You now are in front of his office, so you raise your hand and knock on the door.

"Come in," Diluc calls out to you.

You entered the office and mainly expected to see him at his desk however he was leaning against the fireplace, a book in his hands with his hair pulled into a loose ponytail that seemingly draped over his shoulder.

You started at him for a bit only to be called out once your eyes met his.

He closed the book and set it on top of the fireplace as he propped his head up to rest on his arm.

You of course sat yourself down on one of the chairs across from him.

"So you wished to tell me something Ms. Y/n?," Diluc questioned you.

"Yes actually, I do want to chat with you. I have been thinking of what you have told me about that one night when we were in the living room together."

He titled his head, a bit confused by where you were going with this.

You took in a deep breath as you held a hand over your chest, trying to calm your pounding heart as you tried to remain calm with Diluc's eyes on you. 

"I want to propose a business deal with you," you finally state to him. 

His eyes widen at you, definitely you had surprised him before nodding as he returned his features to their neutral position. He crossed his hands over his chest, he seemed to be waiting for you explain further. 

"I want to do what my father and family didn't do before, I wish to strike a deal with you Mr. Diluc," you start off saying, feeling a bit more confident. "I wish to offer my deceased father's winery property to you in exchange of something from you."

He raised a brow at you," And what exactly are you needing from me?"

You looked down at the ground, as your brain scrambles to figure out what to say next. You shut your eyes for a moment before soon stating your need.

"I want you to grant me full protection and shelter here!" You blurt out quickly. 

Diluc, now looking a bit taken back by your sudden blurt, as he had to lean back a bit as if your words pushed at him. 

After what seemed like a few minutes you hear the sound of footsteps, you open your eyes and look to see Diluc standing before you. 

Your breath hitched in your throat. 

He was standing so close now. 

You steadied yourself on your feet, keeping your gaze up with his. 

Silence draped over the office, the only sound being the soft crackle of the fire. So, you both stood there for what seemed like ages before Diluc smiles a little and sighs, tearing away as he shook his head. 

"Is that a no? Mr. Diluc?" You watch as Diluc brushed past you to quickly sit himself at his desk.

Confused you approached the desk as Diluc quickly dipped his quill into the dark ink and writing something up on a sheet of paper. 

You stared as the quill in his hands glided quickly across the paper, he would sometimes pause as he tapped on the desk almost restlessly, before returning to its place in the ink well. Diluc studied the paper, nodded in what seemed of improvement before passing it over to you. 

You looked at the paper and back at him. 

"A contractual marriage? 800, 000 mora!? And... a wage???"

"Yes."

"But why? I'm willing to give you my property for free no marriage ties or anything-"

"Ms. Y/n" He states simply, shutting your potential rambling as he looks up at you, his face seemingly serious.

"Um, yes?"

"You want my full protection correct?"

You nod your head slowly. 

He stands up and leans over his desk to make us eye to eye. 

"And you want to sell your property and be sheltered here? Am I missing anything from what you stated earlier?"

This time you shook your head at him. 

He nods and sits back down as he takes a stack of papers and fixes them before setting them to the side then return his gaze at you. 

"Have you heard what people say about you now in town?" he questions you. 

You shoook your head again. 

Diluc sighs as he nods and leans back in his chair, resting his head on his propped up arm. 

"Rumors are spreading about you through high society and those lower. Many things like 'why is Ms. Y/n staying at Mondstat's top bachelor home?' or 'Does she have no shame or grievances for herself for being her families only survivor?' or how about the other topics of perhaps your family must have been dealing with some shady business practices and its rubbing off toward my own business..." He points to the paper, his tone being direct and collected. "If you want me to protect you, you'll also not only sell your property to me but help uphold this business and my household's name."

You gulped. "Then the money and wage?"

"Remember where you come from Ms. Y/n, and I would look like a fool if I offered you too low after your family seemingly died and most of your place burned in flames leaving you mostly nothing. As far as the wage goes, its something to keep money in your pockets as you'll be working here," he states matter of fact. "If you have no other questions, please your sign next to mine."

You seemed unsure of what to say or do now. Your mind starting to be conflicted with emotion of the false and horrible rumors to the idea of a perhaps marriage. It felt just like that time at home several months ago.... 

You studied over all the words of the contract Diluc had drawn up before setting it down on the desk and quickly signing it with Diluc's quill and handing the paper back to him. 

Diluc nods as he then extends his hand toward you. 

You looked at his hand and slowly reached out your own, shaking his. 

"Don't worry, Ms. Y/n. I'll protect you."

You gave him a small smile as you then bided him a goodnight and made your way back to your room, you swore you could perhaps feel Diluc's gaze on you as you left his office. 

Tomorrow and any days forward will be interesting from here on out won't it?