As Diluc announced the beginning of the banquet, the atmosphere reached its peak.
Servants entered in a steady stream, carrying wine and food to the guests.
While the guests indulged, the servants couldn't partake in the festivities.
However, they were full of energy, knowing that Lord Diluc would allow them their own private party after the event.
Even the rarely seen Head Housemaid, Adelinde, made a personal appearance to oversee everything.
There was an eerie similarity between this Head Housemaid and Katheryne from the Adventurers' Guild—a thought that gave one chills upon closer reflection.
“It’s been a while, Young Master Diluc. Quite the banquet you've put together. Oh—wait, I should call you Lord Diluc now, since Crepus is no longer with us. Haha…”
“…"
Crepus, of course, was Diluc's father.
Krobber's words were like pouring salt into a wound.
Even the usually composed Diluc, who had been smiling slightly, now wore a displeased expression.
According to his investigations, his father's death was linked to both the Fatui and Krobber himself.
For the past three years, ever since his father's death, Diluc had persistently sent Krobber invitations, hoping to extract so details about the events surrounding his father’s demise.
“The Seneschal of your church is here as well, right? I need to speak with him. Bring him to .”
If Krobber had co alone, he wouldn’t have dared to act so arrogantly, especially since the Seneschal of the Church of Favonius was one of the highest-ranking individuals in Mondstadt, far beyond Krobber's status.
“If your confidence cos from the Fatui, then as the owner of Dawn Winery, I’ll personally throw you out to be fed to the slis, Mr. Krobber.”
Diluc’s ruby-like eyes now carried a trace of anger.
Yet, despite his fury, he remained rational, refraining from acting in Mondstadt’s na.
The icy stare instantly drained all arrogance from Krobber.
“Of–of course, I’m not the one seeking to et Seneschal Seamus.”
Considering the significant difference in status and wealth between him and Diluc, Krobber eventually backed down.
He stepped aside and introduced Bai Luo.
“Young Lord Diluc, allow
to introduce to you formally—the Protector of the Continent, the Twelfth Harbinger of the Fatui, the Ausbilder.”
Normally, Krobber would embellish his introduction with a string of grand titles.
However, before becoming a Harbinger, Bai Luo had engaged in many secretive and unsavory activities.
Even after being appointed as a Harbinger, he hadn’t accomplished anything particularly grand.
The only notable title to his na was Fatui Harbinger.
Yet, that title alone was enough to command respect in Mondstadt.
“It’s a pleasure to et you.”
Frowning slightly, Diluc’s expression grew more guarded as he looked at Bai Luo again.
Though he resided far from Snezhnaya, Diluc was more familiar with the Ausbilder’s background than Krobber.
He understood that soone like Bai Luo staying in Mondstadt was nothing short of a disaster.
If this man intended to target any of Mondstadt’s high-ranking figures... the consequences would be catastrophic.
“There’s no need to trouble the winery's owner, Mr. Krobber.”
Just as Diluc was debating whether or not to let the Seneschal et such a dangerous individual, Seamus Pegg, the Seneschal of the Church of Favonius, also known as the Cardinal of Daybreak, stepped forward from the crowd.
Yes, his last na was Pegg.
Incidentally, his two daughters were nad Jean and Barbara.
As the Seneschal of the Church of Favonius, Seamus had naturally been on Diluc’s guest list.
“Seneschal.”
With a slight frown, Diluc gave Seamus a questioning look, but the Seneschal rely shook his head, signaling Diluc to leave the matter to him.
As the head of the church, Seamus certainly didn’t need a winery owner to protect him.
“I’ve long heard that the Fatui recently appointed a new Twelfth Harbinger. It’s truly an honor to et you. Unfortunately, given that we are at Lord Diluc’s banquet, I cannot outshine the host. Otherwise, I would certainly extend my hospitality and present you with a grand gift.”
“A… grand gift?”
Hearing this term, Krobber couldn’t help but swallow nervously.
A gift from a Seneschal must be quite valuable, right?
“You flatter . Among the Harbingers, I’m the most insignificant,” Bai Luo responded with a slight bow, a gesture typical of Snezhnayan etiquette.
However, his humble deanor did not ease the tension between Diluc and Seamus.
In fact, it only heightened their caution.
As Alice had once said: "When a madman knows how to remain graceful, he becos truly terrifying."
In their minds, Bai Luo’s level of danger had just skyrocketed.
“If the Ausbilder is here in person, it must be for a serious matter. However, discussing business at a banquet might spoil the mood for others. Why not ask the lord to lend us a more suitable place?” Seamus adjusted his glasses and glanced over at Diluc.
But before Diluc could speak, Bai Luo interjected.
“Seneschal Seamus, Lord Diluc, I believe you’ve misunderstood sothing.” He casually picked up a glass of wine from a nearby table, smiling as he spoke. “I’m only here in Mondstadt for the Windblu Festival, and I ca to this banquet purely for enjoynt. There’s no pressing business at hand. In fact, the one with sothing to discuss is likely Krobber, not .”
Diluc: "..."
Seamus: "..."
Krobber: "???"
What the…? He’s throwing
under the bus!
Krobber’s legs almost gave way when he heard Bai Luo’s statent.
He had always relied on the powerful backing of others to maintain his airs of authority.
Standing before Diluc and Seamus, his previous composure was largely due to having Bai Luo at his side.
Now, Bai Luo had completely abandoned him.
“L-Lord Ausbilder, the mission! Don’t forget the Doctor’s mission!” Krobber quickly whispered, making sure only he and Bai Luo could hear.
He was trying to use the Doctor’s na to pressure Bai Luo.
“I’m aware, but I have other tasks to attend to. Besides, the Doctor didn’t say I had to cooperate with you. Or… are you trying to give
orders?” Bai Luo’s eyes took on a chilling edge as he said the last sentence.
Had he not been trying to save face, Krobber might have wet himself under that icy glare.
“I appreciate the invitation, Lord Diluc. Please, continue your discussions. Don’t mind —just treat
like any other guest,” Bai Luo said casually, waving his hand as he walked off with his wine glass in hand, rejoining the banquet.
His eyes had already locked onto a new target—a knight sitting in the corner, drinking alone, with few willing to approach her.
After Bai Luo left, Seamus breathed a sigh of relief.
Spending ti with a Fatui Harbinger, especially one skilled in assassination, was undeniably nerve-wracking.
Now that Bai Luo was gone, Krobber was left alone, and the Seneschal and Diluc could handle him easily.
“Mr. Krobber, I hear you wanted to discuss sothing with ? Let’s head to the eting room Lord Diluc has kindly prepared,” Seamus said confidently, adjusting his glasses once more.
anwhile, Krobber… he was starting to regret his earlier arrogance.
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