previous chapter: lumine wakes up with thoma in her bed, keeping her warm after the freezing scare last night. after being debriefed on what had happened in the aftermath, she is set on supporting aether through his meeting with headmaster dain.

Childe was nowhere to be found in the infirmary. I went straight from Dain's office to check on his condition, but he had left without even bothering to sign out. Bennett's name was clearly listed, so at least I had some relief knowing he was back to normal. As for where I could find Childe…I had close to no idea.

After passing by the training grounds, checking the dining hall, and knocking at his door, he'd be more likely to find me rather than the other way around. Though we last saw each other with me very angry, I doubted he feared my wrath. If anything, he looked forward to what excitement it brought. That made his disappearance all the more confusing, but there was one other pressing matter to occupy my mind.

Since I hadn't heard any wayward whispers of the tavern fire, I had hope the damage was minuscule. Still, worry twisted in my stomach. Would I teleport to town only to find the tavern a pile of rubble? What if a collection of wounded patrons were being tended to on Diluc's dime? After teleporting from the campus fountain to the one in the town's center, I inhaled deeply.

Clear air with a hint of ocean spray filled my lungs. No smoky scent detected.

Urgency still pushed me forward until I spotted the mostly intact tavern. The frontal facade looked fine, but I heard a faint clamor of tools in use. When I saw a flash of red hair disappearing around the corner, I moved quickly to catch up and dodged people carrying planks of wood.

As I thought, Diluc stood there with his arms crossed and attention fully on the damaged property. I had barely assessed the broken window panes and scorched support beams as relief hit me. With open arms, I fell forward and hugged him tightly. Rationally, I knew there was a low chance he'd have gotten hurt since the fire occurred in his absence, but too much had happened already.

"What are you doing here?" Diluc asked with surprise in his voice, his hands landing on my shoulders.

I pulled away to look him over for any burns. "Checking on you."

"I'm fine. It's you that I'm worried about. What's this I heard about you visiting the infirmary last night?"

"How did you know about that?"

Diluc sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Childe told me."

"He's here?" My voice rose an octave with the news.

This meant Childe had to have stopped by, and he likely still lingered in the area since I found no trace of him on campus. Except, when I glanced around for the infuriating man, I only spotted Kaeya waltzing out of the tavern with a bottle in hand. His eye caught with mine immediately.

Diluc recaptured my attention with a finger on my chin, tilting my head back to him. "You haven't answered my question."

"Is that who I think it is?" Kaeya interrupted with a charming smile. "Finally, someone who can sweeten the sour grapes around here."

Peeking at him from the corner of my eye, I saw no sign of injury on him either. At least it'd only been Childe affected by the Delusion prototype. As for whatever business Kaeya was up to…it seemed like he wasn't above pilfering tavern merchandise after a disaster. I scrunched my nose at that but quickly dropped the expression when Diluc sighed once more.

"I'm doing alright now. It's a long story, and I'd rather not hold you up," I said earnestly. "It seems you have a lot to take care of here."

Diluc dropped his hand and nodded solemnly. From what I could tell, only this side of the building was damaged by the fire. Through the broken window, the closest floorboards were either scorched black or actively being replaced with new ones. Night dwellers likely outnumbered day drinkers, yet the tavern was unusually devoid of customers.

"Last night was spent evacuating patrons, dealing with the fire, and assessing all damages. We've only recently begun cleanup this morning. In the meantime, I put a hold on all business—can't have any liabilities walking in." With that, Diluc glared at Kaeya and snatched the bottle away. "That includes you, Kaeya. Is now really the time to be drinking…grape juice?"

His scarlet eyes squinted as he read the label. Kaeya crossed his arms with a satisfied grin.

"I'm simply offering refreshments to the hardworking owner," he said. "Am I mistaken to believe this isn't your favorite?"

Diluc switched his stare from the bottle to Kaeya and then back to the bottle. Kaeya's gesture was kind, but we all knew the grape juice was at no cost to him. Diluc grumbled as such yet popped it open and drank deeply. My ears were either playing tricks on me, or I also heard mumbled gratitude from him.

"There's no time for idle chitchat," Diluc said once finished. "Lumine, you can come back when—"

"How can I help?" I interrupted and maneuvered around him to get a better look at everything.

Regarding the hard labor of repairs, there was already a team at work. My eyes narrowed at the number of empty tables just sitting there. Sure, the tavern wasn't up to code when it came to operating as usual, but that was on the inside. The surrounding property remained in pristine condition.

"Have you ever thought of outdoor seating?" I suggested. "I'm sure your regulars wouldn't mind sipping fine wine with a cool breeze."

Diluc was many things, and a businessman was one of them.

