Diluc almost looked surprised at my request. "You want to come with me to the tavern?"

"I haven't seen the port town yet, and I could grab dinner somewhere down there. I bet they have a lot of good seafood options."

"Ah, so you wish to see the town. Have you unlocked the teleport waypoint?"

I forgot about that. "No."

Diluc crossed his arms in silence, thinking to himself for a moment. From what I knew about teleport waypoints, there needed to be one at point A and one at point B. Not only that, but the user will have needed to physically touch both waypoints to register themselves for teleportation. Because I have yet to touch the waypoint in town, nor have I seen the waypoint on campus, perhaps accompanying Diluc won't be possible after all.

"Come with me." He left the front steps of the library, motioning for me to follow. "I can take you to the Academy's teleport waypoint. Most first-years haven't had a reason to use one, so I suspect you don't know where it is."

"True. I haven't been to the one in town, either. Are you sure I'll still be able to teleport down there?"

Diluc turned along the path that took us to the main quad. "There is another way."

We continued down the path while I waited for him to elaborate, but he said nothing. Only after we reached the fountain where Kaeya and I had our rendezvous not too long ago, did he stop and face me.

"The waypoint is at the top of this fountain." He nodded forward to the cascading water.

There was indeed a structure at the top, but I thought it was purely ornamental. Sure, it glowed blue and—now that I looked more closely—was floating, but I assumed Celestia Academy was so wealthy that they could afford expensive installments everywhere.

I eyed the splashing water. "How are we supposed to climb up there without getting soaked? This seems like a rather inefficient design."

Diluc pointed to the far edge of the fountain, and for the first time, I noticed a set of stone steps leading to the top. The steps themselves were wet with fountain water, though, so my previous statement still stands.

"While it is typical to teleport after already visiting a location." Diluc tugged off his gloves. "It's possible to teleport to a new location if you are with someone who has already made contact with the destination's waypoint."

"Oh," I blinked. "That's convenient."

"And because waypoints require a physical touch, so does the connection." He held out his hand to me. "If you don't mind."

All I had to do was hold his hand? I quickly obliged and slipped my hand into his. As Diluc walked me up the fountain steps, I couldn't help but marvel at the feel of his skin on mine. While I expected him to be strong, I was surprised to find his hand was rather rough and calloused. I'd only ever seen Diluc in the context of playing chess, and I wondered what kind of fighting style he utilized to become so tough on the outside.

"Careful not to slip," Diluc warned as we crossed a particularly slick step. "It can be difficult to see with just the moonlight out."

My own hands were hardly as soft as a baby's cheek. With my dedication to the sword and failure to remember to use the special creams that Madame Ping ordered in bulk, I had a few callouses of my own. And yet, as rough as his hand felt, Diluc held onto mine as if it were a delicate feather.

At last, we reached the top of the fountain and faced the teleport waypoint. I could hear the hum of energy pulsing off of the device, and I briefly wondered what kind of power it was operating on.

"Place your hand on the waypoint," Diluc instructed as he touched the base with his free palm. "Like this."

I mirrored the action and felt the humming energy float over and settle over my body. Nothing else happened at first, but then Diluc's hold on my hand tightened. I responded by firmly holding back, and I couldn't help but shut my eyes as bright light flooded my vision.

It felt as if we were moving at speeds of light while standing still all at once. My body tensed at an unexpected physical strain. I wouldn't say that the process hurt, though. It was like the shock of an ice bath, except instead of frigid waters, it was waypoint energy.

Thankfully, the unpleasant feeling went away as quickly as it began, and the dark of night replaced the bright light that surrounded us. Blinking hard to clear my vision and trying to not audibly gasp, I regained my bearings.

"I should have warned you." Diluc frowned apologetically. "The first teleportation is hard on the body, but the feeling subsides over time. I got so used to it over the years, I forgot about the reaction you might have."

"I sure hope it gets easier."

He squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Do you need some time to recover?"

I shook my head and straightened my spine. "It wasn't so bad."

"You'd be the first to say that," he smiled. "Go ahead and touch the town waypoint. Don't worry, there won't be any negative side effects."

I sure hope not. Having to go through that sensation again on the way back was not something I was looking forward to. I turned around to face the waypoint and looked to my hand still clasped with Diluc's.

"We hold hands for this, too?"

"Ah, no." Diluc let go in a jerky motion and pulled his gloves back on. "After this, you'll be free to use the two teleport waypoints as you wish."

