Chapter Text
"The illusionary knight. What a peculiar title for someone."
"Fischl was right about that. Being called something like the Spindrift Knight or Calvary Captain seems more official." You sighed to Kaeya as you made your way across the Favonious headquarters to the board room for a meeting. The moonlight-haired man replied, “Why be the Calvary Captain when there’s no calvary for you to captain.” Raising your head you made eye contact with the taller male who was already smiling in your direction. You couldn’t help but laugh but in all fairness he was correct. He didn’t really have much of a job to do since nearly all of the calvary had been taken on an expedition by The Grand Master, Varka, so he’d spend his days training any of the remaining personnel or Noelle. Returning your focus back to the placement of your steps upon the aged wooden floor, you snapped yourself out of your daydream only to realise Kaeya must have noticed too.
“I didn’t know my charm could affect you so instantaneously, how interesting.”
“I wouldn’t get your hopes up loverboy, besides I wouldn’t want to upset your ladies in waiting.”
As soon as Kaeya heard this he pouted in a playful manner; his expression practically mimicking that of a puppy. You couldn’t help but laugh at how different it made him look yet how cute it was.
“Hey… my hopes were raised until that last bit.” He exasperated jokingly.
Punching his arm playfully you dismissed his remark and sifted through the mental notes that you prepared in your mind.
The meeting in question that both you captains were about to attend was being held by the Acting Grand Master Jean as some urgent news had come up about a thief who had been causing havoc in Mondstadt city the past few days. Their identity is unknown as of late and additionally, the thief had been leaving tips and taunting knights on duty by leaving ‘hints’ at the crime scene practically mocking the efficiency of the Knights of Favonious. It was annoying, to say the least, that’s why Jean had requested for you to try to get intel by working with the reconnaissance company’s head, Eula Lawrance. You had both been fruitful and will present the fruits of your labour in the meeting. All you needed now was a strategy.
The shifting of the oak wooden door alerted Jean of you and Kaeya’s presence which startled her momentarily before she regained her composure. Observing the dark circles formed under your Captain’s Azura eyes you pondered if she got enough sleep these past few days. Her blonde hair was dishevelled; from her body language, it was clear that she had a headache too. Her hands rubbed gently at her temples to ease the pain which seemed to have worked.
“Good Morning Jean, you don’t look too good. Something the matter?” Kaeya’s concern caught her attention as she raised her head in his direction. She replied with a hum before uttering a few words to ease the tension, “This paperwork has been quite much for me lately although I’m fine.” Kaeya looked in your direction and you looked at his right on time. The two of you sighed in unison knowing that despite the amount of persuasion you used there is no way that Jean would let herself take a break with the volume of work that had to be done.
Microscopic specks of dust were illuminated by the rays of sun through the tall, glass window danced around randomly only to be disrupted by the movement of the oak wooden door letting yet another few people in. Two to be exact. Albedo and Eula strode into the room greeting everyone individually before taking a seat at the table. Eula decided to sit in front of you for today’s meeting yet something about her presence told you it was purposeful. The idea made you shuffle in anticipation of how the meeting itself will unfold.
“Let’s get this meeting started, shall we.” As if on cue Eula’s voice cut through the piercing silence, channelling everyone’s attention to her poised form.
- - -
“So what you’re saying is that you’ve gotten a lead on our notorious thief, eh?”
“Exactly.”
Eula replied to the ravenette male. The subtle emphasis used made it sound as smooth as butter to the ear. Eula leaned forward in your direction as the weight of the female’s upper body relied on the rounded table for support. Your body tensed in reflex before resuming its previous relaxed state. Flipping through the notes in your head, you linked every bit of intel you obtained to different plausible ideas until it hit you. Drawing out a sheet of wared paper from your pocket you placed it on the table sliding it with the tips of your fingers in Eula’s direction. As you withdrew, her eyebrow quirked in intrigue which signified for you to expand on your point.
“This was one of the notes written by our thief that was left on the merchant’s board. It was so well hidden which must have made it hard for other people to notice.”
The note reads: ‘Masked kings and one rogue. As I arrive I shall be one with the kings. As I depart I shall be fruitful.’
