#swordsmanship

Genshin Impact: Jean and Diluc

Previous: CHAPTER 1

Chapter 2: Time Will Make Us Stronger 

Three days had passed since the last time Jean and Diluc had met, that was the night when Jean had approached Diluc to give him her answer about his marriage proposal. Before they parted ways that night, he told her to meet him at the Northeast of Danyu Ruins in Liyue on top of the mountain and that was why she was here at this moment. 

She was wearing a dress in white, dark blue, teal and gold that stopped mid calf, it was the dress she wore whenever she had to go outside as an adventurer. She found wearing a dress inconvenient, especially the one she wore on a regular basis, but having the dress above her ankles was already such a compromise with her mother. 

Jean couldn’t help but sigh aloud.

“Oh, you are here.” A familiar voice said from behind her, and Jean turned around startled for a second.

“Hello.” She said and for a split second contemplated on how to call him. “Diluc.” She settled, and the man with red hair was surprised by how she called him and the familiarity and affection that seemed to envelope his name. Diluc found that it was oddly comforting and yet so abstract, quite unfamiliar in fact. 

“Jean.” He called out quietly, and Jean too felt the odd sense of familiarity and affection he did when she called his name, but it was something the two would never know they mutually felt at that very moment. Their beating hearts were synced for a few seconds with a steady thunderous pace, but the one with red hair pursed their lips and the other took a deep breath to concentrate on anything but their loud heartbeats.

“Well, I have to say this now, but I do hope that is not what you wear when you go out to fight.” Diluc said, and Jean looked at him with a small roll of her eyes and a smirk.

“Of course this is what I wear. As a Gunnhildr, I was raised to be more of a lady than a warrior.” She simply replied but Diluc noted the tightness of her voice and the thin line on her lips.

“And you are unhappy about that.” Diluc simply stated and Jean snickered softly. 

“Of course I am, we wouldn’t be here if I were not.” Jean tried to contain the anger but Diluc could hear it clearly.

“That is not wrong.” He looked at her with gentle eyes. “Jean.” The woman pressed her lips, the meaning this time was different, she wished her heart didn’t skip a beat when he  called her name.

“How did you know that I wanted to learn how to use the sword?” Jean finally asked what had been bothering her since he whispered her secret into her ears those many moons ago– the first time they met.

“It was the way you looked.” Hearing his calm reply Jean’s eyes flickered at him and brows came close to each other to show her confusion. “At first I wasn’t sure what you were looking at, but I observed the situation and then it became very clear– you longed to hold the sword.” The certainty in his voice made Jean smile at him with sincerity. It was bizarre that someone she had just met would see something so personal about her in their first meeting.

“They say that if you had gotten your vision at a younger age, you would not be a catalyst user and that you would be doing greater things.” There was a sadness that passed Jean’s face that Diluc noticed but he continued on. “And seeing your longing, I could tell, you would have chosen your weapon differently had you gotten your vision at a younger age.”

“You’re right.” Jean admitted in a soothing manner as she looked away from him. “I would have chosen differently, but I got my vision when I was eighteen, this-” Jean gestured around her with her palms facing the sky. “ This is the only other option available to me.” 

Diluic did not go any further for he believed she would not answer. They were barely acquaintances and yet they have already agreed to marry one another. There was nothing he could say that would probably comfort her. 

“Thank you for willing to train me.” Jean softly spoke and Diluc stared at her indifferently. 

“Well, first I have to see what I am working with.” Jean nodded at his words. “But we can’t really see how you would fair with hand to hand combat with that skirt. Observing your footwork to the fullest would also be out of the question.” He sighed softly, “I can, however, observe your fighting with your catalyst instead.”

“Alright, starting on our next meeting I will wear a more appropriate attire.” Jean replied but her face was grim as she thought of how she would go about her excuses to her family. 

Diluc studied Jean steadily and concluded, “I think pants would suit you well.” 

Jean gazed at him with clear surprise, and then the words settled into her head. A smile then formed on her lips as she chuckled. “Yes, I have been thinking about that for a while now.” Her grey eyes looked as if it was sparkling to Diluc and he could not help but take in a sharp breath of air at the sight. There was a silence that followed that Diluc decided to break.

“Well then Jean, whenever you are ready.” He said with an arm raised geturing for her to show him her fighting style in the open area. He didn’t want his mind to think about her, other than the training he promised he would give her.