I nodded and placed a hand on the waypoint, greatly appreciating the simple wash of energy that skated over my skin. After sensing that the registration was complete, I took a step back and noticed the details of where we were.

"Is this the town square?"

The streets were made of paved cobblestone, but the teleport waypoint was situated in the center of some type of plaza. Simple benches and bushes encircled the waypoint as if it were a spectacle to just sit and watch it glow.

Diluc pointed to the right. "The tavern is down that way. If you wish to have dinner, there's also a restaurant nearby known for serving a specialty from each of the seven nations. There is food at the tavern, but it's nothing to write home about. I've been meaning to talk to our cook about that. Hmph, another thing to add to the list."

The restaurant seemed like an interesting option, but I wasn't keen on eating alone in a new place. Besides, I wanted to see what Diluc was like when he wasn't playing chess. "Let's go to the tavern."

"If she insists." He led the way.

I thought the port town would be small, but there were a surprising number of people out on the streets tonight. It could be because it was the weekend and people were itching to spend some Mora. Though none of the townspeople approached us, many of them met my eyes with a friendly smile and a wave. A few of them even said hello to Diluc by name.

"Do you come here often?" I asked.

"Not often enough," he sighed. "And far too many times than I'd like. Ah, here's that restaurant I mentioned before. And there's the butcher and bakery."

Diluc continued his act as town guide, and I learned about the bed and breakfast that only served Teyvat Fried Eggs. There was a general goods store close to the dock that sold more fish than goods people would generally need. To keep up with the Academy's use of weapons, a blacksmith was also stationed in the town, striking at an anvil even now.

We rounded the corner and there was an immediate increase in foot traffic leading up to one building. Clusters of people gathered around the entrance, though it was unclear if they were trying to enter or preferred to mingle in the night air.

"That would be the tavern. Seems business is booming as usual. That's good, I suppose."

"You don't sound happy about it." I followed behind him as he weaved through the crowd of jolly patrons.

He pushed the tavern door open and allowed me to step inside before closing it shut. "That's because I'll be manning the bar tonight."

The inside was even more lively than the outside. Overlapping conversations from all directions assaulted our ears, mingling with a jazzy tune coming from a piano I couldn't spot. Wooden chairs scraped against the wood floors as people constantly moved around, and it was hard to maneuver without bumping into someone.

"Ah, Master Diluc!" A young man ran up to us. "Thank the Archons you were able to make it. Our usual bartender had an emergency, and we've been short-staffed all night! Also, the porter got a shipment of cocktails from Cat's Tail this morning. Margaret left a note expressing interest in collaborating with our branch on the island since she wasn't able to obtain a license here herself. The cocktails are a sample for us to try and see if our patrons take any interest, though, we're not sure where to store them."

Diluc sighed. "I'll take care of it."

I stuck close to his side, not sure where to go, but I nearly lost sight of him after an intoxicated man stumbled into me. His drink sloshed onto the floor next to my shoes, and I hopped back with a yelp. That was close.

"Hey," Diluc stepped up to the man and grabbed his collar. "Watch where you're going."

"S-Sorry 'bout *hic* that." The man wobbled and looked at me with a drunken smile. "Didn't see her standin' there. Such a *hic* small pretty thing she is, heheh. She sh-should uh…settle down somewhere *hic* quiet. I can show her to a…a corner if ya don't mind?"

I stepped close to Diluc. "No, I'm good."

"Are ye *hic* sure?" The man chuckled. "Name's Seven-Fingered *hic* Marley. See?" He spread out his left hand to reveal seven digits. "If ya come with…with me, you can find out why all the ladies—"

"She said no." Diluc tightened his hold on the man's collar, practically dragging him to the exit. "If you don't want your name changed to Zero-Fingered Marley. I suggest you leave. Now. "

The man wasn't really given an option. Diluc swiftly kicked the door open and hauled Seven-Fingered Marley outside. He returned just as fast, tugging at his gloves with nonchalance.

"Sorry about that." He rested a hand on my back and guided me in the direction of the bar. "I don't allow unsavory behavior in my tavern—customer or not. Have a seat at the counter. I'll be bartending for the night, and it would do my peace of mind wonders if you remain within my sights."

The tavern was even more crowded at the bar, but just one look from Diluc scared away enough patrons to open up a seat for me. I hopped up onto the barstool, and the counter was surprisingly clean. Diluc walked behind the bar and took off his dark coat, revealing a white tailored vest on top of a black-longsleeved dress shirt.

