The Mondstadt summer months were unforgiving this year; the sky, spread out as a brilliant, vibrant blue canvas was lightly dusted with clouds of stretched-out cotton that gave the sun more than enough room to beat down on the city. The humid air hung heavy, yet it did little to mitigate the criminal activity plaguing Mondstadt like an infestation of persistent mosquitos.

For Kaeya, the heat seemed to make the criminals more reckless than usual. The air-conditioned haven of the Angel's Share bar provided welcome relief, the cool atmosphere a stark contrast to the sweltering streets outside. A cold glass of spirits in hand, he should have been enjoying the respite, but his attention was elsewhere.

Across from him sat the enigmatic woman the Guild had insisted he work with—a former member of the very organization they were now tasked with taking down. The woman granted temporary freedom from prison to assist his investigation into the Cult of Barbados. The few months since Kaeya had been assigned to this case had yielded little fruit, despite his best efforts to infiltrate the conglomerate of small criminal groups scattered across Teyvat.

The detective leaned back leisurely against the plush cushion of the booth, unapologetically taking up space. He absently twirled his glass, the ice clinking against the sides as he ignored Diluc's sidelong glances from behind the bar—equal parts irritation and curiosity about his brother's unusual companion.

Kaeya studied her posture, analyzing her body language with the trained eye of an experienced detective. Despite his reputation as a prodigy at reading people, especially criminals, she remained an enigma. But he always solved his cases eventually.

"Hey now, is your drink not to your liking?" he asked with a smirk. "Not used to good, honest alcohol, hmm? Well, sorry to disappoint." His tone held more amusement than genuine offense.

Leaning forward suddenly, he rested his elbows on the table, voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Speaking of disappointment. It seems the Guild isn't very... satisfied with my work."

He sighed dramatically, his earring catching the neon lights as he tipped his head back in a short laugh before taking another sip of his drink. "Now, then, why don't you tell me how best to take down that Cult of yours? I have a few ideas myself, but..." he trailed off, icy gaze锁住 hers with intensity, "I suspect your insight might prove invaluable."