[ there's always such mutual observations to glean from any interaction, diluc feels. he's only ever known to take stock of his surroundings and the way the people move, so it is instinctual that diluc picks up a little bit of himself in this man too. his still expression is reminiscent of a few he might name on his journeys, but there's something softer and more sincere in the way he comments. very polite. and very meticulous, as he accepts his handkerchief back. cleaning these and the gloves in his pocket (he remembers) as he stows it away are a problem for him to solve later. ]

Your effusive thanks are unneeded, sir. [ polite, as ever. he's walked this walk a million times and it shows. liyue, in particular, has a lot of exchanges like these. ] It's the least I could do.

[ but: ]

Diluc, [ he prompts, his name an idle little thing tossed to the winds. it holds no weight among people here and, in some ways, it benefits him. ] No need for formalities either, considering the circumstance.

[ he has a feeling he might have to correct him a few times. that's okay. he's done it plenty with former juniors of his. ]

Thanks. [ he obligingly holds out his hands, cups them neatly as though any child permitted to go rogue with such cleaning implements. after all, this is befitting of one who uses high proof liquors in absence of hydro for disinfectant. there's no true way to make that neat in the wilds. ] I've never encountered a bottle like this. [ he adds, eyeing the cute little... sea bug? and the snap(?) top? ] Is it a new patent?

[ fontaine is always coming up with curious things, but he isn't going to assume this is the same world he knows. leylines and other such mysteries have shaken him of the idea that time is stable line quite some time ago. but, back to fontaine: some inventions have proven useful to place stock in. he wonders if he could find someone to produce little vials like that for him? certainly, he has enough by-product to use as disinfectant... ]