Edited: 05/21/23
Act I
Chapter V
Foreboding Echoes
FeaR.
The sounds of battle reverberated through the desolate lands of Mare Jivari, filling the air with an eerie sense of foreboding. The few trees that had managed to survive were skeletal and lifeless, while the dirt was as dark as the night sky above, which was brimming with black clouds pregnant with thunder. The ground was littered with the bodies of both Adepti disciples and humans alike, their once-bright complexions now dingy and faded, with gray, weathered hair and unresponsive, glazed-over eyes.
Beyond the sea of fallen warriors, there were still those who remained locked in combat, their weapons clashing and ringing out amidst the howling winds. Despite the carnage that surrounded them, they fought on with a ferocity that defied belief. Each of them was aware that they were fighting for something greater than themselves, for the very future of their land and the survival of their loved ones.
A nightmarish enemy had formed a frontline. They had long, wild black hair, red eyes, and from time to time, they would snort, releasing black smoke. They were demons, remnants of old grudges and hatred by the fallen gods of Teyvat. Their solemn desires and abhorrent ambitions now manifested into beings of darkness and horror.
On the other side of the line, brave souls of the Millelith and fierce disciples of the Adepti formed their tight ranks, each wielding spears and shields, while the Vision wielders brought up the rear, their weapons gleaming with elemental energy prepared to unleash a spell at a moment's notice.
The demonic foe stamped their feet roughly on the ground, causing the earth to thunder and rumble. They shrieked and snorted violently, each of them ready to charge forward and fight their enemy.
Just then, the dark clouds overhead parted, revealing a shining full moon. Atop a massive cliff, a lone Adeptus looked over the army of allies who were staring down the evil creatures. Standing in a graceful yet rigid pose was a beautiful young woman. Her long blue hair flowed flawlessly in the windless land. But the most noticeable trait was the pair of horns proudly displayed on her head. Her lilac eyes scanned over the battlefield, and when she spotted the lifeless bodies of countless humans behind the evil demons, she bit her lip, biting back tears of sadness.
Ganyu turned to her army, and the look in her eyes changed from sadness to fierce anger.
She was angry. A rare commodity, but a necessary one. Days of peaceful nights and aimless walks were over. 'Tis an hour of war.
"Brave warriors of Liyue, we must not dishonor the sacrifice of our valiant brothers and sisters. If we do not stop the demons here, they will be free to wreak havoc on all of Teyvat!" Ganyu's voice rang out clear and strong as she glided down from her position, hovering over the frontlines.
"At all costs, we will end this blight before it begins! Fear not, for I will battle beside you. Even if it costs my life, I will ensure that you all return home as heroes!" she announced. The soldiers whooped and cheered, while the Vision wielders released a shower of sparks of elemental light that exploded like fireworks. Their cheers were final acts of defiance against the looming darkness.
Some of the Demons started to smile wickedly as if they couldn't wait to prove the Adepti wrong.
"FOR TEYVAT, CHAAAAAAARRRRGE!" Ganyu shouted in a fierce warcry.
Ganyu led her cavalry forward, the thunderous sound of their hooves matching the pounding of her heart. Ahead, the Demon army also charged towards them. With her Amos' Bow in hand, Ganyu landed at the front of the charge. The bow's horn began to glow with an icy blue energy, spiraling around the arrow as she quickly drew it and infused it with pure Cryo power. She charged it further, her focus unbreakable. With a calm breath, she let the arrow loose.
The arrow flew like a comet, smashing through the ranks of the Demons with deadly precision. They flew through the air like rag dolls, letting out pained growls as they were struck down by Ganyu's powerful attack. She ascended into the air at a rapid pace, using her glider to maintain balance as she surveyed the battlefield below.
"Disciples, release!" Ganyu commanded, and a sphere of condensed elemental power was fired down towards the Demons. At the same time, the Disciples unleashed a barrage of elemental energy spheres. Ganyu's attack hit first, creating a giant explosion of pure Cryo power that decimated the Demons. The barrage then followed with multicolored explosions that blasted away at the remaining Demons. The front warriors then swooped in and skewered the Demons with their spears. Upon contact, the Demons disintegrated into a puff of smoke that was carried off by the absent wind.
The soldiers wielding shields advanced in a phalanx formation, mowing down any remaining Demons who managed to escape the onslaught. Despite taking severe punishment, the Demons refused to surrender and continued to fight on, punching at the shields, and biting the heads of any millelith who broke formation. Ganyu would unleash her Celestial Shower attack intermittently, and in the intervals, she would release blasts of Cryo energy at any Demon that threatened to take the life of her soldiers.
Ganyu felt a mix of emotions as the battle raged on. On one hand, her side was making progress in pushing back the mindless Demons. However, her elation was tempered by a growing sense of anxiety.
As she surveyed the battlefield, Ganyu's thoughts turned to the mission that brought her here. Xiao had warned her that the Demons were awakening and that intercepting them at this strategic point was crucial. But as she watched the frenzied creatures continue their mindless assault, Ganyu couldn't help but feel confused.
"How could this be?" she thought to herself. "There's no sign of coordination or leadership among them. So how did they manage to release themselves?"
Ganyu's anxiety continued to grow as the battle raged on, her mind racing with questions and possibilities. She knew that if she didn't figure out what was happening soon, the consequences could be disastrous.
Before she could react, the world illuminated the battlefield. A star descended towards them.
As a great and powerful force descended upon them, Ganyu struggled to stay afloat using her Adepti art. The impact was so strong that even the elemental barrage fell to the ground like heavy boulders. The Demons, unaffected by the force, took advantage of the distraction and launched a surprise attack on the warriors.
Soon, the fallen soldiers were surrounded by the Demons, whose mouths emitted a wispy, ghost-like light that began to devour the souls of their victims. The helpless humans screamed and pleaded, but to no avail as the Demons continued to feed until the bodies became limp, their hair turning gray and eyes lifeless.
Ganyu watched in horror, her heart heavy with grief and anger. How could she have been so blind? The Demons were not mindlessly fighting; they were luring them into a trap, and Ganyu had fallen for it. Whoever sent that blast was stronger than her, a terrifying thought. Now, it was up to her to find a way out of this nightmare and save as many lives as possible.
"NO!" Ganyu shouted, her voice ringing with desperation. "I won't stand for this-"
Suddenly, more stars burst in the dark skies above.
Ganyu froze as she saw thousands of violent orange lights erupting from the horizon, streaking like shooting stars across the sky and arcing down toward her and the remaining troops. "Retreat!" she screamed. "Everyone, retreat now!"
But it was too late. The hundreds of blasts erupted where they stood, and they were trapped. They couldn't run from such deadly attacks.
