Luna wandered through the bustling streets of Mondstadt, her gaze fixed on the cobblestone beneath her feet as her mind swirled with thoughts.
"Uh…" she mumbled absentmindedly, nearly bumping into someone.
"Be careful, Luna. Don't just walk while you're still deep in thought," a familiar voice said gently.
She looked up, startled. "Ah! I'm sorry, Uncle Charles!"
Charles, the ever-reliable bartender from Angel's Share, gave her a reassuring smile. "It's fine. Young people shouldn't think too hard anyway. So, what's bothering you, little Luna?"
Luna hesitated for a moment, then sighed dramatically. "Well, you see, my stinky dad is missing! I couldn't find him at home. Usually, he wakes me up in the morning, but today, he didn't. And when I searched the house, he was nowhere to be found like he just vanished! I even asked everyone around here, but no one saw him!"
Charles stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... so that's why you were lost in thought just now?"
"Not really," Luna admitted with a shrug. "I was actually thinking about what to eat for lunch later. Usually, stinky dad takes me out to eat, but with him missing, I don't have any money."
Charles chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I see." He glanced behind her and noticed something or rather, someone trying to stay hidden in the distance. The figure gestured wildly at Charles, making exaggerated movements as if to say, *Don't tell her I'm here!*
"Well, if little Luna is hungry," Charles said, steering the conversation, "why not go to Angel's Share and ask Master Diluc for help?"
"Can I?" Luna tilted her head, uncertain. "But Dad said I shouldn't bother people too much."
Charles waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, but this time is different," he said, keeping an eye on the suspicious figure still trying to remain unseen.
"Alright then! I'll go find Uncle Diluc," Luna said with newfound goal. She paused, noticing Charles glancing over her shoulder. "Uncle Charles? Who are you looking at?"
"?!" The figure behind her froze, nearly knocking over a crate in their panic.
Charles quickly composed himself. "Nothing. I was just admiring the scenery."
Luna turned to look, her brow furrowing. "Scenery? It's just a building. There's nothing to see there. Uncle, you have weird taste."
Charles laughed nervously. "Hahaha! Perhaps I do. Well, I need to go now. I still have errands to run for Master Diluc."
"Alright, then. Bye-bye, Uncle Charles!" Luna waved before dashing off toward Angel's Share.
Charles watched her disappear down the street before turning to the figure behind the crates. "...She's gone now."
The hidden figure let out a deep sigh of relief, stepping out from the shadows. "Finally."
Charles watched as the figure fully emerged from the shadows, his white hair catching the sunlight briefly. "Hmm? Mr. Lucien? Why were you hiding from your daughter earlier?" he asked, folding his arms with a curious expression.
Lucien let out a light laugh, brushing off the question. "Hahaha, just family matters. Nothing to worry about."
Charles raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Is that so?"
"Oh, right!" Lucien said, snapping his fingers as if remembering something important. "I forgot to give her pocket money earlier. Can you help me deliver this to her?" He pulled a small pouch filled with mora from his coat and handed it to Charles. "Just don't tell her it's from me. Say it was from Diluc."
Charles blinked, confused. "...Alright?"
Lucien grinned, patting Charles on the shoulder. "Yup, that's it. If you don't mind, I need to head out of the city now. Sorry for bothering you."
Charles shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's fine. I don't mind helping. Take care, Mr. Lucien."
"Yeah," Lucien replied, giving him a casual wave as he turned to leave. His figure soon disappeared into the bustling streets of Mondstadt, leaving Charles standing there, the pouch of coins in hand.
Charles sighed to himself, muttering, "What an odd father…" before heading off to find Luna.
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Lucien strolled leisurely along the path outside Mondstadt, the distant silhouette of Dragonspine looming against the horizon. The cool breeze carried the scent of pine, and the rustling of leaves filled the air with a serene rhythm.
