"Boss, I'll head back down first—just in case a customer comes to place an order."
Sara spoke as she wiped her hands.
Though she would have liked to stay with her boss and Barbara a little longer, the spicy aroma in the air was already pushing her limits.
Chopping Jueyun Chilis this finely was simply brutal. When she made Spicy Grilled Bass, she usually used prepared chili powder instead—it was far milder that way.
Even then, not many people in Mondstadt could handle that dish.
Only the occasional merchant or traveler from other regions ever ordered it.
"Mm."
Jiang Yan nodded.
He took down the fresh meat Sara had hung up that morning and minced it finely.
The meat came from Springvale outside Mondstadt. Every household there were hunters, supplying the city daily with fresh game.
He then picked up a Valberry from the crate, squeezing out a bit of its juice before adding it to the pan along with the minced Jueyun Chilis and the tender white tofu.
"One Small Lamp Grass costs a thousand Mora at Flora's shop."
Jiang Yan took out a stalk of Small Lamp Grass, its pistil glowing faintly blue as he spoke.
When used as an ingredient, Small Lamp Grass enhanced umami.
Cooking Mapo Tofu for Barbara was a huge loss for him.
Mondstadt specialties like Small Lamp Grass were already expensive—Liyue ingredients like Jueyun Chilis were even worse.
Why cook at such a loss?
Don't ask.
Ask, and the answer was simple—Barbara was extremely cute.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. You're stingy too, Brother Jiang Yan."
Barbara rolled her eyes at him, though her attention was fully captured by the red broth and white tofu simmering in the pan. Just inhaling the rising aroma made warmth spread through her entire body.
"All done."
Not long after, Jiang Yan brought the steaming Mapo Tofu to the table.
In the crimson sauce and snow-white tofu, finely chopped pieces of Small Lamp Grass—about an inch long—stood upright throughout the dish, vivid green and deep blue, glistening with oil. They looked as if they'd just been picked from a forest and freshly cut, brimming with life.
"Wow~"
Barbara's eyes sparkled. Colorful magical stars practically twinkled around her as she eagerly grabbed a bowl and chopsticks and sat down.
"Barbara is starting!"
She clasped her hands together in prayer, then scooped up a spoonful of Mapo Tofu and took a bite.
"Mmm—!"
The silky tofu, the minced meat that melted on contact, the heat, the spice, the numbing kick, and the savory richness all exploded across her taste buds at once.
Barbara covered her cheeks and squeezed her legs together, barely managing to suppress an unladylike cry.
Sweat quickly beaded across her body.
A faint sheen glimmered on her delicate shoulders, and even her warm white stockings were damp, faintly revealing the shape of her calves beneath.
Jiang Yan leaned against the window, smiling as he watched her eat.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar tall figure outside, waving at him.
He turned and nodded in response.
The figure entered the Good Hunter.
"Jean's here," Jiang Yan said.
Barbara, who had been completely immersed in her Mapo Tofu, stiffened instantly. Her clear blue eyes snapped toward him, filled with alarm.
"Look—she's already coming up."
Jiang Yan gestured toward the stairs.
The Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius had already reached the second floor.
Tall and elegant, dressed in a white knight's uniform, she had pale lavender eyes and a fair, refined face that was pleasing to behold. Her golden hair—naturally curled at the ends—was tied into a ponytail, with two loose strands framing her face.
Gold-trimmed patterns adorned her white armor, while black leather swallowtail cloaks extended from her back and waist, falling to her calves. A dark outer cape with a teal lining and a high gothic collar rested over her shoulders, and a golden belt—symbol of her office—hung at her waist.
The word beauty fit her perfectly.
"Jean, what a rare visit!"
Jiang Yan greeted her with a grin.
"You're exaggerating."
Jean smiled back, then noticed someone else in the restaurant and softened her tone further.
"Barbara's here too."
Barbara's face turned bright red. Like a mouse caught sneaking food, she bolted upright.
"I—I'm full!"
"Acting Grand Master Jean! Brother Jiang Yan! I—I'm heading back to the church!"
She ran a few steps before realizing she'd forgotten her shoes, rushed back to slip on her black dress shoes, then hurried downstairs.
Being caught by Jean sneaking out of the church at noon—not to work, but to eat at the Good Hunter—was something that would probably weigh on her conscience for quite a while.
"Was that really necessary? Am I that scary?"
Jean sighed helplessly.
If she'd known, she wouldn't have come upstairs.
"In Mondstadt, anyone who gets caught resting—or slacking—by you would probably cover their face and flee in shame."
Jiang Yan said calmly.
Jean looked a little dejected.
"It feels like I've become someone no one wants to see."
"That's not true. I'm always happy to see you."
Jiang Yan crossed his arms and appraised her openly.
"Beauties like Jean aren't exactly common."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Jean responded with a polite curtsy.
Then she added softly,
"Barbara works very hard—sometimes too hard. I could tell she was happy here with you. I really shouldn't have come up and disturbed her."
Jiang Yan paused, then stepped forward and reached out, lightly touching her cheek.
"Jiang Yan?"
Jean took a step back, her cheeks tinged red.
"I was just wondering if your face felt warm when you said that," Jiang Yan replied dryly.
"After all, isn't the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius the least qualified person in Mondstadt to say that?"
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
patreon.com/MythArcStudio