Ganyu had barely a moment to react as the beams of light rained down on the battlefield. She darted to the side, her wings singed by the heat. One of the beams closed in on her, but she acted quickly, conjuring a Cryo flower barrier with all the power she could muster. The beam collided with the barrier, and Ganyu strained to hold it together against the force of the impact.
She was surprised by the beam's strength; it took every ounce of her concentration just to keep the barrier from shattering. But as the seconds ticked by, the strain became too much, and the barrier finally collapsed with a deafening roar. The force of the explosion sent Ganyu hurtling through the air, slamming her into the ground and leaving a massive crater in its wake.
It was eerily silent as Ganyu struggled to regain consciousness, lying in a massive crater that had formed from the intense battle. As she slowly came to, she began to crawl out of the pit, inch by excruciating inch. Her body throbbed with pain and her adeptal energy was dangerously depleted, but she pushed forward, driven by a desperate hope that some of her soldiers had survived. But as she emerged from the crater and scanned the desolate battlefield, her heart sank.
Demon corpses and the lifeless bodies of her warriors littered the ground, their once-vibrant complexions now drained of color and still as death.
"How...how could this happen?" Ganyu whispered in disbelief, her voice choked with grief. She struggled to her feet, swaying unsteadily as she surveyed the devastation around her.
Ganyu's gaze turned to the horizon and she gasped in shock at the sight before her. Thousands upon thousands of red eyes gleamed in the distance, accompanied by a giant dust cloud. Furrowing her brow, Ganyu stomped her leg into the ground in defiance, firmly strengthening her stance. She flared out Amos' Bow, and the horn of her bow glowed with power.
"For the honor of my fallen soldiers, I will fight until my last breath," Ganyu declared, steeling both her soul and spirit for this one final confrontation.
"Foolish half-breed, there is no need for this show of heroism..." The menacing voice boomed across the empty planes. Ganyu's head whipped around in all directions, her eyes scanning the desolate landscape for the source of the voice. "I must admit, your bravery is commendable, but it is all for naught. As powerful as you are, you are not strong enough to stop me."
"Who are you? Show yourself, coward! Are you afraid to face the Wrath of the Rock? Rex Lapis, bless me, I shall not waver so easily!" Ganyu retorted, her voice filled with determination.
"Oh, Ganyu, I'm right beside you..." Ganyu turned to her left, and what she saw sent chills down her spine. "You...!" she gasped in horror.
Tianshu sensed that his days were numbered, and today was no exception. He could feel the end approaching him rapidly. And yet, he still fought on, and tried to struggle a decade or two. To squeeze whatever happiness and satisfaction he had left.
Some things are worth fighting for.
To his surprise, his daughter Huixin appeared before him with a look of urgency. As a proud child, she had always been confident, even at a young age. A year ago, when Ganyu took her under her wings, it was a moment of great pride for him as a father. However, in recent months, Huixin had gradually distanced herself from him, making her appearance that morning all the more surprising.
Her normally decent hai, which she was always proud of, was replaced by an unkempt look. She looked alarmed and worried.
Ganyu's tardiness sent alarm bells ringing for the Qixing. As the General Secretary, she had always been punctual, and her absence was cause for concern. The Tianshu held himself back from taking any rash action, but he knew that when push came to shove, everyone would learn not to incur the wrath of the Seven Stars of Liyue. Tianshu was prepared to remind those who committed unacceptable acts of the consequences of their actions.
He was confident that Ganyu was just lost, as she always was when she took naps. He treasured the times when Ganyu would walk back to the Yujing Terrace with an awkward and embarrassed look on her face, and he was sure to share those stories with Huixin when he had the chance.
While all of the Liyue Qixing were familiar with Ganyu's residence due to official visits, only Tianxuan and Tianshu visited on a personal basis. Ganyu's qingxin flower tea was exceptionally good, and they often found reasonable excuses to visit her.
Tianshu knocked on the smooth door, but before Ganyu could respond, he heard a crash and a yelp. Moaning in pain, Ganyu quickly opened the door and was startled to see him standing there.
"Uncle Tian? What are you doing up so early?" she asked.
Tianshu raised his aging brow higher than it should have been and replied, "Ganyu, do you know what time it is?"
Ganyu shrugged tiredly. "By the placement of the sun, it should be- !?"
The half-qilin stumbled when she looked at the sun and saw it at its highest peak. Her mouth gaped open like a fish, and Tianshu chuckled heartily. He knew that Ganyu might have been fine, if not a bit overworked, but this had never happened before. He narrowed his eyes as Ganyu tried to come up with an excuse.
She gasped, "What? It shouldn't be... My internal clock should have awakened me long ago!"
"Well, it didn't," Tianshu said, helplessly shrugging. "And now my daughter, Huixin, is beside herself with worry and was ready to call an emergency meeting. Don't worry, I convinced the Qixing that no such thing was necessary."
Tianshu quickly followed up on his last sentence when he saw the poor woman on the verge of tears. He knew that Ganyu needed some time off, but he didn't know much about Adepti like the next guy. The Secretary of the Qixing was the only adepti in the city, as far as he knew. To be honest, he and the other Seven Stars didn't know much, as they were not privy to the affairs of the adepti.
Although there was nothing inherently wrong with respecting the division between the two worlds, it was imperative to ensure that both the Qixing and adepti were working towards the betterment of the people of Liyue, as that was the ultimate goal of Rex Lapis. Ganyu found herself in a precarious position, torn between her adepti instincts to ensure the prosperity of the city and her human instincts that urged her to approach things in a more pragmatic manner.
Thus, the administration of Liyue was entrusted to an adepti, but even adepti had their limits, and Ganyu was no exception.
To ease the situation, Tianshu spoke in a calm and soothing tone. "Let's handle this matter with discretion and avoid making a fuss. The Qixing has unanimously voted to grant you the day off. You are free to spend it as you please, and there will be no official duties or governance-related activities for you today. However, I must remind you that you are not allowed to enter the terrace until the next dawn. Do you understand?"
As an adeptus, Ganyu was held in high regard and deeply respected by many, including Tianshu's daughter, who even collected dolls modeled after her. He cherished the moments when he would convince Huixin not to buy another Ganyu doll. Despite Ganyu's position as the General Secretary of the Qixing, the Seven Stars still held more power in Liyue.
Tianshu couldn't help but reminisce about the past, even though he was getting older.
Ganyu wanted to protest but found the strength to speak up despite feeling fatigued. "That's not fair," she said. "I was only late this morning. I can catch up on the rest of the work this afternoon. I promise this won't happen again."
Tianshu shook his head, indicating that he disagreed. "No," he replied hastily, waving his long arm to the side in a gesture of disapproval. "You'll be joining me for lunch. You're not the only one with some free time, and I'd like to try out that seaside teahouse with a beautiful view."
The horned woman wanted to protest further, but she knew better than to argue with Uncle Tian. Ganyu had learned at a young age that Tianshu was as stubborn as a goat – an old goat at that.
