Time flowed on once more.
The game console did help Jean and Kuki Shinobu pass the time—for a while, at least.
But the game itself was far too simple, and there was no storyline to speak of. After a few days, even that novelty wore off, and boredom crept back in.
They no longer played.
Still, the console remained on.
At the very least, it had music. Leaving it running filled the room with some sound—better than silence.
"Knock, knock."
The sound of knocking echoed, followed by the door opening.
Seeing that Valerius wasn't pushing a food cart this time, Jean immediately became alert.
"We can't fall for Mr. Valerius's tricks again," she whispered.
"Mm," Shinobu nodded solemnly. "He came empty-handed. That's suspicious."
"It's already been six days," Valerius said casually. "I just wanted to ask what you'd like for lunch today. I'll make it for you."
Both of them froze.
That easy?
"This… isn't a trap?" Jean asked cautiously.
"Does it cost points?" Shinobu asked bluntly.
"You've been eating plain buns every day," Valerius replied. "I just want to improve your meals a bit. Why would I charge points for that?"
No points?
Jean hesitated. Something about this still felt off. Even if Valerius said it was free, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was up to something.
"Hurry up," Valerius urged. "I still have to ask the others."
The two exchanged glances. Seeing no obvious trick, they finally named what they wanted to eat.
"Got it. I'll bring it at noon."
After writing their orders down, Valerius headed to Room Two.
When he explained his purpose, Kafka thought for a moment before speaking.
"Then… a steak, and a bottle of red wine."
"Alright." Valerius turned to Himeko. "And you?"
"Same steak," Himeko said. "But replace the wine with coffee."
"Noted."
With their orders recorded, Valerius moved on to Room Three, then Room Four.
[Xiangling]: So they can upgrade meals too? Valerius isn't so bad.
[Kaeya]: Wow… now I'm hungry.
[Paimon]: I'm jealous! If it were me, I'd order everything!
[Sushang]: If we can order food, I think I could survive too.
[Jiaoqiu]: Feels wrong without hotpot.
[Welt]: No. This is a trap.
[Xiangling]: Huh? Why?
[Ningguang]: Once you eat this, can you still swallow plain buns afterward?
[Beidou]: Damn… that's ruthless.
[Thoma]: I was wondering why ordering was allowed. Feels like a last meal.
[Yunli]: Sounds like a final feast.
[Sampo]: Yeah. Way too similar.
[Pela]: Ah, so you eat well before the end. Got it.
Not long after, Valerius returned with the food cart.
Jean had ordered Mondstadt dishes, while Shinobu chose Inazuman food. Their relationship was decent enough that they even shared a few bites.
Then came Room Two.
Steak was delivered—but with no table or chairs in the empty room, the two could only sit cross-legged on the floor.
The sight was… oddly amusing.
Watching Kafka sit on the floor, knife and fork in hand, hesitating for ages before cutting into the steak, Silver Wolf nearly laughed herself breathless.
[Silver Wolf]: This is hilarious.
[Lingsha]: They clearly know it's improper.
[Boothill]: What's the big deal? Just eat it with your hands!
[Argenti]: For beautiful ladies, such conduct is inelegant.
[Boothill]: Then what do you suggest?
[Argenti]: If the two acknowledge Idrila's unparalleled beauty, I shall gladly serve as their table.
[Valerius]: Pfft—only you could come up with that.
Valerius nearly lost it laughing. Argenti truly lived up to his reputation—no shame, no restraint.
After a brief moment of awkwardness, Kafka finally lowered her knife and fork.
She cut off a small piece and placed it in her mouth.
Her eyes lit up instantly.
The steak was cooked perfectly, the ingredients clearly premium—something only a true chef could pull off.
She hadn't expected this.
Valerius didn't look like someone who could cook, yet here he was producing a steak this good.
Impressive.
She lifted the glass and took a sip.
After days of flavorless buns, Kafka felt genuinely satisfied. Any remaining restraint vanished as she continued eating, piece by piece.
Himeko was no different.
She, too, hadn't expected such quality. Even compared to meals she'd eaten in the past, this small steak stood far above them.
"I didn't know Mr. Valerius had skills like this," Himeko said after finishing, leaning back with her coffee.
The meal had been excellent.
If there was any flaw—
—the coffee was a bit weak.
"Agreed."
For once, the two women—who rarely saw eye to eye—were of the same opinion.
Valerius's cooking was undeniably delicious.
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