By then, noon was approaching. The group found a restaurant for lunch.
It was a fairly upscale place.
Among friends, only Eula was newly acquainted, making her the guest of honor. Naturally, the guest ordered first.
Looking at the menu's sky-high prices, Eula fell silent for a moment and picked only a few modest, homestyle dishes.
She rarely ate at restaurants.
Most of the time, on assignments, she lived off rations. When home, she cooked for herself.
And unlike her cold demeanor in battle, Eula was an accomplished cook. She often exchanged tips with Noelle.
The famed Knights' Best Field Ration—a moon-shaped pastry—was modeled after one of her own recipes. Portable yet delicious, it had won endless praise.
Even in decline, the Lawrences clung to their delusions of restoration. Their children's education was harsh to the point of cruelty.
Her cooking instructors were merciless. A dough off by half a spoonful of flour, seasoning mismeasured by a single grain of salt, bread pulled from the oven two seconds late—all could earn her scolding and punishment.
What others envied as rare talent in cuisine was, to her, nothing but the useless byproduct of outdated house rules.
As the eldest daughter, she had grown up under that strict regime, enduring endless aristocratic courses. Only dance had offered her solace.
"Miss Eula, order a few more dishes!"
"This is enough. You all choose."
She handed the menu back.
And then watched as the others promptly ordered every single one of the most expensive dishes on it.
Liyue people… really are loaded.
---
The so-called grace of nobility could be seen in the smallest details of how Eula dined.
The girl's posture was impeccably straight, her movements refined and unhurried. Every time she parted her lips, the angle seemed perfectly measured.
By contrast, Amber, seated right beside her, looked far more casual—chatting and laughing between bites, not even minding when a bit of sauce smeared the corner of her mouth.
Watching the two of them side by side, it was hard to imagine they were such close friends.
Eula had expected that with so many dishes ordered, plenty would go to waste.
Yet in the end, all of it was finished—by that petite girl named Xia Lin.
Eula blinked in surprise, glancing at her tiny frame.
Amber laughed and explained that Xia Lin had been the champion of this year's eating contest.
Eula nodded in understanding.
After the meal, the group headed out to continue their shopping.
Whenever they passed an old building and someone showed interest, Eula would pause and share the history or stories tied to it.
She seemed deeply familiar with the city's past.
With such a capable local guide, their afternoon stroll became even more enjoyable.
That evening, they chose another high-end restaurant for dinner.
As at noon, they ordered the priciest dishes straight off the menu.
Eula no longer found it strange.
After another hearty meal, she accompanied them for a stroll along Cider Lake before taking her leave.
Though she hadn't claimed the championship she wanted, meeting a group of new friends who bore her no prejudice was a blessing in itself.
Still, strange electrical anomalies had recently been plaguing the wilderness around Mondstadt, and traces of the Abyss Order had begun to surface again. As captain of her squad, Eula had little time for friends or leisure. She had accepted their gift, but likely wouldn't have a chance to return the favor.
What a pity…
Eula walked home alone, these thoughts weighing in her heart.
At a certain tavern—
Venti suddenly turned toward the door, as if sensing something. "That is…"
The Dragon King followed his gaze, eyes narrowing at the familiar yet unfamiliar figure. "Huh? Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver—look, is that… Xiao?"
The two Adepti turned to look and froze.
"He does look a bit like him."
"But Xiao isn't that tall."
The figure walked closer. Looking at the Dragon King, he said, "Long time no see, Dragon King."
The Dragon King broke into laughter. "It really is you! Xiao! How many years has it been—when did you grow taller? I almost didn't recognize you!"
"…."
Xiao's eyes flicked to Venti seated beside the Dragon King, and he offered a greeting.
"Anem—"
Venti quickly cut him off. "Ah, ah! Just call me Venti. Come on, sit."
Xiao sat. "About last time… I truly thank you for your help."
Venti waved it off with a smile. "Bah, a trifle. No need for thanks."
The Dragon King tilted his head. "What help?"
Xiao explained, "Last year, my karmic debt surged out of control. I nearly lost my mind. It was Wind—no, Venti's lyre that suppressed it."
Venti chuckled. "I just happened to be passing by."
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver were astonished. "That happened? How come you never told us?"
Xiao lowered his head. "I didn't want to worry anyone."
Venti studied him, interest glinting in his eyes. "But now… I don't sense any karmic residue on you at all."
Xiao said calmly, "Mr. Xia helped me purge it not long ago."
Venti nodded. "So that's how it is."
The Dragon King, still curious, asked, "But Xiao, what's with your height?"
Xiao fell silent a moment, then replied, "Mr. Xia once made a dish. After eating it… I started to grow."
The Dragon King clicked his tongue. "Figures it's him. No wonder. Right, didn't you head to my place before?"
Venti squinted. "Your place?"
The Dragon King nodded. "The Chasm."
Venti chuckled. "Oh, that hole."
Xiao added, "It's been resolved. I returned just yesterday. Zhongli told me to seek you out, so here I am."
Moon Carver frowned. "If you came back to Liyue last night, then with your speed, you should've reached Mondstadt by now."
Xiao explained, "I made another trip to Guili Plains last night to sweep for evil spirits."
"As expected of you—so diligent!"
"Come on, drink with us!"
Xiao had a few cups, then asked, "Where's Mr. Xia?"
The Dragon King pointed. "He's staying near the Cathedral. Want to go see him?"
Xiao looked that way. "Since I've come this far, I should."
"True enough. But it's late—let's all go tomorrow morning. Old friends reunited, we'll share a meal."
"When he sees how much taller you've gotten, Mr. Xia will be pleased."
Xiao: "…"