Lumine really did go to prepare hot water.
Just… for herself.
Kaito opened the second-floor window. Paimon flew up from Sara's place below, crumbs still clinging to the corner of her mouth.
"Fisherman's Toast is so good!" Paimon sighed, savoring the aftertaste.
Back in Mondstadt for five minutes, and she'd already gone to buy snacks.
Kaito decided he should probably tell Lumine not to let Paimon manage their Mora—
Or this little creature would eat them into poverty sooner or later.
"You didn't wipe your mouth clean," Kaito said.
For a split second, Paimon looked guilty.
But she was quick—too quick.
She immediately planted her hands on her hips and declared with perfect righteousness, "I ordered Fisherman's Toast for you two as well! Lunch!"
"Oh… is that so." Kaito propped his chin in his hand. "I was going to cook something nice for lunch. But since little Paimon already ordered, I guess I won't bother."
"AH!!"
Paimon took that like a lightning strike.
With Mora, she could eat Fisherman's Toast any day.
But food Kaito cooked himself—
You couldn't buy that, no matter how much Mora you had!
"Kaito!" Paimon cried out, suddenly dramatic.
"I'm actually not full at all! I'm about to starve to death—really!"
She patted her belly, then collapsed onto the table like she had no strength left.
"…"
Honestly, it was convincing.
For one bite of something good, Paimon would truly risk everything.
Kaito laughed and went downstairs to check the ingredients.
Sara didn't know they were coming back today, so she hadn't hung any ingredients upstairs.
"Kaito."
Jean's voice sounded behind him.
"Hm. You actually have time to come by today?" Kaito didn't even turn around, still picking through what he could use.
"I'm mainly here to bring you the Favonius Warbow," Jean said.
But Kaito asked instead, "Did you eat?"
"I did."
"What did you eat?"
"…Biscuits."
"What do you want to eat?"
"No need. Once I deliver the Favonius Warbow, I'm leaving. I still have unfinished work."
"A Knight could've delivered it for you," Kaito said. "Why come personally?"
"Because it's a Favonius weapon," Jean replied, steady. "It represents honor and recognition. It should be handed over by me, as Acting Grand Master."
Only then did Kaito turn.
He looked at the tall beauty in front of him—white uniform trimmed with gold, long hair tied into a ponytail.
Her delicate face showed fatigue. The corners of her eyes were tinged with an unusual redness.
"You rubbed them too much," Kaito said at once. "That's why they're red."
Then, in a tone that allowed no argument, he said, "Upstairs."
"I—"
Kaito smiled. "If you insist on delivering it personally, then if I don't accept it, that means your work isn't finished, right?"
Jean opened her mouth—
Then noticed the number of Mondstadt citizens already gathering nearby, drawn by her presence.
Her brows knit.
In the end, she had no choice but to carry the long wooden box into the restaurant.
Kaito took his time selecting what he needed, then returned.
Fresh golden bass—still lively.
Glaze lilies chilled in the cellar with Mist Flower.
And luminous marrow scraped from frozen fireflies.
The rest of the seasonings were already ready.
He stood at the stove and began preparing the ingredients without hesitation.
"Kaito…" Jean started.
"Quiet," Kaito said without looking at her.
Jean bristled, annoyed. She set the long wooden box on the table and stood as if to leave.
But when she looked at Kaito's side profile—so focused, so calm—
She ultimately sat back down.
Even Paimon, who'd been pretending to starve to death, got startled. She quietly floated up toward the loft.
She found Lumine in the bathroom.
"Lumine, Acting Grand Master Jean is here," Paimon whispered.
Lumine had her head half-submerged. She bubbled under the water for a moment, then surfaced and asked, "Did Paimon's stuff get eaten?"
"That… is a real concern," Paimon said solemnly, as if deeply impressed Lumine had even thought of that.
Then she shook her head hard. "No! That's not why I came!"
"Then it's…" Lumine started listing possibilities. "Paimon ate something without paying, and the trouble reached Acting Grand Master Jean? She came to deal with you?"
"Hmph! No! I don't eat without paying!" Paimon stomped in midair, indignant.
She spun around dramatically. "Kaito was mean to Acting Grand Master Jean just now."
Lumine's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise on her face.
Kaito being mean… she kind of wanted to see that.
"And then?" Lumine asked.
"Do you think the Knights will come attack us?" Paimon began to worry.
Kaito had been mean to their boss!
Lumine thought seriously for a moment, then said, "It'll be fine."
She remembered the strange atmosphere she'd sensed that day in the Knights' office.
Then, without warning, she grabbed Paimon and pulled her into the small bath with her.
"Ah!"
They soaked for a while. The fatigue of days in the wild finally loosened.
But then—
"Oh no!" Paimon suddenly remembered something and shot up, shaking water off herself like a cat.
"What is it?" Lumine asked.
"Kaito is cooking something amazing!" Paimon said urgently. "We can't let Acting Grand Master Jean eat it all by herself!"
Paimon was thinking about the golden bass.
"Then let's go look," Lumine said, rising as well.
She dried herself, changed into a white dress, and peered down from the loft.
It was early afternoon. The second floor was quiet—only the rolling sound of simmering broth, and a rich, fragrant aroma spreading through the air.
Kaito stood by the stove.
And the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius—Jean—
Was asleep with her head on the table, out cold.
"…What is happening?" Paimon stared, completely stunned.
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