Draconic Impact Chapter 23 (Patreon)

Edited by: Priapus, Immortal Spank

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

– Mona –

Leaning against the wall of Crimson's room, she panted as she heard the moans and groans of the Outrider, furiously rubbing her wet slit and ignoring the sense of shame she should be feeling. First Lisa, now Amber?

But weren't he and the librarian dating? How terrible! He was cheating on his girlfriend with another woman! From the same workforce, even! How could he? Mona needed to tell Lisa about this ASAP. This was unacceptable!

…Was what she should've been thinking, but the fact that Crimson had another woman screaming his name as she was pounded was unreasonably hot. Wildly fucked up but also extremely arousing for whatever reason.

Mona had been discovering more things about herself, which was becoming absurd. First, it was voyeurism, now cheating? Seriously? What was next? She didn't want to know. At this point, she almost regretted this sudden sexual awakening. Almost, because the pleasure was very much worth it.

Even her fingers were enough to bring the astrologist to her knees as she came a second time, biting down a moan while spraying fluids everywhere on the floor. She could still hear the smacking of their hips as Amber was destroyed.

"You disappoint me, Amber," Crimson growled. "You knew I had a date with Eula, yet you still came over to get fucked? You're a terrible friend."

Hearing that, Mona's eyes widened in shock. That stuck-up knight, too? Was he dating all three women at once, and Amber knew it? How could he do such a thing? But if Amber was aware, then did that mean Lisa…

Was this consensual or not? Mona didn't know. Or rather, she didn't care because now her imagination was running wild. The idea that the bitch knight was going to get bent over and have her pussy filled with Crimson's cock made the astrologist let out a breathy moan.

Oh, what wouldn't she do to see that? She hoped that Crimson would bring her here next time. She didn't particularly hate Eula, but imagining that haughty, arrogant knight getting the dicking of a lifetime made Mona so horny.

Why was she like this? It wasn't even about being touch-starved at this point. She knew she was fucked in the head. The fact that imagining other girls getting fucked made her hornier than it had any right to be would've made her terrified had she not been too busy fingering herself into dehydration.

"I-I'm just protecting her from– EYIEEE?!" Amber tried to respond, being interrupted by what sounded like a stronger thrust. "You're being too rough!"

"No lying," Crimson said.

"I-I'm sorry!" She moaned. "I just wanted to fuck! I wanted– needed your dick!"

"Even though you knew?"

"Y-yes!"

"Even though she was apologizing to you very recently?" Crimson asked again.

"Yes! I'm sorry, I'm a terrible friend!" Amber admitted in the heat of the moment. "I'm sorry, Eula! I don't deserve you!"

"Ah, you're too easy." He replied, almost sounding disappointed. "I thought you'd show a little backbone. Oh well, at least you're honest."

"I'm sowwyyyyy…" This was the last thing she said before devolving into incoherent moans and groans.

This little exchange only served to make Mona's core burn hotter as she bit down her umpteenth orgasm. The upbeat, valiant, loyal knight with a heart of gold… turned into a dopey whore that would do anything for cock. Mona wasn't sure if she should feel pity or jealousy.

Gods, she just wanted to stay in her research room doing research. Even though he knew Mona was in there, he still came back with Amber in tow, locked the door of his room, and started pounding her for hours.

They'd had this conversation about respecting her space and whatever, and then he turned around and did this. Was he slow, or was this on purpose? Mona didn't know his end goal here, but admittedly, she wasn't completely blameless.

After all, she was the one masturbating to the sounds of Crimson having sex with women. This was his house, after all, just like she'd said. He had every right to kick her out of here, even if she was the one that had broken the barrier.

I wanna see… Mona thought, panting like a mutt.

Just what kind of pleasure was the Outrider going through to completely lose her sense of self like that? She was almost sure that Amber had never had any relationship before this, so was it really as good as it sounded? To the point where she'd turn into what amounted to an animal?

She wanted to see what was happening behind that door. How big he was, what kind of position they were in, and most importantly, she wanted to see the look on Amber's face. What kind of expression was she making with all those delirious moans?

What would happen if she were to… 'accidentally' walk in on them? Would Crimson feel so embarrassed that he'd stop and take this somewhere else? Maybe it'd be a turn-off for him. Or, perhaps, he'd invite her to join them?

