arrow_back Genshin Impact Quests 
Noctua Chapter: Act I
Darknight Hero's Alibi
Recently, rumors about a certain Darknight Hero have been circulating around Mondstadt...
Ask Charles about the recent rumors
Charles:
So you've got a taste for adventure too, huh?
Charles:
I must say, the patrons have been in a bit of a buzz lately.
Charles:
Though the topic on everyone's lips is more of an urban legend than actual news.
Charles:
Even minding my own business I still end up hearing all about it.
Paimon:
Uh-oh... It's not one of those scary urban legends, is it?
Paimon:
If so, Paimon needs to take a deep breath first!
Charles:
Hahaha, it's not a particularly scary story, no... At least, not for most people...
Charles:
It's the tale of... the Darknight Hero!
Paimon:
Argh!!!
Paimon:
Huh? Did the bartender just say something?
Charles:
You weren't even listening?
Charles:
Anyway, the Darknight Hero.
Charles:
It is said that he appears in the middle of the night to fight evil and uphold justice.
Charles:
But to be honest, I don't have much interest in such rumors.
Charles:
Unless of course he can help take care of the more belligerent patrons after they've had a few too many...
Charles:
I would happily take that as proof of his existence.
Charles:
I'm told that there have been a handful of sightings. But in the depths of night, no one can get a good look at him.
Charles:
Perhaps that's why he only appears at night.
Charles:
Nevertheless, the sightings confirm that the Darknight Hero is more than just a groundless rumor.
Charles:
Hehe, anyway... That's more or less everything I know.
Charles:
If you want to know more, ask around in the plaza. Ah, I need to serve some customers.
Paimon:
"Darknight Hero"... seems like your standard cookie-cutter urban legend.
Paimon:
But just a little darker.
Paimon:
Wonder who it could be. Once you're ready, let's head out to the plaza and ask around!
Ask the bystanders at the fountain plaza for information
Margaret:
You want to find out about the Darknight Hero?
Margaret:
Look no further. It's me! I am the Darknight Hero.
Margaret:
*giggle* You're right, I'm not. I was joking.
Traveler:
Huh...
Paimon:
Heh...
Margaret:
Heh. Jokes aside, I do think that the Darknight Hero and I have one thing in common.
Paimon:
What's that?
Margaret:
It's... the way he sticks to his principles... coming out here night after night, fighting for justice, keeping Mondstadt safe...
Paimon:
Wow, so you're a nocturnal vigilante too?
Margaret:
N—No, I just mean, he must be seriously rich.
Paimon:
Why is that?
Margaret:
People only start worrying about spiritual fulfillment once they have enough material wealth.
Margaret:
It's the same in every hero story, isn't it?
Traveler:
So... you just wanted to flaunt your wealth.
Margaret:
Heh. No, it's nothing like that. I just have too much time on my hands these days.
Paimon:
Same difference, you are the boss of the Cat's Tail after all...
Margaret:
Why don't you ask the guards at the city gate?
Margaret:
They do night shifts all the time, they must know something.
Ask the guards around the city gate for information
Lawrence:
You want to know about... him?
Lawrence:
In fact, I'm one of the few who has seen him with my own two eyes.
Paimon:
Great! This is the guy we need to talk to.
Paimon:
So... just who is the Darknight Hero?
Lawrence:
Whoa— S—Slow down, let me start from the beginning.
Lawrence:
Well, I was patrolling one night, when suddenly I heard something. I rushed over to check it out.
Lawrence:
I saw a gang of suspicious-looking fellows who looked like they were up to no good.
Lawrence:
So I quickly hid.
Paimon:
Hid? You're supposed to be a guard!
Lawrence:
That was when... he appeared.
Lawrence:
He was dressed in black from head to toe, perfectly hidden in the night.
Lawrence:
The way he crept up on those bad guys, it must have felt like a living nightmare.
Paimon:
Wow...
Lawrence:
Guess what I did next?
Lawrence:
I wasn't the bad guy! Why would I need to run away?
Lawrence:
...Still, I did leave the scene. I didn't want to be a nuisance to the Darknight Hero.
Lawrence:
...So instead, I headed to the Knights of Favonius' residence.
Traveler:
You think the Darknight Hero might be one of the Knights?