Ignoring the glare from Ganyu, Tianshu was more satisfied than scared. He knew that Ganyu could be intimidating, but never threatening. She wouldn't harm another human unless they posed a direct threat to her safety. Those who had tried to harm her had received nothing more than a slap on the wrist. But when Tianshu had heard what had happened to Ganyu, he had dealt with them far more harshly.
A dozen men had "slept with the fishes" that night.
"Fine," she grunted in irritation, which surprised him. Tianshu knew that Ganyu wouldn't hold a grudge, but the tone of anger in her voice said otherwise.
Now that he thought about it, he noticed Ganyu's disheveled hair and subtle dark circles beneath her eyes. It was rare for the half-Adeptus to look tired or dispirited. Something must have happened. Perhaps a cup of tea and a refreshing lunch could help her feel better.
An hour had passed since he had arrived at the teahouse, waiting for Ganyu. The open balcony provided a breathtaking view of the harbor, with the fresh and salty sea air calming his nerves. As one of the most influential merchants in Liyue, he had a keen understanding of the importance of governing the fishing trade, and appreciated the ocean breeze as it blew across his face. However, as he had grown older, the task of administering every single detail of the trade had become increasingly difficult.
Perhaps one day, he could spend his remaining days fishing by the harbor and market. Tianshu couldn't predict the future, but he had a gut feeling that he would live another decade. However, the thought of leaving his daughter alone was painful, especially after his wife passed away a few years ago. Although he was confident that Ganyu could take care of Huixin, a father always worries.
Speaking of worries;
"You're late. Again."
Ganyu couldn't bear to look at him. As expected, even she was troubled. He had believed that Ganyu would pick herself up when she had finally awakened from her mysteriously long slumber but was sorely mistaken. Although she was in her usual outfit, the creases and bends in her clothes meant that they were not taken care of. This was highly unusual and troubling, especially considering the way she longingly looked at the bright harbor.
Ganyu sipped her tea and delicately nibbled on her vegetarian meal, while Tianshu enjoyed his qingce stir-fry. It was unusual for Ganyu to initiate conversations, especially during meals, but when she did, it was usually about business. Tianshu couldn't help but notice her distant and solemn demeanor as she poked and played with her food, completely ignoring him. He found it a bit rude, but knew better than to press the matter.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, Ganyu finally spoke up. "Uncle Tian, have you ever heard of a place called the Mare Jivari?"
Tianshu was taken aback by Ganyu's choice of topic, but he was willing to entertain her curiosity. However, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about discussing the Mare Jivari. The place was known for its horrors, and the stories of adventurers losing their way and succumbing to madness were not to be taken lightly.
"I do know of the Mare Jivari, Ganyu," he finally replied, carefully choosing his words. "But it's not a place one should visit lightly. It's known for its dangers and horrors, and many adventurers who have gone there have never returned."
Some lucky few, or the unfortunate ones, survived but not without scars. Especially how many people lost their marbles after going to that horrid place. Normally, it would just be brushed off, but the massive amounts of people with the same stories and accounts were no fantasy, as much as he wished.
One was just a lie, two a coincidence, three a merit, if more- the gruesome truth.
"The Mare Jivari," Uncle Tian's voice became even graver, "is a cursed land, one where even the bravest of adventurers would think twice before setting foot. It's a place where nightmares become reality, and even the sun dares not shine. Eternal rain of ashes and fire, and clouds filled with darkness are just a few of the horrors that await those who dare to enter. It's a land lost to time, and few who venture there ever return."
Ganyu's hesitation was palpable, her eyes betraying her fear. "I had a dream," she finally said, "no, a vision! Of a battle that took place within the fields of ashen grass."
"A battle you say?" Tianshu perked his aging brow, interested in hearing more. "Forgive my lack of knowledge Ganyu, but did the vision remind you of your time during the Archon War? Surely-"
Uncle Tian had to hold his stance firm as he was startled by the Adeptus' burst of fearful denial. "No- NO! I mean, during the war Rex Lapis never left to fight beyond the borders of Liyue. And the vision I saw was something else, more dangerous and deadly."
Tianshu's expression softened as he realized he had touched on a sensitive topic for Ganyu. "My apologies, Ganyu. I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories." He took a sip of his tea before continuing, "But, if it's not related to the Archon War, then what could it be? And why did you see it now?"
Ganyu sighed deeply, her eyes fixed on her food. "I don't know, Uncle Tian. All I know is that the vision felt so real, and the battle was unlike anything I've ever seen before. The creatures were unlike anything I've encountered in my duties as an Adeptus. And yet, there was something familiar about them, as if I had seen them before." She paused, lost in thought before looking up at Tianshu. "I fear that this vision may be a warning of what's to come."
"An omen, perhaps? Or maybe just a nightmare. Humans have those," Tianshu suggested, trying to downplay the situation.
Ganyu's response was sharp, "Adepti never dream of horrid visions of death and destruction on a whim. Especially not my kind, the Qilin." Tianshu could sense the anger in her voice and saw a flash of it in her lilac eyes.
"I apologize, Ganyu," he said, feeling guilty for his dismissive comment. "I didn't mean to offend you. Please, tell me more about what you saw."
The aging merchant was surprised once again. Ganyu had always been hesitant to discuss her Adeptus side, and only Tianshu and Tianxuan truly understood her struggles. They were the only ones she trusted enough to confide in. This time, however, was different. The conversation was becoming more enlightening, but also more ominous with each passing moment.
Tianshu sipped his tea thoughtfully, pondering Ganyu's words. The idea of ill omens and wars made his stomach churn with unease.
"What makes you so sure it's a vision of the future?" he asked, setting his cup down on the saucer with a clink. "Perhaps it's simply a warning of something to come. Or maybe it's just a dream."
Ganyu shook her head, her expression grave. "I know what it feels like when my dreams sends me a warning, Uncle Tian. And this was no ordinary dream. It was vivid, and I could feel the weight of its importance."
Tianshu frowned, his mind racing with possibilities. "Well, if it is a vision of the future, what can we do about it?"
"I'm not certain," Ganyu said, trying not to fidget too much. Tianshu appreciated her brave effort, but knew that it was useless against someone as experienced as he was. "But there are some details that convinced me it was a vision of the future. For starters, the practice of having a disciple was outlawed even before Liyue was born."
"Disciples?" Tianshu asked, unfamiliar with the term.
"Adeptus Disciples," Ganyu clarified, realizing that Uncle Tian was not knowledgeable about the Adeptal world. "Adepti would select humans to teach them their craft of Adeptal arts, much like an Archon would bestow a mortal with the power of Vision. They would pass down their knowledge and techniques, and the practice was where the concept of Sigils of Permission originated. However, the practice has been lost over time, unfortunately."
