happy halloween! will this chapter be a trick or a treat?

"A little more to the left, dear. It's not lined up evenly quite yet."

Following Madame Ping's direction, I shuffled the antique cabinet along the wall with a grunt. Once I heard her hum of approval, I stepped away and rested my hands on my hips, looking at the work done so far. The living room was completely different from when we first started renovating—new arrangements and new furniture mixed with old.

"It does look better this way, but you really picked the worst time to change the furniture layout," I said. "According to the letter, my transportation to Dawn Winery should be coming today. Any moment now, really."

Madame Ping only smiled sweetly and handed me a potted plant.

"Now, now, I made sure you had plenty of time to rest up after returning from school. Besides, we had more important matters to attend to before diving into this project. Didn't you have fun in Liyue Harbor?"

I sighed, accepting the pot and standing on top of a chair to set it on a shelf. "I guess you have a point. I ate enough at Wanmin Restaurant that I could fall into hibernation right now if I wanted to. We still have leftovers from the extra sides Xiangling gave us."

"Such a sweet girl. She's got quite the knack for cooking, but an even better talent in finding the right people to become friends with." Madame Ping patted my shoulder. "I feel much better after seeing one of your friends in person. And to think I'll be meeting another later on today."

"You will?" I frowned. "Who?"

"Isn't your friend escorting you? That one…Diluc." She nodded assuredly and pointed in the direction of the kitchen. "Since you told me he likes grapes so much, I'm baking a batch of grape jelly doughnuts for him to enjoy."

Madame Ping didn't know just how busy of a man Diluc was, but I did. It was more likely that he hired someone to transport me to Mondstadt rather than come here himself.

"I think you'd have a better chance to meet him if you came to Mondstadt with me," I said. "He's got a winery to manage, you know."

"I can't do that. My regular pastimes in Liyue Harbor have gone uninterrupted for years now. Never mind the doughnuts, then. I'm sure I can find a group of children who are willing to stuff their faces."

"I'll take some with me and let Diluc know you were thinking of him."

Madame Ping sighed. "Well, alright. Help me hang up these paintings."

As much as this was a chore that I hadn't expected to be doing over winter break, spending it with Madame Ping made it enjoyable. While hanging the artwork, I listened to her updates on what she's been up to and answered all the questions she had about Celestia Academy. And she had a lot of questions.

"You say he got held back a year? Are you sure it's good for your development to hang out with someone like Childe?" Her wrinkles deepened with worry. "I won't be able to sleep at night if you become a delinquent, too."

"He's not a delinquent." Not anymore. "Trust me, Childe means well. He may be reckless at times, but I find that really refreshing."

"I like what I've heard about that student council member." Her tone brightened. "Someone like him is bound to be a rule follower. An excellent role model."

I stifled a snort. Kaeya was anything but a rule follower. "Kaeya's helped me a lot with getting around the school. I'd probably be completely lost without him—literally and figuratively."

"That's good to hear, knowing my girl is in capable hands. Your grades are proof of that. I'm so proud of you, Lumine."

"Thanks, Madame Ping. Thoma had a lot to do with that. I would have likely flunked Vision Studies without his help. He's shown me a lot of helpful study tricks that I use in my other classes, too. My favorite one is taking plenty of breaks."

She laughed. "I'm sure. They all sound like wonderful people for you to have met. Hang on to them dearly, now."

"I will."

"Ah, look at you. All grown up so fast." Madame Ping sighed and picked up the next piece of art. It was smaller than the others, and I recognized the portrait to be my own from when I was a kid. "I remember sketching this like it was days ago. You were such a cute…what's that smell? Could it be—oh dear. The doughnuts."

She shuffled to the kitchen in a hurry, and I deeply inhaled the scent of baked dough. The air was sweet with a hint of char.

While Madame Ping got distracted by the oven, I lounged on the closest couch and counted the seconds it took for her to return with a new furnishing idea. Before I could even get to ten, my ears picked up an unusual rhythm that came from outside the house. The sound got louder, and I recognized the clip-clopping of a horse.

I sat up.

My ride was here.