Lawrence:
Correct. I thought, "Surely someone with such a strong sense of justice and who voluntarily protects Mondstadt is exactly the kind of person you'd find in the Knights of Favonius."
Lawrence:
*sigh* But it seems I was wrong.
Lawrence:
I checked everywhere, and there were no signs of anyone having left the building.
Paimon:
So you're saying whoever it is can't be from the Knights of Favonius after all?
Lawrence:
Yes. But I just can't understand... Why would someone like that not want to join the Knights?
Lawrence:
I'm sure they would warmly welcome someone of his abilities.
Paimon:
So the point you're trying to make is... You don't know who the Darknight Hero is either?
Lawrence:
Hey, don't be like that! At least by talking to me you've ruled out a few more people...
Lawrence:
Anyway, try asking at the Flower Shop. I heard a girl there's been talking about the time he rescued her.
Ask the preoccupied girl for information
Donna:
What's wrong with me...
Donna:
Why can't I get him out of my mind...
Paimon:
Ah, hello? We'd like to ask you about the Darknight Hero—
Donna:
MY HERO! ...Oh, sorry! Just hearing his name gets me lost in thought... Hang on, how did you know who I was talking about?
Donna:
Is it that obvious?
Donna:
Oh no, what am I going to do...? If Master Diluc ever finds out—
Paimon:
Huh? What's Diluc got to do with this?
Donna:
Ugh... Well, I guess I might as well spill the beans then.
Donna:
I used to think Diluc was the one for me.
Donna:
But ever since the time I was rescued by the Darknight Hero... I—I just don't know anymore...
Paimon:
Wowee, you saw the Darknight Hero? For real? What's he like?
Donna:
It all happened so fast... I was so scared...
Donna:
All I remember is seeing a flash of fire... but I felt safe. I only saw his silhouette but it felt so... familiar.
Donna:
Who knows? Now that you mention it, a Pyro Vision does seem like a good explanation.
Donna:
It lit up the whole area in an instant. I remember that very well.
Paimon:
Oookay then! Well, thanks for the intel Donna. See you around!
Paimon:
So, based on what we know so far...
Paimon:
All we need to do is find a wealthy, Vision-wielding vigilante who is not one of the Knights.
Paimon:
Hmm... Nope, still no idea.
Paimon:
But we already asked so many people. Guess we got to see for ourselves.
Paimon:
Let's take a look around the city at nighttime — if we're lucky, we just might bump into him.
Wander Mondstadt at night (18:00 – 06:00)
You reach Mondstadt's side gate to the surprising sight of a familiar figure in a fierce battle with an Abyss Mage. So, the Darknight Hero is... Diluc!
Talk to Diluc
Diluc:
After managing to steer clear of the guards' patrol route... I never anticipated I'd run into you instead.
Diluc:
"Darknight Hero..."? Sounds awfully derivative to me. Please tell me you didn't come up with that.
Paimon:
How is this the first you've heard of the name? Every man and his dog in Mondstadt is yapping about the Darknight Hero!
Diluc:
I do not concern myself with idle chatter... Though, I suppose I may take the idleness of others as a sign that peace prevails.
Paimon:
Huzzah! The Great Mystery of the Darknight Hero of Mondstadt... We solved it!
Paimon:
Now then, Mr. Darknight Hero—
Diluc:
Please, stop calling me that. Seriously, it makes me uncomfortable.
Paimon:
Hah, not surprised. It's the stupidest superhero name Paimon's ever heard. You should come up with something more original.
Paimon:
Like...
Paimon:
Emm... "Captain Pie..."
Diluc:
Pie?
Traveler:
Pie?
Paimon:
Captain Pyro!
Paimon:
Tell us Captain Pyro, what happened here today?
Diluc:
It was the Abyss Order.
Paimon:
Them again?
Diluc:
I don't know what the devil they're plotting this time. It seems they're performing some initial reconnaissance.
Diluc:
Considering that I've proven myself to be one step ahead of them on countless occasions, their persistence is... unusual.
Diluc:
I assume so, unless you're aware of any other "Darknight Heroes" around these parts.
Diluc:
The Knights are, for the most part, an utterly incompetent bunch.
Diluc:
I cannot trust them to take this matter over.
Diluc:
*sigh* That's not my point. I am not doing this to impress anyone.
Diluc:
Well, I hope this conversation has been of service to you — because I would like to ask for a favor in return.
