Chapter Text
They arrived in Mondstadt before the Yuletide season started. It was planned by Varka, that after everything that happened in their travels, they all deserved a good break before continuing to the next nation. Kaeya didn’t want to return at first, afraid that they will attract the Abyss Order and ruin the celebrations but just like what Lumine and Caribert had said, the Abyss Order are currently staying low after the incident in the Chasm. And even if they did appear, everyone’s ready to defend their home. So he decided to trust them on that.
Returning to Mondstadt felt like a breath of fresh air. The wind that greeted them wrapped around them like an embrace. Surely, Venti had already sensed their return.
The wind blew stronger as Dvalin flew above them. His gaze set on the group before making a turn to continue its scouting up in the sky.
“Was that a welcome back?” Diluc asked as he chuckled.
Kaeya smiles, watching the huge dragon as it flies around the skies of Mondstadt. “Might be. We owe him a big gift for the Yuletide season. Alongside the knights, I’m sure they guarded Mondstadt well while we’re gone.”
Diluc nodded in agreement while their mother giggled.
“Well then!” Varka exclaimed, getting their attention. “I’ll return to the city and see how everyone is doing. They must have been preparing for the Yuletide week and I bet every knight is very busy because of it. Might as well lend a hand.” he told them before facing Diluc and Kae. “You two may head home for now. I know everyone’s exhausted from the trip. You can return to your work tomorrow.”
Diluc and Kae nodded. Varka exchanged a few more words with Crepus before nudging his horse to run towards the city.
Kae stretched his arms, leaning against his older self as he did so. “I miss my room! I will definitely collapse on my bed once we’re home.”
Kaeya chuckles as he ruffles Kae’s hair.
Crepus smiles at Kae, “We should get going then.” he said before facing Lumine and their other companion, Dainsleif. “You can stay in the winery again if you want.”
Lumine smiles, “Thank you.”
“The same goes for you, Dainsleif.” Crepus told the Khaenri’ahn.
Dainsleif frowned before shaking his head. “I’m fine. I can find another place.”
Lumine smirks, “Is that how a hired bodyguard should act?” she teased but Dainsleif just looked away. “Come on, Dain. Where else are you going to stay?”
“I can find one.”
Crepus chuckles while watching the both of them. “Don’t worry about it. We have a lot of guest rooms available in the residence. I can tell Adelinde to prepare one for your stay.” he told Dainsleif.
Dainsleif hesitated but with another pleading look from Lumine, he gave in. “Alright.”
“Papa!!!!!!” a small girl tackled Kaeya as soon as the door of the winery opened.
Klee hugged his left leg tightly, earning a chuckle from Kaeya. He leaned down to pick up the little girl in his arms.
“Have you been good?” he asked her and Klee nodded eagerly.
“Klee has been good!! Klee listens to Miss Addie and to big brother Albedo!” Klee answered proudly. “Klee is happy to see you back!!” she squealed, wrapping her arms around Kaeya’s neck for another tight hug.
Diluc sneakers. “Seems like your daughter won’t be releasing you soon, Caribert~”
Kaeya just rolls his eyes and before he could say anything, someone else had walked out of the door and pulled both Diluc and Kae into an embrace. Kaeya smirked as both brothers got hugged by Adelinde.
“Oof! Addie!” Diluc yelped while Kae looked happy to see Adelinde again, immediately returning her hug.
“Welcome back! I missed the both of you so much!” she told them before pulling herself away to have a proper look at the brothers. She places her hands on their cheeks. “Are the both of you alright? Did anyone get hurt during the Expedition? Any injuries?”
“A-About that…” Kae mumbled hesitantly, unsure if he should tell Adelinde about the Chasm incident but one head shake from Kaeya stopped him. Even Diluc looked hesitant. It’s definitely a memory he doesn’t want to go back to.
Adelinde was still waiting for him or Diluc to answer her worries.
Kae quickly smiled at her, “We’re alright! But it’s been a tiring journey and I really miss Addie’s cooking.” he told Adelinde, hoping to move the topic to something else.
