"Master Mao, the usual—one serving!"
Returning early to Liyue Harbor, Taro remembered that today was Xiangling's shift.
Without hesitation, he tossed aside the idea of strolling idly through the streets or bird-watching, and made straight for Wanmin Restaurant.
"Oh? Brother Taro, you're here alone today?"
Seeing that Zhongli wasn't at his side, Master Mao was a little surprised.
These past three days, when Xiangling had been on duty, Zhongli, Taro, and that stunning adeptus had always come together, never once absent.
Yet today, Taro had come alone?
"Yeah, just me today."
Taro nodded slightly. "Zhongli and Madame Ping are busy entertaining their newly returned friend, so they probably won't make it. Only me—so I came to appreciate Xiangling's cooking. If the others miss out, that's their loss."
"Heh..."
The compliment about his daughter made Master Mao's bones feel like they were melting. His smile widened all the more.
"Come, brother, let me take you inside today. Sorry though, the upstairs has been completely booked out by Beidou. Xiangling's hosting her right now. But don't worry—the food will be out soon."
"So Beidou's throwing a banquet today?"
That made sense. Just two days ago, Taro had seen the Crux ship moored at the southern wharf.
"No rush."
Following Master Mao into the inner hall, Taro chuckled. "Good wine and good food should be savored slowly. Don't make Xiangling rush. If she loses her mood while cooking, I won't let you off the hook."
"Heh..."
Master Mao laughed helplessly. "Now you're scolding me, huh? Fine, fine—I'll listen. You're the guest after all. Just wait a bit, I'll have the waiter bring some fine wine and a couple appetizers to start."
"Good—make it quick. If you're late, I won't be tipping!"
"Look at you, so stingy. Wait here."
With a grin, Master Mao left.
Three days of meals here had already made Taro a near-regular. Zhongli especially was practically a VIP of Wanmin. Naturally, that had rubbed off on him.
Now, Taro and Master Mao were even familiar enough to joke casually.
Perfect, perfect.
His dream retirement life in Liyue was falling into place:
two little houses, a small shop, a couple friends.
When idle, he could stroll the streets, watch birds, listen to music, fish.
Life was good—so good.
"Honored guest, your wine is here."
Soon enough, a server arrived with a pot of aged liquor, setting it down along with two dishes of appetizers.
"Please enjoy, sir. Call for me if you need anything."
"Mm, go on."
Taro smiled, poured himself a small cup, and took a sip.
Hssss...
Ahhh...
"I never thought much of wine before. But now... I like it."
Maybe it was just a change in mindset, but the drink filled him with a sense of satisfaction.
Before, he'd avoided alcohol, fearing it might cause trouble.
Now? What trouble could there be? Drink freely.
"Master Mao, is Mister Taro here?"
"Oh, it's Lady Yuheng. Yes, brother Taro is in the back. I'll show you—"
"No need, Master Mao, you're busy. I'll find him myself."
"All right, inner hall, left turn, third table."
"Got it."
The bustling restaurant quieted in an instant.
Every gaze turned toward the purple-clad young woman striding toward the back.
The Yuheng Star, Keqing. One of the Liyue Qixing.
Who would dare make noise now?
Click.
Only after she stepped fully behind the curtain did the chatter slowly resume.
"Old Mao, your place really is something. First Ningguang, then Secretary Ganyu, and now even the Yuheng herself?"
"Unbelievable, truly unbelievable."
"Well, what do you expect? The man's daughter is a culinary prodigy. Big shots like these can't resist."
"Heh, Old Liu, you can't even shut your mouth to eat, can you?"
"Look at him getting flustered! Old Mao, your daughter's about grown, eh? How about a marriage match?"
"Get lost—eat your food."
"Hahaha!"
Master Mao's lips twitched uncontrollably, but the smile was impossible to suppress. He was proud. He had a good daughter. Could anyone else compare?
Back Hall
Keqing lifted the curtain, her gaze landing directly on Taro.
When she saw him, a faint smile touched her lips.
"Mister Taro!"
Letting the curtain fall, she walked briskly over.
"Two days gone, and you're still as carefree as ever."
"More or less. Sit down."
Taro tilted his cup toward her. "You're busy as always—what brings you here? Finished with your duties?"
"Of course."
Keqing nodded, seating herself opposite him. "Burdened as I am, I would never slack. But today, with matters done, I wanted to come speak with you."
"..."
Taro raised his cup slightly. "Care for a drink?"
"No."
She shook her head firmly. "Tomorrow is the Rite of Descension. Drinking now could lead to mistakes. But after the ceremony, I'll host a banquet for you. Would you grace me with your presence?"
"Oh, you're paying? Then sure—free food shouldn't go to waste."
"So this is why you came?"
"Not entirely."
Keqing hesitated, then steeled herself.
"The lesson you gave me the other day... I learned much. But what you said, about sealed demon gods breaking free—it has haunted me since. Today, I dare to ask you for an answer."
Ahh, so it wasn't that she enjoyed losing.
It was that she'd been left with a psychological shadow, huh?
For a moment, he thought she wanted another round.
"An answer, hmm?"
A smile curved Taro's lips.
"I told you before: what I showed you wasn't a mock war game. It was reality. The dangers lurking in Liyue far exceed what you imagine.
Take Guyun Stone Forest, for example. You know it?"
"Of course."
Keqing nodded. "It was where the Geo Lord once suppressed a rebellious god. Wait... You mean—?"
"That the demon god of the vortex may break free."
"Yes—the one you spoke of that day was the Vortex God. And he is indeed sealed in the sea..."
Her expression turned to shock.
"No... then Guyun will be in danger!"
She stood abruptly, panic written across her face.
"Sit down."
Taro shook his head. "The Geo Archon still stands."
"..."
Keqing pressed her lips tight, forcing herself to sit, though tension still gripped her heart.
Yes. Zhongli—Morax—the Archon was still here.
She exhaled slowly.
And yet...
She realized what she hadn't before.
As Taro had said, their generation had taken everything for granted—what the Archon and their forebears had risked their lives to earn, they simply assumed eternal.
Even she, with her forward-thinking ways, was still bound by that same blindness.
(End of Chapter)
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