Yeah, like that was ever gonna happen. Mona might be completely drunk off her arousal, but she was just mindful enough not to do something that dumb. She'd just settle here, in the living room, hugging the wall separating them as she continued pumping fingers in and out of her needy hole.

Once the moaning stopped, she'd return to her room and pretend this never happened. Easy and simple. There was no reason to possibly destroy her reputation as one of the greatest astrologists of this age.

And so, as Mona came once again, she gave herself a moment to breathe, feeling genuinely tired after schlicking for who knows how long.

"Archons, I need it." She said very quietly. "I need it so bad—"

Then the color drained from her face as she saw Noelle standing right there just past the front door, looking at her in utter shock while covering her red face with her hands. Mona was mortified once their eyes met, not knowing what to say or do in this situation.

She's been seen completely naked, hunched over, and masturbating right in front of one of the sweetest girls she'd had the pleasure of knowing. There was nothing she could possibly say to explain what she was doing without looking like an absolute creep.

Was this it? Was her life over?

"I-I didn't— I-I knocked, but nobody— I thought—" The Maid Knight started, stammering a response. "I'll be back another time!"

Noelle exited the house in a sprint, leaving the astrologist feeling a mixture of utter despair and…

"What was that?" She heard Crimson say, making her flinch.

Scrambling in a panic, Mona got up and rushed to her room, making sure to be as quiet as possible. She hid under the blanket of her bed, all while groping herself as the image of Noelle's shocked face was burned into her mind.

Ah, it was over for her. Even if Noelle wasn't going to share what she saw around, she had still seen it. That utterly perverted scene of her masturbating to her roommate having sex. There was no way that the maid wouldn't view her less after that.

She bit her pillow to stop her moans from escaping her as she continued pumping two fingers in and out of her wet hole with one hand and massaging her tits with the other. Why did the idea of being looked down on for her depravity make her feel like this? To think she got off to watching and being watched…

Mona was a degenerate.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

– Eula –

She almost couldn't believe that she'd agreed to this. No, it was more shocking that he would ask something like that of her, even though she repeatedly told him that she was a Lawrence. Did he not know what that meant?

He said he didn't care about that, which might be true, but didn't he realize that being seen on a date with her would tank his reputation? Considering he was making a name for himself by completing a lot of commissions, it'd be a huge shame to ruin all that goodwill just because he was with her.

Eula almost felt guilty, but perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. After all, if he didn't feel welcome in Mondstadt anymore, he'd gladly leave and be a nuisance somewhere else. Clearly, that was why she'd agreed to this silly proposition of his.

Seriously, what was he thinking? Did he forget that they were enemies? He could insist they were friends all he wanted, but she was still a Knight of Favonius with a captain position. He was a threat to her kingdom.

Even though she didn't really agree with Jean's paranoid view on the subject. He was just here to enjoy his time, even if he acted like a ruffian almost the entire time to get under her skin. Honestly, Eula hated him. All he had going for him was his skill in battle and maybe his easy-going nature…

…His stupid, handsome face… and how he would easily get her heart pounding with just a few silly words…

Eula shook her head as her face went red the more she thought about him. No, no. All she found interesting was his combat experience. Anything else is absurd. He was a thug whose only purpose was to drive Jean insane by doing whatever it was that he was doing.

And he's definitely doing something. Something nefarious. That scoundrel.

Yes, she hated him from the bottom of her heart. In fact, her face was red out of anger as she remembered that time he humiliated her in front of everyone, but no more! Now that Eula had caught up to him, it was only a matter of time before she regained the honor she lost that day. And at the same time, kick him out of Mondstadt.

She didn't understand why that prospect didn't sound very exciting anymore, but it was probably nothing.

Where is he? She thought, looking around the main plaza from her bench. The sun had already set, and civilians were closing shop for the day. She's been here for twenty minutes already. He's late.

Well, truthfully, she had been here early. An hour early, to be precise, but that was only natural. Even if it was some dumb mock date, Eula wasn't going to take it any less seriously than a real one. She'd even dressed properly, forgoing her usual attire for something more appropriate. And maybe light make-up, but that was about it.

…In hindsight, she probably took this a lot more seriously than she should've. After all, that rapscallion would likely show up in something stupid just to humiliate her. That's all he did. Maybe she should've worn something idiotic.

Oh, what wouldn't she do to see that smug bastard red in the face. He was always smirking for some reason like it was his neutral look, and it pissed her off. What did he find funny? Did he look down on her or something? She'd have her vengeance. One day, she'd embarrass him so much that he'd cry.