Adelinde sighs before smiling. She hugs both of them again. “Oh, young master. I’ll cook whatever meal you both like! Just tell me and we’ll prepare it.”
Kae and Diluc hug her back this time, smiling. “Thank you, Addie.”
“Welcome back, Caribert.” Hans greeted Kaeya while grinning. “Any souvenirs?”
Kaeya rolls his eyes, “Of course, that’s the first thing you’ll ask from me.” he mumbled before balancing Klee on one arm while he grabbed one of the boxes on the ground, he gave the box to Hans. “Here you go. For you and the others. Miss Adelinde and Elzer got their separate gifts with Lady Ignisia.”
Hans cheered as he took the box from Kaeya.
“Papa, what about Klee?” Klee asked Kaeya with puppy eyes.
Kaeya chuckles, walking inside the Dawn Winery with the others. “Of course I also have one for my dear Klee~”
He leans his cane against the arm of the sofa before sitting down. Klee moves to sit beside him while he opens the bag he was carrying. He brings out a children’s coloring book and a new set of colored pencils.
“Here you go. An early Yuletide gift.” Kaeya told Klee as he handed the book and the colored pencils.
Klee squeals at the sight of the gifts. She takes them happily, smiling from ear to ear. “Thank you, papa!!! Klee loves them!”
Kaeya smiles, patting Klee on her head. Good thing they did a little shopping when they passed by Liyue. Ignisia insisted they buy a few things before heading back to Mondstadt as if she expected this to happen. Kaeya wasn’t surprised anymore because his mother is part of the Hexenzirkel. She’s like Alice, too prepared sometimes.
Kaeya soon joins his coworkers while Lumine accompanies Klee on the sofa as she colors her book. It was silly how Klee had been having a staring contest with their new guest, Dainsleif, before the man was pulled away by Crepus to introduce him to Adelinde. His father and mother talked with the head maid to tell her about Lumine and Dainsleif staying in the manor. Adelinde didn’t mind preparing their rooms again and she also welcomed Dainsleif warmly. While the adults were busy, Diluc and Kae headed to their rooms to put their bags and to rest for the rest of the afternoon.
Kaeya leaned his cane against the wall while he’s entertaining Mocco and Hillie’s questions. He tried to answer them to the best of his abilities without saying anything related to their encounters with the Fatui Harbingers. He only told them small bits about their fight against the Abyss Order since it was publicly known that they had the expedition to investigate them.
Once two gossip maids were satisfied with his answers, they walked away to attend to their own works. Kaeya joined Lily and Hans on the stove where they are cooking their dinner.
“So you’ll have to leave after the Yuletide season?” Lily asked him and Kaeya nodded in return. She sighed, looking a bit somber. “I see. Well, that’s understandable. What you’re investigating is rather a big organization from what we learned from Master Varka’s speech before his departure.”
Hans patted Kaeya on his shoulder. “But we’re glad to see you back here, Caribert! We’ll make sure that our Yuletide celebration is going to be a blast!”
Kaeya chuckles. “I’m looking forward to it then.”
The Yuletide season finally arrived and on the very first day of the week, everyone in Mondstadt was busy putting up bright decorations on the streets and on their houses. Even the shops are decorated for the festivity, discounts were also posted especially in Angel’s Share.
Crepus had dragged Kaeya in the tavern because he needed extra hands to decorate the place. Diluc and Kae are currently at work so they couldn’t help while Ignisia is busy with the preparations in the winery. Surprisingly, a certain someone had followed them in the tavern and offered to help.
“I still can’t believe that you willingly offered to help, Dainsleif.” Kaeya couldn’t help but smirk when he handed Dainsleif the other end of a garland.
Dainsleif quietly attaches the garland in the corner of the wall. “Since the master of the house kindly offered me a place to stay, I might as well pay him back by helping.” he said simply.
Kaeya chuckles. “And he’s pretty happy about the extra hand.” he muttered before glancing towards his father’s direction where he’s helping Charles hang a festive wreath on the door.
Venti was also in the tavern, playing a gentle melody while sitting on his usual spot by the bar counter, a glass of wine placed near him. He’s so lucky that Crepus is the one manning the tavern, not the Diluc Kaeya knows.
