"It seems you've just found something for this adeptus to deal with," Xianyun said to Zhongyue with a faint sigh.
Ningguang, who had overheard their conversation, let out a soft chuckle.
"This is perfect. Actually, our earlier discussion wasn't about the competition at all—it was about this."
She turned and gestured toward the massive stone resting atop the central platform. Smooth and rounded, it was clearly no ordinary rock.
"We were discussing this stone."
Lora and the others followed her gaze.
The moment they saw it, old memories stirred.
"Oh… that stone…"
It seemed this was the same stone that had appeared during the competition before.
Xianyun studied the stone quietly, a trace of nostalgia in her eyes.
After a brief pause, she asked, "Do you know what this stone is?"
Keqing answered, "According to my grandfather's research, it may be connected to the legendary Kitchen God."
Xianyun nodded.
"Indeed. This stone is connected to the Kitchen God. It was once enshrined in his temple, but was lost during a migration long ago."
They had already suspected as much, but hearing Xianyun confirm it still brought visible relief to Ningguang and the others.
"So it really is connected to the Kitchen God!" Keqing exclaimed, staring at the massive stone before her.
Then a thought crossed her mind, and she turned to Xianyun.
"But who exactly was the Kitchen God? Some say he was Rex Lapis, while others believe it was someone else entirely."
"The Kitchen God is Zhong— ahem, Rex Lapis?" Zhongyue blurted out instinctively when she heard that, nearly exposing Zhongli's identity.
"Are you joking?"
"Hm? And you are…?" Keqing asked, looking at Zhongyue in confusion.
"From the way you spoke just now… could you also be an Adeptus?" Beidou added, studying her curiously.
Xianyun stepped in before the conversation could go any further.
"In short, the Kitchen God is certainly not Rex Lapis. However, revealing his true identity now would take away from the meaning of this Moonchase Festival."
"The meaning…" Ningguang murmured, considering her words.
Xianyun continued, "As for the Kitchen God's true identity, that is something for you to uncover yourselves. Coincidentally, the Masterful Chefs Competition is about to begin. The Kitchen God once passed down the secrets of Liyue's stove fires and cuisine. In that sense, this competition may well be the finest tribute you could offer him."
"Well said," Ningguang replied with a slight nod. "We understand."
She then turned to Keqing and Beidou.
"The competition must proceed without a single flaw."
"Understood," the two replied with a nod.
...
By evening, Xianyun prepared to take Zhongyue home, while Makoto and Ei naturally followed Lora to the Jade Chamber.
Lora herself was already a distinguished guest there, with a permanent luxury suite. And with Makoto and Ei being Electro Archons, they could stay anywhere in Liyue if they wished.
"Having the three of you stay at the Jade Chamber truly honors this place," Ningguang said with a graceful smile.
While nibbling on a sugar-coated hawthorn, Hélie asked, "Lady Lora, will I be staying here too?"
"Of course," Lora replied with a nod. "You'll stay in Rhodeia's room."
At the mention of Rhodeia, she let out another helpless sigh.
Ningguang noticed the change in her expression. Though she had considered asking about Rhodeia's whereabouts, she sensed it wasn't the right moment and chose not to press the matter.
"Rest well, everyone," Ningguang said with a polite smile before taking her leave.
After she departed, Makoto walked out onto the Jade Chamber's front terrace.
From there, she looked out over the bustling harbor—the merchant ships coming and going, lanterns glowing along the streets below—and couldn't help but admire the view.
"When I first arrived in Liyue Harbor, I wondered what those floating buildings in the sky were. I never imagined they were the residence of the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing," Makoto said with a gentle smile to Lora and Ei. "Tianquan Ningguang truly lives up to her reputation as the leader of the Qixing."
"If you like it, Sister, we could move the Tenshukaku into the sky as well," Ei said seriously as she stood beside her, as if she were ready to do it the moment Makoto agreed.
"Um… I don't think that will be necessary," Makoto replied, shaking her head.
"Really? I think it would be quite good. If we wanted to travel somewhere, it would be very convenient. And if the Tenshukaku could drift above Inazuma, it would be much harder for people below to hide things from us," Ei explained.
"That may be true," Makoto said calmly, "but moving the entire Tenshukaku into the sky would require far too many resources. The current arrangement works well enough. After the recent incidents, anyone in the Tri-Commission who dared deceive their superiors has already been imprisoned. There shouldn't be any problems for the time being."
"You're right, Sister." Ei nodded.
...
The next day, Keqing and the others began investigating the Kitchen God.
Although Ei and Makoto already knew the truth, Makoto seemed quite amused by the investigation and volunteered to join Xiangling and Keqing's team.
Ei, meanwhile, offered to act as their bodyguard.
Lora, the former Hydro Archon, remarked that this might be the most unnecessary bodyguard assignment in all of Teyvat—like asking someone to protect Zhongli from a surprise attack by a Geo Vision holder.
Meanwhile, as the investigation continued, the Masterful Chefs Competition had already begun stirring excitement across Liyue. Lora knew this was largely thanks to Ningguang quietly pushing the event forward behind the scenes in her role as Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing.
More contestants signed up for the contest, including chefs from renowned restaurants such as Xinyue Kiosk.
Before long, the competition officially began.
Preliminary rounds were held across Liyue's districts, drawing large crowds of spectators. After several intense rounds, the two finalists turned out exactly as Lora expected.
Xiangling.
And Yanxiao.
Standing before the massive stone, Makoto held a device resembling a megaphone. With a bright smile, she addressed the crowd.
…
"Ladies and gentlemen—no matter where you come from, no matter what kind of cuisine you enjoy!
Welcome to Yujing Terrace! Today we gather here to witness the grand finale of the Masterful Chefs Competition!
Friends, fine cuisine is a feast not only for the eyes, but also for the nose, the touch, and of course—the taste!
And now, please welcome our finalists with a warm round of applause!
Chef Xiangling of Wanmin Restaurant!
And the head chef of Wangshu Inn at Dihua Marsh—Chef Yanxiao!"