Nothing but the sound of laughter could be heard within the streets of Mondstadt as the trio continued their race. Because of Jean’s ‘fair play’ shortcut she managed to reach ahead of the boys even running through the halls of the HQ. Jean tagging the wall first, followed by Kaeya and then finally Diluc, the last one that was left to clean the stables once their session of training was over. “I can’t help feeling I was cheated.” Spoke Diluc, Kaeya chuckles before both hands are placed at the back of his temple.
“And you young lady, you could have gotten hurt.” Said the scarlet leader as he pokes Jean’s forehead with a gentle poke, this was all great fun for the trio, however, they were in a serious place now and Grandmaster Varka was more than willing to remind them with a clear of his throat. The man had a rather masculine stature and a tone that demanded respect. Upon hearing the sound the grandmaster made, Diluc and Kaeya both turned and stood straight with one salute.
“Grandmaster!” They said in unison. Varka glares at them with disdain on his face before he instantly lightens up with a grin and pats Diluc upon his shoulder. “I saw the whole thing, be carefuly sir Diluc. It seems that your squires may eventually catch up to you someday.” That grin still on his face as he looks onto the trip with hope in his eyes. Diluc then turned to look at Kaeya and Jean. Even if he was the only one gifted a vision, he saw them all on equal terms because he had that much confidence in their individual abilities. “A captain can only be as strong as the unit that follows him into battle.” Said Diluc turning to face the Grandmaster.
“Well said Sir Diluc, now I do hope that the three of you try not to rush about the halls too much. Someone could get hurt after all.” After giving them a salute, the man then made his way back out, on his way to begin another expedition. “Whew, I don’t ever think I’ve been this intimidated.” Said Diluc as he chuckles sheepishly.
Jean scrunched her nose when Diluc poked it, “You’re just upset you didn’t think of it!” She teased. Before she could say much else she heard someone clearing their throat, she turned only to be confronted by the current Grandmaster. Her eyes widened clearly, feeling intimidated until the older man cracked a smile, “We will be careful Grandmaster.” She pipped in as Varka took his leave. She proceeded to give a salute and waited until he was out of range before she exhaled. She giggled a little at Diluc’s words.
Kaeya again put his hands behind his head, “So now what are we going to do?” But before anyone could answer another pair of footsteps was rushing towards them. Rounding the corner was an out of breath Eula Lawrence. Jean looked at her with confusion but Eula began to speak, “There you are, your parents are looking for you Jean and Diluc…” She then noticed Kaeya, “And probably you too Kaeya.” Kaeya huffed a little with annoyance at being an afterthought.
Jean shifted uncomfortably realizing that she would be in fact returning to her mother. She was absolutely going to be scolded for slipping away. Her mother would probably go on about how it is not right for a lady to just take. She glazed down realizing she had also gotten her dress dirty. She was going to be in so much trouble. “Where are they Eula?”
“Right by the fountain. Your mother doesn’t look too happy.”
Jean grabbed a piece from her ponytail twirling in trying to think of some excuse she could possibly give her mother. She looked to the two boys, “Well I guess that concludes the mission. Will you both escort me back?” Maybe if she had Diluc and Kaeya her public scolding wouldn’t be as severe.
