The Power of Love...and Profit

Read up to 18 chapters ahead! Celestia TIER patreons also get to read the first few chapters of my new series:

MHA - Return By Death.

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***

"What was that about?" Diluc walked upstairs with his honey tea which was finally ready to drink. "I don't think I've ever seen that kind of expression on Rosaria's face before...you didn't touch her anywhere weird or inappropriate, right? We don't condone such behavior here."

"Of course not...who do you take me for...I wouldn't do so without consent...I just told her I liked her skin and she kind of...flipped out and ran away..."

"Her skin? You like her skin? I feel like that's something a pervert would say...Then again...perhaps she was happy? I remember that one time, someone from the Fatui mentioned her skin tone looking like decayed flesh...and she heard it...I witnessed the scene, and let's say, it was the first time in my life that I found out human limbs could bend so unnaturally, and turn into other kinds of contortions."

Diluc chuckled, clearly amused at his own story, "She's quite merciless to the Fatui, and I respect her for that. Regardless, there was something I wish to talk to you privately about, but I couldn't since Kaeya and Rosaria were here."

"Oh yeah? What is it? Is it perhaps about some love advice? Kaeya keeps on bothering me lately...but nah, it's you...I doubt that's the case..."

"..."

Diluc's expression froze for a second, but quickly resumed to normal. This however, didn't go unnoticed by Yomite who raised an eyebrow.

"...Wait...really?"

Diluc nodded in response. "Yes...that's exactly why I wanted to speak to you privately."

"Well I certainly didn't expect to hear this from you...so who is the lucky gal?" Yomite couldn't hide his grin, yet he still tried his best to maintain a poker face.

Diluc sighed deeply, "You know, I really don't want to tell you now... either way...it's my head maid. You've met her a couple of times...she's given me so many hints about how she feels, that she would think I'm an idiot if I kept ignoring her. She's been taking care of me ever since I was born. Please, just keep it between us and don't say a word to Kaeya," Diluc pleaded with him with desperation in his eyes—which was strange for a man as strong willed as himself.

"Sure, so what's the matter?" Yomite asked back curiously. He never expected this kind of confession out of him.

Diluc looked around before leaning forward while whispering, "I'm planning on rejecting her and I want to know how. It's important enough that I have no choice but to do so, but I feel awful about doing it."

"Reject her? Why would you want to reject a woman that likes you? Not to mention, the headmaid looked quite adorable. Is she not your type?" Yomite inquired.

Most men wanted to feel the touch of women more than anything else; they felt empty when they didn't get laid once every few days at least, much less years without any action whatsoever.

And here he was, Diluc Ragnvindr, rejecting a cute woman who obviously loved him? An eternal virgin.

That was quite strange.

"It's not about type...she's beautiful...I'm currently...not looking for anyone. I cannot risk falling in love with someone, or else they might get used as a bargain chip against me. You need to understand that...There's people out there, who wish for my death like a prayer every time they go to bed. They won't stop until I die."

"..."

"People are jealous of my wealth and winery, and because of that they wish to destroy my legacy, which is why I must remain alert at all times. Then there is Fatui too. I bet they consider me a huge thorn in their foot."

"Well it makes sense. Then again, you could keep it a secret and just not tell anyone about you two."

"No...that's a terrible idea. People would end up gossiping about it, and it would be all over the place soon enough. Walls have ears, and I can't risk any leaks. The only thing I can do is stay alone and hope they wouldn't care about insignificant maids, but focus their whole attention on me instead."

"You're a really good guy if you thought about all of this. Just to be clear, how old are you two?" Yomite asked.

"I don't know how old I am. I stopped counting, but it should be early twenties, same as Kaeya. And Adelinde is thirty-three."

"Thirty-three? Are you joking? When I saw her she looked to be around nineteen...or at most twenty."

"Adelinde was with me ever since I was born. She started working in the manor when she was thirteen, and became my personal maid when I was five. She's been with me my entire life, and knows me better than anyone else does. The fact she feels like that towards me means a lot to me," Diluc explained.

"Well to me it seems that you care about her a lot. The fact that you don't even remember your own birthday, yet you remember hers, tells a lot."

"Yeah...I suppose," Diluc scratched his cheek awkwardly, "But it would be too dangerous to be with her...as much as I'd like to...it would lead to nothing but trouble."

"Oh? So you would like to?" Yomite teased him.

"No, I mean...I meant that...well, it would be too dangerous for her. I can't risk having her harmed or kidnapped because of me." Diluc explained slowly, a bit self-conscious.

"So you're worried about her well-being."

"Of course..."

"Then you love her!"

"..."

Diluc fell silent at this.

This was the first time Yomite had ever seen Diluc act so awkward, and he was enjoying every second if it.

"If you're willing to protect someone that much, then by all means, you hold them dear. In my opinion, you should tell her exactly what you just told me. Tell her you love her but you're afraid for her safety, and wish to avoid getting her involved in any of this. And let her decide. She's a grown woman, she can decide for herself whether her love is enough to risk her life for."

"...I am not the happiest with your idea, but you do make sense that this should be discussed between the two of us. I have no right to decide for her...Alright. I'll do as you said and talk to her once I get back home..."

"Not a problem, just go and buy her some chocolate and flowers on the way. I bet she would be happy. Most men think flowers are pointless to give away as a gift, as they wither too fast, but it's the kind gesture that counts. Remember that."

"Will do. Well then, this day was hectic but I do hope you enjoyed yourself in the pub after a long time. We will see each other later."

Diluc bid farewell to Yomite, who just smiled awkwardly and waved back.

The reason why he smiled awkwardly was simple...

"Adelinde set me up...but twenty million Mora as a payment was enough for me to convince him...sorry Diluc, she really, really loves you way too much...ten or so year age gap didn't stop her."

Roughly two weeks ago, Yomite was visiting Diluc's mansion, and he made a nasty deal with Adelinde...to lure Diluc into her "Love Clutches"

A deal with a cute devil.

"Sheesh...women of this world are scary...good luck...brother."

It wasn't that he was selling him out...he just wished the "best" for his adoptive older brother.