Meet Me Halfway
Genshin Impact: Jealuc Aristocrats AU
Chapter 1: It Was Good To Meet You
The Gunnhildr family is an aristocratic family that was believed to have existed even before the founding of Old Mondstadt. They had a long history of individuals who had greatly contributed to Mondstadt, and for that alone they were highly renowned.
Their contributions ranged from being a nameless and faceless person behind a curtain, to a scholar, to a knight, to an alchemist to even the smallest things as having a maid do something seemingly so menial and yet pivotal. The bottom-line is, one way or another, any contribution for Mondstadt was always tied down to the Gunnhildr name.
May that be pure luck or not, no one would know.
The Gunnhildr family, simply put, is special to the people. They represented hope and good fortune. There is even a saying amongst the people: Behind every event, a Gunnhildr will surely be present.
And thus, every Gunnhildr is regarded with the greatest respect and are seen as the most desired partners. After all, who could not resist such prestige however, it came with the price of being ready to serve Mondstadt.
Jean Gunnhildr was no exception, however, she had some kind of leniency when compared to her ancestors, as she was born in a time of peace, in the sense that there was no war. There were your occasional monsters sure, but it was a time of relative calmness. And so, it was deemed unnecessary for her to learn anything physicalโin other words, her combat training was very limited. She did not have any formal physical combat training at all.
As a Gunnhildr, oneโs contribution was not limited to being a knight or anything of the sorts. She contributed potential intelligence, but particularly beauty and wealth at this point in time. And she found it rather odd that she could only contribute such things, when her mother herself was a knight. But Frederica Gunnhildr had justified how she raised her children, claimed it ย was for her daughtersโ own good, and Jean trusted her motherโs better judgement. Thus, Jean and Barbara, Jeanโs sister, were known to be the best women to marry in Mondstadt.
The sisters set the standard of a woman of Mondstadt and was the epitome of grace, beauty and intellect, the embodiment of a noble lady.
โOh look, it is Lady Jean Gunnhildr.โ An aristocrat whispered to her female companion as they stared at a blonde woman who was politely chatting and laughing with other aristocrats.
Diluc Ragnvindrโs red eyes couldnโt help but follow the two womenโs gaze. And somehow, the moment his eyes laid on the blonde woman, her grey eyes met his. She smiled politely at him and a woman beside Jean noticed her gaze. She whispered something into Jeanโs ear, and the blonde womanโs smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly put on a soft smile as she nodded towards Diluc and continued chatting with the man beside her.
The two women who had been talking about Jean, followed Jeanโs gaze and were surprised to see Diluc.
โGreetings, Sir Ragnvindr.โ The brunette said as he nodded and they excused themselves. Before they were out of his ear-shot he heard them whisper: โPity, had Lady Jean received her vision at a younger age, perhaps she would not be a catalyst user.โ
โPerhaps it is because she is a Gunnhildr that she is a catalyst user. After all, their choice of weapon has never hindered the Gunnhildr from assisting the people. Their mind alone is a weapon.โ The other replied and Diluc could not help but agree. The Gunnhildr were just that kind of people, they could even just offer songs and prayers and the people would see them as saints.
Diluc Ragnvindr was quite the opposite of the Gunnhildr family.
The Ragnvindr family name could be traced back as far as the Gunnhildr name, and is also a noble family. It was just that in the past two centuries the Ragnvindr name was a stain in the aristocratic landscape. That was because at that time, the Ragnvindrโs wine business boomed, and they became a well renowned wine tycoon, and since this development, the Ragnvindr family would rather choose their wine business over stuck-up aristocrats and their rules, even though they were aristocrats themselves. And thus, the rift between the Ragnvindr and the aristocrats was formed.
The Ragnvindr were still respected, it was just that they could not be contained as the noblemen would say. They did what they pleased and with no remorse, is how the mass sees his family, thus scandals after scandals would follow a Ragnvindr. Even though it was something not worth mentioning, the aristocracy just seemed to make an issue about anything, because it was a Ragnvindr. Diluc was no exception to this.
In fact, the scandal that seemed to follow him around, is that he has many women, and particularly enjoyed deflowering the innocent. Whether it is true or not, the man did not care to clarify.
Diluc stood in a corner with a glass of wine in his hand, just observing the current ball for the aristocracy. This time around no one seems to be sucking up on the young heir of Ragnvindr. Perhaps it was because of the rumor of his latest conquest the night prior. Whether that be the case or not, the loneliness was beneficial to him, but it appears that he kept hearing of Lady Jean Gunnhildr.
