Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions - Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions chapter 30

3. Return to Mondstadt (11)

Lumine couldn’t say anything for a while. She seemed to not understand what was happening right now. With wide-open eyes, she froze in place.

The change in Lumine was detected some time after I embraced her.

Lumine’s face gradually began to flush. Heat spread on Lumine’s smooth milky skin. The thumping sound of her heart echoed so loudly that it reached my ears.

Lumine bowed her head deeply, gripping her chest with both hands. Robotically broken sounds like ‘uh, ah, ah’ repeatedly flowed from her mouth.

Am I angry? At this point, I couldn’t help but worry. Seeing Luminé, who was always relaxed, unable to control her emotions, I couldn’t help but think of the possibility of “anger”.

I didn’t know if it was because I was reminded of Luminé’s appearance last time and confused between jokes and serious talk. What should I do? After thinking for a while, I finally opened my mouth again.

“……Luminé?”

“Sniff!”

When I called her name with a concerned voice, Luminé hiccuped and shivered.

Her gaze rose again. Luminé’s face, which finally met mine again, was as red as it could be. Her eyes were wandering and couldn’t focus.

It seemed that it wasn’t an angry face. It was closer to a flustered face. It seemed that she was taken aback by the sudden skinship.

I let out a sigh of relief. If it was just a level of confusion, she would calm down over time.

“Luminé, from now on, let’s try to coordinate our schedules as much as possible. But this time, there were circumstances that couldn’t be helped. Trust me.”

After my following words, Luminé seemed to regain her senses and leaned back a little. She nodded urgently and said,

“……Uh, yeah? I, I trust you! If it’s Siu’s words, I’ll definitely believe them. Yeah, then. Because it’s Siu’s words.”

Although her tone was a bit scattered, anyway, it seemed like Luminé forgave me. It was surprisingly easy to get over, to the point where it was a bit doubtful.

While Luminé was fussing around, she extended both hands and said, “Uh, Siu? Um, so… I’m so tired today, so I’ll go up now! So, Siu, rest well too?”

With that, Luminé ran up the stairs and disappeared. She blushed until the end. Even from the back as she scurried away, her ears, which had turned bright red, could be faintly seen.

I could only watch Luminé climbing the stairs with a bewildered face. Was the skinship too sudden? Seeing Luminé being so embarrassed, I also felt a sense of embarrassment and scratched my cheek. My cheeks were also slightly flushed.

At that moment, Faimon, who had been watching me and Luminé’s interaction, flew over. Faimon circled around me and then made a sinister expression.

“Siu, you’re quite something after a long time, huh?”

“No, well… I didn’t have any intention to do anything.”

I said in a perplexed voice, but Faimon didn’t listen to me. He just covered his mouth and let out a sinister laughter a few times, then flew up again to find his partner, Luminé.

Anyway, Lumine’s anger seemed to have subsided. That’s what I decided to think. And then, a fatigue that I had forgotten so far began to wash over me.

I hadn’t noticed it when I was nervously following Lumine, but for the past few days, I had been drinking and socializing to build some connections. It was only now, upon reaching the lodging, that I thought I should quickly go up and rest.

As I turned to go up, though,

“…Um, Pisel?”

A girl with golden hair and emerald eyes looked up at me. Her gaze was complex, showing a hint of dissatisfaction, a desire, and a hint of anger.

I called the girl’s name, but she just stared at me without saying a word. Was it some kind of sulking appeal? It could be.

Come to think of it, Pisel, whom I saw when entering the lodging, seemed a bit upset. But having a conversation with Lumine and then going straight up, it was only natural for Pisel to be hurt.

Pisel was already a jealous person. Despite feeling fatigue at having one more person to appease, I also felt grateful to Pisel, who valued me so much.

In the end, I couldn’t help but sigh. I couldn’t leave Pisel like this and go up to rest. I asked Pisel, who was still silently staring at me,

“Pisel, do you want something?”

