Paimon angrily rushed over, wanting to argue with Lumine, but her quarter-boar strength was no match for Lumine, who easily caught and held her.
Durandal ignored the two's interaction and noticed that Shenhe next to her seemed a bit out of sorts, lost in thought.
She secretly reached out and held Shenhe's hand, which was under the table. Feeling the touch, Shenhe came back to her senses and, noticing Durandal's gaze, shook her head, indicating she didn't need to worry.
"What's wrong, Shenhe? Has anything happened recently? Or has someone done something bad to you recently?"
At this, Durandal's gaze involuntarily fell on Lumine. The meaning of "someone" in her words was obvious.
"No, it's just that the sakoku decree hasn't been lifted yet, and it's a bit inconvenient to leave Inazuma."
"Hmm? Not used to staying in Inazuma, want to go back to Liyue?"
"No, that's not the case. As long as you are there, anywhere is fine."
Shenhe skillfully uttered these words, making Durandal's cheeks flush slightly. She then subtly tightened her grip on Durandal's hand and continued.
"I'm just a little concerned about Master's current situation. Of course, Master can live very well on her own. She is excellent in both mechanical arts and cooking."
Cooking... Lumine and Paimon couldn't help but recall the last Chef Showdown, when Cloud Retainer came to compete with her machine and almost got caught by the machine to be made into sweet flower brewed chicken.
How should I put it? Aside from such accidental situations, Cloud Retainer's cooking skills should still be pretty good. It's just a bit worrying whether that machine will have another accident.
Hmm~ I somewhat understand why Shenhe is concerned about Cloud Retainer's situation. Besides her annoying way of chatting, there's also her machine, which has a small chance of malfunctioning.
If one day there's no one else around and Cloud Retainer's machine malfunctions again, the next time Shenhe returns to Liyue Harbor, she might not see a crane, but rather a plate of sweet flower brewed chicken.
"Cloud Retainer, huh? Speaking of which, it's been a while since we arrived in Inazuma. I wonder how things are in Liyue and Mondstadt. Is everyone doing well?"
"Not bad. Paimon and Venti occasionally contact me at night to tell me what's happening in Mondstadt. In Liyue, there's also Bai Ying. The Feiyun Commerce Guild is developing quite well, and it seems Ningguang's people recently came looking for her."
As expected of Tianquan Star Ningguang. She probably noticed Bai Ying's movements as soon as the Feiyun Commerce Guild started developing.
The reason she hasn't taken any action is likely because she respects Bai Ying's backer, which is herself. Plus, since Bai Ying hasn't done anything to harm Liyue Harbor, she has allowed the Feiyun Commerce Guild to continue developing.
"Ningguang found out? Is Bai Ying alright? Will she be invited to the General Affairs Department for tea?"
A scene appeared in Paimon's mind: Bai Ying being taken to the General Affairs Department, Keqing sitting in front, and Yanfei on the side listing a series of Bai Ying's alleged crimes, ultimately leading to a scene where she would be imprisoned for many years.
"If Ningguang doesn't mind antagonizing me, she can do that. The reason she's contacting Bai Ying is probably because she sees that the Feiyun Commerce Guild benefits her, and she wants to make a deal with her."
Besides being the Tianquan Star, Ningguang also has the identity of a merchant. As long as it's a quality partner, she surely wouldn't let them go.
Bai Ying has Durandal as her powerful backer. If she wants to do business, merchants in any country she visits will give her face.
Once the sakoku decree is lifted, Bai Ying can have the Feiyun Commerce Guild's people come to Inazuma to trade with the merchants here. I believe that if they mention their boss is Durandal, those merchants will be very happy to cooperate at preferential prices.
Ningguang is very optimistic about the future of the Feiyun Commerce Guild. It will certainly become a formidable force in the future, and building a good relationship with Bai Ying now is a very correct choice. Ningguang thinks highly of Bai Ying.
"I see. Given Ningguang's personality, she would indeed do such a thing. And Bai Ying is indeed quite remarkable. With her abilities and your support, she might become an even more powerful entity than the Feiyun Commerce Guild."
"Hmph, if she can't even achieve that much, then she'll be too disappointing."
Regardless, Bai Ying did not disappoint her expectations. To be able to develop the Feiyun Commerce Guild to a point where even Ningguang looks favorably upon it is commendable.
Putting Bai Ying's matters aside for a moment, is Shenhe thinking of meeting Cloud Retainer?
"If you want to return to Liyue Harbor for a bit, I can forcefully take you through the waters near Inazuma to let you go back. What do you say? Want to go back and see?"
"...No need."
Durandal's suggestion was tempting, but Shenhe still refused the offer.
"If I go back now, Master will definitely lecture me. I promised her I wouldn't disgrace her while I was out. If I went back for such a reason, she would definitely be unhappy."
She only thought of Cloud Retainer because she saw the sweet flower brewed chicken on the table. There was no need to specially ask Durandal to take her back for such a minor reason.
Moreover, if she went back just like that, Cloud Retainer might question her endlessly. Given her personality, she would definitely do so.
Staying here is better. There's nothing more reassuring than being by Durandal's side, isn't there?
Between her Master and her lover, Shenhe chose the latter, without hesitation.
Sorry, Master. But I can't control myself. Durandal, she's simply... amazing.
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