Chương 42: 40. Planning with who?
Sunlight was already filtering through the thin curtains, casting a lazy glow across the room. I blinked against it, still groggy from yesterday's chaos, every part of me aching in that dull, familiar way that reminded me we'd barely escaped the heist unscathed. I stretched, easing the stiffness from my shoulders, and heard a faint snoring.
Paimon, curled up on the couch, snored softly, her little wings drooping over Aether, who was sprawled out beside her, one arm flung dramatically over his eyes.
Clearly, the excitement of a night sneaking past knights and talking down Diluc had taken its toll.
I looked down, looking at my normal form again. TD's body manipulation lessons had definitely left a mark, but switching back had been a pain last night.
So much so that I'd knocked out on the floor for a good few hours before finally stumbling to bed.
I cleared my throat, and Paimon's eyes cracked open, her face scrunching in confusion.
"Mornin'," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "How's the winged wonder feeling?"
Paimon yawned, stretching out her arms. "Paimon feels like a balloon someone deflated... All that running, sneaking, hiding—Paimon's body isn't cut out for this!" She groaned dramatically, letting her head drop onto Aether's shoulder.
Aether, surprisingly, hadn't even stirred. Judging by the way he was still dead to the world, he was more worn out than any of us.
"Not surprised he's out cold," I chuckled. "He carried us through most of that."
"Not just him," Paimon muttered, her gaze flitting toward me. "Paimon didn't forget all that 'charming' work you pulled. Do you always talk to knights like that?"
"Hey, I improvise under pressure," I defended, a smirk creeping in. "Besides, we didn't get caught, did we?"
Paimon rolled her eyes, sitting up and floating a bit higher. "Sure, but Paimon's heart's still racing! And then the Fatui? What were they even doing with the Lyre?"
"Good question," I muttered, heading to the kitchen to start the day's emergency coffee stash. "Diluc's contacts should have some intel tonight. In the meantime, we probably have a few hours to breathe, finally."
Paimon let out a long sigh, joining me near the kitchen table. "Fine by Paimon. She'd much rather just float around today, maybe nap here and there... Anything but running from knights!"
As the coffee began to brew, Aether finally stirred, blinking a few times before slowly sitting up, looking just as tired as I felt.
"Morning," he muttered, yawning. "Everyone still in one piece?"
"For now," I replied, pouring out a mug and sliding it his way. "But you missed Paimon's post-heist analysis. Apparently, she's not a fan of all this running."
Aether chuckled, rubbing his neck. "Can't say I am either. But for now, let's take the morning to regroup. If we're meeting back at the tavern tonight, I say we lay low as much as possible."
"Agreed!" Paimon chimed in, picking up her mini coffee cup (which she insisted on, though I never knew where she'd gotten it from). "That means absolutely no bumping into anyone who might recognize us from last night."
I leaned back, sipping my own coffee. "Yeah, and here's hoping that Venti can stay out of trouble, too. That guy's probably got one foot back at the tavern already."
Aether smirked. "Pretty sure he's still trying to charm Diluc for free wine. But if Diluc actually has info tonight, we need to be ready to act, and quickly."
"Oh, that's a great start to the day," Paimon groaned, setting down her cup with a sigh. "More heisting and sneaking around."
"Only if we have to," I said, glancing at Aether with a bit of a grin. "Besides, what's a little more adventure in Mondstadt, right?"
Aether chuckled, shaking his head. "Only you could make dodging knights sound like a day out in the sun."
"Hey, just making sure you two stay sharp," I said, finishing my coffee. "After all, we've got a dragon to save."
—
By the time evening approached, the once-sleepy haze from the morning had worn off. Aether, Paimon, and I spent the day in quiet prep—laying low, mapping out plans, and speculating on exactly what kind of chaos the Fatui could be brewing with the Holy Lyre in their hands.
At last, dusk began to settle over Mondstadt. The streets outside started to clear as merchants closed up shop and citizens made their way home. Mondstadt's usual evening calm was settling in, but our plans were about to bring a whole new layer of tension to the city.
Just as the first stars peeked out in the sky, we finally headed out, careful to keep to the shadows and stick to less-frequented routes on our way to Angel's Share. The air was cool, and every rustling leaf or distant footstep made my pulse spike. But I kept my focus, falling into step with Aether and Paimon, who hovered close by.
Angel's Share loomed ahead, its windows glowing warmly with the flickering light of lanterns. Paimon floated closer to me, her voice barely a whisper. "Are we sure Diluc's contacts are actually gonna have something for us? It's not like he's the chattiest person around, after all."