"Lost? How could it have been lost?" Tianshu couldn't wrap his head around the idea that such a method could have been lost so easily.
"It was- in an unfortunate fate -that humans used the same techniques that were taught to them to merely surpass and kill other adepti. You can see why the art was 'lost' in the millennia before Liyue. That is why many of us aren't as plentiful as we were before, and why some adepti still resent some humans for that."
"It was a long time ago, we couldn't still hold a grudge for that long-"
"But the Adepti can!" Ganyu cut him off by slamming the table, showing a rare sign of anger. "To them- to us- you humans are still the same: greedy and malevolent creatures of lust and sin!"
Dreadful silence hung between them until the sound of knocking from outside broke it. "Excuse me, is everything alright in there?" an attendant asked.
Tianshu did his best to assure them, and when the attendants were satisfied and left, only then did Ganyu realize that she had snapped towards him. A look of dawning horror spread across her face as she tried to calm herself down.
Tianshu wasn't afraid, but he was concerned about her outburst. Ganyu had never insulted anyone before, let alone a human, but Tianshu knew that he was but a child compared to her age. He was confident that she wouldn't normally act this way, but the problem remained the same.
"What happened in the dream? What did you see?" Tianshu asked, his tone gentle but curious. He sensed that Ganyu was holding back some information, but he was willing to be patient and wait for her to share at her own pace. He knew that sometimes it took time for people to open up and he didn't want to push her too much.
Ganyu took a deep breath before speaking, "I saw myself in a battle, but I lost." She looked down at her hands, and Tianshu could see the worry etched on her face.
"Hmm?" Finally, something to talk about. "You lost? How so?"
It took a minute for her to gather her thoughts, and Tianshu noted her ashamed look. "During the battle, we were winning. But then... dread. A force pushed us down, like a weight of a million stones burdened our backs. It lasted a few seconds, but it was enough."
"I- I... I couldn't handle those screams," Ganyu was now trembling, her tired form shivered at the image of those pale faces and glazed eyes. "Demons. Demons were our foe."
"What?!" Tianshu himself wasn't faring any better. Demons?! "Impossible! They are mere remnants and were but a shadow of their former glory, apart from small entities, what you claim is preposterous Ganyu."
"I know what I saw," Ganyu argued back, a fierce snarl rearing to unleash itself. It wasn't directed at Uncle Tian, but at the thousand of eyes that glared red at her weak form. It still haunted her. "There were so many of them. I did my best, as did the soldiers and warriors that fought with me. But a single moment of weakness was enough to devour my troops and decimated our forces with a single barrage. Even I can't block it with the power I had wielded during the battle. I too was defeated."
Tianshu felt older than he could comprehend, but he must push on-
Ganyu sighed, the sensation of something heavy burdened her heart. "There was also something that bothered me, where was Rex Lapis? No Adepti would face a battle that large without another supporting each other." Especially the leader of the Adepti. The lack of his presence in such a crucial fight worried Ganyu, already thinking of the ramifications of such a terrible scenario.
The thought of losing Rex Lapis was a devastating thought, and an impossible one. Morax was the oldest and most experienced Archon alive. There was nothing, barring other Archons or Celestia, could ever hope to even match him in battle.
"Maybe he was occupied with a larger battle?" Tianshu asked.
"Perhaps," Ganyu replied halfheartedly, still consumed by her own thoughts. "But that doesn't change the fact that I lost. However, I refuse to let that dream become a reality. I will make it stay as a dream."
Ganyu stared at her cold cup of tea, her determined reflection staring back at her. She had purposefully omitted one crucial detail, fearing the repercussions if the other Adepti were to learn of it. While her vision could be dismissed or taken lightly among the other adepti, what she had witnessed at the last moment was different. It was something that she could never reveal.
Those familiar golden eyes, baleful and strong. It seems that even the Conqueror of Demons could be conquered by his own demons.
Xiao...? Why?
"Where are we going?"
Barbara followed close to Diluc, struggling to keep up his pace.
The older boy's stride kept getting wider the farther they got from the center of the manor. "The training room," Diluc replied tersely. "It's this way, far down the hallway."
As much as she wanted to question the quickening pace of the older boy, Barbara was more worried of the implications that something was wrong with her sister. That shouldn't be, right? Jean was strong, and father said that she was fine. Mother said so as well, and mother does not lie. She hated that Barbara felt comfortable with that phrase, she always hated it.
The hallways became much dimmer and dimmer the deeper they went. She noticed that the number of servants also lessened. "Where is this place? And where are the servants?"
Diluc did not turn back, but he answered her anyway. "This was the guest wing, and now the unused part of the manor. It was mother's personal wing of the place, her training ground and resting place." Barbara couldn't see, but she could still feel the sadness in his voice. "Since my mother's sickness, this part of the manor was closed for many years. After an incident when Jean arrived, father gave her the whole wing."
"Incident?" Barbara did not like the sound of that.
Diluc stopped his tracks and sighed, "I'd rather not talk about it. Since you didn't hear about it, Lady Frederica must've not told you." There was an uncomfortable tone with what he said next. "Maybe it's best if we keep it that way. Then again, I didn't know much except a few rumors or so. Kaeya might have an idea."
It's not my business.
Barbara could understand what he meant. Diluc might've felt awkward gossiping about her family troubles in front of her, he was always sensitive like that. On the other hand, she couldn't understand why there was trouble in the first place. Jean was no troublemaker, and she always obeyed mother.
"Okay," Barbara nodded. "I'm sorry, I was just worried for my sister."
Diluc gives her a reassuring smile. "I know, I get it." He then continued his march to the end of the long hallway.
Before they could take a sharp turn, Diluc stared back at her whilst they walked. "About the lack of maids, father gave strict orders not to bother the guest. Only one or two maids are allowed at a time, as per Lady Frederica's requests."
"Why?" Again, Barbara does not understand what is going on. "Did Jean do something wrong?"
"Nothing wrong perse." Diluc smiled nervously. "She's just a little tense since she came back with Captain Varka. The whole mess at the cliff might've shaken her, I would have too. Kaeya and I may have been squires, but we both wouldn't be strong enough to deal with that." He then glanced ahead, his gazed stern and worried as well. "Jean was brave, I'll give her that. But she was helpless as well."
And Barbara knows how her sister hates being helpless. "It was a miracle that uncle Varka was there." She wouldn't know what to do if she heard the news that Jean was hurt. The thought alone made her heart ache.
"Well, there was that mysterious stranger too." There was a hint of awe in his voice. "I heard from the Captain's knights that he arrived there first, sword in hand and the winds blazing." Diluc chuckled, "I would've called them childish if not for Jean and Varka's insistence." He suddenly lost his smile. "Especially Jean, she was the most insistent of them both."
