The moment Shao Yun heard that, he thought that Lisa's ease toward life had far surpassed anything he could have imagined.
Still, despite her words, Shao Yun shook his head and replied firmly, "I don't think your payment included resting at my place."
Truth be told, after spending the entire day shopping with Lisa, Shao Yun was mentally exhausted. He didn't want to look at her for another second—he just wanted to send her off and collapse into bed.
But Lisa seemed confused and frowned in disbelief. "You're being stingy, aren't you? That's just an excuse."
"I'm on good terms with our little cutie and Paimon, you know. Can't I at least drop by and catch up with them?"
Then, as if realizing something, Lisa slowly lifted her slender, fair hand to caress her neck lightly, her expression turning enchantingly seductive.
"Or… could it be that you're afraid the Honorary Knight might misunderstand us, thinking there's some unspeakable secret between the two of us?"
Shao Yun squinted, thinking for a moment before muttering, "Hmm… I wasn't thinking that… but damn it, now that you said it, it does feel like that's exactly what I was thinking."
He had only wanted to go home and rest, but… damn.
Seeing his awkward expression, Lisa laughed softly, her tone teasing. "Haha, what a funny joke!"
"Considering little Noelle's current situation, I don't think the Honorary Knight would believe there's anything strange between us anyway."
Then, she added casually, "Besides, to tell you the truth, you're really not my type. I just want to chat with Lumine and Paimon—what are you worrying about?"
"Or… have you actually fallen for me? That reminds me, back then—"
Before she could finish, Shao Yun waved his hand helplessly.
"Don't try your reverse psychology. Knowing you, you've probably blown kisses at Lumine and Paimon too. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you did the same to Mika when he came back."
Once again, Lisa's little provocation had been completely seen through.
"Well, since I couldn't fool you… what a pity."
Shao Yun rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright, enough talking. Come on, let's go already—you're so much trouble."
And so, Shao Yun led Lisa toward his home.
They walked one behind the other through the quiet streets.
After a while, Shao Yun suddenly remembered Lisa had mentioned Noelle earlier. The image of that diligent, kind-hearted girl immediately came to mind.
He spoke casually, as if offhandedly, "By the way, how's Noelle doing lately?"
Lisa smiled knowingly, clearly expecting the question. "I knew you'd ask about that girl. Fine, I'll tell you one important thing."
"Guess who her mentor is now?"
Shao Yun tilted his head and answered without much thought, "Don't tell me it's that pirate captain who lies through his teeth—Kaeya?"
Lisa shook her head slowly and revealed the answer. "It's Acting Grand Master Jean."
Shao Yun blinked, impressed. "Wow. So, they're really grooming Noelle to be the next Grand Master after all."
Lisa's tone carried a hint of meaning. "You once said Noelle would become the next Grand Master. Jean trusts your insight—she believes your judgment can't be wrong, so…"
She gave him a look that said you know what I mean.
Shao Yun sighed inwardly. To Lisa, it must have seemed as if he had pulled strings to get Noelle that opportunity. But in truth, he had merely accelerated what was destined to happen—Noelle was bound to become a true Knight eventually.
He scratched his chin and said with a soft smile, "Ah, I see. As long as she's doing well, that's all that matters."
…
Soon, Shao Yun brought Lisa to his place and let her rest for a bit.
Night had quietly fallen, and as the moon rose, footsteps sounded outside. Then came a soft creak as the door slowly opened.
Lumine and Paimon stepped inside, both looking utterly exhausted—as if every ounce of strength had been drained from their bodies.
Seeing them, Shao Yun immediately stood from his chair. "Rough day, huh? I made some grilled ribs—want some?"
But Lumine was far too tired to even think.
She stumbled over to the bed and collapsed face-first onto it, mumbling weakly, "Paimon and I already ate some pocket pies we made ourselves…"
"Sumeru is way too big. After walking all day, my legs feel like they don't even belong to me anymore."
Shao Yun thought wryly, Riding a horse still wore her out this much? The terrain in Sumeru really is hopeless.
At that moment, Paimon happened to notice Lisa sitting gracefully in the room. Her eyes widened in shock. "A-Ah! Lisa!"
The little floating emergency food's shriek jolted Lumine awake.
The moment she heard Lisa's name, her dull, lifeless eyes lit up instantly, and she shot upright from the bed. "Lisa!"