He quietly nursed his wine as he pretended to be focused on the dance floor.
โLady Jean is a little too old to be a marriage candidate, but I suppose she would do.โ Diluc heard a man near a pillar talk.
โWell, it wouldnโt matter if she was thirtyโshe is a Gunnhildr, anyone would marry her.โ Another had said. Hearing this, made Diluc think that the woman they spoke of is rather unfortunate. Had she been born a Ragnvindr, she probably would not be chalked up as nothing but her family name. But who was he kidding, even his own name was scorned by the people. At least, had she been born a Ragnvindr, the notoriety the name brought would buy her freedom.
โWell, I personally would prefer Lady Barbara.โ A third person quipped in, and Diluc raised a brow. Diluc wasnโt really into gossip or the aristocrats but it appeared that the Gunnhildr sisters were a common topic as of late. โLady Jean is just twenty-two, but there is something about Lady Barbara that just makes a man go mad.โ The same man added, and Diluc was disgusted at the subtle tone he was using to talk about a woman who had just turned eighteen.
โGod, I hope Sir Ragnvindr will not lay his hands on Lady Barbara.โ The second man had very cautiously and quietly added and because of this Diluc almost could not hear him from where he stood almost five meters away.
โDid you hear of the latestโโ Diluc felt someoneโs eyes on him and with a sly smile, he turned his head to the three men talking from afar. His red eyes met with one of the men and all three smiled politely at Diluc as they ย pretended to be minding their own business.
โThat was a close call.โ The third one cleared his throat. Little did they know that Diluc had been listening in on them this whole time.
โIt is odd though, that Lady Jean has not married yet, and there seems to be no talk of her possibly getting engaged.โ The first one continued on. After a while, his eyes locked on the blonde dancing with a black-haired man.
โWell, as much as everyone would love to marry into the Gunnhildr familyโbecause she is a Gunnhildr, finding a suitable marriage candidate must be difficult.โ The first said and all three sighed.
โWell, there is someone who is eligible.โ The three men gave a quick glance in Dilucโs direction, who was rather amused that he was still in the pool of possibility.
โIf there is anyone who would qualify, it would be him.โ The second man said. โEven with all his scandals, the fact that he has a lot of money is reason enough.โ
And for a moment Diluc Ragnvindr sincerely thought of the manโs words. Diluc could not comprehend what the Gunnhildr would need his wealth for, they were already wealthy enough.
โHis wealth alone could secure the Gunnhildr wealth for centuries.โ The second man added and Diluc couldnโt help but mentally nod with that observation. The Gunnhildr are wealthy it is a fact, but with his added finances their sustainability would be doubledโno perhaps tripled. It is rather ideal.
โBut he would get nothing from it.โ Those words alone echoed in Dilucโs head in his own voice too. And hearing someone else say it aloud was a perfect reflection of his own thoughts.
Diluc laid his eyes on the blonde woman named Jean, whose smile faltered for a second with her dance partner, but he caught her silver eyes looking somewhere else for a second too long before they returned to her partner. At first, he thought nothing of it, but soon her eyes travelled elsewhere and for a moment she looked vacant. He followed her gaze with his eyes and was surprised to see a knight.
โHmm, perhaps her lover?โ He thought.
The knight clearly met Jeanโs gaze and he did not react at all; the man just bowed his head in politeness. So, Dilucโs gaze went back to Jean and for about five minutes she was not distracted, and then as she spun, her eyes seemed to have caught something and Diluc quickly followed her gaze.
By the third time this happened, Diluc had a sly smile on his lips as he made his conclusion.
It seemed that the eldest daughter of Frederica Gunnhildr was an interesting woman.
Diluc Ragnvindr, for the first time, had finally seen someone he could possibly marry and that was Jean Gunnhildr. But he shouldnโt be rash, he should observe the potential candidate first. He was only twenty-three and there was no rush for him to get married after all his father, Lord Crepus Ragnvindr was still alive even though Diluc was now handling anything related to the family name, making Diluc the Lord in everything but title.
Diluc was certain that Jeanโs mother must have started to feel anxious about her daughterโs lack of fiance as the people too seemed to perceive Jean as a little too old to be married.
Such nonsense. He shook his head. But it just simply meant that Diluc must make a decision soon.
