Dinner was as lively as always.
Everyone raised their cups, wishing Eula a brighter future and the Pet Tavern a successful grand opening.
These past two days, Xiangling had been poring over the Book of Erudition. She'd finally mastered a new skill—[Culinary Grandmaster]. So tonight, she took her master Xia Zhi's place as head chef.
At last, she succeeded in making the Xia-style [Gods' Temptation] she'd always dreamed of trying.
Naturally, as head chef, she made a little something extra for her partner Guoba, setting aside portions just for him.
It wasn't just to indulge Guoba's appetite. This dish carried a mysterious power that would help him recover his original intelligence and strength faster.
In the middle of dinner, Xia Zhi peeked at Guoba with his god's-eye view and noticed a new platinum progress bar hovering above him.
That meant Guoba's strength had already climbed back up to Adeptus level.
A bit slower than Qiqi, of course—she had specialized cultivation techniques.
But now Guoba had also learned meditation, which would speed his recovery. It wouldn't be long before he returned to his former Archon-class strength.
Since Xiangling had cooked dinner, this didn't count as Xia Zhi "feeding" Guoba, so there was no interactive progress gained.
He wasn't worried. Guoba was right here with him—he could "farm" progress any time.
After the meal wound down and the chatting tapered off, Jean came to Xia Zhi to bring up the matter of the school.
Xia Zhi was a little surprised. "Captain Jean wants my advice on starting a school?"
Jean nodded. "Yes. I'd like to at least draft the framework while you're still in Mondstadt."
Xia Zhi thought a moment, then asked, "What about the Church of Favonius? Something this big can't be done without them, right?"
Jean answered, "I already consulted the Anemo Archon. With his approval, we don't need to worry about the Church."
Xia Zhi nodded. "I see. Then let's talk."
Jean pulled out her phone and started recording—it was much more convenient than pen and paper.
They discussed the school in detail.
Xia Zhi noticed her questions were surprisingly practical, even though she'd never set foot in Liyue's school.
Seeing his puzzlement, Jean explained, "Lady Ningguang spoke with me in a video call today. She walked me through the school."
"Ah, that explains it," Xia Zhi said.
After working through the details, Jean finally asked if he'd be willing to serve as the school's principal.
Xia Zhi shook his head. No, he was too busy—he'd be traveling for the next year.
Jean studied him. "That's fine. Just be principal like you are in Liyue. You wouldn't need to handle much. Holding the title in both nations—don't you think that sounds fun?"
"Fun?"
Xia Zhi froze for a moment, then his expression turned strange.
"This was Venti's idea, wasn't it?"
"…Yes."
"Though…" Xia Zhi almost said he wasn't some frivolous prankster, but then he thought of Xia Lin.
The girl still carried deep guilt over the disaster he'd accidentally caused in Mondstadt five hundred years ago. She wanted to do something good for Mondstadt to make up for it.
Xia Le, too, had never fully let go of the dragon calamity she caused last year. That was the reason he founded Dragon Pharmacy in the first place.
The pharmacy had indeed helped resolve Mondstadt's recent financial crisis, repaired damaged buildings, and provided jobs.
But compared to a school, it wasn't the same.
If he became Mondstadt's principal, he could implement Liyue's policies here too—free tuition, free meals, free uniforms…
At the very least, the children would have good childhoods, solid educations, and brighter futures.
After a moment of thought, Xia Zhi said, "Since Captain Jean values me so highly, I'll lend my strength to this."
Jean's face lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Xia!"
"As for textbooks, some can be reused—like the popular medical manual compiled by Doctor Baizhu. But for law and history, they'll need to be tailored to Mondstadt."
"I'll ask Lisa for help with that."
"Miss Lisa is a perfect choice."
"Also… I have a bold idea."
"Oh?"
"What if we add alchemy to the curriculum?"
"Alchemy…"
"Alchemy in Mondstadt has never had a complete system of inheritance. Most people only study it out of interest, maybe lucky enough to find a good teacher. But ancient alchemy's lineage has long been severed. Practicing it this way makes real development impossible."
Jean's eyes were firm.
"Yet alchemy is undeniably important in production and daily life. Take the Wind Glider, for example—if more of those could be made, the world would be more convenient and colorful."
Xia Zhi mused. "You're right. Students will definitely want to learn. The problem is textbooks and teachers."
Jean said, "I'll discuss it with Albedo. He can compile a beginner's alchemy handbook. As for teachers, I'll look among the people. The Knights of Favonius' alchemists can substitute for now."
Xia Zhi nodded. "That'll work. And the choice of vice principal?"
Jean replied, "As for vice principal… I'll probably take the role myself. But as acting Grand Master, I'm already swamped with state affairs. I'll have no time for school affairs either. I'd just be a figurehead like you. We'll need another qualified person to handle the day-to-day."