"The gods have blessed us, Lumine. My doughnuts turned out perfectly fine. Don't mind the ones I've hidden in the bin." Madame Ping walked in with a tray of freshly baked doughnuts. "Hm? Looks like we have some visitors."

"It's for me." I got up and searched for my suitcase.

Madame Ping's smile fell slightly. "You're leaving so soon?"

"I already told you, Madame Ping. Diluc is—"

"Yes, yes. Diluc has arrived." She tutted and carried the tray back to the kitchen, but I could hear her voice carry throughout the entire house. "Be sure to greet the man properly."

I sighed. Madame Ping had already forgotten what I said about Diluc not picking me up personally. Still, I had my manners and undid the lock for whoever he had hired. Regardless of how much he paid them, I was sure Madame Ping would share the doughnuts with anyone who crossed her path.

"Ask him if he wants powdered or glazed!" Her voice rang out as I swung the door open.

Shaking my head, I loudly replied, "It's not going to be—"

My words froze on my lips when the door fully opened, revealing none other than Diluc. He had been adjusting a large wicker basket in his arms, and we both froze upon making eye contact.

"Diluc," I said belatedly. "You're here."

He cleared his throat. "That I am. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

"You're perfectly on time." I paused to look at the carriage he'd arrived with. There was a coachman feeding a snack to the horse. "I didn't know you'd be coming here yourself. The letter you sent implied that you were drowning in paperwork."

"Drowning is a bit of an overstatement." Diluc shrugged. "Yes, it's true that I have matters to take care of, but there's no one I trust more than myself with your safety. Accompanying you on the way to Mondstadt was the only way I could keep peace of mind."

He readjusted his hold on the basket, and I couldn't tell what was inside from all the wrapping tissue that surrounded the contents.

"What's that you brought?"

"Just a small gift. I figured if I'd be meeting Madame Ping for the first time, I want to leave a good impression."

"Lumine! What are you waiting for?" The woman in question spoke up behind me. "Bring him in."

I didn't mean to leave him standing there for so long. Even as Diluc stepped through the door, I couldn't shake off the lingering shock of him actually coming in person. I watched his expression as he took in the foyer—it wasn't much. Our place was probably a lot smaller than what Dilluc was used to. I'd never seen Dawn Winery for myself, but it had to be impressive based on the rumors I'd heard.

"So, what do you think?" I asked. "We've been renovating the place basically all day. Madame Ping has a real knack for interior design. I just wish she didn't create her vision through my labor."

"Your home is very lovely," he said with a warm smile.

Madame Ping stepped around me and patted my back. "Oh, I like him already. You must be Diluc. Lumine has had a lot to say about you."

"All good things, I hope." He chuckled lightly and shook her hand. "Madame Ping, it's my pleasure to finally meet you. Getting to know Lumine has been the highlight of my year. It's not much, but I've brought this gift for you."

She patted him on the back, too. "You and I think alike, Diluc. My life has been filled with joy from the moment Lumine stepped through the front door. That joy is forever accompanied by a mountain of surprise and worry. She can get into the most ridiculous situations sometimes."

"Oh, come on." I crossed my arms.

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Diluc agreed. "It smells wonderful in here. Have you lit a candle?"

Madame Ping energetically turned back to the kitchen. "That would be the doughnuts. Wait right here while I go get them."

I made use of the new table Madame Ping had insisted on getting and gestured for Diluc to place the gift basket there. Curiosity ate at me as I tried to peek through the tissue.

"What's inside?" I caved.

"Wine from my stock as well as some sides that pair nicely. I wasn't sure what cheeses Madame Ping favored, so I included an assortment of wedges. There are preservatives, too. I hope she can find a use for them—strawberry jam and grape jelly."

"Did someone say grape jelly?" Madame Ping bustled in holding the tray of doughnuts. "We really do think alike. Here, try one. They're fresh."

Diluc tentatively reached out a hand as if he needed to take time on deciding which pastry to choose. They all looked the same to me. A fine dusting of powdered sugar evenly coated each of the perfect circles, and we both plucked one from the tray. I'd had Madame Ping's creations before, so the tart jelly melding with sweet dough was a familiar taste that I welcomed.

