This is the canon and in-game Moonchase Festival, btw. Do try not to skip them because you might miss a few key elements needed in the future chapters.
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Soleil yawned lightly as she stopped in front of Wanmin Restaurant, stepping up the stone stairs.
"Hey there, sleepyhead," Xiangling greeted teasingly. "Hey, Xiangling. Can I have a take-out?" Soleil asked as she wiped at her eyes.
"Sure! What dish do you want in particular?" Xiangling asked. "Some finger foods and snacks will do. You choose for me," Soleil smiled.
"Hm, snacks, I see. Okay. Give me a moment!" Xiangling said and hurried to the kitchen.
"Do get me some mint jelly in the take-out," Soleil added. "You seem to be going somewhere. Are you going to be busy?" Xiangling asked.
"No. But it's the Moonchase Festival, Xiangling. I intend to tour Teucer around," Soleil answered with a small smile.
"Oh, the little boy with you?" Xiangling said in wonder, "I feel like I've seen him somewhere before, for some reason..."
"Hehe," Soleil laughed nervously. "Well, it seems you're occupied," Xiangling sighed. The scholar blinked.
"You sound like you needed me for something," Soleil said. "Not really," Xiangling said as she dipped some chicken into the flour.
"I was gonna ask you to help me prepare for the Masterful Chefs. Xingqiu said your feedbacks and comments are very precise and critical. Although, he did say it can sting a little," Xiangling giggled, "I was wondering if you can help me think of a dish to present at the competition."
Soleil scooted back as Xiangling put the flour-coated chicken into the frying pan with oil, causing a loud series of sizzling and popping oil to sound off.
"Oh. When it comes to food, my comments might be dull. I eat whatever's edible since I can't be picky when I'm out on a field research and need to eat. Sorry, Xiangling," Soleil smiled sheepishly.
"No, that's okay! You can just tell me what kind of food you like. If you don't have any favorites, you can tell me what dish is most appealing and why," Xiangling said while cooking.
"Hm... I think I'd choose mint salad. When I'm buried in research and have no time to spare to cook, mint salad would be my go-to. The soothing smell and taste also helps calm me down after an inevitable series of hard thinking. It also makes the least mess. Oily things are a no-no. The grease will stick to the pages and will smudge my equipment," Soleil said thoughtfully.
"So you consider the time needed to make the food and how it makes you feel. That's quite practical, hehe! What to expect from you, Soleil," Xiangling giggled.
"Well..." Soleil shrugged. "That means I must consider how the food will make the customers feel when they taste it. Hm... Something's come to mind," Xiangling nodded to herself thoughtfully.
She finished up cooking and gave a basket to Soleil, where a small container of mint jelly, a container of fried chicken, and some sweet snacks were neatly placed.
"Thanks, Xiangling," Soleil said and handed a check to the chef girl. "I should be thanking you. I think I have a head-start. But eh... I still need someone to help me out with getting opinions from others," Xiangling sighed.
"I'm really sorry. I already promised Teucer to take him somewhere this morning," Soleil said.
"There's no need to be sorry, Soleil. It's fine! But let's see who I can ask help from..." Xiangling squinted her eyes and held her chin.
Her eyes widened in realization. "Right! Why can't I ask the Traveller? Surely, he'll be able to help me out!" Xiangling said happily.
"The Traveller? He's here in Liyue?" Soleil asked surprisingly. "Yup! And he's very insightful, too! Paimon is also very particular to food so surely, they'll be able to give me some ideas," Xiangling said.
I thought he was in Inazuma, Soleil thought. But then again, she came across one of the waypoints in the harbor and thought he must have teleported over from another waypoint in Inazuma.
I need to learn how those things work, Soleil thought. She was able to master the flow of the ley lines when she first started studying Abyssal magic. Teleporting shouldn't be any different, should it?
That way, she can keep track of Lumine's actions. That plan of theirs is making progress...
"Since it's the Moonchase Festival, I'm sure he'll he able to pop by. I can ask for his help by then," Xiangling stated and pouted, "I just hope he won't be busy..."