At that, Pisel hesitated for a moment, lowering her eyes as if in contemplation. However, soon, in her usual haughty voice and expression, Pisel said,

“My lord. Although it has been quite some time since our fate was bound, the token has not been bestowed. I request the honor from the princess herself.”

Saying that, Pisel casually opened her arms. At that moment, I roughly grasped Pisel’s intention.

But suddenly, I felt a nostalgic sensation surging within me. The impulse to tease the innocent girl that I felt from the moment I first met Pisel.

In the end, I couldn’t resist that impulse. I pretended not to understand and asked,

“Well, sorry, but I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”

Upon my words, Pisel’s body twitched, and she seemed to tremble. Pisel widened her eyes in surprise.

I found that sight cute enough to burst into laughter, but I forced myself to hold it in. With a voice saturated with fatigue, I said to Pisel,

“Pisel, unless it’s something urgent, can we stop here? I’m a bit tired.”

At that, Pisel visibly hesitated and began to fidget. She seemed to be pondering something. I thought about stopping here, but decided to wait a little longer.

Piseul finally closed her eyes as if making a determined decision. Then, in a voice as soft as a mosquito, she spoke.

“……Hug me.”

“What did you say?”

I had already guessed the content, but I asked again for confirmation. Upon doing so, Piseul’s voice, slightly louder but mixed with trembling, flowed out.

“S-so… um….”

A blush adorned Piseul’s face. Speaking after suppressing embarrassment required a considerable amount of courage. Piseul extended her arms a bit more.

“……Hug me too.”

I finally burst into laughter at Piseul’s sincere confession. With closed eyes and a flushed face, Piseul, with her arms wide open, looked like an adorable girl.

I bent my body slightly, considering the height difference with Piseul. Then, I cautiously embraced Piseul. There was a sweet and gentle fragrance coming from Piseul.

Piseul, who had been blushing, surprisingly nestled in my arms quietly.

“Sorry, Piseul. I’ve been busy, so I couldn’t see you often.”

“…Hmph, thanks to the princess’s grace.”

Saying that, Piseul pressed her body against mine with the arms she had unfolded. Piseul’s face was still red, but she seemed to have regained her usual arrogance.

“There’s no one else the princess favors as much as you.”

It meant that because I was precious to her, she would let it slide this time. I felt warmth in my heart at the thought of Piseul thinking about me.

So, while patting Piseul’s head that was now in my arms, I said.

“…Yeah, thank you.”

It was only then that I realized a bit. The Tibet continent, which had fallen into chaos for no apparent reason, always had the thought of ‘I need to go back home’ in my mind.

But one day, it seemed like I had gained another home.

It was both joyful and melancholic. As a new home was created for me where Lumine, Phaemon, and Piseul resided, the home I had to return to seemed to be far away.

And again, returning after a few weeks if I set out on an upstream journey now.

“I should settle down quickly,” I resolved once more. Even if it’s just to stay in this new ‘home.’

**

The next morning, I returned to my routine. The routine involved waking up a little earlier than Lumina and Pheasle to prepare breakfast.

Since it’s morning, I tend to prepare comfort food. Originally, I used to make ‘Sweet Chicken Stew,’ the first dish I made for Lumina and Pheasle, quite often. However, Pheasle disliked this dish, so lately, I’ve been choosing different menus.

Today’s menu was ‘Cream Stew.’ It was a simple dish where meat and vegetables, seasoned with cream, milk, and butter, were simmered after being prepared. Of course, the skill of the chef was important for such a simple dish, but with my ‘cooking’ ability, it was not a problem.

Also, eating ‘Cream Stew’ had the effect of making me less tired when running. It was quite suitable as a breakfast menu in various ways for Lumina, who went on adventures every day.