“Something about this note tells me he might be planning to go and do something big the next time he strikes.”
Albedo must have read between the lines of what you were trying to insinuate.
“If I am not mistaken, there’s a masquerade being held at the dawn winery.”
“That is correct but what does Dawn Winery have to do with the note?” Jean placed her fingers on her chin. Although she might have gotten the answer within a little time Albedo spoke up again.
“Masked kings and one rogue could be referring to himself in comparison to the people attending the gathering. Using ‘fruitful’ means two things in this sense: getting rich off what he will do and fruitful depicting there will literally be much fruit.”
Nodding in agreement with the statement you decided to finish off the gaps missed by the alchemist.
“As I arrive I shall be one with kings must mean he’ll be hidden amongst the crowd and his mention of departing means he’ll take something with him and, as albedo mentioned, get mora out of it.” You grinned at the alchemist whose face bore nothing but an acute smile at his deduction skills.
“I’d expect nothing less from the both of you although there is still one more problem. There’s is still much unknown about our precious case with the masked vigilante.”
You already knew who Jean was referring to and that was ‘The Darknight Hero’. He always acted in the shadows taking down enemies who caused any sort of disturbance in Mondstadt. He seemed good at heart but his methods went against that of the Knights which meant he was also an issue that needed to be dealt with. Thanks to Donna, you were able to vaguely picture what he might look like but the mere thought of him irritated you. You had made numerous attempts to capture him in the past but to no avail. You disliked how unlawful his actions were and it made you wonder why he didn’t just join the Knights of Favonious knowing that we’d just stop him in his tracks eventually.
“If our thief is at the event then that can only mean he must also be there too, we just have to hit two birds with one stone.”
“Couldn’t have said it better myself Captain,” Kaeya flipped a coin as if to give him time before finishing his sentence. “So what’s our plan of action?”
“Kaeya and Y/N, both of you will be undercover at the masquerade tonight. Albedo if there’s any other intel you can get before the event please let me know,” Jean stated.
The alchemist nodded and stood up already keen on carrying out his assignment. Eula also stood up ready to take her to leave as she confirmed that she would keep guard outside the venue in case anything happens. The rest of you reconfirmed any minor details before going your own way.
"Y/N!"
As you made your way down the stairs you were greeted with a whirlwind of red and peach hues as Klee ran into you dropping whatever she had in her hands.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry Y/N," A voice called out.
Regaining your equilibrium you got up and tried to help Klee up too but she had already sprung back into action and darted up the stairs clutching a messy pile of sheets - that was practically double her size - up the stairs. She ran in a sort of zigzag pattern to prevent the pile from falling again which made you chuckle softly. Following in her wake, a familiar knight-in-training with hot on her tracks.
"Klee be careful!"
Not much could be exchanged between the two of you as Noelle had to return to making sure Klee wouldn't cause any more trouble. She quickly curtsied in your direction and you waved in reply. Noelle was told to take care of Klee since she couldn't intervene in the meeting. Despite the fact that Jean could just put her back into solitary confinement Klee would always find a way out which is what also made her such a worthy Knight despite her age. It still confused you as to how Noelle hadn't become an official Knight yet. Even the Honourary knight thought this was somewhat strange yet you still both supported her from the sidelines on her journey to becoming an official member of the Knights of Favonious.
Continue
You stretched your arms after heading out of the doors of the headquarters. Relieved, you headed towards Marjorie’s to see if you could get a mask for today’s masquerade. You had a dress at home already but you didn’t have a mask. You tried asking Kaeya back in the meeting but he didn’t have any to spare, unfortunately. Internally sighing you continued until you were met with a familiar sign.
‘With wind comes glory’
You turned the bronze knob and pushed the door open. The bell rang out, signifying your presence as you walked into the cosy shop. Marjorie was already busy with a customer at the counter and you didn’t want to disturb them but it seemed that he had already become aware of you. The man in question was none other than Diluc Ragnvindr himself. His facial features were cold yet warm and his hair was a vermillion colour which complimented his fiery eyes. You could swear he was burning holes into you yet that didn’t make you look away at all. Neither did he. His thoughts did seem obvious yet part of you felt like some sort of curiosity overcame him. The tension between you severed as the sound of rattling Mora came from the cash register.
