Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the new series. This chapter will focus on Diluc's character and his interaction with Ash and company. Also, there will be musing moments in between so it won't be too boring. Also, Aether and Paimon won't be in the chapter. Their sudden absence will be explained in the next chapter or two as to why. Anyway, enjoy!
Master Diluc
...
As Diluc, the owner of his Angel's Share tavern and a former Knight of Favonius, delved into business matters with his friend Charles regarding the recent Stormterror incident causing delays in shipments and hurting his business, his attention was diverted by the sound of the door swinging open. His gaze snapped towards the doorway, where he spotted Venti and Ash, still clad in their disguises, entering the tavern accompanied by Pikachu and Lucario. Diluc raised an eyebrow at the peculiar sight before him, his curiosity piqued by their unusual appearance. He couldn't fathom why they were in disguise, but he greeted them nonetheless with his typical firm tone.
"Welcome," he acknowledged, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism.
Venti flashed his charming smile, attempting to ease any tension, but still provided some suspicion. "Good evening! Um...we'd like a seat at your ahhh...least conspicuous table."
Diluc's lips pressed into a thin line as he crossed his arms, silently mulling over the group's reluctance to draw attention. Though curious, he respected their privacy and decided to play along. "The second floor tends to be quieter. You'll attract less notice up there," he suggested to the group.
"Thanks a bunch," Venti chirped gratefully before motioning for Ash and his Pokémon to follow. "Let's go!" As they headed toward the stairs, Diluc's frown deepened, a silent observation of their departure.
Once they were out of sight, Diluc turned his attention to his bartender, his expression grave. "Keep an eye on them. Something feels off. I'm going to do some digging."
Charles couldn't resist a quizzical glance, despite knowing the answer. "Who are you planning to ask?"
Diluc's response dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, just Mondstadt's self-proclaimed protectors."
As they settled onto the second floor, Ash couldn't help but glance at his bard companion. "Venti, can we ditch these disguises now? We're indoors; they're kind of ridiculous."
Venti chuckled lightly, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, good point." With a swift motion, he began to peel off his disguise, followed by Ash and his Pokémon.
Their attention was soon drawn downward by a commotion. Moving closer to the railing, they watched as two Mondstadt Knights engaged in conversation with Diluc.
"Master Diluc, have you spotted any suspicious individuals?" inquired Otto.
Diluc's brow furrowed. "What's going on?"
Miles chimed in, his tone grave. "Haven't you heard, Master Diluc? Thieves attempted to abscond with the holy lyre." Diluc's expression darkened at the news.
"How absurd," he muttered, casting a sidelong glance at Ash's group, who quickly ducked out of sight when his gaze swept their way. "Stealing something they can't even sell? These so-called thieves lack any semblance of common sense."
The knights exchanged confused glances at Diluc's apparent tangent.
Shaking his head, Diluc gestured towards the tavern door, fabricating a tale. "Actually, I spotted them fleeing out the door just moments ago." He pointed in a random direction. "They went that way."
"By the Archons, we must apprehend them!" Otto exclaimed anxiously.
"Thank you, Master Diluc!" Miles expressed gratitude as they hurriedly saluted before rushing out of the tavern.
Diluc's attention shifted back to the second floor, his expression now darkened as he addressed the troublemakers. "Alright, you two, I know you were eavesdropping. Enough games. Come down here this instant," he commanded sternly.
Reluctantly, Ash and Venti, along with Pikachu and Lucario, emerged from their hiding spot, wearing sheepish expressions as they faced Diluc's disapproving gaze.
Moments later...
"Start talking. I want some answers," Diluc demanded sternly, arms crossed as he glared down at Ash and Venti.
"Take it easy," Venti interjected defensively, gesturing with his hands. "It's all just a big misunderstanding."
Diluc arched an eyebrow skeptically. "Is it really?" he countered, his tone dripping with skepticism.
"Um, Venti?" Ash interjected, glancing at his bard friend with confusion. "Who's this?"
Venti cleared his throat sheepishly before proceeding with introductions. "This is Master Diluc, the owner of this tavern. He's quite famous, and I've had the pleasure of sampling some of his renowned wines—though I could only afford a bottle or two."