"Hehe, I doubt he'll have the heart to say no to the best chef in the harbor," Soleil smiled, "Your food makes anybody's heart open up to you, you know?"
Xiangling giggled, "You're praising me again! Honestly, Soleil, I'm going to blush because of you!"
"You deserve it," Soleil patted Xiangling's arm, "Well, I better get going. Teucer must be bored waiting."
"See you later!" Xiangling waved. "I wish you the best on your plans, Xiangling. See you," Soleil said and left the restaurant.
Soleil then began to walk across the harbor. Decorative lanterns and large tassels hung from different establishments. And thanks to the theme of the festival, all types of food were being cooked and stoves of different houses were lit.
From sweet to spicy, fowl to seafood, and vegetables to meat, different aromas and spices wafted across the harbor, making any person look forward to the meals wholeheartedly.
But it wasn't just food that was the focus. Many other activities were set for the people to enjoy until the main event, Masterful Chefs, were to take place in two days' time.
Soleil sighed. She wished she could assist Xiangling, but she had other commitments, too–One of which had been lounging with Granny Shan near her stall while flying a kite that was shaped like a Ruin Guard.
Soleil had an ironic smile as she walked over. Javert stood beside the boy like a bodyguard or a steady tree, ensuring Teucer was safe.
"I'm here. Sorry I'm late," Soleil said as she approached. Teucer looked up at her and grinned, "It's okay, Miss Sunny. Granny and I were playing so I didn't get bored."
"Thank you for keeping him company," Soleil smiled at the elder. "The boy is very lively. I am only too happy to chat with him," Granny Shan replied.
"Hehe, that is true... Teucer, we're heading off now. Say 'thank you' to granny," Soleil told Teucer.
"Thank you, granny!" Teucer grinned. "My pleasure, my boy. Off you go now. Have a happy Moonchase Festival," Granny Shan smiled.
"As should you," Soleil said. She looked to Javert and smiled, "Let's go?"
"Yes, Miss Soleil," Javert bowed. He quietly followed after as Soleil lead the way to Chihu Rock.
They were only a few distances away from their destination when the loud blares of the guitar rang clear along with the explosive sparks that brought on the heat, literally and figuratively.
"Helloooo Liyue!" a confident and energetic voice caused echoes amidst cheers.
"Oooh," Teucer's eyes sparkled with curiosity. He tugged at Soleil's coat gently, "What's going on over there?"
"It's a concert held for the opening of the festival. Xinyan, the musician on stage, is a cheery friend of mine, too," Soleil answered the boy.
"Woah... It looks lively. Everyone is having fun. Let's check it out!" Teucer said. "That's the reason we came here," Soleil giggled and followed after the excited boy.
"Let me hold unto that, Miss Soleil," Javert said and gestured at the basket of snacks. Soleil nodded and gave it to him.
"Help yourself when you get hungry," Soleil bid him and turned to Teucer when he squeezed into the crowd like a tadpole out the egg.
"Ah! Teucer! You need to stay with me or you'll be lost!" Soleil had to yell over the loud music. She squeezed into the crowd to follow after the boy.
Xinyan did small headbangs as her manicured nails glided across her guitar with skill and beat. Her spirited music was contagious, causing the passerbys to be lured in and the loyal crowd to cheer with the beat.
Soleil smiled and waved when Xinyan spotted her. Xinyan showed a toothy grin and strung her guitar a few hard times to stress her tunes more.
Xinyan's music was the kind that made your head and body move on its own just to follow the beat. That was why Keqing and Soleil both developed a liking to her music.
Xinyan's music was a flag that establishes a new beginning in both the music industry and the independent age of humanity. To Soleil, that is one of a kind.
"There you are," Soleil said when she saw Teucer by the front row. His eyes widened in awe as fireworks exploded at the back.
"Loud and fiery. Typical Xinyan," Soleil grinned and clapped, "Bravo, Xinyan! Burn the stage!"
"Hehehe! As you wish, milady!" Xinyan said teasingly and began to play her next piece. The crowd applauded again.
Soleil cheered and grabbed some snacks from Javert's basket. The Fatui agent was confused and can only stand still in the midst of excited people.
