Freedom in Servitude - Diluc x Reader

Liyue

"Finally!" you exclaimed as you exited the carriage outside the gates of the bustling city of contracts. You stretched your spine upwards as Diluc exited as well, looking around disdainfully at the amount of people running around.

You both gathered your things and Diluc tipped the carriage driver generously.

"Please sir, I can't accept this!" he tried to argue, holding the mora out towards the red-headed figure.

"It's non-negotiable," Diluc replied flatly and swiftly walked away, luggage in tow. The carriage driver looked at you, concern painted all over his face. You shrugged, smiled, gathered your things, then followed Diluc into the city.

"I think one of my favorite things about working with you is seeing service workers' faces when you tip them," you chuckled as you caught up to him. Diluc lazily shrugged.

"Money isn't really an object to me," he replied flatly, glaring at all the bystanders staring at the two foreigners. You thought about how quickly he had slapped the money out of the Treasure Hoarder's hand last week.

"I believe it," you mumbled, sighing.

You both arrived and checked in to your hotel in the city. Diluc had gotten each of you your own room, right across the hallway from each other.

The hotel was fancy, very fancy. Everything was decorated with gold filigree and warm light illuminated all of the rooms. Even after living in a palace for so long, you were still impressed.

You settled into your room, exploring the bedroom and bathroom and unloading your suitcase. After you were satisfied, you flopped down on the bed and laid on your side to look out the window at the sun setting over the ocean.

"Amazing," you whispered to yourself. You had always wanted to explore the world, and now you could. Diluc took you all over Teyvat without question. Anywhere he went, you followed. Because of him, you were able to see the sandy deserts and massive trees in Sumeru, you were able to smell the sakura trees in Inazuma, and you were able to feel the warmth of the sun in Natlan. In the past year, you had experienced more than you had in all the other years of your life combined. You said a quick thank you to Rex Lapis, the god of contracts, for the one that had saved your life and given you all of that. Apt for Liyue, you reckoned.

A knock at the door interrupted your thinking.

"Come in," you said, so Diluc entered.

"Is the room to your liking?" he asked. You scoffed and chuckled.

"This is the nicest place I've ever been in, and I lived in a castle. I'd say everything is just fine." Diluc nodded.

"Good," he replied, "Are you hungry? We could head to dinner if you'd like." You glared at him.

"No, I'll go get dinner. You need to catch up on those forms you've been putting off for the past two weeks." Diluc sighed incredulously and crossed his arms.

"I was hoping you forgot about that," he admitted. You stood up and ushered him into the hallway.

"You NEED to get those done. Elzer has been asking for them and you promised me you would get them done tonight." Diluc stared into your determined eyes, trying to muster the strength to tell you no, even after he had promised you. You stared back, completely resolved to stand your ground and win this standoff. Eventually, Diluc sighed in resignation.

"Fine," he grunted and turned back towards the door to his room. You smiled, accomplished, and patted his back.

"I'm sure it will take you five minutes," you replied cheerily. He handed you his mora pouch.