And that was a promise.

For now, she'll humor this silly date of his. She didn't know what his goal was and why he insisted on getting close to her, but Eula was prepared to shut down all his advances. She might be grateful for his advice during her fight with Amber, but that was it.

If he thought it would help him score enough points for her to even consider dating him for real, he better think again. Yes. The thought of them being a couple made her bristle with rage. That's why the blood was rushing to her head.

"Ah, there you are." She heard Crimson's voice. Finally. "Rather early, too. I hope I didn't make you wait too long."

"You did." Eula scoffed, glancing at him. "How dare you? Vengeance will be mine."

Eula paused, seeing that the idea of him wanting to embarrass her was blatantly false and something she made up just to get mad, for he wore a very professional suit consisting of a black dress shirt and white everything else. He'd gone as far as combing his hair, slicking it back instead of its usual mess that nearly covered his face.

He really was taking this seriously. She thought to herself in surprise. Well, he'd better. Yeah. I would've walked away if he prepared any less. Definitely.

"Well, technically, I am here thirty minutes early." He pointed out, checking his strange watch. "I didn't expect you to be here before me."

"I-I don't care. Next time, you should be here an hour early." She stammered slightly, hiding it behind a 'frustrated' huff. Where did he find that suit anyway? It didn't look like it belonged here. Something custom-made? Could he even afford something like that? "I almost left, you know. You should be lucky that I'm still here."

"My apologies, then." His smirk didn't even twitch as he offered his arm. "I'll be more vigilant next time."

Next time? Was he counting on a next time? How arrogant of him. He'd be lucky to still be in Mondstadt by the following week.

Eula hesitated, discreetly looked around, then slowly linked her arm with his. She was only doing this because it would look weird otherwise. Anyone would be able to tell that they were on a date seeing how they were dressed, so even if she hated him, she should act the part. Indeed. And she was only smiling because frowning would also look weird.

Eula was not enjoying her time as they walked together to the restaurant. Not one bit.

Spotting some people watching them with a mixture of surprise and confusion left her feeling strangely empowered. They must be so shocked that she hadactually found a date. A Lawrence like her, not relying on stupid arranged marriage, but through sheer beauty and charisma.

Plus, losing a bet, but that wasn't important.

And it's not like she was with some unimportant random. Crimson had been the talk of the town recently, seeing how efficient he was in clearing commissions. Where it would take an adventurer at his rank twenty-four hours to complete one, he'd finish five in half the time. Whether he'd noticed or not, he never commented on it. A lot of civilians viewed him in a very positive light, however.

Being able to fly must be nice. Without it, she doubted he'd be half as quick.

That said, he was still a rascal. If the common people knew what he was doing to Jean, they wouldn't like him very much, and Eula was sure of that. After all, the acting Grandmaster was also liked, nearly as much as Varka, in fact. Then again, no one besides the knights had seen her in that miserable state.

"Here for your reservation, sir?" The host next to the door asked, giving Eula a quick glance.

Eula caught the twinge of annoyance on his face but made no mention of it. Naturally, she wasn't wanted here either, even though it was a costly restaurant only merchants and nobles visited.

"Yes. Under Crimson." Her 'date' responded.

"Ah, of course." The host gave a polite smile after looking through the ledger. "Right this way."

They followed the host inside, and Eula's appearance gathered the attention of practically everyone present, making her feel very smug. Even though she was former royalty, she hadn't been in any fancy place like this one since she was a child. It was only natural that her presence would surprise the people around her.

Up the stairs and outdoors, their table was on a balcony with a pretty view of most of Mondstadt. They took their seats, and the host handed them their menus, pouring a glass of wine for each.

For a moment, Eula didn't say anything. Or rather, couldn't. She wasn't sure why she felt so hesitant. So nervous that it was hard to start a conversation. What was wrong with her? She had a much easier time treating him like the thug he was just yesterday, but now, even asking how his day went sounded too difficult.

Was she seriously considering this a real date? But that couldn't be it. She was merely humoring him because she would never go back on her word. She'd lost a duel, meaning she had to agree with whatever he wanted her to do within reason. And a 'date' sounded reasonable enough. After all, it was a 'fake' date.

…Right?

"You look tense," Crimson noted, making her wince. "Is everything alright?"

"Y-yes, everything is fine." Eula quickly responded, trying to come up with an excuse as she refused to meet his gaze. "It's just… the staring."