"Really?" Barbara asked in surprise. "The stranger must be strong then." It was one thing to be vouched for by the captain of the cavalry company, but Jean's personal persistence in this stranger as well? She can't wait to know more about the person that saved her sister!
Diluc shrugged, "I really can't say, since I haven't met the guy. Mother says that she had a strong hunch that it was the same person too that saved her." He scoffed, "I mean the feats on the cliffs alone were impressive, but with mom too? Sure, that could be a coincidence. Kaeya agrees, but mother's assertive nature never was wrong. I don't know how to feel about that."
Barbara too, as she never was the one to encounter such a dangerous situation. She was always in the dark in most things, and she hated it.
"Were you with Kaeya at the manor when the kidnappings happened?"
Finally turning a corner, Diluc gave her a sheepish grin. "We were at the Winery. It was already too late when we got the news about the incident last night, and when commander William came to warn us."
"So, you were not targets?" Barbara tilted her head, wondering why that small detail did bother her so much.
"I honestly do not know," Diluc shrugged helplessly. "Apart from Kaeya and I, there were the Lawrence clan's younger scions too. They were in the city, the same place where Jean and the other children of the minor nobles were kidnapped, but they were spared miraculously." There was a skeptical look in his red eyes, and Barbara recognized that look from her own mother, the same look of contempt and suspicion in everything and anything. It was much softer, though.
As they approached the end of this hallway, at a much slower pace, Barbara clasped her hands. "At least you and Kaeya are safe."
"Not everyday is a miracle," He smiled with thanks, "But we must keep hope that there will be a day."
Barbara smiled back, sharing the sentiment. Her smile disappeared when they arrived and she realized they were not alone.
"Rosa?" Diluc's confused tone echoed the hallway, catching the attention of a lone maid waiting by a large two-door entrance.
The poor maid looked distraught, and was caught off-guard when Diluc called out to her. "Young master? What are you doing here?"
"I brought a guest, for Jean." He kept glancing towards the door, an indecisive gaze etched across his face.
"Does Lady Frederica know?" The maid asked nervously. "She specifically said no visitors."
Diluc narrowed his eyes, earning a meep sound from the maid. "Lady Frederica would bar anyone from visiting Jean? Even from her own family? From her own little sister?" He said, gesturing towards Barbara.
Barbara on the other hand sympathized with the maid, her mother was a scary woman. "It's fine if I inconvenience you in any way, miss."
"I… Suppose I could ask the young lady in the room if she would be privy to guests." The maid's eyes softened at Barbara's empathy towards her situation. "Give me a minute to intrude politely on the lady's room."
"A moment before you do, but what are these for?" Diluc caught a tray of food, seemingly cold and forgotten, untouched by who should've consumed it.
"It is not a matter that would concern the young master," she bowed her head. "It is merely another request from Lady Frederica."
"Hmm, clean this up then."
The maid nodded, "Only after I take my leave once the young lady in the room agrees to accept guests." She then turned around and entered the room.
As the doors opened, Barbara could hear the song of steel echoing the room. Before she could steal a glance, the doors closed deftly.
Barbara hid her disappointed sigh. She was this close, why couldn't she just see her sister? Fortunately, Diluc was there to give her an emphatic pat on the back.
"Give it a moment," Diluc said softly. "I'm sure Jean will be thrilled to know her little sister is here." There was a certain look in his eyes that Barbara found hard to deny. So, in the end, she only just nodded quietly.
He gave the untouched tray a long, considering look, and sighed. "I'm still unsure as to why Lady Frederica sent for a maid to feed Jean." He frowned as he stared at the large doors with a hesitant gaze. "Jean is always diligent."
"Not always," Barbara giggled, finding her humor when she recalled the incident by the beach. "Remember Eula? Jean didn't even know who she was, and embarrassed mother when Jean admitted that she overlooked her education concerning the current politics of Mondstadt. Mother actually ordered her to rest from her physical training and swordsmanship for a while, and even invited Lisa to help teach Jean from her lack of knowledge."
Diluc scoffed, "More like lack of interest. She wasn't the only one, honestly. I had Kaeya on my tail for a long while once when I mistook one of the minor houses' scions as a foreign guest." He smirked alongside Barbara, as she too remembered that with Jean. It was a hilarious sight, Diluc profusely apologized,while Kaeya was subtly fueling the flames, and the poor young noble was torn from embarrassment and angry. "I nearly thought he was gonna jump at me, but a good thing father was there to cool heads."
Barbara chuckled, "That's right, it was the only time I saw Jean laugh freely since her training intensified." She couldn't understand why back then, Barbara onl;y felt sad that she barely played with Jean anymore. "When father heard the news about Jean's success on the trials, mother was ecstatic enough to invite us back to the city-manor to celebrate." But then, she recalled where she was now. "But then everything bad happened, and it happened so fast I can't even keep up anymore."
"Same," Diluc grunted. "Kaeya and I were kept in the dark for the most part, it was just when you and your father arrived that he pulled us out of our rooms for "our own safety" to greet you."
Barbara blinked. "So you really haven't sought her out? Not even once?"
"I did, but father forbade me. Kaeya went around to ask for stuff, an excuse to interrogate servants for any rumors, but it was still kept on a tight seal."
"That's odd, servants like gossip." It was where she heard dastardly things about her parents, even if she refused to believe what they had all said.
Diluc smiled softly, "Don't believe in that stereotype." He ought to at least defend the integrity of Adelinde and the other kind servants. "But yes, that is odd even for our servants. Kaeya suspected that the presence of Lady Frederica had something to do with it. But he can't be sure."
"Must be," Barbara muttered quietly. She knew the demanding presence of her mother, a stark contrast to father's kind and considerate smiles that seemed too bright for anyone. Everyone except mother that is.
Before Barbara could churn such thoughts further, the large doors finally opened. The maid exited the room with a stern frown, and closed it behind her. "The lady awaits the presence of the young lady and young master. She only ask to wait a little longer, for she will change to appropriate clothes. You may enter as you wait."
"So, she was just training in the room?" Barbara tilted her head, and acknowledged that there was nothing wrong with that at all.
"You may call it how you wish, young lady." The maid bowed, and towed the tray away. "I must send word to the young ladies' mother, I shall leave her to your care. Good day, young master."
"As will you," Diluc nodded back, but Barbara caught his eyes trailing after the maid- especially the tray that was rolled away, still untouched.
Barbara did not care, and strolled into the room all the same, not caring for the noise or lack of mannerism that was drilled into by her mother. All she cared for was the warm embrace of her sister, and the kind smiles that were sent her way. That was the only thing that matters, and the only hope that Barbara held from the tension of her parent's unusual behavior.
"Ah, good memories remain I see." Diluc followed after her, at a much slower pace, but his gaze lingered around instead of Barbara's frantic searching. "Mother always trained here, and I would always try to sneak in with Kaeya to watch."
