Draconic Impact Chapter 20

Edited by: Priapus

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– Crimson –

I take a deep breath and stretch my arms once I open the windows of my room, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze on my skin. Truly, nothing beats a nice, comfortable, and uninterrupted nap. Few things can match this type of pleasure.

No painful headaches to agonize over and no responsibilities to worry about. For now. It could take weeks, months, or even years, but I’m certain this fun will end soon, so I’ll enjoy it as much as possible.

However, even with that thought in mind, I can’t bring myself to schedule a party, which is odd because I love parties. Though, I get enough of them back home, and I doubt the vibe would be too different if I made one here. After all, I always make them as grandiose and loud as possible with all the technology and magic tricks I can think of.

But I’ve already done it—countless times. Even if there were nothing to celebrate, I’d just throw one for the hell of it. Maybe that’s why I’m not in such a hurry to do such a thing anymore. Every day here has been different.

Taking in the fresh air, mixed with the pleasant smells of freshly made bread from the nearby bakery, I silently observe the civilians preparing for the day. I wonder what Carmine’s world is like. I think she would like it here.

I haven’t spent enough time in Teyvat to say, but perhaps I may finally understand the appeal of the quiet life. Relative to what I’m used to, at least. I hope this magic lasts for more years—hopefully even a few centuries.

Some of the neighbors see me and wave with a smile, prompting me to do the same. Yes, this is nice. I’m not particularly used to people not recognizing me— My name has spread fear across innumerable universes. I’ve destroyed almost as many worlds as I’ve aided, after all.

But even with a reputation as bloody and violent as the ‘Juggernaut of Heaven’, I was adored within my home world. I used to spend a lot of time with the clan members and the civilians in my mother’s city in my youth. Sometimes, I would even help them with their silly errands when I felt like it.

People living under the clan never truly feared me, even knowing how powerful and fierce I was to my enemies. Instead, they loved and respected me deeply. So much that everyone would think of me as their friend. I don’t mind it. People bowing or kneeling in my presence every few seconds of walking can get annoying.

Besides, my mother made it clear to me, my sister, and every other old guard in the clan that treating our subordinates and civilians respectfully is required to keep our positions and isn’t optional. She herself thought that rule also applied to her since she used to drink with some of the locals. After all, happy workers are good workers.

…For a clan of vicious, raging conquerors, we sure cared for our own very well. Even though the higher-ups are total lunatics – Mother included – not one city or kingdom under our rule suffered from tyranny or had even a trace of corruption.

Still, being relatively unknown has its benefits. Not being dragged into the nearest arcade or challenged to a game of poker or mahjong every time I go outside is great, too. Ah, but those were the days. I really was far more energetic when I was young. Good times.

“Then again…” I mumble to myself as Eula comes to mind. “This happens here as well.”

But that’s enough reminiscing about the past and being wistful.

As I walk away from the window and to the door, my watch vibrates, and I smile once I see the notification. Ah, so Carmine finished with the notebook already? I thought it would take her the rest of today, at least. That was fast. Maybe she enjoyed the food very much.

I accept the request, causing the notebook to materialize in my hand. I flip through the pages and skim through it, noting that it is highly detailed with the drawn male and female anatomy of our human form, dragon form, and the form between them. That perfectionist…

Carmine isn’t one to half-ass anything. Though, I think this is her way of saying, ‘I want extra’. Heh, fine. I don’t know if her world doesn’t have food that’s as good as mine, but she deserves it anyway.

I suppose I know what I should be doing first. I’ll hand this to Sucrose, then head out for my daily commissions. How am I supposed to accomplish that, though? Heading directly to the Knight’s HQ would violate the deal I have with Lisa because that’s too blatant of a move to be able to hide behind technicalities, and frankly, even though she’s so far beneath me, she might as well be an insect, I would hate doing such a thing.

I would stand for nothing if I broke my promises and contracts.

