Chapter 4:

Diluc Ragnvindr

A few days have passed since I last saw Kaeya and I felt a bit uneasy. I know that I can't run away again, but that hasn't stopped me from trying to avoid Kaeya in any way. From the rumors and what happened, I had mixed feelings. At my core, I felt bad, but at the same time, I felt angry; and every time I felt like this, I would start to cough up Calla lily petals.

At first, I was confused about this; Trying to find any reason as to why this was happening, but I was panicking, so I tried to stay calm about this. Once I calmed down and started to think collectively, I went to my father's, well now my study (which had a small library) and I read every and any books I had at my disposal to figure out the cause of my predicament. None of those books had any information, so even if I was reluctant to go, I knew that the only person that could maybe know anything, was Lisa.

I sighed, not wanting to go to the Favonious Headquarters, but I didn't really have a choice. No other library in Mondstadt would be as vast as theirs. I just hoped that I wouldn't run into Kaeya. I didn't really want to speak to him about this since It could be a curse or something and It would leave a bad taste in my mouth if I find out that this is deadly. I didn't want to imagine what type of face Kaeya would make.

Grimacing, I felt something uncomfortable settle in my throat. I try to clear my throat a few times, but the bother was still there.

I then made myself cough to see if it would lessen the weird feeling, which took a while, but finally, after a few tries, I finally coughed up the thing that was in there. I stood still when I opened my palm to see what I had coughed out. In my hand, were some small calla lily petals. Another sigh escapes me, and as I walk towards the winery stables, I throw the petals on the ground, crushing them under my boot.

I get everything ready to get on my horse and I start on the small journey to Mondstadt.

...

Arriving at Angel's Share, I hitch my horse to the back of the tavern, and I start to walk to the Favonious Headquarters, a bit of dread going down my spine. In front of the Headquarters, two knights greet me, albeit a bit hesitantly; Both were visibly afraid. Tch, not that I care.

Stepping into the headquarters, I head to the library. Looking around, I spot Lisa at her desk reading. Releasing a small sigh, I head toward her.

She lifts her head and her eyes widen slightly, but it quickly turns into a playful look. "Well if it isn't the illusive Master Diluc~ What brings you here hm?~"

She gets up and crosses her arms under her bosom, grinning mischievously at me.

I give her a deadpan face, "Lisa, will you let me access the forbidden part of the library?" I utter with a scowl while crossing my arms.

One of her eyebrows raises and she gives me a serious face. Really unlike her usually playful and flirtatious look.

"Well Master Diluc, I can, but what are you trying to look for? I can't just let anyone into the forbidden section, ya know?"

I sigh, " Of course, I..." I pause, "Lisa, will you keep this a secret from Jean...and Kaeya...?"

She once again widens her eyes, but quickly regains her composure, "Alright, I can do that." She says with a neutral expression, her eyes not filled with the usual mirth. Nodding, albeit a bit nervously, I continue, "I...am trying to figure out about a potential disease or curse I may have..." I say the last part in a whisper, Lisa doesn't say anything but hands me the keys.

Grabbing them, I turned around to go to the forbidden section, Lisa spoke up, "Please, Master Diluc, be careful, and please talk with Kaeya..."

I don't turn around, but I give her an answering hum still walking to the forbidden section.

. . .

I walk down the stairs, and a cloud of dust was in the air. Making me cough slightly as I reached the bottom of the stairs. It looked like everything in here hadn't been touched for a while. Settling on a bookshelf I start to inspect any book that was related to curses, or flowers.

. . .

After about 2 hours had passed I was finally at the last shelf. My hope was starting to dwindle in finding something useful. Then something catches my eye.

'Hm, wouldn't hurt to read...' Picking up the book I head over to a nearby table and sit down, placing the book on the table.

Opening the book, I start to read...

~NekoAyane: Whoo, It has been a while, but here is Chapter 4! It is short, but I hope you enjoy it! :D