Soleil vibed to the music until she looked at Teucer again. Her eyes widened to see Teucer pouting while protecting his head. He winced as another round of cheers made the ground vibrate.
"Teucer? What's wrong?" Soleil asked as she knelt in front of him, "Are you hurt? Sick? What happened to your head?"
"It's too loud... Miss Sunny, let's go somewhere," Teucer mumbled, feeling his ears ring with the sheer volumes of the music blaring before him.
"It's too loud for you, huh? Okay. Let's go somewhere else," Soleil said. She looked up and saw Xinyan give them a confused look. She sent an 'okay?' hand sign at her.
Soleil pointed at Teucer and pointed at the loud speakers then crossed her arms with a shake of her head. Xinyan nodded in understanding and sent a thumb up.
Soleil gave an apologetic smile but sent a thumbs up before carrying Teucer and departing the venue.
They went near one of the benches and heard the cheers and music, although it was slightly muted due to the distance.
"Here. Eat something," Soleil offered a pouch of sweets. Teucer opened it and nibbled on the food.
"That was so loud... I couldn't stand it. Sorry for making you leave, Miss Sunny. Now, you can't enjoy it," Teucer said guiltily. Soleil shook her head.
"Your safety matters more to me, my darling Teucer. Don't feel sad for telling me you felt uncomfortable," Soleil patted his head reassuringly.
"Can we go somewhere else?" Teucer asked. Soleil tapped her chin, "Hm... Well, there is one place that is calmer, but still matches Xinyan in terms of quality. Come on."
Soleil offered a hand, which Teucer held unto and walked off the crowded streets. Javert followed, still carrying the basket awkwardly in his hands.
They went down the streets until Soleil passed by Mingxing Jewelry. She waved at Xingxi before headed up one of the stairs leading to the establishments located on the second floor.
They spotted the Northland Bank from afar so Teucer was a little confused. He thought they were headed there until Soleil lead him across one of the red bridges.
They eventually arrived at Heyu Tea House, where a crowd has gathered around the stage with paper screens painted with natural sceneries. On the stage stood a poised young lady dressed in purple.
Her black hair was tinted purple and her eyes were cherry red, where red mascara decorated finely like dust. She wore a decorative pink vest, where a Geo Vision was pinned and wore a hat rimmed with fur balls colored white, blue, and pink.
This had been amusing to Soleil. For someone dressed and highlighted in purple, she'd expect Yun Jin to receive an Electro Vision.
Still, who was she to decide? She, for one, looked like the type to own a Geo Vision with her color scheme yet ended up with an Electro Vision instead. Though that didn't matter since she destroyed it as soon as she got it.
"Let's take a seat," Soleil said. Teucer nodded and skipped over to a table. Soleil sat beside the boy as Javert stood behind them.
"Well? Sit down," Soleil gestured Javert to a chair. "Uh... Yes, Miss Soleil," Javert mumbled shyly and sat down across them.
"This water tastes funny," Teucer's nose scrunched up as he took a sip from his teacup. Soleil giggled.
"Ah, the culture shock... That's called 'tea', Teucer. It can soothe you and make you healthy," Soleil said.
"Oh... I better bring some of this tea to mom and dad. They might like it," Teucer said thoughtfully.
"Do you?" Soleil asked. "I don't," Teucer huffed truthfully, making Soleil laugh lightly.
She turned to Javert. "Don't you want to drink some? It's on me," she said with an innocent smile. Javert chuckled.
"There's no need, Miss Soleil. I'm not taking my mask off any time sooner," he said, catching unto Soleil's intentions.
"Hehehe. You caught me," Soleil giggled slyly. Javert stared at her until he jolted in remembrance.
"I nearly forgot," he said and searched through his pockets. Soleil looked at him curiously until he took out a quillpen.
"Oh. That's mine," Soleil said, remembering how she asked him to get it from the bank. Javert nodded.
"I want to give it back," he said and gave it to Soleil, "Please be careful next time."