Paimon:
Ooh, what is it Master Diluc? Your wish is our command~
Diluc:
You must keep my identity a secret.
Diluc:
Above all, it is crucial that you do not let the Knights of Favonius know I am connected to any of this.
???:
*footsteps*
Paimon:
What's that sound? Yikes, have the Abyss Order sent backup already?
Diluc:
They appear to just be small-timers. You should have no trouble dealing with them.
Diluc:
I cannot afford delays on account of a few lackeys. I shall have to let you take care of them.
Diluc:
Remember — don't tell a soul!
Paimon:
Hey! You're just gonna leave us like this!?
Talk to Huffman
Huffman:
Greetings. I thought I heard something, so I came to check it out.
Huffman:
Did you see anything out of the ordinary?
Paimon:
Nope. Nuh-uh. Not here. Nothing. Zilch.
Paimon:
...Unless you're looking for the Darknight Hero, in which case—
Huffman:
The Darknight Hero? You saw him?
Paimon:
Oh, ahh... The Darknight Hero, is ahh... him!
Traveler:
...
Huffman:
You! The hero who safeguards Mondstadt from the shadows! On behalf of the Knights of Favonius, I thank you for your service to this city!
Paimon:
Heh... it's nothing, really... you're too kind...
Huffman:
Wait a second... Aren't you the Traveler that just arrived in the city?
Huffman:
Rumors were circulating about the Darknight Hero long before you ever arrived here.
Paimon:
Oh... Ah...
Huffman:
...Why would you lie to me about that?
Huffman:
Hmm. Never mind, you don't seem like bad folks.
Huffman:
But I do hope you will visit the Knights of Favonius soon, where we can discuss the Darknight Hero situation in more detail.
Huffman:
Some things are best not discussed in public.
Huffman:
Duty calls. I must be going. Stay safe, Traveler!
Your inquiries were slowly bringing the Darknight Hero's identity to light, but just then, you met the man himself. His true identity is Diluc, owner of the Dawn Winery — and his actions have long since attracted the attention of the Knights of Favonius...
Talk to Huffman outside the Knights of Favonius Headquarters
Paimon:
Huffman!
Huffman:
Oh, it's you two. Thank you for coming.
Huffman:
So — the Darknight Hero. Do you have anything else you're able to share with me?
Huffman:
Ah yes, of course I should fill you in first... apologies for my appalling lapse of etiquette.
Huffman:
The situation is... here. Take a look at this.
Paimon:
Geez... what horrible handwriting!
Paimon:
Hmm, let me take a closer look... Huh, some parts of this seem to be complete gibberish.
Huffman:
Indeed. Although this is written in the common tongue, it appears that a cipher has been used in many places.
Huffman:
Nevertheless, one can grasp the general message from the non-ciphered portions alone...
Huffman:
This is a war declaration from the Abyss Order to the Darknight Hero.
Paimon:
Does that mean... the bad guys want the Darknight Hero to go away forever and ever?
Huffman:
Something like that. Thus, we are hoping to contact him as soon as possible so that we can attempt to coordinate a response.
Huffman:
After all, this matter no longer concerns merely the Darknight Hero himself. It impacts the entire city of Mondstadt.
Huffman:
If you find out anything at all, come and find me.
After Huffman leaves, you decide to inform Diluc immediately...
Paimon:
A war declaration sent by the Abyss Order...
Paimon:
This is not good news at all for Master Diluc! Quick, we should go tell him right away!
Tell Diluc about the war declaration
Paimon:
Master Diluc! Just now we were at the Knights of Favonius and, and—
Diluc:
I take it you're about to inform me of the war declaration from the Abyss Order?
Diluc:
I am aware of it. Though I appreciate you for taking the trouble to come all this way.
Paimon:
What?
Diluc:
The Dawn Winery's intelligence network extends beyond commercial matters.
Paimon:
Great! So, what's the plan, Master Diluc?
Diluc:
I'm open to suggestions...
Diluc:
No. That would be playing right into the hands of the Abyss Order.
Diluc:
They know full well that we don't exactly see eye to eye. They're using this as a means to force me into making an appearance.
Diluc:
If my identity were exposed, all my future activities would be subject to some degree of interference from the Knights.
Diluc:
After all, no powerful organization wishes to be outdone by someone from the outside.