I grinned, shooting her a sideways glance. "If he's as well-connected as the rumours say, I'd say we're in good hands. Besides," I added, raising an eyebrow at her, "he saved us last night, didn't he?"
Paimon huffed, crossing her arms. "Barely! And he had that look, like he was about to kick us out the whole time. But… guess you're right. If anyone knows what the Fatui are up to, it's probably him."
Aether nodded, his gaze focused but thoughtful. "Diluc's no fan of the Fatui. If anyone has a reason to want to keep them away from Mondstadt, it's him." He paused, looking between us. "Let's just keep our cool in there. He agreed to help, but if we mess this up... we'll be on our own."
A sense of gravity settled over us, and I took a steadying breath. "Right. Then let's do this."
We slipped inside, the familiar scent of aged wood and spiced wine greeting us. The tavern was fairly empty at this hour, and Diluc was already behind the bar. When he spotted us, he gave a subtle nod toward the staircase leading up to the second floor.
Paimon, looking even more on edge than usual, floated close to Aether as we followed Diluc's silent instructions, making our way up the creaky staircase to the private booths. The dim lighting cloaked the room in shadows, giving the second floor a distinctly secretive feel. Just as we settled in our corner booth, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the stairs.
We all looked up to see Diluc emerging from the shadows, followed closely by none other than Jean. Her posture was as poised as always, though her eyes held a flicker of surprise as they landed on us—especially on me. She paused for a split second, her gaze sharp as she took in the sight, before quickly regaining her composure.
"Aether," Jean greeted, nodding slightly as she took a seat across from us. "And… Tayden." Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, brows furrowing slightly, but she didn't press further.
"Hehe, Hi Jeann.. Please don't beat me up." Aether nudged me with his elbow and whispered to me to take this seriously.
"Jean," Aether said, his tone polite yet cautious. "I didn't expect you'd be joining us tonight."
Diluc folded his arms, standing beside the table. "Jean's aware of our situation and what's at stake here," he explained. "She's Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master, after all. If the Fatui have the Holy Lyre, she needs to be informed."
Jean nodded, her expression serious. "The Fatui have always posed a threat, but their involvement in this… it could put all of Mondstadt in grave danger." Her eyes shifted back to Aether, then to me, her gaze questioning. "You both risked a great deal for this… but do you fully understand what we're up against?"
I hesitated, catching Aether's eye, before looking back at Jean. "Enough to know that Dvalin isn't our enemy," I replied quietly. "We're not dealing with him; we're dealing with the corruption the Abyss spread to control him."
A faint frown crossed her face, but she nodded, thoughtful. "I understand. If what you're saying is true, then Dvalin's actions might not be his own. We can't afford to dismiss the Fatui's influence here."
Diluc remained silent but focused, his gaze moving over each of us before finally landing back on Jean. "My contacts confirmed what we feared. The Fatui did indeed intercept the Holy Lyre, and it's now in their possession. But the Lyre itself… they're not just holding it. They're using it."
Aether tensed beside me. "Using it? For what?"
Diluc's expression was grim, his voice low. "To control Dvalin. The Abyss tainted the Lyre before it was stolen, and now the Fatui are planning on using that same corruption to amplify his pain, to twist his very mind. They're going to weaponize him, and Mondstadt's their target."
Paimon gasped, her eyes wide. "They're turning Dvalin into a weapon? That's… that's horrible! Poor Dvalin…"
Jean's hands tightened slightly on the table, her eyes hardening. "If the Fatui can control him, then Mondstadt itself is at risk. We can't allow this to continue. If they unleash Dvalin in this state, he'll destroy everything—against his will."
Aether exchanged a determined look with me. "Then we have to get the Lyre back. If we can cleanse it, we can stop this and maybe even reach Dvalin."
Diluc nodded, his gaze steady. "That's the plan. But the Fatui won't give it up easily. It's being guarded at their base of operations outside the city—a location I can get us access to, though it's risky."
Jean turned to him, her expression serious. "We'll need to approach this carefully. The Fatui have agents everywhere; one wrong move, and the entire city could be under siege. And given the Lyre's importance, it's likely they have it under their tightest security."
I let out a slow breath, the weight of the situation pressing down like a cold stone in my gut. "Then we'll need a solid plan," I said, glancing around the table. "One that won't just get us in but get us out with the Lyre—and without tipping off every Fatui agent within fifty miles."
Jean nodded, her gaze sharpening with resolve. "Agreed. We'll need to hit them with precision and speed. Diluc, do you have a map of their base?"
