Lumine really did go to prepare hot water.
But it was for herself.
Jiang Chen opened the window on the second floor when Paimon flew up from downstairs. Crumbs of bread were still stuck near her mouth.
"Fisherman's Toast is so delicious!"
She said with satisfaction.
The first thing she did after returning was go buy snacks.
Jiang Chen thought he should probably remind Lumine not to let Paimon manage the money.
Otherwise she would eat them into poverty sooner or later.
"You didn't wipe the crumbs off your mouth."
Paimon froze for a second.
But luckily she was clever.
She immediately put her hands on her hips and said confidently:
"I ordered Fisherman's Toast for you too! That's lunch!"
"Is that so…"
Jiang Chen rested his chin on his hand.
"I was planning to cook something nice for lunch."
"But since little Paimon already ordered food, forget it."
"AHHH!!"
Paimon felt like she'd been struck by lightning.
Fisherman's Toast could be bought anytime with Mora.
But food personally cooked by Jiang Chen?
Even with Mora you couldn't buy it!
"Jiang Chen!"
"I'm actually still hungry. I might faint from hunger! Really!"
She even patted her belly dramatically and collapsed on the table.
Her acting was extremely convincing.
For good food, Paimon would do anything.
Jiang Chen laughed and went downstairs to check the ingredients.
Jean Arrives
Jean's voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Jiang Chen."
"Hm? You actually have time to come here today?"
He didn't even turn around while selecting ingredients.
"I came mainly to deliver this."
"The Favonius Warbow."
Jean replied.
"Did you eat lunch?"
Jiang Chen asked casually.
"Yes."
"What did you eat?"
"…Biscuits."
"What would you like to eat?"
"No need. Once I deliver the bow I'll go back. I still have unfinished work."
"You could've just sent a knight to deliver it."
"This is a Favonius weapon, a symbol of honor and recognition."
"As Acting Grand Master, I must personally deliver it."
Only then did Jiang Chen turn around.
Jean stood before him in her elegant white-and-gold knight uniform.
Her tall figure looked dignified as always.
But her face showed clear fatigue.
Even the corners of her eyes were slightly red.
"You've been rubbing your eyes too much."
Jiang Chen immediately noticed.
"Go upstairs."
He said firmly.
"I—"
"If you insist on personally delivering it, then my not accepting it means your work isn't finished yet."
Jean frowned slightly.
Outside, Mondstadt citizens had already begun gathering.
Her presence always attracted attention.
Reluctantly, she carried the long wooden box inside the restaurant.
Cooking Begins
After a while Jiang Chen returned upstairs with ingredients.
Fresh Golden Bass.
A Glaze Lily stored in the cellar cooled by an Ice Mist Flower.
And glowing Luminescent Spine extracted from frozen fireflies.
With the rest of the seasoning prepared, he began cooking.
"Jiang Chen…"
Jean started.
"Quiet."
He didn't even look at her.
Jean stood up angrily and placed the bow box on the table.
She almost left.
But when she saw Jiang Chen's focused expression as he prepared the fish—
She slowly sat back down.
Meanwhile Paimon, who had been pretending to faint from hunger, quietly flew away.
She slipped upstairs to the attic bathroom.
Lumine in the Bath
Inside the bath, Lumine was soaking comfortably.
"Lumine, Acting Grand Master Jean is here."
Paimon said.
Lumine dipped her face halfway into the water and blew bubbles for a moment.
Then replied:
"Did Paimon's food get eaten?"
"That's actually a valid concern."
Paimon nodded seriously before shaking her head.
"No, that's not why I came!"
"Then… did Paimon eat something without paying and now Jean came to arrest you?"
Lumine guessed.
"I would never dine and dash!"
Paimon stomped angrily in the air.
Then she whispered dramatically:
"Jiang Chen scolded Jean just now."
Lumine blinked in surprise.
She had never seen Jiang Chen scold anyone before.
"…Really?"
"Will the Knights of Favonius attack us?"
Paimon worried.
After all, Jiang Chen had just scolded their leader.
Lumine thought for a moment.
Then calmly said:
"No."
She remembered the strange atmosphere in Jean's office that day.
Then she pulled Paimon into the bath with her.
"AHH!"
The two soaked for a while.
The fatigue from days of adventuring slowly faded.
The Smell of Food
Suddenly Paimon remembered something.
"Oh no!"
She jumped up, shaking the water off like a cat.
"What's wrong?"
Lumine asked.
"Jiang Chen is cooking!"
"We can't let Acting Grand Master Jean eat everything!"
Paimon said urgently.
She was thinking about the Golden Bass.
Lumine quickly dried herself and changed into her white dress.
Then the two peeked downstairs from the attic.
It was afternoon.
The second floor was quiet.
Only the bubbling sound of soup simmering and the rich aroma of food filled the room.
Jiang Chen stood at the stove cooking.
And beside the table—
The Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius…
Jean…
Was fast asleep on the table.
Paimon's eyes widened.
"What happened here?!"