Upon learning of Diluc's promotion, Crepus, as the current head of the Ragnvindr Clan and Diluc's father, was naturally overjoyed.
Crepus smiled. "To be promoted to Knight Captain before even holding your coming-of-age ceremony—even our Ragnvindr ancestors never achieved that. The entire Ragnvindr Clan will be proud of you."
Speaking of the coming-of-age ceremony, time had passed almost without notice. Young Diluc had grown into a young man approaching eighteen. The ceremony would take place next month.
According to Mondstadt tradition, whether citizens living within the city or those outside, upon reaching eighteen, they were required to go to the Church of Favonius and hold a grand coming-of-age ceremony before the statue of the great Anemo Archon, Barbatos.
As one of Barbatos's most devout followers, Crepus took the ceremony very seriously. So before Diluc's ceremony, he had to make thorough preparations.
Crepus smiled. "Son, how's your swordsmanship training going? Care to spar with your old man? Let me see what you've achieved."
As a father, Crepus had once been viewed as a complete swordsmanship failure, unable to even grasp the basics. But now, with the help of the Delusion, he had learned many sword techniques. He wanted his son to know that his father was no longer a failure. His father was a skilled swordsman too.
He could already imagine the shock on Diluc's face when he saw his father's skill.
However, when Crepus proposed a spar, Diluc, unaware of his father's progress, looked embarrassed and didn't know what to say. What was he supposed to do? Everyone knew his father hadn't even mastered the most basic sword techniques. Sparring with him now would only humiliate him.
To protect his father's dignity, Diluc declined. "I'm sorry, Father. The Knights have been very busy lately. There's a lot I need to do. I have to return to the Knights."
In Diluc's eyes, his father was still the man with poor swordsmanship talent who couldn't even learn the basics.
Hearing his son's excuse, Crepus sighed. "What a pity. I wanted to show you the swordsmanship I've recently learned, but I see you're too busy. Go ahead, then. I'll attend to the winery affairs."
Since Diluc was about to turn eighteen and hold his coming-of-age ceremony, there would be plenty of opportunities to spar afterward. No rush.
Diluc was relieved. "Very well, Father. I'll return to the Knights now."
With that, he mounted his horse and rode off, leaving Dawn Winery behind.
As Crepus watched his son's figure grow smaller in the distance, his eyes shone with pride.
Look at that—this genius knight is my son! The future hope of the Ragnvindr Clan and the future hope of Mondstadt!
After seeing Diluc off, Crepus immediately called the winery's butler. "Diluc turns eighteen next month. He'll be holding his coming-of-age ceremony at the Church of Favonius. Contact the church and arrange the time."
For the people of Mondstadt, the coming-of-age ceremony was an important event, especially for nobles like the Ragnvindr Clan. There were specific rituals to follow when departing Dawn Winery and certain customs to observe on the road to Mondstadt. Even the guests, the wine, and the refreshments at the church had special requirements.
So a full month before the ceremony, Crepus had already begun preparations.
Time passed quickly. Another month went by. Diluc, now a Knight Captain, had fully demonstrated his abilities, winning over all the higher-ups of the Knights of Favonius. He had become one of the brightest rising stars, attracting the attention of the entire Order.
And now, the day of Diluc's coming-of-age ceremony had arrived.
Diluc asked, puzzled, "Father, why do we have to go all the way to the Church of Favonius in the city for the ceremony? Can't we just hold it at Dawn Winery?"
Still young, Diluc was unfamiliar with these formalities.
Crepus replied seriously, "Of course not. Only by holding the ceremony before the statue of the great Anemo Archon at the Church of Favonius will you receive the Archon's blessing."
Diluc grew more confused. "Father, have you ever met the great Anemo Archon?"
All his life, he had heard that name. Yet he had only ever seen statues—never the real Archon. His faith was beginning to waver.
Crepus smiled. "I know what you're thinking. I had the same doubts when I was young. Inazuma has the Raiden Shogun, who appears before the people. Liyue has Rex Lapis, who appears once a year to guide the nation. But our Anemo Archon never interferes with Mondstadt's affairs and never appears openly. You must believe that the great Anemo Archon has never left. He watches over Mondstadt in secret, safeguarding its freedom."
As one of Barbatos's most devout followers, Crepus's faith was unshakable.
Diluc considered this. "Very well. But if I ever get the chance, I would like to see the Anemo Archon with my own eyes."
Crepus said seriously, "Enough of that. Get ready. We're heading to Mondstadt."
As the crates were loaded onto the carriage, Crepus carefully placed a small ornate box into a hidden compartment. It seemed to contain something very important.
After all the preparations and a brief ceremony at Dawn Winery, Crepus led the procession—a dozen servants—toward Mondstadt. Along the way, they observed the required rituals and prayers.
But at that moment, no one noticed a black mechanical bird silently perched atop the carriage.