11
Ch. 11 – The Rich Man's Ruse
Kaeya sits at his desk in his room and lets out a long, tired sigh. After more than one sleepless nights that occur in the following days after the possession, it doesn't take long for Crepus to notice the dark circle under his eye and ask him if anything is wrong. Kaeya normally gives him a smile and tells him everything is fine even though he knows everything is most definitely not fine.
It's enough to satisfy his adoptive father for a while until one week later, Diluc accidentally scares him after breakfast. Thankfully, he is much easier to convince that he's okay than Crepus is. Crepus hardly takes his eyes off him anymore, especially when Diluc is at training and Kaeya is stuck at the manor.
He pulls his pen away from the leatherbound journal he's writing in. It's difficult getting any kind of information and what he does overhear from the winery employees are mere rumors and he has no way of confirming the validity of any of them. The little bits of information he's managed to gather about his situation are written on a single page.
He looks down at the few words inside. He needs to find out more. This voice terrifies him, yet he can't think of a way to keep it out of his head. He's constantly waiting for it to talk to him ominously, disappear, and then try to control him again. It's beginning to affect his day-to-day life, but if he doesn't pay attention to strange voices in his head, who knows what could happen. He snaps the journal close with a frustrated noise.
Over the course of these days, he hasn't seen nor heard from Dainsleif once. Kaeya's still not sure what to think about him; the man seems keener on killing monsters from the Abyss Order than helping some adult-turned-kid he just met. Kaeya also wonders if he should have made him promise not to tell anyone about his situation. He doesn't want Diluc or Crepus to find out.
He slides out of the chair and crawls underneath the desk. With a grunt, he pulls at the loose floorboard beside the legs. There's a slight creak and the floorboard cracks open just enough for him to stick his hand inside and place the journal inside. It sits on top of the torn cloth he found from the shore of the river and evidence he stole from Eroch's office; he's careful not to tear either of the papers as he slides his hand out and pushes the floorboard closed.
He stands back up with a look out the window. The sun is beginning to set and Diluc isn't home yet. It's not strange for a knight to return home after dark, but he is starting to get worried; he's normally back long before supper.
Everything is fine, he tells himself. It's normal for knights to come home late, especially young trainees, while out on their first few patrols. Diluc doesn't have anything to worry about when he's with seasoned knights helping him every step of the way.
Kaeya reaches under his eyepatch with one hand and rubs both eyes with his fingers. Gods, he's tired. He wants to sleep for a week and forget all his troubles. As he drags his hand from his eyes, movement from the corner of his eye catches his attention. Past the grapevines and in the trees, a bush flutters as though something has just run through it.
He frowns as he gets close to the open window. There's no one outside. He knows it's most likely a boar or another small animal that's simply running around, but he closes his window anyway. He's had enough with the quiet stalkers and strange voices to last him a lifetime.
He pauses before he fully closes the curtains and peers down at the trees once more. It wouldn't hurt to check the bush, right? Just to make sure it was just an animal running around, of course. He wants to make sure it doesn't run out to destroy the vines. Nothing to do with monsters or weird voices.
Decision made, he snaps the curtains shut, tucks his knife into his shoe, and walks out of his room. He notices the light coming from underneath Crepus' office door. The man is likely busy with preparations for the Weinlesefest festival. After all, Dawn Winery is the main producer of Mondstadt's vast wine industries, so the people expect nothing less than only the best from the Ragnvindr clan.
Kaeya can smell the food from the kitchen and he spots Elzer standing up from his desk with a stretch. "I'm going outside to wait for Diluc," he tells him.
"Just don't go too far, Adeline is almost done making dinner," he answers.
"I know!" He darts out the front door until he reaches the stone wall and then dashes down the footpath as normal. When he's sure no one can see him, he jumps into the nearest grapevine. He lifts his leg to pull the knife out of his shoe carefully. Just in case it's an ambush, of course.