Diluc inclined his head, pulling a small rolled-up parchment from his coat and spreading it out on the table. The rough, hand-drawn map showed a layout of the Fatui's hideout, with guard posts and entry points marked.
"Here," Diluc pointed to a narrow, concealed path winding up the side of the base. "This trail is hidden from most of their watchpoints. If we're careful, we can use it to get close without drawing attention."
Jean studied the map intently, her fingers tracing the path thoughtfully. "And once we're in?"
"Here." Diluc's finger moved to a storage room marked on the map, near the center of the compound. "The Lyre is most likely secured in their restricted quarters. They'll keep it close to their core, where security is heaviest."
Aether leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the map. "So, we'll need a diversion to draw their attention. Maybe we can stage something on the eastern side to pull their guards away."
Diluc raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "And who do you suggest for such a distraction?"
Paimon looked between Aether and me, excitement starting to return to her face. "Ooh! How about a certain bard with a penchant for flashy performances?"
Venti, who had been surprisingly quiet up to this point, finally chimed in with a grin. "Ah, so my charms are needed once more! Very well, if the people demand it, I shall deliver!"
Diluc rolled his eyes, but Jean simply nodded, her expression composed. "Good. If Venti can create enough noise on the eastern front, the rest of us can enter through the concealed path and locate the Lyre."
I nodded, my focus shifting back to the map, the gears of strategy turning in my mind. This would be risky, more than anything we'd faced so far. But if it meant saving Dvalin and Mondstadt from the Fatui's grip…
"We're all in agreement, then?" Jean asked, looking around the table.
Aether, Paimon, and I exchanged determined nods. "Absolutely."
Diluc's gaze turned to me, his expression intense. "Then make sure you're prepared. This won't be a mission for half-measures."
Diluc's warning settled over us like a heavy weight, grounding the rush of adrenaline. Even Venti's usual lighthearted air seemed to sober slightly as he met Diluc's gaze.
Jean rolled up the map and glanced between us, her voice calm but steely. "We'll meet at the Dawn Winery Manor, tomorrow." she said. "Gather any supplies, rest up, and make sure we're ready. This isn't just about recovering the Lyre; it's about protecting Mondstadt. There's no room for error."
Paimon let out a little shiver. "When she says it like that, Paimon gets goosebumps… But also kind of pumped, too!" She turned to Aether and me, nodding with newfound energy. "Alright! We're totally prepared! Right, guys?"
Aether chuckled softly, though the set of his jaw showed his focus. "Right. We'll be ready."
I met Jean's steady gaze, giving her a firm nod. "Count us in. Whatever it takes."
Diluc turned back to the bar, a faint sigh escaping him. "You'd better be ready. The Fatui aren't a bunch of rogue Hilichurls. They're soldiers, skilled and prepared."
Jean's mouth thinned, a hint of frustration flickering across her otherwise composed face. "They've taken advantage of Mondstadt's suffering for too long." She turned to Diluc, something softer in her expression. "Thank you, Diluc. I know… this isn't easy, given everything with the Knights."
He just inclined his head, his tone terse. "Mondstadt is still my city. I'll protect it, with or without the Knights."
Venti, sensing the tension, swept forward with a grin and a small bow. "A toast, then!" he declared, holding his lyre as if it were a goblet. "To unforeseen partnerships and, dare I say, unexpected friendships."
Diluc shot him a withering look but turned his attention back to the bar, where a few freshly poured glasses waited. He slid one over to Jean, and with an exaggerated sigh, passed another to Venti.
Jean raised her glass, casting a small smile over the group. "To Mondstadt."
The room fell silent, each of us reflecting on what we were truly fighting for. Then, with a final nod, we raised our glasses—or, in Paimon's case, her invisible one—solidifying our determination.
As the tavern quieted, Jean rose to leave. "I'll make sure the Knights are prepared for any commotion near the compound," she said. "It's best they're informed, even if they don't know the full story."
Diluc nodded curtly. "Then I'll leave you to handle that."
With a parting nod, she turned and made her way back down the stairs, her footsteps light but deliberate, each step embodying her steady resolve. We watched her go, a silent, mutual understanding settling among us.
When the door closed, Venti leaned back with a small sigh, plucking a gentle melody on his lyre. "I'd say that went fairly well" he said lightly. "Allies are often unexpected, but they do make things far more interesting."
I glanced at Aether and Paimon, a wry smile forming as I replied, "Can't get through Mondstadt without some strange alliances."
Paimon grinned back, punching the air. "And we've got the best one! Tomorrow night, it's Fatui-hunting time!"
Aether shook his head, his smile soft but determined. "Then let's make it count."
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