Paimon:
Whew... the Abyss Order has really dealt you a tough hand this time. What a sneaky little bunch those guys are!
Diluc:
There is a way. But for it to work, I need some more information.
Diluc:
Specifically, I need to decipher the obscured portions of the Abyss Order's war declaration.
Paimon:
Obscured portions? You mean the bits Paimon can't read?
Diluc:
It must be a cipher only understood by members of the Abyss Order, used to spread messages within the organization.
Diluc:
It's not simply a war declaration, but also a notification to their own.
Diluc:
When you take a stand that makes you a hero to one party, you also become a villain to the other.
Diluc:
And since I've been the Abyss Order's enemy for so long...
Diluc:
They've made me the target around which they can rally their troops and unite their strength.
Paimon:
Wow... Seems like it takes a lot of brains to be a superhero, huh?
Diluc:
I understand my enemy well is all. As the saying goes, heroes and villains are two sides of the same coin.
Paimon:
So what're we gonna do about the intel that's written in gibberish then? How do we... ungibberishify it?
Diluc:
Simple. When you don't understand something, you ask.
Diluc:
I've already tracked down one of their strongholds... If you're interested, feel free to come along.
Talk to Diluc
Diluc:
This is the place.
Diluc:
Abandoned ruins like these are precisely the kind of place the Abyss Order likes to camp out.
Diluc:
Come on. There's no time to lose.
Interrogate the Abyss Mage and find out their plan
Abyss Mage:
How did you find me here!? Favonian scum!
Diluc:
I am no Knight of Favonius. Now, start talking! Your plan, what is it?
Abyss Mage:
I see you received our letter... But if you think I'm going to let you in on our secrets, I'm afraid you're quite mistaken!
Diluc:
Hmph. You appear to have misunderstood the situation you are in.
You interrogate the Abyss Mage. It doesn't take long to crack...
Abyss Mage:
I'll talk, I'll talk! Ow ow ow... P—Please, stop! I'll tell you everything!
Abyss Mage:
Th—The Abyss Order, we've amassed a force bound by a shared hatred for the Darknight Hero...
Abyss Mage:
They... They will march on the Mondstadt city gates at 10 PM tomorrow night.
Abyss Mage:
That's everything I know... Please... Don't make me suffer those flames again...
Diluc:
That's it? Well, I doubt you'd be foolish enough to keep anything else hidden.
Plan your next step with Diluc
Diluc:
Now that I have the information I need, I must prepare.
Diluc:
I would be grateful if you could keep me updated on how the Knights of Favonius respond to this matter.
Paimon:
Yes, Master Diluc sir! Anything you say, Master Diluc sir!
Diluc:
...Why are you acting so strange all of a sudden?
Paimon:
In... in light of what just went down here a moment ago...
Paimon:
Master Diluc has officially reached No. 1 on Paimon's "people not to tick off under any circumstances" list...
Diluc:
...
Talk to Huffman about the Knights' situation
Huffman:
If we do not make contact with the Darknight Hero soon...
Traveler:
What are we to do about the Abyss Order's challenge?
Huffman:
Ah, it's you two. I must admit, this issue of the Darknight Hero is proving to be something of a headache.
Huffman:
We've just held a meeting to decide on an appropriate course of action. Can you guess what it is?
Huffman:
Haha... Good one. But no, the Knights cannot afford to simply stand by and watch while there is even the slightest inkling of a threat facing Mondstadt.
Huffman:
If that were the case, more and more people would start to rely on the Darknight Hero instead of the Knights of Favonius.
Paimon:
Oh. Well, what's the plan then?
Huffman:
Find out the Darknight Hero's true identity, and offer him our protection.
Paimon:
"Protection"? He seems to be doing just fine without your protection so far, y'know...
Huffman:
Pff...
Huffman:
Well, since you've aided the Knights in the past, I might as well just tell you.
Huffman:
The offer of protection is just a ruse, in order for the Knights of Favonius to take over full — and exclusive — responsibility for this matter.
Paimon:
You aren't gonna let the Darknight Hero be all heroic and stuff? Why not?
Huffman:
Firstly, to show the might of the Knights of Favonius — to prove to the people that without the Darknight Hero, they can still rely on the Knights to maintain peace and harmony.
Huffman:
Secondly, the Abyss Order have no mercy in their hearts. If anything happened to the Darknight Hero...