He walks as quietly as he can to the bush, vividly aware of his surroundings. He can hear birds chirping in the trees, a distant whinny from one of the horses, and the water running nearby. The wind gently blows through the air and the faint tinkling of the crystal flies roaming through the vineyard also reaches his ears.
He uses his foot to push the bush's leaves apart. Nothing is there, and the tracks he can see are small. He sighs as he relaxes a little and pulls his foot away. It was just a rabbit. He should have known. He really is paranoid, isn't he?
A familiar, distant voice grabs his attention. He turns his head to see Diluc wildly waving to him from the road that leads to the city from atop Lady's back and a huge smile on his face. He waves back with his free hand, subtly tucking the knife back into his shoe.
Eventually, the two meet near the front of the manor and Diluc jumps off of Lady with ease. He is wearing his official Knights of Favonius armor, still pristine and without scratches; the only hint that he's been on patrol all day is the tired look he's sporting but he still smiles despite his weariness. "Were you waiting for me all day?" he asks curiously.
"Only the past half hour," he replies and returns his smile with a grin of his own. He's been worrying about him all day but Diluc doesn't need to know that. "How was patrol?"
Diluc loses his smile and lets out a tired groan. "I don't think I've walked around for that long before. But, we cleared a bunch of hilichurl camps that were getting too close to Springvale." He puffs his chest out proudly. "And I saved someone from a mitachurl."
Kaeya's eye widens as his heart leaps a beat. "You fought a mitachurl? Are you okay?" he asks worriedly. Diluc is too young to fight something like that, the monster could lift and crush a full-grown man with one hand. The thought of it doing the same thing to Diluc makes him afraid for the boy's safety.
The redhead laughs it off, completely unbothered by this prospect. "I'm fine. I have a vision, and the other knight doesn't." He tugs Lady's reins to keep her from going after Kaeya's hair. "I'm going to go put her away. Can you tell Father I'm home?"
Kaeya nods and watches him lead the mare to the stable. He's glad Diluc is all right, but the thought of him going against a mitachurl… He shakes his head. At least it wasn't a lawachurl, so of course he's fine. He made cavalry captain at fourteen, for Archon's sake. He's going to be one of the best knights Mondstadt will have. He shouldn't worry so much.
He wonders if Crepus is feeling the same way, anxious and worried about his son. It wouldn't be surprising, he loves his children and tends to pace when he starts getting concerned. He's seen him pace at least four times this morning alone through the manor.
Kaeya walks back inside and starts to go for the stairs when Adeline comes out of the kitchen. "Oh, perfect," she says and sets a steaming bowl on the table. "Master Kaeya, dinner is ready. Come sit down."
"Can I go tell Crepus?" he asks. It's a simple excuse to go upstairs to put his knife away and thankfully, Adeline chuckles as she nods.
"If you want to, young master. It's not my place to say no to your father."
That makes him smile and he rushes up the stairs. He quickly gets into his room and puts the knife away before he stops by Crepus' office and knocks on the door. "Come in," his voice says. He looks up from the paper he's writing on and smiles when he sees him. "Hello, Kaeya. Is everything all right?"
"Yep, Diluc's home. He's putting Lady away," he responds, "and Addie says that dinner is ready. I think she made stew. It smells really good."
"She is a good chef, isn't she?"
"I think she's better than the actual chef you tried to hire once."
Crepus laughs. "You are just a picky eater." He sets the pen down and gets up. "Come, let's not keep her waiting, shall we?"
Diluc walks inside just as they descend the steps and he makes a beeline towards Crepus and gives him a tight hug that makes Crepus grunt and chuckle. "Hello to you, too," he says. "Did you have a good day? Tell me about it during dinner."
He pulls away and glances at the table. "Let me take this armor off. It's getting really heavy," he answers and leaves to do just that.
Kaeya smiles. He knows how heavy that armor is; he's impressed Diluc has lasted this long with all of it on. It's most likely part of some strength and endurance training Master Varka is making him complete.
He and Crepus sit at the table and wait for Diluc to join them before they start to eat. Diluc talks all throughout dinner, telling them about his patrol and that he'll be out on patrol until Weinlesefest begins. "I'm sorry I can't help with the preparations this year. Master Varka also said that I can take the knight's exam soon," he says.
