A few more days passed, during which Lucian's works continued to be released.
These included Noctua Chapter, Lupus Minor Chapter, and Trulla Chapter—stories about the Darknight Hero Diluc, the wolf-boy Razor, and the gourmet hunter Xiangling, respectively.
The events of Trulla Chapter were currently unfolding in reality.
On the way to Liyue, the Traveler encountered Xiangling. During their conversation, the Traveler learned that Xiangling knew Lucian and decided to accompany her on her errands, hoping to gather some information about him.
After all, Xiangling would eventually return to Liyue—wasn't this a convenient detour?
Since this story was happening in real time, let's first focus on Noctua Chapter.
Noctua Chapter: Act I - The Darknight Hero's Alibi
Inside the tavern's private room, Kaeya couldn't help but smirk upon seeing this title.
"Well, there goes your alibi," Kaeya whispered to Diluc.
Diluc remained silent, though he was equally exasperated. He didn't know when he'd been dubbed the "Darknight Hero," but judging by the title, it was undoubtedly about him.
An alibi? More like incriminating evidence.
The Anemo Archon is a big shot, so it's fine if his identity gets exposed, but why drag me into this...?
Thinking this, Diluc glanced at Venti beside him. The bard had just returned to Mondstadt and immediately headed to the tavern for a drink.
Returning to the story: rumors of the "Darknight Hero" had been circulating throughout Mondstadt.
The citizens found the tale highly relatable and were deeply curious about the hero's true identity.
Paimon and the Traveler, ever the gossip-lovers, began investigating.
Their first stop was Charles, the tavern bartender—after all, taverns were the best places for rumors.
Readers had long grown accustomed to these two being the main characters in every story. Aside from that one short side story, there hadn't been a single tale without them.
"So you two are the type who love sticking your noses into everything, huh?"
Spread the word—Charles just roasted the Traveler.
Charles explained that the Darknight Hero was a recent "urban legend" being discussed among the tavern's patrons.
Paimon, slightly nervous, asked:
"It's... it's not some scary legend, is it?"
Charles: "Not particularly scary, no."
"It's about the 'Darknight Hero.'"
"Wah!" Paimon shrieked.
"Wah wah!" the Traveler harmonized.
Despite nothing frightening being revealed, the two pretended to be terrified.
Charles: "Hey, are you even listening to me?!"
In the story, Charles could only sigh at their antics.
He continued, explaining that the "Darknight Hero" was someone who punished evil and upheld justice at midnight. He then pointed the Traveler toward potential eyewitnesses if they wanted to learn more.
After questioning several people, the Traveler and Paimon eventually found Donna.
Donna: "Sigh... I'm such a terrible woman."
For some reason, Donna lamented this.
"How could I be so... fickle?"
Ah—so it was about her indecisive heart. Something must have happened.
When Paimon asked about the "Darknight Hero," Donna was shocked.
"The 'Darknight Hero'?! How did you know who I was thinking about?!"
"Ah... Could it be... written all over my face?"
"Ugh... What should I do? If Master Diluc sees me like this, wouldn't it be...?"
Donna completely ignored Paimon's question, lost in her own world.
Paimon: "Huh? Did you just say 'Master Diluc'?"
This was odd—most people referred to Diluc as "Master of the Dawn Winery" or simply "Master Diluc." Calling him "Lord" was rare.
Paimon didn't know that Donna, much like Sonoko from Detective Conan, referred to those she admired with honorifics.
Donna explained:
"Originally, the only one I admired was... well... Lord Diluc..."
"But ever since that night when the 'Darknight Hero' saved me... I can't seem to be sure of my feelings anymore..."
Reading this, the real Donna blushed furiously. How could her delicate maiden's heart be exposed so blatantly?!
Besides, she hadn't even been saved by the "Darknight Hero" yet! She wasn't fickle at all!
"But... could the 'Darknight Hero' really compare to Lord Diluc?" Donna muttered to herself.
If he really could... I'd love to be saved by him... Would he carry me in his arms, princess-style?
Inside Angel's Share—
"Pfft—!" Venti couldn't hold back his laughter.
Afraid that Master Diluc might kick him out, he quickly covered his mouth, though his trembling shoulders betrayed his struggle to contain himself.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA—!!!"
Kaeya, on the other hand, laughed uproariously, slapping the table twice before gleefully patting Diluc's shoulder.
Pointing at him, Kaeya was laughing too hard to speak.
Diluc endured Kaeya's teasing with a darkened expression but refused to say a word.
If I speak now, he'll only get even more smug.
Rosaria, observing her two drinking buddies, was utterly confused. What was so funny?
The other uninformed patrons remained indifferent—they still didn't know Diluc was the "Darknight Hero."
Back to the story: after gathering all their intel, the Traveler and Paimon reached a conclusion.
There's no real lead. Let's just wander around the city at night and see if we get lucky.
And indeed, the Traveler and Paimon were truly the embodiments of extreme luck—blessed by the Mother Goddess' third blink. That very night, they encountered the "Darknight Hero."
At Mondstadt's side gate, Diluc was locked in combat with an Abyss Mage.
Though "locked in combat" was an overstatement—it was a one-sided beatdown.
So, the "Darknight Hero" was Diluc.
Now Rosaria understood why her "drinking buddies" had been laughing. So even Master Diluc was secretly protecting Mondstadt...
Upon reading this, Donna nearly fainted from joy.
Lord Diluc is the "Darknight Hero"! That means I'm the very picture of devotion—not fickle at all!
No matter who you are or what form you take, I'll always fall for you!
Wait—does that mean I get saved by Lord Diluc?! Did he carry me like a princess?!
Which night in the future will it be? Where will I be in danger? I need to go there now!
Diluc: "I didn't expect to run into you here."
He had deliberately avoided the Knights of Favonius' patrol routes, yet he still ended up bumping into the Traveler.
Traveler: "I already guessed it was you—the 'Darknight Hero.'"
Diluc: "'Darknight Hero'? Such a painfully cliché name... Did you come up with it?"
Kaeya stopped laughing.
What's wrong with the name? It's cool! Don't just badmouth it like that!
Seeing Kaeya's reaction, Diluc—who knew him well—immediately realized who had spread the title.
As his sworn brother glared at him, Kaeya chuckled awkwardly.
"Haha, this wine is really good. I think I'm getting a little drunk."
"Oh no, oh no... I feel like I'm about to pass out."
With that, Kaeya flopped onto the table.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice-Over: Diluc - About the Darknight Hero
"Such a childish title... Fine, if it makes you happy."