"I will. Sorry for making you worry," Soleil smiled and placed her quillpen away. She sipped her tea and looked in front eagerly, "The show's about to reach the climax soon."
The three of them, along with the audience, can only watch in awe as Yun Jin's danced with poise, her hands firm yet soft with its movements as she sang.
Like her song, she drifted across the stage as she told a story of high society through a tale of two lovers, born into rivalling aristocratic families.
The young lady was an opera artist who incorporates both music and story-telling into one fine classical piece. It was why Yun Jin is a highly-popular young lady, quite similar to how Barbara was beloved in Mondstadt.
Contrasting Xinyan's explosive performances that stir up the body, Yun Jin's melodic voice touches emotions deep in the soul. Also like Xinyan, Yun Jin's pieces revolve around humanity itself, deviating from traditional Liutian opera that focused on the supernatural.
It is with Yun Jin's stories that people can step into the shoes of other people and see a new perspective. Through her current story, the common folk were able to see the vices of high society and the schemes one needs to pull in order to maintain status.
In the end, this is what brings the two lovers to their own deaths before they can continue with their secret wedding. By the end of the story, sympathy was evoked and the audience can only feel remorse until the last tune.
"That's so sad... Why couldn't the two families just let the two of them be happy and get along? Why didn't they want the two to love each other?" Teucer asked Soleil, his eyes gleaming with innocent tears.
"Oh, sweet Teucer..." Soleil smiled sadly and wiped his tears, "Even if I told you, you wouldn't understand. This story was not meant for children. It was a story meant for adults who refuse to grow up and see the world as it is. It isn't meant for you."
"Why not?" Teucer asked. Soleil smiled softly, "Let's come back here in two to three years. We'll listen to the story again... Then, I'll tell you."
Teucer sniffed and nodded slowly, making Soleil feel quite guilty. She should have checked in with the itinerary first.
"It was a good story, though, wasn't it?" Soleil said. "It had a bad ending! It isn't!" Teucer exclaimed.
"Haha... If a story has a bad ending that incites the audience's emotions, then it is still a story well-written. Even tragedies become an addiction if the author does it right," Soleil said, remembering what a certain foxy lady in the distant nation told her.
"Well... The pretty lady had a pretty voice," Teucer mumbled. Soleil giggled and looked to the front, clapping to Yun Jin's excellent performance.
"Well, well. I hadn't expected to see you here," a familiar voice said. Soleil turned to the origin and smiled.
"Why, if it isn't Mr. Zhongli, hehe. On the contrary, I thought I'd see you during one of these operas. You always liked the classics and arts," Soleil said.
"That is true. Miss Yun never disappoints. Her operas take an entirely different turn compared to her predecessors," Zhongli said. He then looked to Teucer.
"Hm? This young man looks strangely familiar," he said thoughtfully. Teucer shirked back in his seat shyly.
"Say hello to Mr. Zhongli, Teucer. He's one of your brother's friends at work," Soleil brushed the bangs on Teucer's head.
"Hello, Mr. Zhongli. My name's Teucer. It's nice to meet you, sir," Teucer said shyly, feeling a strange aura from this seemingly normal man.
"The pleasure is mine, Teucer. Your brother... I see," Zhongli said in understanding when Soleil pointed at the side of her head, where Childe puts his mask.
"Ahaha... Why don't you join us, Mr. Zhongli? We still have a lot of tea left thanks to Teucer," Soleil opted to switch the risky topic.
"But of course," Zhongli nodded. He sat down on the stool beside Javert, nodding silently at the awkward Fatui agent.
"So, how was Yun Jin's performance to you?" Zhongli asked Soleil, who was pouring him tea. Soleil thought for a while.
"Well... It is contemporary and the take on stereotypical characters from high society are very new. I am pleased with Yun Jin's approach. The genres nowadays are getting boring," Soleil stated.
"Agreed. The common folk desire the complexities of nobility and sometimes forget that even the simplest of lives contain that which nobles lack most," Zhongli said.
"We can see from the story just now that no amount of lands or riches can fill the void of not being with those we love most. The young lovers simply chased after what they deserved yet must pay with their lives. It only shows how unjust society is to those who live in luxury," Zhongli added with a chuckle, "How ironic."