"Already?" Crepus sounds surprised. He smiles proudly, patting Diluc's shoulder hard enough to make the boy lean over a bit with a tiny yelp and a bright smile. "That's my boy! You'll pass this exam and be a great knight, I'm sure of it!"
Kaeya chews on a potato with a nod. He knows he will pass with flying colors. Diluc had one of the highest entry scores despite his young age, only beaten by Jean when she took her exam, before Kaeya himself changed the examination process later on. He still believes this exam is far too lenient and makes it too easy for anyone to get into the knights.
Diluc yawns after he finishes his meal. He looks absolutely exhausted, and together, they go upstairs to get ready for bed. Kaeya is tired as well but he knows he likely won't sleep again because of nightmares. He doesn't tell Diluc this and watches him sluggishly brush his teeth and then sleepily head for his room. "Good night, 'Luc," he says.
The other boy just yawns a third time. "You should get some sleep too, Kaeya," he replies and smiles tiredly at him. "Night." He disappears into his room and Kaeya hears him all but throw himself into bed with a loud creak.
He snorts with amusement and then goes into his room as well.
Just like he thought, he hardly gets any sleep and wakes up with a start in the middle of the night with a sharp gasp. He can't remember the nightmare, nor does he want to. He stays awake the rest of the night, and when the sun begins to peek over the horizon, he hears Diluc moving around and quickly go downstairs.
He squints as he glances at the door. How early does he leave every morning? It's barely six in the morning, does Master Varka make him come in this early every day or does he go of his own free will? Kaeya sighs. No wonder he's so tired every day. Maybe he can have Crepus talk to him about overworking himself later.
The rest of the morning passes normally, although Elzer and Adeline are both busy so Crepus decides to take him to the city today. Just like before, they take Lilly and their gentle, slow pace takes them to Angel's Share just before noon.
Kaeya swings his legs back and forth while he sits on the stool, watching Crepus quickly wipe up a little spill a customer made on the bar. The man is apologetic but Crepus waved it off, saying something like accidents happen, and makes him another death afternoon. Kaeya looks at it longingly and sighs as the man takes the fresh drink away. He doesn't think his body at this age can handle a strong drink like that just yet.
Crepus hears him and raises a brow at him. "If you're bored, why don't you go outside and get the dry towels," he says.
Kaeya nods and jumps out of his seat. He's bored, and if doing a little work at Angel's Share helps abate it, he doesn't mind. "Should I wash these towels too?" he asks, pointing to the bucket underneath the counter.
"Don't worry about those. There should be a clean bucket near the door. Bring them over when you get back inside."
He obeys, hearing Charles chuckle and say, "Putting him to work already? Isn't he a little young for that, Master Ragnvindr?"
Crepus also laughs. "He's old enough to bring towels inside. It's better than having him mix alcoholic drinks."
"Best to start teaching them early."
Kaeya doesn't hear the rest of their conversation as he grabs the wooden bucket that sits next to the door and drags it outside. There's a small line to hang linen from near the door and he pokes at a few of the drying towels to make sure they're dry. They're mostly dry by now, so he shrugs and starts to pull them off the line and dump them into the bucket.
He grabs the last one when a rather strong gust of wind hits him and he yelps as he loses his grip on the towel. "Hey!" he snaps and chases it down to the table it lands on. He glares at it as he picks it back up. Of course, he'd have to chase a towel of all things around the tavern.
He turns around to go back and lets out a tiny squeak when he runs into a pair of legs. The tavern has a lot of tables outside, he should have known someone is there. "I'm sorry," he apologizes.
He straightens and looks up to see who it is he ran into. It's a man, but what makes him throw his guard up are the two Fatui members flanking him on either side. The man he ran into is dressed in dark clothes that scream wealth and two rings on each hand that look like they're worth as much, if not more mora than the entire winery. Although Kaeya has never seen him in person, he knows who this man is.
