Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [148] [DDD!]

December Double Drop!

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Based on the discussion about coming up with a new title for Diluc's "side gig," the three debated at Angel's Share for ages, even after the last patrons had cleared out. And yet, they still hadn't agreed on a name all three liked.

"Ugh, you know, isn't this mostly because Diluc here is just being way too picky? Any of those names we came up with would've been great!" Gu Sanqiu sighed.

Diluc paused, eyebrow twitching. "Are you certain those were 'great' names?"

Translation: You have questionable taste.

"Are you kidding? We're only trying to improve your image here! But someone who doesn't even drink seems to enjoy dousing all our ideas with cold water."

"Changing titles was only ever interesting to you two. It's got nothing to do with me."

Diluc calmly sipped his grape juice.

"Fine, fine, 'Darknight Hero' it is. Actually, that title suits a place like Mondstadt well," Gu Sanqiu laughed. "If this were Liyue, it'd probably be something like 'Noble of the Night' or 'Son of Twilight.' A bit of regional flavor, I guess?"

"Oh? You're all here."

The tavern doors swung open, and Eula stepped in, raising an eyebrow as she spotted the trio huddled around the bar.

"Could I get a drink? Extra ice, thanks."

"Eula! All done with your patrol?"

"Of course. With me handling things, everything's taken care of," she replied confidently, casting Kaeya a sideways glance. "Unlike some people who snuck off to drink. Don't you have anything you'd like to say to me, Cavalry Captain?"

Kaeya's response was deadpan, as if he'd completely convinced himself. "This was no sneaking off! I simply joined this fine gentleman here to deal with some monsters we discovered gathering outside the city. I hope you'll believe in my dedication."

Gu Sanqiu and Diluc shared a subtle glance at this impressive reversal.

This guy's twisted the truth so thoroughly—leaning on the fact that no one would mention the Darknight Hero, and now he's even cashing in on credit?

"Ah, I see. I apologize for doubting you," Eula said, nodding earnestly. "However, next time, perhaps you could inform us first. If you're shorthanded, the Knights can always reallocate some assistance."

"Oh, that wasn't necessary. With this gentleman here, a few monsters are hardly an issue," Kaeya said, giving Gu Sanqiu's shoulder a pat. "You must've noticed his archery skill while we were dealing with those Treasure Hoarders."

"Actually, I'd already noticed during the domain battles," Eula replied. "When tallying the results, everyone was baffled by those mysterious holes in several enemies. Considering the circumstances, I decided to keep quiet about it."

She turned to Gu Sanqiu. "If you have time tomorrow, you can come by the Knights' headquarters to claim credit for those kills. Even if you're from Liyue, you won't miss out on rewards."

"Oh, that's alright. Just go ahead and keep it," Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Honestly, getting to fire off a few arrows for fun was enough for me. If any of your team was hurt, use it for their recovery fund."

"Oh? Are you suggesting that the Knights would struggle against the Treasure Hoarders? Or perhaps you think we can't handle it?" Eula's gaze sharpened as she accepted her drink from Diluc, letting out a quiet hum.

"I will have my vengeance!"

o(′^｀)o

Kaeya coughed lightly. "Don't mind her, Gu. That's just how she speaks."

"No worries, I understand."

Diluc suddenly looked up. "Oh, nearly forgot—someone asked me to find out when you're leaving Mondstadt."

"Hmm?" Even Eula and Kaeya turned to listen with interest.

"Who'd have the guts to get Diluc of all people to pass on a message?"

Eula echoed the sentiment, though Kaeya's deadpan delivery still had her keeping a respectful distance.

"I'm not sure yet," Gu Sanqiu said, scratching his head. "Feng Yan's still calculating trade deals, so I'll probably head out a few days after I get paid. Who's looking for me?"

It definitely couldn't be that one slacker… That deity too broke to even cover their bar tab couldn't possibly persuade Diluc to pass a message for them.

"It's Barbara, the Deaconess from the Church of Favonius. After you skipped out on the welcoming banquet, she figured your chances of coming back here were high, so she dressed up to deliver a message through Charles. Once I heard it was for you, I thought I'd ask on her behalf," Diluc explained in his usual, even tone. "She said if you have a moment, she'd like you to stop by the Favonius Cathedral."

Huh?

Gu Sanqiu was bewildered. Was he and Barbara close?

Not as far as he remembered. Other than trying to convince her to stay safe during the mission, he hadn't really spoken to her, and he definitely hadn't needed her healing.

So, what was important enough for her to sneak into Angel's Share with a hidden message? Couldn't she have just left it at the Goth Grand Hotel?

Though, considering her public presence, maybe doing things on the sly was the smart choice. But then, why not go to the hotel? Or… was this some secret deal?

Wait a second...

"Hey," Gu Sanqiu asked, eyes narrowing, "your Favonius Church isn't involved in any shady deals, right? And Barbara wouldn't happen to be a handler for them, would she?"

Eula sighed, exasperated. "What's going on in that head of yours? Even if there were secret dealings, they'd never let someone like Barbara handle it. She's too soft-hearted; she can't say no to anyone."

"Right, I forget I'm not from Mondstadt. I don't know her personality," he admitted, scratching his head. "Fine, since I was planning to explore anyway, I might as well swing by the Cathedral. No point hanging around Angel's Share all day."

"Or," Diluc interjected, "if you're feeling idle, I could arrange a few activities for you."

Kaeya leaned in, flashing a mischievous smile. "Exactly! There's a little something I could use help with, too. I may even throw in a special reward~"

"Kaeya, please. You're not actually planning to pawn your paperwork off on a visiting friend, are you? That's terribly low," Eula muttered, restraining herself from rolling her eyes.

Gu Sanqiu smirked.

As if Kaeya was the only one!

On the surface, Diluc's offer might sound like a friendly tour, a chance to see Mondstadt and Dawn Winery, perhaps. But the fact he'd suggested it out of nowhere was a red flag. Obviously, he'd have him working on Darknight Hero duties.

So, the two brothers both wanted him to work overtime—and they'd get the credit for his efforts.

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