“Of course.” A simple reply as Jean took her stance and her catalyst appeared in front of her as she showed him her varying attacks.

When over half an hour passed Diluc told her to stop and she followed her instructions. He observed her quietly as she wiped the minimal sweat on her forehead.

“I am curious, what did you tell your mother to be able to come out here?” He suddenly asked as the thought crossed his mind. She stared at him in mild shock as his train of thought shifted.

“Simple, I said I’m farming materials.” A steady response and their eyes locked.

“It was that easy?” He mumbled, finding it hard to believe.

“I– of course, took extra precautions to ensure that I was not tailed.” Jean added.

“That would be something you will always be doing then– once I start training you seriously.” Diluc unconsciously spoke aloud and Jean frowned.

“That would be a given.” She silently remarked, a fact she knew the moment she decided to take his offer.

The red haired man looked serious as he scrutinized Jean.

Suddenly he spoke, “Let’s go find some hilichurls, I want to observe you fighting an actual enemy.” Diluc stuck his hand out as if he was gripping a sword and the next moment his claymore appeared, a four star weapon as opposed to her five star catalyst. She couldn’t help but furrow her brows for a moment, wondering why a rich man like him would use a four-star weapon. 

“Don’t worry I will back you up when needed.” Hearing that Jean nodded. Perhaps it was preference or sentimental value that he chose such a weapon. And yet this new information nagged at her, why would the richest man use a four star weapon–  in fact, why would the richest man be an average fighter? 

She could feel that something was not adding up.

They didn’t go far to find some hilichurls to fight. Diluc instructed Jean to initiate the fight from their current vantage point from atop a cliff.

“Do you think you can defeat them by yourself?” He asked as they observed the hilichurls.

“Yes.” Jean responded with confidence and Diluc nodded, his eyes locked at the hilichurls. Jean noted his intense gaze, it was the look of a seasoned fighter. She was well aware that today was the observation day for them equally. She had long doubted his abilities being average and his micro-expressions today made her even more convinced that her hypothesis about him is right. He has to be hiding something.

“You will come to my rescue if it comes to it, right?” Jean asked nervously as she laid a hand on Diluc’s forearm. He was startled by the sudden contact and twitched because of it. He turned to look at her, the gaze of a warrior gone and was replaced with gentle reassurance.

“Of course.” His voice was firm and it gave her comfort. 

“Okay, there are five Hilichurls and one Mitachurl with a shield.” Jean clearly pressed her lips when she said shield.  “It’s the Mitachurl I am most worried about.” Jean mumbled as she evaluated how she should fight the group. 

Diluc was captivated by Jean’s seriousness, there was a glint in her eyes that was filled with nervousness and fear and yet it was also clear that she had great potential and ability. She had the look of a warrior in Diluc’s eyes, and he wanted to make that shine even brighter.

“I’ll be here and I guarantee you, I will jump to cover for you the moment I see you struggle.” Diluc spoke and she turned to look at him. His clear voice washed away her nervousness. She was certain that he would  keep his word. 

Jean nodded, “Alright.” And she jumped from the cliff and plunged and attacked the Hilichurls.

Diluc carefully studied her footwork and her movements from the distance on top of the cliff. Even though he said he could not fully study  her maneuverability with her skirt, the fact is he can not deny that she was more than capable. Jean seemed to always keep her distance and kept moving as she attacked. But based on how she was fighting it was clear to Diluc that she relied on back-up on her battles. He could also tell that if she wasn’t wearing a skirt, she would be able to be faster and she would find it easier to move. He was convinced pants would suit her well.

Jean couldn’t see that a Hilichurl was coming from behind her and Diluc quickly jumped off the cliff and landed in front of the Hiluchurl. Jean was startled by the sound and impact, she turned around to see Diluc slice a Hilichurl down.

She sighed aloud in pure relief seeing him cover her. When he suddenly sprinted past her and swung his sword, there was a second that she thought he was aiming his strike on her. But when he passed by her she realized that wasn’t the case, and his posture and the strength in his swing made her question his abilities again. His aim was precise, the strength he put as he swung his sword was controlled– too controlled. 

