Blown To You - [Diluc Ragnvindr x F. Reader]

5 - Kaeya Alberich

In the open window of my room, sunlight peeked through the gaps in the curtains. A soft blanket coiled around my body, and under my head was a pillow dampened by sweat.

I lay inert in my bed, listening to the unfolding activities outside. I could hear Quinn coaxing customers to look at his stall, Flora serenading her flowers, and the distinct pounding of a hammer was the doing of the blacksmith, Wagner. Based on their voices, it appeared that they were attending to their works with vigor. Well, good for them because I neither had the energy nor the courage to stand up, go outside, and look for something to work with. I was utterly useless as a person and as a housemate to Flora and Donna.

The incident caused a tumult in the city. When the shooting began, the people who reside near the wall were roused by the commotion, leading them to report it to the Knights of Favonius. The latter were assembled and dispatched. News spread at the speed of light in Mondstadt, so people who were awake at that instant were mindful of the situation. Some were bold enough to leave their homes to pry for details in the streets; so when I arrived at the city gates blanketed with dirt, gore, and wounds, it fueled the embers and created a fire of panic among the people. Some speculated the city was under attack others said I escaped a murder.

After that day, I never left the apartment until Sir Kaeya came to invite me to the Headquarters of the Knights of Favonius for gentle interrogation.

"We do not wish to relive those horrible memories, but we need your full cooperation. We promise to uncover the identities of the people who tried to harm you and cause disturbance to our city," Sir Kaeya said.

When we arrived at the Headquarters, Master Jean welcomed me with refreshments and unfamiliar delicacies. It felt like a tea party but the guests were high-ranking officials, soldiers, and an eight-year-old kid.

"Klee, this meeting is for grown-ups only. You cannot be here," Master Jean said in a stern voice.

Klee made an adorable pout, unyielding to Master Jean's refusal. "I have all the right to be here, Master Jean, because I am a Knight."

"And I also have the right to put you in solitary confinement."

"No," Klee stomped her foot angrily. "Master Jean, I will be very quiet, I promise. Just let me stay here, please."

"What is this determination to be included? What are you hoping to hear, anyway?"

"Because I can help you."

"With the investigation?"

"With the bomb," Klee giggled excitedly. "Sir Kaeya said the loud noises were caused by a bomb."

The man returned Master Jean's glare with an awkward smile.

It intrigued me that an eight-year-old had a fascination with bombs and explosives. One really must never judge a book by its cover.

When Master Jean successfully shooed Klee away, we sat at a long table filled with the aforementioned delicacies and refreshments. Master Jean occupied the seat at the head of the table. Sir Kaeya on her right, I on her left, and beside me was Miss Lisa, the Librarian of the Knights of Favonius.

Miss Lisa spoke to me, and terms of endearments were abundantly used. I was about to shoo her off, but it seemed that it was a habit and nothing more. So I remained silent on the matter and opted to provide them with a recap of the incident.

"Oh, the Fatui again? It's most interesting how the word Fatui is always spoken when discussing an important matter," Miss Lisa said, sipping her tea.

"You were deceived. That Darius requested you to hand the letter in his stead to conceal his identity," Master Jean pointed.