Diluc flipped through the sprite trainer's manual, treating it like a treasure. It described the eighteen different sprite types, various Poké Balls, fishing rods, and Berry usage—even details on feeding, drinking, and resting for the sprites.
He glanced at the Pokédex on his desk and scanned it over Bagon, instantly gaining information on Bagon's training methods and learned skills.
[Bagon]
[Dragon Type]
[Ability: Rock Head—takes no recoil damage from its moves.]
[Skills: Headbutt, Dragon Breath, Leer, Take Down]
Diluc looked at the sleeping Bagon in surprise—this little one had quite the hard head.
It reminded him of his own experience of fighting Grass Slimes—sparks flying everywhere, yet he ended up taking damage himself.
He had to complain about it—how ironic that his Pyro Vision, suited for swimming, led him to almost drown?
He stretched lazily, opened the lattice window, and felt the cool evening breeze from the nearby lake. His mood lifted, and the fatigue of the day disappeared without a trace.
"Ugh, that pile of hay is impossible to clear," Moco complained.
"I've already notified the Knights of Favonius," Hilly tossed the broom aside and sat down on a chair to rest with a cup of tea.
Diluc watched the two maids slacking off during work hours but didn't reprimand them. He silently looked out at the vineyard.
Suddenly, he spotted two familiar figures—a blonde girl with sparkling green eyes and a small floating companion.
"Hey, Moco, Hilly!" Paimon rushed over to them.
"Paimon, slow down," the Traveler, Lumine, followed behind, carrying a fishing net with a red fish wriggling in it.
"Hehe, we're here to help! What's the problem this time?" Paimon proudly asked, hands on her hips.
"Clearing haystacks."
Lumine came closer and nodded, "No problem—as long as there's some Primogems as a reward."
"That's just like you," Paimon huffed, showing appreciation for Lumine's hardworking nature.
Diluc walked out and greeted them, "Paimon and Traveler, what brings you to the winery?"
"I am called Paimon," Paimon puffed her cheeks. "Just because I gave you the nickname 'Justice Man' doesn't mean you can call me 'emergency food'! I'll remember that grudge."
Lumine had been ready to get straight to work but paused to exchange pleasantries with Diluc. "How's the winery doing?"
"I've left the business to the staff. Lately, I've been thinking of finding a lifelong hobby," Diluc replied calmly, his expression serene.
Paimon stared at him in astonishment. "Are you planning to become a superhero?"
Diluc looked at Paimon, then at Lumine, wondering if her thought process was just like Paimon's.
Lumine nodded slightly, her expression puzzled.
Diluc sighed. Sure enough, it resembled its master.
Lumine put down the fishing net from her shoulder, stretching her muscles, ready to clear the haystacks.
The fish in the net jumped up, a full meter high, its red scales covering its entire body. Its eyes were vacant, seemingly half-dead, yet its vitality was abnormally strong, leaving everyone present dumbfounded.
Diluc asked curiously, "Where did you catch that?"
Paimon boasted, "I helped the Traveler improve the bait and caught it from the lake near your winery."
Lumine hushed her softly, but Paimon couldn't stop. "That's right—we snuck in when no one was around. Pretty impressive, right?"
Diluc stroked his chin, solving the mystery on the spot. "So that's why the newly released fry have been disappearing."
Paimon was stunned, looking at Lumine.
Lumine sighed—the blue Ornamental Fish over there was too tempting, perfect for making fresh fish fillets.
Diluc looked at Lumine sternly. "You..."
Paimon piped up, "That's right, it was us! We did it to make grilled black-back bass for Paimon."
Naturally, Diluc wouldn't fuss over something like this—they had helped the people of Mondstadt, after all. However, a favor was a favor. "I'll be keeping this fish."
Paimon drooled, "Huh? At least give Paimon a share!"
Lumine kindly reminded, "This red fish seems unusual."
Diluc glanced at the fish indifferently. "Moco, Hilly, prepare some sashimi tonight."
"Yes, Master."
Paimon wiped her mouth and turned to Lumine, pleading, "Paimon wants some too."
Lumine sighed, hands on her hips.
Moco and Hilly stepped forward, intending to take the fish along with the net. The fish jumped up, swinging its tail and slapping both maids across the face.
The two fell to the ground with a thud.
Diluc's gaze turned cold. How could there be such a strange fish in his lake, daring to cause trouble at Dawn Winery?
A flame ignited in his hand—he was about to decisively deal with the fish.
Lumine hastily intervened, "Wait! I observed it closely. This fish is different from the others. It seems to have no flesh beneath its scales."
Diluc paused. What? A fish with no flesh?
Paimon scratched her head, "Doesn't seem like a good reason to skip dinner."
Lumine explained, "When I brought it ashore, it took a lot of effort just to put it in the net. Several hours have passed, and it's still so lively."
As Lumine described it, an idea flashed in Diluc's mind—an unknown creature, unusual traits. It was reminiscent of the sprites described in the trainer's manual.
Diluc went back to his bedroom, inadvertently waking up the sleeping Bagon. It yawned, showing its two fangs, and stared dully at Diluc.
"You're awake?" Diluc walked over and patted its head.
"Yaa." Bagon spread its tiny hands and gave an energetic roar.
"Let's go." Diluc grabbed the Pokédex, and Bagon jumped onto his shoulder.
Back outside, Diluc scanned the red fish with the Pokédex, and the device spoke up.
"Magikarp—the Fish Pokémon. It can only jump and can't fight, so it is often considered weak. However, it is highly resilient and can survive even in the dirtiest water."
Three question marks floated above Paimon's head.
Lumine shook her head, her golden eyes full of questions.
Diluc crossed his arms. "It's quite complicated to explain. If you're interested, you could visit the sprite shop in Mondstadt."
Lumine looked at the Bagon on Diluc's shoulder—it was both fierce and cute. She couldn't help but ask, "Is it your emergency food?"
Bagon heard this, its eyes tearing up, looking at Diluc.
Diluc lowered his head slightly, gently patting it, "Of course not."
Upon hearing this, Bagon instantly jumped around happily.
Paimon suddenly had an idea. "I get it! It's like a performer with a flag on its back, ready to put on a show..."
Everyone fainted.