Having him cover for her gave Jean a strong sense of security, perhaps because it is what she was accustomed to, someone looking out for her when in battle. They fought side by side for a moment and when their enemies had all fallen, Diluc turned to her. His gaze was serene and thoughtful which made Jean’s heart skip a beat. She recalled how awfully perfect his strikes were, his attacks seemed a tad bit too thoughtful.

“Thank you.” She said breathlessly and his eyes were stuck on her lips for a second. 

“I told you– that I would make sure you’re safe.” He mumbled and then suddenly turned around on his heel as he cleared his throat. 

“Well, there is good news.” He continued on, his back facing Jean. It seemed that he was not going to turn and look at her anymore. Jean couldn’t help but press her lips together in displeasement. There was a part of her that wanted him to look at her.

“You’re skilled, I’ll give you that.” He praised quietly. “You show great potential.” He added matter of factly.

“I think you are more capable than you present yourself to be.” Jean started matching his certainty, Diluc turned towards her slightly as he cocked an eyebrow at her. “Let’s stop pretending that we weren’t observing each other today.” 

His low chuckle reached her ears, and Jean’s heart was beating so loudly that she almost missed his reply.

“You’re right, we are just observing each other,” He turned fully towards Jean, a sly smile on his lips that took her breath away. “You are quite observant yourself, don’t make it the death of you.”

She admits that he was rather charming, he was like a flame to a moth. She cleared her throat as she looked away. “And so, Master Diluc, how is my ability?”

He cocked an eye, “Master?” He chuckled. He actually liked the ring when she called him Master and yet, he didn’t want her to call her that too.

“Please, Diluc is fine.” He whispered and she took a step closer to him. 

“But you will be teaching me, I think I should show some respect.” Jean spoke, lightly teasing him, curious how he would react. He closed the distance between them and stared down at her.

“And one day, you will be my wife, I don’t think it is ethical if you call me that and then marry me.” He said softly and Jean couldn’t refute, she was too distracted by his presence, his scent, his breath. He pulled away and turned around from her. 

When she didn’t reply, he vaguely heard her sweet voice say “Yeah.” 

Her reply felt like it was carried by the wind. Her ears were red from the interaction but he did not see it, something she was thankful for.

“Why don’t we go back.” Diluc suggested as he looked up at the cliff in the distance. Jean followed his gaze and observed the wall of rock.

“Alright.” Jean agreed and Diluc walked straight ahead and Jean followed him.

“Your footwork is good.” Diluc opened up after five minutes of silent walking and Jean was startled by his voice but did not know how to reply. “Really light on your feet.” He mumbled more to himself than to inform her of his findings.

“I think you truly do have potential, I would love to be the one to unlock that potential.” He said as he stopped on his tracks to glance at her. The glint in his eyes clearly showed his interest in what kind of things Jean can achieve.

Jean nervously laughed, “That seems like a lot of pressure.” 

He smiled faintly and continued their small trek, “Don’t mind it.” He replied as he thought of the best methods to teach her.

Suddenly he was pulled from his path, soft hands wrapped around his wrist and surprisingly he was pulled backwards towards the perpetrator. Jean’s hand wrapped around Diluc’s wrist, her grey eyes locked on his red gaze. He felt like his breath was knocked out of him. She wasn’t that strong or heavy, and yet she had pulled him back with ease.

“I would like to know how you know about my dress shoppe.” Her gaze was serious and it was clear to Diluc that she did not welcome a lie. Diluc had to be straightforward with her, and oddly enough, he had no intention to lie to those silver eyes.

“I told you, there are many ways,” He said and she scoffed. “There is no information that money cannot buy.” He replied with pressed lips, the hand around his wrist feeling a little bit too hot. She agreed with his statement, with enough money one can have everything.

She chuckled coldly, “When I think about that night you came to me, and mentioned my shoppe, I see how I had given myself away.” Jean tightened her hold on his wrist, Diluc felt that her warmth was something that he would want to get used to, it was a dangerous thought. 

“But I think about that evening, and no matter how I see it– I saw the certainty in your eyes when you claimed that I had changed the finances of my clan. I am aware that you could have meant the joint business adventures I have under the Gunnhildr name, but when you said I could have been a good competitor to you– I knew for certain what you meant. How could you possibly know about Esperaunce?” Jean asked, her gaze was firm. “Do not lie to me.”

“I told you,” Diluc held Jean’s hand that was wrapped around his wrist with his free hand. “Information can be bought with the right price.” A sly little smile on his lips.

