ミ 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 | 𝘒𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘩 彡

𝟎𝟗

August 20, XXXX

Today was quite the day.

Diluc and I sent off our guests before they left for their respective homelands. I don't know when I'll see them again, but I will for sure be writing to many of them as often as I can.

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"Bye," Diluc said to Ayato, "be sure to keep in contact so we can discuss those arrangements."

"Of course," the frost-haired man replied. He glanced to his side to see you and Ayaka locked in embrace. Once you two separated, Kazuha joined you all in conversation, though Ayato couldn't hear what was being said. A smile grew on the man's face.

"What is it?" your brother asked. Diluc's crimson hues followed Ayato's line of sight to see you laughing. Your two friends shared similar expressions. "Oh."

"It's just nice to see them all happy," Ayato sighed.

"It is." Diluc nodded while he observed the three of you. "Remember when we thought they were just annoying little sisters," he recollected fondly. "Now Y/N ran a kingdom for four years and Ayaka is going to be married."

"You two will be attending the ball, right?" Ayato asked. "I know it's not for another six months, but I figured it would be nice to extend that invitation now. Besides, maybe Y/N can find a certain someone, too."

"Well," your brother sighed, "we'll definitely attend. As for Y/N finding someone, I'm not sure how I'd feel about that just yet." Ayato let out a deep chuckle.

"Ah, the big brotherly instinct. I understand it well."

"How so?" Diluc questioned.

"Do you remember when you came to see us in Inazuma several years ago? A certain boy held a particular fascination for Ayaka."

"The blonde that said he was from Mond?"

"Yes," Ayato laughed, "his name is Thoma. He works among the castle staff where he was needed. If you wanted him to cook, he would do it. If you wanted him to clean, he would. If you wanted him to defend the castle, he could do it, too. He's quite the polearm user.

"Well, Thoma has taken a liking to Ayaka. He has since they were kids. I hope this ball will be a little push, if you know what I mean." Diluc looked at his friend, who held a mischievous look in his azure eyes. Your brother nods.

"I see."

"It will be interesting to see how this turns out."

"Are you sure Ayaka fe-"

"Trust me," the eldest Kamisato stated, interrupting his friend, "I know Ayaka like the back of my hand. Plus, she deserves to be with someone that can take good care of her. Everyone does." Diluc nods in response as his mind drifts to Jean.

The two of them were practically inseparable as children. When Diluc took up swordsmanship, Jean begged her parents to do the same. The two of them would often train with Kaeya as students of Varka.

Since Diluc's sudden departure from Mondstadt, he hardly wrote to Jean. Then, for the first time in four years, he reached out to her when he returned. When he did this, Jean felt conflicted. Does she pretend he never left in the first place or should she feel upset with him for not writing to her?

Regardless, Jean went to see Diluc. Immediately, she noticed the change in his demeanor. The warm and cheerful boy she grew up with became cold and closed off from others. Sure, loss does change people, but she never thought just how deeply it could impact Diluc.