"Would you like anything to drink?" Diluc asked before frowning. "Hang on—how old are you, again?"

I rolled my eyes. "Relax. I've gone out for drinks before." I scrunched up my nose. "I don't like the taste of alcohol. Not even dandelion wine."

"I prefer grape juice, myself."

"Then I'll have some of that. You can take care of the other customers first, though. I can wait."

"Nonsense." He rolled up his sleeves at elbow-length and rummaged around the icebox. "Archons, how is it that we're out of grape juice? I'll have to have a word with the porter on that. Any other requests?"

"Excuse me," a woman hollered from her seat. "I need a refill."

"I've been waiting at this counter all night," another man complained. "What does a guy have to do to get a drink around here?"

I met Diluc's tired eyes and mouthed go. I wasn't particularly parched or anything, nor did I want the business to suffer on my account.

Diluc began to re-do his hair in a higher ponytail. "Check the icebox for something you like. If anyone bothers you, don't hesitate to yell out for me."

He turned his attention to the waiting customers, and I waited a moment before deciding to inspect the tavern's supply for myself. Certain no one would steal my seat while I was gone, I walked over to the icebox and opened the cover.

Hm…Apple Cider, Wolfhook Juice, and—ooh—pink lemonade. I grabbed a bottle and carried it back to my seat. As soon as I made it to the barstool, Diluc nodded my way and slid a glass with ice cubes down the counter. I caught it before it could smash onto the floor and uncorked the bottle.

A pretty pink stream of lemonade filled the glass, and I took a sip. To my surprise, the taste was not at all like pink lemonade. Sure, there were some light notes of citrus, but the main flavor was a sweet strawberry. It was delicious.

I'm not sure how much Sweet Flower was used to make this juice taste so good, but I didn't care. I was already pouring another glass before the ice cubes could begin melting, and I cherished the wonderful flavors mingling on my tongue. Ah, there's nothing like a refreshing juice to end the day.

It's no wonder Diluc's tavern was so popular. "This is the best juice I've had in my whole life," I murmured to myself with a smile.

All too soon, my bottle was emptied, but I was happy to go grab another. I grabbed two, just in case, and contently sipped on another glass.

Observing the patrons around me, it was so strange to think that we all lived on the same island together. The atmosphere of prestige and rigorous work at Celestia was quite different from the lightheartedness that the townspeople experienced in day-to-day life. I quite liked it here. I should make a habit of teleporting over when I got the chance.

Diluc couldn't seem to catch a break. I watched as he made cocktail after cocktail, shaking up the drink mixer as if he'd been doing so his whole life. All of the customers seemed satisfied with their drinks, and he looked good while he worked. I liked the high ponytail. Diluc should keep his hair in a high ponytail more often. Hm, yes…the rolled-up sleeves, too.

I wanted to go up and tell him myself, but he just looked so concentrated. He wasn't smiling. I sighed, Diluc hardly ever smiles. I wish he would smile more. He has such a cute smile…I beamed at the thought of it.

Diluc looked my way, and I jumped in surprise as I was caught staring. My glass was empty again, so I distracted myself by filling it up. Such a pretty, pretty pink color…I wonder what it was called. I would love to keep a few bottles for my dorm room. Best juice in Teyvat.

It was a good thing I grabbed two bottles this time. I realized the contents of my second bottle had disappeared with a gasp. Was somebody else drinking my juice? I turned my head in either direction, looking for a possible culprit, but the quick movement made me a little dizzy. Ah, well. I have another bottle. I reached to uncork it, but a gloved hand snatched it away from me.

"Hey!" I exclaimed. "That's mine."

Diluc held my bottle of delicious juice and stared at me. "What is this?"

"My juice."

"This isn't something we serve at the tavern," he frowned. "Where did you get this?"

I leaned over the counter to try and take it from him. "If you want your own, get it from the icebox. Now, give me the bottle!"

Diluc reared backward and held it out of my reach. "You smell like alcohol, Lumine."

"Duh," I rolled my eyes. "We're in a tavern, remember?"

He uncorked the bottle, and I was afraid he would drink it all right in front of me. Instead, he lifted it to his nose and took a sniff. "This must be the batch of cocktails Cat's Tail sent over. Why didn't they leave it in the back? I didn't give approval for it to be put out here."

"So, Not juice?"