Ignoring Venti's tangent, Diluc redirected the conversation back to the matter at hand. "I've heard from the guards about thieves attempting to steal the holy lyre. Care to explain?"
"We weren't trying to steal it!" Ash protested, earning a sharp glare from Diluc. "Okay, maybe we were, but not to sell it!" he hastily corrected himself. "We needed it for something."
Diluc's deadpan expression hardened, but then softened slightly. It took courage to attempt such a brazen theft, especially in Mondstadt, let alone from the church. "I'll give you credit for your audacity. It's not every day we have people foolish enough to attempt to steal the holy lyre."
"Please, Diluc, you've got to believe us!" Ash pleaded, his tone earnest. "We didn't steal the holy lyre."
"Then who did?" Diluc pressed, his expression betraying his confusion.
"It was a woman in purple!" Ash blurted out.
"What?" Diluc's confusion deepened, unable to visualize the culprit from Ash's vague description.
Venti chuckled nervously, sensing the tension, and attempted to lighten the mood. "Master Diluc, allow me to introduce you to the savior of Mondstadt," he proclaimed dramatically, causing Diluc's eyes to widen in surprise. "Why would he steal Mondstadt's sacred treasure?"
"Oh, so it's YOU who Jean couldn't stop rambling about," Diluc remarked with a half-smile, eliciting confusion from Ash. "It should've been obvious when I noticed your peculiar-looking friends with you." Pikachu and Lucario shot Diluc a glare.
"Wait, you know Jean?" Ash inquired, surprised.
A smirk played on Diluc's lips. "Of course. We go way back, but that's beside the point for now." He brushed off his connection with the Acting Grand Master and refocused on Ash's association with Venti. "To think you're close friends with this bard here," he remarked incredulously.
"Hey!" Venti interjected, looking offended.
"Um, we're not really that close," Ash clarified hesitantly.
"Ash!" Venti whined, shooting him a reproachful glance.
Diluc chuckled lightly before returning to seriousness. "Now then, out with it. Why were you trying to steal the holy lyre?" he demanded, his tone firm.
Venti sighed, a sense of resignation washing over him. It seemed there was no avoiding the inevitable. "Are you sure you want to know? What if you don't believe us?" he questioned, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"I'll be the judge of that. It's not like you're some kind of magical bard from ancient times or something," Diluc retorted sarcastically.
"Very well, you asked for it," Venti replied, his tone turning cheeky as he prepared to reveal the truth.
Moments later...
"I... don't believe it," Diluc stood speechless as Venti delivered a mesmerizing performance, weaving a tale through song about the history of the holy lyre and its connection with Dvalin.
"See, I told you," Venti said with a soft chuckle, pleased with Diluc's reaction.
Deep in thought, Diluc cupped his chin as he processed the newfound knowledge. "This is... interesting," he finally remarked, fixing his gaze on the bard. "But why did you choose to reveal this to me?" he demanded, his curiosity piqued.
Venti shrugged, offering a cryptic response. "Why? Maybe the winds are changing."
Diluc regarded him with a long stare before sighing. "This changes everything... for now," he conceded, then turned his attention back to Ash and Venti. "Give me some time. I'll arrange some contracts. Meet me back here tomorrow night at closing time. For now, Ash, it's best you head back before Jean gets too suspicious of your whereabouts."
"You have a point, Diluc," Ash agreed with a nod.
"As for you, bard..." Diluc paused, considering his next words carefully before relenting with a sigh. "It's best you stay put here."
"Hooray! I won't complain. This tavern is like my second home, anyway," Venti said with a grin, earning a groan from Diluc.
"But what if someone recognizes me as one of the thieves?" Ash voiced his concern.
Diluc glanced back at the Pokémon Trainer with a half-smile, reassuring him. "Don't worry too much. I highly doubt the guard who spotted you would remember what you or your friends look like. The only description would be a thief with black hair and a mouse and a dog."
Ash and his Pokémon exchanged worried glances before turning back to Diluc, hoping his assessment was accurate.