Regrator, the ninth of the eleven Fatui Harbingers, is here in Mondstadt.
The harbinger smiles at him, the corners of his eyes moving a bit as his lips quirk upward. "It's quite all right," he answers in a smooth tone. "You would be wise to pay attention to your surroundings next time."
Kaeya forces himself to act naturally and nods. "I will." He hurriedly walks around them to the tavern's back door and throws the wayward towel into the bucket. He then hurries inside, ensuring the door is locked before he presses his back against it in an attempt to calm himself down. His heart is pounding rapidly and he almost drops the bucket, but his grip tightens to stop himself from shaking from the adrenaline.
He thought he'd already contacted Eroch and booked the inn, so what business does Regrator have in Mondstadt? What is he doing so close to Angel's Share? He looks down the hall and sees Crepus at the bar helping Charles mix drinks during this afternoon rush.
He can't have business with his adoptive father… right?
Crepus didn't get introduced to a delusion until Kaeya was in his mid-teens, but with everything else that's changed… he shouldn't be surprised everything is happening much sooner than it did before. He curses under his breath. If Regrator is here for that, then he needs to quickly find a way to tell Crepus not to accept any kind of offer the Fatui make without making it seem suspicious.
He makes his way to the other side of the bar, careful to avoid drunk patrons, and climbs onto a stool. Crepus sets a cup of juice in front of him and smiles. "I know you're bored, but we'll go home after this," he tells him.
Kaeya nods and sips on the apple juice he's given and looks around the tavern. Most people are regulars that stay that way when he becomes an adult, and there are a few others that are clearly from other nations. A Sumerian scholar is sitting at a table with a large mug in front of him, speaking loudly with a Liyuen woman across the table. Another table has two adventurers and to his dismay… another table with three Fatui.
Those three are clearly off-duty, smiling as they drink away without a care in the world. He doesn't know how Crepus feels about them, but he believes he's at least wary of them when he sees him constantly glancing in their direction.
The door opens behind him and he doesn't really care until the three fatui members at the table stiffen and try to make themselves as invisible as they can get. He knows who is at the door before he notices the sneer that more than one of the adventurers gives the newest customers. Crepus speaks up before Charles can get a word out with, "Welcome, what can we get you?"
Distinct heels clack against the tavern's wooden floor until the harbinger is at the bar. "Do you carry any firewater?" Regrator asks.
"Not at this time. Can I interest you in one of our specialties, such as a dandelion wine?"
"Very well, I will try it." The stool beside Kaeya is pulled out and the harbinger sits down. He can feel the harbinger's eyes land on him through his closed lids. "Aren't you a bit young to be drinking?"
He looks up and sets his cup down. "It's just juice," he replies as calmly as he can. He doesn't want him to know how nervous he is.
"Ah, of course it is. No tavern owner would give a minor alcohol." He turns his attention back to Crepus as the wine is set in front of him. "I was told I can find Master Crepus Ragnvindr here. I can presume that is you?"
Crepus nods. "Yes, it is. And who might you be?"
"You may call me Pantalone."
Kaeya frowns. Is that a code name? He can't tell if he's on duty like the bodyguards that follow him or if he's here just to have a drink.
He takes a sip of the wine and hums in content. "This is a fine wine. Smooth and sweet, not as strong or bitter as firewater. Yes, it's a fine drink, perfect for the land of anemo. Wouldn't you agree, Kaeya?"
Kaeya can feel himself go pale. He's never interacted with this man in any of his lives, so how does he know his name? He nearly chokes on the juice and pulls it away from his mouth. "You know me?" he asks.
"Why, yes. The people of Mondstadt love to talk." His eyebrow twitches with annoyance. "When I asked where to find Master Ragnvindr, one person went on a rather long tangent about an unfortunate monster attack a few months ago that injured one of his children."
He actually looks a bit irritated the more he explains it. A tiny part of Kaeya is glad that someone had kept him that long and gave him the true Mondstadt greeting. A long story and a thirty-minute farewell, likely with an offer to take him out for a meal, is the normal end of a conversation between Mondstadt's people.