Perhaps I could ask Mona to give it to her. From what I’ve noticed, the knights respect the voyeur very much. And although she lives with me, I doubt they’d try to tail someone like her or accuse her of anything. It would also save me time, even if I enjoy Sucrose’s presence.

And maybe after I finish my work for today, I can get a nice drink and see what Diona is up to. After her silly escapade and nearly being caught by Lumine, she didn’t do anything else. I wonder if she realized what she was doing and now feels intimidated.

Perhaps she needs a little confidence boost—a push in the right direction if that's the case. I can’t have her giving up so easily; that’d be too boring.

I stretch my limbs one last time before opening the door, pausing as I see Mona and an unfamiliar face. A girl with light gray hair and green eyes wearing an armored combat dress and a headdress very similar to what a maid would have.

So there was a maid service? That’s convenient. I did look around to see if there was something like that, but I came up with nothing. Perhaps she’s independent? She does have a vision strapped on her dress.

The girl, who is in the middle of sweeping the floor, stops and bows deeply.

“Good morning, sir.” She says, a little enthusiastically. “Mr. Crimson, right? My name is Noelle, maid of the Knights of Favonius. Ms. Mona invited me. I hope you don’t mind my intrusion.”

Ah, that explains why I didn’t find anything. She’s part of the knights. I don’t know if it’s smart to have one of them sniffing around my home, but I don’t particularly have anything important I’m hiding here.

Besides, she’s cute.

“You did?” I blink, looking at Mona, bemused.

“Both of us are too busy to clean or tidy up the place.” She says. “So I thought I’d get someone to do it for us.”

“I suppose,” I respond, crossing my arms. “I’m more interested to know how you’d be paying her. Weren’t you having financial problems?”

Because if she’s counting on me, I’m not paying for it. Not on short notice like this. Had she informed me beforehand, then I would’ve gladly agreed. It’s incredibly rude otherwise.

Mona winces as a mixture of shame and annoyance crosses her face. However, before she answers, the maid girl speaks.

“Oh no, I require no pay at all.” She says with a smile.

“Is that so?” I raise a brow.

“Indeed.” She nods. “Ms. Mona is a prestigious mage known across all of Teyvat, and she asked for me by name. It’d be my utmost honor to help.”

She would look very suspicious if she didn’t seem so gullible. I don’t sense even a sliver of ill intent from her, so she’s being truthful. I thought, being a knight herself, she would be aware of my reputation within the knights. Then again, the same could be said for Amber, and she didn’t care much. Frankly, the only two who are worried about me are Lisa and Jean, the former less so as she’s more concerned about her friend than me being an active threat.

Speaking of, I shouldn’t let her catch me again until the next week. Though, honestly, with or without my involvement, Jean looked like she was going crazy regardless. So maybe I should actively seek out Lisa instead.

I feel slightly bad that I haven’t answered her questions yet. I’m sure she’s dying to know more about the universe. Or whatever she’s interested in.

“I see. Well, if you insist, I suppose I can’t stop you. Hopefully, the knights won’t mind it.” I give her a polite smile. “Your help is greatly appreciated.”

“Of course. I’m always happy to help.”

Yes, and I will make sure of it. Seeing that I have none of my subordinates around, I need a personal maid to take care of this place once I travel to a different region. And as I said, happy workers are good workers.

I’m sure the knights don’t need her. They probably have more anyway, so why not share the goodwill around?

“I should be going now,” I say. “I’m only one trial away from reaching rank thirty.”

“Already?” Mona raised a brow. “Impressive.”

“I have experience in the monster-hunting field.” I shrug, then pause as I remember something. “Ah, by the way, could you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Could you hand this to Sucrose?” I give her the notebook.

“Sure.” She furrows her brows as she flips through the pages. It's rude to do this in front of me, but I respect it. “What’s this?”

“A book detailing my physiology,” I answer. “You may read it if you wish. As long as you give it to Sucrose once you’re done.”