It was currently the social season, so there were more balls that needed to be attended to after this, so he had more than enough opportunities to talk to Jean. But two balls after seeing Jean as a potential candidate, Diluc could feel the bated breath of the social circle. It seemed that talks of Jeanโs marriage had arisen and placed everyone on edge.
He was not particularly one for chances, but she was the first woman he ever considered marrying. He would not allow someone else to take the lead. So, when he noticed Jean slip out of the ball unnoticed, of course he would follow.
She walked quietly into the garden and hid behind a tall garden hedge.
As he turned to follow Jean behind the hedge, Diluc spoke, โWhen you walk you do not make a sound.โ
Jean froze and quickly turned around with widened eyes. She recognized the man instantly.
โLord Ragnvindr, greetings.โ She bowed, and she heard him chuckle.
โLord Ragnvindr is my father, just call me Diluc.โ Hearing this she boldly looked up at him.
โIโve heard you are not one for titles or rules.โ Jean said as she stood up from her bow, not bothering with formalities anymore.
โAs it should be, as I am a Ragnvindr.โ He smiled charmingly, and she sighed as she mumbled an agreement. It isnโt something surprising coming from a Ragnvindr. They seemed to be a family unbound by societyโs perception and were capable of paving new paths that no one would have thought of, granted they would also be scorned as they walked that path.
She turned and made her way to a marble bench that had no armrest or backrest which she had ย spotted before he startled her. She sat down with a plop and stared blankly at the hedge across from her.
โTherefore, in your eyes the Gunnhildr family must be such a stickler for rules.โ And he laughed at what she said as he took a seat beside her.
โIt is rather amazing how light you are on your feet.โ He noted and she glanced at him from the corner of her eyes.
โI am an anemo user, it must come from that.โ She offered and he smiled.
โPerhaps,โ He crossed his legs and placed his elbow on his leg as he rested his head on his hand to look at her. โIs that how you were able to slip away from such a crowded hall unnoticed?โ A smile formed on Jeanโs lips as she turned her head to look at the clear red eyes of the man beside her.
โIndeed.โ A simple response.
โIt seems that being a catalyst user befits you.โ And as he noted the very faint twitch of her brows, his smile turned a bit sly. โPeople say it is a pity that such a talented and intelligent woman as yourself is a catalyst user.โ He inched closer to her and he smelled a familiar scent on her. He deeply inhaled her scent and he recognized what it was the next second. Jean looked at him questioningly, he was a bit too close to her for someone she had just met.
In fact, this was their first meeting and they did not even formally introduce themselves.
โBut between you and me, I think those people are belittling the catalyst users. Those people who judge you donโt even have a vision themselves. What right do they have to judge what weapon one uses?โ He pulled away from her with a knowing smile on his lips while Jean merely pressed her lips.
โThey even say, had you gotten your vision at a younger age, you would probably not be a catalyst userโthese people really.โ He shook his head.
โAnd I heard rumors about you.โ Jean finally said, and he looked at her in interest. โYou are said to be a rather promiscuous man.โ Diluc laughed wholeheartedly.
โSuppose I am, but I have never tried men.โ Jean frowned at the implication in ย what he said and he smiled at her with a glint in his eyes.
โI probably shouldnโt be seen with you.โ Jean said but she doesnโt even move an inch to attempt to leave.
โOr else youโd have a scandal with a man like me?โ He feigned hurt but his eyes were crinkling in amusement, and his lips were smiling mischievously. โA Gunnhildr would never be caught with such a scandal.โ And Jean looked away from him and stared at the hedge with great focus, as they stayed in silence for some time.
โI heard that Lady Jean is looking for a marriage partner.โ And he felt the air around them turn stifling. โHow unwelcoming youโve become,โ He caught her cold quick glance at him and then returned her gaze on the hedge opposite them.
โItโs likely the reason why you slipped away from the party.โ She sighed and leaned back far away from him with her arm against the bench.
โYouโre not wrong there.โ She tilted her head to look at him.
โMust have been tiring.โ He simply added, and in his eyes, it seemed that he had seen several different versions of Jean in the span of a few minutes. He admits he is rather bewitched by her.
โThe Gunnhildr family is wealthy, it probably isnโt hard to find someone.โ He drawled in addition.
โBut not as wealthy as yours, Sir Diluc.โ And Diluc was more amused than he should be seeing her lips form his name, and her sweet voice calling him. He realized that there was no one else befitting to be his spouse than the woman before him.
