Business ties and thinning rope

With only a half day off, it's to be expected that it's not very long.

But still, Jong Chue would have enjoyed having a bit of a longer break, even if it was for only a moment. But, as Sandrone and Capitano said, serving her majesty the Tsaritsa isn't a task for the lazy. And Jong Chue simply was not going to slack. The ride back to Mondstadt was tedious and boring, Jong Chue's finches doing little to ease their boredom. Having to take multiple carriages and boat rides tired them, but tiredness and feeling queasy did not get you into the fatui. Nor the harbingers. 

Setting afoot onto the cobbled bridge after many days of traveling, they sighed contently. Although they were not from Mondstadt, something about the nation just felt like home. The warm atmosphere, the liveliness– It reminded them of their own family in Liyue before.. No. They don't need to think about that right now. 

Speaking of which, they need to alert Diluc that they've returned after their 'family emergency'. They worked as a juice mixer, making non-alcoholic drinks in the Angel's Share. They picked up the job for obvious reasons, since they're only in Mondstadt to collect information and propose business. Get an audience with Diluc for Pantalone, etcetera etcetera. And obviously as well, due to their fame all throughout Teyvat, and them being the talk of the town as 'the new harbinger', it's no surprise that they were recognised by the man. To an extent.

Ah, their first time in Mondstadt. 

"Fatui scum. What business do you people have with the Dawn Winery?" A red haired man spat, claymore sparking with orange. "Come now, Master Diluc! Don't be so hostile. I simply have an offer!" The child spoke, small feet crunching against the dirt. "You cannot be serious about 'fatui scum', when you yourself-" "Leave Mondstadt's premises. You fatui are no longer welcome here. From a lowly new recruit such as you, to the first Harbinger." 

The man held up the weapon, air warbling around it, heating up the molecules. "Aww, you won't even hear me out?" They sighed. Holding their hand out, their polearm forming in their grasp, they pulled off the hooded cloak.

"Master Diluc, I am no such thing! Nice to meet you– I'm Jong Chue, new 11th fatui harbinger." They dropped the dark cloth, smiling. They encased themselves in a Hydro shield, muting the world around them. "Well, if it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get. Clink blades in respect? No? Alright." They smirked, twirling the spear in their hands. 

"Do you yield?" Diluc panted, red hair that was then in a high ponytail, now loosened and strands of the thick, red locks cascading down his shoulders and back. "I didn't even want to fight to begin with." They huffed, using their vision to flick sweat off of them. "I simply wanted to speak to you regarding the wine and fish trade between Mondstadt and Snezhnaya. My 'friend' has been nagging nonstop about the economic relationship between the two. I'd expect you to be more civilized, Diluc." 

"Regarding what i have mentioned to you, my coworker– The regrator, would like to have an audience with you." Jong Chue began, crossing their legs. "Because of our problematic relations with your business, he'd like to have a face-to-face meeting with you. We know that the Dawn Winery produces the finest alcohol, the sugars only coming from the natural sweetness of the grapes, rather than unhealthy additives that many other companies create." They explained, groaning softly as they flicked dust and dirt off of their cloak.

"Akin to Snezhnaya with the fishing, especially ice fishing due to the freezing climate, fish are fresh, healthy, and high quality. It would be of great convenience for both nations to re-establish these trading routes, for the sake of economic benefit and much more." Their mind skimmed through what they remembered of Pantalone's ramblings, adding them into their little scripted speech.

"Get to the point." Diluc spoke flatly, crossing his arms. "In short, my coworker Regrator would like to meet with you, regarding opening up the wine/fish tradeways. Do consider– I'm expected to be here until you agree. If you happen to come up with something you'd like in return, bring it up with me. I'm not going anywhere. Have a good rest of your day, Master Diluc." They waved, smiling brightly as they walked out of the bar.

Ah. That was a few months ago. 3 weeks later after their conversation, Diluc had come up with the idea of if Jong Chue could bring further business and fruition to Dawn Winery, then he will have this ridiculous audience with the 9th.

And now, if their schedule was correct, Charles was still on vacation, and Diluc would be tending the bar at Angel's Share. Opening the wooden door, hearing the trill of the bell, they stepped into the bar. "I'm back!~" They sang, smiling. Perking up, seeing two sets of calico cat ears, and a long, calico tail, it was without a doubt- "Diona? What are you doing here in Angel's share?" Jong Chue cocked their head to the side. "I've found a solution to our pest problem called Venti." A deep voice spoke before the bubblegum pink haired girl could even open her mouth. 

"Master-" The bard sneezed. "Master Dii~luc, I am not- Not a pest!" A black and blue haired man slurred and hiccuped out, laying his head on the wood table with a wine glass with a horrendous mix of alcohol nearly empty. Because the man had no form of ID, and looked like a literal teenager, Diluc legally could not serve him drinks. However, this did not stop the bard, as he held a wine glass in his mouth for customers to pour alcohol into, while strumming a lyre.