"Hehe, so we're having an evaluation of criticisms now? How typical of you, shifu. But that's what I like about you," Soleil giggled and leaned on the table, "In my opinion, I think they're pretty stupid."
Javert sighed. Soleil has a habit of saying things so casually that it still surprises him every time.
The tragic tale of two beautiful and rich young lovers... Yun Jin's story would be popular for days to come. Although it taught the people that the luxurious lifestyle they dreamed was a nightmare drugged with sweetness, Soleil can only perceive the main characters as idiots.
"Oh? I doubt they were foolish in doing what they believe is right," Zhongli said.
"But to solely focus on a person they 'love' instead of doing their duty as heirs to their families? Not only have they doomed themselves, but also discarded the hard work of their parents and ancestors before them," Soleil shook her head.
"If it is duty you speak of, I believed they were doing what they can in order to end senseless feuds between their families and restore order through marriage," Zhongli said.
"They've only met four times throughout the story," Soleil deadpanned and covered Teucer's ears, "And one of them was an event explicit to the bedroom."
"Miss Sunny?" Teucer asked innocently. "Nothing, darling," Soleil smiled and ruffled his head.
Zhongli shakes his head, "I doubt that is enough to say they were wrong in actions."
He advocates for people's sentiments just as Soleil advocates reason. He had to know what was so foolish about never giving up on love despite the odds and what it brings in the end.
"Think about it, shifu. It wasn't love they felt. It was just infatuation. How can they be ready for marriage despite not knowing each other fully? Moreover, they've placed their own families in danger as they just ran off and that caused a fight to break out. Sure, they tried convincing their parents, but if your child asked to take your enemy's hand in marriage, would you really agree?" Soleil asked.
"I would, provided they were willing to change," Zhongli answered.
"The parents didn't agree for a reason. Even if both families unite, what of their relatives? Their subordinates? An internal strife will be born once the houses unite only because two young and spoiled teenagers were interested in each other," Soleil explained, "They had to look at the bigger picture–not just what was inside the other person's clothes, for crying out loud."
Javert and Teucer can only listen to the debate in confusion. It was just a play. Why are they fussing over it?
"If they were family, they would try to see things their children would as well. That is what any parent should do for their children's happiness," Zhongli spoke.
"But the children are not concerned about what their parents would feel after chasing a pipe dream? Nobles have a duty to bring order to society and establish the frame for others to follow. They had duties as heirs to look out for the people they rule over. To give up their fates for a single person alone... Quite irresponsible," Soleil said, "If they wanted to be with each other that badly, they should have thought out a plan properly instead of running off."
"Ah. So you believe responsibility must come first over their own desires and dreams," Zhongli chuckled, "I can agree to that sentiment, in the least."
"No. Chasing after one's dreams is never wrong. Acting rashly is the problem," Soleil said and smiled at Teucer, "Teucer, I hope this teaches you a lesson. Stupidity can cost you your own life so never make hasty decisions."
"Yes, Miss Sunny~!" Teucer grinned like an obedient student. "Ever so pragmatic," Zhongli mused, "Alright then. Let's agree to disagree."
"Agree to disagree," Soleil nodded with a smile. Her debates with Zhongli always end up in a truce, be it about politics or criticisms on operas.
"Advisor Soleil."
They all turned when a Millelith soldier stopped by their table. Soleil blinked, "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no. Nothing is wrong. Lady Keqing and Lady Ningguang bids that we tell you to meet them if we ever run into you," the soldier replied.
"I see. Where are they? At the office?" Soleil asked. "They are currently in Yujing Terrace, discussing with Captain Beidou about the stone the both of you retrieved from the fishermen some days before," the soldier answered.
"Got it. Thank you," Soleil said. The soldier saluted before leaving. Teucer pouted.
"Are you going to work now, Miss Sunny?" he asked. "I'll be sure to finish it up quickly," Soleil smiled apologetically.
"Shifu, can I ask you to watch over Teucer for the moment? I'll try to hurry back soon," Soleil told Zhongli.
