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It was just beginning to be the busy hour in Mondstadt town square. Never late, Diluc headed an hour and a half later than his usual time towards Good Hunter for his weekly patronage of the restaurant. He had slept in past daybreak, and as a result had to reschedule the regular meeting with his staff. Irritated, he waded through the crowds, politely asking around until he found the end of the line at Good Hunter’s.
A few dozen persons in front of him, Kaeya was half standing, half leaning on the counter, a thermos in one hand. He was carrying on at Sara, who was indulging him much more than necessary. Diluc noticed that he was still wearing his weapon slung over one shoulder, both hilt and sheath scrupulously clean. Sarah laughed suddenly, as though he had told a joke, and he gestured in response. Someone behind him cleared their throat loudly, and Kaeya took the hint, trading parting words with her. Pay was exchanged for the meal, and Kaeya was leaving, path headed straight for his location. Diluc frowned when Kaeya looked at him. He stopped.
“Oh, Diluc. What great timing you have. Do you want one of these?” He held out a packaged mint jelly.
“You know I dislike them.”
“Hmm? I don’t remember you saying as much.”
“If you will excuse me, I have more pressing matters to attend to than the likes of you. I don’t have time to waste.”
Kaeya laughed. “Well now, I wouldn’t want to waste the wine tycoon’s time, now would I? Then where would I be?”
Kaeya settled into one of the benches outside of Good Hunter and patted the seat. “Come here for a minute. I want to discuss matters with you.”
Diluc remained standing. “What part of ‘urgent matters to attend’ don’t you understand?”
“Oh, but Diluc, I have urgent matters, too,” he lilted. “This is one of them. Sit down.”
Reluctantly, Diluc took a seat. Kaeya looked pointedly at him.
“Now,-“
“We shouldn’t discuss this in broad daylight,” Diluc warned, sensing the impending topic of conversation.
Kaeya half shrugged. “It’s a busy day. No one is listening. I’ve scoped out the area.”
“You’re being reckless.”
“You’re being over cautious. I have this entire area of the city under intermittent surveillance. I believe sister Rosaria is currently scheduled for patrol.”
At this, Diluc sighed heavily through his nose, but was put at ease nonetheless. “Go on then. Make it brief.”
“Now, you know of the Order’s most recent initiative to secure the city by targeting the treasure hoarder units that collude and receive support from the Fatui?” It was phrased as a question, though it wasn’t one.
“Not personally. However, through… outside sources, I’ve been informed as much.”
Kaeya’s grin widened. “Well, next time, you need only ask me directly.”
“I would do no such thing.”
Kaeya tisked. “This is important. You really should keep updated, you know. You can’t leave the Dark Knight Hero to run around digging up all the muck and then whispering it to you. It’s dishonorable.”
“Enough. Tell me what part my business has with the Knights’ initiative.”
“Very well. You need only help us with a decoy. For this operation we are planning on bringing the setup all the way to the Liyue border, where a major order of Hoarders resides. I’ve sent them notice posing as the Fatui that they are to receive a large shipment of goods on a day in which most of their ranks will be low on supplies and defenses. Then, we strike. Our mission isn’t to kill them all; really, we’re only trying to crush their spirits and break them apart. Then, we pursue the escapees and destroy their every base of operations.”
“And Jean has given her approval of this?” He asked, incredulous.
“Jean told me that she wanted Hoarders out of Mondstadt, and that I was to deal with the mediation between Liyue. As the plan is currently, this attack should drive off the hoarders. Those who are wounded badly enough will be transported to a safe location and receive medical attention from volunteers from the Church. I plan on taking the cavalry to follow the runners to their respective bases.”
“So you have acquired a cavalry?” Diluc couldn’t hide the surprise in his voice. Kaeya grinned.
“I’ve always had one on paper. Now we finally have secured the finances for the stables. Amber has been instrumental to me in finding stable hands to care for the animals.”
“Then I am the last to know about this?”
“Afraid so.”
The sound of the market’s constant murmur grew louder, as more customers got in line for breakfast at the receiving counter of Good Hunter behind them. There was a rustling noise as Kaeya unwrapped the paper bag containing his meal, revealing two neatly packaged sandwiches. He handed one to Diluc, whose frown deepened.
“Fisherman’s toast; the house special. You’re welcome.” Then, all at once, he was replacing the other sandwich and several mint jellies, and scooping up the thermos with his free hand. Diluc stood to follow suit, and Kaeya leveled his gaze with him.
“So? Your cooperation will be key to the success of this operation.”
“I don’t approve of this course of action, nor do I condone your methods.”
“I wasn’t asking for approval or condoning. Will you pitch in, or will you stand by and watch?”
“I have no intention of getting involved.”
Kaeya’s eyes dulled.
“-Personally,” Diluc forced out.
The sparkle in Kaeya’s eye returned. “Then, we have an agreement.”
“For the sake of Mondstadt, Dawn Winery will lend its support to the Order.”
He smiled, this time less genuine. “Well and good.” They shook hands, and Kaeya’s ice cold grip dug into the leather of his gloves.
“It’s been all too pleasant. I’m afraid I have to meet with Barbara to discuss volunteer coordination.”
Diluc suppressed the urge to answer in kind, instead offering a stern nod.
“Then, goodbye until the week of the twenty first. I will be in contact soon before then to set up the business transaction.”
“You need not trouble yourself to come in person.”
“Ah, but then how do I guarantee you won’t go back on your word?”
Diluc said nothing, which was answer enough.
Kaeya smiled as though he knew what Diluc was thinking. He offered him a mocking salute, and then turned and left, leaving Diluc alone at the table.
Diluc looked around. The murmur of customers, passerby and loiterers around him had grown to a dull roar. All of the tables surrounding him were now occupied, his own the sole exception. He looked down at the food that had been left in front of him.
‘Fisherman’s toast for Master Diluc,’ read the lettering on the brown paper packaging. Diluc unwrapped it.