The man's performances were great, but his nonstop drinking and slurring and so on were endless. And at the end of the night, a disgusting mix of beer, wine, vodka, and so on were mixed into that very same glass. The bard seemed to enjoy it, though. Jong Chue supposed that this was a literal 'beggars can't be choosers' situation. "No, I'm not here for that boozehound," Diona hissed, cat ears pinning down in annoyance. 

"Yeah, I'd think so. Dawn Winery rivals the Cat's Tail, so I think it'd be quite inappropriate for Diona, of all people to work here."

"Yeah! I'm here because I heard you'd be back today, and I'd like to learn how to make more fruit juices rather than alcohol." The girl crossed her arms, gloved hands resting on her puffy sleeves. Ah. Right. The pink haired girl despised alcohol, even to the point of hating those who drink and sell it. Despite being Mondstadt's prized bartender.

It was all because of her alcoholic father, Draff– The most successful hunter in springvale, and was none other than the girl's father. It's a shame, really. She blames everybody but her father for his alcoholism, especially Diluc. Well, they've begun to reconcile, but still. It's much easier to blame the producer rather than the consumer. 

"Sure! I can teach you how to make fruit juices. Let's start with an easy one, then.. Maybe lemonade..." They hummed, exhaustion now purged from their body. "It is summertime, so lemonade is a pretty good choice." They stretched, bones popping. Although Snezhnaya was cold and snowy as ever, on the flip side, it was summer in Liyue and Mondstadt. "Maybe you can use your cryo vision to make cute ice cube shapes!" Jong Chue turned to look at the girl, as she smiled and nodded.

"For most of my drinks, I make cat paw shaped ice cubes, so I can do that." She put her hands on her hips, determined to learn. "Alright– Master Diluc, where is the lemon- squeezer- Thingy?" They motioned their hand in a spinning motion, the red haired man humming as he wiped a shot glass clean. "I'm sure it's in the same place you put it every time. I make sure you put it there, because I don't feel like having anything else ascend to Celestia and buy it again." Diluc spoke, placing the glass onto a shelf.

“Har har. It was 1- 1, 2.. 3- However many times!” They laughed nervously in their defense, scratching the back of their head. Their two finches came out from their hair, clambering all over their shirt and beeping softly. "Are Dottie and Pants allowed to free-roam?" Jong Chue turned to Diluc, practically pleading with their sparkling brown eyes. "They don't leave your side anyway. But sure, I suppose. We're not all that busy today." The man sighed, not bothering to look at the child.

"True– So anyway, here's what we need. The lemon squeezer thing, 8 or 10 lemons, which produce about 1 cup of lemon juice, 3/4 cup of sugar, and cold water. So first, we have to cut the lemons in half.." They rummaged around through the area behind the bar, taking out a mid-sized blade from the knife block. "And then, after we cut them in half, we juice them." After the tedious process of carefully cutting the yellowed fruits into halves and squeezing them harshly. Twirling the citrus fruit onto the juicer, they handed the other half of the lemons to Diona.

"You try." They handed her the knife as well, showing her how to cut it. "Always cut away from you. And keep your fingers tucked, like a cat paw." They gently curled Diona's fingers, as she stuck her tongue out slightly, focusing on the knife slicing through the citrus fruit. "And then, twist them down on this." They tapped the top of the juicer, the pink haired girl nodding as she squeezed it down.

"Alright! Now, we take out any seeds that are in the liquid-" They plucked out a few of the seeds that made it into the cup. "And we pour in the sugar, and mix it." They dug around in a drawer, and took out a rubber spatula. Just as Jong Chue was about to mix, they perked up at the sound of the bell.

Ding!

Diona seemed to perk up, but only her cat ears. She grabbed the spatula and focused on mixing the lemon juice and sugar. "Sir Kaeya?" The child spoke, peering at the cavalry captain. "Yes?" The dark skinned man replied tiredly, Jong Chue's eyes widening. "Holy s- Archons, what happened to you?!" They nearly shouted, if it weren't for the easily disturbed finches crawling all over them. 

It wouldn't have been too bad, considering Kaeya is a knight. Just a few scratches and bruises. If it weren't for a huge gash on his arm. Diluc was staring at the man just as confused, but eyes laced with concern as well. "Are all you knights this incompetent?" Is what the man settled for. Jong Chue glared up at him, eyes narrowing in a silent way to say; Really? That's what you settled for? 

They sighed, opening the lift-up door installed in the counter, Hydro vision at their hip glowing. "Lemme see." They rolled up their sleeves, water coagulating around their hands. "All Hydro users can heal. It is known as the 'healing element' for a reason." They spoke, the blue haired man smiling. "While I do appreciate it, I believe you have a friend to help over there, no?" 

"I'm sure Diona can hold her own. Meanwhile you, I'm sure you're not faring just as well. And plus, she can ask Master Diluc if she needs help." They reasoned, Kaeya sighing and submitting to his fate of receiving help. Y'know what, I really shouldn't do this. But I'm not gonna leave someone like me just like this. Pantalone can't even complain either. I'm out here struggling just so I can probably get a higher pay of a whopping 5 mora. They scowled internally, as they covered the wound in the water. 

