The Knights of Favonius busied themselves with preparations, while Gu Sanqiu sat idly in his place, glancing at Diluc, who was meticulously wiping down his greatsword.
This time, Master Diluc had foregone the standard-issue Favonius Greatsword for his crimson-bladed weapon, waiting in quiet anticipation for their departure.
"You're really going, huh?"
Gu Sanqiu stood, carrying Klee in his arms. "Just a heads-up—don't expect to use that emergency treatment method again anytime soon. The damage it does to the body is too severe."
Diluc glanced at him. "The first use doesn't cause any issues?"
"Not at all."
"Then that's fine."
Diluc's left hand brushed over the blade. "As long as I can still fight, everything else can wait."
Klee tilted her head curiously from Gu Sanqiu's arms, looking at Diluc.
"Ah, strange big brother, are you coming with us to fight monsters?"
She hopped to the ground, puffing out her chest with pride and confidence.
"Don't worry! Even if the enemies are super strong, Klee will protect everyone!"
...
Diluc stood frozen for a moment, staring at Klee's enthusiastic little figure. Then, his gaze shifted to Gu Sanqiu, who was smiling gently as he patted Klee's head.
Warmth. Unselfish care.
The warmth of fire is always so captivating—just like this little girl.
"Do you know why I agreed to come along?" Diluc suddenly spoke.
"I hate the Knights of Favonius, but honestly, I don't dislike the people who just sat in that meeting room."
"The Acting Grand Master doesn't rule with an iron fist; everyone is free to voice their thoughts. Sometimes, they even bypass her and give orders directly to others when necessary."
"That's not disobedience—it's a sign of the absolute trust they have in one another."
"And," his gaze sharpened, "I've seen the power of a monster horde firsthand. I can't let someone act recklessly."
Someone?
Gu Sanqiu thought about it but couldn't figure out whether Diluc meant Jean or Kaeya.
"I like everyone in the Knights too!" Klee declared cheerfully, rummaging through her bag before pulling out a small red doll.
"Strange big brother, this is for you! Amber taught me how to make it. I call it 'Little Red Riding Hood Number One.'"
She placed her hands on her hips, clearly expecting praise.
"This is Klee's special friend, and I spent a long time making it. Now, it's for you! Little Red Riding Hood will protect you, big brother!"
So, this is Mondstadt's future.
Diluc's gaze softened, a flicker of nostalgia in his eyes as he saw himself in Klee—his younger self, laughing with his comrades and standing united against their foes.
This is the flame of the sun.
Forcing a stiff smile, Diluc sheathed his weapon and placed his hand on Klee's shoulder.
"I'll count on you, then. You're reliable, and the Knights of Favonius should be proud of you."
Klee beamed and dashed off to show her new accomplishment to her friends. Watching her leave, Diluc raised a hand to his forehead and chuckled lightly.
!
Gu Sanqiu stared at him, wide-eyed. "Hey, hey, your head wasn't hit too hard, was it?"
Diluc immediately stifled his laugh, his expression returning to its usual stoicism.
"You must've misheard."
"Misheard, my foot!" Gu Sanqiu rolled his eyes. "I didn't even say what made me think your brain's busted, and here you are, confessing."
"Hmph."
Diluc extended his hand. "Thank you for stepping in. I can't offer the resources of the entire Mondstadt merchants' guild, but if you ever need anything, Dawn Winery is at your disposal."
"Ha, I'm just here because someone roped me into babysitting." Gu Sanqiu shook his hand. "Your elemental energy feels livelier than before. Did you remember something amusing?"
"Amusing? Perhaps."
Diluc nodded. "Before the dawn, someone has to shine a little light into the darkness."
He glanced at the red doll now tied to his belt.
"To watch over the dawn."
"To guard the flames of the future."
---
After finishing his tasks, Gu Sanqiu went off to handle other matters. Meanwhile, Diluc strolled to the Knights' rooftop garden, gripping his Vision as he gazed at the sky.
Father, after all these years, I find myself once again wielding the flames for the sake of others.
A secretive younger brother whose mysteries irritate me to no end.
A radiant little spark of warmth, as dazzling as the sun.
And Little Red Riding Hood.
With no one around, Diluc held the doll in his hand, a faint smile crossing his lips as he looked toward the cloudless night sky.
"Bless me, Father."
"In the name of Ragnvindr, I shall become the flaming blade that dances upon the battlefield."
---
"Everyone, no more unnecessary words. Depart immediately! All aboard!"
Outside Mondstadt's gates, Albedo directed everyone to board the large vessel docked nearby. The alchemists who had come to see them off couldn't hide their envy.
The vessel, one of Albedo's creations, was an airborne device. While it still had limitations with fuel efficiency, it was enough to make any scholar drool with jealousy.
Jokingly, if someone claimed that this vessel could serve as their funeral accessory, some fanatical alchemists might genuinely consider it.
"Although its fuel efficiency remains an issue, the elemental energy reserve is sufficient to reach Dragonspine," Albedo remarked, scanning the group. "Where's Sanqiu? He's not here yet."
"Right here."
Gu Sanqiu arrived, carrying Klee on his back and gliding in with Aether and Paimon supported by a gentle wind behind him.
"Need something?"
"Nothing urgent. This machine is energy-intensive. I was wondering if you had access to Liyue's rare mineral, the Mingxia Transcendent Stone."
Gu Sanqiu smirked. "Good luck with that. The last piece went into rebuilding the Jade Chamber. If you're up for it, feel free to negotiate with its owner."
Good luck surviving Ningguang's wrath if you touch her prized possession. Not that it matters—it's mine anyway.
Albedo let it slide, his attention drawn to the Traveler.
"Is that… the Traveler?" Amber blinked. "Sanqiu, is he coming too?"
To everyone's surprise, Albedo nodded. "Yes. The Traveler possesses unique abilities that make his presence valuable."
The excuse was paper-thin—a convenient justification to bring Aether along. Albedo was well aware that Barbatos might be watching him. In a worst-case scenario, the Traveler might even summon the Anemo Archon to their aid.
The perfect combination of a mascot and divine summoning tool. No wonder Gu Sanqiu brought him along.
Onboard, Sanqiu clapped Aether's shoulder.
"Let's go, buddy. Time for a high-difficulty dungeon crawl."
The vessel set off, its departure unnoticed only by the most oblivious. Meanwhile, well-trained guards in teal armor replaced the city's defenses, bolstered by the Church of Favonius.
Outside the Goth Grand Hotel, an elderly nun with a staff stood beside a stunning woman armed with a spear.
The nun chuckled darkly at the tense Fatui agents nearby.
"Now, now, don't cause any trouble, or the Anemo Archon's guards might get… annoyed."
"But," she added with a smirk, "a little bloodletting could be a good lesson for the young."
"Another overtime shift," the spear-wielding woman sighed, her gaze fixed on Dragonspine.
"Still, may the winds grant them luck and a safe return."
---
T/N: ERRR sorry for such an unstable upload schedule! to be honest... im currently translating 31 fanfics! yeah they are all in my patreon, and soon they'll start being public but the first one i released the blue eyes white one got blocked not even a full day in :sob: but ill try webnovel for it once more before moving it to scribble hub! if you are interested in just checking out the future fanfics u might see here go check out my patreon!
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