“Ah, for sure.” Mona nods with a smile. “I’ll do so at once. After a nap.”

Of course.

“I’ll leave you to it, then.” I wave at her, opening the front door. “I will see you later tonight.”

Mona waves back as Noelle bows respectfully as I leave the house.

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– Eula –

“I already told you to leave me.” Eula gritted out, her patience running thin. “You said enough last night. I don’t want to hear anymore. Don’t you have a scouting assignment to do?”

“Eula, please just listen to me.” Amber tried desperately to keep up with her pace as they patrolled the city. “I-I know I shouldn’t have done what I did–”

Ah, yes, what she did. She made it sound like she was overreacting when, in reality, her so-called best friend went behind her back and betrayed her so she could spend time with that… that scoundrel!

How could she do such a thing? Eulahad trusted her, only for her to try to undermine her efforts in beating a powerful adversary, denying her the satisfaction of regaining her honor after her humiliating defeat. Did she not realize how shameful that was to a warrior like her?

Had she somehow succeeded, then Eula didn’t know how she would recover. Victory over someone trying to lose on purpose wasn’t a victory. A shallow one at best. It would’ve left her feeling incredibly hollow like this whole thing was pointless.

Not only that, but then she’d try to act like they were friends. What, was Eula so easily replaced? Did Amber just play nice the entire time? After all those years, all the battles they’d had together… only for her to be so easily forgotten.

It wasn’t Amber’s place to apologize on her behalf, either. Who did she think she was? And did she not know who Eula was? Perseverance was a virtue, not something to apologize for. Even Crimson said he liked that about her with his ‘liking stubborn women’ comment.  That didn’t get her heart pounding, by the way, nor did it make her feel all warm and giddy inside. Actually, it made her feel repulsed. He should be ashamed for saying a lie like that.

She didn’t like it. In fact, it almost made her sick from how much blood rushed to her face. In anger, of course.

Anyway, why did Crimson look so happy when he was talking to her? Didn’t he say he enjoyed their duels? That lying, two-faced bastard. She knew he was only saying things without meaning them, just like Amber and everyone else.

To think he’d go as far as to continue lying even though she wasn’t there. To say something as stupid as her not being honest with her emotions. What did he even know about her? Nothing, that’s what. He should die in a ditch somewhere.

And now that Eula had caught them in the act, Amber was trying to justify her actions by saying stuff like ‘I did it for you’ or ‘It was wrong of me. Please forgive me’. Hah! What a joke! Had Jean been only a little bit stricter, then she would’ve jailed this idiot for treason. If anything, had it been in Eula’s hand, she would’ve done it herself.

Then, after she was done with her, she would defeat Crimson for real, prove that she didn’t need anyone’s help, and kick him out of Mondstadt herself.

“If you knew, you wouldn’t have done it in the first place.” Eula cut her off. “You’re just acting like you’re sad because I caught you.”

“That’s not it.” Amber denied her accusation. “I just wanted to help you.”

“Well, you didn’t.”

“I know!” She said. “That’s why I’m saying sorry!”

“Mhm, I’m sure you mean it,” Eula said, trying to put on a brave and stoic front. “I can’t believe I trusted you.”

“Eula, please don’t say that,” Amber said with a quiet, guilty tone. “I know I hurt you, but I–”

“I don’t care what you have to say for yourself.” The Spindrift Knight said coldly, turning around to face her. “So if you’re done rambling, leave me alone. I’m getting sick of your nonsense.”

To her surprise, Amber didn’t persist anymore. Instead, after a long and silent pause, she started tearing up. Eula, having not expected this response, dropped the annoyed scowl, feeling the guilt creeping up almost immediately after her harsh words.

Amber wiped her tears, turned around, and walked away without another word. This nearly prompted Eula to stop her, feeling the need to apologize now that she fully realized that her words were misplaced. If Amber had been lying, she wouldn’t have reacted this way.

