A quiet, lingering silence settled over the tavern, heavy with the phantom weight of emotions left unsaid. Diluc didn't miss the subtle, mournful flicker in her eyes when he spoke of Mondstadt, nor the brief hesitation before she dispelled it with a familiar laugh. To β
/ But Mondstadt holds on, as it always has. /
Ah... how deeply those words echoed, as if spoken by Crepus himself; it almost made her heart ache.
Her eyelids narrowed into a somewhat mournful expression, not only for that faint memory tied to Dilucβs father, but from the β
β "If Dottore was meddling with Khaenri'ahn remnants of that magnitude, Mondstadt is not as far from their shadow as the Knights might think. Take your time, rest... but when you like, tell me everything, Benedikta. What were they truly seeking out there? What did that Sinner β
β Fatui movement andβ¦ correct me if I'm wrong: ancient Khaenri'ahn remnants. How was it out there, Benedikta? Because if we are talking about a place that's been gone for half a millenniumβ¦ it means something serious was going on. If you're open to sharing, I'm listening"
He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression calm as he reflected on her question. The familiar tone brought back old memories, making the atmosphere around the bar feel noticeably lighter
"Things here have been manageable, if predictable. The drunken ramblings stay β
Just the look of the tall crystal glass filled with grape juice made her expression softening a bit much.
"Ahh... home sweet home~"
But she didn't really said such a thing just because of the juice, but mostly for the presence of someone she cared as well sine he was a β
β toward the window for a moment before returning to her, as if a thought crossed his mind for a second. He picked up a napkin, polishing a glass with practiced patience
"Rumors regarding Nod-Krai have been reaching my network for a while now... especially concerning heavy β
Diluc poured the grape juice into a tall crystal glass, sliding it gently across the counter toward her
"Hard to believe... years away, yet your taste remains far better than most of the regulars here. Drink up, it's on the house today Captain"
"Aaaah what a beautiful sound to hear back after all these years~"
She smiled all joily towards the other, walking straight to the seat right in front of the main service table.
"Please do! I missed the taste of grape juice way too much, to be sincere."
Diluc set the glass down, wiping his hands as he gave the captain a calm, visual greeting
"A Knight who prioritizes health over alcohol is a rare sight here, Captain Benedikta. Welcome back. Take a seat, Iβll serve you some fresh grape juice if you like"
The very only one who would never feel disappointed about such a thing, it is just the only Captain who cares about everyone good-health!
And, of course, paying a visit to Diluc was definitely one of the things she should have done since when she returned.
"Hello hellooo?"