"Ah, this scenery really makes me feel alive," Lucien said to himself, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Much better than being stuck inside. No noisy cars honking, no towering buildings... just nature. It's peaceful."
He paused for a moment, looking around. "Hmm... where was that pod again? Was it this direction?" He glanced toward Dragonspine and nodded to himself.
As he continued down the path, he furrowed his brows, a faint sense of unease creeping in. "I feel like I'm forgetting something... but what?" He shrugged. "Maybe it's nothing."
A small chuckle escaped his lips as he stepped over a fallen branch. "To be honest, I never expected to end up in Teyvat the world from Genshin Impact. It's surreal, living in a place I used to explore in a game. And it's quite refreshing. No endless traffic, no constant noise. Just pure, untouched nature. Though..." His smile faltered slightly. "...the downside is no phone. No game to play, no novels, no fanfics to read. It's getting boring sometimes."
He stopped and gazed at the horizon, his expression softening. "But I'm glad I have Luna. My cute daughter helps me escape the boredom." He laughed quietly to himself before continuing his slow walk.
The sky began to shift into shades of orange and purple as night approached. Lucien glanced upward, noting the time. "Hmm... it's almost night already. I should've run straight to Dragonspine instead of walking so slowly. Or maybe I should've taken a ride from the merchant earlier..."
He sighed, continuing to mumble to himself. "Gun, gun... Gun? Wait... *Gun?!*" His eyes widened as he suddenly remembered. "Ah! Oh no! I promised Luna I'd give her the weapon today!"
Lucien froze, clutching his forehead in frustration. "Urgh, how could I forget? I was supposed to give her the gun today as part of that promise." He turned on his heel, already heading back the way he came.
"I need to get back to the city. I'll sneak into the house, leave the gun with a note, and disappear before she gets home!" He nodded firmly, picking up his pace. "Yes, that's the plan. I just hope she's not home yet..." Lucien sprinted back toward Mondstadt city.
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The door to Angel's Share creaked open as Luna bounded in, her energy never seeming to fade. "Uncle Diluc, I'm here!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Diluc looked up from his work behind the bar, raising an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
Luna dashed over, her stomach growling loudly. "You see, Uncle, I'm—" She was interrupted by another growl from her stomach.
"I see," Diluc said with a small smile. "Come, take a seat. I'll prepare you some lunch."
"Really?!" Luna's face lit up. But then, her expression fell slightly as she remembered. "Wait, Uncle Diluc, I don't have any mora on me right now... ahhh! It's stinky dad's fault for disappearing!" She crossed her arms, pouting.
Diluc chuckled, his usual calm demeanor unshaken. "Hahaha, it's fine. I'll put the bill on his name."
Luna's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Hehehe, then I'll have *a lot* of food, and I'll put it all on my dad's tab! Just think about the look on his face when he sees the bill later—it'll be totally worth it!"
Diluc raised an eyebrow, considering her request. "All of this? I think it's too much for you, Luna. Don't waste food."
Luna shook her head vigorously. "No, no, no! You've got it wrong, Uncle Diluc! Me and dad are from the Kaslana family! We have big appetites and stomachs. This portion is nothing! So don't worry!"
Diluc sighed, shaking his head. "Suit yourself."
"Great! Then I'll wait for the food!" Luna cheered, practically bouncing in her seat.
Just then, the door to the bar swung open again, and Charles entered, carrying a small pouch in his hands. "Master Diluc, the errand is complete."
Diluc nodded, acknowledging Charles. "Um, you can help me prepare the dishes for Luna, then."
Charles bowed slightly. "Understood."
Luna waved at Charles, grinning. "Hello, Uncle Charles!"
Charles returned the greeting with a smile. "Hello, Luna. Oh, and here's the pocket money that Master Diluc wanted to give you." He handed her the pouch, which Luna eagerly took.
Diluc blinked in confusion, raising an eyebrow. "???"