It made sense, as the weapons around them were either covered in dust or hastily covered in thick tarps. The room went unused for many years, adding to the lack of proper care in any of the few pieces of furniture that lay around the large room. It was large enough to host a feast for a noble family, but it seemed to be put in better use by Diluc's mother, always the odd weapon or training equipment laying about.
"It seems a certain someone made herself at home here," Diluc idly remarked, aiming his gaze at a more clean-looking couch with discarded tunic lay hopelessly. White shirts, tight pants, and even extra boots lay uncaring by the new visitors for them to see. "She must be still changing." His eyes lingered on another door at the far end of the room.
It was the hallway on one side, and the rows of windows on the other. The entrance they entered came from the hallway, and the sight of the burning light outside made for a scenic view of Dornman Port and the large plains that any soul can see Cider lake, and Mondstadt, in the far distance.
"Is it usually this large?"
Diluc scratched his head nervously. "It was a part of the former guest wing, where my ancestors would hold parties and a small court away from Mondstadt. Mother used this as her personal space after she married father, especially after some, ahem, rough moments in their marriage."
"Oh." Barbara understood immediately what Diluc was trying to say. "Did your father sleep at the stables too?"
Diluc coughed at the innocent question, "W-well, there was not much of a stable built in here, as the port town already had a community stable. Let's just say there were just some cold nights at the time. It was hard not to notice at times."
Barbara nodded, knowing that feeling of something not right between parents. "Father was sent to sleep at the stables once, I had a feeling when you said that this space was for Lady Genevra's personal use."
"So Lord Seamus gets the cold treatment too, huh?" Diluc chuckled, imagining the poor priest's expression every time that happened.
"It's a rare occurrence," Barbara admitted, "But we all shared laughs back then." Everything changed when Jean was sent to do the trial early. She wished everything was simpler, like the old days of her happiest moments. Even good moments with her mother.
"Don't think too much about it," Diluc smiled, giving her a reassuring look. "Have faith, everything will be alright. The storm will pass, Sir Varka once said, and the rainbows await the other side."
Barbara giggled once again, "Must be one of his so-called wisdom everytime auntie Lily would scorn him."
Diluc shared her laugh, "Must be, must be. He looked like a poor mutt kicked into the rain everytime he said that."
While they shared a good laugh, they did not notice the other person exiting the other room. "Must be a good joke at uncle Varka's expense to incite a good laugh at that. I approve."
"Jean!" Barbara rushed forth without hesitance, jumping into her sister's arms. Jean embraced her with equal vigor, holding on tight as if Barbara was a floating piece of salvation as she all had left. "You're okay!"
"Whatever uncle Varka says, he exaggerates." Jean said softly. Barbara could feel the tension of her sister's arms fall in their sweet embrace. "It has been too long, Barbara. I hope I didn't scare you."
"Not scared," Barbara huffed, "I was just worried." She dug into her older sister's shoulders, smelling the scent of dried sweat. But she did not care, even if Jean smelled oi manure, Barbara will not let go all the same.
Jean chuckled, "Are you sure? Can you not let go?"
"No." Barbara only tightened her grip further and dug her head deeper.
She was not scared, she wasn't! Even the fear of Jean disappearing did as much as it should have, as she was afraid that this sweet moment would end too soon.
"You looked tired, Jean." Diluc said, as he frowned when he noticed Jean's heavy bags beneath her eyes.
Barbara let go, only to see what Diluc was talking about. She could definitely see the tired look of her older sister. Her eyes still looked strong, as if not willing to wilt any further than what she had now. "Are you okay?"
Jean gave her the same reassuring smile as always, but Barbara noticed something out of place from it. It lacked the vibrancy that she always felt when Jean smiled. Diluc was right, as she also noticed how hard Jean was hugging her as well, but it disappeared when Diluc questioned her state. Barbara let her go for now, albeit hesitantly.
Diluc crossed his arms, his keen eye staring at Jean. "This seems not diligent of you, barely taking care of yourself."
"I am diligent," Jean frowned. "I have kept up with new training methods for extra efficiency."
"Did Lady Frederica put up more training again?"
She can't help but agree with Diluc, her sister never skipped a good rest, even ignoring mother's advice to sneak out with Barbara and have fun in the gardens. Now, it seems that Jean took her training to the extreme, but even Barbara knew that mother would never force Jean to continue training. Her mother was not that heartless, and Barbara had a feeling that the tray that lay untouched outside with the maid was from mother.
"When was the last time you slept, Jean?"
Diluc took closer steps to the young girl, but Jean seemed unperturbed. "That's none of your business, Diluc. You never cared then, why now?"
"I always cared, Jean." Diluc said in disbelief. "You and I both knew our responsibilities, and you blame me now? Answer the question. What is up with you?"
"I took a nap a few hours ago." Jean scowled quietly. "And nothing is wrong with me. Is it not normal to go back to routine after a terrible incident? Knights must be prepared to face any threat at any time."
Diluc'spetulant huff seemed to disagree. Barbara felt the tension keep rising every sentence. Jean was always the negotiator, not the aggressor. Did the incident really affect Jean that much?
"He said sleep, not napping." Barbara asked softly, "When was the last time you had a good sleep?"
Jean growled, which surprised Diluc and Barbara. "Since I arrived with uncle Varka, I realized it was too inefficient."
The young man sighed, "I am worried Jean. Father keeping Kaeya and I in the dark, mother being frantic and restless, the frequent visits of Commander William, and now the desperate search of Sir Varka." Diluc gave Jean a pleading look, "I just want answers, Jean. What happened out there?"
Barbara wanted to know too, to find whatever shook her sister in this sort of lost gazes. "Sister, please. Tell us what happened." She hates the feeling since she arrived in the manor, the lack of Jean's presence with greeting her and father, and the avoidance of mother.
Jean sighed and gazed out the windows, "I do admit that sleep escapes me." She flinched when she saw Barbara and Diluc stare at her. "It's not that I am terrified, I was when I was still on the cliffs. At this moment, I only feel empty."
"Oh, Jean." Barbara can't help but feel bad for her sister. She can never experience whatever Jean and the other kids went through, and she even found it hard to imagine. "I'm truly sorry you went through all that."
Diluc frowned, "What do you mean empty?" That bothered the boy more than it should have, Barbara realized. It bothered and confused her too. "Sir Varka and the stranger arrived on time, right? Everyone was safe and no one was hurt."
"I know that," Jean said tersely, "But I cannot understand why that man left. I'm not deaf, uncle Varka has not found him yet has he?" She let out a frustrated huff.
Barbara nearly saw a different person, this was not the same older sister she had with stars in her eyes and the burning determination of accomplishing greatness. The old Jean would have dusted herself off and grown stronger, the person before kept staying where she was- frustrated at the world around her.
