"Aren't you going to stay here a bit longer?" At the port of Ritou, Makoto, seeing [Mei], Elysia, and the others, and learning of their intention to leave, couldn't help but try to persuade them to stay.
"No, I have an appointment with an old acquaintance in Liyue."
"I've completed everything I came to Inazuma to do; it's time to leave."
"Besides, if I leave sooner, you two can get along better," [Mei] teased. "With me, this fake 'sister,' here, wouldn't you, the real 'sister,' feel quite awkward~?"
"Your Excellency joking," Makoto said, feeling a mix of amusement, exasperation, and helplessness.
She hadn't expected this at all.
Indeed, the subtle differences in how her foolish sister treated her and [Mei] did make her, as the older sister, feel somewhat dejected. But a rational Archon like Makoto, how could she not understand the reasons behind it?
Just like Elysia in the past, she was just a little 'unwilling,' that's all.
But this slight emotion wasn't aimed at [Mei] in the slightest.
After all, if it weren't for her, she and Ei would have been separated by life and death long ago.
Helping her win the resurrection match, no matter what, Makoto couldn't possibly harbor any ill will towards her—moreover, [Mei] had even done quite a lot for Inazuma. Although it was mostly incidental, for Makoto, who deeply loved this place, she would absolutely not forget this kindness.
"My younger sister is foolish and stubborn; it gives me, her older sister, quite a headache."
"Besides, now, you are indeed also Ei's 'sister,' aren't you?"
"Is that so... Then, who's older between us?"
Makoto was completely stumped by this question from Jiang Qiao.
She was Ei's older sister, and now [Mei] was too. So what was she to [Mei]?
She hadn't considered this question—and regarding this question, Makoto had no idea how to answer.
After all, the 'household registration' she was using was [Mei]'s reincarnation.
Theoretically, they were the same person.
But since [Mei] had asked, she clearly needed an answer.
In terms of actual age, [Mei]—both this vessel and Mr. Jiang Qiao—were undoubtedly the absolute youngest. But Makoto didn't know this, and besides, she now had no capital to use age as leverage.
After [Mei] took her 'household registration,' her advantage had completely turned into the other's advantage. This made the somewhat aggrieved Miss Makoto think carefully, then tentatively say, "...It should be, you're older?"
"That's not a problem. Then... I'm the older sister~"
To this, [Mei] nodded with satisfaction—after all, the '[Mei] model' he was currently using was, setting aside the original Unit-01, the legitimate original Unit-01. Makoto and Ei were latecomers, only fit to sit at the same table as Miss Acheron from the Honkai: Star Rail next door.
"Well then, Makoto, don't you think you should express something?"
"...What?" Makoto looked bewildered, completely not understanding [Mei]'s gesture.
"What did you call me?"
"[Mei]."
"Hey... You called me 'Mei' earlier, and I didn't pick on you. What should you call me now?"
Instantly understanding someone's 'malice,' Miss Makoto's pretty face immediately fell. Oh no, I've become the younger sister.
She struggled, gritting her teeth, and called out that title: "Sister."
"Mm, very good~" [Mei] smiled—while Makoto was full of resentment.
Damn you, stealing my sister is one thing, but you won't even let me off?
Her seniority instantly plummeted. She had been an older sister all her life, yet after winning the resurrection match, she became a stinky younger sister... Miss Makoto looked at the 'great villain' before her, a tic mark appearing on her smooth forehead.
She forced a smile and saw them off, then... slowly turned her gaze towards Miko, who was covering her mouth and laughing happily, and her own good-for-nothing younger sister.
A harmonious smile appeared: "Miko~"
The thunderstorm that should have disappeared after the Sakoku Decree was lifted bloomed over the port of Ritou.
However, none of this concerned [Mei] and the others who had left Inazuma.
The basic matters in Inazuma had been completed. Simultaneously, Furina, in the name of the Hydro Archon, had signed a cooperation agreement with Makoto—thus, the Hydro-Dendro alliance formed by Fontaine and Sumeru gained another member.
However, given Inazuma's dilapidated state, for a considerable period, Inazuma could probably only get by by producing unique products. In other aspects, Sumeru and Fontaine were practically providing poverty alleviation for Inazuma.
Of course, the specifics of how to do it would depend on Neuvillette, Nahida, and the others. Miss Furina wouldn't bother; she was just there to sign as a human emblem.
The next destination was Liyue.
