Morning, Dawn Winery.
"Ruola isn't home?"
Head maid Adeline paused in her work. "Master Diluc, Miss Ruola left at first light to join the Knights of Favonius tryouts."
Diluc frowned. So it was that time again.
"Did she eat breakfast?"
"She took it with her when she went out. I assume she'll eat on the way."
He nodded lightly, arms folded, one hand to his chin in brief thought.
"I'll have to trouble you again for tonight. Please prepare what's on this list."
He handed over a sheet full of dish names.
"No problem. Leave it to me."
Adeline looked very much accustomed to such requests and left with the note.
A dozen minutes later, Diluc departed the winery.
For the past several years, around this time, he had thrown a banquet for his little sister Ruola—something to cushion the blow if she failed the Favonius exam again.
Yes, the results weren't out yet, but he already knew the answer.
Ruola wouldn't pass.
Not because she lacked ability. In fact, she ranked first in nearly every metric.
With a Pyro Vision, how weak could she possibly be?
The reason was simple: she lacked one specific thing.
There was another girl in Mondstadt in the same position—both of them missing that one thing. Thus they remained auxiliaries, not full Knights.
Diluc had no special love for the Knights of Favonius, but he wouldn't stop his sister from joining.
It was simply not time—yet.
He made for Mondstadt and entered Angel's Share.
There, he found two people exactly as expected.
"Well, if it isn't our Master Diluc."
Diluc kept his face cool. "It's Ruola's evaluation today. Don't you dare be absent tonight."
Kaeya tossed back his wine and, for once, wore a straight face. "Relax. I've never been careless about anything involving our little sister."
Across from him, a boy with twin braids and a green cap chuckled, "How could Mondstadt's most beloved bard skip the banquet of the adorable, lovely, kind Miss Ruola?"
Diluc ignored the drunkard poet. Three days ago this scoundrel had talked his sister into giving him wine—she'd brought out a fine stash from their own cellar.
He'd only learned yesterday. If not for Ruola's closeness to him, Diluc wouldn't have invited the bard at all.
That afternoon, the evaluation ended.
Ruola and Noelle waited together—excited and anxious—as a Knight announced the results from the stage.
When they learned they'd been passed over yet again, both girls looked crestfallen.
Knights and townsfolk nearby cast them sympathetic glances.
They were so outstanding in every way.
Those who knew the inside story could only sigh.
In Mondstadt, everyone knew Ruola and Noelle.
One was the city's richest man's sister, Master Diluc's own; the other, the Knights' devoted maid.
Two warm-hearted girls—Mondstadt's little angels—kind to everyone, cherished by all.
"If you run into trouble in Mondstadt, find them"—it had practically become a civic mantra.
Normally they were sunshine incarnate, ever ready to help; Noelle's care and reliability, Ruola's warmth and spark—both had touched every soul in the city.
Perhaps only at moments like this would you see them down.
"Ruola, don't lose heart!"
"Noelle, it's okay. You were amazing!"
Ruola bounced back quickly. She was a bit thick-skinned; feelings came fast and went just as fast.
"Noelle, it's fine. I'll keep you company—we'll try again next time!"
"I…"
Still disappointed, Noelle looked at her dearest friend. Ruola's face brimmed with concern. Noelle nodded hard.
"Mm. I'll work even harder."
Ruola patted her own small chest. "Hehe, that's the spirit. If we train hard this year, we'll definitely pass next year!"
She pinched the air with slender fingers.
Seeing them recover so quickly, everyone around burst into applause.
Which only made Noelle blush harder.
They'd… failed, after all…
Ruola scratched her head and laughed—bright as a burst sunflower, voice clear as chimes.
Noelle grabbed her hand and tugged her out of the awkward spotlight.
"W-wait, what's wrong?"
"I'm just… not used to that kind of atmosphere."
"Alright, alright—come on! You're sleeping over at my place tonight!"
Hands on the plates of her skirt-armor, Noelle nodded shyly.
Ruola slung an arm over Noelle's shoulder and the two headed for the city gates.
"Good afternoon, Miss Margaret!"
"Oh, Ruola! How did it go—did you pass this time?"
"Mm… no. But I won't give up. I'll pass next time. I'm going to be a Knight of Favonius!"
"Cheer up! Stop by when you can; I've got some new fabrics in, and I've made something just for you~"
"Really? Really?! I'll come tomorrow—thank you, Sister Margaret!"
"Haha, if you're calling me 'sister,' what's the point of thanks?"
A little farther on—
"Good afternoon, Uncle Wagner!"
Normally taciturn, Wagner halted the moment he heard that lively voice.
"It's you two rascals—and Noelle. Afternoon."
Facing Mondstadt's two little angels, his stern face softened into a faint smile.
"Uncle Wagner, is the spearhead I ordered ready?"
"Long ready. Take a look—like it?"
"Whoa! Uncle Wagner's craftsmanship is as amazing as ever!"
Wagner rubbed his head.
Leaving the city, Ruola waved to the two gate guards.
Back at Dawn Winery, dusk had fallen; lanterns hung by the gate.
Seeing Diluc standing there, Ruola ran and threw herself at him.
"Uu… big bro, I didn't pass again…"
He ruffled her hair with indulgent affection and gave Noelle a nod.
"Come on. I've got all your favorites ready."
Noelle, as Ruola's closest friend, was like a second sister to him.
"Big bro, I love you!"
Ruola gave him a huge bear hug, then tugged Noelle inside.
"Kaeya! And Venti—you're here too? What's the occasion?!"
Usually it was just Kaeya and her brother—she hadn't expected Venti as well.
She'd only known Venti for a week; she hadn't thought he'd show.
"Does a brother need a special occasion to eat with his sister, Little Ruola?"
Kaeya pulled a hairpin from behind his back like a magician. "I heard about the outcome. Don't worry—maybe you'll pass next time."
"Thank you, Kaeya!"
He hadn't forgotten Noelle; he produced another pin—identical save for the color.
After much coaxing from Ruola, Noelle finally accepted it.
"Thank you, Captain Kaeya~"
"Getting an invite to dine with Little Ruola isn't easy. Some people put up quite the— ahem."
Before he could finish, Diluc's cool hand landed on his shoulder. "Sit. Dinner is served."
Venti, having dodged a sensitive topic, piped up to greet them. "Hello again—my good friends!"
"Venti, thanks for coming! Did you get the wine I sent to Windrise? Did you like—"
"A-ahem! Ah, such a nasty cold! The temperature swings have been awful lately. Let's talk later—Master Diluc has prepared so many delicious things."
Sensitive subject detected, Venti shifted gears and glanced furtively at Diluc.
The host busied himself with dishes, as if he'd heard nothing.
They ate in high spirits, and Kaeya and Diluc didn't snipe for once.
Venti drank heavily and face-planted before the meal was even over.
-------
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