After Albedo removed the arms and legs from the pastries, no one dared to take a bite. Not even the gluttonous Paimon wanted to try them, despite Albedo's repeated assurances that they were perfectly edible.
"Perhaps this pastry has a mind of its own. I should respect its wishes."
That was Eula's response to Albedo's invitation. As ridiculous as it sounded, it made a certain kind of sense. Being from Mondstadt, Eula's reasoning always had something to do with freedom.
In the end, all the pastries ended up in Albedo's stomach. The creamy aroma wafting from them made Paimon drool as he ate. If not for the fear that the pastry might regrow limbs inside her stomach, she would have asked for a big bite.
When Albedo ate them, Su Bai had even urged him not to force it. If it was truly inedible, throwing it away would be fine—that pastry was just too bizarre.
Over the next few days, Eula and the others who went out to clear monsters had quite an "experience." Bombs that exploded at the slightest touch, trees that shot arrows—those were the least of it.
They even encountered a Whopperflower that disguised itself as a Hilichurl. It had completely baffled them. They had never seen such a creature before.
After much effort, they managed to capture one and brought it back for Albedo to study. But Albedo, focused on the communication devices, barely gave it a second glance. In his eyes, it was just a shoddy imitation.
Aside from patrols, Lumine and the others also helped Albedo renovate his camp. What had once been a doorless shack was now a cozy snowy mountain suite.
"Lumine! You jerk! Why did you draw me like this?! And why am I in a pot?!"
Paimon pointed angrily at the canvas, accusing Lumine. Lumine, however, was confused by the outburst. In her eyes, the painting was excellent. Abstract, perhaps, but it perfectly captured the essence of Paimon.
"Hmm, your director isn't much of an art critic, but Lumine, this painting is a bit... scorching? Eula, what do you think?"
"It's Paimon who's scorching, isn't it? One day, Lumine might actually cook her. Still, Lumine, this painting is quite interesting."
Having received a noble education, Eula could tell Lumine wasn't using a Mondstadt art style. Not knowing much about other nations' techniques, she didn't want to judge too harshly. Still, the style might appeal to children.
Albedo, who had just finished making breakfast, saw the group gathered and wandered over. Spotting the little Paimon-in-a-pot painting, he smiled slightly. It was actually quite cute.
"Albedo! You're laughing at me too! You're all so mean!"
Paimon stomped her foot in the air. The others teasing her was bad enough, but now even Albedo, the serious alchemist, was laughing. The image she had of him as a stoic figure was crumbling.
"My apologies. It's just that I've never seen such an adorable portrait before. I couldn't help but laugh. I'm sorry."
"If you don't mind, Paimon, I could touch it up a bit. I have some confidence in my painting skills."
"Really? You would? Please do! Lumine's drawing is just terrible!"
Realizing he had laughed out loud, Albedo picked up a brush to help little Paimon improve the painting. She happily agreed, already planning to hang it in her room at the Serenitea Pot.
"Oh, Albedo, you're up early. I thought I'd beat you for once."
Su Bai emerged from his room, surprised to see Albedo already awake. He had gotten up for water in the middle of the night and seen Albedo still working at the alchemy bench. To think he was up this early too.
"As an alchemist, staying up late and waking early is practically a requirement."
"Hmm... early to bed, early to rise. Your director recommends it."
Hearing Hu Tao's advice, Albedo unconsciously touched his hairline. It seemed to be receding further. Maybe he should start taking afternoon naps.
He wondered what his teacher had been thinking. Was making him more human really worth sacrificing his hair? With a sigh, Albedo focused on his painting. Perhaps he'd research hair growth potions when he had the time.
"By the way, Lumine, how do you have time to paint? Shouldn't you be out clearing monsters?"
Su Bai took a bite of Teyvat Fried Egg. The crispy, caramelized edge paired perfectly with the bread. It was delicious. Even Shenhe, who rarely ate regular food, had a few extra bites.
"Albedo, your cooking is as good as ever. This egg is amazing."
Su Bai sighed in appreciation. Albedo's precise control over heat rivaled even Xiangling's skills. Bennett nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, yeah! This egg is so good. Every time I try to make one, it's either undercooked or burnt. Edible, sure, but the taste is always off."
"Glad you like it. There's milk in the corner box. I was going to turn it into candy for Klee, but if you want some, feel free."
Albedo gestured toward the box with his brush. Paimon really wanted to try the eggs, but the promise of a painting to hang in her room kept her in place.
Su Bai didn't stand on ceremony. He grabbed a few bottles of milk from the box and handed two to Hu Tao. Though confused, she accepted them and drank happily.
"Su Bai, I didn't expect you to give me two bottles first. When we get back, I'll give you a raise."
"Sigh, Hu Tao, no need for a raise. Save the Mora and buy more milk instead. You're almost an adult. If you don't put in the effort now, you might never grow."
Su Bai's heartfelt advice left Hu Tao baffled. Was he telling her to drink more milk to grow taller? Zhongli had mentioned that before. But she wasn't that short. And she was still young—she had plenty of time to grow.
Besides, the Conqueror of Demons wasn't exactly tall, and he was still incredibly strong. Even if she stayed short, as long as she was strong enough, she'd still be a nightmare for her enemies.