I placed salt and pepper-seasoned meat on a deep pan with strongly flavored vegetable oil. The neatly trimmed meat soon emitted a savory aroma, inducing a Maillard reaction. Then, I sautéed spices and vegetables to add flavor, lowered the heat, and added cream, butter, and milk.

And all that was left was to stir well and wait. I seasoned it with salt and pepper in between and turned off the heat when it reached the right consistency.

[Perfect]

[Delicious Cream Stew] x6

The distinctive savory aroma of cream began to awaken my empty stomach overnight. Just then, I heard someone coming down to the dining room from the kitchen.

It was Lumina. As if she had had trouble sleeping overnight, she stretched with a tired look. A yawn sound was audible.

It was just the scene of welcoming the morning, but combined with Lumina’s celestial beauty, it became like a painting. I could see such scenes regularly when living with Lumina. Just that made me feel quite fortunate.

I slightly nodded in the kitchen and greeted Lumina.

“Did you sleep well, Lumina?”

Upon hearing that, Lumina, still looking half-asleep, looked at me with drowsy eyes, then gradually smiled as if waking up.

“No, I didn’t sleep well.”

While saying that, she walked to the center of the dining room, as if taking her designated seat. It was the place where Lumina, Pheasle, and I usually had our meals.

“Thanks to someone, I couldn’t sleep from excitement.”

Saying so with a twinkle in her eyes, Lumine looked unusually cheerful today. If you observed her quietly, it seemed like she might burst into a humming tune. The reason was unclear, but knowing that Lumine was in a good mood made me happy too.

“What about Paimon?”

“Oh, a delicious smell!”

As I nervously asked about the whereabouts of the suspicious guide, a fairy the size of a child appeared in the restaurant, accompanied by chattering sounds.

With her distinctive silvery hair, she was named ‘Paimon,’ Lumine’s partner and our group’s mascot and guide.

“Xiao, what’s on the menu today? This smell… it’s ‘Cream Stew’!”

Paimon’s eyes, always hungry for food, sparkled. Come to think of it, I had been away for a few days, so Paimon must have missed me.

Mostly feeling like a ‘food shuttle.’ However, since Paimon was cute in appearance, I didn’t mind her liking it so much.

I grinned and said, “Anyway, one thing to eat is perfectly matched. Just wait a bit, I’ll bring it right away.”

Paimon, tasting my cooking after a long time, was excited and took a seat next to Lumine. I generously poured Cream Stew into the bowl and brought it over.

Since Paimon usually woke up late in the day, I had left the Cream Stew, planning to reheat it when she appeared.

As the steaming Cream Stew was placed in front of each of us, a small exclamation burst from Paimon’s mouth, full of anticipation.

“Wow….”

The Cream Stew was rich with meat and vegetables. The simmered soup emitted the distinctive savory aroma of cream, and the well-cooked meat and vegetables in the cream stimulated people’s appetites with their glossy appearance.

I divided the spoon and fork and took a seat. I was starting to get a bit hungry too.

“Bon appétit.”

As I said this, Paimon immediately moved her spoon. I smiled at her action and raised my spoon.

Then, with one bite, the savory flavor of the cream spread in my mouth. The juicy essence from the well-cooked meat and vegetables added a deep and flavorful taste. The butter’s smooth yet substantial weight flowed over the tongue and passed through.

Next was the meat and vegetables. The meat was finely chopped to maintain its moist texture. It was tender inside and out, and the seasoning was spread evenly, leaving no room for boredom. The vegetables were the same. Despite blending with the cream, each maintained its unique taste.

Today’s breakfast was splendid once again. Fae Mon let out a satisfied sigh, radiating happiness.

“It’s delicious, as expected, Xiu’s cooking is the best! By the way… can I have another bowl?”

“Sure, go ahead. Eat as much as you want.”

Anticipating this, Xiu had prepared a more generous portion. Pouring another serving of stew for Fae Mon, she eagerly began eating.