He observed her study him, and it was clear in her eyes that she did not believe him.

“What you did to your dress shoppe, The Esperaunce, is a marvel.” He complimented her as he pulled her hand off of his wrist. “Flocked by all men and women, a shoppe that seemed to have been built from the ground up became famous overnight. As a businessman, I have to take note of such a successful business as yours.” He stared at her small hand in his, and he felt the pang in his chest that warned him of these hands. 

Jean’s hands might be soft, fragile and small, but he could feel they could spell his end. He let go of her hand, and as it dropped to her side, Jean wished he had not let go.

“What if the owner of The Esperaunce decides to venture on a different kind of business, maybe even the alcohol business?” Diluc added and Jean frowned, not because of his words but because of the absence of his warmth against her hand. She quietly hid the hand he held behind her back.

“You are that thorough?” She asked, his thoroughness seemed beyond that of a businessman. “Afraid of a little competition?”

“Not afraid, intrigued– and should be prepared.” Diluc corrected, his hands by his side, still feeling her warmth and the softness of those pale hands. He thought for a second that it would be such a pity to have those hands become calloused because of the sword. He should prepare good gloves for her.

“I see.” She mumbled as she saw that he would not answer fully how he knew about her secret.

Diluc looked at her with pressed lips and then said, “Then please explain to me how your dress shoppe fits into whatever plan you had in mind before I came into the picture.” 

There was a glint in Jean’s eyes when she heard Diluc’s query and she could not help but laugh as she covered her curled lips with her fingertips. It resulted in a sensation in Diluc’s chest that he could only describe as a gentle and warm flutter.

“I had initially planned to take the earnings from my shoppe and run away- hence it is under an alias.” She confessed and noticed Diluc’s red brows twitch as if they were going to be drawn near one another, but they never did. “Runway, change my name, have a new identity and train with the sword.” 

“Don’t you think that is a very drastic response?” He said as a brow was raised in her direction with his arms crossing over his chest. “You could just ask your mother to train you.” 

“I couldn’t find the courage to.” Was Jean’s simple response but her voice had cracked and so Diluc could not push the topic any further.

“I have another query for you.” Her gentle voice was like music to Diluc’s ears, he found that he preferred that she kept asking questions, even though he knew she would be asking things he cannot answer. “What would a businessman like you need a potion that alters people’s memories of you?” 

He smiled cunningly at her and then laughed, “Why not? I am a man with a lot of money. I fund multiple projects simply because I have spare change.” He loosely shrugged his shoulders. 

When Jean heard his reasoning she wanted to refute, but it is true, maybe he indeed was just a businessman who had extra Mora to spend, why not have something innovative that he could potentially sell.

“And yet that potion is sold in the black market.” Jean mumbled and she clearly saw how Diluc’s gaze turned dark as he narrowed his eyes on her. 

“If you obtained it in such a way, I advise that you stop buying such a product.” Diluc warned.

“But you and I both know I need it.” She remarked and narrowed her eyes. 

“Then I will provide it for you, dear future wife.” He replied coldly, even though he called her wife, Jean could feel how unfriendly his tone with her has become.

“Alright, husband.” She replied firmly and Diluc looked startled at being called husband. “Do not think that I will back down now. I will marry you no matter what, as long as you hold your end of the bargain.” 

Diluc frowned at her words, “I am a man of my word.” 

His reply made Jean want to scoff and tell him the rumors told her otherwise. But the nagging feeling that Diluc was more than he presented himself tugged at her heart and gut so heavily that she maintained her silence instead. Well, perhaps for now, she shall see what he really has to offer. 

She recalled how he had fought the Hilichurls, thinking of the scene, she could see that he was well versed in battle, so why is there rumors that he was an average fighter?

“A deal is a deal, Diluc.” Jean spoke as she stuck her hand out toward him. He gazed at her with narrowed eyes and shook it.

“A deal is a deal.” He repeated. 

“Well we can’t do much now, especially with that skirt,” Diluc’s red eyes glanced at Jean’s skirt. “Therefore we shall continue in two days’ time.” Diluc said as he retracted his hand. “I have devised a plan, and we shall meet at Liyue for your training.” Diluc said and Jean tilted her head in thought as she crossed her arms.