“Thank you for your patronage, here’s your change sir.” Marjorie held out the Mora and the bag which contained the purchased item. Taking the items, Diluc bowed his head and took his leave. Mistakenly he brushed past your shoulder. Instinctively you turned around only to realise he’d already disappeared out of sight. Warmth still lingering you ran your hand down your sleeve almost longingly.
“He’s quite handsome, wouldn’t you agree Y/N?” Marjorie teased.
“He’s definitely something..” you muttered dismissively. Diluc was almost how you would have imagined him to be. Though, there's so much mystery behind him that gives him extra leverage on people like Donna that works at Floral Whisper. You seriously didn't understand how Diluc couldn't even hear her from the
You wouldn't lie if you said you didn't want Diluc to-
“Hey Marg, I have a question, you don’t happen to have any filigree masks do you?
A knowing look plastered on the shopkeeper’s face briefly before returning back its original expression. She turned and went to the backroom before coming out with a black mask in her hand. It had blue accents that shone in the light; its intricate design was elegant. For extra effect, she ran her thumbs around the edges of the face mask, slowly, exaggerating its attractiveness.
“It’s definitely perfect for you, will you take it?”
Your response was quite clear as you swiftly exchanged your mora for the mask. Content, you made your way out.
“Wait what about your change?”
“You can keep the change, thanks again, Marjorie!”
She avoided protesting, settling with a smile as you walked out and with that, you left and made your way home. Quickly, a gloved hand tapped your shoulder making you turn around in surprise. It turns out it was none other than the man that brushed past you in a time that felt like only moments ago.
"Ah hello Mr. Ragnvindr..." You practically trailed off as your eyes darted around scanning his features in awe. He was practically perfect you understood why nearly everyone swooned over him and now he was engaged in conversation with you. From the corners of your eye, you noticed some girls on the street eyeing both of you (specifically you) with loathing expressions. Diluc took note of this - cautiously, he grabbed your arm and guided the both of you towards a more secluded crook between two old buildings away from sight. It was dark. So dark. You could only make out his burning orbs and the warmth permeating through his gloves before he subconsciously let go of you. The atmosphere was still and quiet as you both gazed at each other silently trying to make out what the other was thinking. Breaking the silence Diluc cleared his throat before speaking.
"No need to be formal with me, just call me Diluc." He uttered.
"Diluc.."
"Yes?"
"You waited for me to finish in the shop, why was that?"
There was some silence between your question and his answer. "I waited because I was actually looking for you, I came to Marjorie's shop to enquire about your whereabouts and inform you of something." His tone seemed to become more serious which made you tense up slightly. The enclosed space made it easier for the male in front of you to notice your tension so he got to the point.
"Do not attend the Masquerade tonight. It's for your own good." Diluc warned. This caught you off guard whilst also confusing you concurrently. "How did you know I was going to attend and why shouldn't I?" Your tone become harsher as his words struck a nerve.
"I can't disclose anything knowing you'll report back to the Knights. Just trust me on this."
Part of you was starting to believe him but your head was telling you otherwise. This was your mission and you had to complete it whether something happens to you or not. "Thank you for your concern Diluc, I can take care of myself." Your next few actions were a surprise to the redhead. Your body was slowly enveloped in water that thrashed around you gracefully before dropping to the ground in a puddle that evaporated in a matter of seconds. This was one of your abilities as a hydro vision wielder. To Diluc, it looked like teleportation but it was actually the translocation of your body to a different nearby source of water which unfortunately was the fountain in the city square. Luckily no one was around so you made your way back home stealthily yet in haste.
Diluc wasn't sure if he greatly underestimated her or if she expended her ability out of anger. What he did know was that her determined face was now stuck in his mind making a slight warmth creep onto his face.
"So annoying." His words betrayed his heart's palpitations. Feelings dismissed he made his way to the winery.
Autumn had settled in so the sky was already quite dark at this time of the day. You quickened your pace to make it back before it got any colder.