Remembering about his brother again gave him a bittersweet feeling. Another year of Yuletide without him but he’s sure that Kae and Diluc wouldn’t let him sulk in solitude. So he smiles, shaking off the events of the future for a while to enjoy the present.
“Good job, Dainsleif and Caribert.” Crepus told the both of them as soon as they got everything up in the walls.
Venti looks around with a wide grin. “Very festive as usual! I love it!”
Kaeya noticed how Dainsleif was staring at the bard. The frown on his face was enough sign that he knew who Venti truly is.
“I’ll head out since we’re done here.” Dainsleif said before walking out of the tavern.
Venti visibly pouted. “Aww, he’s leaving already?”
Crepus chuckles, “Let him be, Venti.”
Kaeya moved to sit beside Venti, leaning a bit closer to ask “You’re not worried about his presence here in Mondstadt?”
Venti raises an eyebrow. “Why would I? He’s not here to cause trouble so why would I worry?”
He shakes his head, smiling. What a laidback archon.
After closing the tavern, Crepus and Kaeya headed back to the winery while Venti left towards the cathedral, maybe to meet with Dahlia for their part of the Yuletide celebration.
The lively celebration in Mondstadt soon started in the middle of the week. The streets are filled with many shops and several bards and other entertainers are performing beside each fountain inside the city. The space around Barbatos’ statue is reserved for their main event which was prepared by the Church of Favonius.
The Knights of Favonius had divided their schedule so everyone could have their own free time to freely explore the Yuletide festival. Diluc and Kae’s works are only until late afternoon so they are free after that.
Both brothers were joined by Jean, Albedo and Amber as they walked through the streets of the city.
“Wow, there are so many games!” Amber said in awe. “I’m just sad that Collei couldn’t be here… She would have enjoyed the festivities too.”
Diluc and Kae learned that while they were in the Expedition, a small event happened in Mondstadt. There was a little girl who entered the city and started the black fire incident. The knights had a lot of trouble capturing the girl but in the end, it was Amber and Eula who were able to catch her. And then they learned, with the help of Albedo, that the girl is actually experimented on with archon residue after checking her injuries. It was a horrifying event for Amber and she took the responsibility to accompany the girl while they were waiting for Lisa’s friend from Sumeru to arrive.
The little girl, Collei, was safely taken to Sumeru after Lisa’s friend sealed the power of the archon residue. Amber was saddened when she had to go but it was for the best. By now, the both of them are exchanging letters and Amber was happy that Collei is recovering well.
“You did a great job handling the Black Fire Incident, Amber!” Diluc told her while grinning. “Too bad we weren’t here to witness your actions!”
Amber smiles shyly. “Hehe… The rest of the knights also helped. And because of Eula’s aid, she was given a chance to try for the knights despite her family not wanting her to do that. Eula is really kind too! She’s so different from her family!”
Kae looked a bit doubtful. Ever since they returned from the Expedition and he met Eula, the young lady had been looking at him (and not just him!) with a grumpy look.
“Are you sure? She’s been spouting about vengeance every time I see her…” Kae muttered and Amber’s smile turned sheepish.
“Ahahaha… She’s always like that… But she really has a good heart!” Amber told him.
Kae and Diluc exchanged looks before shrugging. Maybe they can ask Kaeya about Eula later and see if she’s really like what Amber had said.
Albedo separated from the group to buy a gift for his little sister while Amber went ahead to play some of the games. This left Jean with Diluc and Kae.
“It’s been awhile since the three of us had some time together like this.” Jean mused as she walked between the brothers. “I missed it.”
Kae smirks. “We did too, especially Luc~”
Diluc shoots him a glare and Kae just snickers. Jean giggled at the both of them.
“Oh? Already done with work?” a familiar voice asked them and when they looked ahead, they saw Kaeya in front of Blanche’s grocery store, carrying a few boxes. Klee was also there with him, drinking a bottle of milk.
“Big brother Luc! Big brother Yaya!” Klee called out while waving her free hand.