"Ah…"

Frankly, being stared at like this didn't particularly bother her. If it did, Eula would've never left the house. She was used to being looked down upon by everyone because of her blood ties, so this wasn't anything different. But it worked well enough as an excuse.

Though, then again, she wasn't lying. The way he stared at her made her nervous.

"I imagine it grows tiresome after a while." Her 'date' replied. "Perhaps I should've reserved somewhere with more privacy."

"No, this is nice." She said softly, surprising herself. "The view is beautiful from here."

What's with this dainty-like response? She was supposed to call him a dimwit or something for not seeing this coming. 'This is nice'? No, it was not. It was a view she saw every day since she was born. This was nothing special. Why was she pretending that it was?

Why am I feeling this way? Eula unconsciously tightened her grip over the hem of her dress. Is this his doing?

Did he know some weird dragon spell that made her feel like this? This degenerate. She knew it. She shouldn't have gone along this silly date of his. Had she had prior knowledge, this wouldn't have happened. It was his fault. She'd have her revenge.

"M-moreover, are you fine with this?" Eula questioned with a stutter, not wanting to think about how he'd hypnotized her with his gross dragon magic.

"What do you mean?"

"Seeing that you're here with me." She clarified.

"It is certainly a privilege, I know. I've always been a lucky man."

"Not that!" She hissed, her face going red. "Don't you remember? I'm a Lawrence."

"And as I've told you before, I care about the woman in front of me, not the family she's from." He casually deflected.

Every time he said that Eula would feel her heart skipping a beat. Bastard. He was trying to give her a heart attack, wasn't he? Him and his stupid spells.

"N-no, I mean, people will start looking down on you, you know?" She said, for some reason trying to discourage him. "The reputation you built might go down the drain."

"Ah. That? Well, frankly, I don't care about it either." Crimson replied. Unbothered. "Though, now that you brought it up, a part of me feels like you care about it far more than you should."

"I… do?"

"Yes. That's three times that you've mentioned that you're a Lawrence." He nodded. "Almost as if you're trying to discourage me from pursuing you."

The fact that he so casually admitted that he was interested in her made Eula's face burn bright red. How vulgar. Was he messing with her? How could he confess something so nonchalantly? And why did that suddenly make her feel so pleased?

Was he being serious, or was this another one of his stupid games? At this point, Eula didn't know. She hated feeling this way— why was it Crimson, of all people, that was able to consistently make her feel desired?

"S-so, what?" For her own sanity, Eula refused to acknowledge that. He probably wasn't being serious. He just wanted to embarrass her. "What's so interesting about that? Maybe it's because you're not worthy enough to be in the same room as me."

"Maybe." He chuckled. "Or maybe you're ashamed of that name."

Eula flinched but did not deny it. She couldn't.

"...Why wouldn't I feel ashamed?" She said. "After everything we've done to these people, it's only fair to suffer their scorn."

"Ah, but here's the thing." His smile widened. "It's not fair."

"What?" She frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The Lawrence Clan may have been corrupt. They may have damaged this region so much that Barbatos himself came down to overthrow them." He said. "But how come are you guilty of such a thing?"

"Because I'm–"

"–related? That is precisely my point. You are not at fault for the sins of your ancestors." He added. "You are not your family, and your family is not you."

"Easy for you to say." She scowled. "What's the meaning of this? Are you trying to make me feel better? Well, I don't need your help. It's none of your business, anyway."

Eula surprised herself. Even though her response was aggressive, for some reason, she felt warm hearing that from someone, even if it wasn't true. Her sin was being born into this family in the first place. It wasn't like she could help it.

"This is simply my perspective on the subject. If you find it uncomfortable, then I'll stop." He said. "But if you'll allow me one bit of advice… Have you considered going on a journey?"

Eula paused, not expecting something like this at all. She thought he'd start some pointless drivel about not blaming herself, but a journey? That was… interesting, to say the least.

"A journey, you say?" She looked at him quizzically. "And what's the wisdom behind this advice of yours?"

"I wouldn't call it wisdom, per se." He replied. "But correct me if I'm wrong. You've never left Mondstadt, have you?"

"Not particularly, no." Eula frowned.

The city, yes. Many times before. Usually, to deal with monsters or the Abyss Order. But she had never left the region itself, as she wasn't allowed to leave unless authorized by the Grandmaster.