She stammered, trying to tell her to wait, but no words would come out. Instead, she just stood there and watched her best friend leave her alone, as per Eula’s own request. She felt her heart twist uncomfortably, now feeling that she had just made a big mistake out of impulse and stupidity.

But, with Eula being her usual, prideful self, she refused to acknowledge it and put on a front, showing a satisfied smirk that even a child could tell was fake. But it definitely wasn’t. Of course not. It was as real as her pride in her nobility.

Finally, she got rid of that faker. Eula didn’t need friends, real or fake. She had everything she needed right here. Herself. That was it. She wasn’t so weak as to need or want something like ‘friends’. That was stupid.

The only person you should ever trust is yourself. Indeed. She truly believed that. A real knight didn’t need silly things like ‘friends’. Plus, you couldn’t make friends with those who aren’t equal to you anyway.

“I-I never needed you or your help anyway.” She said, not knowing who she was trying to convince. “To try to undermine my efforts… You should be thankful I didn’t do worse.”

“Worse than what?”

Eula flinched and let out a startled yelp, turning around to see Crimson looking at her with his infuriatingly smug smile. She scowled, pulling out her blade out and pointing it at him of instinct at this point.

“How dare you sneak up on me like this?” She said. “Vengeance will be mine!”

“Relax. I saw you standing in the middle of the road and thought I’d say hi.” He explained. “Though, I suppose you won’t let me leave unless you have your way with me.”

“D-don’t make it sound so weird!” Eula blushed.

“Hm?” He blinked in confusion. His grin then suddenly widened. “Oh, how naughty of you. That didn’t even cross my mind, y’know?”

She said nothing, however red her face had become.

“Though, if you’re fine with me, it would be an honor.” He added with a gentlemanly bow, embarrassing her further. “With a lady as enchanting as you are, it’s nothing less than a privilege.”

“A-as if!” Eula scoffed with a slightly higher tone than usual, her heart skipping a beat. “I’ve had enough of your nonsense. I will defeat you this time.”

“Of course.” He chuckled. “But if I win, how about a few drinks? I’d be happy to hear you out.”

This made her pause in confusion.

“What? What does that mean?”

“Well, you looked a little upset before I approached you.” He clarified. “I thought I’d ask if anything was wrong. Did something happen?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“It is if I win.” He winked.

Eula clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Fine.” She accepted his terms. “If you win. And you won’t.”

Honestly, everything was his fault. Everything would return to how it used to be when she got rid of him. No more would she have to concern herself with this filth.

If only he had never stepped a foot in Mondstadt…

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– Crimson –

“How could she do that to me?!” Eula slurred, slamming the now empty mug on the table between us. “I thought we were friends!”

As usual, she lost the duel because I didn’t want to give her the win just yet, under the pretense that her thoughts distracted her, so the loss didn’t sting as much. However, getting her to follow through with my demand took some convincing this time. She tried to bargain with me, too, as if she was actively avoiding alcohol.

I got her to change her mind when I offered to pay for everything, even her favorite snacks. Either she didn’t trust me enough to drink in my presence, or she simply didn’t trust herself not to do something stupid while drunk. I wouldn’t hold it against her if it’s the latter, though. I do that, too. Everyone does.

But imagine my surprise when she turned out to be a lightweight. At the same time, she’s more enduring than I expected. Her first drink might’ve gotten her inebriated, but this is her sixth mug now. It’s impressive.

“I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding, Ms. Lawrence,” I respond, trying to mediate the situation. “I can tell that Amber did not mean to hurt you in any way.”

I’m used to hearing people pouring their hearts out, from clan members complaining about Management being too strict – They are right. Fuck Management. – to even normal civilian friends grumbling about their day-to-day lives. I’ve been told I’m a good listener before, and I’d often help them because why not?