Pantalone takes another drink. "That must have been quite the fright, for both you and Master Ragnvindr."
"I'm all right now."
Crepus takes an empty cup and sets it into the sink behind him. "Kaeya, why don't you head into the office and wait for me there. We'll go home after this, I promise."
He doesn't want to. He wants to make sure Pantalone doesn't cause any trouble. "But I'm okay sitting here."
His eyes narrow ever so slightly and Kaeya knows better than to argue some more when he says, "Kaeya, do as I say."
He immediately jumps out of his seat. He doesn't want to make Crepus even more upset or stressed than he already is. He is careful not to run into either of Pantalone's bodyguards as he faces the harbinger. "It was nice to meet you, Pantalone," he tells him.
"And you as well, Kaeya."
Then, he all but runs to hide in the office. He doesn't miss the way Pantalone's attention returns to Crepus until after he walks inside the tavern's office. It's hard to hear anything through the thick walls and closed door and as much as he'd like to listen into any conversation Crepus and Pantalone are having, he can speak to Crepus about the Fatui later.
As much as the people of Mondstadt like to talk, he has a feeling that Pantalone already knew who he was. It's just like how he found out Eroch knows his last name without him saying a word. Anxiety wraps its claws around him the more he thinks about it. There are just one too many instances that are making him question what is going on.
How do they know who he is? The Fatui weren't the ones that killed him, yet his name is on the list of the future missing cases that he found in Eroch's office. Just thinking about it fills him with dread. What in Teyvat could they possibly want with him? It's not like hearing voices in his head is enough.
He takes a deep breath. He needs to calm down. If he can tell Crepus about delusions and the danger they possess, then maybe he'll think twice about making any kind of deal with Dottore in the future.
He pauses. Crepus never dealt with Pantalone in his past life, did he? He doesn't know, and he'll never get that answer. Kaeya bites the inside of his cheek nervously. There is simply too much he doesn't know and too many questions that remain unanswered.
Ten minutes go by and Crepus still hasn't come to get him. Kaeya pokes his head out the door. Crepus, Pantalone, and the harbinger's bodyguards are gone. He steps out and looks around the tavern. He can't see any of them and he tries to ignore the way his gut twists. He looks up at Charles when the man notices him. "Are you all right, Master Kaeya?" he asks.
"Where did Crepus go?" he says.
"He took a customer upstairs. He should be back down soon, but he told me to tell you to stay down here."
He hesitates before he admits quietly, "I don't like the Fatui."
Charles hums in agreement and looks up the stairs. "Would you like to help me make some more drinks to pass the time? You did very well last time."
Kaeya accepts, needing the distraction until Crepus returns. While the bartender rejects his attempts to give him the tips he receives, he gives him the mora anyway, claiming that he's too young to have a job in the first place.
A half-hour goes by in the blink of an eye and when Kaeya looks at the clock, a whole hour has passed when Crepus finally comes downstairs followed by Pantalone. The harbinger looks rather pleased with himself and he smiles at Charles and Kaeya. "I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day," he says and then leaves Angel's Share without another glance.
Kaeya watches him leave and then turns his attention towards Crepus. His adoptive father looks troubled, but he smiles at him anyhow. "I'm sorry, it took longer than I thought it would. Are you ready to go home?" he asks.
He nods. "Yes." Then he looks at the door. "What did Pantalone want with you?"
Crepus is quiet as he walks around the bar. He puts a hand on his shoulder and glances at Charles. "I'll be back next week, Charles. Take care, all right?"
"Of course, Master Ragnvindr. Keep an eye on your father for me, Master Kaeya," he adds.
"Don't worry, I'll keep him out of trouble," Kaeya tells him and allows Crepus to guide him outside. He loses his cheery disposition as soon as they mount Lilly and are outside the city. He looks up at him, not bothering to hide his worry as he asks quietly, "Crepus? Are you all right?"