Luna, however, sniffed the pouch and froze. "Huh? Really? Thank you wait, this smell..." She sniffed the pouch again, then grinned. "It's the stinky dad smell! You met him just now, Uncle Charles! Where is he now? I'm going to find him!"
Charles blinked, caught off guard. 'Are you a dog or what?' he thought to himself, but kept his expression neutral. "You two, father and daughter, really do act out of the box."
Luna giggled. "Hehehe, thanks for the compliment! But that's not the answer I wanted! Where did you meet stinky dad, Uncle Charles?"
Charles hesitated, his eyes darting nervously. "Ummm..."
Diluc sighed, rubbing his temples. "Just tell her."
Charles sighed in resignation. "You see, even if I tell you, your dad is already far from the city right now."
"Far? How far?" Luna's eyes widened, her excitement shifting to concern.
"He's outside the city, and I don't think he'll be back anytime soon," Charles explained. "So I suggest you not rush to find him. It might be dangerous to go out alone."
"Really?" Luna's shoulders slumped as she absorbed the information.
"Yeah," Charles continued, giving her a gentle look. "And you don't want your dad to worry about you, right?"
Luna thought for a moment, her brows furrowing. "Um, that's true... but if he cares about me, then why did he suddenly disappear? Aaaa, so hateful! When I find him, I'm going to beat him! I promise, on my name and the Kaslana family!"
Diluc watched the entire exchange with a sigh, shaking his head. "They really do act the same," he muttered, rubbing his forehead.
A few moments later, Diluc approached Luna's table, carefully balancing a tray filled with a variety of dishes. "Here's the food you ordered earlier," he said, setting the plates down in front of her.
Luna's eyes widened as she saw the spread. "Woah!! It's so much!!"
Diluc crossed his arms, his expression stern but calm. "Sigh… Just make sure you finish it. Or else…"
Luna tilted her head, pausing mid-reach. "Huh? Or else what?"
Diluc leaned slightly closer, his voice low and serious. "I'll let Lisa come and help you."
Luna froze, her eyes wide with horror. "?! No! I don't want to meet that scary purple witch!"
Diluc sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Didn't I remind you this morning not to give people weird names?"
"But it's true!" Luna insisted, puffing her cheeks.
"Just eat," Diluc said, shaking his head. "If you need anything else, tell Charles at the counter. I have something to take care of outside."
"*Nom nom nom*," Luna mumbled, already diving into her meal with enthusiasm.
Diluc glanced at her, then turned to leave, sighing quietly to himself. 'I've sighed more times since this weird family came to Mondstadt than I have in the past year.'
He walked over to Charles, who was busy organizing bottles behind the bar. "Charles, take care of the store while I'm gone."
Charles nodded. "Understood, Master Diluc."
With a brief hum of acknowledgment, Diluc turned and left Angel's Share.
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A commotion stirred near the gates of Mondstadt, catching Diluc's attention as he walked through the city.
"A thief!" a knight of Favonius shouted, running toward him.
Diluc stopped, his sharp gaze settling on the knight. "A thief, you said?" he asked, his voice calm but firm as he approached hurriedly.
"Yes, Master Diluc!" the knight responded, saluting. "I saw a man wearing a hood come straight through the gates and leap into the window of that house." He pointed toward a modest building nearby.
Diluc followed the direction of the knight's finger, his expression flickering for a brief moment. "That house?"
"Yes, Master Diluc!"
A look of realization crossed Diluc's face as if he understood immediately who the "thief" was. He let out a small sigh. "Ah, it's fine," he said, his tone casual. "It's just the owner of the house. I know him, so there's no need to worry."
The knight hesitated. "But—"
"It's fine," Diluc interrupted, his commanding tone leaving no room for argument. "You can return to your duties. I'll meet with my old friend to say a few words."
The knight straightened, giving a respectful salute. "Understood, Master Diluc. I will take my leave now."
As the knight departed, Diluc turned toward the house, his expression unreadable. 'Lucien, what are you up to now?' he thought as he walked toward the building.
