When Eula finally pulled away from Kael's arms, her face was burning red.
Only then did Xiangling dare to speak. The atmosphere just now had been so heavy she hadn't even dared to open her mouth.
"Miss Knight, are you feeling better now?"
After being comforted by Kael, Eula still felt unsettled inside, but the stabbing pain had eased a lot. It wasn't nearly as unbearable as before.
Blushing furiously, she tried to keep her emotions under control and forced a cold tone. "Mm."
"Ohhh~~~ really~~~" Xiangling let out a long sigh. "So big brother's arms are that effective, huh? A cure-all for any illness."
Eula's composure shattered at once. Her still-damp eyes went wide, like a startled little animal.
That look, paired with her sharp features and fiery figure, created an unexpectedly adorable contrast.
Brattiest kid ever.
Kael shot Xiangling a glance, warning her to tone it down.
Eula was already flushed head to toe—if Xiangling teased her any further, she might actually explode.
Catching his look, Xiangling stuck out her tongue and gave a mischievous grin.
"Big brother, since Miss Knight's fine now, let's go gather some Philanemo Mushrooms. I already have a recipe in mind for them."
"Alright."
They're leaving already…?
Panic sparked in Eula's chest. Without thinking, she reached out and tugged at Kael's sleeve.
"Um… I don't even know your name yet…"
Kael smiled. "I'm Kael. I live in Mondstadt now."
"I'm Eula. How about… I go with you?"
Seeing both Kael and Xiangling looking at her, Eula quickly straightened her face, returning to her usual proud demeanor.
"I can protect you."
She didn't realize her bright red cheeks had already betrayed her.
"Heh-heh." Xiangling gave a sly little laugh. "I don't mind… depends what big brother says…"
Kael could tell Eula simply wanted to stay with him.
After how emotional she'd just been, he also worried about her being left alone. So of course, he agreed without hesitation.
"Alright, let's go together."
Eula's lips curved into a secret smile before she smoothed it away, hiding her emotions behind a blank face.
Following the path laid out by the System, Kael led Eula and Xiangling straight to where the Philanemo Mushrooms grew.
"Wow!!! Look at all these Philanemo Mushrooms!!! And most of them are in perfect condition!!!"
Catching sight of the mushroom clusters stretching across the grove, Xiangling let out a cry of delight. With Guoba in tow, she rushed forward, happily gathering them up.
Right now, nothing existed in her eyes but these flawless ingredients.
Kael and Eula stayed behind, waiting quietly. Neither of them spoke, but the silence wasn't awkward at all.
Even though they'd only met today, Eula felt no discomfort. Instead, a faint warmth of nostalgia welled up inside her.
As if… we'd once spent a long time together like this before…
She couldn't help but ask, "We… really haven't met before?"
In the life simulation, we did.
Kael knew exactly where her doubt came from, but he couldn't tell her the truth.
"I only came to this world not long ago. We really haven't met."
When Eula's face clouded with confusion, Kael added softly, "But… I felt it too. That strange familiarity when I saw you."
Hearing that he'd felt the same as she had, joy bloomed in her chest.
Maybe they really had never met. But between them, there was still a special understanding, a bond that let them recognize each other at first sight.
Does that mean… he feels it for me too…?
Just then, Xiangling and Guoba came running back, lugging two big baskets overflowing with mushrooms, cutting the moment short.
"Big brother, I've picked so many! I've decided—I'll experiment with a new dish using these Philanemo Mushrooms. You have to try it later!"
"Of course."
"Oh, and Eula, you should try it too! I need feedback from more people."
Eula had been reluctant to part with Kael anyway, so Xiangling's words filled her with secret delight.
That meant she'd get to stay by his side even longer.
Though her heart leapt with joy, she still kept her usual tsundere front.
"Since you're inviting me so sincerely, I suppose I'll agree."
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Next Target 750PS :)