โBut the Gunnhildr family has excelled in business recently.โ He studied her carefully and the shock in her eyes was evident, and she quickly tried to look neutral. โThat was your doing.โ
She instantly sat properly and refused to look at him. โHow did you know? I am using an alias. It isnโt even linked with the Gunnhildr name.โ Her brows etched together.
โThere is nothing that I would not know.โ And she turned her head to look at him. She had no doubts in his words.
โDid you get this information from Kaeya? I heard he loves secrets.โ Her scrunched up face was so very endearing for Diluc and yet he also disliked the fact that she spoke of Kaeya with familiarity and by his first name with no reserve.
Diluc simply chuckled and then spoke, โThere are many means to knowing something, Lady Jean.โ And she pressed her lips at his statement. โAs much as Kaeya loves collecting secrets, he wouldnโt sell that information.โ
โYou know, had you joined the alcohol business, youโd be a force to be reckoned with.โ Diluc couldnโt help but add, this time it was his turn to lean back on the bench with his arm. โI would actually welcome it.โ
Jean does not hide her confusion. They had never crossed paths before, but he clearly came to talk to her. And he knew information about her that was kept greatly confidential.
โThe dress you are wearing must be from your own shoppe.โ Her eyes flicked very confused as to how he knew of this information, but she nodded solemnly.
โWhy donโt you marry me?โ He offered nonchalantly and Jean was taken aback. Jean did not reply immediately, thinking that he had more to say, or at the very least tell her that he was just kidding. But as the minute passed into the next, she realized he was serious at his offer and she laughed.
โAre you mad? We just met, and why would I consider marrying youโ A man who is rumoured to have many lovers?โ She shakes her head.
โHm, youโre not wrong, what would I have to offer aside from my vast treasury?โ He sat up properly, โMaybe because I know something about you that you donโt want others to know. Other than that secret identity you have.โ She looked at him with an open glare. โIn fact, I can offer you what you want.โ
โAnd pray that tell, what is this desire?โ She asked with a small bite to her tone.
He smiled genuinely as he leaned closer to her and Jean tried to lean back. He whispered into her ears, and her eyes widened. She tried to push him away, but found no strength in her hands that rested on his hard chest.
โIf I was a woman, Iโd think you were trying to molest me.โ The haze in Jeanโs eyes cleared up and she looked at her hands that were over his pecs. Her entire face turned red as she stood up.
โYou can consider my offer, Jean.โ And hearing her name being called out in such a manner by Diluc made her heart skip a beat. No, perhaps it was the revelation of someone else knowing what she so desperately tried to hide.
What she desperately wanted.
โAnd why do you think I would accept your offer?โ She quietly asked.
โEven if I am known to be quite a debaucherous man, apparently I am still the most eligible for a Gunnhildr. And why do you think that is so?โ
โIt is because you are a man.โ The same quiet voice. โThey would say that it is what men do.โ She stared at him with clear eyes.
โAh, yes they, the aristocracyโthe people.โ There was a small hint of contempt in his eyes. โAnd if it was a woman of the aristocracy enjoying that of which men seem to adoreโit would be a different kind of story.โ He looked up at her and smiled grimly.
โAnd why would Jean Gunnhildr, a woman of the highest prestige, stay under the curtain of night with a man as promiscuous as me?โ He stood dangerously close to her. โSimple. It is the same reason why you are not yet wedded.โ He leaned into her ear.
โJean Gunnhildr willed it.โ He pulled away, their lips a few inches too close from one another, and Jeanโs heart beat drumming in her ears.
โIt does you no disservice if a scandal like this would befall you, in fact, I can tell you perceive it as something quite beneficiary.โ A charming smile as he took a step back. โIf you have decided, come look for me, Jean.โ
And he turned on his heels and walked away, the way he called her name echoing in her mind. She didnโt know why, but she wanted to hear him call her name again, with no Lady in the front or Gunnhildr at the back.
Just Jean.
~.~.~.~.~
Jean took her time to think about Dilucโs offer. If men were really all the same, there is a possibility that her husband would still seek outside pleasure after they are wedded. If she married Diluc, who already was known to have multiple lovers, she wouldnโt be taken aback if someone told her that he was cheating on her. And what else could she expect from a man who was already known as promiscuous?
Loyalty and faithfulness? Of course not.
Their marriage would be loveless, but everyone enters that kind of marriage sooner or later. And it just so happened he presents himself as the better option. They could go their own way after the wedding and he will provide what he swore to her. The Gunnhildr clan will receive security for centuries with what Diluc would give as the bride price. As he was known to be lavish and had money to spare, the bride price he would be willing to give, would not be small.