Though I’ll admit, I would feel a little guilty if I was responsible for their friendship collapsing. They’re both too sweet for me to do be doing that. If I can mend their relationship, I might as well do that. No skin off my back.

Besides, it’ll get me closer to the two of them, even if I feel sympathetic to Eula’s case, as funny as it is. Amber is the only friend she has, apparently. Hilarious and depressing.

“And why would I believe you, huh?!” She snaps at me, face flushed. “I bet you’re in on this! You just want to see me suffer!”

“Why would I want that?” I ask curiously. “Why would anyone, for that matter?”

“What, you need me to-hic-to spill it out for you?” She scowls before glancing down, looking ashamed as her tone of voice gets quieter and lower. “...I’m a Lawrence.”

“And I’m supposed to care?” I raise a brow, giving her a smile. “I come from a different plane of existence. I have no grievances with your family. I told you before, didn’t I? I care about you, and I’m sure Amber feels that way as well.”

“Like I’d believe something like that.” She scoffs, gazing to the side. “Waitress. Refill my drink.”

A look of annoyance flashes across the waitress’s face, but she obliges, picking up the empty mug. Yes, her rude and demanding attitude is a little infuriating, but I suppose I can understand her. Being so utterly despised 24/7 can be mentally taxing to your average person.

It’s no wonder she’s so closed up. Even if she knows her best friend is one of a kind, some doubts are still there, as is natural. It’s only human to feel that way.

“Oh, I think you do believe it.” I disagree. “You know full well that Amber likes you for you. But you refuse to acknowledge it. Because it’s easier than having to confront your emotions.”

Eula flinches at the accuracy of my comment.

“T-that’s not true. Shut up.” She growls. “You don’t know anything. You’re just saying things.”

Hmm, might have to change my approach a little.

“Tell me,” I say. “How long have you known Amber for?”

“What’s it matter to you?”

“You lost the duel,” I say, giving her a cheeky smile. “Or are you saying you won’t honor our agreement?”

Eula’s jaw clenches, gritting her teeth in annoyance before relenting.

“...Three years.”

“And in those three years, not once did she show a hint of deceit?” I ask. “Not in the way she acted or spoke? Do you truly believe Amber, of all people, is capable of such a thing?”

Once again, Eula flinches, knowing how absurd the thought is. Still, a woman as prideful as she is refuses to acknowledge that she is wrong. A look of guilt makes her pause for a second before an angered sneer replaces it.

“So what if I do?” She says, grabbing the mug as soon as the waitress puts it in front of her. “She only slipped because you showed up. Nobody expected some-hic-some dragon to visit us out of nowhere.”

“And what purpose would she have from doing such a thing?” I add. “You two are already part of the same organization. To top it all off, you’re her superior. Why would she hide anything from you?”

She says nothing and chugs the mug like there’s no tomorrow, downing it in mere seconds before slamming it on the table again. Eula wipes the foam off her mouth with her sleeve, becoming visibly more exhausted and drunk but just sober enough to hear and understand what I’m saying.

“Are you saying it’s for the sole purpose of torturing you?” I continue asking. “Is that truly what you believe? All of this just to torment the Lawrence, who is clearly trying her hardest to protect the city she loves?”

“Yes!” She says loudly. “What if I believe that?!”

“Then you would be a liar,” I respond simply. “Or am I wrong?”

Eula says nothing. She doesn’t deny it, and her silence all but confirms it.

“But you don’t believe it.” I shake my head. “We both know you love her. Amber is the first person you’ve ever considered a friend in a kingdom where most despise you and your family, is she not?”

Again, she says nothing, but her angry facade falls apart in real time.

“I understand that a proud warrior like you found it shameful how she got in the way of your battles. I would certainly feel frustrated as well if it happened to me. It’s natural.” I say. “But she already apologized, didn’t she? To let something destroy such a beautiful friendship… From my perspective, I think it’s sad.”