Kae waves back, smiling at the way she calls her. That’s been Klee’s nickname for him.
Klee perked up when she saw Jean too. “And big sis Jeanie!”
Jean patted Klee on her head before looking at Kaeya. “Out for an errand, Sir Caribert?” she asked.
Kaeya chuckles, showing the boxes he was carrying. “Yup. Care to help your uncle, Kae?”
Kae nodded before taking one box from him. “Where are we bringing these? In Angel’s Share or to the winery?”
“Winery. These are our ingredients for our big feast on the last day of Yuletide week! We’re going to cook a lot!” Kaeya told him, grinning widely.
Diluc was already drooling from just imagining it. “Mmm! I can’t wait!”
Jean giggles. “Can I also carry something, Sir Caribert?” she asked Kaeya.
Kaeya smiles at her, balancing the box he’s carrying. “No heavy lifting for Miss Jean! But you can watch over Klee while we walk back to Dawn Winery.”
Jean shakes her head in amusement. “Alright, alright. Ready to go home, Klee?”
Klee nodded excitedly, letting Jean carry her while she’s drinking her milk.
The group walked outside of the gate, with the brothers expecting to see a wagon waiting for Kaeya. It looks like he wasn’t kidding when he said they’ll be walking back to Dawn Winery.
Diluc frowns, looking around. “You didn’t bring a wagon with you?” he asked to make sure.
Kaeya just smirks. “Nope. I didn't bring one since I wanted to exercise. I’ve mostly been bedridden lately.”
Diluc groans. “Guess we’ll walk.”
.
.
.
The last day of Yuletide week finally arrived and after watching the singing choir in front of the Church of Favonius which was their big event, the Ragnvindr family went back home to Dawn Winery with some of their friends like Varka, Seamus and Frederica. A few knights that were close to Diluc and Kae were also invited.
Dawn Winery then started their big celebration. Despite his job not being a butler anymore, Kaeya still helped in the kitchen for the preparations of the meals. There’s a lot of guests after all so the kitchen will need all of the help it can get.
“Uncle!” Kae called out as he peeked inside the kitchen. “Are you done yet? It’s almost time for our musical performance!”
Kaeya chuckles, closing the lid of a pot before turning around. “Almost. Just give me a minute.”
“Okay!” Kae replied before quickly running back to his brother.
Kaeya removed the apron he was wearing and walked towards the coat rack to wear his tuxedo. He bids farewell to Adelinde before leaving the kitchen. He sees Kae and Diluc beside a small stage. Kae was holding a trumpet while Diluc had a violin in his hand. Jean and Barbara are also with them. Both sisters are going to be singing while the three brothers will be playing the instruments.
He saw Crepus still playing the piano with Ignisia singing a soft song while standing on the stage. She has a nice voice.
“You’re finally here! Where’s your instrument?” Diluc asked him.
Kaeya turns his heels, heading towards a wooden cabinet. He opens it and brings out a saxophone before walking back to their group.
“Here.” Kaeya smirked.
Diluc grins. “Great!”
“I-I’m so nervous!” Barbara said as she fidgeted with her fingers.
Kae patted her on the back. “Don’t worry, you’ll do great!” he told her, earning a smile from the younger girl.
After their parent’s performance, Kaeya’s group stepped onto the stage. Their guests placed their attention on the group as they began to play holiday music, jazz style. Jean and Barbara soon started singing, their voices in complete harmony. All of the attention turned to them as they enjoyed the group’s performance.
Kaeya takes the time to enjoy this moment of peace because after this, they’ll have to continue their expedition. Who knows what other surprises await on the road? How long would this peace last while the Abyss Order is still waiting in the corners of the darkness?
After their performance, the group separated to do their own different things. Diluc met up with some of his friends from the Knights of Favonius while Kae joined Jean and Barbara on the table where the spread of foods were found. Kaeya simply stood in the corner of the living room, looking around with a smile on his face.
“Why are you not mingling with people, Caribert?” a voice asked him from behind.
He turns around to smirk at his mother. “And who will I be mingling with, Lady Ignisia?”