"You can trust him to me. We can talk about some other things to keep him busy. Now go. Keeping Ningguang waiting is never a wise decision," Zhongli said.
"Thanks! Be a good boy and listen to Mr. Zhongli, Teucer. And Javert, also take care of him for me," Soleil bid them before leaving.
Soleil made her way down to the streets and made a beeline for Yujing Terrace. There, she found some decorative painted screens at the center, forming a golden hexagon-shaped canopy where streamers hung from the center.
Inside the canopy was a large pedestal, where a familiar and large stone was placed atop. Several crates of bronze-accented aquamarine color littered along with some potted ornamental plants.
In front of the pedestal stood three women, all remarkable individuals with status and acquainted with Soleil. They were conversing until Soleil approached, her heels clacking against the stone grounds.
"Hm? Ah, Soleil! We were just waiting for you," Beidou noticed her first and waved in greeting.
"Hey, Beidou. Ningguang, Keqing," Soleil greeted the other two. "Good morning, Soleil," Ningguang greeted.
"Happy Moonchase, Soleil. I hope you're enjoying the festival," Keqing said. "I sure do. The two of you outdid yourselves yet again. Liyue's looking lively," Soleil smiled.
"Your feedback during the initial planning helped us come to a decision so we have you to thank as well," Ningguang said.
"Hehe. So, I heard you were looking for me?" Soleil said and looked at the stone on the pedestal, "Oh. Never thought a stone would look well as a decoration on display."
"That stone is the reason why you're here. Beidou speaks that you were present at the time the fishermen handed the stone over to her fleet," Ningguang spoke.
"She asked for my opinion about it. As it turns out, she was thinking the same thing and thought I gave the go signal. Now that I think of it, a lot of people have been asking for my opinions lately," Soleil mused.
"Hehe. It only says that your perspective is a worthy angle to look from. A scholar's opinion is a reliable one," Beidou smiled.
"Now that we have concluded the plans for the festival, we can pay attention to this strange stone. Just by looking at it, we can already tell it isn't normal," Ningguang said, "It's features defy nature itself."
"We are deciding what to do with the stone. Since you also know something about the stone, we thought we'd let you join in on the discussion," Beidou added.
"Oh. So much trouble over a chunk of stone, I see," Soleil said amusingly. "I thought talking to these two would make things easier, given their status here in the harbor," Beidou gestured at Ningguang and Keqing.
"That holds some truth. After all, in the hands of Captain Beidou, this harmless stone can be mistaken as some cunning way to smuggle unwanted goods to and from the harbor," Ningguang said amusingly.
"Really?" Beidou deadpanned. Ningguang giggled behind her hand, "I jest. Does it strike a nerve so much?"
Soleil sighed and gave Keqing a pleading look to intervene. Keqing nodded and cleared her throat.
"Well... The Qixing should take responsibility over things like this. If it is alright with you all, I'd like to take take it into my custody," Keqing proposed.
"Oh?" Ningguang said curiously, "As Yuheng, you are overseeing environmental management. It doesn't surprise that you would take charge of the stone."
"I think so, too. Ningguang has her hands full and I don't know much about the other five, who sure love to keep to themselves," Soleil shrugged.
"Publicity for the seven highly-esteemed businessmen and women is not a safe option. I can't tell much about this certain Qixing, who likes to make herself known all the time," Beidou gave Ningguang a look.
"Oh, don't sound so jealous. We both know you are just as famous–or rather, infamous. Nearly everyone in Liyue knows about your deeds and misdeeds," Ningguang gibed back. Beidou scoffed.
"These two..." Keqing mumbled beside Soleil, who hummed in thought.
"A captain with an eyepatch and a business person both good-looking and wealthy having a banter..." Soleil squinted her eyes, "Sounds rather familiar."
Keqing nodded when the sound of multiple footsteps were heard approaching. Curiously, she turned to the source.
"Hmm? Oh, it's the Traveller and Paimon...and Xiangling," Keqing spoke, making the rest turn to the incoming party.