Huffman:
It would only serve to further their nefarious ambitions.
Paimon:
Gosh... Paimon never knew the life of a knight involved so much untold anguish before.
Huffman:
But none of this will work if we don't establish the Darknight Hero's true identity in time.
Kaeya:
There's no need to despair, Huffman. Just follow my plan and everything will be fine.
Huffman:
Ah, Captain Kaeya.
Kaeya:
Lately, Master Diluc has been working the bar at the Angel's Share every night.
Kaeya:
All I need you to do is keep him in your sight. Think you can manage that for me?
Huffman:
Yes, Captain Kaeya! ...But, does that mean that...
Huffman:
Master Diluc is the Darknight Hero?
Kaeya:
Who knows...? It's just a hunch. I've been known to be wrong on occasion.
After Huffman and Kaeya leave, you decide to inform Diluc immediately...
Paimon:
Wow, Paimon feels we saw a whole new side of the Knights of Favonius today...
Paimon:
But Paimon doesn't understand, how is Kaeya so sure he knows who the Darknight Hero is?
Paimon:
We need to get to the winery and tell Master Diluc as soon as Paimonly possible!
Knight Huffman has informed you that the Abyss Order is plotting against the Darknight Hero. As a precaution, the Knights have decided to monitor the Darknight Hero's actions. You shared this information with Diluc and discussed countermeasures. Having made your preparations, you now lie in wait for both the Knights and the Abyss Order to act.
Furnish Diluc with the information.
Paimon:
Master Diluc! Paimon has something important to tell you—
You explain the situation to Diluc...
Diluc:
Yes... about Kaeya...
Diluc:
I should have known he would see this as the perfect opportunity to get back at me.
Paimon:
Sounds like there's a bit of bad blood between you guys then?
Diluc:
I shan't get into that now. More importantly, the Knights of Favonius are responding more or less as I had anticipated.
Diluc:
All we need to do now is think of a counter plan.
Diluc:
That won't work. It will only arouse the Knights' suspicion if I don't show up as they're expecting.
Diluc:
That's what Kaeya is counting on.
Paimon:
Hmm... so what are we gonna do?
Diluc:
Patience. Let me think for a moment...
Diluc:
...
Diluc:
If they intend to monitor me, then so be it.
Diluc:
We can use this to create the perfect alibi.
Paimon:
What's an alabla— an alibi?
Diluc:
If you want to find out, maybe you can do me a small favor first.
Paimon:
Oh come on! Why do you love cliff hangers so much?
Diluc:
In Mondstadt, Mist Flowers are most commonly found in a region just northwest of the winery.
Diluc:
If you could gather some for me, I'd be most grateful. I will make other preparations here in the meantime.
Give 4 Mist Flower Corolla to Diluc
Diluc:
Ah, you're back.
Diluc:
Allow me to introduce the winery's master brewer—
Connor:
So many Mist Flowers... Great! I can't wait to see how this turns out!
Diluc:
So, are you certain the equipment can withstand this level of purity?
Connor:
Oh my... my goodness, the winery owner himself is addressing me directly!
Connor:
Don't worry, sir! It is always my honor to serve you, even if it means risking my life!
Paimon:
Huh? What's so life-threatening about this?
Connor:
Please excuse me — I must get to work!
Paimon:
What's he gonna do with a bunch of Mist Flowers?
Diluc:
Long story short...
Diluc:
A few days ago, the winery was experimenting with some new flavors. They wanted to see if Mist Flower can truly add a crisp and refreshing taste.
Diluc:
Sure enough, they discovered that the flower's extract is truly potent.
Paimon:
So the new batch is selling like hot cakes?
Diluc:
No, not potent in terms of attracting customers, but slimes.
Diluc:
Slimes need to extract elemental energy to survive... For them, this substance is simply irresistible.
Diluc:
So I thought to myself, "I wonder how much trouble I could cause now that I know this..."
Crash. Bang. Wallop. The purification equipment appears to have broken down in a rather dramatic fashion...
Paimon:
Yikes! What was that noise?
Connor:
Ah... C—Cold... so c—cold... Master Diluc, purification complete, sir! B—But the equipment is...
Diluc:
Marvelous work. Don't fret about the equipment, I shall have my butler order more immediately.