Ignisia shrugs her shoulders while giggling. She raises her glass of wine, gesturing towards a green-clad bard playing a lyre on the stage. “Him?”
“Venti? Nah, he looks so busy with his performance. I’d rather not bother him. Plus, it’s his time to shine~” Kaeya told her, chuckling.
Ignisia just shakes her head, deciding to stay beside him as she drinks from her glass of wine. Kaeya allowed the comfortable silence to settle. Ignisia would always do this especially when there’s a big party in the winery because of someone’s birthday or an accomplishment made by either Diluc or Kae. She always lingers near as an anchor telling Kaeya that there’s still someone who he could connect with when the others who knew his identity are busy.
He’ll forever be thankful to her because of that. It doesn’t make him feel so alone.
As soon as everyone had their fill with the food, a group of bards that Crepus had commissioned started playing a lively melody on the stage, letting Venti rest and enjoy some wine. People started dancing to the music, Diluc even asked Jean for a dance where Kae can be seen snickering in the corner before he too got pulled by Barbara.
“Well then, why don’t we join as well?” Ignisia asked Kaeya, her eyes gleaming while she smirks.
Kaeya blinked before backing away, shaking his hands in front of him. “Ah, no, no. I’m good. Plus I don’t dance so I’ll pass–”
Ignisia laughs as she grabs Kaeya’s hand and pulls him towards a vacant spot, earning a surprised yelp from the older bluenette. “Come on, Caribert! If your nephew could dance, how could you not?” she asked, grinning.
Kaeya looked around hesitantly, he can even see Crepus watching in amusement from afar. He knew so well that, well, Kaeya has two left feet when it comes to dancing. He’d rather play an instrument than dance… Even Kae was dancing shyly and stiffly but with Barbara’s help, that shyness slowly went away.
He spotted Lumine as well, dancing with Klee while her other Khaenri’ahn friend, Dainsleif, is simply sitting down on an arm chair, drinking wine.
Why can’t he sit and drink wine instead?
But looking back at his mother, he didn’t have the heart to decline her invitation. So he sighed, accepting her hand.
“Oh fine, I guess I’ll indulge in this for once.” he told Ignisia, chuckling. “Just don’t scold me if I ever step on your foot.”
His mother’s eyes twinkled in happiness before starting to dance with him. This would also be the first time Kaeya had to dance with his adoptive mother. When he closes his eyes, he could imagine himself and his biological mother dancing while surrounded by Inteyvats. He couldn’t help but smile but in a somber way.
Sometimes, mages from the Hexenzirkels are scary because they act as if they know everything. That includes his adoptive mother because it feels like Ignisia knew he needed this moment.
After a while, the two of them heard someone clearing their throat. They turned their heads to the source and saw Crepus looking at them with a fond smile.
“May I have my turn?” Crepus asked them.
And Kaeya immediately took that chance.
“Oh, of course! Anything to get away from dancing!” he said and Ignisia rolled her eyes while smiling. “Have a wonderful dance, Master Crepus and Lady Ignisia. The dance floor is all yours~” he smirked, taking a bow before leaving the both of them.
The couple watched him with amusement before facing each other. They held each other’s hands and began to dance. As if captivated by the wonderful couple, the others had stopped to watch and the joyful music changed into something more romantic.
“What a nice escape.” Lumine told Kaeya as soon as he stood beside her. Klee was in her arms, waving at him while smiling brightly.
Kaeya chuckles, ruffling Klee’s hair which earned a delightful giggle from her. When Klee reaches for him, Lumine carefully passes the little girl to Kaeya. Klee immediately wrapped her arms around Kaeya’s neck.
“Thank Master Crepus for that.” Kaeya said, still smirking.
Lumine turns to continue watching the Ragnvindr couple. “I never thought I'd get to celebrate the Yuletide season in Mondstadt. I never got the chance because I always get busy in the future around this month.”
Kaeya smiles. “Well, now you’re here. I must admit, I miss this celebration. I can’t wait to experience more of this…” he said, smiling fondly.
Lumine smiles back. “And we’ll make sure that will happen.”
Kaeya nodded in agreement.