Her marriage with Diluc would be scandalous to a degree, but Diluc matched her in prestige and wealth, that alone would quell people. In fact, a Gunnhildr willingly marrying a Ragnvindr would put the Ragnvindr name in the good books after almost two centuries of scandals. It would be the reset that his family name needed, if that was what he was after.
With the little interaction she had with Diluc, she was fairly certain that their marriage would be for formalityโs sake, and the pair of husband and wife would be left with their own devices. That alone was more than appealing to Jean.
She bit her lip as she thought of the possibilities.
But it had been almost a month since his offer. And somehow, she had curbed the talks of marriage. And since then, rumors of Dilucโs nightly activities were greatly reduced too. There were still talks, but not as much as before, and she truly believed that if she said she agrees to his proposal, he could spin the story of their romance in whatever way he wants. She could even greatly contribute to the lie he plans to sell.
What bothered her was that he had not tried to approach her even once since then. Maybe the reduction of his nightly ventures was his way to show his good faith in his proposal to her. But he did clearly say that if she was interested, she had to look for him herself. And it wasnโt like he said he would put a halt to his hobby, and yet the rumors revolving around him and his women were reduced. Therefore, it was a possibility that he had placed effort to try and be less promiscuous. Perhaps it was for her.
He was not known as the best fighter. In fact, people say his pyro vision was wasted on him because his ability with his claymore was average and that even his expensive claymore could not compensate for the lack of his skills. But that was quite alright with Jean. She shouldnโt judge because without her catalyst she would not be able to stand her ground against monsters or treasure hoarders.
No matter how she thought about it, Diluc Ragnvindrโs proposal was very tempting. She gets what she wants, and he gets whatever he wants.
Although, he could be after her chastity, and this could just all be a long game for Diluc Ragnvindr. In fact, hadnโt she been told that he had chased a woman for almost a year, and when he got what he wantedโ her chastity as the rumor says, he had coldly left her.
She pressed her lips with etched brows as she gazed at the dandelions outside her window.
Those were all rumors. Even so, there must be some kind of truth in them. If everything in that hearsay is true, even having the same outcome as the woman from that tale would benefit Jean well.
A strong wind blew outside her window, scattering the whites of the dandelions.
Jean had clearly made a decision already. She knew what she wanted.
She simply wanted more. And he was the solution.
Jean turned around and stared at the blue and white dress with gold trims displayed on a mannequin. This is what she would be wearing on the upcoming ball, and on that day she will seek out Diluc and give him her response. Better she does it as soon as she can to ensure her mother does not make a match on her stead.
She already waited for far too long.
~.~.~.~.~
The day of the ball arrived and Jean does not even recall how many balls or functions she had attended since the first and last time she had seen Diluc. There were times she thought she saw the familiar red hair of the man but when she turned to confirm her doubts, it felt like he had vanished into thin air. And due to the talks of her looking for a spouse, she was required to be at most of the events that she was invited to attend.
Jean admittedly was exhausted, but it was her who dragged her decision out. Now there was no turning back.
She prepared for the evening, and made sure she had on minimal jewelry, matching her off-shoulder dress of white, blue and gold. Her choker necklace was like a thin metal strip of gold around the middle of her neck. Tonight, she would look for Diluc and give him an answer to his offer.
A knock came from outside her door, โJean, are you ready?โ It was the familiar voice of her sister Barbara.
โI will be in a moment.โ She replied back as she walked to her vanity table, glanced at all the perfume bottles on the table top and reached out for a bottle of purple liquid. When she brought the bottle near her neck, the liquid appeared blue for a second, Jean spritzed an extensive amount of perfume on her body.
โBarbara, can you come in here for a moment?โ She inquired as she returned the glass bottle where it belonged.
The door opened to reveal Barbara who wore a pure white dress.
โWhat is it Jean?โ She asked and Jean gestured for her sister to come to her and the younger blonde followed her. Jean opened the drawer and grabbed a light blue gemmed pendant hanging from a silver chain. Barbaraโs eyes widened at the item.
โIt matches your eyes well.โ Jean says and Barbara looked at her older sister with watery eyes.
โThat is your most treasured pendant.โ Jean nodded and smiled.