Paimon:
"Marvelous! Jolly-ho! Spiffing! Somebody fetch the butler!" Paimon never knew you had to be so well-spoken to get a job in the alcohol industry.
Diluc:
This is what I was talking about.
Diluc:
Mist Flower extract... or for our purposes, "Elemental Bait."
Paimon:
Wow, it really has a strong elemental... whiff! Can we test it out?
Diluc:
Sprinkle a little on the ground over there — careful, just a small amount.
Talk to Diluc
Paimon:
And then? That's it?
Paimon:
How long does it take before...
The elemental bait lures the slimes over. Here they come...
Paimon:
Holy moley, it really does attract slimes! ...And even more than we expected...
Diluc:
It appears the potency is greater than anticipated...
Diluc:
We'd better get rid of them before they wreak havoc on the manor.
Talk to Diluc
Paimon:
Whew... Such a powerful effect from such a small amount of extract. At least we didn't go picking wild flowers for nothing.
Paimon:
Alright! So can you tell us what your plan is now, Master Diluc?
Diluc:
Yes. The plan is...
Diluc tells you his plan...
Diluc:
...and so I expect it to all go down without a hitch.
Paimon:
Hmm... Are you sure it will work?
Paimon:
You're the only person in the plan...
Diluc:
I have persevered alone from the start.
Diluc:
Now, I alone must face what lies ahead.
Paimon:
Well... if you already made up your mind...
Paimon:
But until that moment comes, Traveler and Paimon can still help you out where we can. Isn't that right, Traveler?
Diluc:
I am indeed indebted to you. I shall see you at the tavern, as per the plan.
Go to the tavern
Paimon:
Let's wait until evening to meet Master Diluc at the tavern.
Pose as a customer and speak to Diluc
Diluc:
Greetings, Mr. Huffman of the Knights of Favonius. To what do I owe the pleasure at this hour?
Huffman:
...Oh, erm, nothing... I'm merely procrastinating. I thought I might indulge myself with a beverage or two.
Huffman:
Ah, Traveler! Fancy meeting you here.
Paimon:
Oh, we were in the mood for an evening stroll.
Diluc:
What would you like to drink?
Huffman:
I'll have a Dandelion Wine, I suppose.
Paimon:
Ooh, Paimon wants apple juice!
Paimon:
...Aw, but Paimon forgot to bring her coin pouch! Traveler, do you have any Mora on you?
Diluc:
Then I must regretfully ask you to come back when you can pay.
Huffman:
Well in that case... let this be my treat.
Paimon:
No need! We'll be back in a jiffy~
Leave Tavern
Paimon:
Huffman showed up, just as expected.
Paimon:
Okay, remember the plan? Go to the city's side gate and place the Elemental Bait.
Place the elemental bait near the side gate
Paimon:
Whoa~ You used all of it... This is gonna be pretty epic.
Paimon:
Yikes, here comes the slimes... Quick, let's get to the tavern before anyone spots us.
Talk to Diluc
Huffman:
...Captain Kaeya is no doubt a formidable knight, but he also brings us more than his share of hassle...
Huffman:
No, this isn't right. I should not be talking about my superior in such a manner. If he were to overhear me...
Paimon:
We're back! Is my apple juice ready?
Diluc:
One moment.
City Gate Guard:
Mr. Huffman, Mr. Huffman! A situation at the side gate! Everyone to the side gate!
Huffman:
What is it? What happened?
City Gate Guard:
It's... Slimes, Mr. Huffman.
Huffman:
Slimes? You see them all the time, what's the big panic?
City Gate Guard:
We do, but... Sir, there are more slimes out there now than all the slimes I've seen in my life added together!
Paimon:
Ahh... Whoa...
Huffman:
Surely this couldn't be the Abyss Order's secret weapon...
Huffman:
But... I have another matter to attend to here—
Diluc:
Oh? The matter of your Dandelion Wine?
Huffman:
N—No, I... That's not what I meant...
Diluc:
Hmph. So this is how the Knights of Favonius conduct themselves in a crisis.
Diluc:
The Abyss Order is encroaching on the city gates, and your response is to sit here... drinking wine?
Diluc:
It's like I've always said. The Knights are not to be trusted.
Huffman:
I...
Huffman:
*sigh* Master Diluc is right, my conduct here has been below par.
Huffman:
I shall set off at once. But first...
