While dishes were being passed around, Xiangling suddenly realized that her lucky mascot was missing.
She searched for a while before spotting Guoba chatting animatedly with Luo Li. Startled, Xiangling hurried over.
"Guoba, what are you doing? Don't disturb the guests!"
Hands on her hips, Xiangling tried to take Guoba away, only to be stopped by Luo Li.
"It's fine. We hit it off at first sight—there's no disturbance here."
Seeing Guoba gesturing excitedly as it "talked" with Luo Li, Xiangling was astonished.
"You can communicate with Guoba?"
"I can manage a rough understanding," Luo Li replied with a smile. "I just happen to know a few… unusual tricks."
As he looked at Guoba—now a naïve, harmless creature after shedding its former divinity—Luo Li's tone carried a rare trace of melancholy.
Guoba's true name had once been Marchosius, the Stove God. Long ago, to save the people of Liyue from calamity, it had willingly expended all its power to see them through disaster.
The price was steep: from a revered god to an innocent, forgetful little being, wandering the lands of Liyue.
A friend of old, reduced to this state—though by choice—still gave pause.
Xiangling only half understood. Of everyone present, perhaps only Raiden Makoto grasped the weight and meaning hidden in Luo Li's words.
She gently took his hand and whispered something softly by his ear.
"So that's how it is… Then can you teach me how to talk with Guoba?" Xiangling asked eagerly, then added with a bit of distress, "Sometimes I really don't understand what it's trying to say."
Keqing, who had been listening quietly, fell silent.
You mean there are times you actually understand it?!
Luo Li couldn't help but laugh. "This ability of mine is innate. I'm afraid it's not something you can learn."
"Oh… that's a shame," Xiangling said, scratching her head and smiling sheepishly.
"Xiangling, stop slacking off! Come help out!" her father's voice called from the kitchen.
"Coming!" she answered quickly.
Seeing that Guoba liked chatting with Luo Li, Xiangling asked him to keep an eye on it for a bit, then dashed back into the kitchen to continue serving dishes.
But no sooner had she left than Guoba stopped gesturing, babbled something unintelligible to Luo Li, and then waddled after Xiangling to help out.
Watching Guoba's slightly comical figure disappear, Luo Li murmured softly,
"So this is your choice, Marchosius."
There was no right or wrong in an old friend's decision. Since it was content with a peaceful life like this, all he could offer was his blessing.
Perhaps Morax felt the same way—that was why he allowed it to roam freely across Liyue, never keeping it by his side, only sharing a drink or reminiscing about old times when they happened to meet.
As the scene settled down, Beidou was the first to lift a bowl of wine and shout,
"Come! Let's celebrate this fated meeting—cheers to everyone!"
The Crux crew raised their cups in unison, joking and shouting all at once. The noise blended together into an indistinct roar where no single voice could be made out.
Luo Li, Raiden Makoto, Eula, Noelle, and Keqing all clinked cups with Beidou as well.
After a single round, the atmosphere grew heated.
The sailors let loose—boasting, gambling, and competing in drinking games. Quite a few were already locked in fierce drinking contests.
Only the main table remained relatively restrained.
After taking a sip, Keqing—thinking no one was watching—quietly picked up a piece of Golden Shrimp Balls and placed it in her mouth, chewing carefully.
The moment the flavor bloomed, her eyes couldn't help but narrow, an adorably content expression washing away all her worries.
Luo Li thought that if she really had cat ears, they might have twitched just then.
Snapping back to her senses, Keqing cautiously scanned the area, worried someone might have seen that embarrassing expression.
Her gaze met Luo Li's amused, knowing smile.
She froze for a heartbeat, then her cheeks flushed as she turned away, coughing lightly to cover the awkwardness.
How careless of me…
Silently scolding herself, Keqing resolved not to do anything embarrassing again—and to speak with Beidou about work matters once the meal ended.
But Luo Li's next move made her completely lose her composure.
He gently pushed the plate of Golden Shrimp Balls toward her, wearing an understanding, warm smile.
"It seems Miss Keqing is quite fond of this dish."
"Ah? N-no, not at all! It's just… so-so. I was merely having a small taste," Keqing hurried to explain.
Unfortunately, Luo Li simply looked at her with an expression that said I understand.
Flustered, Keqing realized any explanation was useless. She stomped her foot lightly and sulked in silence.
Raiden Makoto found the scene rather amusing. Not only did she refrain from stopping it, she even started chatting with Eula beside her.
Seeing this, Beidou slapped her forehead and finally said to Keqing,
"Ah—almost forgot to introduce them. These folks are from Mondstadt, members of the Knights of Favonius."
Keqing was surprised. Earlier, she had assumed Luo Li was from Liyue—his attire didn't resemble that of any of the other six nations.
Luo Li then gave a brief introduction.
"Eula, Reconnaissance Captain of the Knights of Favonius. Noelle, a trainee knight. As for me… hmm, I suppose you could call me a special consultant?"
Keqing rolled her eyes. Please don't be vague when introducing yourself.
Still, she understood that Luo Li and his companions were legitimate, with no ulterior motives.
A simple confirmation with Mondstadt would be enough—there was no worry of false identities.
"May I ask what brings you to Liyue?" Keqing asked, adopting a more formal tone now that she knew they were official personnel.
Luo Li replied, "We simply wish to witness the Rite of Descension and broaden our horizons. We're here as tourists, not as representatives of the Knights of Favonius—so there's no need to be overly formal, Miss Keqing."
"I see. Then just call me Keqing as well. I don't care much for stiff, formal conversation in private."
Luo Li appreciated her straightforwardness and lack of airs. He knew she was someone who genuinely worked for Liyue's sake.
She had personally mined ore, hauled carts, and traversed every inch of Liyue's land—fully immersed among the common folk.
Though her workaholic tendencies baffled many, and her open questioning of the Geo Archon drew criticism, none of that erased the goodness of her intentions.
She believed in an age governed by humanity, not by gods.
Sadly, very few people truly understood her.