And it's not like Eula ever needed to travel to other regions. Her job was to protect civilians and clear out infested areas alongside other companies of the Knights. Foreign affairs were Jean's responsibility.

"Have you ever had an interest in traveling?"

"Well…" She thought about it and then answered. "Yes, admittedly. I've spent my whole life here. It's only natural I'd want to see what the world has to offer."

"Then why take some time off to explore it?" Crimson asked.

"Why?" Eula was confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"To my knowledge, broadening your horizons can be an invaluable experience." He replied. "You'll get to try out new things and experience new cultures. Perhaps that would help you distance yourself from your family."

"And how do you know this?"

"Oh, I don't." He chuckled. "But I certainly know that after a grand adventure like that, you'll be a different person."

"And you're hoping that would be enough to stop me from feeling responsible?" She scoffed. "It's pointless. Nothing's ever going to change my mind. Your advice is stupid."

"Maybe." He shrugged, not upset at her harshness. Eula was starting to think that he enjoyed her scathing comments. "Or maybe it's an excuse to convince you to go with me to Liyue."

This sudden confession had caught her off guard, and Eula felt her heart skip a beat, her face going red once more. Just when she was starting to get comfortable, he went on to say something weird again. What the hell was wrong with him? Why was he like this?

Eula, abandoning her duties and traveling to another region with him? Was he out of his mind? Who did he think he was, anyway? He was an adventurer, and she was a knight. A free man and a woman bound by responsibilities. It was never going to work out, not when Jean was acting the way she was.

Wait, why was she even considering it? Whether Jean agreed or not, Eula's answer would be a resounding "NO". Spending more than an hour a day with this rascal sounded like a nightmare. She would never agree. Ever.

"Go with you?" She stuttered, glancing to the side. "Why would you want that?"

"Because traveling alone is boring." He answered. "But having someone like you by my side would make the journey more pleasant. So much that I'd take my time walking there instead of flying."

A journey to Liyue on foot would take them over a week. Did he seriously enjoy her presence that much? He was a weird individual. So weird that, for some inexplicable reason, it pleased Eula. Him and his pesky dragon magic.

"So what do you say?" He looked at her expectantly. "Doesn't a grand adventure around the world sound enticing?"

Eula internally acknowledged that a journey across all of Teyvat sounded very tempting. She knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because, as much as she hated to admit it, she wouldn't have the courage to go on her own.

But with Crimson along to encourage her, Eula didn't have many problems besides her current responsibilities, which she knew she could handle before he decided to leave. After all, she had never taken a day off since joining the knights, even on holidays.

She could probably pressure Jean into letting her go if she really tried.

Why am I still considering it? She thought to herself, genuinely conflicted.

Should Eula go? Did she even deserve to indulge herself like this? What about Amber or her squad? How would they react to her leaving?

"I need to use the restroom," Eula said, standing up from her seat.

She could hear him chuckling as she took off, fueling her embarrassment. That bastard. He'd asked her this knowing this would be her reaction, hadn't he? He'd regret it. She'll have her revenge.

…After she had cooled off.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

– Crimson –

As expected, this date has been smooth sailing. Ever since she reconciled with Amber at my advice, Eula's started viewing me in a mostly positive light, as much as she tries to deny it. She hasn't even noticed that she has been almost always smiling during the date.

And just as I thought, she only needed a little nudge to show her sweet and adorable side. I will say, though, I didn't expect her to act so shy and timid. Is this seriously the first time she has ever gone on a date? I'm shocked. Lawrence or not, she's gorgeous. There must be someone out there who is interested in her. She's simply that precious.

Even with the context of their history, now that I've done my homework, the Lawrence Clan's tyranny was stopped a thousand years ago. How come the grudge is still going strong? And to be directed to a knight as well?

I ignore the whispers from the other customers around us, tuning out their words of mockery and disgust. It's been like this since we arrived, and Eula either didn't hear or didn't care enough to respond to any of them. It was surprising considering her personality until I reminded myself that she's been used to this nearly her entire life. This is nothing new to her.

How sad. It's no wonder that these people have barely made any significant progress on their primitive society, cataclysm notwithstanding. Ignoring their strange advancements in certain fields, being stuck in a medieval-esque age for that long is embarrassing.

Though, I'd take a planet like this over a modern world filled with pollution. At least the air here isn't trying to choke me to death.

But I digress.