"No word reached our ears yet," Diluc said, closing his eyes in frustration as well. "Commander William was called in, asking what news Sir Varka brings in his search in the borders."
Before Jean could voice out her slight irritation, Babara blurted out; "Why him? What's so important about him?"
Diluc scrunched his face in chagrin, "The stranger? I mean, it makes sense doesn't it? He saved her life, and the lives of the other children, he's a hero that everyone is aching to meet."
Barbara heard Jean mutter, "It was more than that…"
"Jean?"
Jean gripped her hand, and Barbara saw how hard she gripped. "You weren't there when I felt helpless, Diluc. You weren't there when I felt so weak, sister."
Barbara's heart clenched, when Jean said that she knew that something was wrong. She would never dare expose such weakness, mother forbade it.
"You must've been brave Jean." Diluc said in a resolute tone.
"I am, I was. But what is bravery of an unarmed little girl with barely any experience to go against an army of hundreds? Trapped in the middle of countless evil foes that uncle Varka even found daunting?"
Diluc said nothing, left speechless at the mere thought of what Jean said. Barbara shivered in fear, remembering a nursery rhyme that continued to haunt her growing up.
Jean continued, "What is she going to do, when dozens of children cower in fear? A little girl that was scared too, but tried her best to be brave. I could've only waited for uncle Varka to arrive. Sit there, and wait. The most logical thing to do. Does that sound brave to you, Diluc?" She glared at him, but Barbara saw Jean's eyes flash a thousand yards away. "I sat there, waiting to be rescued. Being brave doesn't save you, Diluc. It only helps when you have the strength to back it up."
Jean lowered her head in defeat. "What strength do I have, to meekly wait for her captors to have their way with me? With the other children? What strength do I have, to wait for a rescue that might come, but paid in blood and sacrifice? The Captain was willing, the knights with him were willing, to give their lives to save us children." She shook her head in denial, "It would have been the end of the cavalry service, at least for a long while. Uncle Varka said so himself."
"Sir Varka would've been victorious anyway," Diluc said, "But at the lives of his men and the endangerment of the other children? That does sound like a plausible outcome."
Barbara couldn't imagine the scale of that outcome. If that were to occur, the power of the minor nobility would've been severed for decades, leaving a large power vacuum for the remaining ones to try and fill it up. The knights would have been weakened to the extent, and-
"Such an outcome would result in the resignation of Grandmaster Leonard." Jean's tone made it such a hard fact, and even the firm look Diluc shared with Jean cemented it as fact. "It would have churned the political and military landscape of Mondstadt for a long time, a decade or so until we can pull it back to full strength."
"Leaving the recruitment process to lessen," Diluc continued after Jean with a grimace, "Letting untrustworthy individuals or unworthy fighters in the ranks, leaving the state of the order to weaken."
"But it didn't," Barbara said, voicing her optimism. "It didn't happen, right? Uncle Varka is safe, and his soldiers are safe too. And Grandmaster Leo would not resign, right?"
Jean and Diluc share another look. "He is already in hot waters before this," Diluc explained. "The outcome was a good one, but not a great one. The children are safe, and the cavalry unit stands strong and loyal to Sir Varka. The noble families on the other hand… they might not share the same opinion as we do."
"And a certain clan would still use this to their advantage." Jean looked troubled by the prospect. "Already the Lawrence clan invited foreign individuals to witness this mess. Especially the representative of the Tsaritsa."
Barbara sensed a certain distaste from Diluc. "The Fatui." He spat in distrust, but there was a soft look in his eyes. "They could take advantage in this situation. Rumors circulate that a nameless dragon roams the ruins of old Mondstadt and the northern borders with Snezhnaya. Mother said not to trust what they say."
"It's not so terrible, is it?"
Jean murmured, "That is not easy as it sounds, Barbara. The Grandmaster will juggle internal and external troubles, and even with the support of the knights, the noble families want one thing."
"The stranger himself," Diluc's eyes widened. "He's the key in this, isn't he?"
Jean smiled softly, "Yes, the same figure that remedied all of this. The entirety of Mondstadt probably heard by now of what happened at the cliffs." Barbara could barely see the cherished look in her eyes.
"I bet he already has songs sung for him at Angel's Share," Diluc chuckled.
Barbara looked between the two, still confused. "What does he fit into all of this? You guys are being vague." She pouted in protest, frustrated that she can't seem to understand what is happening around her and why this stranger seemed to be the missing piece. "I get that he is a hero, but why does one person have to do all of this?"
"I don't understand either," Diluc admitted, "But think about it. A heroic figure appears out of nowhere, solves the nation's latest crisis, and his feats have already spread across the country like wildfire." He coughed in correction when he saw the glare that Jean sent his way. "Ahem, mostly because of Sir Varka's celebration two nights ago."
"He was more than a heroic figure," Jean said with a sad sigh, "His presence seems to calm me and the other children down, and the fact that uncle Varka seemed respectful in his presence says a lot."
"Sir Varka?" Diluc asked, skeptical of what Jean said. "Calm? No way."
"I knew you wouldn't have believed me even if I told you."
Barbara was more concerned about the stranger's involvement than Varka's rather rare moments. "He can be respectful!" She tried to defend his honor. "Maybe only around auntie Lily. But why does uncle Varka's respect be important?"
Diluc gave her a serious look. "Barbara, there's only two people Varka genuinely respects. Your aunt and Commander William. Not even the Grandmaster holds Varka's approval, much less acknowledgement. He refers to the Grandmaster as an old fool."
Jean nodded, "And this mysterious stranger appears, and solves the crisis that every soul in Mondstadt only knew in the aftermath, earning the favors of many minor nobility, and ushering massive interests, such things can bring massive changes. Sooner or later, word will spread of this stranger's strength. Other nations will find interest, and in the worst case scenario, the stranger would not hold interest in our nation." Barbara saw how sad Jean was when she exclaimed the last part. "It will bring instability and the people who learned of this mysterious savior were still not found; it will bring repercussions to the knights. Some might even question a person's existence as well."
"And the church too." Diluc seemed hesitant to bring that up. "Church officials like your father have interests in this individual. Not long after Varka's drunk parade in the streets of Mondstadt, people are already fashioning this stranger as Lord Barbatos' Champion."
Jean blinked, "This is the first I've heard of it." She smiled bitterly, "A fitting moniker, Champion of the Wind. Certainly would explain a few things. I did not see the man wield any Vision of some kind."
"Alright, now you are just pulling my leg."
"Diluc, I'm serious." Jean narrowed her eyes, as if trying to recall something. "I have seen Auntie Lily use her Anemo Vision before, but the stranger's powers far exceed hers tenfold. He could create hurricanes and change the weather in an instant. When I woke, it was clear early evening skies, but when he approached from the sounds of battle the skies darkened. It was when he finished off a powered-up Abyss mage, did the dark skies disappear."