Huffman:
Traveler, may I have a quiet word?
Paimon:
Huh?
Huffman:
Shh, keep your voice down. I presume you know what this is about. Please watch Diluc for me — do not let him leave under any circumstances!
Huffman:
I must head to the side gate, but I'll be back shortly. I'm counting on you!
Diluc:
Good. That's him out of the way.
Paimon:
Everything's going according to plan!
Diluc:
I must get going too. I won't have a second to spare if I'm to be back in time.
Face the Abyss Order head-on at Mondstadt's front gate
Abyss Mages lead a mob of hilichurls charging into battle. Diluc makes short work of them...
Talk to Diluc
Paimon:
Classic Master Diluc — not a baddie left standing.
Diluc:
Nothing more than a few hilichurls.
Diluc:
No time to chat. I don't know how long those slimes will keep Huffman occupied. Best get back to the tavern.
Return to the tavern before Huffman
Paimon:
Whew, glad that's settled! Let's get back to the tavern — You think Huffman is back yet?
Talk to Diluc
Diluc:
It seems Huffman hasn't yet returned.
Diluc:
We made it in time.
Huffman:
*panting* ...The situation is sorted now. I never expected that the Abyss Order's army would turn out to be nothing more than a few slimes.
Diluc:
That is a surprise.
Diluc:
Perhaps the Knights' true calling is to be slime exterminators. Who knows, domestic pest control may turn out to be a more valuable use of your resources.
Huffman:
Master Diluc, please, have you no respect at all...
Huffman:
Traveler, how come you're sweating so much? You didn't leave, did you?
Huffman:
Is it...? But if that's the case, why are you also out of breath?
Paimon:
Uh-oh, Huffman is getting suspicious!
Huffman:
Hmm...
Huffman:
Excuse me, sir. Might I be so bold as to inquire...
Huffman:
...Did you see Master Diluc— I mean, today's bartender... Did you see him leave just now?
Paimon:
Yikes! He's asking other customers... We're done for!
Traveler:
...
Patrons:
Master Diluc? Why no, he's been behind the bar this entire time.
Huffman:
I see...
Diluc:
Mr. Huffman, your Dandelion Wine.
Diluc:
You ought to get back after this. Send my regards to the rest of the Knights.
Huffman:
Oh... Never mind, I must be going, I should report back. Here, take this as a token of my esteem.
Huffman:
Hmm... How odd...
Paimon:
Phew! That was too close! Paimon was sure we were toast...
Diluc:
I foresaw this eventuality...
Diluc:
...So all the guests here tonight, save you two, are my own people from the Dawn Winery.
Paimon:
They're all in on it?
Kaeya:
Not all of them... Or should I say, not all of us.
Paimon:
Kaeya!? Where did you come from?
Kaeya:
I just picked a good spot to quietly sit and watch the show.
Paimon:
Whaaa... You've been here this whole time!?
Kaeya:
Correct. "The Darknight Hero's Alibi..." I think it's my favorite chapter so far. More intriguing than a fine wine.
Diluc:
Hmph...
Diluc:
So? You plan to report everything to the Knights of Favonius?
Kaeya:
Haha... Come now Diluc, you know me better than that. I have no interest in exposing secrets.
Kaeya:
I was just curious to see how far Mondstadt's Darknight Hero would really go.
Kaeya:
And you did not disappoint.
Diluc:
I have nothing to prove to you.
Kaeya:
Oh, naturally.
Kaeya:
I must say though, one thing I didn't see coming is that the mighty Darknight Hero would actually need help from other people...
Diluc:
Sorry, we're closing. Please see yourselves out.
Kaeya:
Alright, alright... I have no further need of wine to entertain myself tonight, in any case.
Kaeya:
Just one last thing before I go.
Diluc:
It had better be the very last thing.
Kaeya:
I feel strangely comforted by the fact you now have an assistant, Diluc.
Diluc:
...
Kaeya:
I hope you all have a wonderful night.
Paimon:
What was all that about?
Diluc:
Don't mind him.
Diluc:
Thank you for all your help with this matter. This is a token of my gratitude.
Paimon:
Woooow! Thanks Master Diluc!
Diluc:
I'm in the habit of working alone, but I did enjoy having your assistance this time.
Diluc:
In the future, if there's anything you ever need, you can come to me for help.