I hope Eula accepts my offer. Although I was serious when I said having her around during my travels would be pleasant, it would also be so incredibly funny to steal her away from the knights, especially considering that she's currently the most powerful in their organization after my indirect training.

It might not drive Jean insane, seeing that she'll be mine by the time I leave, but it would still be annoying, and annoying others gives me life.

I pause as I hear Eula's frustrated voice inside the building, and I'm prompted to get up once I hear an argument between her and a masculine voice. I walk in, wanting to investigate and make sure that she's not in trouble, only to see her and a stranger bickering with each other.

If the half-empty glass in his hand is any indication, the man has spilled wine all over his suit, demanding an apology from Eula, who is not budging at all. This scene makes me smile, internally thanking my luck.

"Do you know how expensive this suit was?" The man sneers. Classic swindler move. "Aren't you at least going to say sorry for bumping into me like that?"

"Bump into you?" Eula scowls. "I was standing still. You should watch where you're going next time."

An opportunity.

"Excuse me." I get in between them, looking at the man directly in the eyes. "Do you have a problem with my partner?"

I emphasize that last bit, making him pause for a moment. I can't see Eula's face as she's behind me, but I can imagine what she looks like right now.

"Yes. Your partner here walked right into me and made a mess out of my suit." He accused. "And she didn't even bother to apologize. She turned her nose up at my demands and blamed me."

He's a terrible liar.

"How would I bump into you if I wasn't even moving in the first place?" Eula argues. "It doesn't make any sense."

"See? And now she has the audacity to drag my name through the mud." He scoffs, making things up. "All I did was ask for reparations. Typical Lawrence Clan thugs."

"Why you—"

"Sir, I'm going to have to tell you to apologize for that comment," I say calmly, stopping Eula from making this situation worse as she stands next to me. "There's no need for personal attacks."

"Why should I when she hasn't apologized for ruining my suit?" His eyes narrow. "Besides, am I wrong? These Lawrence nobles act all uppity and look down on everyone around them. Everyone here knows that."

"Regardless of what clan she belongs to, that's no excuse to offend a lady. Especially not in such an environment." I insist. "Apologize."

"What are you, some Lawrence bootlicker?" He sneers. "You know what they did, right? The fact that you're with her at all is a joke."

I see Eula flinching from the corner of my eye. Her hands ball into tight fists, but she says nothing. Truly, this grudge is absolutely nonsensical. How is it still going strong? It's been a thousand years, people. Let it go. I understand that the current nobles aren't exactly kind either, but even they are blameless.

"You may call me whatever you wish, but I will not let you insult her any more than that," I say, still calm.

"I-It's true!" Someone else says hesitantly. "She bumped into him! I saw it!"

"What?!" Eula's eyes widen.

"Yeah, she was walking out of the restroom before it happened." Another added.

"She's lying so she can avoid responsibility."

"Those Lawrence… They can never admit when they're wrong…"

As more and more customers support the rude man's false statement of what happened, he smirks in confidence. Eula, however, shows the opposite reaction and shrinks down in anxiety, grimacing at the pressure. She refuses to look at me or anyone else, content with staring down at her feet.

"See?" The man says. "She's lying. A Lawrence is a Lawrence, after all."

"I will not ask again. Apologize."

"Why should I?"

"Because you're lying."

Eula quickly looks at me in shock that I believe here even with the supposed 'witnesses'. The man blinks, his smirk replaced with a scowl.

"You're calling me a liar?" He says. "Even though everyone here is confirming my words?"

"Yes," I nod. "You and everyone here is a lying piece of shit, and if you think I'd take your words over my partner's, then you're delusional on top of that."

As the people whisper to themselves, calling me all kinds of words, the man bristles in anger. Eula, on the other hand, is still in shocked silence. Even if I couldn't tell that they were lying, Eula never struck me as the arrogant noble type. She is arrogant, and she is a noble, but not in the way these people are pretending. Lying to avoid responsibility? Not like her at all. Plus, the fact that everyone here dislikes her is enough for me to call them biased.

"The nerve!" The arrogant idiot's scowl deepens. "Not only you insult me, but everyone here as well? How fitting that your partner is a Lawrence. You certainly act like them."

"I take it you won't apologize, then?"

"No. I'm not in the wrong—"

He doesn't finish the sentence before I grab him by the neck, squeezing just hard enough to choke him out but not to tear his head off. The arrogant man's eyes nearly pop out of their sockets as he tries to pull my hand away, desperately wanting to breathe.

