Chapter 28: Meeting Diluc

"Hi, we'd like a seat at your, uhh... least conspicuous table." Venti talked to Diluc

"Umm... The second floor has fewer customers. You'd be less conspicuous up there… But aren't you a bard? Why not sit front and center? You as well Jun what are you doing at this hour"

"Hi Diluc, sorry for our interruption. Me and my friends here got into a little bit of trouble… We will be staying on the second floor for a bit, hope you don't mind us."

Lumine, Paimon, Venti, and I headed to the second floor of the tavern and sat in the corner with a clear view of the doorway trying to act inconspicuously. 

"Strange what are you up to Jun, that bard is strange as well. Keep an eye on them, Charles, I'll go ask around "

"Ask who exactly?"

"The "protectors" of Mondstadt…"

…

A little while later a pair of knights entered the tavern and started asking questions. They both went to Diluc to ask him as well

"Ah, Master Diluc. Have you seen a couple of thieves around?"

"What happened? Why have you mobilized so many guards?"

"Haven't you heard, Master Diluc? A couple of thieves were trying to steal the Holy Lyre! More so one of the thieves is able to shoot webs like a spider. Many guards are still stuck and we are still trying to get them out."

"Oh? How odd." Diluc glanced at our table, I put my hands together trying to send a message not to rat us out.

"Isn't it? The Holy Lyre is a treasure that was played by the God of Anemo themselves. Such a precious piece of cultural heritage—"

"Why would one want to steal something they can't sell off? Would pay better to steal from my cellars…"

"Huh?"

"Sorry, off-topic. I believe they headed that way." Diluc pointed to an empty corner outside of the tavern

"Understood. Thank you, Master Diluc!"

The knights left to search for us not knowing they got fooled. After they left we all went down to the bartender's stand. Venti himself was trying to get a drink

"Today I think I'll have a glass of…"

"You can put down that bottle you stole from behind the counter." Diluc appeared behind us and stopped Venti

"...something cold." 

"Right. I want answers."

"Lemme finish my drink first? I'll pay you — well, with a performance."

"It's not about money. You seem too young to be drinking."

"No need to worry. When I started drinking, you were still—"

"Who is he?" Lumine asked me on who is Diluc

"His name is Diluc, the owner of this tavern. He is the wealthiest man in Mondstadt. He is also the owner of Dawn Winery, the biggest winery in Mondstadt and its biggest supplier. He is very famous."

"Enough, I just heard about some thieves from the guards and you Jun are you also in on this?"

"There are certain circumstances…"

"For the record, I like your guts for trying to steal the Holy Lyre der Himmel. Even if you are fools... but we don't often get to see people like you."

"It wasn't us that stole it! The real thief is still out there!" Paimon interjected

"Oh, who are you two?"

"This is the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius. Why would someone so aspiring, steal Mondstadt's sacred treasure?"

"Hotshot...? Oh, so it's you."

"So, you and the bard are close friends?"

"We're not close, actually… We just met yesterday."

"Well... Despite only being a passing traveler, you still offered your help to Mondstadt in its time of need. A shame you joined the Knights. The Knights of Favonius are... Inefficient right from beginning to end. And towards the Fatui? Weak and conservative. Forget it. I don't feel like talking about it."

"Seems you don't really like the Knights of Favonius," Venti said

"Just differences in approach is all. I have my own hopes for this city. Now, answers. Why did you steal the Holy Lyre?"

"You sure you want to know? It could implicate you in the affairs of the Knights of Favonius."

"That's fine. I somehow always end up implicated in their affairs."

"If I tell you the story with a performance, will you believe me?"

"It depends. I'll make my own judgment."

"Then will I get paid?"

"Your reward will range from anywhere between five Mora and the Holy Lyre. It all depends on your story."

"Very well. Let me put on a show…"

Venti put on a performance telling about Dvalin's story and about our plan to cure him. After Venti's performance, Diluc was quite shocked

"What did I just witness… This is confidential information. Why did you let me know?"

"Why? Hmm... Perhaps the winds are changing."

"Is this why you helped them Jun?"

"Yes, I want to help Dvalin from his pain. Besides, if were successful Mondstadt will be safe and peaceful."

"I guess this is who you are. In the short time, I have known you, you always try to help others in need. Always trying to be the hero."

"Haha… sorry."

"Don't be it is one of your best qualities."

"What say you, Master Diluc?" Venti said

"It was Interesting. Give me some time. I'll organize some contacts. Outlander, as one of the Knights, it seems you're not a suspect. Blonde and a man wearing armor is the only description on the wanted poster. If Jun does not put on the armor you two should be safe. As for the bard however, it'd be better if you stayed in the tavern."

"Haha. No problem! I like taverns."

"..." Diluc gave an annoying grunt at Venti's response

"Okay. Let's meet here tonight after the tavern closes."

Lumine, Paimon, and I left the tavern and went our separate ways. Lumine and Paimon went to their hotel to get some shut-eye for being awake the whole night and I went back to Amber's house. When I went in I was greeted with an angry Amber.

"Jun what is this I'm hearing about a man in armor who shoots webs and has stolen the Holy Lyre der Himmel." I was hallucinating seeing a giant angry Baron Bunny behind Amber

"Oh crap…"

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