...
"Ash, where were you? I was so worried!" Jean scolded the Pokémon Trainer as soon as he stepped inside the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
The Acting Grand Master stood with her arms crossed, her gaze stern as she sought answers from Ash and his Pokémon. Her concern was evident, especially with the knowledge of a suspicious group attempting to steal the holy lyre during the time Ash had mysteriously disappeared.
"S-Sorry, Jean!" Ash apologized with a nervous sweat drop, holding up his hands defensively. "We were just taking a night stroll and kinda got lost getting back since we're still not used to Mondstadt," he lied, attempting to explain their absence.
Jean's lips formed a straight line into a deep frown as her eyes narrowed at Ash's story. The group felt nervous under her firm gaze until she heaved a deep sigh, somewhat believing the fabricated explanation. "Fine, but next time, please let me know, okay?" Her tone softened slightly.
"We will," Ash promised once more, though it was another lie. "Sorry for making you worry, Jean."
"Well, you had better get back to your room and rest up. It's getting late," Jean instructed the group firmly.
"Alright," Ash nodded. "Goodnight, Jean."
"Goodnight, Ash."
Jean quietly observed as Ash and his Pokémon headed back to the guest room. As soon as they disappeared from view, a frown returned to her face. "They are hiding something," she muttered to herself, a sense of unease settling in.
...
The following night, Ash slowly cracked open his room door. He peered through the narrow gap and spotted a Knight of Favonius guard stationed outside his door. It was evident that Jean didn't fully trust Ash to keep his word about staying in his room during the nights while the crisis involving the thieves was still ongoing. Her cautious approach led to an increase in patrols throughout the city.
With a quiet sigh, Ash closed the door gently, his arms crossed in frustration. Glancing back at Pikachu and Lucario, he could sense their shared disappointment. It seemed they were all feeling the weight of the situation, trapped within the confines of their room.
"Great... we're supposed to meet Diluc and Venti at the tavern, but with Jean being a little suspicious of us leaving, there's no way we can sneak out now without being spotted," Ash grumbled, frustration evident in his voice.
They lapsed into a deep silence, each lost in their thoughts, trying to devise a plan to circumvent Jean's watchful eye. Eventually, an idea sparked in Ash's mind as he glanced at Lucario, who blinked in return, curious about what its Trainer was plotting.
"Lucario, I might need your help on this one," Ash said, his tone serious.
Lucario didn't know what Ash had in mind, but it didn't like the sound of it already, especially if it meant being involved in a risky plan.
Moments later...
"Man... standing guard for some kid is so boring... Why did Master Jean have to pick me for this?" Wood grumbled in frustration. "I could be enjoying my evening at Master Diluc's tavern right now, savoring one of his finest w-Gahhh!"
Suddenly, the guard felt a sharp pain overtake him as someone attacked him from behind. Wood dropped like a sack of potatoes, collapsing to the floor face-first with a resounding thud and a groan of pain.
Standing over the unconscious Wood was Lucario, its paw outstretched, indicating that it was the one who had dealt the blow, a karate chop to the back of the guard's neck.
Soon, Ash emerged from the room with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. "Good work, Lucario," he praised his Aura Pokémon, who responded with a low grunt of acknowledgment. "Alright, no time to waste. Let's head to the tavern."
The group wasted no time, dashing for the exit and swiftly leaving the building behind. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by Jean, who stepped out from the shadows, her expression marked by a frown.
...
Inside the Angel's Share, Diluc grew increasingly annoyed with Venti's attempts to "borrow" bottles of wine from behind the counter. "Either pay or get out," he said sternly, his patience wearing thin.
"Oh, come on, Master Diluc..." Venti pleaded, but Diluc's glare only hardened. "Just small samples, I'll pay you... with a song."
"How about I'll turn you in to the 'protectors' of Mondstadt for your c-" Before Diluc could finish his sentence, their attention was diverted to the door as they spotted Ash and his Pokémon stepping inside the tavern. "Oh. You made it," Diluc remarked, genuinely surprised by their arrival.
"Hey, Ash!" Venti waved happily at the group from his stool.
