Weary eyes, faint warmth tinting his face in the bar’s low lighting.

Those very eyes followed after you, softening with time. They shifted when you did, crinkling at the corners as you smiled. Diluc had worked a long shift the night prior—not as Diluc, but as the Darknight Hero.

A great many bandits had set up camp on the outskirts of Mondstadt. Seeing how slow the Knights of Favonius had been to turn their attention to it, Diluc had taken the matter into his own hands. A long journey to the far edge of Mondstadt, before returning to the Dawn Winery.

He would not close the bar the next day. He had loyal patrons, frequent customers—shutting the bar without notice simply wouldn’t do. While Diluc valued his sleep and physical health, he looked out for the regulars who needed a drink to end their days.

Anyone needing a drink to drown their thoughts, the miseries of life—they knew where to come. This was that kind of haven, where bards would sing, where glasses would clink. He was proud of the space he'd created for all to enjoy.

But by Barbatos... he was tired. A pause. The nobleman's nose crinkled as he swiftly disregarded that thought. The very same Lord Barbatos was seven shots in, a flush on his cheeks as he relished the cheers of customers surrounding him in a circle.

"This one goes out to you!" the bard declared with a cheeky wink, pointing at a customer and nearly falling off the table he sat on.

His tab was practically a gaping wound at this point. Diluc may have disliked Venti's carefree mannerisms, but nonetheless, he was grateful to the Archon who had led their nation with freedom. His tab was nothing of concern.

What was of concern? You. You were so distracting. Diluc's gaze lingered longer than necessary, though he eventually averted his eyes so as not to seem impolite. He was silently cleaning wine glasses, though his attention belonged solely to you.

He worried he might drop a glass. As you approached, he set down the one in his hand along with the cloth. He began to concoct a fresh drink—one he knew suited your taste perfectly... His demeanor remained externally poised, the very picture of a polite gentleman.

He slid the glass over, generously filled with a glittering liquid. It slowed to a stop directly in front of you. "It's on the house," Diluc said, his voice low so as not to attract the attention of surrounding customers.