Dangerous loyalty『Tartaglia x MR』

XXXVII

Tʜᴇ Sᴛᴀʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Pʜᴏᴇɴɪx

Thankfully, M/n wasn't bedridden for too long and was allowed to return to the Dawn winery. On the way back, M/n announces that he wants to spend time with Diluc and Aether. This causes the others to pout just a bit but they understood, Ajax was less reluctant this time around because of his little treat he got leaving him satisfied, for the time being, that is. So the other went off to find something to occupy themselves with while M/n, Aether, and Diluc took to the open plains nearby for a lovely walk. Though Aether has lived in the area, he never ventured around in fear of running into Lumine but now there wasn't much to worry about.
"Whoa, What a large tree!"M/n and Aether exclam brightly as the trio close in on it.
"This is Windrise. Lord Barbatos comes here often to relax on warm days like this. I too find myself here when I want a calm change of scenery."

"I can understand why...it...It reminds me of the sea of Bieberstein's crocus just outside of the training grounds back home. I would flop down on my back in the flowers and stare up at the cloudy sky as it snows. Hm, maybe that's why I always smell like that flower..."
M/n utters absentmindedly towards the end, something about that memory made him feel alone, especially when his hand made contact with the trunk of the tree.
Why do I feel this way all of a sudden? Isn't that supposed to be a calm and happy memory?
He continues to dig until in the memory he looks over to see his father staring up at the clouds as he once did.
"Oh...So it's..."He chuckles bitterly, why couldn't he have a good memory of the past for once? Was the former always so alone after his father's death?
"Your majesty?"

"Hm?"

"Do you wish to speak about it? You seem rather sad when you held such a bright smile mere seconds ago."Diluc asks as he gently placed his hand onto M/n's should and Aether places his hand on top of the hand against the tree.
"Would you assume that lying in a bed of  Bieberstein's crocus was a happy memory?"

"Though it sounds happy, your facial expressions say otherwise."

"I guess I can't hide my emotions as I used to...Come now, let's explore a bit before heading back."His concubines didn't move, of course, confused the prince, and yet he waits to see what they'll do or say. For a moment, there weren't any words exchanged as they hug him.
"I'm fine you two, really I am. You know what, to lighten up the mood, how about we have a nice little hunt?"M/n suggests while pointing at a small mob of Hilichurls, They pull away to glance in the direction in which M/n was pointing in.
"What say you, my loves?"

"Well, a little bit of battling doesn't hurt."

"I'm not too good at fighting but Baizhu taught me a few things when it comes to healing, so if either of you gets hurt I'll be sure to heal you immediately."Diluc and M/n nod at Aether, the two taller men summon their claymores and smirk.
"Alright, let's cause some trouble."

❄️❄️❄️

Aether was amazed at how M/n and Diluc fought. He cheered them on the entire time and praised them when they finished. Though it was a near blood bath, the two managed to stay clean and without an injury.
"You two make me question how heavy those claymores are. Especially with how you swing them around like they weigh nothing."

"I learned from my father."

"As did I. Oh, Archons, it's getting late, let's hurry back. I'm sure Tartaglia would love to hear about the fun we had."M/n rests his claymore on his shoulder and his unoccupied hand rests on his hip.
"I'm sure he'll throw a bit of a fit because he didn't get to join in the bloodshed, I swear that man is strange but I can tell he means well."

"And yet.."Aether starts drawing Diluc's and M/n's attention, both wanting to know the smaller males' opinions.
"I feel like you two will fight a bit before you truly get along."

"I don't doubt it."

"Dear Archons, if you do fight, not in the castle or the city. Anywhere but those places for the sake of everyone."