“As you can see,” He gestured around them. “Liyue has a lot of open fields that are far from any civilization, an ideal place to train you whilst keeping it a secret.” Jean nodded as a breeze blew past them. “We won’t be staying at the same place, we will keep moving. After each lesson, I will tell you where we will meet next. I will have the spot scouted and make sure it is protected, so you do not have to worry about being caught as that is your wish. But with your current ability, we cannot jump into sword  training, we need to work on your reflexes and hand-to-hand combat.” 

His tone as he scrutinized her ability made Jean wonder if all average fighters would have that kind of tone and insight or was it something only master fighters would have. If it was the latter, then Diluc has been playing the entire people of Teyvat as fools.

“I understand.” Jean replied, no matter if he was a good fighter or not, at least now she had an actual teacher to teach her and a future husband to sate her mother and the people. When she can prove that she can master the shortsword her dream will soon be fulfilled.

~.~.~.~.~

Two days later Jean arrived at the appointed meeting place. She wore a pair of black pants, black boots and a white poet blouse. The appointed meeting place was in a secluded area, far from a Teleport Waypoint at the North of Qingxu Pool at Liyue.

Jean had arrived a bit earlier than the intended time, but Jean had no choice, she wasn’t sure if she would make it in time if she had not gone out earlier. She admitted that she was slightly afraid. What she was doing– what she will be doing had been her dream for so long.

“You’re early.” She turned around with wide eyes to find the owner of a familiar male voice. They had only met four times and yet she could recognize his voice so well already.

“Well, I had to make sure I wasn’t tailed.” She replied as she studied the man before her. He looked calm and laid-back, quite different from the man she had met at the balls and the man in the rumors.

“That seems like a lot of trouble.” He remarked casually and she pressed her lips.

“I don’t want to be caught.” She simply said in a soft voice, and he looked at her with a vaguely raised brow.

“You know, you could just try and ask your mother to teach you swordsmanship.” As he finished his sentence a strong gust of wind blew across the field and both their hair blew into the wind.

Jean tucked a stray hair strand as the gust of wind disappeared and with casted down eyes she said, “It isn’t as easy as you think.”

And Diluc simply shrugged his shoulders. 

“It’s good to see you wearing pants.” She stared at him with a slightly tilted head. “I have to evaluate your reflexes again without the obstruction that is your skirt.” He added and a fist was suddenly aimed towards Jean’s face, with widened eyes she was able to dodge it. There was an evident displeased expression on Diluc’s face.

“Let me see your stance.” He commanded as he stood with his fighting form. Jean showed her fighting pose and he narrowed his eyes taking note of her posture. And he threw weak punches as she dodged them perfectly. Soon he put more power on his punches and she was still able to dodge them. And the cycle continued until his punches toward her were too strong and too fast that Jean could barely dodge them. A fist was going towards Jean’s face, and she froze because she knew she could not dodge it and that it would surely hit her. She closed her eyes, anticipating the blow but it never came. 

When she opened her eyes she met Diluc’s steady gaze.

“I wouldn’t hit you.” Jean couldn’t help but smirk at such simple words.

“Well, Jean.” He said his eyes stuck on her lips still seeing the smirk that has long passed. And for Jean her heart couldn’t help but skip a beat when she heard him say her name. “Your reflexes are rather impressive. Your footwork is also quite good. I find it hard to believe you have never trained.” His eyes suddenly looked at her silver eyes. Jean was startled and she blinked a couple times as she waited for him to continue. 

Diluc sighed softly and then said, “You must have trained a bit.” 

With evasive eyes, Jean confessed quietly. “I did a little training from within my bedroom walls.”

Diluc had a displeased look laced with sadness but just pressed his lips and said nothing about the matter.

“It would be best to train everyday and correct your reflexes.” He thought aloud. “But I am certain we are both pretty busy people, right? The best thing to do is try to train together as often as we can, maybe once every two days if it is possible. And then you try to practice at home yourself.” He looked at her keenly. 

“Yes, that seems to be the only possible thing to do.” Jean replied and he nodded his head. 

“With that said, punch me.” Diluc instructed and she followed. He blocked her punch but held it gently where she had aimed. “You see, you should not be standing like that, and your fist should be, excuse me–” Diluc then lightly touched her as he corrected her stance. In all honesty Jean couldn’t consider it a touch, as it was as if he was afraid to really touch her.