The guests soon left once it’s already so late in the night. Klee was taken to bed, hugging the bear plush that she received from Albedo. Albedo also stayed for the night, sleeping with his little sister. Lumine had left the mansion for a while to accompany Dainsleif for some fresh air. Now that the family is alone, they grabbed the gifts they prepared for the exchange gift. Even Elzer and Adelinde are included in the list because they are both a part of the family already.
Most of them suggested for Crepus to go first since he’s the master of the house, so he did.
“You’re the one who taught me how to love again, the one who showed that despite how deep I’ve dug myself into, there’s still a second chance for me to live a normal life. You’ve always been the greatest light in this household, the one who brought warmth in this manor. Thanks to you, I’ve become a lot stronger. I know how you’ve been supporting our family despite not being at home most of the time but that doesn’t change the fact that you are the light that brightened up my life. Thank you for coming into my life, Nisia. Merry Yuletide, my beloved.” Crepus told Ignisia while smiling softly.
Ignisia’s cheeks warms up. “Oh, Creps.”
Diluc and Kae both cringed when their mother kissed their father while Kaeya was just grinning at them.
“Better save your lovey-doveys later on. I think Diluc and Kae will get a toothache from this sweetness.” Kaeya told the two while chuckling.
Crepus shakes his head in amusement.
Ignisia clears her throat. “Alright, my turn. The person I picked from the lottery is a very hardworking person and someone who is very reliable. He’s been by Crepus’ side since they were young and he’s been the supporting pillar in my husband’s life. Thank you for continuing to support Crepus and Merry Yuletide, Elzer.”
Elzer smiles embarrassingly as he accepts Ignisia’s gift. He bows his head. “Thank you, Lady Ignisia. It has always been an honor to serve this house and it’s a decision I will never forget. And I doubt Crepus can work without my help.” he teased, earning an eyeroll from the master of the house.
Ignisia giggles before taking a seat to let Elzer present his gift.
Elzer cleared his throat before starting. “You’ve been the light of the house ever since you were born. I can remember the happiness your mother and father had when they heard your first cry. You were a little handful–” Diluc groaned at this, already knowing who Elzer picked. “And a little messy as a baby but you’ll always be the precious first young master we ever cared for. Now you’ve grown up and even achieved your dreams of becoming a knight! You became an amazing elder brother as well, and someone who will surely make the whole family proud. Merry Yuletide, young master Diluc.”
Diluc smiles brightly, taking his gift. “Thank you, Elzer. Sorry for being too handful when I was little.” he said, lightheartedly.
Elzer and even Adelinde smiled fondly at him. “No problem. It’s still a lovely memory to remember.”
“And a great blackmail material!” Kae grinned, earning a glare from his older brother.
Elzer laughs. “Quiet down now. It’s your turn, young master Diluc.” he said and both brothers quieted down from their little bantering.
Kae grins at Diluc as he stands up.
“This is for the person I see as my second mother. Thank you for always staying by our side. You’re the most caring woman I know, well, second to mother of course, but I will never forget the times you cared for me in the past. Thanks to you, I became who I am today, someone my father and mother are so proud of. Without your guidance, I wouldn’t be the best big brother to Kae when he arrived in our family. Thank you, Adelinde, and Merry Yuletide.” Diluc said, his voice soft from shyness.
Adelinde smiles, hugging Diluc after accepting his gift. “Aww, you’ll make me cry. Thank you, young master Diluc.”
Diluc chuckles, hugging her back.
“Isn’t that so sweet?” Kae said, smirking together with his older self.
Diluc sits back beside Kae, crossing his arms. “I bet yours is more embarrassing.”
“It’s not! I prepared myself properly so I wouldn’t get too emotional!” Kae snapped back.
Adelinde patted Kae on his head, calming him down. “Hush boys, it’s your second mother’s turn.” she said, giggling. “Alright, for this person I picked… You were suspicious at first.” she said with amusement, earning a confused look from the others.
But Crepus immediately understood who she had picked. He grinned at Kaeya who was as clueless as the others.