"Delicious," Diluc said after eating it in two bites. It took me five. "You should consider opening a bakery."

Madame Ping waved a dismissive hand. "Thank you for the flattery, but I simply do not have the time. I bake with love, and this batch was fueled by the love I have for my dear Lumine. You have her to thank for how they turned out."

She forgot to mention the poor doughnuts that didn't survive the oven's heat. I had a sixth sense for whenever Madame Ping would start oversharing details about me and my childhood adventures, so I made a show of pointing to the grandfather clock tucked in the corner.

"Would you look at that? It's time to go. Diluc runs a very tight schedule, Madame Ping. I don't want to hold him any longer than we already have."

She shook her head at me, a quiet laugh shaking her shoulders. "You don't have to tell me twice, dear. I know how much you've been itching to visit Mondstadt all this time. After meeting your friend, it's no mystery why."

With the wink she sent my way, I didn't bother asking what she meant by that. I ignored Diluc's arched brow and spotted my packed suitcase hiding behind a pile of flattened boxes. He followed my line of sight and had the suitcase in his hands before I could even attempt to climb over the mess.

"Is there any more?"

I shook my head. "All the things I need for the next week are ready to go. I left most of my academy things back in my dorm, so this is all I need."

"Then, I'll give you and Madame Ping a moment to say goodbye. You can find me waiting in the carriage." Diluc dipped his head before carrying my suitcase with him as he left.

The door shut softly right as Madame Ping reappeared with a box in her hands.

"Where did he run off to? I packed a dozen for the trip back."

"Thanks, Madame Ping." I took the box and pulled her into a hug. "I'll miss you."

"Don't miss me too much. You need to open your mind and heart to fully experience the world around you." She stood on her toes to pat me on the head—no different from when I was a kid. "Not that you seem to have any trouble with that. From what I can tell, Diluc is a good match for you. I approve."

I blushed. "I didn't even tell you we were serious yet."

"Of course, I can tell. My eyes may be old, but they can see more than you think." She rubbed my back one last time before pulling away. "He gets extra points for the gift basket. You should warn the others that they're falling behind."

My mouth fell agape. "How do you know about—"

"Seeing your face turn wistful and hearing the way you speak of them tells me all I need to know. They'll take care of you when I cannot, and I believe I've raised you to do the same for them. Won't you?"

"Madame Ping…"

Emotion swelled in my chest, and all I could do was hug her again.

"One more hug and I'll assume you're staying here for good," she said into my shoulder. "Diluc is waiting for you."

Yes, he was.

I reminded myself that this wasn't the last time I'd be seeing Madame Ping. There would be spring break after this, and then a long summer would be waiting for us. But right now, it was time to say goodbye and enter the carriage.

By the time I spotted the soft glow of light coming from Dawn Winery, night had fallen. We'd been on the road for several hours, and not even Diluc could fully hide the fatigue from his face. Though I was also tired, I couldn't peel my eyes from the window for most of the trip. Taking a carriage was so much better than walking—Madame Ping's preferred method—except for when the road got bumpy.

The carriage didn't take us all the way up to the manor, stopping right by the Dawn Winery sign in front of the vineyard. Diluc stepped out first, holding out a hand for me when I hopped down.

Even though it was dark out, I was amazed by how beautiful the area was. Much of Liyue was made from rock, but the vineyard seemed to hold an endless supply of lush greenery. The manor itself was huge. I hadn't even seen the inside yet, and I bet it would take a full day to explore it all.

"Your suitcase will be delivered to your room, so you don't have to worry about unpacking until after dinner," Diluc said as we walked up an incline. "Adelinde, the head maid, already has steak and potatoes on the menu, but if you wish to be served anything else, do not hesitate to ask."

"Steak and potatoes sound wonderful."

Maids.

It struck me now that Diluc would have maids. It made sense for a place as big as this, but I couldn't imagine what it's like to be attended to day and night. As we approached the manor, two maids came into view. They were standing in front of the large double doors and bowed once they noticed our arrival.

"Welcome back, Master Diluc."

They even called him by such a grand title. If I thought back far enough, some of the tavern staff on the island had called him that, too.

"Moco, Hillie, this is a special guest of mine," he said.

