Something Sweet

Chapter 15.2

Chapter 15.2

"Clearly, I wasn't mistaken...." Jean sighed disappointedly, "Of course, he wouldn't be here." She firmly maintained her tone while concealing her discomfort from traveling.

Gentle winds accompanied the low rustling of leaves as they arrived at the grassy slopes.

How much she had missed it—the story tale oak tree of Windrise, unchanged and full of life regardless of the season.

It was still an hour or two before sunset, yet the weather carried a biting chill to the slightest angle.

The acting grandmaster wanted to put the blame on the cold weather for the annoying aches plaguing her body. Indeed, the long carriage ride carried its faults when short preparations were arranged.

She had no intentions of leaving the solitude of her private chambers after their last argument. Risking another unsightly confrontation with her husband wasn't something she was ready to address.

Jean remained angry above all else. Even with her sister and company there to support her and ultimately distract her. The lingering memory of his cruel words continuously stirred her emotions in the rawest ways.

"Prayer may help." Barbara offered, knowingly spotting her sister's hands clenching at her sides. "The fresh air might be just what we need."

"Yes," Jean relaxed at the suggestion. Then, taking her sister's extended hand, the two carefully proceeded up the steps and onto the uneven terrain toward the tree's base.

The sisters led the way while Paimon followed with Klee and Amber behind.

Once at the tree's base, Barbara carefully assisted her sister in kneeling before taking the spot next to her. "If you'd like, I can guide us into prayer?"

A faint smile hinted on the acting grandmaster's lips, "That would be nice-" A slight rustle in noise drew her attention.

Glancing over her shoulder, Jean noticed Klee was drawn away by the sounds of the river and visible cryo slimes bouncing at a distance.

"Paimon, can you make sure she doesn't go too far," Jean spoke to their floating friend, who was already pursuing Klee and Amber's retreating figures. "We won't be long."

"Uh—okay." Paimon nodded at the request, gliding after the two. "We'll be close by if you need us."

The silence fell again between the two sisters as they refocused their attention on the tall tree.

Barbara calmly began reciting scriptures in prayer while the distant laughter and running footsteps echoed behind them.

Even with the mixed distractions and surrounding noises, the combined commotions seemed to test Jean's tension.

She couldn't fully relax. And she knew the reason why. Jean couldn't shake the feeling of Diluc being away with an ulterior motive. Of course, this brings to question their unconvincing ploy of collecting flowers. Clearly, she didn't believe a single moment of it—let alone with Kaeya and Aether tagging along.

It couldn't be any more obvious.

Paimon's earlier arrival also appeared to confirm her suspicions. Pressing Paimon for answers didn't take much, either. Her excuses changed repeatedly.

They were up to something.

And the visit to Windrise further confirmed it.

Diluc wasn't here, nor did he intend to be here in the first place.

It was all a lie.

Another lie.

Jean's temper rattled. As much as her mind kept re-picking at their recent argument, at the same time, her chest felt warily occupied with worry.