"Alright, alright, that's enough messing around. Paimon, what do you want to eat?"
After teasing her for a while, Akio finally let go of Paimon. She looked at the overflowing menu and giggled, "I like everything!"
"In that case, let's get half of everything!"
Akio chuckled, then turned to the attendant. "Bring us one of every dish on the first half of the menu."
"Right away, Lord Akio."
The attendant nodded and left the private room.
"Whoa! Akio, you're the best!"
Paimon twirled around him in delight.
"So now I'm the good guy again?"
Akio let out a helpless laugh. Didn't she just call him a bully a moment ago?
"Akio, isn't that a bit much?"
Lumine looked at him, a little concerned.
"It's fine. Since I'm hosting you two, I should treat you properly."
Akio waved it off casually. Besides, compared to how the noble clans hosted him, this was nothing.
The service at Uyuu Restaurant was incredibly fast. In no time, exquisite dishes began arriving and were neatly arranged across the table.
Seeing the table full of dazzling dishes, Paimon started drooling. She looked at Akio eagerly—after all, she couldn't start eating unless the host said so.
"We're all friends here, no need for so many rules. Let's eat."
Akio smiled.
"Yay!"
With Akio's approval, Paimon dove in and began devouring the feast.
Watching her, Lumine covered her face slightly. So embarrassing… She looked like she hadn't eaten in a hundred years!
"Would you like some wine?"
Akio poured himself a cup of shochu and asked Lumine.
"I've had a little before, but not much."
Lumine nodded and poured herself a small cup as well.
Cough cough!
The liquor was strong, and Lumine, not being used to it, took too big a sip and coughed. Her fair cheeks flushed a soft red.
"Shochu's pretty strong—you need to sip it slowly."
Akio laughed.
"Mhm."
Lumine nodded. "The special brews and cider in Mondstadt were sweet and low-alcohol. This is my first time drinking something so strong…"
"Hahaha! The kick of strong liquor is the best."
Akio raised his cup. "Now that you're in Inazuma, enjoy its scenery—and its culture."
"Cheers."
Lumine clinked her cup against his.
Soon, the food and drinks were wiped clean.
Lumine, slightly tipsy now, had rosy cheeks. Paimon, meanwhile, looked like a satisfied dumpling with her round belly sticking out, practically glowing with happiness.
"You've just arrived in Inazuma. Take the rest of the day to rest."
Akio said with a smile. "There's an inn next door. I'll take you there and get you a room."
"Thanks. That would help a lot."
Lumine nodded. Having just finished drinking, she was feeling dizzy—not ideal for commissions.
"Put it on the Grand Narukami Shrine's tab," Akio told the attendant.
His casual tone made Lumine and Paimon exchange glances.
It reminded them of a certain freeloader who mooched off people every day!
"As the god of Inazuma, letting the Grand Narukami Shrine pay is perfectly reasonable, right?"
Akio said with a smile.
"R-Right."
Lumine nodded quickly.
He took them to the inn and opened a room. Initially, Akio wanted to charge it to the shrine, but Lumine felt a bit embarrassed and quickly paid with her own Mora.
"Well, alright then."
Akio nodded. "Be careful when you head to Watatsumi Island. Once the mission is complete, just come find me at the Grand Narukami Shrine. I'm usually there."
"Got it."
Lumine nodded.
After chatting for a bit longer, Akio turned and left.
"Paimon, what do you think of Akio?"
Lumine sat cross-legged on the big bed, glancing at Paimon, who was sprawled out like a plush toy.
"Eh? Akio? He's a great guy!"
Paimon grinned. Anyone who fed Paimon was a good person!
"I'm serious, Paimon."
Lumine rolled her eyes.
"I don't know… he doesn't feel entirely real to me," Lumine said thoughtfully. "Back in Liyue, and even just now, he came across as gentle and easygoing. But that scene on Ritou… it was terrifying."
"But wasn't it that Hiiragi Shinsuke guy who offended the god first?"
Paimon chimed in. "Didn't Akio say he broke a decree, insulted a god repeatedly, and committed treason? As the god of Inazuma, I think it's totally reasonable for Akio to get mad."
"I mean, treason and blasphemy are serious offenses," Paimon continued. "Gods rule nations. If mortals don't respect them or follow divine decrees, then being punished—maybe even killed—isn't too surprising."
"You think everyone's as carefree as that bard?"
Paimon added. "Even when La Signora slapped him, he just laughed like it was nothing."
"And besides, even Venti stood his ground when it came to Dvalin and Mondstadt," Paimon said. "All gods have their own principles and bottom lines. You don't cross those."
"True…"
Lumine nodded thoughtfully. Deep down, she had always felt that Venti wasn't as simple as he pretended to be—even though he constantly said he had no power left.
"Come on, Lumine, why are you overthinking this?"
Paimon said breezily. "Akio's our friend. As long as we don't cross his line, we'll be fine."
"And everything he's done has been for Inazuma. It's not like we're enemies of Inazuma."
Paimon stretched lazily. "We just need to complete the task he gave us."
"You're right, Paimon."
Lumine nodded. With Akio's help, they didn't even have to worry about being wanted anymore in Inazuma—what more could she ask for?
Originally, she thought the Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree would make it nearly impossible to meet the Raiden Shogun. But now that Akio could take them directly, everything felt much easier.
"That's why having Akio around makes things so much smoother in Inazuma!"
Paimon yawned contentedly.
"Mhm…"
Lumine nodded. "Paimon! I'm going to take a bath. You're coming with me! No sleeping in your sweaty clothes!"
"Ehhh~"
Paimon whined, floating up reluctantly. "I'm too full… I don't wanna move…"
"Too bad."
Lumine grabbed her and dragged her into the bathroom.
"Whoa! Even the bathroom is so fancy!"
Paimon looked around in awe. "I love this bathroom! Lumine, take notes—we need to remodel the bathroom in my Serenitea Pot to look like this!"
"Alright, alright~"
Lumine nodded, mentally noting the layout.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 40+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol