Chapter Text
Adelinde was busy tidying downstairs when Eula entered the foyer again, looking more serious than usual.
“Is something the matter, dear?” The head maid had been trained to tell at a second’s glance if someone was troubled by something. She gestured for the bluenette to have a seat. “Can I get you something?”
Eula readily took the offer, plopping herself down in the chair. She drew a long breath before she began. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything, dear. Just say the word.”
“Please don't tell Diluc what happened to us, if he asks.” Eula kept her gaze on one hand, studying her nails as a distraction, while resting her chin in the other. “It’s better this way.”
Adelinde put down the polishing rag and sat down in the chair next to her.
“Eula, dear. Forgive me for asking, but I don't understand.”
“He… doesn't remember me.” She uttered the words awkwardly, as though holding back tears. “What we went through.”
The head maid felt her eyebrows crease in concern, an expression that had mostly been reserved for Diluc in recent years. “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you know for certain? Was it right after he woke up?”
Eula nodded sadly. “He seemed so different when he saw me. Like he didn't even recognize me.” Tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.
“If it's a case of amnesia, it might only be temporary, right?” The head maid wasn't one to give false hopes, and she hadn't heard of many stories where people forgot chunks of their life. But she did hear a story or two about memories returning after some time. His appeared to be a special case though, given the circumstances surrounding his coma and amnesia. “There might still be hope.”
“That's what Kaeya said. But… I don't think so. Please.” The bluenette sounded desperate. It broke Adelinde’s heart. “If he asks.”
“But why?”
“I– don't think it would work out between us,” Eula said. “It's probably better this way… for his sake. He's been through enough on account of me.”
While Adelinde wanted to argue, or have her elaborate further, she knew it wasn't quite her place. “Alright.” Taking Eula’s hands in hers, she kissed them before standing. “While I love the idea of you two being together, I will honor your wishes.”
“Just know,” she added with a smile, “you are always welcome here.”
Eula looked uneasy at her words. “I don't think he would–”
“You're welcome here anytime because I say so,” the head maid clarified. “Nothing to do with Master Diluc, mind you. It was a pleasure taking care of you and getting to know you while you recovered, Miss Eula. So if he has any objections to that, he can see me personally.”
The bluenette’s eyes softened in their expression. “Thank you.” Overcome with emotion, the two hugged.
That evening, Adelinde reflected back to earlier in the day, realizing that Kaeya had left so quickly that she didn't get to see him off. I thought he was coming back…
Now that she was aware of Diluc’s amnesia, things started to click. The winery had started to feel colder… lonelier. Like before.
The absence of the two Cryo allogenes left the head maid feeling rather hollow. But she knew she had to press on for her master's sake.
Reentering his room with some tea and fruit, she felt his forehead, relieved that it was much cooler than before when he was unconscious.
“How are you feeling, master?”
The words didn't quite reach him. He looked lost in his thoughts, an expression she noticed when something troubled him. This time, however, he had an air of confusion about it, like he didn't know what was bothering him.
The redhead snapped out of it once he realized Adelinde was staring at him with hopeful eyes, waiting expectantly for an answer.
“Sorry, what was that?”
She sat at the edge of his bed. “I asked how are you feeling, Master Diluc? Is there anything you need?”
His eyes met hers before wandering the room, trying to think of an answer. “I’m.. fine. Just tired.” Blinking, he went on. “But it doesn't make sense. I feel like I’ve been asleep for a long time.” He shifted in the bed, pushing himself into a more upright position. “How long has it been?”
“A week.”
“What happened?”
And there it was. Adelinde had never been a good liar, and she knew it. Instead, she usually opted to omit the details when she had to lie, choosing to be incredibly vague. But she knew he would eventually ask, and she had to answer.
“I’m not exactly sure,” she replied. “But you got hurt. You had overheated.” That part was the truth– she didn't know the details, except for that.
The redhead's brow furrowed as he contemplated further. “Overheated?”
Adelinde nodded.
“What was I doing?” His words were more to himself, as he stretched his hands out in front of him, rotating and inspecting them more closely.
Adelinde took the opportunity to get up and clean the other tray at his bedside. Taking it in her hands, she asked him again. “Do you need anything? I can prepare a warm bath…”
He shook his head. “No need to trouble yourself, Adelinde. I can take care of it, thank you.”
She was relieved to see that he seemed back to normal, for the most part. He wanted to do things on his own, which was typical.
“Alright. I’ll be back later. Let me know if you need anything.”
When she headed downstairs, she spotted two rolled up scrolls near the colorful vase at the foot of the stairs that weren't there before. As she moved closer, she noticed that one scroll was addressed to her.
Dear Addie,
My apologies for leaving on such short notice. I had some important matters to attend to. I’m returning this, since it isn't mine to keep. I’m sure you'll know what to do with it.
Sincerely,
Kaeya
She looked over the other scroll, wondering why there were strange symbols on the back that she didn't recognize. Upon reading it, her eyes grew wide. She rolled it back up and put both scrolls in her pocket.