After hearing Shao Yun's request regarding accommodations, Shahzaman chuckled amiably.
"Haha, I see… Tell me, will it just be you living there? If it's only you, well, my family estate is more than large enough to house one extra guest."
Shao Yun held up three fingers. "It'll be three of us. Aside from myself, there are two beautiful young ladies."
As he spoke, he used his hands to roughly indicate the heights of Lumine and Paimon.
Shahzaman followed the gesture, his gaze moving up and down until he understood. He nodded knowingly.
"Ah, I understand. Then those must be your wife and your darling daughter. A family of three."
The description caught Shao Yun off guard. He scratched his head awkwardly.
That… wasn't entirely wrong.
But explaining their true relationship in detail would be needlessly complicated. Better to let the misunderstanding stand.
"Well… if that's how you want to see it, sure."
Shahzaman, however, frowned slightly. If it was a family of three, hosting them directly in his home might not be appropriate.
He narrowed his eyes in thought, quickly cycling through the many properties owned by the Homayani Family across Sumeru.
Suddenly, inspiration struck. His face lit up with delight.
"Haha, I've thought of the perfect place!"
Glancing at the time, he realized the day was already drawing late. With renewed enthusiasm, he suggested:
"Well then, why don't I treat you and your family to dinner first? Meanwhile, I'll send someone to prepare the residence. After dinner, I'll personally take you there for a look. How does that sound?"
Shao Yun nodded, satisfied. "Mm. That works."
Curious, Shahzaman glanced around, then asked, "And your family?"
Shao Yun explained quickly.
"Ah, they should be arriving in Sumeru City shortly. You don't need to worry about that—just arrange the dinner."
"Understood." Shahzaman thought briefly, then suggested, "In that case, let's go to Lambad's Tavern. The owner, Lambad, is an excellent cook. His dishes are truly delicious."
"Very well. You make the arrangements. I'll head off first. See you at Lambad's Tavern."
…
Leaving the café, Shao Yun waited at the Adventurers' Guild reception for Lumine and Paimon.
While waiting, he idly chatted with Katheryne, subtly probing to see if Nahida might surface again. She did not.
Instead, Katheryne presented several premium commissions, hoping to tempt him with something enticing.
Shao Yun barely glanced at them before remarking—half in jest, half sincere—that nothing truly moved him, save for the appearance of one special girl: Lumine.
Katheryne's mental "CPU" gave a faint buzz of static at that answer, and she wisely refrained from disturbing him further.
…
The sun gradually sank, painting the horizon with dazzling hues.
At last, as twilight neared, Lumine and Paimon arrived at the Guild.
To Shao Yun's surprise, Lumine was still clad in her cowgirl outfit, two rifles—an [Evans Repeater] and a [Litchfield Repeater]—slung across her back.
Confidently striding forward, she called out, "Shao Yun, we're here."
Shao Yun let out a whistle at the sight.
"Well, don't you look the part. So, anything interesting happen while we split up?"
Adjusting her hat, Lumine recounted her time with Rana at Vimara Village.
"Even though we told her we already had lodging in Sumeru City, she still prepared a long-abandoned house for us. To repay her kindness, Paimon and I promised to help her tomorrow—investigating a strange phenomenon. Children from the village sometimes vanish for a while, and when they return, they remember nothing of what happened during their absence."
Shao Yun instantly recognized the matter. The Aranyaka quests… Looks like Lumine's next task will be to seek out those seventy-six "Fairies of the Forest"—the Aranara.
"I see. Well then, you two should handle your adventurer transfer first."
He gestured toward Katheryne.
Lumine handed over her Adventurer's Certificate. "Here, Katheryne."
"Understood…" Katheryne accepted it and processed the paperwork smoothly, returning it moments later.
"Your transfer is complete."
"Thanks, Miss Katheryne," Lumine said warmly.
Katheryne gave her trademark blessing. "It's my duty. Ad Astra Abyssosque. We look forward to your adventures in Sumeru."