"Sorry, guys, if we're a little late, but Jean wouldn't let us leave our room all n-" Ash's greeting was cut short as he noticed Venti's nervous chuckle and Diluc's deepening frown.
Sensing a presence behind him, Ash nervously glanced over his shoulder, only to find the frowning and disappointed Acting Grand Master, her arms crossed, glaring right back at him. "O-Oh... hey, Jean? Have you come here often?" he asked sheepishly, trying to diffuse the tension.
Moments later...
"Ash! I can't believe you lied to me! What were you thinking?!" Jean scolded the Pokémon Trainer, her voice filled with disappointment and frustration. Ash's Pokémon sat on the floor with their heads lowered in shame, feeling the weight of Jean's reprimand.
Venti felt a pang of sympathy for Ash, but he remained silent, not wanting to risk incurring Jean's wrath by speaking out.
Diluc, who had been observing the entire exchange, stood with his arms crossed and a deep frown etched on his face. He grew increasingly annoyed by Jean's overreaction and decided to intervene. "Enough, Jean. Clearly, you're overreacting here."
Jean's gaze shifted to Diluc, her expression softening slightly at his interruption. "But Diluc, he lied to me! Trust is important, especially in times like these," she argued, her tone still firm.
"I understand that, Jean," Diluc conceded, his voice calm but authoritative. "But Ash is here now, and we need to focus on the present situation. Let's address this calmly and move forward."
Jean hesitated for a moment before sighing and nodding in reluctant agreement. "Fine," she relented, her tone softening as she turned back to Ash. "We'll discuss this later, but for now, let's focus on why you're here."
Ash and his Pokémon nodded, grateful for the reprieve from Jean's scolding
Moments later...
"Wait... you're saying the holy lyre can help Stormterror?" Jean asked, her confusion evident as she blinked in disbelief after hearing the group's explanation about the situation with the holy lyre and its connection to Dvalin.
"Well, according to our bard here," Diluc stated calmly, his arms crossed as he gestured towards a cheeky Venti, "it could, but we need to get it back."
"And you're also saying it could be someone from the Fatui who stole the holy lyre?" Jean directed her question towards Diluc this time.
"If my intel is correct and the description that Ash provided about a woman in purple matches with someone who was last seen heading towards a nearby Fatui hideout, then there's no question the Fatui are involved," Diluc explained matter-of-factly.
"But why would they steal the holy lyre?" Jean couldn't help but inquire.
Diluc shrugged in response. "Only one way to find out. I'm going there to get some answers." He then glanced at Ash and his Pokémon with a half-smile. "I might need to borrow Ash and his little friends from you, Jean."
An immediate frown creased the Acting Grand Master's face as she contemplated the idea of Ash getting involved with the Fatui. "Why?" she questioned, her tone laced with concern and apprehension.
Diluc shrugged once more, his expression unreadable. "At least they would be more helpful than the useless bard if they come along," he remarked, eliciting a pout from Venti at the insult.
"Hey!"
Ignoring Venti's protest, Diluc turned his attention back to Jean. "So what do you say, Jean?" he inquired, awaiting her decision.
Jean hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Diluc and Ash. She was torn, knowing the dangers involved but also recognizing the potential necessity of Ash's assistance. "I-I don't know... it could be dangerous," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Diluc offered a half-smile, seeking to reassure his former colleague. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to keep them safe," he promised.
After some time spent deliberating, Jean finally relented, accepting Diluc's reassurance. "Fine, they can go," she agreed, her tone resigned.
Diluc didn't show much expression outwardly, but inwardly, he felt a sense of satisfaction at Jean's decision. He knew that having Ash and his Pokémon along could prove invaluable in their upcoming endeavor.
...
Originally, I was going to have Ash and Diluc infiltrate the Fatui hidden base in the same chapter, but I decided to split it into two parts. Diluc will witness Ash's secret shortly in order to prove Jean's theory about Ash's heritage was on point. As for the Stormterror arc, it could end either in chapter 14 or chapter 15 to set up the two-year time skip. I haven't decided yet. Anyway, hope you're looking forward to the next chapter.