Diluc stood outside the door, his knuckles rapping firmly against it. "*Knock, knock* "
He waited a moment, then knocked again, his patience thinning. "You better open the door, Lucien, or else I'll call your daughter here," he said, his voice sharp.
Inside the house, there was a loud clatter, followed by hurried footsteps. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal a slightly disheveled Lucien.
"What is it, Diluc?" Lucien asked, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably under the piercing gaze of the red-haired man.
Diluc raised an eyebrow, his arms crossing over his chest. "What are you up to now?"
Lucien blinked, feigning confusion. "Huh? What do you mean by that?"
Diluc's gaze sharpened, silently demanding an honest answer.
"Hey!" Lucien raised his hands defensively. "I didn't do anything!"
"Then why were you in such a hurry, acting like you were breaking into your own house? If I hadn't stopped the knight from investigating, they might've alerted your daughter. And then Luna would have found you," Diluc pointed out, his tone steady but stern.
Lucien winced, rubbing the back of his neck. "Urgh, well, my bad. But I really wasn't plotting anything."
Diluc continued to stare at him, unconvinced.
Lucien sighed, throwing his hands up. "Fine, I was in a hurry because I remembered something important. Today's the day I promised Luna I'd give her this." He stepped aside to reveal a sleek, futuristic-looking gun resting on a nearby table.
Diluc's eyes narrowed as he studied the weapon. "A gun?"
Lucien nodded proudly, picking it up to show off its polished design. "Hey, don't look at it like that. Just because it looks good and cool doesn't mean it can't shoot. In fact, this kind of gun hasn't even been created in this world yet. This is one of a kind!"
Diluc remained silent, his expression skeptical.
Lucien grinned confidently, then muttered to himself, "Well, unless someone gets their hands on it and tries to recreate it… but I doubt they can." He added silently in his mind, 'Because there's no Honkai energy in this world yet.'
Diluc frowned slightly but chose not to press further. "You and your strange inventions. Just make sure Luna doesn't hurt herself with it."
"Of course!" Lucien said, waving off Diluc's concern. "It's perfectly safe… for her, at least."
Diluc sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not sure whether to call you reckless or a genius."
Lucien smirked. "Why not both?"
Lucien look at Diluc, who remained silent with an unimpressed look. "Alright, alright," Lucien muttered, waving him off. "Anyway, I need to finish writing this note for Luna before she comes back home."
Diluc let out a faint sigh and turned to leave. "Hmmm, then I'll take my leave."
"Alright, see you later!" Lucien replied, shutting the door in Diluc's face without a second thought.
Diluc stood there for a moment, blinking at the closed door. "How rude," he muttered under his breath.
"Oh? Is that you, brother?" a familiar, teasing voice called from behind him.
Diluc stiffened, turning to see Kaeya strolling up to him with his signature smirk. "Uh," Diluc muttered, not bothering to hide his annoyance.
Kaeya tilted his head in mock hurt. "Hey, it hurts my feelings when you react like that, you know."
Diluc sighed, clearly not in the mood for Kaeya's antics. "What is it, Kaeya?"
"Well," Kaeya began, crossing his arms lazily, "I heard from the knights that there was a suspicious person around here. And now that I'm here, I can guess why it's that Lucien fellow, right?"
Diluc gave a brief nod.
Kaeya chuckled. "As expected. So, what's he up to now?"
Diluc turned to glance back at the house briefly. "Writing a note for his daughter," he said simply, then resumed walking away.
Kaeya raised an eyebrow, watching his brother's retreating figure. "I see. Well, then, I'll continue doing my duty. Good bye, brother."
Diluc raised a hand in acknowledgment without looking back. "Hmmm," he replied curtly, leaving Kaeya behind.
(A/N: I plan to post this chapter tomorrow but hmm i think maybe i should post 1 more chapter today. also this chapter is almost 3k word)