He glances at him and then back up, paying attention to where he's guiding Lilly although he doesn't need to. She knows where home is. "It's nothing you should worry yourself about," he replies. He smiles, but his eyes betray his anxiousness.
Kaeya hesitates and then looks ahead as well. They don't say anything for a while but it's when the winery comes into view that Kaeya knows he needs to speak up. He can't risk losing his home a second time. "That man is a harbinger. Whatever he offered you, it isn't worth the risk," he says.
Crepus glances down at him in surprise, clearly not expecting him to know who Pantalone is. "How do you know he offered me anything?" he asks.
"Because anything to do with the Fatui is bad."
"Who told you that? Was it Charles?"
Should he tell him of his personal experiences? He shakes his head. "He mentioned it, but it wasn't only him. I've heard a lot of people talk bad about them, and someone even said they were attacked by one of their agents."
"You have nothing to be scared of, Kaeya." He pats his head again and smiles, and this time, it reaches his eyes. Kaeya doesn't like the hopeful glint that appears in his gaze. "I'll protect you from them and anything else in the world, okay?"
"But the Fatui, they use—"
"Everything will be all right."
"But—"
"That's enough, Kaeya." He doesn't raise his voice, but the stern tone he applies to it makes it feel like he is.
Kaeya twists around in his seat to face him, ignoring the way Crepus tries to get him to settle down. "Please, listen to me! I've seen what delusions do to people!"
Crepus' eyes widen in surprise. "You've seen a delusion?" he mutters.
He nods. "Delusions are strong and powerful, sure, but they aren't visions. They're fakevisions that grant power at the cost of its wielder. If that's what Pantalone is offering you, please don't accept it. I can't watch it again."
That's the truth. He can't watch Crepus use the delusion, he can't watch Diluc be forced to kill their father to save him from the agony he would be in. Not again.
Crepus is quiet. He turns Kaeya back around to have him sit properly in the saddle, and Kaeya sees how tightly he is holding the reins. He lets out a long sigh. "I have a meeting with one of the other harbingers," he admits. "Pantalone didn't mention anything about the after-effects of a delusion. It's quite possible even he doesn't know of them."
Dread fills Kaeya. He has a feeling Crepus has more to say but the silence is making him anxious again. "But?"
"But I want to hear what this doctor has to say about it. If what you say is true, I won't accept the delusion."
"Whatever you do, whatever he says or threatens or promises, promise me you won't take it."
He swings his leg over Lilly's side as they stop at the manor and jumps down, landing on the ground with a thump. Crepus lets Elzer take Lilly back, pausing before he opens the door. "Don't say anything about this to Diluc or anyone else." He looks down at Kaeya. "Do you understand?"
"Only if you promise you won't take the delusion."
"Kaeya, I—"
A voice interrupts him. "Father! Kaeya!" They both turn and Kaeya sees Diluc walking down the road, his armor glinting from the sunlight and partially blinds him enough to make him squint. "I'm home early today!"
Crepus smiles. "We just got back ourselves. I'm surprised we didn't run into you on the way home."
"That's because I came from Stone Gate." Diluc points the way he came from. "We just had to escort a merchant to the border—he was scared the hilichurls would get or destroy his stuff."
Grateful for the distraction, Crepus leads them both inside and listens to Diluc talk about his day. He avoids Kaeya's disappointed gaze the rest of the day, busying himself with finalizing festival preparations by going into his office. Kaeya is not surprised the Weinlesefest preparations are taking most of Crepus' time, but he wishes that he would tell him if he's even trying to make a decision.
All he can do as the day rapidly finishes is hope that Crepus doesn't consider obtaining a delusion and cancel the meeting he made with Pantalone. He briefly comes out for supper and after that, he gets back to work but thankfully leaves his door open so he can bid both boys good night when they go to bed.
Kaeya's dreams that night are full of the color red. Red like Diluc's eyes and the hopeful, youthful light that shines in them. Red like Crepus' hair that is brighter in sunlight.
Red like the blood that pours from their father's chest and steals the light from Diluc's eyes.