This wasn't because [Mei]—Jiang Qiao and the others—had any mandatory reason. After all, among the Seven Nations, Liyue was considered peaceful and prosperous. Those major and minor problems, even without outside intervention, could be properly handled by the local adepti, that old man who enjoyed watching plays, and Miss Guizhong, who had won the resurrection match.
However, on Teyvat's map, Liyue was ultimately located between Sumeru and Inazuma.
Having deliberately gone to Inazuma, if they didn't even stop by Liyue on their return trip, Miss Hu Tao, who knew their trajectory and had sent an invitation, would probably be very angry.
Besides, Jiang Qiao himself had a certain interest and sentiment towards this nation, which was modeled after his homeland.
Since there was an opportunity to visit, there was no need to fuss over the distance.
Hu Tao: Are you here yet? Are you here yet? I'll pick you up at the port!
Miss Hu Tao, who had already prepared for their reception after learning of their departure, asked excitedly in the chat group, looking full of energy.
Liyue was very close to Inazuma. Without the terrible thunderstorm interference and with smooth sailing all the way, traveling on Fontaine's specially made Ousia-Pneuma elemental hybrid steamship, this sea voyage docked quite quickly.
Elysia: I see you~
The equally lively Miss Pink Elf beside [Mei] actively responded to Hu Tao and stood at the bow, waving.
The former smiled helplessly but didn't mind.
With the sound of the steam whistle, the ship slowly sailed into Liyue Harbor, attracting the attention of many dockworkers and Liyue officials—Fontaine's steamships weren't strange, but the ship carrying [Mei] and the others was a dedicated vessel specially built by the Fontaine Research Institute for Furina. Its distinctiveness made it one of the most special among the ships of the Seven Nations.
"This ship is huge!" The children of Liyue by the shore exclaimed in awe.
"You're finally here." A vibrant voice. A brown-haired girl in a modified black and brown Daoist robe, wearing a Qiankun Tai Gua hat, approached cheerfully.
"You've waited long."
"Not at all! I just had some business earlier. I figured you'd take some time, and was thinking whether to come later, but then felt it wasn't appropriate, afraid I'd be late and keep you waiting. So, after things were mostly settled, I came right over. Hey, look, you arrived just then!"
"But your ship is really fast! I heard that Captain Beidou of the Crux Fleet takes several days to return to Liyue from Inazuma." Hu Tao said, clicking her tongue in wonder as she approached the ship, looking at Furina's vessel with admiration.
"After all, it's a joint creation of the Fontaine Research Institute and the Sumeru Akademiya after their cooperation. Besides, Furina is the Hydro Archon; with her around, many troubles during navigation can be avoided."
"Also, Inazuma's environment isn't so harsh anymore."
"Oh, oh... sounds like you did quite a lot in Inazuma, huh? You have to tell me all about it! I've never been to that place. I've only heard about it from people who came from Inazuma. But ever since the Sakoku Decree, the news I used to hear occasionally has pretty much dried up... Hmm, hmm, the Yae Publishing House's novels from Inazuma are truly top-notch!" Hu Tao nodded, seemingly understanding, then spoke excitedly, with an air of being quite talkative.
This Director Hu, in front of acquaintances... well, even in front of strangers, seemed to have endless things to say, endless topics to chat about—was it due to her professional skills or her innate nature?
[Mei] didn't mind, just watched as the equally cheerful Elysia hit it off with her.
"If Kiana were here, she'd probably get along very well with this child."
"That white-haired girl... You're right." Furina recalled for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Speaking of which, their voices are quite similar."
"Eh? Were you talking about me?"
"Mm, I was telling Furina that you'd probably get along very well with another child I know named Kiana."
"Eh? Really?"
"Mm." —After all, they have the same 'mom'.
"Then I definitely have to meet her."
"There will probably be a chance later. Kiana and the others are also in your world, but they didn't travel with us. They went to Natlan to experience the life of adventurers."
"Natlan, huh..."
"I've heard it's a very interesting place," Hu Tao muttered. Feeling the cold wind from the port, she waved her hand, then said enthusiastically, "Forget it... standing around in the port blowing in the cold wind isn't right. Let's go, let's go! I've already booked with Chef Mao. Let me, Hu Tao, take you to experience our Liyue's time-honored Wanmin Restaurant. Let me tell you, coming to Liyue and not sitting down at Wanmin Restaurant, that's simply... hmm, completely soulless!"
As she spoke, Hu Tao chatted with Elysia and Furina, introducing Liyue's layout while humming a little tune and self-composed limericks in front, occasionally greeting familiar neighbors.