There was a subtle sense of satisfaction on Lumine’s face. It was reward enough for waking up a bit earlier in the morning.

The mealtime was not long. Everyone was busy with their spoons. Lumine let out a contented breath.

“Thanks, Xiu. It was delicious again today.”

I shrugged in response to Lumine’s gratitude. It was a routine, and well, that’s what it meant. However, Lumine didn’t stop there. As always, she added a playful remark in her teasing voice.

“Should I hire you as my personal chef, Xiu?”

“…No, I make a lot of money now.”

Lumine responded with a teasing smile, as if dismissing my protest as a joke. It felt like we had gone back in time.

Back then, the only difference was that we slept outdoors every day. The journeys with Lumine and Fae Mon were mostly like this.

Well, that’s also a thing of the past now. It couldn’t be helped. We all had our own circumstances.

“By the way, I think we should leave for Liyue in a few days.”

I brought up the schedule while the group was gathered. The atmosphere at the dining table, which was warm just a moment ago, slightly cooled down. Still, it couldn’t be helped.

Lumine had a worried expression, as usual. Fae Mon glanced between me and Lumine, sensing the mood.

“…Perhaps, I should go too this time?”

I shook my head firmly in response to Lumine’s concerned words. It was a definite refusal.

“No, Lumine. You know, the people of Mondstadt are relying on someone right now. It would be great if you could focus on dealing with the Stormterror.”

Lumine let out a deep sigh upon hearing my words. She seemed frustrated. But it couldn’t be helped. If Lumine left immediately, the people of Mondstadt would be left uncertain about when Stormterror might invade the city again.

That was the worst outcome. Especially considering the current situation where the Wuindan is already eyeing Mond’s security.

“But if Xiu gets hurt again….”

I let out a bitter smile at Lumine’s worried voice. It’s not that I didn’t understand Lumine’s concerns. Lumine was always worried about something, anyway.

“…We should just kill them all.”

A lot of worries indeed, right?

I felt a slight cold sweat at Lumine’s chilly voice. There seemed to be a dangerous glint in Lumine’s eyes.

Instinctively sensing danger, I cleared my throat to lighten the mood. And quickly added a fact that would alleviate Lumine’s worries.

“H-Hey, don’t worry. Last time, I was too careless, and there was only one Pyro guard. The next ascent will be different.”

As I said that, I unfolded the plan I had in my mind.

“You remember the friend I made in Springvale, the one I talked about yesterday? That guy named ‘Xiangling’ is good at fighting. He has the ‘Eye of the Deity.’ He’s planning to join us from Springvale. And there’s also Pyro, and I’ve hired someone recently.”

However, Lumine still had an expression that didn’t seem pleased with my continued words. She tapped the table with her fingers and asked.

“…Who’s the person you recently hired?”

Oh, I realized my mistake when I heard that. I had hired someone to help Lumine, but I had forgotten to talk to Lumine about it. There wasn’t much time, but still.

I quickly brought up the topic of Mona to her.

“Oh, it’s a astrologer named ‘Mona.’ I don’t know much, but she seems to have some skills since she came alone from Liyue to Mond. And personally, there are things I need to ask her for help….”

“…A woman?”

I remained silent for a moment. I didn’t understand the intention behind Lumine’s question. I had talked about Xiangling yesterday, and she already knew about Fischl. Mona was also a woman, but I had never had any romantic relationship with any of them.

In the first place, it wasn’t like only Fischl and Diona were leaving this time; the party consisted of four people. The probability of anything happening was extremely low.

However, Lumine still had a frosty expression. I felt cold sweat again.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? I asked if she’s a woman.”

“No, well… it’s, it is like that.”

I glanced at Phaemon discreetly, signaling to be discreetly. It was a hint to somehow try. However, Phaemon only stared at me with a pitiful look.

I had a hunch. The time had come to scratch the untouched scab from last night.

My success in soothing Lumine was an event that occurred more than an hour later.