章節 10: chapter 9 (3.1k word)

That morning, Luna stirred awake, sitting up sluggishly on her bed.

Her hair was a tousled mess, and she stretched her arms high, letting out a long yawn.

"Dad?" she called out groggily, her voice echoing softly in the quiet house.

There was no response.

"Oh yeah... Dad's not at home for a few days," she mumbled to herself, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Or maybe longer, hmm…"

Yawning again, Luna swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet brushing against the cool floor.

She glanced out the window, sunlight spilling into the room, warming her face.

"I should wash up and grab something for breakfast," she said, her voice carrying a hint of determination amidst her drowsiness.

Pushing herself up, Luna shuffled toward the bedroom door, opening it slowly as she stepped into the hallway.

She made her way to the bathroom, the sound of her footsteps soft against the wooden floor.

Inside the bathroom, Luna turned on the faucet, letting the cold water run as she cupped her hands to splash it on her face.

The chill jolted her awake slightly, and she began her morning routine, her mind wandering about what to eat and how to spend the day without her dad around.

A few moments later, after washing up, Luna stood before the mirror in her room.

She tilted her head slightly, examining her reflection.

Her snow-white hair was tied neatly into two braids that cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face.

Her striking blue eyes gleamed with energy and confidence.

She was dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit, with a white blouse tucked into a pair of gray shorts, fastened with suspenders.

Luna placed her hands on her hips and leaned closer to the mirror, giving herself a smug grin. "I'm looking cool as always! Pretty ladies must fall in love with me when they see my lovely appearance," she declared confidently, nodding wisely as though her statement was the truth.

Satisfied with her look, Luna stepped away from the mirror.

Luna walked into the living room, her footsteps light as she hummed a cheerful tune.

Her eyes fell on the Cecilia flower near the window, its delicate petals glowing softly in the morning light.

She picked up a small watering can and gently sprinkled water onto the soil.

"Alright, done," Luna said with satisfaction, setting the can aside.

Her gaze shifted to the family photo of her and her dad on the nearby table. The image showed them smiling and laughing together.

Luna carefully moved the photo closer to the flower, positioning them side by side. She stepped back, nodding as if approving her own arrangement.

"Yosh! Time to eat," Luna said, her voice brimming with energy.

She turned and walked toward the door, her figure growing smaller as she left the room.

Soon, she disappeared from sight, leaving behind only the quiet stillness of the space.

The family photo stood beside the Cecilia flower, both bathed in the soft glow of sunlight. A gentle breeze slipped through the window, causing the flower's petals to sway slightly.

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Luna strolled leisurely along the streets of Mondstadt, her hands behind her back as she admired the city.

She greeted everyone she passed, her cheerful earning smiles and waves from the townsfolk.

As she approached Good Hunter's, her eyes lit up as she spotted a familiar figure.

"Amber!" Luna called out, her voice bright and full of excitement.

Amber, who had been busy reading over a list in her hand, lifted her head at the sound. Her gaze landed on the familiar white-haired girl bounding toward her.

"Good morning, Luna," Amber said with a warm smile.

"Good morning!" Luna replied, her grin wide as she came to a stop in front amber.

Luna's eyes sparkled as she leaned closer. "Do you want to eat together?" she asked cheerfully.

Amber nodded with a smile. "Sure, I'd love to. Oh, and if you don't mind, Eula will be joining us soon."

Luna's grin widened. "I don't mind at all! The more cute girls, the better!" she declared boldly, her tone playful and her smile radiating mischief.

Amber blinked, then chuckled, a bead of sweat forming on her forehead. "You really are something, Luna," she said with a laugh.

She stepped closer, and before Luna could react, Amber reached out and pinched her cheek.

"Ow! Amber, it hurts!" Luna whined, pulling back slightly, her hand instinctively rubbing her reddened cheek.

Amber giggled unapologetically. "Sorry, but your cheek just looked so pinchable, I couldn't resist."

Luna narrowed her eyes mischievously. "Oh, so that's how it is, huh? Then you won't mind if I do the same!"

Without hesitation, Luna reached out and pinched Amber's cheek, her fingers lightly tugging at the soft skin.

"Hehehe, so soft!" Luna teased, laughing gleefully as Amber tried to protest through a smile.

