Since Mona arrived in Mondstadt, she practically came to Koji's place every day to freeload meals. Save wherever you can.
"Noelle, your cooking is amazing."
Before coming here, Mona barely had Mora left. To survive, she lived off wild Sunsettias and mushrooms.
"Mona, I'm glad you like it," Noelle said with a smile.
Such praise never made her proud. Cooking was simply a maid's basic skill.
"Koji, what's the world beyond Teyvat like?" Mona asked, swallowing a bun.
"Didn't you astrologers divine that already?" Koji was puzzled.
"If we were that powerful, we'd already be flying," Mona rolled her eyes.
She knew Teyvat's sky was strange, but most people accepted it as untouchable.
"You should ask Lumine. She's seen many worlds," Koji said.
"I can share. No problem."
Lumine nodded and told Mona bits of her journeys, satisfying her curiosity.
…
Night fell. The tavern became a paradise for drunkards. In Mondstadt, hardly any men didn't drink.
"Eula, no one else came with you?" Koji found an empty seat opposite Eula Lawrence.
Because of prejudice against the Lawrences, no one sat with her—better to stand than share her table.
"Amber doesn't like drinking. I came alone. Aren't you afraid of being criticized, sitting with the sinner's descendant?" Her fair face was flushed, her hazy eyes alluring.
"I'm not a Mondstadter. Why care about that? Eula, why not travel with Lumine and me?" Koji asked, inviting her.
She was shunned in Mondstadt. Traveling with them might be better.
"?"
"Pfft, is this an invitation to elope?"
Eula chuckled. Maybe the alcohol made her warmer, almost like a normal girl next door.
"So, will you join?"
"Lumine and Paimon will welcome you too."
Looking at Koji's serious eyes, Eula fell silent, then smiled faintly. "Alright, I'll think about it. Traveling with you might be interesting."
In Mondstadt, few people treated her without suspicion. She hated aristocratic rules, preferring her Spindrift Dance.
Leaving to see other nations' beauty sounded appealing. Elsewhere, she'd be just a stranger, not judged.
"As long as you don't cause trouble, no one will point fingers," Koji said, raising his glass. "Cheers. I'll await your answer."
"Cheers. I'll give it serious thought."
Their glasses clinked. Strange as he was, he might already count as a friend.
Nearby drinkers overheard but didn't care. If a Lawrence left Mondstadt, all the better.
After three rounds, most drunkards went home.
"Hey, Eula, can you still walk?"
Koji looked at her slumped on the table. Leaving her in the tavern at night risked trouble.
She was beautiful, with a fine figure. Though people despised her, who could guarantee no one would take advantage?
Soft snores.
Koji sighed. He had no choice but to carry her back, letting her sleep with Lumine.
Hoisting her onto his back, he walked toward the rental.
Her body was impressive. Like a soft slime pressed to him, comfortable. Supporting her thighs, he felt strength beneath the flesh—not hard muscle, but supple, full.
…
"Hey, Koji, what are you doing with Eula?"
Lumine froze when she saw him carrying her. Too fast—already brought her home? Shouldn't she have had her chance first?
"Eula got drunk. It wasn't safe to leave her there. You two can share a bed tonight." Koji set her down into Lumine's arms.
"Hehe, great," Lumine grinned foolishly.
I'll take care of you, Eula.
Bonk!
Koji knocked Lumine on the head. "Don't get indecent. If Eula wakes and cuts you with her Song of Broken Pines, don't expect me to help."
"Alright, alright, I won't do anything. Just checking her figure." Lumine hissed. That hurt.
Holding Eula, she returned to her room. A real body pillow would be perfect.
Next morning.
"Mm…"
Eula's lashes trembled as she opened her eyes. Strange ceiling. Strange bed.
"Heavy… wait, don't tell me—"
She felt weight pressing on her, her body bare, no clothes. Panic. Had her purity been taken? Her face turned pale.
"Eula, hehe…"
A familiar voice. She turned and exhaled in relief—only to frown hard.
Lumine's arms and legs draped over her like she was a pillow. Worst of all, her face rubbed against Eula's chest, leaving a wet spot.
Drool.
"Lumine, wake up."
"Morning, Eula," Lumine said brightly. A soft pillow made for a wonderful sleep.
"How did I get here?" Eula asked.
"No memory at all?" Lumine scratched her head.
"I…"
Eula rubbed her brow. She recalled drinking heavily with Koji. She faintly remembered him carrying her, his hands on her thighs leaving warmth. Her cheeks flushed. First time she'd been touched by a man like that.
"I remember a little. Next time, I can't drink that much," she said with a bitter smile.
"Exactly. Good thing Koji was there. Otherwise, who knows what creep might've tried something." Lumine declared righteously.
Eula glanced at her. Honestly, Lumine herself felt like the pervert. Her chest wasn't a bun to knead.
Still, she knew Lumine meant no harm. It was just… unfamiliar.
(End of Chapter)
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