She keeps listening, almost as if she’s becoming more and more convinced with every word I utter. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol that’s making her more agreeable, but it’s working in my favor. As well as hers, to be frank.

“You have to be honest with yourself, Ms. Lawrence. Before anyone else.” I advise her softly. “You can pretend you’re just fine on your own, act like you don’t need anyone, and that this is merely the hand fate dealt you. But deep down, I know that’s not the case. You value Amber just as much as she values you.”

“Why do you even care so much?” She questions, dropping her brave front with a vulnerable look. “What’s it to you? You’re a nobody.”

“To you, that may be so, but I like you and Amber,” I say truthfully. They are fun.

“Why?” She asks, confused. “I’ve only ever been mean to you. I’ve treated you like you’re garbage. What did I ever do that made you like me?”

“Well, when I first saw you, I saw someone misunderstood. Someone with a lot of baggage— a painful childhood.” I lie. I’m not a psychic, I didn’t know anything about her family until recently. “A kindred spirit, you might say.”

“You too, huh…” She muttered to herself somberly, a flash of sympathy crossing her face.

Well, yes, I also had a rough childhood, but for completely different reasons.

“Besides, my mother made it very clear to me that I am to treat ladies with as much respect as possible.”

‘Be nice to everyone, even those lower than you. Unless they’re acting like a complete bitch for no reason. Then you are encouraged, but not required, to beat the shit out of them.’ is the full quote, but Eula doesn’t need to know that.

Thankfully, and to my surprise, this makes her giggle.

“You say that only for you to drive Jean further into insanity.”

“You know it’s mostly her fault.” I shrug, feeling like pushing my luck. “I’m not even doing anything right now. Simply having a drink with a friend.”

My gamble pays off as, unlike last time, Eula simply blushes with none of her earlier aggressiveness present. Her smile drops, however, replaced by a sad frown.

“...She probably hates me now.” She suddenly says, resting her head on the table.

“I won’t lie to you, what you said likely hurt her feelings.” I nod. “But you can still salvage this.”

“How?” She looks at me almost pleadingly.

“Apologize.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“You’d be surprised.” I insist. “Someone as kind as Amber would forgive you at the drop of a hat.”

She says nothing for a moment, hesitant enough not to believe me immediately but not so hopeless as to disregard my advice without a second thought. Eula seems much more passive now after her little rant. Also a little drowsy from the looks of it.

Thankfully, she is still sober enough to probably remember everything I said. Whether she listens to me or not is her choice, but she should be more grateful to me after this. Depending on how she reacts later, I might have to begin the next phase of my plan.

Heh, that thought makes me feel like some mastermind when I’m not. Still, I do hope she takes my advice to heart. Would be a shame otherwise.

After a moment of silence, Eula speaks again.

“...I want another drink.”

“Of course.” I chuckle.

You know, I think I would be an excellent therapist.

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– Mona –

Truly, getting someone else to do the housework for them was nothing short of a stroke of genius, Mona thought. Crimson was almost always outside doing adventurer work while she was too busy with her research and projects.

Obviously, she could always simply take some time off her day to do chores on her own, which is what your typical adult should be doing anyway, but frankly, Mona didn’t trust herself. She knew she’d be too distracted, and things would continue to pile up until it was impossible to do on her own.

That’s why having someone so ready and eager to help would be the perfect solution. No one like Noelle existed when it came to simple house chores, from taking out the trash to doing laundry. After all, she was called the maid of all maids for a reason.

Of course, Mona did feel bad for having her do all this for free, but even forcing Noelle to accept money wouldn’t work. She’d spend it all on gifts she could give back because that girl takes the code of the knights way too damn far.

Still, she felt like giving at least something back. Perhaps she should try to convince Jean to make her an official knight because while the girl wasn’t very experienced, her heart was made of gold. She most definitely deserved it.