“But I’ve learned how much you want to atone from what your brother had done to our youngest young master. Though, it should not be your burden to carry because it isn’t your fault that Kae was abandoned in Mondstadt.”
Kaeya blinked, realization finally hitting him. He had forgotten the story he made up but when the head maid mentioned it, that finally reminded him of what he told them before he revealed to his family his true identity. But Adelinde and Elzer don't know about that yet so to them, he’s still ‘Caribert Alberich’, Kae’s uncle.
He couldn’t help but smile, already expecting this from Adelinde. She has the right to be suspicious of him in the beginning, especially when it concerns the little boy she’s been taking care of.
“I still need your secret for keeping such a young appearance, though. I want to learn your skin care routines.” Adelinde giggled, making Kaeya chuckle.
“Perhaps someday, Miss Adelinde.” Kaeya told her.
Adelinde laughs lightly. “I’ll wait for that then. Anyway.” she clears her throat. “I’m actually glad that I didn’t end up kicking you out. I’m quite overprotective of your nephew, you see. But ever since you started living with us… this house has become even more bright and lively. I’m not sure if it’s because you’re related to young master Kae but it felt the same when he arrived in this house. At this point, I’m hoping that you’re his biological father instead of an uncle.” she joked lightly, earning a smile from the others. “And I’m happy that you’re the one who arrived instead. Hans and Lily think highly of you. They are both happy to have you as their friend. Unfortunately, Master Crepus stole you from the two by appointing you as his right hand man.” she gives the master of the house a pointed look.
Crepus chuckles, scratching the back of his head. “Well, I gotta beat Varka from trying to recruit Caribert…”
Adelinde rolls her eyes playfully. “Of course, of course.” she muttered before looking back at Kaeya, now showing the wrapped gift to him. “This gift is not only from me, but from those two as well. When they learned that I picked you for our exchange gift, they wanted to add their own additions as well. So, thank you and Merry Yuletide, Caribert.”
Kaeya smiles, accepting the gift. “Thank you, Adelinde. I’ll also make sure to thank Hans and Lily.”
Adelinde nodded.
“Now it’s my turn.” Kaeya said as he set the gift he received to his side. He stands carefully, not missing the ‘old’ from Diluc. He messes with Diluc’s hair while smiling. “That isn’t nice, young master. And I am not that old.”
Diluc just grins.
“Well, then. Here’s my gift for Kae.” He shows Kae a big item wrapped in a gift wrapper.
Kae blinks, accepting the gift and staring at it curiously. Out of everyone, the gift he received is the biggest.
Diluc raises an eyebrow at Kaeya. “No other words?”
Kaeya chuckles. “Of course, I have. I just want to show off the big gift I have for my lovely nephew~”
Kae smiles at him. “I wonder what this contains. I can’t imagine anything with this shape so it’s making me so curious….”
“Go ahead and open it then.” Kaeya said.
Kae opens the gift slowly until he unravels a… saddle.
But Kaeya stared at the item with a fond look. “I wanted to indulge you with things that I– that you never had the chance to have before. It took a lot of preparations to get this gift for you.”
Diluc frowns, still staring at the item on Kae’s hands. “And that’s a saddle…?”
Kaeya chuckles. “Now, now, now. Who says it’s just a saddle?”
Kae suddenly gasped, looking up at Kaeya with wide eyes. “You don’t mean…”
Kaeya smirks, “Why don’t we go to the stable and see?”
And so the group went outside of the winery, heading towards the stable. Kae immediately saw the unfamiliar black horse in one of the rooms in the stable. It has a white diamond on its forehead.
Kaeya stands beside the horse, patting its neck. The horse looked very tame and behaved.
“I know you’ve been wanting to have your own horse, not just borrowing from the knights or using one of the winery’s travel horses so… Kae, meet your own horse, Blackjack. He may look very tame but when it’s time for him to get into the job, he’ll just be like the knight’s horses. But even more braver and fiercer.” Kaeya told his younger self.
Kae’s eye sparkled before carefully approaching Blackjack. He smiles when Blackjack moves his nuzzle to his open palm, huffing.
“No way!!! He gets a horse?!” Diluc asked in jealousy.