The gash glowed a soft blue as it slowly but surely disappeared, only leaving scarring in the healed areas. "...Why wouldn't you go to the Dawn Winery? I'm sure Adeline would be more than happy to help." Diluc spoke after a moment of awkward silence, fiddling with his thumbs as he leaned on the counter. It was so– Ugh. Jong Chue couldn't describe it. Second hand embarrassment was always so thick when the two were in the room. 

"While I don't doubt that for even a second, somehow my mind simply guided me here. A bit odd, isn't it?" The dark man smiled, wincing at Jong Chue propping his arm up. "Hmph. Corny." "As cliche as it sounds, Master Diluc. It's true. I suppose it's because of how much time I spend here at the Angel's Share." The blue haired man glanced back at his healing wound, as Jong Chue twitched their thumb, and the water evaporated into the air. 

The wound was fully healed, but a bit of a scar was left behind. "Sorry. Can't do much about the scar." They sighed, cracking their knuckles. "I appreciate the effort, regardless." The tanned man shook his head, smiling. "I'm sure Master Diluc also cares, no matter how emo and careless he acts." Jong Chue ignored the way that Diluc looked off to the side and how Kaeya teared up slightly. They knew that if they asked, that ticking time bomb would explode.

"...Anyway, Diona! Are you done mixing it?" They turned on their heel and walked back over to the girl, as she nodded. "Yep! Do you want me to make the ice cubes now?" She asked, Cryo vision on her mixer glowing softly. "Yep! We can also use Hydro to layer and freeze it to make them stronger." They hummed, Diona nodding. Jong Chue's little finches flapped their tiny wings, getting up into the air. They clung to Diluc, who was doing a -whopping- nothing.

"I'm sure with the 'tism you know what birds these are."Jong Chue joked, Diluc glaring at them. It wasn't hostile, no. Hell, they were autistic too. Kaeya too. Maybe. Probably not Diona, but still. Just the tism havers joking around. How silly. Perhaps even goofy?

Anyways.

"These are zebra finches, which originate in Liyue and here in Mondstadt. They've taken over many other nations, like Inazuma and Fontane. Places like Sumeru, not so much. It's far too hot there for them. These are white morphs, unlike true whites– That are completely white. This one right here has spots on its chest." Jong Chue nodded. They also liked birds, but very few reached a hyperfixation like Diluc’s. 

"Alright! The lemonade is done!" Diona spoke proudly, hands on her hips. "I wonder, since you can make such great drinks, and Jong Chue is simply mediocre, I wonder how it will turn out?" Kaeya mused, smiling. "Hey! You weren't saying that when I tried making an alcoholic drink for the first time! You enjoyed the 'Death After Noon' I made, don't lie." They scoffed, hand over their chest.

"But, you should try the lemonade. The best part about making stuff is sharing it with others. That's what my mommy said." They spoke proudly, Kaeya snickering. "You're a feared harbinger throughout nearly every nation in Teyvat, and yet you still call your mother 'mommy'?" "Yes I do. Cry about it." They scoffed, smirking softly. They handed the man a cup filled with the yellow juice, with cute little cat paw ice in it.

“Master Diluc, you should try some too! I'd doubt any of the drop dead drunk patrons would like to try, anyway." Jong Chue carefully poured another glass, handing it to the winery owner. "I'm sure it wouldn't hurt, taking a break from fruit juices that aren't grape juice, yes?" They chuckled, hopping up onto one of the bar stools. Thankfully, they were made to swing your legs off of, so Jong Chue didn't feel as short, opposed to the chairs in the mausoleum.

"As for me, after the bar closes, I ought to unpack my stuff at the inn I'm staying at." They sighed, swinging their legs from the chair. “Ah. You were able to take back your room in the goth hotel or whatever it’s called?” Diona turned to the other, while she was cleaning up the residue ingredients. “Goth Grand Hotel. Yes, I did. I kept it on hold until I came back.” They wiggled in their seat, unable to sit still. 

They hummed the soft tune the Dove had sung earlier, one of the small finches flying over. “Archons, what song have you picked up from somebody now?” Diluc spoke, sorting some of the tools Jong Chue and Diona were using. “I don’t know what it’s called. But I think if I told you, you’d toss me out onto the streets right now.” They sighed dramatically, slumping on the counter. 

“Master diluc, I’m not quite in the mood for lemonade. Simply just teaching how to make it. I’m well aware you have grape juice, but I’m sure Angel’s share has apple juice, yes?” Jong chue patted their hands on the table, wincing as they hit a nerve. “If you have the mora for it, I don’t care what you order. As long as it’s non-alcoholic.” The red haired man brushed their dramatic way of speaking off. “Of course I do!” They put a hand over their chest, gasping. 

They plucked a bag of mora from their pocket, plopping it on the table. “This should be enough.” Jong Chue rested their head on the table. “You’re seriously not going to count?” “Master Diluc, I have a never ending wallet back in Snezhnaya.” They sighed, peering up at him. 

The tall man let out a soft noise, before turning around and grabbing a glass. 

Hopefully after this, they can just go and take a long ass nap at the goth hotel.