โYes, and now I want you to have it.โ Jean could see all the questions in Barbaraโs eyes but she gave the younger girl a stern look: โIt is for my most beloved sister.โ
Barbara nodded as she turned around to accept the gift and Jean clasped the necklace on Barbaraโs neck.
โI will treasure it sister.โ Barbara placed a hand on the blue gem as she turned to Jean who suddenly hugged her. So many questions at the tip of Barbaraโs tongue but she kept quiet because she knew her sister well. If Jean had no intentions of saying anything, she would not give the slightest hint.
โI know you will Barbara.โ Jean whispered and as she pulled away, she changed the subject. โCan you smell my perfume?โ
Barbara shook her head, โNo.โ
Jean smiles, โThatโs good, I didnโt want to put any tonight.โ
Barbara stared at her sister in confusion and before she could ask, Jean quickly told her that they should leave or they would be late.
โYes, youโre right.โ Barbara says, completely forgetting the question she wanted to ask.
When Jean and Barbara arrived at the ball, the first-person Jean noticed was undoubtedly the red hair of Diluc Ragnvindr. He had on a polite smile, a wine glass in his right hand and a group of men surrounded him. It seemed that something good had happened to the Ragnvindr family for people to flock to Sir Diluc the way they did.
But it was a good thing for Jean, it saved her the effort of hunting him down as they obviously got him cornered.
โIt seems that Sir Ragnvindr is quite popular tonight.โ Jean casually said to her female companions.
โOh, yes, the ladies have become rather interested in him because there seems to be a shift in his demeanor recently, and less scandals.โ One woman in pink offers, and Jean noticed the secretive glances of a number of women.
It seemed that Diluc could pick whoever he wanted to bring home tonight. And oddly enough it did not disgust Jean. Rather, it was quite appealingโalmost funny in fact. ย
โWell right now, the men are flocking him due to the news that Sir Ragnvindr will be selling some really old cases of wine that his family have kept for a few centuries. It is said that it is projected to double his revenue stream.โ A woman in yellow mumbled.
โThen it is a good thing that the men are keeping him preoccupied. It saves all the women here potential heartbreak and scandal.โ Barbara said almost in a sneering tone.
โBarbara, we do not know for certain if those rumors are true.โ Jean quietly said and the women in pink and yellow look at Jean skeptically.
โLady Jean, I do not know why you are giving the man the benefit of the doubt, but a maid of my household has seen Sir Ragnvindr bring his maid to an inn,โ The woman in the yellow gown leaned closer to Jean. โAnd they stayed there for three days.โ
โIn the same room.โ The pink haired added glancing at her companion who nodded. โI heard the maid is one of his most frequent loversโ his favorite even.โ Jean stole a glance at Diluc from across the room, and somehow, he had also glanced her way. And for at least five seconds their eyes locked as his lips gave her a coy smile.
โI see, that is interesting, but gossip is gossip.โ Jean smiled tightly. To her, the information provided a fall back. If she married Diluc, his maid could satisfy his desires and she would not have to, giving her more time to do what she pleases.
โHonestly, Jean-โ Barbara looked at her sister in worry.
โWhy donโt you go and talk to your friends?โ Jean tells Barbara, who did not look like she wanted to leave.
Eventually, Barbara left Jean with the two women they were talking with and Jean socialized and danced, as a proper lady would do. It took Jean two hours after arriving to have the opportunity to slip out of the hall to look for Diluc, who had excused himself from his companions.
Of course, she did not follow him automatically when she saw him leave. At that point of the night, no one had approached Jean and she had stood in the corner as a background character. Forgotten by the crowd, just as she wanted. She smiled as she covered her face with her fan and waited for five minutes before she unhurriedly walked out of the hall.
Finding Diluc was only a matter of a few minutes. It seemed that he was a special guest as she found him wandering the part of the hostโs mansion that most people shouldnโt be in. ย
Suddenly there was an arm beside her right ear and she was pinned to the wall.
โOhโlook who came to find me.โ A deep voice whispered in her left ear, and she turned around unsurprised.
โGreetings, Sir Ragnvindr.โ The man blinked at her vacantly for a moment.
โLet us bring this elsewhere.โ Diluc glanced at both ends of the hallway, opening the door nearest to them as he gestured for her to enter. It seemed that this man really had no care for rules or manners was what Jean thought in passing. She willingly stepped into the room and walked in the middle of the bedchamber. Her lips pressed, she heard a click from the door.
