Shao Yun followed Lumine's steps closely as the three of them arrived at the Good Hunter restaurant.
Outside, the morning sun cast a soft glow on the wooden tables and chairs, creating a tranquil and cozy atmosphere.
However, Lumine's mood did not match the peaceful setting. She sat at the table, puffing her cheeks in displeasure, her gaze drifting off to the side—clearly miffed with Shao Yun.
Noticing the subtle tension between them, Paimon looked at Shao Yun curiously and whispered, "Hey, Shao Yun, what's going on between you and Lumine? You two look like you're having a little spat."
Shao Yun felt a bit awkward at Paimon's question. He scratched his head, trying to explain.
"Well, it's just that…"
But whatever he said seemed like it would be off. So, he waved it off and pointed at the menu. "Ah, Paimon, just look at the menu and order something. Didn't Lumine say you were starving?"
Paimon rolled her eyes and muttered, "So weird..."
Though curious about what was going on, she let it go when she saw Shao Yun wasn't willing to elaborate. Picking up the menu, she started eagerly browsing for her favorite dishes.
Meanwhile, Shao Yun sat nearby, occasionally sneaking glances at Lumine's expression. But with Paimon around, it wasn't the right time to talk.
Paimon's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked over the menu. She turned to Miss Sara and said, "I'll have Sticky Honey Roast, and Sweet Madame, and…"
She ordered a generous amount of food in one go—from Sticky Honey Roast to Sweet Madame, Mondstadt Hash Browns, and Pile 'Em Up—all of her favorites.
Realizing the food would take a while to arrive, Shao Yun decided to give himself and Lumine some space to talk alone. He turned to Paimon and smiled. "Hey, Paimon, could you go grab three bottles of Apple Cider from Angel's Share for me?"
Paimon immediately pouted in protest. "Huh? Why do I have to go?" Clearly, she didn't want to miss out on the food that was about to arrive.
Seeing this, Shao Yun pulled out a hefty Mora pouch and waved it in front of her. Grinning, he said, "Go on—whatever's left is yours!"
The moment Paimon saw the bulging bag of Mora, her eyes lit up. She snatched it and took off toward Angel's Share, calling out as she flew, "Okay, but you better not go back on your word!"
In a flash, she was out of sight.
Now only Shao Yun and Lumine remained.
Sitting across from her and watching her puffed-up expression, guilt gnawed at Shao Yun's heart. He knew he had to face the matter honestly.
He took a deep breath and cautiously said, "Lumine."
Lumine glanced at him with clear annoyance. "What?" Her tone was sharp and impatient—she clearly hadn't cooled down yet.
Nervously licking his lips, Shao Yun tried to explain. "Sorry. Maybe I overreacted earlier… I didn't think about how it would make you feel."
Lumine sighed heavily and rubbed her temples, her gaze serious. "I'm really mad."
She spoke bluntly. "Why would you think that? Do you really think I'd kick you out over something so petty?"
Shao Yun lowered his head, avoiding her eyes. "Well, you know... sometimes people have to make hard choices..."
Hearing that, Lumine stomped on his boot, scolding him furiously, "I don't know! I only know that you're my travel companion! Do you really think I'd abandon Paimon just to keep myself safe? We're partners—we face whatever comes together!"
Shao Yun fell silent. But he wasn't like Paimon—he couldn't even fly.
Lumine stared at him, her heart a swirl of emotions. She knew Shao Yun's intentions were to protect them, but his indifferent tone still upset her.
So, what if he wiped out their entire faction? They deserved it. Why should good people always be threatened by cowards hiding behind power?
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she coldly concluded, "I don't want to hear you say something like that again."
Shao Yun saw the seriousness in her eyes and immediately regretted what he had said. He opened his mouth to explain, but she cut him off.
"Some things are better said clearly," Shao Yun tried again. "It's just that I'm afraid if—"
Before he could finish, Lumine stomped hard on his foot again. He gasped in pain but didn't cry out.
Looking up at her, he met a gaze filled with anger and frustration.
"Would you ever randomly shoot an innocent person?" Lumine suddenly asked, her voice stern and direct.
The question caught Shao Yun off guard, leaving him stunned and unsettled.
Forget innocent bystanders—he'd committed massacres, committed acts of violence as naturally as eating three meals a day.
Seeing he hadn't answered, Lumine slammed her hand on the table with a sharp thump.
"Answer me!"
Startled by the sound, Shao Yun snapped back to reality. "I've never done that, and I never will!"
After all, Noelle's single line had maxed out his Reputation value—he needed to cherish that discount and not kill recklessly.
