Diluc's life felt like one giant tragedy for the public to pity. His father had died, and then, years later the woman he'd loved died, too. Devastation followed him like a storm cloud over his head. It was frustrating.

But, despite this, amid the sorrow and grief he carried, he had you. You, the child his wife had left behind in her passing. You're only seven, and yet you seem to be all he needs in his life to brighten it. Diluc absolutely adored you and doted on you whenever he could.

It was summer, the peak of wine-making season at the Dawn Winery, and as opposed to being cooped up in his study with order forms and paperwork, Diluc was walking along the vineyards with you on his shoulders.

The summer sun was warm at this hour, not hot and scorching like at noon. It shone down both of you. For once, Diluc had forgone his thick coat and wore just a loose cotton button up and slacks, and you wore something similar to combat the heat.

He plucked a ripe, juicy grape from the vine and handed it up for you to eat.

"Enjoying yourself, my little dove?" he asked, feeling your small hands leave his hair to grab for the grape.