"Greetings, friends. It's been a while," Ningguang spoke in acknowledgement. "Hey! What brings you here?" Beidou greeted.
"Huh? Everyone's gathered together here. And... Soleil?!" Aether scooted back in surprise.
"Kyah! What are you doing here?!" Paimon also looked shocked as she pointed at Soleil accusingly.
Soleil laughed amusingly at their reactions. "Heya," she greeted, "I see you've made your way over for the celebrations."
"You know these guys, too?" Paimon asked curiously as she pointed at Keqing and the rest.
"Of course. You should know by now that we have a decent amount of mutual friends," Soleil grinned.
"But..." Aether said, still shocked and wanted to ask more answers yet couldn't find the words he can say.
"Has something happened?" Xiangling asked, feeling curious to see the four women together.
"What's with this big stone on the ground?" Paimon looked at the large stone confusingly.
"Long story... So, just to confirm, I will assume responsibility for handling this stone of unknown origin. Any objections?" Keqing turned to Ningguang and the others, bringing up the topic they diverted from.
"None here. You know how to get things done, Keqing. As long as it's with you, I can rest easy knowing that it's in safe hands," Beidou nodded assuringly.
"Hm, should I take this to mean that you doubt the relative safety of leaving this in the hands of the Tianquan?" Ningguang piped in. Beidou gave her a confused look.
"Huh? Well, for starters, Keqing is the one who's always out running errands, rain or shine. Besides, you don't seem to give a wooden mora about this whole thing anyway so what's it to you?" Beidou replied with her hands on her hips.
"I was merely joking. You, meanwhile, seem only too ready to pounce when an opportunity to publicly lambaste me arises, even when giving our poor mutual friend here the cold shoulder," Ningguang mused as she looked at Aether, who blinked awkwardly.
"Uh...is this a bad time?" he asked. "By no means," Ningguang said, "You wish to know about the stone, I presume? Then let me invite the great seafarer, Captain Beidou, to tell the story–if she would be so kind."
Ningguang looked smugly at Beidou, who had a look of disbelief.
"You-! Ugh... Fine," she said in resignation. Soleil giggled inaudibly, causing Keqing to prevent a smile from surfacing and pinch Soleil's arm secretly.
"Well... It's a big one, right?" Beidou looked at the large stone, "And such a smooth surface, too. Makes you think there's gotta be a good chunk of jade in there."
"It was found by a fishing crew not far off the coast. It must have been underwater for years, so the erosion will be what's given it that smooth finish. Soleil has also stated that this stone is not so ordinary and that it must be brought back to the harbor. It should be something for it to also catch her eye," Keqing explained.
"Finds like this cannot be kept as private property and must be submitted to a holder of public office. Placing it into our custody will also give them peace of mind," Ningguang said.
"So, what's inside it?" Xiangling asked curiously. "Well...we've hit it with just about every weapon we could get our hands on and haven't managed to even dent it yet. Clearly, there's more to it than meets the eye," Keqing held her chin thoughtfully.
"It certainly has to be if the stone had caught Soleil's interest as well," Ningguang gestured to Soleil, "All the things she keeps an eye on always have the most interesting of stories."
"No weapon could smash it open? Wow... Paimon doesn't think we've ever encountered a stone like that before," Paimon mused in amazement.
Not ALL weapons, though, Soleil thought with a small smirk. She could try bombing it or throwing it into that liquid fire Signora gave to her, but damages to the harbor are the things she'd like to avoid most at the time.
"Keqing has taken an unusually keen interest in this giant stone, which is why we are leaving the matter in her capable hands," Ningguang stated. Keqing blinked and her demeanor shifted for a second.
"Let's put that aside for a second. Traveller, what brings you here? Were you looking for someone?" Keqing turned to Aether.
"Actually, we were looking for all of you! Never thought we'd run into Soleil but aside from that, we need all hands on deck here!" Paimon exclaimed. Soleil snorted.
"Oh? Hopefully not because there's been some sort of cataclysmic event," Ningguang said. Soleil looked at the present people and nearly snickered at the irony.
"No, no, nothing like that! Paimon's just getting carried away," Xiangling said with a smile, "I just wanted to ask everyone about their food preferences."
