At Lucian's home, Guizhong remarked with emotion, "This child is quite similar to Marchosius."
In the past, Marchosius would often ask them what they liked to eat and then cook their favorite dishes.
In the current content, Lucian had not yet drawn illustrations of Guoba, so Guizhong naturally didn't know that this chibi-style adorable creature was Marchosius.
Coincidentally, in the book, Keqing brought up the topic of the "God of the Stove."
[Keqing: "My grandfather was a scholar who studied Liyue's traditional culture."]
["He wrote in his notes that ancient Liyue once had a 'God of the Stove,' and it seems people would commemorate this deity during specific seasons."]
Guoba tilted its head in confusion, listening to the conversation without understanding.
[Keqing continued: "Some schools of thought believe the God of the Stove is Rex Lapis, while others argue that the God of the Stove is a separate entity."]
["According to legends, ancient people once found a shrine dedicated to the God of the Stove. However, there was no statue inside—only a smooth-surfaced boulder."]
So, the reason Keqing was so fixated on this mysterious boulder was that it shared the same characteristics as the one in the shrine.
She wanted to investigate the boulder and uncover the identity of the God of the Stove.
[Keqing: "Now that the Geo Archon has passed, Liyue has entered an era of human governance. As descendants, we should follow the Archon's example and value our cultural traditions."]
Iron Tongue Tian glanced at Zhongli as he narrated this part, only continuing when he saw the other's expression remain unchanged.
In the book, Xiangling also decided to join Keqing in searching for the God of the Stove, discussing their first destination—Qingce Village.
Guoba jumped and waved its hands behind them, but no one noticed.
The group arrived at Qingce Village to search for ancient texts, and the warehouse holding these texts happened to belong to the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
It was mentioned earlier that Xiangling wanted to find Lucian and Hu Tao to taste her dishes, but Xingqiu and Chongyun were not in Liyue at the time.
As it turned out, they had gone to Qingce Village and would eventually cross paths with Xiangling and the others.
The group discussed records about the God of the Stove while Guoba stood on the railing, its back turned to them, leaving only a chubby, bear-like silhouette.
Keqing and Lucian entered the warehouse to look for books about the God of the Stove and emerged after some time.
[Keqing: "The book writes: 'Its form resembles a dragon, its long tail obscuring the sun; its claws command fire, bestowing wisdom upon mortals. With this gift, humans used fire to cook, and their lives flourished.'"]
"Its form resembles a dragon"—just like Paimon. The readers, the 'big Paimons,' grew even more convinced that Rex Lapis was the God of the Stove.
During the Rite of Descension, when the Archon's massive dragon form fell from the sky, it terrified the people of Liyue.
The group continued discussing the God of the Stove, and Xiangling took the opportunity to ask about Xingqiu and Chongyun's preferences.
In the past, she hadn't really conducted surveys like this—otherwise, she wouldn't have created so many questionable dishes.
While they chatted happily, Guoba ran around nearby, having just as much fun.
After their discussion, they decided to head to Wangshu Inn, as legends said the God of the Stove had appeared in Guili Plains, and the inn was close by.
At Wangshu Inn, they spoke with Yanxiao, whom Xiangling judged to be a 'simple and honest chef.'
Yanxiao asked the Traveler if they could make a "Satisfying Salad."
[Yanxiao: "You know there's someone on the inn's rooftop, right? That really handsome guy who's a bit... not too tall..."]
[Paimon: "Shh! Keep your voice down! Aren't you afraid he'll hear you?!"]
"..." Xiao saw it. Both of his eyes saw it.
Wasn't calling him handsome enough? Why did you have to emphasize his height?
[Yanxiao: "The boss told me to take care of him, but he's so hard to please—living off the wind and dew, only eating Almond Tofu."]
["But he really liked that Satisfying Salad you made. Think you could teach me how to make it? That way, I can cook it for him."]
Xiao nodded inwardly. Yanxiao did take good care of him, even if he didn't need it.
[Paimon: "Wait, you're making it for Xiao? You guys are pretty nice to him!"]
[Yanxiao: "Well, in life, you gotta treat the people you 'can't escape seeing' well, right?"]
"..." Xiao couldn't see anymore. Both of his eyes were closed.
"Doesn't that feel a bit... too 'simple and honest'?" Hu Tao couldn't hold back her laughter.
"Don't laugh at him—you're not much better," Lucian shot her a glance.
When the Lantern Rite story comes later, you're just as 'brutal' to Xiao.
"Ahahaha! 'Can't escape seeing'! Ahahaha!" Guizhong laughed uproariously.
Though, to be fair, she wasn't much taller than Xiao, so it was unclear what she found so funny.
The same went for Venti, who was also laughing heartily for no apparent reason.
"Hmm... 'can't escape seeing'... Liyue truly is full of masters," Cyno acknowledged.
It seemed he'd have to visit Liyue for further studies—otherwise, his title as the "King of Jokes" might be in jeopardy.
In the book, the group split up. Keqing and Xiangling read about the God of the Stove while the Traveler and Yanxiao prepared the Satisfying Salad.
When the Traveler finished and went to find Keqing, she had just finished reading the book's contents.
[Keqing: "The book writes: 'Two hundred li northwest lies the ruins of Guili. Its lands were once dotted with settlements, where the people hunted, farmed, and lived by the loom.'"]
As Keqing spoke, Guoba happened to run past them.
[Keqing: "'When the God of the Stove descended, its form split into many, each as tall as a child. Like stars falling to earth, they scattered among thousands of homes to aid in lighting fires. With this fire, the people learned to cook warm meals, broth, and roasted meat.'"]
This version was completely different from the previous book's account.
[Paimon: "Split into many? So there's more than one God of the Stove?"]
After their discussion, Yanxiao offered to treat everyone to a meal.
Among the dishes served was Keqing's favorite—Golden Shrimp Balls.
Just from the aroma, Xiangling could tell this chef would be her rival.
Xiangling asked Yanxiao if he would participate in the upcoming "Culinary Showdown" and declared that she hoped to face him in the finals—like a challenge.
[Lumine: "Xiangling, you're fired up!"]
[Xiangling laughed: "Oh, not really—"]
Before she could finish, she noticed Guoba's mischief. "Guoba! What are you doing?!"
Guoba widened its eyes. "Lu~♪?"
[Keqing: "Ah! It—it ate..."]
In the blink of an eye, the Golden Shrimp Balls were gone.
[Keqing: "Wah... my Golden Shrimp Balls..."]
[Xiangling: "Guoba! Bad!"]
[Guoba tilted its head: "Lu Lu~♪?" Then broke into a cheeky grin ♪~."]
To be fair, it wasn't entirely Guoba's fault—the Golden Shrimp Balls were the closest, and its tiny arms couldn't reach the other dishes...
Xiangling offered to make Keqing another dish as compensation, explaining:
["When you miss out on the dish you're craving, no substitute can truly make up for that feeling."]
["Food is a fusion of emotion, flavor, and atmosphere. Without all three, it's incomplete!"]
Many agreed with this sentiment—it wasn't just about food. Many things in life were the same.
When you couldn't have what you wanted at the time, getting it later just didn't feel the same.
Perhaps this was the regret of trying to make up for childhood desires as an adult, only to find they no longer brought joy.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice: Xiao — About "Can't Escape Seeing"
"...Such disrespect to an adeptus!"