Lisa, sitting elegantly on the chair, raised an eyebrow at their dramatic reaction.
Her beautiful eyes gleamed with mild confusion as she rested her chin on one hand, lips curling into a playful smile. "My, my, little cutie, little Paimon—what's all the fuss? Did something dirty stick to my face or something?"
Paimon stammered, "M-Miss Lisa! Why are you here—in Sumeru of all places?!"
Lisa shrugged easily, speaking in a light, teasing tone. "What, did you think I was like one of those spirits in Sumeru's fairy tales, trapped in a lamp or bottle? Isn't it perfectly normal for me to appear somewhere else?"
After some explanation, Paimon finally understood what she meant.
She scratched her head awkwardly. "Oh… I guess that makes sense. Still, it's pretty shocking! But Lisa, why are you wearing Akademiya-style clothes? Don't tell me you got rehired by them?"
Hearing that, Lisa sighed—Shao Yun had thought the same thing earlier.
"Little Paimon, you've clearly been spending too much time with Shao Yun—you're starting to think like him! Can't I just be here for sightseeing, reminiscing about my lovely student days?"
Paimon blushed. "O-Oh, right! Still, it's not a stretch to think that, though. After all, Lisa's the most brilliant Akademiya graduate in two hundred years—getting rehired sounds totally possible!"
Lisa beamed at the compliment, laughing softly. "My, my, little Paimon, your words are as sweet as ever."
…
And so, while Lisa chatted happily with Lumine and Paimon, Shao Yun quietly slipped into the bathroom for a shower.
When he returned, the three girls had just finished their conversation.
Lisa glanced at the darkened sky outside. The night had fully settled in.
She rose gracefully and said, "Well, it's quite late now. I haven't even found a place to stay yet, so I can't linger. Let's meet again during the Festival of the Flower God, alright?"
With that, she headed toward the door.
Fresh from his shower, Shao Yun didn't try to stop her—he simply waved lazily. "Take care, then. I won't see you out."
Once Lisa left, the room fell noticeably quieter.
Lumine yawned widely, then said sleepily, "Ahh… Shao Yun, I thought for sure you'd offer to let Lisa stay the night here."
Shao Yun sat down beside her and replied patiently, "Come on now—first of all, I'm not that hospitable, not like Amber."
"Second, it's not like Lisa would be out on the streets if she didn't stay here. And third—you weren't thinking of having her stay in the attic, were you? She's here on vacation; let's not make her rough it."
Lumine blinked, realizing he had a point. "When you put it that way… fair enough."
Not wanting to continue the topic, Shao Yun took out the reward Lisa had given him—the Charm Potion—and handed it to her.
"Let's stop talking about Lisa. Here, this is for you."
Lumine instinctively looked down at the small, beautifully crafted vial in her hands.
"What's this? It's not like that bitter poison you gave me last time, is it? The one that made my tongue go numb instantly?"
Remembering that experience, she frowned.
Shao Yun thought, How could something this cute and pink possibly taste bitter?
"It's nothing like that! This is a Charm Potion, handmade by Lisa herself. I spent the whole day as her bag-carrying assistant, and this was my payment."
"She said it boosts one's natural allure—but whether it really works, I have no idea." He grinned mischievously.
Lumine examined the vial carefully. The pink liquid shimmered invitingly inside—it certainly looked harmless.
Since it was made by Lisa, it should be safe… right?
Still, Lumine pursed her lips. "Hmm… I just hope it really only boosts charm and doesn't have any weird side effects…"
She was about to tuck the potion away when Shao Yun spoke again.
"How about trying it? I'd really like to see what happens when you drink it—I mean, I'm honestly curious!"
Lumine's expression darkened instantly. She crossed her arms and glared at him. "Shao Yun, something's off with you… I don't have the energy to fool around tonight, and I'm not playing your little games! Don't even think about it!"
Her sharp tone made Shao Yun flinch. He quickly waved his hands in panic.
"No, no, you've got it wrong! I'm really just curious to see if it actually works, that's all! I swear, nothing weird!"
But Lumine clearly didn't buy it. After all, why else would he be so insistent?
The more he tried to explain, the guiltier he looked.
Realizing the situation was beyond saving, Shao Yun sighed in defeat.
"I shouldn't have brought it up… Anyway, I left hot water for you and Paimon. Go take your baths."
And just like that, the whole Charm Potion incident came to an awkward and abrupt end.