"A small courtyard? Prepared for me?"
At this moment, Kaito looked very surprised. He hadn't expected Zhongli to actually prepare a small courtyard especially for him.
Originally, he was already prepared to go rent a place after dinner, just like he did in Mondstadt.
But now, it seemed he no longer needed to do that.
"It is merely the hospitality of a host. You need not take it to heart, my young friend Kaito." After taking a sip of tea, Zhongli spoke faintly.
Since the other party would be helping him next, there were some things he had to help resolve for them. This is what's known as mutual courtesy.
Although he hadn't actively asked for this help, it didn't stop him from acting this way.
"So, Mr. Zhongli had already prepared it. I was originally planning to help Kaito find a place to stay."
Unexpectedly, Mr. Zhongli had already made the first move. Childe said this with a hint of resignation.
He originally thought that since Kaito had just arrived in Liyue, he would definitely need a good place to stay. If he could provide one, it would surely leave a good impression on Kaito.
In any case, he was determined to befriend Kaito.
But there was no helping it. Mr. Zhongli had already prepared a residence for Kaito in advance, so all he could do was mention his own intentions to try and leave a good impression.
Looks like I'm benefiting from Wendy's connection...
But Wendy is also me...
So I'm benefiting from my own connection...
After hearing what Childe said, Kaito silently retorted in his mind before speaking aloud:
"Then I'll thank you both in advance. But Mr. Zhongli, are you planning to take me to see it now?"
In truth, if only Childe had prepared a place for him, Kaito would have most likely declined.
After all, he still didn't trust the Fatui.
Although he had Wendy and Kiana and didn't need to worry about anything, he still felt it wasn't right.
"There's no need to be so hasty. It won't be too late for you to come find me here after Miss Wendy and the others have finished their meal. I will wait here for you all."
"No problem. Then I'll go find Wendy first. They must be getting anxious." Saying this, Kaito stood up, ready to go to Wendy's side.
"Enjoy your meal—"
Feeling like he had to say something, Childe said this to the departing Kaito.
He actually wanted to say something like "goodbye," but when he remembered Kaito would be returning to find Mr. Zhongli later, he changed his words.
In any case, since he was treating them to a meal, saying something like that was perfectly normal.
Then, under the watchful eyes of Childe and Zhongli, Kaito turned and left.
Speaking of which...
Why did the Anemo Archon suddenly become his girlfriend?
The Anemo Archon had been missing for so long...
Could it be...
That the Anemo Archon spent the time she was missing... dating?
Watching Kaito's retreating figure, Childe couldn't help but recall his earlier doubts.
Honestly, if the Anemo Archon herself hadn't appeared right in front of him, he truly wouldn't have believed that she was in a relationship, and with a mortal at that.
But...
Is Kaito really just a mortal?
This sudden thought sent Childe deep into contemplation.
Right...
There's also that other girl...
She clearly isn't simple either...
As his thoughts drifted, Childe then thought of that other girl with the golden pupils.
For some reason, the feeling that girl gave him seemed even more terrifying than the Anemo Archon.
Even though she hadn't appeared for long, he just had this feeling. He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination.
"It seems you are still thinking about young friend Kaito's affairs." Just then, Zhongli, who was beside him, suddenly said this while looking at Childe.
"Sigh... Was I being that obvious?" Snapping back to reality, Childe seemed to smile a bit awkwardly.
"Young friend Kaito is indeed not as simple as he appears on the surface, but everyone has their secrets. There is no need to find it too strange." Seemingly not noticing Childe's awkwardness, Zhongli continued to speak as if to himself.
Honestly, at first, he hadn't seen anything special about Kaito at all. He only found it strange that a terrifying girl like Wendy would be by his side.
But now it seems he simply hadn't shown him his true nature; it wasn't that he was truly an ordinary person.
"I see." Childe nodded.
He didn't even need Mr. Zhongli to say anything; the mere fact that he was the Anemo Archon's boyfriend was enough to make him feel Kaito was no simple character.
And just as Childe and Zhongli were discussing Kaito, Kaito had already returned to the private room where Wendy, Kiana, and Lumine were seated.
"I—"
As soon as he entered the private room, Kaito, who was about to say something, seemed to be stunned by the several tables packed full of dishes inside.
Although he definitely knew this scene would occur, he still had to feign the appropriate surprise.
In any case, he often had to act out conversations with himself, so pretending to be surprised was a piece of cake for Kaito now.
"You're finally back. I thought you weren't coming back." Putting down her chopsticks, Wendy seemed to look at the entering Kaito with some dissatisfaction as she spoke.
"Of course I had to come back. You're all still waiting." Smiling, Kaito sat down next to Wendy.
"Um... Kaito..." Just then, Lumine seemed to call out to Kaito, a bit embarrassed.
"What is it, Lumine?"
"It's just these dishes... um... because Paimon felt that since someone was treating us... she ordered... everything on the menu..." Lumine was still a bit embarrassed as she said this.
After all, such behavior was just too much. She didn't know what Kaito would think.
Although Wendy and Kiana didn't seem to think anything of it, she still didn't know Kaito's thoughts on the matter.
"Then let her order. That Childe fellow won't mind."
Kaito clearly had an indifferent look. It's all Childe's money anyway. It'd be a waste not to spend it.
"I told you... this... Ouch... you hit me again..."
Seeing that Kaito didn't support her behavior either, Paimon was about to say something to Lumine, but before she could finish, she was struck by Lumine.
"Don't talk while you're eating. Be careful not to choke." Seeing Paimon like this, Lumine's anger flared up.
"Then aren't you afraid I'll choke when you hit me while I'm eating?" At this, Paimon immediately put on a pitiful, aggrieved expression.
Right...
I wonder if Lumine will stay in that small courtyard Zhongli arranged...
This sudden thought sent Kaito into contemplation.
______
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