Diluc sat motionless on the edge of his bed, his gaze unfocused. After a while, he recalled the item the black-haired woman had given him.
He reached into his Vision space and retrieved it, placing it carefully on the table.
A floating white sphere hovered beside a simple wooden bracelet. The sphere looked eerily similar to the one the woman had used to peer into Etoma's past.
'Does it serve the same purpose?' Curiosity stirred within him.
Following her instructions, Diluc lifted the bracelet and held it above the sphere. A soft glow enveloped it, and slowly, the bracelet began to float, aligning itself just above the sphere.
Then, suddenly—a projection appeared.
Diluc's eyes widened slightly, though not entirely in shock. He had seen something like this before.
Understanding dawned on him. Exactly like that sphere which shown Etoma's past, this sphere was showing him the origin of the bracelet.
And somehow… this bracelet was his. But he had no memory of ever owning such a thing.
Shaking off the confusion, he returned to sit on his bed, eyes fixed on the projection.
A small shelter made of piled wood came into view.
Diluc's breath hitched. He knew exactly who it belonged to.
The image slowly zoomed in, revealing the interior. Inside, a white-haired girl hummed cheerfully to herself.
"Hehehe~" She gathered small pieces of wood in front of her.
"Now… where should I start?"
She picked up her makeshift tools and began working. Hours passed in her world, though only minutes slipped by for Diluc.
He watched as she failed—again and again. Yet each failure only fueled her determination. Her clumsy work and serious face was a powerful combination. If anything, it looks cute.
A big grin suddenly shown in her face. Finally, she finished. A wooden bracelet.
Diluc eyes widened..
"This was yours. I merely returned it…" The woman's voice echoed in his mind.
But he had no memories of ever received it. What happened?
Swallowing his thoughts, he kept watching.
"It's done!!!" Etoma threw her hands into the air before collapsing onto the floor. "Phew… I'm tired~"
After resting for a moment, she sat up and gently picked up the bracelet.
"Diluc-nii…" she murmured, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "You're always the one giving me things… but I want to give you something too. I hope… you'll like this small gift…"
She clasped the bracelet in her hands and held it close, as if in prayer.
"I hope with this gift, Diluc-nii would be reminded of the bond we made. I hope… this gift will make you remember me—your little sister. And I hope… this gift will protect you… forever…"
Diluc's vision blurred. Tears streamed silently down his face.
He wanted—no, needed—to grab the bracelet and hold it close to him as soon as possible. But he restrained himself. He had to know, why he never received the bracelet.
Etoma gently kissed the bracelet, treating it like a charm, before glancing toward the window.
"Ah… it's already night… What a shame. I'll give it to him tomorrow instead." She smiled softly, placed the bracelet on a small table, and went to sleep.
The scene shifted.
The next day, Etoma skipped happily through the streets of Mondstadt, humming as she held the bracelet.
Then—she stopped.
A large crowd had gathered ahead, surrounding a popular stall. Carefully, she squeezed her way through.
When she emerged on the other side, her expression froze. The bracelet was gone.
"No—! The bracelet! Diluc-nii's gift!" Panic took over. Unsure of what to do, she decided to wait.
Hours passed before the crowd finally thinned. She searched desperately, scanning every inch of the ground.
More hours slipped by. The sun began to set.
A single tear fell. "Diluc-nii… I'm sorry… hic*… I lost your gift…" Wiping her tears, she walked away, her shoulders slumped in defeat.
The projection ended.
The sphere shattered instantly.
As the bracelet began to fall, Diluc lunged forward, catching it midair. He crashed into the table then collapsed to the ground, clutching it tightly to his chest.
"Don't worry, Etoma… I have your gift," he whispered, his voice trembling. He slowly sat up, opening his hand to look at it.
"It reached me just fine… so don't be sad, okay?" His voice broke within tears.
With utmost care, he caressed the bracelet as though it might shatter at the slightest touch.
"I'll treasure this… always... forever..."
.
.
Dawn Winery
A soft knock echoed from beyond the door.
"Master Diluc, everything has been settled as per your command," came a composed voice from the other side.
Diluc's gaze remained distant for a brief moment before he replied, "Mm… Adelinde. While I am away, you and Elzer will oversee Dawn Winery—and my estate in Mondstadt. Your words will carry my authority."
A pause.
"Do not make mistakes."
"I understand, Master Diluc."
The head maid lowered her head in a respectful bow, even though he could not see it through the door. "I wish you success in your journey."
Her footsteps gradually faded down the corridor.
Silence returned.
Inside the dimly lit room, Diluc stood alone. In his hand rested a small photograph. His thumb brushed gently over the image of a white-haired girl, his expression unreadable.
After a moment, he exhaled softly and turned away.
The wardrobe creaked open.
Within it hung a familiar attire—dark as the night, yet burning with a crimson glow. The outfit of the Red Dead of Night.
Without hesitation, Diluc donned the coat, fastening each piece with practiced ease. As he did, his fingers slowed upon a bracelet wrapped around his wrist. For just a second, they lingered.
Then—stillness.
Whatever thought crossed his mind, he buried it just as quickly.
Without another word, Diluc stepped out of his room.
The door closed behind him with a quiet click.
His destination remained unknown.
.
.
System Space
"It's finally over!!!"
Etoma suddenly appeared within the system space.
[Congratulations, Host.]
"Woah—!"
She flinched at the sudden voice behind her.
"Stiff System!" she exclaimed, immediately hugging the floating text panel.
"I missed you so much~" she said, rubbing her cheek against it.
[…]
[Host… we haven't been apart that long. You're being overly dramatic. Did acting change you this much?]
"Maybe… I don't know."
A deep, slightly echoing male voice suddenly joined them.
[Host… why is your second body here?]
""Well, why not?"" both Etoma and Aurelios replied in unison.
They exchanged a high-five.
"Anyway, where's that big-breasted woman?" Etoma asked casually, crossing her arms.
[…]
["Big-breasted"… Host…]
"What?" she said innocently.
[The true body is currently in Mondstadt. Enjoying the scenery.]
"Really? I don't believe you. Aurelios—spin it."
"Roger~"
Aurelios grabbed the floating panel and spun it like a ball.
[…]
[Host… are you enjoying this?]
Etoma giggled.
"Pfft… who knows~"
.
.