They spend their day just like that, Diluc correcting her stance and discussing the best way to go about defending herself. He would then let her continue to do the same movements to try and reconstruct her bad habits. He was surprised how her potential shined even more now that she was not wearing a long skirt.

After a few hours, Diluc offered that they take a break and Jean nodded in response.

“I’m curious about something.” Jean opened up as she caught her breath and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Diluc raised a brow at her, a gesture for her to continue on.

“Why would you want to teach me?” She asked as another gust of wind blew through the field. Diluc couldn’t help but chuckle at her words.

“I would say: you were not exactly hiding your interest in learning the sword.” And Diluc laughed when he saw Jean vaguely pout and glare and she was startled by his laughter that the pout and glare disappeared as quickly as it appeared. “I saw your gaze and I thought that: it was interesting, a lady like you, that interested in the sword. I happened to see the glimmer in your eyes everytime you so happened to glance at a sword a few times, which then resulted in the evening of our first meeting. ” Their eyes were locked at one another, and the silence that came was comforting.

“A lady like me?” She echoed the words softly, and Jean found it odd that she did not find those words offensive as normally she found some kind of offense in those kinds of words.

“The moment I realized your desire, I felt that you were destined to be a great swordsman. That spark I saw– that was the look of a warrior– a natural fighter.” Jean’s eyes slightly widened at his voiced out expectations of her. “And now–today, I know without a doubt that you will be a great swordsman.” The certainty in his eyes baffled Jean, and she felt a warmth in her chest that she could not explain.

Their previous meeting in Liyue was intense in it’s own way, and yet today their interaction was more subdued, almost as if they were afraid of one another, but there was still an intensity that was difficult to subdue. It was like they felt that they should keep each other at a distance, but the reason why they are even here in the first place required them to always be touching, to always be close. It was rather stifling.

“Then, let’s go take a break.” She agreed to his suggestion before their conversation as it seemed like it was the only thing to diffuse the sudden tenseness in the air. Diluc guided her under the shade of a tree and Jean sighed as she sat down against the tree’s trunk. She grabbed a small towel and wiped her sweat off.

“Here.” Diluc offered and she looked up to find him holding a cup of apple cider. 

“Oh, thank  you.” Jean replied as she took the drink. Once she accepted it Diluc leaned on the other tree to her right and closed his eyes quietly.

Jean was aware that he did not want to discuss anything with her anymore, it seemed that he was troubled, but she had no right to ask him. So she kept her silence as she caught her breath and sipped the apple cider. She suddenly closed her eyes as she felt a nice gust of wind stirring, and then a pair of red eyes opened to gaze at the blonde woman.

A gust of wind blew towards Jean, Diluc was shielded by the tree’s trunk. He studied how her lips curled a bit as she enjoyed the wind.

This was still their fourth meeting, but he can already feel the shift in their relationship, he was convinced that Jean could feel it too. She truly was dangerous. 

After thirty minutes of resting in silence they continued with their training till three in the afternoon.

“I still think it would be best to meet everyday, but considering how busy we are, every two to three days will have to suffice.” Diluc said again to Jean and she nodded. “You are surprisingly a very quick study, it truly is a shame you did not choose to learn the sword earlier.” 

Jean frowned at his comment but kept her silence, Diluc noticed her reaction but did not prod into the matter. The two had to be cautious around each other, and try to limit their interactions, at least they should.

“I have been curious since the last time we met, but when you go out for your adventure’s, are you normally with a party?” Diluc spoke, diverting the topic instead.

Jean glanced at him with furrowed brows, “How did you know?” She asked but quickly regretted it as he was likely to tell her that there were ways to know such information.

But Diluc surprised her by saying, “It was your fighting style. When you fought the Hilichurls and the Mitachurl your fighting style seemed heavily reliant on back up.”

She nodded at his observation, “That is the truth. I recognize how vulnerable I am when I am alone, it is why I wish to know how to use the sword. If I can use the sword I can still cause some physical damage with my weapon alone, I would feel much safer.” 

“Is that your drive?” He asked her, slightly sounding displeased but she shook her head which was unexpected.

“It isn’t that alone.” Her voice was calm and sincere and Diluc was somehow touched and proud at hearing her response. He felt that once she masters the sword, he would be a very proud teacher.

“Then where shall we meet next?” Jean inquired and Diluc responded.