"Angel's Share does have a few tables stationed outdoors," he said after a moment. "The only reason I never implemented that seating arrangement here was due to the locale. The city of freedom favors the nightlife more than a small port town."

Kaeya clapped him on the shoulder and gestured to the sky. "It's a far cry from nightfall, wouldn't you say? Surely we can set something up for the time being. In just a few hours, we'll have both the tavern back to normal and mora in our pockets."

"We?" Diluc echoed dubiously.

"I fully intend to offer my services for a discounted price on wine," Kaeya said with a wink and, before any protests could be made, slipped away to begin moving the tables and chairs outside.

I stared after him for a beat before saying, "I'll do it for free."

"But—"

Just as I hoped, a surprise kiss on the cheek left Diluc at a loss for words. He had said so himself—no time for idle chitchat.

Sparing no effort, Kaeya and I carried chairs outside and strategically placed them close to the tavern. Diluc joined to help with the tables, and a little while later, our vision became a reality. Kaeya brushed the dust from his hands with an accomplished look—one that I shared while admiring our handiwork. As we waited for customers to fill the seats, Diluc had something to grumble.

"I sent the waitstaff home."

Kaeya shook his head with a winded sigh. "You've doomed our alfresco business before it could even take off."

"I didn't anticipate this setup. There was no reason for them to be on the clock while repairs were underway," Diluc said while adjusting the sleeves rolled to his elbows. "Though I can take care of pouring and mixing drinks, there's nobody here to serve them."

Kaeya opened his mouth, but Diluc continued to explain, "Nor do I trust just anyone not to sneak away a glass or two."

I could always give it a try. Sure, waitressing was different from standing behind the bar and poorly recommending wine, but I was a fast learner. Diluc also knew there was no risk of me consuming the goods for myself—even if Pinkity Drinkities were involved. Except, when I opened my mouth to suggest the brilliant idea, he seemed to have already read my mind.

"I cannot, in good conscience, continue to accept free labor," Diluc said to me. "Especially not from someone who was under the infirmary's care less than twelve hours ago."

Kaeya nodded and hummed in interest. "Though I'd love to see you in waitressing uniform, I'd love to hear that particular story even more. Childe only told us as much as he knew before charging straight to the docks, and he didn't know very much."

That's where Childe had gone? Why he chose that destination was no mystery, but Signora should have been long gone by now.

"Listen, if Childe can run around investigating after being discharged, then I'm more than able to wait a few tables." I stared the two of them down and tried one last convincing point. "Time is money. Are we going to stand here all day?"

All Kaeya did was shrug since the decision wasn't up to him anyway. Diluc soon gave in with a defeated sigh.

"You know where the aprons are."

I grinned. "Thanks, you won't regret this!"

Kaeya began to question Diluc on the existence of a waitress uniform as I entered the tavern, and they were still somehow on the topic by the time I returned with the apron around my waist. As far as uniforms went, this tavern only had waiters employed, so there wasn't anything standard for me to change into—much to Kaeya's dismay.

There was already quite a bit of a crowd around the tavern due to curious onlookers, and once they realized we were still open for business, it wasn't long before the tables were occupied. Equipped with the pen and notepad I found in my apron's pocket, I dutifully wrote down each order.

That was the easy part.

It wasn't until Diluc actually made the drinks and handed me a full tray that I began to second-guess myself. The weight wasn't a problem—balancing the drinks was. Although once I imagined this as a form of training, the challenge was more than welcome.

"You've got the hang of it," Kaeya said as I brushed past him with an empty tray.

I squinted at him idly standing by. "And what are you doing?"

"I'm security."

"We don't need security. Right, Diluc?"

"In order to yield high-quality work, you and I need to be fully focused on our tasks as much as possible. If an unsavory guest comes by…" He trailed off with a short nod to Kaeya. "Let him know if anyone bothers you."

Oh, please. There were currently a total of three customers to attend to—a quiet old man, a scrawny merchant, and Kaeya himself. How he could act as security after recently downing a glass of wine, I wasn't too sure. If anyone stirred trouble, in broad daylight nonetheless, I had no issue with using my tray as a weapon.

Just as I thought, my trustee tray saw no blood even after several more rounds of customers came by. The only real bother was how sticky my hands had gotten after the occasional spill here and there.

"Excuse me, girlie. May I have a shot of Fire Water?"

I turned to face the newcomer with my polished customer-service smile, but it quickly fell once my ears registered that particular voice and my eyes landed on the subject of my search from earlier today. There Childe sat, expectant and cheeky, while looking up at me.

Job momentarily forgotten, I pulled out the chair across from him and took a seat.

"Oh, now you show up," I said with narrowed eyes. "I looked all over for you."

"Were you worried about me? I'm flattered, but there's no need. It would require something much more destructive to take me down."