Amber let out a playful sigh, her cheek still caught in Luna's grasp. "Alright, alright, I get it! Let go already, you cheeky brat!" she said with a laugh, gently swatting Luna's hand away.

The two of them shared a warm laugh.

As Luna and Amber laughed, a sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention.

"Ahem," a familiar voice called out.

Luna turned around, a grin immediately spreading across her face as she recognized the blue-haired girl standing there. "Ohhhh, vengeance Eula is here!" Luna exclaimed dramatically, throwing her arms up in mock celebration.

Eula froze for a moment, her eye twitching slightly at the nickname. "You're giving me weird names again!" she huffed, crossing her arms. "I'll remember this grudge! Venge—" Eula stopped mid-sentence, her words faltering as she remembered the nickname Luna had just bestowed upon her. She sighed and rubbed her temple.

Amber chuckled, watching the two of them. "Luna's antics always catch you off guard, huh, Eula?"

Eula cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "Anyway," she said, brushing off the situation as she gracefully took a seat at the table, "what are you two planning doing here so early?"

Luna leaned forward, still grinning. "Breakfast, of course! And we're glad you could join us, Lady Vengeance."

Eula shot her a sharp look but decided to let it slide—for now. "Hmph. Don't push your luck, Luna," she said, her tone playful despite the words.

Amber glanced at Luna with a soft smile. "I promised Luna we'd try to find her dad outside later," she said casually.

Luna nodded enthusiastically. "Yup!"

Eula leaned back slightly, her arms crossed as she listened. "I see," she said thoughtfully, observing Luna's cheerful demeanor.

However, Luna suddenly waved her hand dismissively. "But I don't think it's necessary now," she added with a cheeky grin.

Amber blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Eula tilted her head slightly, curious as well.

"Well," Luna began, "yesterday, Dad left a note saying he won't be home for a few days… or maybe even months."

Amber nodded slowly. "Hmm, so no need to search for him, I see."

But Luna quickly shook her head, her mischievous smile growing wider. "No, no! You've got it all wrong. Searching in person? No. But searching by using missing posters? Yes!"

Amber and Eula both froze, exchanging wary glances as Luna continued, her expression alight with mischief.

"Hehehe," Luna chuckled, already picturing her plan. "Imagine Dad's face when he comes back and sees his posters plastered all over Mondstadt! Highlights in the news—'A grown man is lost, nowhere to be found!'" She laughed evilly, clutching her sides at the thought.

Amber sighed, trying to stifle her own laugh, while Eula rested her forehead in her hand, shaking her head slightly. The two exchanged weak smiles, clearly unsure how to handle Luna's antics.

"Luna," Amber finally said, chuckling nervously, "I don't think your dad will find that funny."

Eula nodded in agreement, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "You truly are something else, Luna."

Amber couldn't help but pinch the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. "Luna, that's... that's so like you."

Eula glanced at Amber, then back at Luna, her lips twitching as she fought the urge to smile. "Your sense of humor is truly… unique," she remarked dryly, though her amused tone betrayed her.

Amber finally gave in and chuckled, exchanging a knowing glance with Eula. "I don't think anyone else in Mondstadt would think to do something like this."

Eula crossed her arms, sighing as a small smile escaped her usual stoic demeanor. "Well, if you're planning on putting posters everywhere, don't expect me to help you. But…" She paused, giving Luna a sly look. "I'll make sure to take a front-row seat when your dad finds out about it.

Amber raised a brow, curious. "You're still holding a grudge against Uncle Lucien, huh?"

Eula's expression darkened slightly, and she crossed her arms. "It's not just a normal grudge... I will never let it slide. Not until the very end!"

Amber blinked in confusion, watching as Eula's expression darkened, her hand twitching as if gripping an invisible greatsword.

"Eula? You okay?"Amber tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Eula, you're awfully quiet all of a sudden. What exactly did Uncle Lucien do to earn your eternal grudge?"

Eula stiffened, gripping her arms tightly as her expression darkened. "It's… nothing you two need to concern yourselves with," she muttered, her voice unusually tense.

Luna leaned forward, her mischievous grin returning. "Come on, Eula! You can't just say it's nothing when it clearly isn't. What did Dad do?"