I waved. "Hi, it's nice to meet you two. I'm Lumine."

"The pleasure is ours." They both bowed to me, and I had a hard time telling who was Moco and who was Hillie. "Dinner is about to be served. Please, come in."

Though Diluc and I were more than capable of opening the doors on our own, Moco and Hillie took the lead and brought us inside. Another maid was waiting for us, and there was something different about her—an air of authority. She must be Adelinde.

"You must be Miss Lumine." She smiled at me. "Master Diluc has been preparing your arrival for quite some time now. Please, allow me to welcome you with our best meal."

We were passed off to Adelinde, and she took us to the dining table—already set with two plates of food. I'd been smiling easily up until I noticed that our plates were situated on either end of the table. A very long table.

"Is something the matter?" Adelinde asked earnestly.

She caught on quickly.

I didn't want to make any unnecessary trouble, so I shook my head as politely as possible. Before I could vocally express that everything was fine, Diluc was already walking around the table and rearranging the plates.

"Of course," was all that Adelinde said. "Enjoy your food."

Diluc placed our plates together, and I found myself more hungry than I originally thought. I'd never had a steak so savory or potatoes so rich. The pitcher of ice-cold water slowly drained away as Diluc and I refilled our glasses and ate in peace.

"Do you really eat like this every day?" I asked once we'd finished. "I can't imagine going back to dining hall food."

Diluc smiled fondly. "It tastes much better when I have you to enjoy it with. Then again, I find every moment in my life to be better when you're in it. We'll have plenty of time to share even more moments together after you've rested up for the night."

He lifted a hand, and Adelinde appeared by his side in a flash.

"Please show Lumine the room where she will be staying," he said.

"Yes, Master Diluc. Miss Lumine, if you'll please follow me."

"What about you?" I asked him. "You should, too."

His eyebrows rose slightly. "You want me to join you?"

In my room? In my bed? Where I'd be sleeping? That wasn't what I meant, but ideas were already rolling into my mind. I fought to keep a straight face.

"No." I cleared my throat. "I mean, you should sleep."

Adelinde piped in. "I echo Miss Lumine's sentiments."

He sighed. "I still have to take a look at the documents Elzer left on my desk this morning."

"And how long will that take?" I frowned.

"However long it needs to."

I narrowed my eyes at him. Just a little.

He returned my stare, unwavering.

"Alright, I'll just have to stay up with you," I said with finality.

"Lumine, you can't—"

I leveled another stare.

Diluc grunted, though I had a sneaking suspicion he was forcing it. "As long as I don't make it a habit to leave a few things unattended to, I suppose I can turn in for the night as well. Are you happy now?"

Adelinde clapped her hands together in a cheer.

"I'm ecstatic." I grinned, filled with energy from this small win. "After you, Master Diluc."

I meant to say that in a teasing way. After all, everyone else in the manor called him by that title.

Diluc's eyes widened, caught by surprise, before deepening. His throat bobbed. It was now that I realized his stare from earlier was just for show. My mouth went dry, and a flash of heat warmed me to my toes. The intensity in his gaze now…it would be me who folded this time.

If it weren't for Adelinde in the room, he may have said more than a simple goodnight before leaving the dining table. If it weren't for Adelinde, I might have gotten an in-depth tour of the guest bedroom from my generous host. But, because Adelinde was here, all I could do was follow her to my room and lie awake thinking of all the what-ifs.

(shhh madame ping is a little ooc)

3.2 is right around the corner but hyv still has to tease us w new 3.3 anemo characters 😩 scara still looks perfectly evil as wanderer lmao

! this marks the halfway point of Celestia Academy in a temporal sense. i say this now and take a look at the 97 chapter count & nearly 300k words…and i worry the story may be/feel too drawn out for some readers. i know this story has built up far past a "traditional" form. of course, this is fanfiction so…not very traditional to begin with lol. many chapters ago, i adopted a manhwa/manga mindset in which 100+ chapters is natural, though i do recognize that full text is another story (hehe, pun). anyway, i believe relationships are just as important as plot and haven't held back from taking the proper time to develop them, but i can understand if some readers may feel that there is a drag because of that !