Eula, as well as the rest of the customers, gasp in surprise and shock, but of course, they will. I've never shown any aggression during our interactions, only humbly asking him to say sorry to my partner.

I frankly don't care if he apologized or not, so I'm not exactly furious at the moment. I'm a little annoyed, sure, but that's about it. However, it's my job as a gentleman to defend my lady's honor no matter what I have to do.

And if it meant drawing this much attention, then so be it. After all, Jean will see this, and it'll make her even more paranoid.

I sure hope Lisa follows the plan. I'm certain she's watching this as well.

"Is this enough to make you change your mind?"

He nods, immediately folding at the slightest hint of pressure, and I let him go, making him fall on his rear. After a few coughs and hacks, the man prostrates before Eula, shaking in fear.

Pathetic.

"I-I'm sorry! It won't happen again! Please, forgive me!"

"Uh…" Eula, still shocked and confused, looks at me.

While that is happening, I address the civilians who wanted to get involved in this for some reason.

"All of you should be ashamed of yourselves," I say harshly. "You say that her family had done nothing but spread corruption and tyranny through the lands, then turn around and let your own biases and prejudices blind you like this?"

Some people look guilty, others look embarrassed.

"Insulting, blaming, and hurting an innocent lady for something she had no control over…" I continue. "Doesn't that make you no different than the Lawrence Clan of old?"

Not even a peep from them. They're so easy.

"Seeing that we're not welcome here, we'll be taking our leave," I add. "Enjoy your dinner."

The silence is enough of a response for me, so I gently take Eula's hand and walk out. For a while, she doesn't say anything, and the air feels thicker with every second that passes. However, once we're a distance away from the restaurant, in an empty plaza near a fountain, she finally speaks.

"Why did you believe me?" She suddenly asks, stopping in her tracks and letting go of my hand. "Even though everyone says it was my fault."

"Hm? Well, it didn't sound like something you'd do." I reply simply.

"You don't know that," Eula argues. "I could've been lying."

"Were you?" I ask.

"N-no, but I could've–"

"But were you?"

"...No."

"Then there we go. Why make this any more complicated than it has to be?"

She looks at me incredulously for a moment before grabbing me by the collar and scowling at me angrily. This is a response I surely didn't expect, but I can tell that she's very grateful despite this 'rage' she's showing.

I can work with this.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" She growls. "Why are you like this?!"

"Like what?"

"This! Trying to be so nice and understanding even though you shouldn't!" She says. "Saying you don't care about me being a Lawrence, humoring my duels even though you were under no obligation, and now taking my side regardless of the witnesses telling you otherwise? What kind of trick are you trying to pull? What are you hiding?"

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you're trying to say."

"Shut up. Gods, you make me so mad. I hate you so much." She hisses, her grip relaxing slightly, as does her expression. "...Every time you do these stupid things, I feel happy. Like I'm worth something to someone, and I don't know why; You're nothing special. Amber does it all the time, but it's not the same. I shouldn't feel like this."

She sighs, resting her head on my chest.

"Why is it that when you're around, I don't hate myself as much?" She questions. "Just what did you do to me? I hate you."

I take some time to comfort her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. Then, I gently put a hand on her chin and lift her head so she looks at me. I don't answer her question and get close enough for a kiss.

She doesn't stop me. Instead, she closes her eyes and accepts it, reciprocating my advances. I can tell that she has no experience in these things as she lets me take the lead, trying to mimic what I do in an admittedly adorable fashion.

And with her emotions running high, I don't overdo it, pulling away after a few seconds. Eula almost seems disappointed before her face goes red, realizing what she did.

"You bastard. I say I hate you, and the first thing you do is steal my first kiss?" She looks away. "You're the worst. I'll get you back for this."

"Sorry, I couldn't help it. Not when you were looking so cute."

"See?! This is what I mean!" She pushes me away. "Stop saying these things! It's weird!"

"Well, it's true."

"Stop! That's it, I'm done with you!" Eula declares, pointing at me. "Tomorrow is the day I kick you out of Mondstadt! You better pack your bags, you wretch!"

That is the last thing she says before walking away in a huff, which I find endlessly amusing and endearing. She may pretend to be angry at me, but it's not easy to fool me. Not when she's hilariously terrible at lying.

After all, I saw her smiling.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I now understand why people write Tsunderes. They are fun.