Eula's mind betrayed her, flashing back to the mortifying memory of that fateful day by the river. She could still see Lucien's nonchalant expression as he scanned her from head to toe, his lips curling into an infuriatingly casual smile before delivering that unforgettable line: "Not bad, but I prefer…"

Her eye twitched violently. She clamped her mouth shut, unwilling to relive the humiliation out loud. The mental image of her swinging her greatsword at Lucien's retreating back made her cheeks burn.

Amber leaned forward, her curiosity growing. "Eula… you're blushing. Did something embarrassing happen?"

Eula immediately straightened, her face turning stern. "I-I am not blushing! And no, nothing embarrassing happened! It's just—" She caught herself, then crossed her arms tightly and turned away. "It's not worth mentioning. But rest assured, I will never forgive him. Vengeance will—" She cut herself off, remembering Luna's teasing nickname earlier. "...My grudge remains."

Luna chuckled, clearly enjoying Eula's discomfort. "Oh, this sounds juicy. I bet Dad did something ridiculous again, didn't he?" She leaned closer, her grin widening.

Eula glared at Luna, quickly changing the subject. "Enough about that! Aren't you supposed to be focused on breakfast?!"

Amber covered her mouth to stifle a laugh as Luna gave a mock salute. "Fine, fine. But I'll get the full story someday, Eula."

Eula huffed, her face still faintly pink as she muttered under her breath, "Over my dead body…"

After finishing their breakfast, Luna bolted from the table with an enthusiastic shout. "Let's go, let's go!" she exclaimed, sprinting toward the Knights of Favonius headquarters.

Amber, startled by Luna's sudden burst of energy, quickly got up and ran after her. "Wait up, Luna!" she called, trying to catch up.

Eula, on the other hand, stood up calmly, brushing off her outfit. She didn't rush but instead walked steadily in the same direction, watching the other two with an amused smile.

Meanwhile, up ahead, Luna was already halfway to the headquarters, turning her head back to shout at Amber. "The faster we arrive, the faster I can ask Master Jean for permission to put up the missing posters later!"

Arriving at the grand entrance of the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Luna greeted the two knights stationed at the door with her usual energetic charm.

"Hello, Athos! Hello, Porthos!" she called out, waving enthusiastically.

The two knights, clad in their standard armor, glanced at her and nodded respectfully.

"Hello, Miss Luna," Athos replied with a slight smile.

"Greetings, Miss Luna," Porthos echoed, his tone more formal but friendly.

A few moments later, Amber arrived, slightly out of breath but smiling warmly. "Good morning, Athos, Porthos," she said, offering a polite nod to the two knights.

Eula was the last to approach. Unlike Luna and Amber, she didn't bother with pleasantries. Instead, she fixed the two knights with a stern gaze, giving a curt nod of acknowledgment. Without saying a word, she followed Amber and Luna into the building.

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Luna, who had been busy observing the intricate designs of the headquarters and nearly barging into Jean's office, was stopped in her tracks by Amber.

"Wait here, Luna. I'll ask Master Jean first," Amber said, giving her a pointed look.

With a dramatic sigh, Luna stood outside the office, her arms crossed. She rocked back and forth on her shoes, clearly struggling with the patience required for the moment.

Beside her, Eula stood silently, her arms folded, observing Luna's restless antics with mild amusement.

The silence was broken by a familiar, smooth male voice.

"Well, well, look who's here bright and early," the voice teased.

Luna turned toward the sound, spotting Kaeya leaning casually against a nearby wall, his signature smirk firmly in place.

Her eyes lit up mischievously as she grinned. "Ohhhh, it's Captain Eyepatch Fancy Boots!"

Eula, who was known for keeping her composure, couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculous nickname.

Kaeya raised an eyebrow but let out a hearty laugh. "Captain Eyepatch Fancy Boots, huh? Well, I can't say I dislike the creativity."

He pushed off the wall, sauntering closer. "Though, I have to say, our dear little Paramecium here seems especially lively today."

Luna tilted her head in confusion, blinking at him. "Paramecium? What's that?"

Kaeya's grin widened as he explained, "Oh, it's just a tiny, single-celled organism. Very active, always moving around—reminds me of someone I know."

Eula stifled a laugh, glancing at Luna, whose expression was a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"So you're saying I'm small?" Luna frowned, crossing her arms.

Kaeya chuckled again, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. "Small, but full of energy. It's a compliment, really."