Although her business promotion tactics were a headache for those familiar with Hu Tao, due to her lively personality and generous spending, this Director Hu had a rather good reputation among the common folk of Liyue—if only she wouldn't keep mentioning that unlucky business.
[Mei] followed behind, not intervening, but observing this nation, steeped in the charm of his homeland, from his own perspective.
Just like Fontaine and Sumeru, Liyue Harbor, proportionally enlarged, was a major trading nation ranking among the most prosperous of the Seven Nations. Its area was vast, with countless travelers and merchants from all seven nations coming and going. In the huge commercial port, ships flowed endlessly, and the streets teemed with people.
Groups of two or three Millelith, armed with spears, maintained the orderly peace of this city.
If not for Fontaine's Gardes, perhaps even Fontaine, the Nation of Justice, wouldn't be Liyue's match in terms of order.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, they arrived at Wanmin Restaurant, which was even more bustling.
Although not as luxurious as Liyue's larger restaurants, Wanmin Restaurant, which looked simple, like a roadside stall, was packed to the brim.
"Phew, trade with Sumeru and Fontaine has increased a lot recently. Luckily, I booked with Chef Mao in advance, otherwise, we probably wouldn't even find a place to rest our feet!" Hu Tao sighed at the scene, then familiarly led them to a reserved empty table in the corner and sat down.
"Coming right up! What would you esteemed guests like to order?" A blue-haired girl in a chef's attire, clearly very alluring but seemingly outshone by the little raccoon beside her, approached with a menu.
"Just bring all of Wanmin Restaurant's signature dishes. These are my, Hu Tao's, honored guests. We must let them thoroughly experience the flavors of Liyue, understand~"
"Got it, signature dishes, right..." Xiangling, already familiar with Hu Tao, brightened up at these words. "Perfect timing, I recently..."
"Stop, stop, stop! Don't bring out those signature dishes you researched! I haven't been teasing you lately!"
"What are you talking about? What do you mean, researched? That's called developing new dishes... Although some dishes might not suit everyone's taste, they still have a unique flavor. At worst, I won't charge you..."
"Besides, those ingredients you gave me brought a lot of inspiration for my resea—cough cough, new creations. Many customers said they were delicious!" Xiangling pouted with slight dissatisfaction.
Recently, Xiangling and Hu Tao had become quite close—of course, not because they were both Pyro girls, but mainly because the latter had brought the former some novel ingredients she had never heard of or seen before.
It was originally Hu Tao's apology gift after teasing Xiangling, but after discovering Hu Tao could procure strange ingredients, Xiangling had started to cling to Hu Tao.
"Did you bring her ingredients from another world?" After Hu Tao finally managed Xiangling, dissuading her from trying to conduct research under the guise of a free meal, and Xiangling had gone back with the menu, [Mei], who had understood what was going on, looked at Hu Tao with interest.
He was genuinely curious about what kind of dark cuisine could be born from the collision of ingredients from another world and Xiangling.
"Yeah... When I went to find Yunyun earlier, I fought a bunch of frogs as big as houses, and flying vegetables... I thought it was quite fun, and Xiangling might like it, so I brought some back."
"Later, Xiangling started pestering me... Coincidentally, Kyoko also sent some very suspicious white ingredients, and I gave them all to her. She was quite happy... Sigh, I feel like Xiangling is going further and further down the path of researching dark cuisine," Hu Tao said, her face propped in her hands, full of resentment.
Such a good chef, why does she like researching dark cuisine?
"You're totally enabling her," Furina couldn't help but complain.
"I can't help it... I encountered Xiangling in the wild earlier, and I wanted to scare her, but ended up scaring away an ingredient she had been waiting for. I had to compensate her, right? Otherwise, what if she gives me trouble when I come to Wanmin Restaurant in the future..."
"That child isn't the petty type, is she?"
"...You'll understand when you're forced to try her Qingxin stir-fried with Slime Condensate." Hu Tao's face turned green. "Anyway, I'm somewhat regretting giving her ingredients from other worlds now..."
Saying this, Hu Tao couldn't help but recall how Xiangling, after discovering she could get strange ingredients, had kept pestering her, even going behind Chef Mao's back to procure services from her own Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. She hadn't thought much of it at the time and even wondered why Chef Mao, clearly in his prime, would need a one-stop funeral service.
The result... after the matter was exposed, Xiangling's bottom was thoroughly spanked by Chef Mao...
My bad, my bad...