The setting sun hanging over the sea cast a soft golden sheen upon the merchant ships and cargo vessels moving through the harbor's many lanes.
As the greatest commercial hub in the world, Liyue Harbor handled an immeasurable volume of goods each day.
More than a dozen docks were packed to the brim, with people running back and forth endlessly at the unloading areas.
Unlike civilian piers, the Crux Fleet headed to a dedicated dock specially built for them.
This was an honor granted by the Liyue Qixing.
Once the Alcor docked, the sailors began dropping anchor and securing the ship.
"So lively!"
Standing on deck, Noelle stared at the bustling harbor with excitement written all over her face.
Crowds flowed endlessly back and forth—
truly deserving of its reputation as a commercial city. Compared to Mondstadt, it carried an entirely different atmosphere.
Whether it was the grand, ancient-style architecture steeped in history or the elegant, ornate clothing worn by passersby, everything made her heart flutter.
Eula straightened up and stretched lazily, letting out a comfortable sigh.
"I've heard that Liyue's cuisine is unforgettable—Liyue and Yue dishes are renowned across the world. We should definitely try them when we get the chance."
Although she preferred desserts and cool mint wine, coming all this way without sampling local food would be a waste.
With such fame, it certainly couldn't be empty praise.
Luo Li chuckled lightly.
"Don't worry. You can try whatever you like. The culture and pleasures nurtured by this land—these days will be just right for you to experience them."
Makoto's interest was piqued.
Though she had attended gatherings of the Seven Archons before, those were merely exchanges between equals—banter and polite conversation.
There had never been an opportunity to truly immerse herself among ordinary people.
Now, she could finally experience Liyue's customs firsthand.
"We've arrived, brothers—unload the cargo!"
Standing on deck with the wind at her back, Beidou waved her arm, ordering the crew to unload the spoils seized from pirates during the voyage.
She then turned toward Luo Li and the others.
"Mr. Luo Li, would you like to join the celebration my crew's throwing later?"
Without the slightest awkwardness despite just meeting them, the forthright captain extended an invitation.
Every return voyage was followed by a rousing feast.
After all, staring at endless blue skies and seas for too long inevitably wore on the mind.
If bottled up, emotions twisted—so release was necessary from time to time.
Luo Li readily agreed.
With the day nearly over anyway, it was a perfect chance to experience something new.
Satisfied, Beidou resumed barking orders as wooden planks were lowered to connect ship and dock.
Once close enough, Luo Li noticed someone waiting on the pier.
It was a lively girl with her hair styled in a Feixian bun, a cute yellow hairpin tucked beside her bangs.
She wore a short yellow-and-black qipao, a bear-like charm hanging from her waist, and—oddly—bells dangling from her back.
When the gangplank was lowered, excitement lit up her amber eyes.
Before anyone could step down, she dashed forward.
"Big Sister Beidou! Did you find the ingredients I asked for?!"
She shouted as she ran, greeting familiar sailors with bright smiles.
Beidou spotted her and laughed.
"Xiangling, you're fast. Were you worried I'd forget to bring your things?"
"Hehe, not at all!"
"Relax. Your deep-sea giant octopus, sea sky-blue algae, and fresh shellfish are all in the hold. I'll have them delivered to Wanmin Restaurant shortly."
"Thank you, Big Sister Beidou!"
Xiangling broke into a huge grin—her radiant smile was infectious, prompting several sailors to smile along with her.
Her excitement was understandable.
The competition between Liyue cuisine and Yue cuisine had reached a fever pitch.
Most rare and high-end ingredients—mountain delicacies and seafood alike—had been monopolized.
Liyue chefs were furious but helpless.
After all, Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk simply paid too much.
If not for their fierce rivalry, people might've suspected the two restaurants of colluding.
"Huh? These look like unfamiliar faces."
Xiangling leaned forward, peering at Luo Li and the others beside Beidou.
Their refined aura didn't resemble sailors at all—instead, they oddly reminded her of Ningguang, one of the Qixing.
That was why she didn't assume they were new crew members.
"Yep, new friends I just met. They'll be joining tonight's feast too, so don't hold back."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
As Beidou joked, she introduced Luo Li and the others by name.
Learning that they were from Mondstadt, Xiangling lit up.
"I was in Mondstadt recently! I heard there was a dragon—I wanted to catch it as an ingredient, but couldn't find it anywhere. Is there really a dragon?"
It had to be said—Xiangling's courage knew no bounds.
Wanting to cook a dragon was something most people wouldn't even dare imagine.
After a brief moment of disappointment, her enthusiasm returned.
"Still, even without the dragon, I tasted lots of Mondstadt food and got some great inspiration!"
"And I even visited a brewing prodigy from Springvale—Diona. I heard she can mix incredible drinks. Cooking and brewing should follow similar principles, right? I learned a lot!"
Seeing her brimming with confidence, Luo Li felt a subtle sense of apprehension.
Learning from Diona might not be the best idea—
that girl was freakishly talented. Everything she made tasted good.
Xiangling… might not be the same.
Eula observed Xiangling with curiosity.
She hadn't expected to meet someone like this.
From the girl's tone alone, her passion for cooking was unmistakable—pure and single