Of everyone present, the happiest about Kael's words was Xiangling.
She beamed. "Big brother! Since you're not opening the stall today, does that mean you can help me test my recipes? I've got so many ideas right now!"
Kael thought it over. If the stall wasn't opening, he really didn't have much to do. Helping Xiangling wasn't a bad way to spend his time.
Besides, with the Head Chef Talent the System had given him, he was more than capable of guiding her.
"Alright. Do you need any other ingredients? We can head out and pick some up."
"I still need butter, smoked meat, sausages…"
Mona cut in from the side. "If you're testing recipes, I can help too! I've eaten plenty of gourmet dishes, so I can definitely give you some valuable feedback."
Kael raised an eyebrow. Just say you want free food. Do you have to sound so righteous about it?
He left Mona behind to wait at the stall, then took Xiangling out with him.
The moment Eula saw them leaving, she immediately followed.
When Kael and Xiangling turned their heads toward her, her expression was as cold and aloof as ever—but her cheeks were flushed pink.
"I… I'll protect you two!"
Tch. It's not because I don't want to leave Kael.
Xiangling blinked at him, mischief dancing in her eyes.
Was Mondstadt really that dangerous that they needed a knight to "protect" them?
Kael easily guessed what Eula was really thinking, but he didn't call her out. He just smiled. "Alright. Then we'll be counting on you."
The three of them walked together down Street.
Normally, when Kael strolled through Mondstadt, plenty of people would greet him.
After all, the story of him slaying the Great Snowboar King had already spread far and wide, and everyone wanted to chat with the powerful Traveler.
But today, as the three of them passed through, no one came forward. Some even deliberately stepped aside to avoid them.
Kael, who had played Genshin Impact before, instantly understood—it was because Eula was with them.
Because of her surname, Eula Lawrence was never welcomed by Mondstadt's citizens.
They saw her as a descendant of the old Lawrence aristocracy—a sinner's bloodline.
Most avoided her on sight. The crueler ones would even hurl insults straight to her face.
Naturally, Xiangling, a Liyue native, knew nothing of this.
It was her first time in Mondstadt, and she was happily looking around like a tourist.
Suddenly, a man stepped out, blocking their way.
"Traveler, why are you walking with Eula? Don't you know she's Mondstadt's sinner? Nothing good comes from being with her!"
"Huh?"
Xiangling tilted her head, completely lost. She had no idea what he was talking about.
Behind them, Eula lowered her head without a word.
She'd heard these accusations since childhood. Too many people had cursed her like this.
In the past, though it hurt, she had learned to swallow it, to keep herself composed.
But this time…
She didn't want Kael to see her shamed like this.
She didn't want him to hear their words and… come to hate her too.
Head bowed, her expression was hidden.
"I don't think Eula is Mondstadt's sinner. Just because she bears the Lawrence name, you'd pin the sins of the past onto her?"
At those words, Eula's head shot up, her eyes wide as she stared at Kael's back.
He knows… he knows about my family…
"Just moments ago, Eula cleared out a Hilichurl camp outside Mondstadt. She's been protecting this city in her own way. And you call someone like that a sinner?"
Xiangling quickly chimed in, righteous fire in her voice. "Exactly! Eula's such a good person. How dare you call her a sinner!"
The man was left speechless, face twisting with anger. "That's what she's supposed to do! She's just atoning for her family's crimes!"
"I was only trying to warn you. If you won't listen, then fine! But if trouble comes your way, don't say I didn't tell you so!"
With that, he spun around and stormed off.
"What the heck was that!" Xiangling, brimming with indignation, stomped her foot and looked ready to chase after him to argue more.
"…That's enough."
Eula's voice was soft from behind them. "It's fine. You don't need to pay any attention to him. I don't care."
"How could you not care!" Xiangling fumed. "He was spouting complete nonsense!"
Kael knew full well how harshly Mondstadt treated her.
But walking beside her now, experiencing it firsthand, stirred a deep ache in his chest.
He turned to comfort her. "Since coming to Mondstadt, I've heard the history. I know what your ancestors once did. Their crimes were inexcusable. But that has nothing to do with you. You don't need to bear their sins, or feel guilty for them."
A brilliant smile lit up Eula's face, like a flower blooming in the heart of winter ice—radiant and breathtaking.
She met Kael's eyes, her voice soft as a whisper. "I understand."
Before, she had only pretended not to care, forced herself to walk forward as though unbothered.
But from today onward… she truly didn't care anymore.
Even if the whole world hated her, it wouldn't matter.
As long as Kael was by her side—
As long as you accept me, as long as you believe in me… that's enough.