However, anyone familiar with Diona's craftsmanship knew that while the drinks she mixed with ordinary ingredients were delicious, they lacked that certain soul.
Only the drinks Diona concocted using special and bizarre ingredients that ordinary people would instinctively avoid could maximize her talent as Mondstadt's strongest bartender.
So far, no one who bravely drank the 'Cat's Special' that Diona brewed according to her whims had ever been disappointed.
Duraf took the drink Diona handed over, took a small sip, then narrowed his eyes in enjoyment, before sighing happily and wistfully, "Truly delicious, it's a pity I can't taste Diona's specialty."
Among the many patrons of the Cats Tail Tavern, Uncle Duraf was considered a man of good conduct. Every time he drank, even when drunk, he never caused trouble. Furthermore, because his daughter was about the same age as Diona, he was very tolerant of Diona and never forced her to make a 'Cat's Special'.
Of course, this didn't mean physical coercion. Although Diona looked small, cute, and harmless, she possessed a Cryo Vision and could freeze anyone who angered her, cooling down their muddled brains.
The 'coercion' here meant deliberately provoking Diona like teasing a kitten, making her try hard to create a drink she thought would taste awful, and then successfully enjoying a rare and delicious 'Cat's Special'.
Moreover, in Margaret's establishment, the proprietress's imposing presence and Diona's many admirers never allowed these people to go too far.
Duraf was one of Diona's admirers. Although the 'Cat's Special' was delicious, trading it for the displeasure of the cute Diona was too much of a loss.
The reason Diona was beloved by so many patrons, besides her inherently cute appearance, was that even though she complained verbally, she would still meticulously care for drunk customers by offering them restorative Milk.
Seeing that the number of patrons in the Cats Tail Tavern was constantly increasing, if Siegfrieda didn't speak now, she would never get the chance. Siegfrieda gritted her teeth and said to Diona, "Cute, kind, beautiful and generous, mature and charming Lady Diona, please, I beg you to mix me a drink."
Diona crossed her arms and said, "While I am happy that you noticed my mature and charming aura, I am very displeased that you want to drink alcohol. This establishment does not sell alcoholic beverages to minors, so please go back."
This was a lie. She was always praised for being cute; this was the first time she was praised as 'mature'. Although Diona pretended to be calm on the surface, the small tail behind her quickly wagging betrayed her completely.
Siegfrieda leaned close to Diona's ear and whispered, "But I'm not buying it to drink myself."
"Diona, you also know my job is running errands. This drink was pre-ordered by a customer here, and Lady Margaret has already agreed. So, beautiful and generous, mature and charming Lady Diona, please help me out."
Diona pushed away the slightly ticklish Siegfrieda who was speaking close to her ear.
Diona gently twitched her cute cat ears and said, "Alright, alright, I get it! Wait here for a moment."
Diona picked up a shaker and turned towards the counter, taking out the mixing ingredients from inside.
The mixing materials behind the counter were all prepared by Margaret, so naturally, they were all normal and ordinary mixing ingredients. The true raw materials for the 'Cat's Special' were collected by Diona herself and stored in the space within her Vision, ready for immediate use.
A moment later, the thoughtful Diona walked over, holding the already packaged regular version of the 'Cats Tail Special'.
Diona: "Here, the Cats Tail Special you requested."
Just as Siegfrieda reached out to grab the package, Diona extended her hand and grasped her arm.
Diona looked deeply into Siegfrieda's eyes. Her gaze seemed to possess a magical quality, making Siegfrieda see the ugliness and taint deep within her own soul, as if looking into a mirror.
Diona said faintly, "Now~ Freya-chan, this Cats Tail Special... you aren't planning on taking it to my father, Duraf, are you?"
Siegfrieda was struck as if by lightning, immediately breaking out in a cold sweat, and stammered softly, "H-how could this be? I would, would absolutely never... deceive..."
Siegfrieda thought to herself, "It's over. Even Amu wouldn't believe this. Freya, where is your usual wisdom and courage? Don't yield to little Diona!!!"
Amu looked at the profusely sweating Siegfrieda and asked with concern, "Lia, why are you sweating so much? Is it too hot? I can fan you to help you cool down, okay?"
Saying this, Amu pulled out a giant banana leaf from somewhere and vigorously fanned Siegfrieda's back.
Siegfrieda, who was already sweating profusely under Diona's murderous gaze, was now being backstabbed by Amu's meddling. At this moment, she felt a chilling sensation on her back and a profound lack of security.
Black killing intent emanated from behind Diona. Her eyes flashed scarlet, staring at Siegfrieda as if she were prey. Startled, Siegfrieda curled up into a ball; in her eyes, Diona now appeared as imposing as a towering mountain.
Diona's hand turned into a claw shape and she suddenly swiped towards Siegfrieda.
At this moment, Siegfrieda tightly shut her eyes, with only one thought in her mind: "Goodbye, my family. I have lived in this world."
Hngh—!!!
Diona: "What? Are you still planning to linger here? Your order has already been completed, Big Sister Freya~~"
Siegfrieda opened her eyes and saw that she was holding the package in her hands, the Cats Tail Special resting safely inside. The Diona who was terrifying as a demon in her memory was now smiling sweetly, as if the terrifying memory from just now was just a dream.
Siegfrieda tightly hugged the hard-won Cats Tail Special, placed a handful of Mora on the counter, and then, pulling Amu along, rushed out the door of the Cats Tail Tavern as if fleeing.
Having successfully escaped the Cats Tail Tavern, Siegfrieda gasped heavily, relieved that she had managed to slip past.
However, had Siegfrieda truly fooled Diona?
Diona, behind the counter, looked towards the door of the Cats Tail Tavern and laughed triumphantly like a villain. Her mouth and eyes had morphed into demonic shapes, and her sharp fangs gleamed coldly.
Diona: "Hahahaha, ten times concentrated chili powder from the jueyun chili! Old man, you are going to enjoy this!!!"
Amu drove the carriage back towards Springvale...
Just as Siegfrieda and Amu arrived at the entrance of Springvale in their carriage, a dark figure flashed out from the woods, startling Siegfrieda.
When she looked closely, she realized it was Uncle Duraf.
Duraf said anxiously, "Freya, did you buy it?"
Siegfrieda handed over the packaged Cats Tail Special with resignation and advised, "Uncle Duraf, you should really drink less alcohol. I was almost found out by Diona today."
Duraf: "Mhm, looks like I'll have to find someone else next time. Hide this packaging bag and the bottle well; Diona mustn't find out."
After speaking, Duraf impatiently opened the bottle and poured a large gulp into his mouth.
Duraf's face instantly turned red, and he roared loudly, "Hoooo (Fire Breath)—!!!"
Siegfrieda looked at Duraf, who was spewing fire from his mouth, in horror. She frantically looked around and then shouted, "Uncle Duraf, there's water over there, jump in quickly!!!"
Duraf: "Don't panic, Freya, I'm fine. This drink is really potent! Diona's skills have improved quite a bit again. Truly worthy of being my daughter!"
Siegfrieda stood stunned on the spot: "Ah..."
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