"Boss, I'll head back down. Just in case customers show up."
Sara wiped her hands and slipped out without lingering.
As much as she enjoyed spending time around Kaito—and Barbara—this level of spice was beyond her. The way Kaito had gone after those Jueyun Chilis was downright merciless.
When she made Spicy Grilled Fish, she always used the pre-mixed seasoning. Even then, most people in Mondstadt could barely handle it. Only the occasional merchant or traveler from other regions ever dared to order it.
"Alright," Kaito said with a nod.
He took down the fresh cut of Raw Meat Sara had hung earlier and minced it finely.
The game came from Springvale, the hunters' village just outside Mondstadt that supplied the city with fresh meat every day.
From a nearby basket, Kaito picked up a Valberry and squeezed out a few drops of juice—just enough to brighten the sauce—before folding it into the wok with the peppers, letting it cling to the snowy tofu.
Then he took out a sprig of Small Lamp Grass, its petals glowing faintly blue.
"One of these goes for a thousand Mora at Flora's," Kaito said casually.
Small Lamp Grass wasn't a common cooking ingredient. Used right, it sharpened aroma and brought out a clean, fresh depth.
Which meant this mapo tofu was an absolute money sink.
Mondstadt ingredients like Small Lamp Grass were pricey enough. Imported Liyue spices like Jueyun Chili? Even worse.
So why bother?
Don't ask.
The answer was simple.
Barbara was too cute.
"I know, I know," Barbara said, rolling her eyes. "Brother Kaito's stingy too."
But her attention was already locked on the bubbling red sauce and bright white tofu. Just the scent alone made warmth spread through her chest.
"Done."
A moment later, Kaito set the steaming dish on the table.
Crimson sauce and white tofu stood in perfect contrast. Slivers of Small Lamp Grass dotted the surface—emerald and soft azure, glossy with oil, so vivid they looked freshly picked.
"Waaah~!"
Barbara's eyes sparkled. She hurriedly grabbed a bowl and chopsticks like she'd been waiting for this her whole life.
"Barbara is eating now!"
She clasped her hands for a quick prayer, then scooped up a bite and brought it to her lips.
"Mmm—!"
Silky tofu. Tender minced meat. A kick of heat. That numbing tingle. Deep, savory richness—
Everything hit at once.
Barbara pressed her hands to her cheeks, knees drawing together on instinct as she swallowed down the urge to make a very un-deaconess-like sound.
Sweat beaded at her temples almost immediately.
A faint sheen caught the light along her shoulders. Even her white stockings clung slightly, the outline of her calves showing through as she shifted.
Kaito leaned against the window, amused, watching her dig in.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted someone familiar outside—a tall figure waving in his direction.
Kaito gave a small nod.
Moments later, the visitor stepped into Good Hunter.
"Jean's here," Kaito said calmly.
Barbara froze mid-bite.
Her bright blue eyes snapped up, panic flashing across her face.
"…And she's already coming up," Kaito added, tipping his chin toward the stairs.
A tall woman in a white knight's uniform appeared a moment later.
The Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
Pale violet eyes. Refined features. Golden hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, a few soft curls framing her face. Her uniform was trimmed in gold, a black swallowtail cloak falling to her calves, and a ceremonial belt gleaming at her waist.
If beauty had a standard—
Jean met it without trying.
"Jean. Rare to see you here," Kaito greeted, grinning.
"You're exaggerating," Jean said with a small smile—then her gaze landed on someone else in the room, and her expression softened. "Barbara's here too."
Barbara's face went bright red.
Like a mouse caught stealing food, she bolted.
"I-I'm done eating!"
"Acting Grand Master Jean! Brother Kaito! I—I'm going back to the church!"
She sprinted two steps, realized she'd left her shoes behind, doubled back to shove them on, and then vanished down the stairs in a blur.
Getting caught sneaking out at noon to eat at Good Hunter instead of helping at the Cathedral…
That guilt would haunt her for days.
Jean sighed, helpless. "…Do I look that scary?"
"Anyone in Mondstadt would feel guilty getting caught resting in front of you," Kaito said bluntly. "Even if they're doing nothing wrong."
Jean's shoulders dipped. "Sometimes it feels like people don't want to see me at all."
"That's not true," Kaito replied immediately. "I'm always glad to see you."
He crossed his arms and looked her over with deliberate seriousness.
"Besides—someone as beautiful as you is rare, even in Mondstadt."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Jean gave a proper, graceful bow.
Then she added more softly, "Barbara works very hard—sometimes too hard. She looked genuinely happy here. I shouldn't have come up and interrupted."
Kaito paused.
Then he stepped closer and lightly brushed his fingers against her cheek.
"Kaito?" Jean took a half-step back, warmth rising to her face.
"I was just checking," Kaito said with a quiet sigh, "whether your face gets hot when you say things like that."
He looked at her steadily.
"Honestly… of all people in Mondstadt, you're the least qualified to lecture anyone about overworking, Acting Grand Master."
Jean fell silent.
And for the first time—
her composure cracked. Just a little.
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