โLocking the door to ensure I do not run?โ Jean asked mockingly but with no malice as she crossed her arms and he rolled his eyes. He took a step forward and stumbled. Jean had taken a step forward to try and help him, but thought that she would fall into his trap, that is if it was a trap, had she assisted him and thus, she quickly withdrew her foot.
She did not believe the rumors completely because she was certain that there was more to the stories. But this was still their second meeting, she was still observing him, and thus she still needs to remain vigilant.
โIs this how you get with your women? Offering marriage and when they look for you, lock them in a bedchamber and do the deed?โ She received a deadly glare from the man who seemed to have trouble walking at the moment. But she took note of the way he glared at her, and in all honesty her heart softened up to him.
โSince you are here, I assume you agreed to my proposal.โ His glare softens. โI only locked the door so that we do not have to worry about other people walking in on us.โ And she raised an eyebrow at him.
โI wouldnโt want a scandal to befall my future wifeโeven if she is to wed me.โ He stood before her, and she could smell the alcohol all over him like perfume.
โHow much did you drink?โ She scrunched up her nose, and he chuckled softly. He leaned into her neck and she stiffened a bit, unsure of his actions.
โHuh, the same scent from before.โ He mumbled as he pulled away, his eyes searching for something and Jean narrowed her eyes at his nonchalant comment. But her gaze quickly softened when she saw that the man before her wasnโt exactly at his best, his face turned and his eyes searched for something in his wobbly state.
She held his elbow and his head turned to her. โYou donโt look well.โ She simply said with the faintest hint of worry. He pulled his head back without moving his body and he blinked at her slowly as if just realizing who she was.
โBelieve it or not, despite the fact that I sell the best and most sought out alcohols in Teyvat, I have the poorest alcohol tolerance.โ He chuckled as he saw Jeanโs eyebrows draw close to one another. โDonโt get me wrongโafter a while of drinking, I have developed my alcohol tolerance, howeverโ overall, it is still poor.โ
โThen if you do have poor alcohol tolerance, why would you be drinking?โ Jeanโs eyes stared at him with familiar clarity and Diluc couldnโt help but smile because of it.
In Dilucโs hazy eyes, Jean looked particularly enchanting. The image of the blonde woman, in a mostly white dress, with blue and gold accents paired with the minimal jewelry was breathtaking. The moonlight behind her made her look as if she was glowing, and that paired with her outfit and bare collarbone, was very distracting.
โHow can I not? Youโve seen the horde of people surrounding me tonight, they kept refilling my cup.โ And his eyes shifted to Jeanโs bare neck, and then her collarbone and even lower. She silently watched him who began to sway: โItโs good for business.โ And he lifted his hand with an extended index finger.
His finger touched the base of her neck as it passed the curve of her collarbone. โAnd youโyou should be afraid of me.โ His muddled eyes cleared up as his finger stopped between her breasts. Jean remained unmoving, her expression gentle.
โAnd why is that?โ Jean inquired, seeing his eyes cleared up and with pressed lips he pulled his hand away. And judging from his reaction, she could tell he was displeased with his own actions.
โI could have you right here and now. And we will see if you should not be afraid of me.โ He glared at her.
โHave you forgotten? I am blessed with a vision too.โ And he laughed at her words.
โMy sword against your catalyst?โ And she looks at him with open amusement at his mocking tone. โMy fists and trained body, againstโ what?โ She found that his glare towards her was not insulting. It was the truth, she gave a faint smile, she would not be able to fend for herself with her fists if it came to.
โYou know, these past few weeks, I could have sworn I saw the familiar color of your hair.โ She reached out to his neck and grabbed a piece of hair from his ponytail. โYou made it a point to avoid me well.โ She smiled at him as she let go of the lock of hair. Her mere actions bring Dilucโs eyes back into a daze.
โItโs either you like it when your prey walks directly into your trap with no choice, or you respect me enough to decide on my own without being coerced.โ Diluc fought hard to keep himself level headed as he stared at her. โI think that you present yourself to the people the way you desire to be seen.โ
And Diluc visibly frowned, โTsk.โ He walked past her and she grabbed his wrist. He looked back at her with a deadly glare.
โIโm not afraid of you.โ She said in such a clear and calm voice and with a cast-down gaze she laughed, startling him. Her laughter was captivating.
โYou look like youโre about to throw a tantrum, Diluc.โ And he looked at her with quivering lips. He really liked his name coming out from her lips. He wanted her to call him that in many different waysโin different tones.