You couldn’t expect her to grow without messing up every once in a while. Maybe making her a direct subordinate of Kaeya or Eula would help keep her safe, even though she was an incredibly powerful geo vision wielder.

However, the main problem wasn’t her lack of combat skills. It’s her incredible gullibility.

It’s about time I left. She said, closing the notebook.

She knew she should probably do this now before she got too focused on her research because, as interesting as Crimson’s physiology is, she knew it was missing some things. It’s purely about biology, so it’s only natural that it didn’t say anything about how he was connected to astrology and how the stars seemingly refused to give her information about him.

Even the magic in his genes had nothing to do with the above celestial bodies. It was purely draconic, as the notebook said. His brand of draconic magic was very potent and versatile, enough to affect and interact with every type of energy she knew of, but it still wasn’t what she’d specialized in since her childhood; thus, wasn’t that fascinating.

…She found their ability to breed with different species intriguing, though.

But she was getting distracted now. Now that Mona was awake, she needed to hand this to Sucrose. Then, she could go back to her precious research. Or, if she was lucky, have another conversation with Crimson. His intricate knowledge of the cosmos would greatly help her improve her astrology skills.

Mona glanced at the living room that almost glimmered, smiling at the tidiness and cleanliness. That Noelle was one of a kind. With such enthusiasm, she could probably make a very successful business.

She put the notebook in her bag and walked out of the house, locking it behind her just in case. A few minutes into her half an hour walk to the Knights of Favonius HQ, she nearly bumped into her housemate after taking a sharp turn, blinking a few times.

Immediately, she noticed the passed-out Eula in his arms; the knight’s face flushed as both she and Crimson reeked of booze.

“Ah, Mona. You’re awake.” Crimson said as she realized that he was completely sober regardless of the stench. “What are the odds, running into you here.”

“Fate works in mysterious ways.” She responded, glancing at Eula. “And I see Miss Knight here had more than she could handle.”

“Heh, she had a bad day and needed someone to hear her out.” He shrugged. “And seeing most couldn’t stand her, I thought I’d lend her a shoulder to cry on.”

“You’re considerate.” Mona smiled approvingly.

“Of course. I pride myself in being a gentleman.”

When you’re not railing Lisa maybe. She thought in exasperation and slight embarrassment. Honestly, to say that with a straight face even knowing I heard everything…

The man was shameless, but Mona wasn’t sure if that was bad. Saying anything would make her a hypocrite, though, seeing how she would’ve begged him to do the same and destroy her holes had she been a lesser woman.

“I suppose you’re taking her to the knights?” She asked, trying to ignore those thoughts.

“Indeed.” He nodded, looking at her softly. “I only hope the hangover isn’t too terrible on her. She drank quite a lot.”

He’s so nice… She thought to herself.

Because the Lawrence name aside, Eula could get irritatingly disrespectful. And with the knights' apparent animosity towards Crimson, It was strange to her that he was even drinking with her in the first place. If it was her, Mona would’ve just left Mondstadt and gone to Fontaine or something.

“Well, I would accompany you there if you’d like.” She offered, leaning closer to him to whisper, not wanting the pesky knights following Crimson to hear anything. “I still haven’t given Sucrose your ‘message’, after all.”

“It would be my pleasure.” Crimson smiled. “How about we have some dinner afterward? I haven’t eaten anything yet.”

“That’d be wonderful.” She mirrored his smile. “Shall we go?”

“Of course.” He agreed, lowering his voice. “Oh, and be sure not to tell anyone it’s mine.”

“I’m aware. Jean would likely confiscate it.” She nodded.

“You have my thanks.” He bowed his head slightly. “I would kiss the back of your hand to show my true appreciation, but… well, my hands are a little busy at the moment.”

“Er, no, i-it’s fine…”

At this point, Mona wasn’t sure if she was falling for him for his dubious but convincing chivalry and kindness or the dick that she’d never had but really wanted.

Honestly, it was probably both.