"It did take you down, though. You had to receive treatment."

"They were overreacting."

Kaeya joined in, sidling into the third chair. "He had third-degree burns."

"I could barely feel it after we handled the problem," Childe said quickly. "Did I tell you we handled it? You can always count on me, girlie."

Either he was downplaying the severity of his pain or truly couldn't be bothered by it. I didn't care to consider what the truth was. The whole experience sounded awful, and I wished I could have been there to help prevent it or tend to him after. At least I could see for myself that he truly was fine now, so that was one less thing to fret over.

Childe leaned forward with his elbows on the table and his eyes peering at me. "Are you still upset from yesterday?"

I sighed and released my irritation. No sense in dwelling on the past. "No, I—"

"Then I guess we have no choice but to spar long enough to drain the anger from you. I'm willing to take a few blows, so don't go easy on me."

I shouldn't be surprised at this point. The familiar request did bring a reluctant smile to my face, but Childe didn't give me a chance to respond before continuing on.

"I won't hold back, either. You should take this as the perfect opportunity to hone your skills to avoid a repeat of last night." His eyes darkened at that. "Speaking of, I passed out before hearing the details, and Kaeya unhelpfully disappeared the moment we neutralized the Delusion prototype."

"To offer my services elsewhere," Kaeya said to defend himself. "I simply couldn't sit still with the knowledge of the tavern up in flames. Although, it wasn't nearly as dramatic as I feared upon arrival. Lumine, is this guy bothering you? I can have him off the premises immediately. Just say the word."

Childe scoffed, but his brows drew together when I silently pretended to contemplate. "Who gave you the right?" he questioned Kaeya.

"You didn't know? Diluc employed me to keep unsavory guests in line and away from our precious waitress."

"In that case, you can start by walking yourself out of here," Childe shot back.

They kept going at it, and I couldn't find it in me to interrupt. Though mild insults were tossed about, neither of them dropped their amused sneers or hid their snickers. Actions spoke louder than words, so I had nothing to worry about. The distraction was fun, harmless, and it was about time for me to take a short break from waitressing, anyway.

The banter died down the moment Diluc stepped up to our table. I stood immediately. Since the other customers had cleared out by now, I technically wasn't slacking off. Still, I was the one to step up to this task and should at least try sticking with it. He didn't seem upset—not at me.

"What are you doing here?" he asked Childe.

"Is this not a place for people to gather and chat?"

"Only if you're a paying customer."

Childe tilted onto the back legs of his chair and looked at me. "I do remember placing an order of Fire Water."

Oops. I had completely forgotten, but it was his fault for distracting me.

"We don't serve that here," Diluc said plainly.

"Maybe that's why your business is so dead today."

"Maybe I should treat you to fire the same way your comrade did to my tavern."

The harmless banter didn't sound so harmless anymore, and Kaeya sent me an eager look. Either he was hoping for an actual fight or that was my signal to break them up. It couldn't hurt to try.

"You both have a point," I said. "Childe isn't exactly contributing to the tavern's restoration, but there's also no more customers here left to serve. Why don't we all step away and let the construction crew do their job? The real money isn't made until sundown, so the day is ours to seize."

That was the right thing to say because the heated exchange fizzled out. Diluc's frown deepened, but it was more of a contemplative expression than a displeased one.

Belatedly, I proposed, "Who wants lunch?"

A single beat passed before Childe pushed out of his seat with an easygoing chuckle. "Don't mind if I do. Sitting down at the restaurant opens the perfect opportunity to finally hear what you've been holding back from us, girlie."

That's what it took for the creases on Diluc's face to smooth. Collective nods went around the table, and I mentally braced for the levels of rage they would soon experience. Kaeya was the last to get up, looping an arm around my shoulders and tugging the string that held my apron together.

"We'll teach them a lesson," he promised in my ear. "One they'll never forget."

I chose not to mention how a very clear lesson had already been taught, and that catching up with the culprit was nigh impossible at this point. If any of them had a reaction anywhere close to Aether's…I dreaded the stifling atmosphere that would then fill the restaurant. Already, I missed the relatively light tavern conversation.

My stomach was more than happy to settle down for a meal, though. We reached the restaurant in no time and, on a whim, I asked the hostess if they offered carry-out orders. A portable meal would at least allow for some fresh air and enough space to let loose—temper pending. Fate smiled upon me, for we now strolled the streets—each with a delicious calzone in hand.

Silence overtook our little group as we enjoyed our first bites, but I could feel the weight of their expectation. Patience, impatience, and most of all, pure curiosity mingled around us. I dutifully swallowed the rest of my calzone, savoring the last bits of cheese and sauce, before releasing a sigh.

"Yes, it was Signora."