~.~.~.~.~.~

On the day of the next meeting of Jean and Diluc, Jean was summoned by her mother to discuss something at the drawing room. Jean was sitting on the couch waiting for her mother, tea and treats were laid on the table in front of her.

“Jean.” Frederica, an older woman called Jean as she entered the room. Her blonde hair was similar to that of Jean’s but was wrapped in a low bun and her eyes were blue like Barbara’s. This was Barbara and Jean’s mother, Head of the Gunnhildr Clan and special advisor of the Knights of Favonius. She wore black fitted pants, a white blouse, black boots. She unhooked the sword on her waist as she approached her eldest daughter.

“We must talk.” She sounded awfully serious, that Jean was a tad bit worried, but she maintained her calm. Frederica’s heels clacking as she made her way to Jean.

“Of course, mother.” She replied as Jean carefully poured her mother some tea in an empty cup as Freerica approached her daughter. Jean was not surprised that they had to talk, after all her mother had summoned her and Jean was very aware of the rumors out in Mondstadt.

“There are rumors, Jean.” Frederica said as she sat on the seat on Jean’s left and as she placed her sword against the table. Jean simply raised a brow at her mother as she lifted her tea cup. “It’s about you Jean.” Her mother’s tone made Jean think that she should be worried about these rumors because it was very detrimental to her, but Jean wasn’t. 

Of course, she did have a say on the details of the rumor, and she had played a part in it, but that is something her mother would never know. To Frederica, however, she had thought that it was just her daughter acting nonchalant as always. 

“Mother, the ones that I am looking for a spouse?” Jean asked as she took a sip on her tea, feigning ignorance calmly.

“No, child, that you are already matched!” Frederica said with a slightly raised tone, it was clear that Jean’s mother was annoyed at the rumor.

“Oh? And who is my lucky match?” Jean asked as she chuckled and took another sip from her tea. Jean was the epitome of calmness. The unworried state of Jean made Frederica feel that her daughter was not taking this seriously.

“Jean, this is regarding your future!” Frederica said the anger in her voice could not be denied now. Jean sighed and set her tea cup down. 

“But isn’t it your wish that I find a match?” Jean said feigning perfect confusion as if she had no hand to what kind of rumor would spread about her. 

“You aren’t matched yet, but with these rumors that you are, there is no man who is willing to consider you as their spouse anymore.” Frederica’s hands were evidently shaking from anger. “This is your future that I have worked hard to protect– your image!” Frederica looked like she was about to burst into tears.

Jean sighed, “Mother, do not think that I do not understand your worry,” she rested a hand on her mother’s shaking hand, she almost felt guilty for the role she played. “But– perhaps this is a blessing in disguise.” 

Frederica glared up at her daughter when she heard her opinion. Frederica looked as though she was ready to bark at her daughter, but she kept quiet waiting for her daughter to continue instead.

“I have been contemplating for months now– how to break this to you,” Jean looked hesitant as she avoided Frederica’s blue eyes momentarily. “But now that the situation has become like this, I find that this must be the only way I can tell you now.” Jean carefully spoke which made Frederica frightened.

“Are you truly with a lover?” Frederica asked in disbelief, she had not raised her daughter like this and yet– Frederica did.

Jean gently shook her head, “No mother, on the contrary I have no lover, but that is the thing mother–” Jean took her tea cup and took another sip, Frederica quietly observing her in anticipation.

“Daughter, what is it?” She couldn’t help but ask when Jean was dallying.

Jean sighed again, setting her tea cup down, looking very much distressed, “Mother, I wish to choose who I marry.”

The sigh of relief from Frederica was loud, “Oh Jean, why didn’t you say so?” 

Jean was genuinely surprised by her mother’s reaction, that the hand that had reached out for her tea cup froze.

“I have always thought that you wished to choose your spouse, but as the years passed and you have not said anything, I took it upon myself as your mother to seek a spouse for you.” Frederica looked so relieved that she finally glanced at her tea cup with a faint smile on her lips. “Thank you.” She added as she picked up the cup with tea.

“Is there someone you have your eyes on Jean?” Frederica inquired and she saw the glint in her daughter’s eyes when she asked. 

Jean saw how her mother’s gentle eyes became observant, she knew she had given herself away.

“No mother, there is no one as of the moment.” She replied cautiously as she kept a keen eye on her mother, it was evident her mother did not believe her.

