maid • kaeya

lvii

• third person •

The thunder boomed. The raging winds roared through the winery when the large door was pushed open. Almost instantly, it was slammed shut again.

Diluc's whole body was shaking violently. His crimson eyes had become blood red. They shot towards the decorations at the table, his chest heaving at the sight of every wrapped gift on the floor.

There was a significantly larger gift beside the table, covered entirely by a silk white cloth.

Without a second to think, Diluc charged towards it. He had ripped off the cloth, chucking it elsewhere.

His pupils shrunk.

A painting.

A painting of three people.

Who were these people?!

It was a fake painting. A fake painting- with fake people!!

Diluc's fists clenched. He gripped his scarlet hair. He stumbled back, crying out.

He didn't even think when his sword materialised in his hand.

Again, Diluc stepped back. Thunder clapped, the lightning lighting up the dark room as the pouring rain echoed across the walls.

Diluc didn't think once.

The grasp on his sword tightened.

His entire world had ended.

Diluc sobbed. He sobbed, and sobbed, though the sadness within him was nothing compared to his anger.

Again, Diluc yelled out. He charged at the painting once more.

His bloodied sword slashed through it, toppling it to the ground.

Diluc stared at it with empty eyes.

The sword clattered to the floor.

And soon, so had Diluc.

He gasped and gasped and gasped for air. He did not notice for a single second when the door opened again.

"Diluc!" a familiar voice called out. Rapid footsteps clacked across the floorboards. "Diluc!!"

Diluc's pupils shook. His body didn't react once when someone sat before him. They took his ice cold hands, before pushing back his rugged hair, weeping so softly.

"Diluc..." she whispered.

Diluc couldn't seem to feel any sort of relief seeing Jean. His heart was empty — torn out of him with everything squeezed out. His tears continued to fall, though his face was completely void of any sort of emotion anymore.

"It's not your fault," she cried. "It's not... I'm here, okay..? I'm here for y–"

Gently, Diluc pushed Jean back.

Gradually, he pushed himself back to his feet, staring down at her in silence.

"Eroch tried to take the credit for my father's sacrifice," Diluc muttered.

Jean's breath shook. She had never heard Diluc's voice so... cold before.

"He wanted to pretend that the Knights were the ones who defeated the drake. He wanted to 'boost the prestige' of the Knights of Favonius. Like my father died for nothing!"

Jean stood also. Diluc's crimson glare pierced into her, his whole body tensed, his hands shaking.

"Tell me, Jean," he murmured coldly. "Would you stay with the Knights of Favonius after that?"