From there began my deep dive into the disaster that was last night. I spared no detail and quickly came to appreciate the decision to eat outdoors. It could have been a broken glass in Childe's clenched fist instead of his poor calzone that oozed filling onto the cobblestone. A dark cloud was close to forming over Diluc's head as he listened, and his steps gradually became stiffer with each detail. Kaeya, like the others, remained silent. He usually would have made a creative quip by now, but he eerily said nothing.

Diluc's voice was full of regret when I finished. "I never should have left you."

"Aether's choice of punishment was far too light," Childe said next, hands shaking. "Only blinding her? Signora deserved to have her ears rendered useless, as well. Living in a sightless, soundless world is one step above the death that waits for her when I return to Snezhnaya."

Kaeya tutted softly. "That wouldn't be the best idea. I advise you to do the deed in a nation where your actions would be judged less harshly—in the event you're discovered. I'm not opposed to overseeing her execution in Mondstadt. The beauty of freedom."

I hushed the lot of them and glanced around for anyone who might be listening in. Were they seriously planning her murder in broad daylight? No one here would lift a finger to stop them, but those with morals would surely be concerned. Appalled, I attempted to talk them out of the casual plot.

"The Knights of Favonious wouldn't let that slide," I said.

"What the Knights don't know won't kill them," Diluc replied in a calm manner. "Don't worry, Lumine. We know better than to act in the present moment."

If he was trying to bring me relief, well, that last part still had me worried. Somehow, the conversation shifted to their post-graduation plans, and Diluc went so far as to extend an invitation to Childe. In Mondstadt. The scene of their future revenge. I highly doubted they'd maintain this level of passion on the matter until then, but it might be best to keep tabs on their whereabouts.

To be fair, I didn't care so much what happened to Signora anymore. Living in anger or regret, dying by natural causes or by the hands of vengeance—that was her fate.

When I let my eyes wander in hopes to spark an idea for a different, legal topic to discuss, they skimmed over the small boutique that I once visited with Kaeya. The memory brought a fond smile, but it fell when I caught a look at the establishment next door. Shelves lined with books that reached the ceiling could be seen through dusty windows, but it was the woman perusing the aisles that held my attention.

Childe halted next to me with a squint before backing away. "Isn't that Professor Guuji? I'd rather not run into her."

"Are you scared?" I teased.

"She's even wiler than this one." He jutted a thumb toward Kaeya, who could only shrug at the statement. "And I'm in no mood for that."

Fair enough. Though not everyone has been a victim of her taunts and orders like Gorou and I, she had an established reputation. I typically wouldn't be interested in striking up a conversation with her either, but we had unfinished business. Simply learning the basics of wielding Electro wouldn't do.

"I'm going to step in for a bit," I said. "If you want to wait outside—"

The bookstore's door jingled as Childe held it open for me. Taken by surprise, I stood there long enough for Diluc and Kaeya to enter. The two quickly maneuvered outside of Professor Guuji's view. Childe did the same the moment the door shut behind us, and I had to stifle a laugh. They didn't seem to like her all that much, yet through the shelves, I spotted glimpses of them lingering nearby.

"Have you found anything interesting?"

Despite my coming here to speak with her, Professor Guuji's sudden appearance behind me made me jump.

"Not yet," I answered in a rush before coming to my senses. "I actually wanted to speak with you."

Her smile grew by a fraction as she plucked a single book from the shelf next to us. "Oh? That's unexpected. I thought you would have done everything in your power to avoid me after our little training session."

"No, not at all. It's actually the opposite. I was wondering when I could meet with you again and focus on more combat-specific moves."

"Round two?" She leafed through the book, spending less than a second on each page. "So soon after your death scare? I suppose that's one way to motivate a person."

She had learned about that already? As faculty, Professor Guuji certainly had more access to information than students, and her eyes flashed with knowledge. Abruptly, she snapped the book shut and slid it back in place before turning on her heel. She didn't say to, but I followed as she leisurely passed down the aisle and trailed a single finger along the spines.

"Here." A book appeared in her hands and was now pressed to my chest. "Read this before literature club on Monday. We'll discuss current tropes popular amongst readers your age. Only after then will I indulge in your request."

I expected as much. Professor Guuji didn't hand out favors without expecting something in return, and literature club had been doable before. Now, though, I had a lot more on my plate with Aether's extracurriculars to also attend.

"Okay," I hesitantly agreed with the book in my grasp. Maybe it was because she seemed to be in a good mood, surrounded by her second element, that I boldly found the words to make another request. "Can I bring a plus one?"

An Electro mentor was a must, but if we were to go over combat, it might be helpful to have one other person with the right experience. Luckily, I just so happened to know someone who recently landed a lot of free time.