Lumine finally heard what she wanted. Her anger began to fade, replaced by relief and a trace of happiness.
But she kept her face stern, not wanting him to see her softening.
"Then what are you still talking about?" she said flatly. Her tone carried a hint of scolding, but she couldn't hide the joy beneath it.
Shao Yun, hearing the shift in her tone, felt a flicker of hope. Did she just forgive me?
He ventured, "So...?"
Lumine didn't respond right away. She rested her chin on her hand, her face thoughtful.
After a pause, a slight smile curled her lips.
"I forgive you."
And with that, the tense moment passed—just as Miss Sara began setting down the dishes Paimon had ordered.
Paimon came flying back, panting and struggling with six bottles of Apple Cider. Six might not seem like much—unless the carrier was Paimon.
Lumine looked at the six bottles in surprise and asked, "Paimon, I thought Shao Yun told you to get three bottles of cider? Why'd you bring six? You planning to drink four yourself?"
Paimon collapsed into her seat, catching her breath.
Then she shook her head and said, "I don't even know how it happened. It went like this..."
...
Ten minutes earlier, at Angel's Share.
Paimon pushed open the tavern door, beaming brightly. Her cheerful voice echoed through the empty tavern.
"Charles! I want three bottles of the best Apple Cider!"
She said as she pulled 4,500 Mora from the pouch and laid it on the counter.
Charles accepted the Mora and nodded with a smile.
"Certainly, Miss Paimon. Three of our finest Apple Ciders, coming right up."
He turned to prepare the drinks, while Paimon looked around, clearly wondering how to spend the leftover Mora.
Soon, Charles returned with three premium bottles.
Seeing Paimon alone, he couldn't help but ask, "Miss Paimon, you're alone today? Where's the Honorary Knight? And that... Mr. Shao Yun?"
Paimon turned, flashing a smug smile. "Oh, they're over at Good Hunter. Shao Yun's treating Lumine and me to breakfast, and he asked me to pick up the cider."
Charles paused, seeming to recall something. He then pulled the cider back with an apologetic smile.
Paimon froze. She immediately thought of the trouble Shao Yun had stirred last time in the tavern. Don't tell me Master Diluc's still mad and won't sell us cider anymore!
She nervously asked, "Wait, is this because of what Shao Yun did last time? Is Master Diluc angry and refusing to sell to us?"
Charles quickly waved it off. "Not at all, Miss Paimon. Just a misunderstanding."
He then pulled out three more bottles and lined up six total on the bar.
"If it's for Mr. Shao Yun, 4,500 Mora covers six bottles. Please take them—just be careful not to drop any."
...
After finishing her story, Paimon threw up her hands in mild confusion. "So that's how I ended up with six."
Shao Yun barely managed to suppress his laughter, struggling to keep his voice composed.
Looking into Paimon's confused eyes, he nearly burst.
"Paimon, have you ever considered something?" He pinched his thigh and asked.
Paimon scratched her head, blinking blankly. "What is it?"
Shao Yun couldn't hold it anymore. He covered his eyes and laughed until his shoulders shook.
Paimon looked even more puzzled.
"You know you could've returned the unopened bottles, right? Hahaha…"
When he said it out loud, he burst into laughter.
Paimon's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. She smacked her forehead and exclaimed, "Ah!"
Seeing her flustered, adorable reaction, Shao Yun teased, "Paimon, with that shocked expression, I've got every reason to believe you planned to drink those four bottles all along!"
Face flushing, Paimon waved her arms in protest. "No, I didn't! I swear I didn't expect that to happen!"
She covered her face and flew into Lumine's arms, pretending to cry.
"Waaah, Lumine! Shao Yun's bullying me!" she whined, her voice full of mock distress.
Shao Yun looked on, speechless. Seriously? Reaping the reward and still playing the victim? That pouch had over 10,000 Mora in it!
Putting on a mock-angry face, Shao Yun joked, "Hey now, Paimon—that's slander. Since you're saying that, hand over the leftover money."
He held out his hand and beckoned with his finger.
Paimon immediately clutched her stash, shooting him a look of protest. "Wha—didn't you say I could keep the rest?!"
Her eyes glinted defiantly, determined not to surrender her "spoils of war."
Shao Yun chuckled at her reaction. "You slander me and still want to keep the money? Hand it over!"
He beckoned again.
Paimon quickly covered her mouth and mumbled, "Okay okay! I won't say anything anymore. Just don't take my money, okay?"
Lumine, watching Paimon's flustered face, couldn't help but laugh behind her hand.
Paimon grabbed Lumine's shoulder and shook her in protest. "Hey! Lumine, how could you laugh with Shao Yun?! Stop it already!"