Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [107]
Gracefully, Gu Sanqiu set the fruit back on the plate, only to then tip the entire platter up, letting every piece of fruit fall directly into his mouth.
Even the red-haired young man polishing glasses nearby paused at this. Clearly, Gu Sanqiu's unique approach had caught him off guard.
After all, no matter how small a fruit platter might be, it certainly seemed larger than any one person's mouth. Yet Gu Sanqiu's little demonstration conveyed a simple message: If things aren't working out, maybe it's not the path that's the problem.
Watching a moment longer, Diluc quickly caught on. Gu Sanqiu had subtly manipulated his muscles to create a fine tremor, lining up each piece of fruit so that they queued one after the other, sliding obediently into his mouth.
It was a purely showy move, one that served little purpose beyond conveying a certain flair. But... was he "respecting his food" just because I pointed out it was oxidizing?
Made sense, he supposed… though why he should care was beyond him.
Diluc thought about it for a second, shrugged, and resumed polishing the glass.
"Oh? Switched up bartenders tonight?"
Gu Sanqiu eyed him up and down. "You're awfully young, aren't you?"
"If that's what you think, then we're likely of a similar age."
Diluc looked at him directly. "Am I right, Liyue guest?"
"Haha, looks like Lady Luck's on my side!" Gu Sanqiu leaned against the bar, a slight grin on his face. "First night at Angel's Share, and here's Master Diluc himself tending the bar—a hidden gem of a surprise if there ever was one."
"Well, when luck's on your side, it finds you even the first time. Right, everyone?"
Gu Sanqiu raised his glass with a laugh, nodding to the patrons scattered around the tavern.
"To good fortune!" he declared. "A drink for everyone on me!"
"For good fortune! Cheers!"
A chorus of shouts echoed through the tavern, and a festive buzz spread. For the average patron, a free drink was reason enough to chat with any stranger—more so with a generous one footing the bill.
"Funny, I half-expected you'd say 'the night's on me,' the way you Liyueans have that habit," Diluc remarked dryly, his hands moving expertly to serve drinks at an impressive pace, a true testament to his Vision's strength.
In short, a Vision-wielder's heightened agility made them naturals at tasks requiring dexterity. And Diluc, with his mastery of the greatsword, had a uniquely efficient rhythm.
"Oh no, not my style," Gu Sanqiu replied. "Although, I must say, it's quite the sight to see Mondstadt's Merchant Guild Chief working the bar at a small tavern. That's rare, isn't it?"
"From time to time," Diluc replied, sliding a drink his way with an understated nod. "Grape wine. Enjoy."
Gu Sanqiu took a sip, smiling. "Mmm, fragrant and rich. Each sip's like fresh grapes bursting on the palate without overpowering the wine's essence. Quite the treat."
Setting the glass down, he added with a chuckle, "So, Master Diluc, was this to hint you knew I'd stopped by Dawn Winery?"
"No need for 'Master' here," Diluc replied evenly. "Diluc will do just fine."
"Very well, then. What's the other reason?"
"The other reason?" Diluc glanced at him. "Well, as a Liyue guest here on official business, slipping out to a small tavern on your first night in Mondstadt is, shall we say, not unlike my own actions tonight."
Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to throw my words back at me?"
"Think of it as mutual ribbing."
...
Who would've thought that this stoic guy would have a knack for banter?
"Fine, well played." Gu Sanqiu smirked. "So tell me, whose mixology skills do you rate higher—yours or that Cat's Tail bartender's?"
It was a calculated question—he could practically hear Diluc's voice retorting, "If it shouldn't be asked, don't ask it."
"In terms of raw skill, Diona's better by a mile." Diluc moved to set another drink down with practiced ease. "Some people are just born with certain talents, built into their very essence."
"Well, maybe," Gu Sanqiu mused. "Plenty of people rise to prominence through hard work while prodigies rest on their laurels, you know. Relying on talent alone is shortsighted, don't you think?"
Diluc's expression didn't shift in the slightest. "You're right. I have no intention of chatting with you."
Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. Why were stoic types so alike?
"But I am still a customer here at Angel's Share, yes? And as bartender, don't you have a certain… duty to provide your customers with good conversation?"
"I'm here to pour drinks, not provide companionship." Diluc's tone was as impassive as ever. "If you're seeking chatty company, Cat's Tail might be more to your taste. The little tabby there would gladly lift your spirits."
Gu Sanqiu shook his head, amused. "Comparing yourself to a cat—is that really the image you want?"
Standing to leave, he added, "I'll be back over the next few days. The vibe here suits me."
"Have a pleasant evening." Diluc watched him go, and just as Gu Sanqiu reached the door, he turned, shooting a playful glint from one eye.
"Relax—I'm not here to cause trouble."
Diluc's brow furrowed, and he set his glass down, looking up again only to see the door already shut.
An odd character… dangerous aura.
His gaze shifted briefly to the weapon resting by the shelves.
"Allowing someone like him to just wander Mondstadt so freely... what is the Knights' plan here?"
---
"Well, well. If you don't keep your aura in check around the ol' Master, you're bound to trigger his defenses."
Stretching under the moonlight, Gu Sanqiu mulled over the encounter, feeling surprisingly refreshed. While talking with Diluc, he'd intentionally let his aura drift, as naturally as breathing.
An ordinary person might not feel it, but someone like Diluc, a seasoned fighter, would notice right away that he was no average tavern guest. That alone explained the charged undercurrent of their conversation.
"Figures. Mondstadt's 'Darknight Hero' is sharp as ever. He's probably grumbling at the Knights right now for letting a 'dangerous outsider' waltz in," he mused with a faint smirk.
For someone to trigger Diluc's caution, it took more than strength or experience in battle—it was something elusive, a feeling that couldn't be easily explained.
If every powerful figure set off his instincts, Diluc would never know a peaceful moment in Mondstadt's bustling ranks of adventurers and Knights.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]