He was frowning again. "How many bottles have you had?"

"You always look so grumpy."

"What was that?" He leaned against the bar to hear me better.

I propped my elbows up on the counter and spoke louder. "You always look so grumpy!"

He pulled back. "I asked how many bottles you've had."

How many? I held up two fingers. "Peace!"

"Two?" he confirmed, and I nodded. "You don't drink alcohol, and yet you've downed two bottles all on your own."

"It tastes like juice! Really, really good juice. You should try some."

"Cat's Tail is known for serving drinks with a pleasant taste, no matter what ingredient is involved. Their bartender has exceptional talent," Diluc lifted the bottle to look at its bottom. "This batch is called Pinkity Drinkity."

I giggled. "Huh?"

"Pinkity Drinkity," he responded with a serious expression.

"Say that again." I giggled harder. "It's too funny with you making that face. Pinkity Drinkity. That's hilarious!"

Diluc returned the bottle back to the icebox, much to my dismay. I didn't notice there was a back door until he turned to go deeper inside, reappearing with a burger on a plate. He set it on the counter in front of me and then filled my empty glass with clear liquid from a tap. "Eat. Drink."

I accepted the glass and held it up to my lips. "What is it? I hope it tastes just as good."

It was flavorless.

I frowned.

"This is water. Why can't I have more of the Pinkity Drinkity?"

He crossed his arms. "You're intoxicated. You have no tolerance for alcohol, and your inhibitions have been drastically lowered. Drink the water, eat your food, and stay put where you are. I can't have you falling over and knocking into customers."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be so dramatic, Diluc. I feel fine. I feel better than fine. This town is so great. We should do this again. You look outstanding!"

His eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"

"Your hair!" I pointed at him. "I love the high ponytail, Diluc. Ooh, you should go without a coat more often, too. That vest with the rolled-up sleeves, mm."

"I—" his expression stuttered and his frown finally dropped! "Eat the Golden Chicken Burger and keep drinking your water. I'll finish up with these customers here, and then I'll take you back home."

"Aw," I pouted. "That's lame."

"Stay right there," he reminded me and turned his attention back to the remaining patrons.

I downed the glass of water as fast as I could so Diluc wouldn't pester me about not listening to him. I suppose this was his tavern and I was just a guest, so I'll follow along. The burger was tasty, very tasty. Now that I think about it, the last thing I ate before now was breakfast. I scarfed the rest down and searched for a napkin to wipe my hands.

Someone bumped my back, and I nearly fell off the barstool. My head swam as I tried to regain balance, and I swiveled around to catch the offender. Ugh, it was that guy from earlier. What was his name again? I think he had too many fingers.

"You," he spat into my face. "Ya got me *hic* kicked out of the tavern. I'm—I'm a regular here, ya know. I *hic* don't care how pretty ya are. Don't go messin' with my fun."

His nose was a lot uglier than before, all bruised and swollen. I wonder what happened to make it match his disgusting personality so well. "Your nose looks like a smashed Sunsettia." I laughed in his face.

"Pretty girl got jokes? I ain't never been one to raise a hand against a female, but there's a first time for everythin'."

The man drew back a sloppy fist, bloodshot eyes focused on me. He was slow.

Before he could even manage to lean forward, I hopped off the stool, balling up my own fist and swinging directly at his ugly face. It smashed into his already-busted nose with a satisfying crack. Blood spluttered from his nose and a few unfortunate drops got onto my clothes.

I whooped in laughter at my success.

"You…" he clutched his face from where he collapsed onto the floor. "You wench!"

"Hey!" A voice boomed across the tavern, silencing the idle chatter and commanding everyone's focus to its speaker at the bar. "Who's starting a fight in my tavern?"

The crowd of people around the bar parted. My fist was still clenched and hanging in the air, and I quickly swooped it behind my back. Diluc's attention snapped to me, and I froze.

"He started it." I pointed to the man struggling to pull himself off the floor.

Vaulting over the counter, Diluc stalked toward me. His eyes flicked to the bloodstains now decorating my sleeve, and he stopped. His eyes hardened as a dark shadow crossed his features. Was I in trouble?

Diluc slowly turned from me to the man on the floor, and he swiped an empty beer bottle from the counter, holding it by the neck like a weapon. He smashed the butt of the bottle into a pillar, causing bits of shattered glass to rain on the floor. The jagged edge was aimed at the whimpering man.

"Your verdict is death."