Noelle nodded, clearly planning to study it seriously later.
The ship's doctor, Baizhi (Yin Xing), told her that the cook aboard the ship was fairly mediocre, and that if she ever had the chance to meet Xiangling, she would be far better off seeking guidance from her instead.
Using cooking as a topic, Noelle somehow ended up striking up an easy friendship with Yin Xing.
Meanwhile, at Beidou's invitation, Luo Li, Raiden Makoto, and Eula held a simple celebration banquet aboard the ship.
After all, they had just destroyed eight pirate ships and rescued an entire vessel full of civilians. Moreover, they were already within Liyue's territorial waters, so there was no longer any need to worry about further danger.
After truly spending time together, Luo Li finally understood just how powerful Beidou's personal charisma was. The phrase "a heroic woman among heroes" fit her perfectly.
In the span of a single afternoon, after witnessing Eula's and Noelle's combat prowess, Beidou had grown noticeably closer to their group.
It was also the first time Luo Li had seen Eula so openly and quickly express goodwill toward someone outside their circle.
As laughter and celebration filled the ship, only Kaedehara Kazuha sat alone at the bow.
Seeing Raiden Makoto inevitably reminded him of his homeland—Inazuma.
No matter how freely a wanderer roams, there are always moments when homesickness takes hold.
"Earlier, Yoimiya asked the captain to transport fireworks to Liyue… Judging by the timing, the handover should be soon. When we arrive, I'll ask the captain to stay a few extra days."
Gazing out over the sea, Kazuha quietly thought to himself.
Because they were escorting the passenger ship along the way, the Crux Fleet's speed was not fast. It was only as the sun dipped toward the horizon that the outline of Liyue Harbor finally appeared in the distance.
Gentle ripples spread across the slowly undulating sea, and the bustling city seated upon the harbor gradually came into view.
Looking toward Liyue Harbor—seemingly unchanged even after five hundred years—Luo Li, who was in the middle of a drinking contest with Beidou, found himself lost in memory.
"So… I've finally returned."
The soft words were heard only by Raiden Makoto.
And perhaps, only she could truly understand the weight and complexity behind them.