Diluc was feeling reluctant. "That's really hard to believe, but if I ask Sir Varka he might embellish it further. I'll take your side of the story instead."
Barbara on the other hand did not like what she heard, it sounded rough for Jean. "Did something happen, Jean? Shouldn't the stranger come with you and uncle Varka?"
"He left almost immediately," Jean said with a bitter taste in her mouth. "We don't know why, but we can only speculate. Well, Varka and the rest could speculate. Let them. I'll train harder instead of wondering about the possibilities that never occurred."
Diluc stared at the tossed equipment and weapons on the ground, seeing the rough state of the room and Jean herself. "Far harder than before. I thought I heard it wrong when Kaeya shared with me a rumor that you refused Lady Frederica's request to rest and eat."
"That's not true, is it?" Barbara gasped. She can't imagine how mother must've been angry. Or confused. Or sad, as Barbara was right now.
Instead of assuring her and Diluc, Jean hardened her eyes. "I need to be strong." She stared at her rough palms, dirty spare clothes, and the weapons that lay about- eagerly waiting for her touch.
Barbara blinked, speechless. "But why?"
"I have to be strong. If not, how could I stand in the presence of a man that does not deserve my strength?" Jean laughed. "How do you think we called him a stranger? He hasn't told us his name yet. He left without saying anything. Left me without saying goodbye. I couldn't even say thank you."
"That's not-" Diluc tried to reassure her. "There must be an explanation. He must've been in a hurry, another isolated incident perhaps?"
"I doubt it," Jean said sadly. "He walked away, leisurely. Not even interested in a conversation. We just told him our names, and he ran off!" She punched a crate from her sheer frustration, the gathered dust blew away. "I tried to beg Uncle Varka to approach him and at least say thank you. He chose his duty instead." Jean laughed again, this time much bitter than the last.
Barbara tilted her head, "I mean, shouldn't we? Remember what mother always says-"
"For Mondstadt, as always." Jean finished for her. "But at that moment, I forgot about Mondstadt. Even now, as I keep swinging my blade, I keep remembering his safe presence. His aura of light. Every strike is a reminder of him." She sighed helplessly. "I can't get him out of my head. I just can't, and I don't know why."
"Maybe he left quite the impression on you." A new voice entered the room.
"Sir William?" Diluc turned around to be greeted by an aged smile. "Greetings, commander. What brings you here?"
The old man stared at Jean, noticing her changed state. Gone was the determined girl he saw during the trials, only a confused and bewildered young girl left by a stranger that seemed to leave a mark on her heart. He knew that conflicted look anywhere, even among his younger folks in the ranks.
"I was sent here by Lady Frederica," the old man said, "Both her and Lord Seamus will conduct a dinner party tonight. Lord Crepus and his wife were gracious enough to lend us the rest of the ballroom estate next door. I was invited for dinner, and was sent to lead the girls there."
"He lent them the new guest section?" Diluc asked. "I see. Must be a private affair then. I will take my leave for now. Kaeya must be wondering why I took so long in escorting Barbara. I let my curiosity get the better of me."
"Nonsense, boy." William smiled. "To worry about friends is good conduct for a good knight. Off you go now, knowing the young rascal, he already has something in mind to scour you for information."
"Knowing him, he already has."
Jean smiled at Diluc anyway. "Thank you for bringing my sister here. I apologize if I come off as tense earlier." It was a soft smile, one that Barbara recognized as one reserved for Diluc. "I owe you a spar once I clear my mind."
"N-no problem," Diluc said, blushing from the smile sent his way. "You know I will always be here."
Barbara saw the look of pity the old commander sent to Diluc. She did not understand why, but it seemed to bother her more than it should have. "Thank you as well, Diluc. I appreciate the good company." His presence earlier made everything easier, and she felt safe and calm in his company. "I'm grateful for the company of a kind knight like you. I hope you will be Grandmaster one day." And Barbara meant every word of it, as Diluc was kind and emphatic to everyone. He was the person she looked up to next to Jean.
She hopes Diluc will not lose his kind smile.
"Your welcome, Barbara." He bowed and left to find his brother elsewhere in the manor.
Jean sighed, "I should take in a few swings before attending dinner." She was already wielding a practice blade in her hand, and already striking a fighting stance. "Go ahead sister, I will finish here in a moment."
Barbara's heart plummeted. She was already excited hearing the prospect of dinner with father and mother, a rare scenario since Jean's journey to pass the trials early by mother's insistence.
"I'm afraid I must disagree, young lady." William gave Jean a disappointed look. "I heard from the servant sent here that you barely acknowledge your lunch Lady Frederica sent for you." He frowned, "Do you regard your mother's worry for less? What about your father?" That seemed to snap Jean from her concentration. "He was really invigorated to see after some time. Must you scorn him too?"
Jean sputered, "I was just taking a few swings, to better my stance."
"Please join us now, sister!" Barbara begged, using her dopey eyes to full effect. "I'm happy you're safe. But I will be even more happy if you join our father and I for dinner."
Dropping her stance, Jean pondered heavily, before a heavy sigh left her. "I suppose this is efficient enough after a long training session. A good meal might benefit me."
"Good choice," William nodded, and gestured out of the room. "Your training is useless if you keep at it for longer periods of time. You should be feeling lucky!" He smiled at the two, and Barbara gave back a toothy smile. "You are still young, you have all the time in the world."
Barbara expected Jean to reply in laughter or jest, but instead she looked even more hesitant when leaving the room.
"All the time in the world, you say? I feel like I am running out of time, and there's nothing I could do about it. As if time is running away from me and I can't run forever." Jean marched stiffly, a heavy burden on her mind. "Maybe, I already ran out of time. I just haven't noticed it yet."
Such words only brought an ill wind in the air. The silent walk towards the guest dinner hall was suffocating and awkward. Barbara had a sinking feeling this dinner might change her life.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Good news, I finally got a new job after job-hunting for two weeks. Settling into the city was not easy, but at least the harder parts are over. I got a contract for six months working as a reception for a nice little hotel. A temporary agreement, but enough for me to settle on a stable living. I got new stories sitting on my files. Can't really published them yet until I can finish one or two of my current stories.
Got to some time playing a new gacha game, being Project Moon's latest release: Limbus Company.
I was already a big fan of their first game, Lobotomy Corporation, and was excited when they announced their new game. I was a little disappointed that it will be a gacha game, but I was certainly surprised how little the gacha mechanic mattered in my experience. Apparently, you can finish the whole game only using the base characters- they are strong even compared to some pulled characters. Welp, there goes my free time.
Rewriting the chapters made me realized something vital was missing. I might fix it soon. Stay tuned for more.