Shao Yun nodded inwardly. Nahida had not reappeared. It seemed he would have to wait until the Sabzeruz Festival to meet her properly.
…
Leaving the Guild, Shao Yun led Lumine and Paimon to Lambad's Tavern.
The moment they stepped through the doors, a wave of aromas—rich, savory, and mouthwatering—washed over them.
Paimon's nose twitched uncontrollably, and drool immediately dribbled from the corner of her mouth.
Already waiting at a table, Shahzaman leapt up as soon as he saw them.
"Ah! Perfect timing! Lambad just brought out the dishes."
Shao Yun, unusually gentlemanly, pulled out chairs for Lumine and Paimon, motioning for them to sit.
Shahzaman noticed and smiled approvingly. "So, these must be your wife and daughter. Truly as beautiful as you said. You're a lucky man indeed!"
He then introduced himself. "I am Shahzaman Homayani. Please, just call me Shahzaman."
Lumine blushed faintly, tugging at the brim of her hat in mild embarrassment.
"Ah, hello, Mr. Shahzaman. My name is Lumine. Well… you're not entirely wrong, but being praised like that still makes me shy."
At the word daughter, Paimon shot up from her chair, puffed cheeks swelling like steamed buns.
"Wha—?! Since when am I your daughter?! Shao Yun, just what did you tell Mr. Shahzaman about us?!"
Shahzaman stared in confusion at the little floating companion's fiery protest. Could this be like the times he and his own daughter Dunyarzad quarreled?
"What… what's going on here?"
Shao Yun scratched his head, embarrassed but quick to clarify.
"Well… you see. This lovely young lady, Lumine, is my wife. Though due to various reasons, we haven't yet had the chance for a formal wedding ceremony."
He paused, then gestured toward Paimon.
"As for this little cutie floating here—Paimon—though she isn't my biological daughter, in my heart, she's dearer than one. If I ever truly had a daughter, I'd hope she'd be just like her."
(Though Klee would also be acceptable.)
Paimon's cheeks puffed even more, her tiny feet stomping the air indignantly.
"Humph! Paimon is the best guide in all of Teyvat! You're just taking advantage and bullying me!"
With a huff, she turned her head away dramatically, as if grievously wronged.
Lumine, watching the exchange, teased lightly. "But honestly, you do act like a daughter, Paimon. Shao Yun and I are always taking care of you."
Paimon wriggled angrily in the air. "No way! Paimon's the best partner! The best guide!"
Seeing her so flustered, Shao Yun relented, giving her a way out.
"Alright, alright—the best partner, the best guide. Now, how about we eat before the food gets cold?"
Despite her pout, Paimon instantly settled back into her chair. "Fine… but only because food is more important!"
As the trio ate, Shahzaman beckoned Lambad over.
"Lambad, come here a moment."
The tavern owner approached respectfully. "Yes, Master Shahzaman? More dishes?"
Shahzaman leaned closer and whispered, "Remember these three faces. From now on, whenever they come here, the bill goes on my account. See to it they're always treated with the best."
Lambad committed their faces to memory and nodded firmly. "Of course! From this day forward, these honored guests will always receive my finest, free of charge."
Satisfied, Shahzaman had effectively solved their meals.
Shao Yun, however, offered a pointed reminder.
"Just make sure to send the bill to Dori. Don't let that little rascal sneak a profit off you."
Shahzaman waved it off with a laugh. "Oh, no need. It's hardly a burden for me. Let's just call it an investment in good relations with Lord Sangemah Bay."
Turning, Shao Yun caught sight of Paimon devouring the feast with alarming speed, vacuuming dishes into her bottomless stomach.
He gave Shahzaman a meaningful smile and said gravely, "Trust me—sometimes it's better not to overdo it for appearances' sake. Don't force yourself to keep up a front."
If only you knew the true market value of Paimon's stomach…