Someone like Zhongli—a person of ability, reputation, and composure. Someone who could represent the school with dignity.
Xia Zhi thought for a moment. "What about Eula?"
Jean froze.
If it were the old Eula, her reputation was too terrible. Absolutely not.
But now? She bore two Visions, had the Anemo Archon's recognition, and had severed ties with the Lawrence family. All that together had made her the most renowned person in Mondstadt.
Jean's lips curved into a small smile. "I think she'll do nicely."
---
Eula was soaking in the bathhouse pool.
Warm water lapped over her body, wrapping her in a soft, languid comfort that made her eyes drift half-shut.
Jean entered the bathhouse, undressed, and slid into the pool beside her. With a small smile, she asked, "Feeling a little lighter now?"
Eula opened her eyes, turned toward her, and murmured, "Mm."
"What are your plans from here?"
"I'll start by sticking with you guys on the cosmetics venture. Make some money."
"And after that?"
"With money, it's easier to get things done. Do enough, and you gain a reputation."
"And once you're famous enough, you'll restore the honor of the Lawrence name?"
"…Yes."
"You're not wrong. But don't you think that's a little slow?"
"It's fine. Better than before, when I was dragged down by those fools and saw no end in sight."
"What if I told you I have a better way?"
"What way?"
"I'm planning to establish a school here in Mondstadt."
"A school?"
That caught Eula off guard.
"You mean like the one Mr. Xia started in Liyue?"
"That's right."
"Free admission for everyone?"
"Yes."
Eula frowned slightly. "Does the Knights of Favonius even have the finances to support building something like that? I remember a few months ago, the Knights could barely pay our wages…"
Jean's face tightened with embarrassment. "Don't worry. That was then. Things are different now. With the pharmacy's business, the Knights' income is stable."
"Even so, if you pour all of it into a school, what if something unexpected happens? Won't the Knights' salaries be delayed again? That would ruin your prestige…"
"Relax. The Tianquan of Liyue herself offered to lend us money. That situation won't repeat."
"You'd borrow money just to start a school? Is it really that urgent?"
"A school benefits the nation and the people. The sooner, the better."
"But the Grand Master isn't here. Shouldn't a decision this big go through—"
"No need. I've already consulted the Anemo Archon."
"The Anemo Archon…"
At that, Eula tensed.
She'd only just "performed" in front of everyone earlier today, showing herself as newly recognized by the Anemo Archon. That trick could fool the crowd, but not the Archon himself.
Did he know? Would he be angry?
Jean glanced at her and said softly, "Don't worry. He bears no grudge against you."
Eula stayed quiet a moment, then asked, "If the school's already settled, why come to me? Just to share?"
"No. I need your help."
"How?"
"I want you as vice principal."
"I'm still captain of the Reconnaissance Company."
"Quit that. With your ability, it's a waste to just lead a small squad. Honestly, if it weren't for your bad reputation dragging things down, you might've been made acting Grand Master instead of me."
"Heh. No thanks. You look like you're drowning in work already."
"Exactly. I'm overwhelmed every day. I won't have time for school affairs—that's why I need you."
"Does it have to be me? Mondstadt has plenty of other capable people."
"You're the most suitable. You have the strength, and now you have the renown. Think about it—students from this school will grow into Mondstadt's pillars. Every one of these elites will greet you respectfully as 'Vice Principal' year after year. You won't even have to cultivate a reputation—it'll build itself while you sit in your office."
"…I'll think about it."
"One more thing. The principal will be Mr. Xia."
"What?"
"And it was Mr. Xia who recommended you for vice principal."
"…"
Eula froze, then her face hardened.
Mr. Xia had helped her immensely. She'd been searching for a way to repay him. If he was opening a school in Mondstadt and she had the chance to assist, of course she would.
"I understand. Whether he recommended me or not doesn't matter. I want to do something meaningful for Mondstadt anyway."
"So you agree?"
"…Yes."
Jean smiled. "Finally convinced you. With that stubborn streak of yours, I knew only bringing up Mr. Xia would work."
Eula shook her head. "It wasn't because of him. I was already considering it. I've just decided."
"Fine, fine. I know you."
Jean's lips curved with a teasing smirk.
"Soft everywhere else, but that mouth of yours stays hard."
"You… hmph. I'll remember this grudge."
"Go ahead. You always do. Anyway, I'm going for a massage. Coming?"
"…"
"What, still doubting Mr. Xia's character? Afraid he'll take advantage of you during a massage?"
"I—no! Don't say it like that."
"Then come on, let's go."
"You… ugh… fine…"
"Trust me, pick the essential oil massage. It's the best. I used to overthink like you and wasted the chance to actually enjoy it."
"…."