Lumine shrugged. Her impression of Keqing had always been:
Decisive, efficient, true to her word, a workaholic, and so on...
She never expected to see her shy and troubled over friendship.
"So what does Xiangling think about all this?" Lumine was curious.
Keqing didn't seem to have grown up with the others.
She was a noble daughter of Liyue and now held a high-ranking position.
Lumine wondered how Xiangling viewed a friend like her.
"I'll ask Xiangling tomorrow."
Today, they had traveled all around Liyue and met many friends.
And now, with their bellies full, the group quickly drifted off to sleep.
The Next Day
Lumine and Paimon arrived at Wanmin Restaurant bright and early.
"Morning, Xiangling! We're here!"
"Take a seat for now. I'll tidy up and check if we need any ingredients."
Xiangling turned to greet them—then paused. "Huh? Where's Mu Yang?"
She didn't see him anywhere.
"He's doing his morning training. We came ahead."
"Got it!" Xiangling nodded and went back to checking her stock.
"Xiangling, can I ask you something?"
"What's up?"
Lumine mentioned how, during their travels, she noticed Xiangling and Keqing got along well.
Especially at Wangshu Inn, the two seemed particularly close.
"So… do you really like Keqing as a friend?"
Xiangling admitted openly.
"Keqing has a great personality and is easy to get along with. Doesn't everyone like people like that?"
Paimon blurted out, "You're amazing, Xiangling!"
The first time she met Keqing, she thought she'd be super hard to approach.
Especially with how different her opinions were from other Liyue folks.
Lumine agreed—when they first met, Keqing had an imposing aura.
"Really? From the very first time, I thought she was really easy to talk to," Xiangling said.
"Back at the inn, she even secretly fed Guoba some treats. Didn't you notice?"
Guoba shook his head side to side, as if confirming Keqing's kindness.
As they chatted about Keqing, they suddenly noticed some commotion outside.
Xiangling rushed out—and froze. "Ah! Such a big bird!"
Paimon screamed too. "Ah! It's that woman!"
Cloud Retainer glared at her. "How insolent! Which woman?!"
"This one has a name and title—Cloud Retainer, Adeptus of the Mighty and Illuminated Adepti"
[Hahaha what kind of dialogue is this, I'm dying]
[This is the "Very Chatty" Adeptus—got a problem with that?]
[Feels like this event is gonna give us so many iconic moments]
With Mu Yang absent, Guinaifen—still focused on observing Guoba—chimed in.
"Look, look! Guoba's totally stunned by that woman."
"This is definitive proof!"
[Streamer's too sharp, are you broadcasting with a microscope?]
[Sigh, the streamer's been staring at Guoba the whole event, already forgot about her husband]
[Tch, fickle woman]
[Mu Yang, hurry up—this is what betrayal looks like]
Guinaifen sighed. "Folks, how is liking Guoba any kind of 'betrayal'? Is this a furry thing?"
[What's wrong with furries?!]
The livestream chat derailed once again.
Hearing Cloud Retainer's title, Xiangling immediately realized—another Adeptus.
But why was an Adeptus here? Looking for Mu Yang?
Lumine greeted politely. "Long time no see!"
Cloud Retainer was quite fond of Lumine.
Compared to Paimon, the Traveler had much better manners.
"Traveler, it has been some time. Judging by your appearance, are you busy with the Moonchase Festival?"
"Not exactly. Mu Yang called us back to have fun."
The adeptal bird understood immediately.
So that's why Mu Yang hadn't returned after delivering gifts to Liyue Harbor—it was because of Lumine.
First, Cloud Retainer asked where Mu Yang was.
Then she explained her purpose—though in a very tsundere way, she praised this year's festival theme.
She had descended to the mortal realm to showcase her newest invention: the Supreme Cuisine Machine
Xiangling was baffled. "Supreme Cuisine… what?"
"Probably her new invention," Lumine offered helpfully.
Cloud Retainer continued, "No need to rush. This one merely came to announce its arrival. When the time comes, you shall witness its marvels."
"Especially you, Traveler. You possess some discernment in culinary matters. This one hopes you will attend to lend your support."
Paimon blurted out, "So this is just a direct invitation, huh?"
"Hmph. No need to voice what is already understood."
"With this message delivered, this one shall not linger in this bustling place. Await this one's summons. Until then."
With that, Cloud Retainer flew off.
[Tsundere adeptus bird]
[Direct attacks work best on tsunderes]
[I'm sold, brothers—just hearing her voice does it for me]
[You're like a starving ghost, I swear]
Lumine was puzzled.
If it was about cooking, wasn't Mu Yang skilled too? Why specifically seek her out?
Actually, this did have something to do with Lumine.
Because she was the one who took Mu Yang away!
After adjusting her Supreme Cuisine Machine, Cloud Retainer realized Shenhe had gone to deliver mooncakes to the other adepti.
Mu Yang had said he was going to Liyue Harbor—but two days passed with no sign of his return.
Thus, the empty-nest elder bird had no one to help test her machine.
And just then, she sensed a particular presence.
So of course, this golden-haired laborer was the perfect candidate!
Outside Wanmin Restaurant
Paimon grumbled, "What a come-and-go-like-the-wind woman… no, female adeptus… no, bird adeptus…"
Xiangling, meanwhile, remarked, "As expected of Mu Yang's friend. She really seems like someone who knows cooking."
"That's true—she loves good food. But I think your impression of Mu Yang might be a bit off."
"Huh? Is it?"
Lumine put her hands on her hips, acting like she was the only one who truly understood Mu Yang.
"Mu Yang's real passion is swordsmanship. And brewing tea."
[What's with this sister's competitive attitude? I'm dying]
[That smug little expression, lol]
"What's everyone crowding around for? The adeptus already left, you know."
The group turned toward the voice. "Keqing, you're here too!"
"Good morning. Sorry to keep you waiting." Keqing handed Xiangling a recipe.
"This is a dish my grandfather wrote in his notes. I couldn't bring the original, so I copied it for you."
Xiangling immediately noticed parts of the recipe were incomplete.
Keqing explained that it wasn't her grandfather's original creation but something he'd adapted from an ancient text.
Because it came from an old book, some sections were missing.
"Will that be a big problem?"
"I'll have to study it in detail first."
"Thank you, Xiangling."
Then, a pair of black-stockinged legs stepped into the players' view.
"Um… everyone's here, huh…"
[It's you! Yangu!]
[Yangu's here!]
[That close-up shot had clear intentions—prprpr]
[So fragrant~]
"That voice is…"
"Good morning, Yangu!"