He clears his throat. Maybe this was the wrong decision, but the offer was already said and done and she clearly came here to accept it.
The night was still young. And two unengaged people were in a bedchamber all alone. If people caught wind of this, it would be very scandalous, and they would drag Dilucโs name into the mud, not that they havenโt already. But this one would be the worst, simply because of the woman in front of him.
Jean Gunnhildr.
โA tantrum?โ He sneers, โLetโs get to the point Lady Gunnhildr, weโve chatted long enough.โ He flicked his wrists out of her grasp. And she frowned, not because he withdrew his wrist but because he called her Lady Gunnhildr.
โYou seem completely sober now.โ She remarked and he looked at her with a twinkle of desire.
โIโm afraid if I let the alcohol take over me, Iโd do something that would scare you.โ She looked at him as if saying she was not afraid of him and he just shook his head at her. He turned around to walk to a chair by the window.
โAs you can see, I am here to accept your marriage proposal.โ He nodded as he took a seat while she stood where he had left her, in the middle of the room. She could see clearly that he was putting distance between them. There was a pitcher of water and a clear cup on the table beside him and he poured himself some water.
For a moment Diluc hesitated, he clearly wanted to offer her water, but opted not to, and she could see it well. She really was intrigued by him.
โYou seem to be at home.โ She quietly remarked.
โAs I have said, I have poor alcohol tolerance. I specifically requested a room from the host.โ He raised his glass to her. โA perk of being richโand particularly the rumor of me selling well preserved bottles of wine from a few centuries ago.โ She smiled at his words; she was convinced he was feigning arrogance.
โBut I have my conditions.โ She finally said.
โAh, of course.โ He looked at her with the ย glass in hand, โI want to get to know you first.โ He looked at her with furrowed brows but didnโt say anything. โAnd I know you are wholly capable of spreading the rumor that I am already matched. And that would make people think that there is no need to talk about my marriage and I wish for the identity of my match to be kept as a secret.โ
โAnd wonโt your family clear the rumor out?โ He inquired quietly, giving her a worried expression.
โThey will not if I tell them not to. That I wish to decide on my partner myself, and that the rumor is a blessing in disguise.โ And he looked at her like she was a fool.
โMy mother has always placed her daughtersโ happiness first. If I say that is where I will be happyโwhen I choose who to marryโthen she will concede.โ
โThen tell me,โ He looked at her blankly. โWhy have you not gone against your mother and do what you want to?โ
She pressed her lips and then sighed. โBecause she said it was for our own good. And I trust her judgement.โ
His mouth opened as he hesitated with his words, but settled with a โFine.โ He drinks his glass of water. โConsider it done.โ He had things he wanted to ask, but he felt that it was not his place to comment on such matters.
And they stayed in silence again, Jean standing in the middle of the bedchamber awkwardly.
โI suppose you would like to get to know each other in secret.โ He finally said seeing her standing there and rubbing her arm. Her eyes firmly glued to the floor, flickered back to him and her lips gently turned upward and she giggled.
โYes, doesnโt every woman dream of having a secret love affair?โ She teased, and he was taken aback.
โYou shouldnโt be saying that, and especially not to me.โ He coldly warned her, but she gave him an enchanting smile. She did not see the man in the rumors that people seem to talk about in him.
โTell me somethingโhow can you recognize my scent?โ His eyes flickered for a second and he smiled genuinely, surprising her with it.
โOh, you noticed?โ And she tried to calm her beating heart as he said those words. She felt like she had finally met her match. She did not reply and waited for him to continue.
โHow could I not recognize it? I funded that potionโs project.โ And her lips ever so slightly opened as she silently inhaled at the revelation. And Dilucโs red eyes were craving those soft lips.
Diluc would never know, that at that point, with his steady gaze on her, Jean felt like a woman. She was equally as captivated as he was to her. A man in a suit, with red hair sitting on a couch with the window behind him, the moonlight passing by him making him look almost like a shadow. The water on the glass glittered because of the moonlight.
A silent lone figure.
She wanted to know more about this man. She was certain there was more to him, like a suspenseful book, you have to read the end to quench all your questions.
And that marked the second time they met. An interest in both parties that could not be denied. A curiosity that was quite evident in both their faces, and yet it passed over their heads and did not register in their hearts.
And this will not be the end of their involvement towards one another, it is simply the knot that will start it all, which will lead to an entanglement neither of them had hoped for.
Authorโs Note: Thanks for LadyOfRandom for helping me edit!
