In the kitchen, just as the head chef and the poissonnière were preparing to finish work and return to the staff dormitory to rest, they suddenly heard Luya's order. Without hesitation, they rushed back to the stove.
Once Duel Monsters take on physical form, they possess absolute loyalty toward Luya. Any command he gives will be carried out without question.
The head chef moved with swift, practiced motions, like a musician beginning a symphony—calm, precise, and methodical as he prepared his signature dishes. With a flick of his wrist, he lit the stove, blue flames leaping forth and licking the bottom of the pan.
The oil heated rapidly, releasing a soft sizzle. The head chef placed the carefully selected ingredients into the pan one by one, the spatula dancing in his hand.
The Gourmet Fiend partnered with the head chef joined in as well…
A perfectly timed pour of oil sealed in the heat around the duck leg. This dish—Confit Duck Leg—was his specialty. Though the duck leg was sealed in oil, the meat was rich yet not greasy.
On the other side, vegetables leapt in the wok, slices of meat releasing a mouthwatering aroma as they sizzled in hot oil. Various seasonings were added with perfect timing, each movement like a carefully choreographed symphony.
As dish after dish—each rich in color, fragrance, and flavor—was plated, satisfaction flickered across the head chef's face.
...
Keqing gently inhaled the fragrance wafting from the kitchen, like a fresh spring bubbling into her senses, instantly refreshing her.
A gleam flickered in her eyes. The tension that had been building throughout her preparations for the Rite of Descension finally loosened.
As excitement rose within her, the pair of neatly styled cat-ear buns atop her head quivered slightly—like an adorable kitten discovering its favorite food.
All the exhaustion she'd accumulated throughout the day melted away.
Keqing took light, lively steps toward the kitchen, her heart warm with anticipation for the dishes she was about to enjoy. Each step felt weightless, her movement as gentle as a passing breeze.
"Golden Shrimp Balls!?" Keqing's eyes widened the moment she saw the golden, glistening shrimp balls before her. Her throat bobbed unconsciously—she nearly drooled.
This dish was something Luya had specifically instructed the head chef to learn. He knew it was Keqing's absolute favorite.
She was even known as the True Lord of Golden Shrimp Balls—whenever she saw them, her feet simply stopped moving.
To ensure Keqing could enjoy them anytime, the kitchen always kept ample ingredients prepared.
Unable to wait, Keqing picked up a shrimp ball and took a gentle bite.
Immediately—the fresh, juicy shrimp melted in her mouth, its rich fragrance blooming across her senses.
Keqing closed her eyes, savoring the wonderful flavor.
One after another, she indulged wholeheartedly in this rare feast. Every bite filled her with joy, her mood soaring higher with each taste.
Before long, the plate of Golden Shrimp Balls had been completely emptied.
But instead of fading, the joy in Keqing's heart only grew stronger.
To her... the Golden Shrimp Balls were no longer just a dish—they were a manifestation of Luya's deep care and affection.
In that moment, Keqing felt she might be the happiest person in all of Teyvat.
...
It didn't take long for Keqing to clear out all the dishes the head chef had prepared. After eating her fill, she lounged lazily on the soft sofa and let out a loud, satisfied burp.
Luya watched, warmth rising in his heart.
Perhaps… this is what happiness feels like…
Now that Luya had laid the foundation for the Yu-Gi-Oh! industry, he could provide a wealthy life for himself and his family. He had many beautiful girls accompanying him. And with his immense power as the foundation… what else could countless people dream of?
At that moment, Luya felt happiness overflow, as if he were living in a perfect world.
...
However, he still had tasks to complete.
Shops selling Yu-Gi-Oh! had already opened in Mondstadt and Liyue. Next, he needed to promote Yu-Gi-Oh! in the remaining nations.
Once he completed the task of popularizing Yu-Gi-Oh!, Luya would be able to travel freely between Blue Star and Teyvat.
He might even visit other worlds for fun.
And when that time came, Luya would be able to host Yu-Gi-Oh! tournaments on Blue Star.
Blue Star had far more people than Teyvat—meaning far greater profit. Not to mention, the tournaments would be far larger in scale.
More importantly… Blue Star had yet to develop devices capable of summoning monster projections, while Luya possessed the power to create such technology. If he brought monster projection devices to Blue Star… it would ignite a Yu-Gi-Oh! frenzy that would shake the entire world.
Countless people—like his grandfather, who had loved Yu-Gi-Oh!—would finally be able to use a real duel disk and summon their favorite monsters.
Just imagining it made Luya eager to finish spreading Yu-Gi-Oh! throughout Teyvat, claim his system rewards, and return to Blue Star.
Albeit, first… the game consoles needed to be produced.
And they weren't finished yet.
So he needed more time.
Luya estimated that within five days, the first batch would be ready. Once that happened, Yu-Gi-Oh!'s spread would accelerate rapidly.
Which meant the day he could return to Blue Star was drawing ever closer.
A quiet night passed.
Today was Liyue's annual Rite of Descension.
...
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