Genshin Impact Oneshots

Jean x Diluc - Ludi Harpastum

Ludi Haroastum. A wondrous occasion to celebrate Mondstadt's songs, wine, and the joy of flight given to us by our archon. Bright lanterns above the streets, lively stalls, and music. Citizens are enjoying the atmosphere as they wait for the ending festival dance in the town square, a new addition to the Ludi Harpastum festivities. I walked around the merry streets, patrolling the area to keep the peace as I walk. Happy faces would either greet me or offer what they have. I would either greet them in return or decline them since I am currently on duty. It would always put a smile on my face whenever I see everyone in Mondstadt is happy and safe.

"Master Jean!" I heard a girl call me and saw Sara waving from her stall. "Master Jean, over here," she said.

I briskly walked over to her food stall and greeted her. She seemed to be in a pinch when she suddenly bowed in apology.

"What's the matter, Sara?" I asked and looked around to see if someone was attempting to disrupt Sara's work.

"I'm so so so sorry, Master Jean," Sara said and bowed again. "You see, Marjorie ordered some Sweet Madame earlier then left in a hurry. I'm worried it'll get cold when she gets here, but I can't leave my stall to find her."

"That won't be a problem. I'll deliver it in your stead." I said. Sara's stall was already busy. I should help her out, at least. She gave me the Sweet Madame, and I was off to look for Marjorie at her store.

Luckily, the With Wind Comes Glory owner was there. She was busy dealing with a client who could not stop thanking her for the rare antique he bought. Marjorie's attention suddenly directed to me when I approached. I held up the Sweet Madame I carried, and she found an excuse to dismiss her client.

"Thanks so much, Jean," Marjorie said and proceeded to tell me that it was for Amber. But the outrider ran away to deal with some trouble that stumbled upon her. "Amber informed me that she'd be by the entrance gate. So could you bring it over to her? I can't leave my shop now, either."

I nodded and waved goodbye to Marjorie. It was good to see that business was booming during the event. It also made me happy that even the knights are doing their patrols while enjoying themselves. It is a festival, after all. Once I reached the entrance gate, I found Amber on guard duty with Lawrence and Swan.

"Good work dealing with trouble, Outrider Amber," I said when I approached. Amber jumped up when she heard my voice. The knights saluted, and I did the same. "Here, Amber. Majorie asked me to deliver this to you."

"Whoa! The Sweet Madame I bought! Thank you, Master Jean!" Amber said with such enthusiasm. "By the way, Captain Kaeya said he suddenly had a stomachache and asked me to watch over the festival dance on the headquarters's rooftop," she explained. "I'm sorry, Master Jean. Since I'm on guard duty, I can't watch over the dance."

"It's fine," I reassured Amber. "Since we're understaffed and all." I smiled to reassure her further. The knights and Amber saluted again as I turned to leave for my next destination.

"I feel bad for Jean." I heard Amber say. "If only Kaeya didn't have a weak stomach, then she'd be able to enjoy herself, too."

It warmed my heart that everyone was concerned about my well being, but it was alright. I must keep everyone happy and safe, after all. It's my duty. I walk back into the lively streets towards the headquarters, making sure that everything is fine while on my way. Once I'm inside, I walked up the stair that leads to the rooftop. There, I could easily watch over the town square.

When I opened the door, I found that I was not alone. On the ledge where one can see all of Mondstadt stood a lone figure clad in black. Fiery red hair tied back to keep from flying to his eyes. He quietly watched over Mondstadt, even when he was no longer a knight. I took quiet footsteps towards him, hoping it would not disturb him. But knowing this former superior of mine, he was always vigilant. His ears are as sharp as ever. Diluc slowly turned around as if he knew it was me.

"I saw you were walking toward the headquarters," he said. "And heard your footsteps as you walked up here."

"Same old Captain Diluc," I jested. "No one could ever beat your spatial awareness."

"I told you, I'm not your captain anymore," he sighed. "So stop calling me that," he resumed watching over the Ludi Harpastum festivities. I stood next to him to watch over as well and couldn't help but think why he was here. And as if he could read my mind, he answered my silent question.

"That guy," he grumbled. "He's off doing whatever he wants again."

By 'that guy,' I'm guessing he means Kaeya. "He's in Angel's Share, drinking to his heart's content with some thugs. And even had the guts to scare me by saying Mondstadt might be in trouble if I can't watch over in his stead."

So Kaeya wasn't sick but was making excuses to go drinking. After this, I'll have a little talk with our cavalry captain. Diluc sighed in irritation and was about to leave when the music started playing. It was the added tradition to the Ludi Harpastum. Couples started dancing below while children of all ages clapped and cheered as the pairs danced. Diluc took a step towards me and held out his hand. An invitation to dance? What's going on? As if to answer my mental question again, he pulled my hand, and we stepped down from the ledge.

"That guy," he said again. "He said: 'Master Jean needs to enjoy Ludi Harpastum, too, like any other maiden.' Honestly, if he wanted you to relax, he should have done it himself."

"Um... Diluc," I said softly. Being this close to someone is not something I'm accustomed to. "I-"

"Just relax and enjoy the festival, too. You deserve it." He cut me off and smiled for the first time in a long time.

Honestly, this made my heart flutter. I had missed those times when he smiled that were now too rare today. If that time never happened, would we be watching over Mondstadt like this? Would we have a better relationship than now? Either way, I think I would enjoy what we have now.