Something Sweet

Chapter 4

Author's note: It took a little longer to get this one edited. I had to focus on exams and a quiz. I didn't have a chance to review this chapter until all of that was dealt with first. 

Thanks for your patience.

Enjoy.

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With days carrying on, weeks began to pass as Diluc's recovery steadily progressed for the better.

He was still bothered with wearing the sling for his right arm as he neared the completion of his third week in recovery.

In the meantime, Diluc had postponed any trips to the tavern as he felt it was best to stay within his residence, recovering and spending his time learning more about the vineyard and management of the property. It helped with progressing time through his long days.

Aether had continued to stop by and visit from time to time, but his trips became less frequent as he received more and more orders from the knight hall. It ultimately stopped his visits altogether as the manor had returned to its silent state once again.

Diluc stayed busy for the most part, but even with time passing, his memory failed to recall what had happened that night he went to rescue Jean. He wasn't quite sure, and the thought of asking Aether did cross his mind, but he would always debate against it.

He couldn't quite put his memory together as his head injury had taken a significant toll on his recollection. The doubt and straight-out disbelief worked wonders against him.

As much as he wanted to refuse the fading marks on the side of his neck, Diluc wasn't entirely convinced.

A typical scratch or bruise didn't look anywhere close to the marks he had.

Not only that, but his sleep was continuously growing more and more restless with the types of dreams he was experiencing.

Diluc wasn't sure if it was his memory or his mind playing tricks on him, but it certainly felt real. Besides the reasonable doubt, he couldn't exactly ignore the way his body seemed to react to the stimulating dreams.

His body wasn't exactly wrong about it either. The ghosting memories of Jean fucking down on him couldn't possibly be from mere fabricated dreams.

Diluc knew how good it felt, and his body insisted in great detail.

The only viable option to consider at this point would be to confront Jean directly, but even with the simple thought in mind, stirred such an unsettling feeling. It was almost like he felt anxious to see her. He didn't know when, but maybe that was for the best.

With matters about his memories set aside, Diluc focused on completing tasks around the manor. Now that his schedule took place within the early hours, the transits with his wine business appeared to increase the revenue.

Transport was easy enough, but Charles and extra staff had to be hired to accommodate the workload.

Orders and supplies continued to pour through.

Anything to keep him busy.

And anything to keep him from going into Mondstadt.

He loathed the thought of any news circulating about him and his strange recovery amongst the townspeople's gossip. Of course, there would be no mention of their acting grandmaster being in an irresponsible predicament, but that's just how Mondstadt was.

It was all blather.

Useless and pointless attention that he didn't need.

At least now, with most of his injuries healed, he could take walks along the vineyard and complete inspections with Elzer at a much faster pace.