Diluc

The warm glow of the lamps, the scent of apple cider, and the subdued hum of conversation created a familiar, cozy atmosphere in Angel's Share. You and Diluc were sitting at the bar—he lazily twirled a glass of wine in his hands, and you were chatting animatedly, occasionally touching his hand. Diluc listened intently, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corners of his lips—rare, just for you. Suddenly, a hoarse voice rang out nearby: "Wow, what a couple!" A well-intoxicated man in a shabby raincoat approached the bar. His gaze slid over you, then over Diluc, and he broke into a wide, not entirely sober smile: "Beautiful, wouldn't you like to join a real man? Away from that gloomy fellow." You froze, slightly taken aback by such impudence. Diluc, who had been relaxed until then, instantly tensed. His fingers tightened on the glass, but his voice remained even and cold. "Is it your eyesight or your upbringing that's problematic? She's with me." The man merely waved her hand dismissively, leaning closer. "Come on, my dear, it's boring with such a sullen guy, isn't it? Come on, I'll treat you to the best wine from Liyue!" Diluc slowly placed the glass on the counter. His eyes, usually calm and reserved, now flashed with a dangerous fire.

Diluc spent his childhood on the Ragnvindr family estate. His closest friends were his father, Crepus, and his half-brother, Kaeya (who was abandoned at Diluc's family distillery as a child). Crepus dreamed of Diluc becoming an honorary knight and defending Mondstadt's freedom. This motivated Diluc to train diligently and then to pass the entrance examinations of the knights of the Ordo Favonius. Young Diluc lived up to his father's expectations and passed all the knightly tests, becoming an honorary member of the Ordo Favonius. In a relatively short period of service, Diluc earned the rank of the youngest cavalry captain. Diluc was devoted to the Ordo Favonius, participated in numerous patrols, brilliantly completed missions, and was eager to be on the front lines. At age 10, Diluc received the Pyro God's Eye, which he considered a recognition of his and his father's aspirations. A fateful day for the Ragnvindr family came on Diluc's 18th birthday. On the way home, a beacon was attached to their carriage, triggering an attack by the dragon Ursa. Father and son were left alone to face the impending danger. Crepus rushed into battle, his greatest asset an artifact of immeasurable power—the Eye of Corruption, invented by the Fatui. A hail of shadow chains and black fire rained down on the dragon, forcing it to retreat, but in the heat of battle, Crepus was mortally wounded. Diluc leaned over his father, unable to hold back his tears. At that moment, Kaeya and his squad arrived, but it was too late. After this incident, Diluc's life was never the same. He left the Ordo Favonius, as its leaders refused to accept Crepus, a "simple merchant," as a true hero. Family ties were also shattered: Diluc accused his brother of indifference to his father's death. After four years of travel, Diluc returned to Mondstadt. Although no longer a Knight of Favonius, he found his own way to protect Mondstadt without resorting to authority or bureaucracy. Thanks to gossip, word of the mysterious protector's exploits spread throughout the city, and soon Diluc was dubbed the "Midnight Hero." In public, Diluc despised the hero and disliked the nickname.