paradoxical | genshin impact

24 : blood promise

"Welcome to Emmett's Bed and— Master Diluc?"

The bells on the front door chimed with your entrance, and the first thing you noticed was a young man sitting behind a reception counter. He blinked slowly, eyes darting between you and your boss. The little nametag pinned on his dress shirt confirmed your suspicions that this was the Anthony that Diluc had been so worried about.

"Anthony," the redhead addressed gruffly, holding out a hand. "I'd like my room key back."

The receptionist was quiet for a few moments more before putting on a chipper smile. "Of course. Are you going to stick with the same lodging arrangement or will your friend be occupying another—"

"Lover," Diluc interrupted. "My lover and I will be staying in the same room. Now, they key? Please?"

Anthony laughed softly, turning around to retrieve a key from one of the hooks fastened on the wall behind him. He offered it to Diluc as requested, but his eyes were on you.

"I do hope you enjoy your stay at Emmett's Bed and Breakfast, miss." He winked. "Master Diluc has been quite the regular since—"

"Thank you, Anthony," Diluc remarked through gritted teeth, and you noticed him gripping the key a bit too tightly. "We'll be having brunch at the patio later. Do tell us when it's ready."

"As you wish, sir," he responded in kind.

With that same infuriated air, Diluc tugged you off into a hallway that led out of the reception area as Anthony waved in farewell. You couldn't help but return the gesture.

The lodge looked no different from the inns you'd often find in Mondstadt. You took in the wooden interior and the dainty furniture with a pleased expression—baffled that such a place was being run by a father and son alone. It didn't look too large a property, though, and there had only been three doors lining the hall that Diluc led you into.

Your boss still had his gloved fingers enclosed firmly around your wrist, making your cheeks heat up at the knowledge. His grip wasn't so tight that it hurt, but it's almost as if he didn't wish to let you go...

"I think he wasn't as bad as you made him out to be."

Diluc stared at you incredulously once he stopped in front of the door to what you assumed was his rented suite. "Anthony isn't a bad man. No son of Emmett's will turn out to be a weed in the yard. But his attitude when it comes to women could be quite—"

"Forward?" you offered, arms folded across your chest. "Friendly?"

"More like suggestive," he scoffed, jabbing the key into its hole as he turned the lock. "The way he was looking at you earlier... It reminds me of how a certain person I know used to look for unsuspecting trysts in my tavern."

There were a handful of patrons who mostly offered their patronage to Angel's Share for the sake of finding someone to warm their beds for the night. You've been working there for almost a year, so you knew that very well. But for some reason, when Diluc spoke of that particularly risqué customer, the first person that came to mind was a certain Captain of the Cavalry.

The assumption left a bitter taste in your mouth.

Sunlight spilled from the entrance when Diluc pushed the door open, glancing back at you as he gestured for you to come in. You nodded once, whispering your thanks as you stepped inside.

If the halls had an air of homeliness that you couldn't help but feel welcomed by, their bedrooms were even cozier. The windows were styled in a way that Elzer would have referred to as "Fontainian windows", letting the daylight filter freely through the curtains. The wallpaper came with a bright, peachy finish and was further accentuated by the bits and pieces of furniture strewn about.