Above the bustling harbor of Liyue Port, within the lofty heights of the Jade Chamber— exquisitely prepared dishes were brought forth like mountain springs, flowing gently and endlessly.
They moved with the elegance of drifting clouds—light, graceful, and uninterrupted—as servers delivered each course in a seamless, almost choreographed procession.
Every dish was a feast for the senses—artfully plated, vibrant in color, and wafting with rich aromas that filled the room. Each one seemed to tell a story of the chef's mastery and meticulous care in preparing this banquet.
These were more than just food; they were culinary masterpieces, enticing in every way—visual, aromatic, and tantalizing to the taste.
The flickering candlelight danced merrily across the walls, as if it too sensed that something interesting was about to unfold, waiting in quiet anticipation.
Golden firelight tangled with the intricate carvings on the lattice windows and the shimmering drapes, casting a patchwork of shadows that rippled across the floor.
The shifting lights painted a silent ballet across the room, adding a sense of mystique and delight to the otherwise tranquil space.
A group of women stood silently in place, each movement and expression exuding elegance and restraint.
Their eyes—bright and captivating—were drawn like magnets to Shajin, as if he alone commanded their complete attention.
Or more precisely, their gaze wasn't on Shajin himself, but on the two seats beside him… and the two seats just next to those.
Everyone knew that at Shajin's side sat the Hydro and Dendro Archon—Furina and Nahida. The seats beside them were the closest to Shajin one could get.
Yet despite the strangely tense atmosphere, Shajin appeared entirely unfazed.
He strode calmly to the head of the table, his composure unshaken, as if taking a casual stroll.
Without hesitation, he dropped into the central seat, smooth and decisive, then gestured for Furina and Nahida to sit at his left and right.
The women around the room exchanged glances, then subtle sighs of resignation and quiet urgency flickered across their eyes.
So many unspoken words were exchanged in those brief looks—complicated feelings that decorum wouldn't allow them to voice.
A hush fell over the room, even more delicate than before, the air thickening with quiet tension.
To be fair, this banquet had been organized solely by Shajin himself. As the host of such a grand gathering, it was only natural—indeed expected—that he would take the central seat.
After all, to host something of this scale required enormous effort and resources. From sourcing ingredients and selecting chefs to arranging the décor and sending invitations, every detail had been handled with precision.
And Shajin had taken full responsibility for it all, ensuring everything was perfectly prepared to achieve his desired outcome.
Among all the distinguished guests, few could match the rank and seniority of two particular figures.
Besides the famed and fearsome Conqueror of Demons—Xiao—there was none whose status rivaled that of Cloud Retainer.
And as expected—
Cloud Retainer sat gracefully at her designated seat, but quickly noticed the strange tension in the air.
She lifted a hand with poise and gently adjusted her elegant glasses atop the bridge of her nose.
Her fingers were long and fair, with a pale hint of nail polish—every movement refined and composed. Through the thin lenses, her beautiful eyes shimmered with a trace of confusion.
Then she spoke, her voice soft and measured.
"Hm? Why is everyone staring at this adeptus so intently?"
For a moment, no one could reply.
The women exchanged glances once again—glimpses rich with meaning and subtle implication, a silent exchange of emotion that words couldn't capture.
Some frowned, a flash of annoyance in their eyes.
Some bit their lips gently, clearly holding something back.
Some lowered their heads, their expressions tinged with helplessness and frustration.
Finally, after a brief silence, the guests began to take their seats.
The soft scrape of chairs and rustle of robes broke the stillness.
Venti leaned in, elbowing Zhongli and whispering behind a hand.
"Pfft—Shajin sure is popular, huh~?"
Zhongli gave a slow nod.
"Indeed."
Venti blinked in disbelief.
"Wait, Grandpa, don't tell me you didn't notice?"
Zhongli's calm amber gaze stirred, puzzled.
"Notice what?"
Venti: "..."
"Ehe, never mind. Forget I said anything."
...
Once everyone was seated, Shajin gave a wave, signaling the servers to fill each guest's wineglass.
Crystal goblets sparkled under the candlelight, and the mellow aroma of fine wine drifted through the air, intoxicating and warm.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Shajin turned and spoke.
"Oh, right—Nahida, would you prefer juice instead of wine?"
Sitting quietly at the table, Nahida looked like a delicate porcelain doll.
Her soft white hair was tied back with a green ribbon, a few wisps framing her cherubic face and emphasizing her rosy complexion.
Her eyes—clear emeralds—shone brightly, but now she puffed her cheeks in protest, voice tinged with playful indignation.
"Shajin, I'm five hundred years old."
Her voice was sweet and melodic, yet carried a childlike stubbornness.
Furina, seated beside her, widened her eyes in surprise at the revelation.
This doll-like deity… was the same age as her?
Furina silently reeled. She'd always thought Nahida was just a cute little girl—who knew she'd lived through centuries of time as well?
Shajin scratched his nose awkwardly as he looked at her.
He knew Nahida well—though she appeared childlike, her heart was steadfast and her mind mature beyond her years.
If she insisted on drinking, he wouldn't stop her.
As the banquet continued, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.
The servers moved seamlessly through the hall, offering more exquisite dishes and aromatic wine.
The guests began to chat softly. Laughter and conversation mingled in the air, a gentle harmony that filled the room.
_
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