Chapter Text
“Jean.”
The red-haired man spoke. His voice was hoarse, an unnecessary formality shielding his relief. Despite the three years that have passed since they had seen each other, Jean seemed to have not changed, besides the subtle dark circles under her eyes.
“Diluc."
She gasped, her lips parting for a moment.
Almost immediately, she rose from her seat, gesturing to the seat in front of her.
"Please, sit. We must catch up. Would you like some tea?"
She gestured to her teapot that sat on her desk. It was decorated with various purple flowers.
Diluc nodded, silently taking a seat on the lush chair opposing her.
He watched as she delicately poured out two cups of tea, encased in a porcelain cup similar to the teapot.
She passed it to him.
Gratefully, he accepted.
He took a sip, the calming aroma of dandelion coating his senses.
“How has it been?”
He asked, looking at the blonde woman.
“It’s been going quite well, actually. Of course, Varka's workload is a difficult change, but I can manage."
Diluc hummed. He had a certain question in mind but was unsure of how to breach the topic to Jean.
“There are a lot of new faces in the knights, I’m assuming you’ve seen them already.”
“Yes… there was… Eula? From the Lawrence Clan?”
“Ah, right she…” Jean coughed.
“She’s been a good asset.”
Jean swirled her cup.
"It was quite a surprise. We both know of the ... attitude that the Lawrence Clan has in regards to the knights. However, if she's been doing a good job, then I suppose there's no issue."
Jean hummed, agreeing with Diluc's statement.
She swirls her cup.
“Although, I must say, no one quite matches your abilities as a Cavalry Captain, though Noelle is doing a fine job.”
Diluc raises an eyebrow,
“Noelle? As in the young maid?”
Smiling, Jean looks to the other desk in the room.
“She’s come quite a long way.”
Diluc nodded, but his brows were furrowed.
“Diluc? Is there an issue?”
Jean, ever so caring, manages to pick up on his switch in attitude.
He stared down into his cup.
“Sorry, I just… I would’ve expected Kaeya to be the one to take up that title.”
Jean paused.
She sighed, placing the teacup down on the saucer.
“That was the plan, but…”
“But?”
She seemed hesitant, opening her bottom drawer to retrieve something.
Diluc slowly came to realize that it was a badge.
Kaeya’s badge.
He stared down into her palm, the dusted golden sheen seemed like a warning.
“He left.”