Gu Sanqiu glanced up and spotted a red-haired man with a stoic expression standing behind the bar, meticulously polishing what appeared to be an antique, expensive wine glass with a handkerchief.
"You've got a point," Gu Sanqiu admitted, suddenly remembering he hadn't eaten. In fact, it had been several meals since his last.
"I suggest you head to the Good Hunter and grab something to eat before drinking," Diluc replied, setting down the ornate glass and pulling out a plain one. He poured a cup of hot water and slid it across the counter to Gu Sanqiu, who had already seated himself.
"Warm up with this. If you're too lazy to leave, I can have the bartender order delivery for you. Just a heads-up—the delivery fees are steep."
"That's not an issue."
Gu Sanqiu accepted the glass, staring at the rising steam and the condensation trailing down its sides. After a moment of silent contemplation, he chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Diluc asked, frowning slightly as he signaled the bartender to place an order at the Good Hunter. He was beginning to suspect this man had downed a few rounds on an empty stomach.
"Nothing much. I just thought of something funny—if someone like you told a girl to drink more hot water, she'd probably look at you with stars in her eyes and treat a plain cup of water like nectar from the heavens."
Diluc's movements faltered as he mixed a drink. Without hesitation, he poured the failed concoction down the sink. The rhythm was ruined; the drink was a lost cause.
"Strictly speaking, water and Mora are alike—their value doesn't change based on who provides them."
"And besides, did you hear something strange from Kaeya?"
"Strange? At our age, having people worry about finding us a partner is perfectly normal."
Gu Sanqiu wasn't particularly bothered by such concerns. Ningguang, aware of his family's unusual circumstances, never pressed him on the matter.
In fact, it was usually Gu Sanqiu who fretted about others.
For someone like Xingqiu, his partner would either need to share his literary passions or be as commanding as Rex Lapis subduing demons to keep him in check. That alone was likely giving the Feiyun Commerce Guild headaches.
He'd even considered finding someone for Chongyun. After all, if reviving an exorcist family was the goal, raising a brood of descendants who all trained in the same craft would surely suffice.
Unfortunately, Chongyun showed zero interest in the idea.
"Not quite, Sanqiu—you're off the mark there."
A slightly playful voice came from the entrance. Kaeya brushed his hand over his eyepatch and sauntered to the bar, settling into the seat beside Gu Sanqiu with practiced ease.
"If the esteemed Master Diluc were to offer a girl a cup of hot water, it wouldn't warm her heart. She'd probably feel like she'd plunged into an icy abyss."
"Think about it—just like in one of those Liyue novels. A cold-faced Master Diluc handing over a steaming cup of water... It'd look more like he was trying to poison someone."
"Hahaha!"
Gu Sanqiu couldn't hold back his laughter. The image of Diluc, stone-faced, presenting someone with a cup of hot water did conjure a strange "time to take your medicine" vibe—complete with an unspoken threat.
"You're out drinking tonight too?" Diluc's frown deepened. "Shouldn't the Knights of Favonius be out investigating and maintaining order right now? The slack in the ranks is truly appalling."
"Hey, hey, I know you hate the Knights, but no need for baseless accusations."
Kaeya slid behind the bar, expertly mixing a drink for himself before returning to his seat. "I am working, you know. My task is to gather intel. Where better to do that than a tavern? Only someone as exceptional as me can collect information efficiently in a place like this."
Gu Sanqiu stifled a chuckle. More like you come here to sneak in a few drinks without anyone bothering you.
Otherwise, why would such a "plush" assignment go uncontested?
"Collecting intel in a tavern isn't the worst idea," Diluc said dryly. "But the Knights clearly picked the wrong person for the job. Misjudging people, as always."
Gu Sanqiu silently watched their banter, then glanced around at the customers.
The tavern was unusually lively tonight, and he knew exactly why. Though he'd been incapacitated while absorbing the power of laws, his spiritual awareness had remained sharp, provided he could endure the pain.
The Knights must've publicized the East Wind Guardian's name to calm the populace. That way, the event would spark chatter without instilling widespread panic.
Meanwhile, Dvalin and Venti had apparently found a way to bestow small blessings on Mondstadt's citizens. Judging by the patrons' chatter, the Adventurers' Guild was now swamped with commissions to search for Dvalin.
"What a spectacle," Kaeya remarked, eyeing Gu Sanqiu. "Judging by your tone, do you have some exclusive intel?"
"Not really. If I did, I'd sell it for a profit," Gu Sanqiu replied, turning to Diluc. "Speaking of exclusive information, shouldn't our 'Darknight Hero' have the best leads?"
"You might be disappointed," Diluc said coolly. "From what I've heard, the dragon was spotted flying in from Stormterror's Lair. The Knights are probably already investigating."
"Oh, not at all," Kaeya said with a sly grin. "Acting Grand Master Jean has decided not to send anyone."
"She believes that since the East Wind Guardian has awakened, it's only right for us to respect his freedom rather than intrude."
Diluc's lips twitched upward briefly before settling back into his usual stoicism.
"Hmph. How underwhelming. I thought the Knights might be interested in harnessing his power."
"Hey, now! What do you take us for, schemers?" Kaeya protested.
"Aren't you?" Diluc retorted.
"Could you two bicker after my drink arrives?" Gu Sanqiu interjected, massaging his temples.
"My apologies."
Diluc, seemingly realizing his lapse, finally handed over the drink. "How long have you been in Mondstadt?"
"Hard to say. I've had a few days where things got a bit... out of sync," Gu Sanqiu said with a shrug. "But don't bother fishing for details. I don't know any more about your East Wind Guardian than you do. Ask me about a Liyue adeptus, and I might have answers."
"I wasn't fishing," Diluc said, shaking his head. "It's just... You seem to bring trouble with you every time you visit. Strange things always happen."
"Don't pin this on me. Weird stuff happens here even when I'm not around," Gu Sanqiu said darkly. "Take the domain battle, for instance. I wasn't involved, but that area still nearly collapsed into chaos. Maybe you should use some logic when assigning blame."
Seriously, if this little involvement made Diluc think he was a walking disaster, what would they do after the Traveler wandered across Teyvat? Put up a sign at Dawn Winery reading, 'Gu Sanqiu and Traveler Not Welcome'?