Many people in Mondstadt have seen this scene.
At some point, a little tagalong appeared behind the mysterious bard, who usually came and went without a trace and kept to himself.
"Venti!" The child sidles up to him, wrapping soft little arms around the young man's waist.
"Wah! You again?!" The youthful-looking bard cries out in surprise, then calls loudly to the people nearby for help.
"Hey, look. He's still pretending he doesn't like it. Just look at the little one's face. That's love, all right."
A man drinking nearby laughs at the bard's predicament, and teasing voices rise all around them.
The young man looks down at the child clinging to his waist and refusing to let go, only to meet those bright, shining eyes, filled with undisguised adoration.
"Ugh... All right, all right." The youthful-looking bard gives up with a sigh and naturally pulls the disobedient little rascal into his arms.
"Don't let this happen again!" It's clearly meant as a threat, but there's indulgence in his voice.
The young man may not even notice the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Okaaay~" The little one obediently agrees, burying his face against the bard's chest. Only his arms tighten ever so slightly.
"Lord Barbatos smells so nice," the child thinks, eyes half-closed, taking advantage of the fact that no one can see.
"Like the fragrance of apple cider, with a comforting, heady sweetness."
"I'm so, so happy to be by your side..."
Theme: Even faith can change. That's right, I'm just lusting after your body!