“Of course.” Frederica replied, hiding away her scrutinizing gaze. “I am glad you have the courage to tell me, it is unfortunate that it had to reach this extent for you to tell me. But Jean, I am always wanting what is best for you.” 

Before Jean could reply the door opened revealing a long haired man with blonde hair like Barbara’s. His eyes however, were like Jean’s beautiful silver eyes. 

“Frederica, the Knights of Favonius are looking for you.” Came in the voice of Jean’s father. Both women frowned, and with a sigh Frederica got up while picking up her sword.

“I must see to this situation, Jean. I am glad that this situation was cleared up.” Frederica said and Jean could see the little plot her mother had through Frederica’s blue eyes. 

“Seamus, the situation has been handled.” Frederica said as she walked towards him.

“Oh?” He replied, glancing at the calm countenance of his daughter on the couch.

“We shall do nothing about the rumors.” Frederica summarized and Seamus raised a brow.

“Oh?” He repeated in shock and Frederica nodded, she placed a hand on Seamus’ shoulder.

“I think it best that our daughter explain why.” Frederica suggested and he nodded as he watched his beloved wife walk away, holding her sword. Seamus stepped into the room and closed the door once he saw that she was meters away.

“What is this about not clearing this rumor, my dear?” Seamus asked sincerely as he walked to where his wife had previously sat.

“I wish to find my own spouse father, to get to choose, this rumor will just aid in this venture.” Jean smiled warmly at her father.

“Oh, my dear, then I wish for nothing but your happiness.” Seamus’ grey eyes crinkled in delight at the thought of his daughter marrying for love.

“Like you and mother.” Jean whispered and Seamus smiled at her.

“Marriage comes with difficulty, Jean. Do not forget that.” Seamus said, his grey eyes looking sad for a moment. 

Jean did not know how to respond to his father, but with pressed lips she quietly said, “Yes, father.”

That day Jean was unable to mean Diluc due to her mother’s heavy surveillance. Jean could tell when she had her discussion with her mother that Frederica Gunnhildr was suspicious of her daughter’s claims of not having a lover. She tried to act calmly and tried her best to shake off the extra eyes on her, but it proved to be rather difficult and she was going to be late. 

Jean sighed and simply stopped trying to shake them off. She hoped that Diluc had not waited for her for hours, and hoped that her tardiness was a clear indication that she would not be able to be there for training. Instead, Jean went about her day as the daughter of the Head of the Gunnhildr Clan. She managed the finances and checked on business ventures that she established under the Gunnhildr name. In the evenings, in the darkness of her room, she would be practicing what Diluc had taught her prior.

However, her tight security did not lessen as the days passed and Jean could not escape the men that her mother had placed on her. Jean had even gone so far as to hire a party so that she may consistently farm materials as was her excuse when she would meet Diluc at Liyue. It was unfortunate that she had no means of contacting Diluc without alerting her mother, so leaving a note at Angel’s share was not an option. 

Jean was certain that Diluc must already be aware of her situation, especially with the kind of resources that he seemed to love to flaunt to her. All Jean can do now is patiently wait for her mother’s interest to vanish and if not, she will confront her mother herself.

“Sister.” Barbara suddenly came into her room worried and Jean turned to face Barbara in confusion.  

It had been over a week since Jean had last seen Diluc. Barbara carefully closed and locked Jean’s bedroom door. Barbara approached Jean who was on her desk reviewing the numbers on their family ledger.

“There was a note left,” Barbara whispered once she got close to her sister and then leaned near Jean’s ear and quietly added, “at The Espauraunce–” Barbara held a white envelope to her sister secretly. “It had no addressee or anything but the instructions were to give it to the owner but–”

Jean grabbed the paper and opened the note due to the worried tone of her dear younger sister. She quickly opened the envelope and unfolded the letter and in a neat and obviously feminine handwriting, it said: I hope you are doing what we have discussed, Jean.

The letter did not have a signature at the top but Jean was certain this note came from Diluc. Jean couldn’t help but smirk, he went out of his way to remind her to train.

“What does that mean?” Barbara asked worriedly.

“It was just someone reminding me of a business venture.” Jean looked up at her sister with a sweet smile.

Arya Stark Appreciation Month
Day 19 - Intelligence, Skills, and Learning