keeping him safe. Rosaria adjusted her grip on her spear before walking after Diluc and the ashes of monsters he left behind.

CatCrescent: This chapter was among the hardest to write, probably because I really didn't want Diluc and Rosaria to argue, but I felt it was necessary. Diluc and Rosaria have struck me as being very similar in many ways, including the fact they are very vindictive people. As such, I imagine them as a great team, but would be scary as enemies to each other. I hope that this argument felt natural and their stances were clear. Next chapter will give some more clarity on Diluc's perspective.

I also hope that the story of Kaeya's secret Fatui camp infiltration didn't feel out of place. I try draw more from actual in-game or manga-based events, but I decided making up one would better suit the story. This was another case of something I wanted to flesh out more but didn't have the room for. Still! I think it served it's purpose well enough.

On a more positive note, launching Diluc's Dawn at a Hilichurl camp full of explosives and knocking them out in one go is hands-down the most satisfying thing to do.

Brace yourselves for tomorrow, cause Chapter 4 is gonna be a long one.