"If this is about business matters, you can come back tomorrow."
Diluc made it clear he was issuing a dismissal.
"It's already time to rest."
"Now that's not right, Lord Dil."
Jia Changjiang grabbed the wooden door of the tavern, preventing it from closing, and spoke earnestly.
"Putting aside the fact that I'm here to clear up a misunderstanding—running off in the middle of a fight like that isn't exactly good manners."
"Just let me come in and sit for a bit, alright? Best case, you even pour me a drink. The questions you wanted to ask earlier—I'll answer them properly."
"I'm telling you, there's definitely been some kind of misunderstanding between us."
He pushed lightly against the door, rambling on without pause.
"Come on, come on, don't be shy—let's get close—ah, sorry, wrong line. I mean, let's have a proper talk, put aside our grudges, and step into a beautiful tomorrow together!"
"..."
Seeing that Jia Changjiang clearly had no intention of leaving, and not wanting to replace the tavern door the next day, Diluc finally gave in and let him inside.
"I'll say this again," Diluc stated coolly, "I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't know you."
"Sure, sure. I get it—you want to keep your identity hidden. Message received."
Jia Changjiang sat down at the bar counter and looked at him expectantly.
"So? Not even a drink? Look at the state I'm in—I'm covered in injuries."
"Relax. I like fighting, sure, but I know there's a time and place for it. No need to be that tense."
He grinned.
"Though I will come looking for you again next time. We still haven't finished that fight."
Watching Jia Changjiang behave as if he had already confirmed his identity, Diluc said nothing. He moved behind the counter, took out a bottle of fine wine, and poured a glass.
"Smells amazing."
Jia Changjiang inhaled deeply, his eyes lighting up.
"No wonder you're one of the richest men in Mondstadt—this is how you treat guests!"
"Drink it, then leave," Diluc said flatly.
No matter what, he had no intention of acknowledging that so-called "Darknight Hero" identity.
"Then I'd better drink slowly," Jia Changjiang replied, lifting the glass.
"Otherwise I'll be kicked out too soon."
"I came here tonight for just one thing."
He looked directly at Diluc.
"I have no hostility toward Mondstadt. My challenge to Jean wasn't some provocation—it was because I genuinely wanted to challenge her. What I want is the challenge itself, and victory. Nothing more."
"The same goes for you. I want to fight you for one simple reason: because it's a fight."
"Believe me or not—it doesn't matter. I'll be staying in Mondstadt for a long time. If words aren't enough, then let time prove it."
He finished the wine in one go and set the glass down.
"I won't tell anyone who the Darknight Hero really is. But I do hope…"
"One day, we can have a proper fight. No identities, no motives. Just a real fight."
"I really like making friends, you know—Lord Dil."
With that, Jia Changjiang stood up and walked toward the exit.
Just as he was about to step out, Diluc finally spoke from behind him.
"My name is Diluc. Not 'Lord Dil.'"
"Heh… I thought you wouldn't even bother correcting me."
Jia Changjiang stepped outside, then turned back to close the door.
"Your wine is great. I'll come back for more next time."
"And when you're in a good mood, have a drink yourself. With wine this good, it'd be a shame not to."
Without another word, he left.
Diluc sat alone in the tavern, looking at the glass Jia Changjiang had used. After a moment's thought, he took a different glass and poured himself a small amount.
Still a flavor he didn't particularly like.
Setting the glass down, Diluc felt that the night's events were… strange.
"A strange man," he muttered.
"But… his words weren't without meaning."
Jia Changjiang returned to the inn and collapsed straight onto the bed.
So much had happened that day—fatigue hit him all at once.
When he finally woke up, sunlight was already pouring in. He stretched lazily and yawned.
"System, I got a mission reward last night, right?"
Only now did he remember.
Opening the system interface, he checked the newly acquired ability.
[Grandmaster's Might (Jax): Your attacks will carry a small amount of your weapon's inherent attribute damage. Your defensive capabilities are greatly increased.]
"Hm?"
Jia Changjiang read it carefully.
"So the active double-resistance boost got folded into a passive? And weapon attribute damage…"
"Does that mean I can break shields just by switching weapons?"
His mind immediately went to those irritating enemies—Abyss Mages, Fatui skirmishers, and their infuriating shields.
"This reward is good."
He was genuinely satisfied.
"Looks like I should start collecting different types of weapons from now on."
Getting out of bed, he stretched again.
"Alright! Time to get ready. No adventurer commissions today—I'm heading to the Knights of Favonius to duel Jean."
After a quick wash and getting dressed, he set off.
"The exciting moment… is finally here!"
...
"..."
Jia Changjiang squatted at the edge of the Knights' training grounds, hugging his battle axe and staring helplessly at the clouds drifting overhead.
He'd arrived too early.
Jean was still buried in paperwork. Apparently, the Fatui had been putting even more pressure on Mondstadt lately, leaving her with even more to handle.
With no other choice, she'd asked Jia Changjiang to wait at the training grounds until she was finished.
Squatting there, Jia Changjiang radiated resentment.
"Damn Fatui… if it weren't for you lot, I'd already be fighting Jean right now!"
As he muttered to himself, a small, childlike voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Who are you? Why are you sitting here?"
"Huh? A kid?"
Jia Changjiang turned around and saw a small blonde girl wearing a red hat and carrying a little backpack.
"Klee…?"
He recalled her name.
"You know Klee?"
The little girl's eyes widened.
"Who are you?"
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