Crepus chuckles. “You already have your own horse, Diluc. Let your brother have this moment.”
Kae looks at Kaeya again, still in disbelief. “Can I really have him, uncle?”
Kaeya smiled as he nodded. “He’s all yours.”
Kae hugs him tightly. “Thank you!! I love him! I’ll take great care of Blackjack!”
Kaeya chuckles. “You better do! Your uncle used all of his savings just to get you this beautiful horse.” he told Kae, looking at Blackjack longingly.
He really wanted his own horse, something that the Cavalry wouldn’t need to take with them when needed. It feels kind of silly when the only reason he’s doing this is to satiate his own dream of owning his very own horse.
He never had a chance to buy his own in the future ever since Varka took them out for the expedition and didn’t return with them. Such a waste… He’s even very close to that horse, Blanche.
But now, Kae has Blackjack. They will surely become the best cavalry duo. He already knew that after seeing the horse.
After saying goodbye to his new horse, Kae returned inside the winery with the others because there’s still one last gift to give. And that’s Kae’s gift for Crepus.
“Living with the Ragnvindr is like a dream that I never wanted to wake up from. I’ve always been thankful for being accepted in this family, not only as your ward but as your own adopted son. You’re the best father ever and I’m so glad I got to meet you. Because after staying in Mondstadt, not only did I have an amazing family but I also met many amazing friends like Jean, Barbara and Amber. I’m proud to be a Mondstadter. I’m proud to be a Ragnvindr. So thank you for everything, father, and Merry Yuletide.” Kae told Crepus as he handed him his gift.
Diluc noticed the unshed tears his brother had in the corners of his eyes. “And you said it won’t be too emotional?” he smirked, but even he was feeling a bit emotional.
Kae chuckles, wiping his eye in hope that the tears won’t fall. “Come on, with that kind of voice? I think you’re the one on the verge of crying, Luc.”
Crepus laughs, standing up to hug both of them. “No, no. This old man of yours will be the one who will start crying.” he told them before taking a deep breath. “I love the both of you so much. My precious boys.”
Kaeya smiles at them and soon everyone gets into a big group hug with smiles and, maybe tears, in their faces. It’s truly a celebration and a night they won’t forget.
These are the gifts they received:
🔸 Crepus gifted Ignisia a new dress. Something red, fluffy and comfortable. It also comes with a separate hood and the skirt has pockets. POCKETS! Ignisia loves him for that.
🔸 Ignisia gifted Elzer a new pocket watch that has a timer feature. The pocket watch also has an enchanted picture inside where Elzer can always see the moving pictures of his family since he’s living away from them. She got some help from a mage friend to make that.
🔸 Kae gifted Crepus a new quill pen with a unique engraving around the handle of it that shows each of their favorite flowers. Calla Lily for Kae and Kaeya, Small Lamp Grass for Diluc, Cecilia for Crepus and a Brilliant Chrysanthemum for Ignisia. (The flower for Ignisia is just temporary. I wanted it to be from Snezhnaya but since we don’t have much flowers from Snezhnaya yet, I picked one from Natlan for now)
🔸 Diluc gifted Adelinde a custom made brooch he ordered; a silver dove holding a small emerald gem on its beak. It’s also decorated with small silver flowers.
🔸 Adelinde gifted Kaeya an outfit befitting someone who is Crepus’ right hand man. She noticed that Kaeya had always been wearing his butler uniform so she decided to gift him a new one ✨ With an addition of an embroidered handkerchief from Hans and Lily. The embroidery is about the big tree from Windrise with Dvalin resting around it. (Kaeya knew the tree was made by Hans with how irregular it looked but he still likes it 😆)
🔸 Elzer gifted Diluc a unique sword sheathe that readjusts itself according to the size of his claymore. He had someone from the Adventurer’s Guild find a craftsman for it. In the end, he was able to find one from Nod-Krai. Even if Diluc doesn’t need a sheathe because he has his vision space, Elzer still believed he needed to have a weapon ready when it’s too late to summon one
And ofc, as shown in the story, Kaeya gifts Kae his own horse ♥️