It was hardly convenient to talk at the foot of the stairs, so the three returned to the freshly cleaned private dining room.
"With the Acting Grand Master away, you're letting a child like Klee run around outside all day. If something happens to her, even you would have a hard time explaining it to Jean when we get back, Kaeya."
Diluc strongly disapproved of the man's irresponsible behavior. He warned Kaeya the moment he sat down.
"I really can't argue with that. But Klee is a capable, clever child. She's simply too young and inexperienced. She's the Knights' renowned Spark Knight, you know. You shouldn't underestimate her, Master Diluc."
"Still, I never expected Master Diluc to care so much about a member of the Knights."
Kaeya spoke slowly, an amused look on his face.
"Seeing how strict you are with Klee, someone who didn't know better might think you and Acting Grand Master Jean were a family."
Kaeya's gaze made Diluc somewhat uncomfortable. He turned his head away, his lips moving.
"Hmph... childish."
Caught between the two men, Barbara suddenly caught a whiff of something sour in the air.
Huh? Did Xiangling... bring some vinegar over earlier?
"Hmph. I simply don't want that child getting herself into needless trouble."
As though he hadn't heard the teasing in Kaeya's words, Diluc folded his arms and leaned back in his wooden chair.
The Traveler and Paimon had visited Wanmin Restaurant a few days earlier, bringing Diluc some news.
Venti had gathered information about the missing homeless people through the wind. The Life Foundation was very likely involved.
Recently, homeless and unemployed people had been disappearing throughout New York City in staggering numbers. Although the local FBI had investigated, every one of those people seemed to have vanished into thin air.
There