"Oh, so you're working on it now, I see," Soleil said in realization and smiled, "Good for you."
"Yep! Hehehe," Xiangling giggled. "Food preferences?" Keqing said confusingly, "That's a little unexpected."
"I have rather simple tastes. Precise...pure...smart...and sophisticated. That's all I require," Ningguang spoke simply.
"Huh? That sounds a lot like Soleil," Xiangling mused. "Really?" Ningguang smiled amusingly, "I suppose it does."
"Please don't eat me," Soleil smiled wryly. "That's your idea of simple, huh?" Beidou deadpanned.
"I summed up my culinary requirements in four words. Is that insufficiently simple for you?" Ningguang asked with crossed arms.
"A few weeks out on the open ocean would fix that flawed definition of simplicity, let me tell you that," Beidou stated in disapproval.
"What about you, Beidou?" Xiangling asked. "Me? Uh... If it's freshly-cooked and piping hot, that floats my boat. If it's got a little chili pepper in there, too, I'm one very happy captain," Beidou replied.
"Paimon thought you would've said bar food," Paimon mused, causing Beidou to laugh. "Hahaha! Oh, bar food works, too," she nodded.
"As for me, it's gotta be seafood," Keqing said. "Like I said, I don't have much preferences," Soleil shrugged.
"Okay, got it! So, seafood, piping hot, and, uh, simple but sophisticated..." Xiangling thought to herself skeptically.
"Not a lot of overlap..." Aether's eyebrows creased. "That's where I would disagree! Traveller, surely you've heard of Golden Shrimp Balls?" Xiangling smiled.
Soleil's eyes widened and she looked over to Keqing. Sure enough, the Yuheng was making a very adorable face at the mention of her favorite.
"You need to wash and de-vein the shrimp, wrap it in finely-sliced potato strips, then deep fry it to perfection! There's no room for cutting corners! They're very precisely put together, they taste very pure, the presentation is smart, and the skill needed to cook them is highly-sophisticated. It fits Ningguang's four-word summary to the letter!" Xiangling said excitedly, "Now that I think of it, it really does remind me of you, Soleil."
"Now it's your turn to drown me in praises," Soleil said jokingly, making Xiangling giggle. "I told you so," Ningguang mused.
"Huh. So what you're saying is, for all the frills and trills, good food is all the same at the core?" Paimon asked.
"I heartily agree. Golden Shrimp Balls are a prime example. Their essence lies in combining art and nutrition in a single package. It is a dish of true value," Keqing nodded happily.
"Okay, got it! So Keqing loves Golden Shrimp Balls," Xiangling stated. "More than her job," Soleil added with a teasing smile, "But not so much as her figu–"
"S-Soleil!" Keqing covered Soleil's mouth frantically and looked at Xiangling, "I-I didn't say that... Did I?"
"Haha, no. At least not outright," Beidou chuckled amusingly. Soleil patted Keqing's hand over her mouth, to which Keqing released reluctantly.
"Alrighty! Thanks for all your input! I'll be sure to take it all into consideration," Xiangling said to the others.
"No problem, Xiangling. Although... I do need to take my leave. Since my part here is done, I need to get back. I hope you don't mind me leaving first," Soleil told the group.
"Not at all. Thank you for joining us today," Ningguang said. "Pop by the Alcor when you've got the time!" Beidou said.
"I will. Traveller, please look out for Xiangling for me," Soleil said. "Sure," Aether nodded.
"See you all," Soleil said. She shared a knowing look with Xiangling, who giggled and gave a subtle nod.
Soleil gave Keqing a mischievous smile before heading back on the way to Heyu Tea House. Teucer must have been subjected to Zhongli's rambling while she was gone...
"It really is a surprise to see Soleil here. Especially since the last time we saw her was during a festival in Mondstadt, too," Paimon mused.
"She's all over the place. Never stays in one spot unless she feels like it," Keqing sighed.
Then, her eyes widened as she remembered something. She turned to Aether and Paimon.
"Traveller, do you have anything planned after this?"
★