"Candied haws! Delicious candied haws!"
In this bustling shopping district, a plainly dressed middle-aged man held a straw bundle stick covered in candied haws, shouting his wares at the top of his lungs.
This man's candied haws had an excellent reputation among the local children—much better than those of vendors who only cared about money and not quality.
Right now, the candied haw seller was surrounded by a crowd of children, each holding their parents' hands and staring longingly at the glossy, sugary treats.
"Mommy, I want one!"
Since it was a festival today, the parents didn't hesitate. They bought some for their children, watching their kids' sweet smiles while still remembering to remind them:
"Don't eat too much candy, or you'll get cavities."
The scene was undeniably heartwarming. But Bonanus felt nothing in particular. Having grown up an orphan herself, while she might have envied these children somewhat, she didn't dwell on those emotions.
She grabbed Xiao and ran over to the candied haw vendor, staring at the plump, ruby-red treats. She couldn't help but swallow.
She'd only ever heard of these before—never actually tried them. She wondered if they tasted as good as they looked.
"Sir! Two candied haws, please!" Bonanus held up two fingers in a cheerful "V" sign, flashing a sweet smile.
Truth be told, the vendor had already noticed the two adepti. By now, everyone in Liyue knew that some adepti had come down from Jueyun Karst.
What the vendor hadn't expected was for them to come running straight toward him. For a moment, he worried he might have done something wrong—maybe they were here to punish him?
But when he realized they just wanted to buy his candied haws, the man couldn't help but break into a grin.
He couldn't speak for other things, but his candied haw-making skills? He was damn proud of them.
"So you're the adepti! I used to hear stories about you all when I was a kid. I know a thing or two about you—welcome back!" the vendor said warmly.
When he was young, the older generation often told stories about the adepti. He'd learned to read early on and had always admired those legendary heroes.
One book in particular had left a deep impression on him. It was called Record of the Yakshas: Divine Protectors.
The book wasn't particularly popular. Some parts were difficult to understand, and unless you were genuinely interested in history, you'd never have the patience to finish it.
Besides, most people in Liyue these days are too busy chasing Mora to waste time on books. Even those who did read usually stuck to martial arts novels or light novels.
This book, however, documented the five great protector Yakshas who had once fought alongside Rex Lapis. It described their appearances, their battle achievements, and their experiences in the mortal realm.
According to the book, of the five great protector Yakshas, two were confirmed dead, two were missing, and the last still guards Liyue to this day.
But it seemed that book might need an update—because now, two more had returned.
"You seem to know your stuff, sir!" Bonanus said curiously. The vendor's expression was like that of a devoted fan meeting his idol.
He really did admire the adepti!
"That book had descriptions of what you looked like. A bit vague, maybe some mistakes, but I recognized you right away!" The vendor laughed heartily.
He could be so unrestrained because he knew the five Yakshas had always been approachable.
In short: no need for overly respectful titles. Just chat with them like ordinary people.
Even so, the vendor occasionally slipped and threw in a few honorifics.
"That book?" Bonanus tilted her head in confusion at first.
She thought about it for a moment, then decided she wasn't that interested. Shaking her head lightly, she turned her attention back to the candied haw seller.
"Sir, let's chat another time! We're on a tight schedule—got a date to keep!" Bonanus reminded him quietly.
Hearing this, the vendor took a closer look at the green-haired adeptus beside her. So this must be the young adeptus who'd guarded Liyue for over a hundred years!
He'd heard this one was cold and aloof—regular mortals couldn't generally approach him. Today was truly an eye-opener.
And did that female Yaksha just say "date"? It looked like these two had something special going on. Now that was some juicy gossip!
With that thought, the vendor plucked two candied haws from the straw bundle and handed them to Bonanus, nodding with satisfaction.
"Enjoy, adepti! My family's been in the candied-haw business for generations. Quality and taste? Top-notch!" The vendor patted his chest, flashing a bright, toothy grin.
"Great! Thanks, sir! Just put it on Childe's tab! If there's any problem, you can find Mr. Zhongli at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!" Bonanus thoughtfully reminded him.
"Will do! Happy Lantern Rite to you both!" The vendor waved enthusiastically.
Bonanus nodded in return. After that, she led Xiao away. Time was limited—they needed to hurry if they wanted to buy everything on their list.
Just as the two adepti left, a certain Yuheng—still agonizing over the price of a figurine—suddenly snapped back to reality.
Her targets were about to disappear from sight! Today was just not her day!
Glancing at the exquisite figurine, then at the departing adepti, Keqing gritted her teeth. She scribbled her name on that limited edition purchase list.
After signing, she shot the vendor a glare, slammed the pen on the counter, and dashed off after them.
As she left, she heard the vendor call out, "Take your time, ma'am! We'll deliver it for you!"
---
Elsewhere
Candied haws in hand, Bonanus handed one stick to Xiao. She wasn't sure if he'd actually eat it, though—aside from Almond Tofu, pretty much everything else was hard for him to stomach.
Xiao took the candied haw but only held it. No sign of actually eating it.
"Come on, Alatus. Just take a bite!" Bonanus nudged Xiao's side with her elbow.
"Sister Bonanus... this sugary treat might be delicious, but... you know me." Xiao looked troubled.
The other four original Yakshas all knew; ever since the incident with the God of Dreams, Xiao had found it nearly impossible to swallow most foods.
Hearing this, Bonanus sighed sympathetically. Being unable to enjoy delicious food... that was a cruel fate for anyone.
With that thought, she took a small bite of her own candied haw.
The moment it entered her mouth—a burst of sweetness, followed by a tangy sourness. Sweet with a hint of tart. Perfect.
In that instant, Bonanus was completely captivated by the flavor. It was sublime—soothing and exhilarating!
She loved it. The sweetness brought an unconscious smile to her face.
That smile revealed a cute little canine tooth. Adorable.
If she ever bit someone... it'd probably be worth it for a lifetime.
Seeing Bonanus's smile, Xiao felt his own restless, wandering thoughts gradually settle.
"Alatus, it's really good! Are you sure you won't try some?" Bonanus's cheeks were puff ed out, stuffed full. It's really good—are you sure you won't have a bite?
Hearing this, Xiao rubbed his chin thoughtfully. After a moment, he held out his candied haw to her and said with a gentle smile.
"I want Sister Bonanus to feed me."