Luna narrowed her eyes at him, clearly not convinced. "Hmph. Well, Captain Eyepatch Fancy Boots, at least I don't sneak around walls like some shady villain!"

Kaeya burst out laughing, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough, fair enough."

Kaeya leaned slightly closer, his ever-present smirk deepening. "So, what brings you here this morning, Luna?"

Luna, momentarily distracted from coming up with more peculiar nicknames, perked up and crossed her arms proudly. "Well, I need Master Jean's permission to put my stinky dad picture all over Mondstadt."

Kaeya raised an intrigued eyebrow, folding his arms and tapping his chin dramatically. "Oh? And what did dear old Lucien do to earn such a treatment?"

Luna huffed. "He left without telling me exactly where or when he'd be back! So, I'm gonna make sure everyone knows he's 'lost' and let him deal with the embarrassment!"

Kaeya let out a hearty laugh, clearly enjoying her mischievous plan. "That sounds... absolutely delightful. Mind if I tag along? It's not every day I get to help spread some chaos for a noble cause."

Luna beamed. "Yeah! The more, the merrier!" She pumped her fist in the air, clearly energized by Kaeya's support.

Meanwhile, Eula stood silently to the side, watching the lively exchange between the two troublemakers. She crossed her arms and muttered internally, "I feel sorry for Lucien... but only a little. Hmph, that man deserves it for what he said back then."

A small smile crept onto her face as she observed Kaeya and Luna plotting. It seemed this day was going to be far more entertaining than she'd expected.

Amber returned shortly after, her expression light as she gestured to Luna. "You can go in now. Master Jean is ready to see you."

Luna's face lit up. "Alright, thanks, Amber!" She strode confidently to the door, pushed it open, and stepped inside.

The sight of the office made her pause for a moment. Piles of paperwork covered the desk, and behind it sat Jean, Mondstadt's diligent Acting Grand Master, her blonde hair glinting faintly in the light streaming through the windows. Despite the chaos of her workload, she radiated a calm and focused energy.

Luna cleared her throat. "Excuse me."

Jean looked up from the document she had been reviewing and offered a gentle smile. "Good morning, Luna. What brings you here today?"

Though Jean already knew the answer from Amber's earlier explanation, she wanted to hear it directly from Luna.

"Good morning, Master Jean!" Luna greeted enthusiastically. Then, with a cheeky grin, she said, "I wanted your permission to put up missing posters for my dad all over Mondstadt."

Jean's smile deepened with amusement. She folded her hands on the desk. "I heard from Amber that your father left a note explaining he'd be gone for a few days—or perhaps months. Is that correct?"

Luna nodded vigorously. "Yeah, he did, but…" She crossed her arms defiantly. "He never said I couldn't search for him or make trouble for him while he's gone!"

Jean chuckled softly at Luna's spirited response. She leaned back slightly in her chair, clearly entertained. "I see. Very well, I'll grant you permission."

With that, Jean picked up a piece of paper, quickly wrote something, and stamped it with the official seal of the Knights of Favonius. She handed it over to Luna, whose eyes sparkled as she accepted it.

Luna took the stamped paper from Jean with an excited grin. "Thank you, Master Jean! You're the best!"

Jean smiled gently at the energetic girl. "Just make sure not to cause too much of a commotion, alright?"

Luna saluted dramatically. "Don't worry, Master Jean! I'll handle it professionally—well, mostly!"

Jean chuckled softly and returned to her paperwork. "I trust you, Luna. Good luck with your... endeavor."

Luna turned to leave, waving the paper in the air.

As she walked out of the office, she muttered under her breath, "Dad's gonna be so embarrassed when he sees these posters. Mission 'Annoy Dad' is a go!"

Amber and Kaeya were waiting outside. Seeing Luna's victorious expression, Kaeya smirked. "Judging by that look, I assume you got the green light?"

Luna nodded enthusiastically, holding up the permission slip like a trophy. "Yep! Now let's get to work spreading Dad's face all over Mondstadt!"

Amber sighed but couldn't hide her smile. "Just don't go overboard, Luna."

Eula, still standing off to the side, rolled her eyes. "Knowing Luna, 'overboard' is her default setting. Hmph, but at least this will be entertaining to watch."

(A/n: End of Beginning...)