𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒//𝐀𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄! 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

Puddin/𝟎𝟎𝟐

A few days had passed since their last encounter, and Selina had ordered her men to discreetly follow Aether throughout the day and night. With her schedule clear for the day, she decided it was the perfect opportunity to pay him another visit. She had learned from one of her soldiers that Aether had been seen entering Diluc's Tavern with a few familiar faces—Venti and Kaeya. Seizing the moment, she planned to coincidentally "run into" Aether; after all, she could use a drink herself.

♡︎

Aether and Paimon entered the bustling tavern, the lively hum of conversation and clinking glasses greeting them. Aether sighed with relief as he took a seat at a corner table, ordering grape juice since he wasn't in the mood for alcohol. Kaeya and Venti were already seated, engaged in their usual banter. Kaeya watched in distaste as he observed Aether and Paimon sipping their grape juice, while Venti giggled at the sight of their non-alcoholic choice, enjoying his sake.

"Come on, tell us about this mysterious woman you met a few days ago!" Venti urged eagerly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Kaeya nodded in agreement, clearly just as interested in hearing the details.

"Geez, you're so eager, Venti!" Paimon groaned, her irritation evident as she was annoyed by his persistent questioning.

"Sorry, can't help it! Now, Traveler, spill the beans!" Venti's enthusiasm was palpable.

Aether shifted uncomfortably, hesitating. "Uh, well... Her name is Selina, and she wears this cat-suit—"

Their eyes widened in shock. "WHAT?! Miss Kaiwara was in town? How did I miss that?!" Venti exclaimed, his face a mix of disbelief and frustration. Kaeya chuckled softly, patting Venti on the back.

"You don't seem injured or distressed, so I assume your meeting with her went well?" Kaeya inquired with a hint of amusement, raising an eyebrow. Aether looked at the blue-haired man in confusion.

"Why would she injure me—"

Diluc, who had been quietly listening while cleaning the last glass of the night, approached their table with a serious expression. "She's dangerous. I suggest you avoid getting involved with her," he said in a low, cautious tone, as if expecting her to appear at any moment.

Paimon and Aether exchanged puzzled looks. "Paimon doesn't understand what Mr. Ragnvindr is saying... Creepy Cat Lady is dangerous?" Paimon's voice was tinged with confusion. Diluc's stern gaze settled on her, and he sighed heavily.

"Yes. She is," Diluc confirmed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm sure the others would agree—"

"I beg to differ," a new voice interrupted, cutting through the conversation with an air of authority. The sudden appearance of Selina startled everyone at the table. Diluc's usually composed demeanor faltered for a moment, as he grumbled under his breath.

Selina continued smoothly, "And I wouldn't recommend discussing me in front of the Traveler, especially when I'm not present. I find that a bit rude, don't you think, Ragnvindr?" Her voice was low, laced with a sinister edge. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone except Aether and Paimon shifted uncomfortably, the two only watched on in confusion.

"My apologies, Miss Kaiwara. It seems I overstepped," Diluc muttered through gritted teeth, retreating to the bar with a visible scowl. Selina watched him go, a smirk playing on her lips. She then raised a hand, catching Diluc's attention once more.

"Oh, and do get me my usual, please," she said, her tone both casual and commanding. She directed a slightly sarcastic smile his way as Diluc turned his head away, clearly displeased but quickly made her drinks not wanting to anger her further.