Navia, Chevreuse, and the others marveled at the cake's exquisite flavor. Fidelle, Lady Furina's personal chef, had always been known for her culinary prowess—even Furina herself adored her cooking.
Now, however, they had gained a new appreciation for just how exceptional her skills truly were.
In the kitchen, Escoffier was assisting Fidelle. For the head chef of Hotel Debord to serve as an assistant, only Fidelle could likely make such a thing happen.
Escoffier didn't feel her status diminished by this role. In matters of expertise, the more skilled becomes the teacher. Once Fidelle's instructor, Escoffier now recognized Fidelle's rapid advancement in culinary arts. Try as she might, Escoffier couldn't match her protégé's progress. Now, Fidelle had become her teacher.
Ten minutes after the mini-cakes were served, the main dishes finally arrived.
Navia and the others entered the kitchen to help carry the steaming platters to the table.
The group emerged in a procession, each carrying a hot dish and their laughter filling the air.
Soon, the long table was laden with a dazzling array of delicacies, their fragrant aromas instantly filling the entire space.
"Let the feast begin!" Navia announced cheerfully, placing a golden-brown Mondstadt Roasted Chicken, its crispy skin still sizzling with tantalizing oil, at the center of the table.
Beside it, Chiori had carefully arranged Liyue Braised Bamboo and Meat Stew. The rich aroma of meat mingled with the fresh sweetness of bamboo shoots wafted from the amber-colored broth, warm and comforting.
The aroma of the roasted chicken was the most assertive, and its generous portion drew the eye most.
Of course, the centerpiece was the lavish spread of Fontaine cuisine:
Exquisite Fontaine Gratinéed Lobster drizzled with a creamy white wine sauce, a towering seafood platter gleaming with freshness, and savory meat pies overflowing with filling.
"Wow! What a feast!"
Paimon's eyes lit up as she eagerly flew toward the table. "This Braised Bamboo and Meat Stew smells so authentic!"
When it came to food, Paimon's opinions carried considerable weight.
Fidelle: "All thanks to the Traveler's generous sharing."
Many Mondstadt, Liyue, and Sumeru dishes originated from Lumine. She had provided the recipes and even sourced some of the ingredients.
Lumine inhaled the tantalizing aromas, already impatient to dig in.
Wriothesley: "I'm riding on Lady Furina's coattails too. Judging by this spread, I'll be waddling back home tonight."
Sigewinne: "While the food is delicious, remember that overeating isn't good for your health~"
"Lady Focalors, won't you say a few words?" Charlotte asked.
Focalors glanced at Furina beside her and smiled. "Thank you all for your hard work for Fontaine these past few weeks, especially Neuvillette. Tonight, let's all relax and enjoy ourselves."
Furina gracefully picked up her silverware, her gaze sweeping over the banquet table brimming with international delicacies. Her smile radiated warmth. "My sincere gratitude to Fidelle and Escoffier. Tonight's gathering is truly... 'deliciously diverse.'"
Everyone took their seats, the gentle clinking of silverware and lively chatter filling the air.
The lobster was tender and succulent, melting in the mouth beneath its creamy sauce.
Paimon, utterly captivated by the crispy, juicy Mondstadt Roasted Chicken, devoured a large drumstick, grease glistening on her lips.
Wriothesley scooped up a spoonful of Liyue Braised Bamboo and Meat Stew, sighing in contentment at the harmonious blend of salty and savory flavors in the rich, flavorful broth.
The joy of sharing delicious food permeated the air. Glasses clinked, and friends gathered in relaxed camaraderie.
The aromatic feast, lively conversations, and contented expressions wove together the evening's most enchanting melody. Even the starlight streaming through the windows seemed to shine brighter, warmed by the convivial atmosphere.
-
Player World.
The players erupted in cheers at the sight.
Close-up shots lingered on the golden-crisp Mondstadt Roasted Chicken, the steaming, broth-rich Liyue Braised Bamboo and Meat Stew, and the Fontaine Gratinéed Lobster, drenched in thick cream sauce, its wine-infused aroma practically leaping off the screen.
Chen Xiyao unconsciously swallowed, her throat bobbing visibly.
"Ugh—how can anyone resist this?!" she exclaimed dramatically, clutching her chest and letting out a theatrical groan.
"Just look at this! That lobster looks so bouncy! The broth of that Braised Bamboo and Meat Stew—you can practically taste the umami through the screen! And that meat pie—the filling's about to burst out!"
Her excitement grew with each word, as if the savory aromas were truly seeping through the screen:
"Save me! Mihoyo knows how to weaponize deliciousness! The modeling, the lighting, the detail... this isn't just a game cutscene, it's a late-night food show! And everyone sitting together, laughing and chatting... sniffle It's too heartwarming! I'm losing it!"
Her live stream chat exploded:
[ Reported for poisoning! Streamer, wipe that drool! ]
[ Hahaha, Guojia's expression is literally me right now! My instant noodles suddenly lost all their flavor! ]
[ Do Fontainians eat this well??? Mondstadt Roasted Chicken is my love! ]
[ I'm starving now! Streamer, you owe me a late-night snack! ]
[ Seeing a family eating together so harmoniously is so heartwarming! tears up]
[ Xiyao, stop watching! If you keep staring, you'll charge into the screen and steal that lobster! ]
[ Mihoyo: New version theme—Operation: Make the Streamer Cry from Hunger, complete. ]
Chen Xiyao glanced at the chat, then back at the steaming feast on the game screen and the cheerful chatter of her Friends. Finally, she covered her face in anguish (and hunger):
"Guys, the streamer's ordering takeout first. Otherwise, this stream is going to turn into a 'feasting with the eyes' special! This wholesome + gourmet combo is a critical hit!"
She pretended to turn off the camera to "cry" for a moment, but the live stream erupted with amused mockery and equally aroused cravings.
-
At Furina's mansion, the dinner party had ended, and the guests were departing.
Fidelle finished packing her belongings and prepared to leave.
"Hey, Fidelle."
"What is it, Lady Furina?"
Furina scurried over to Fidelle, unclasped the necklace from her neck, and tried to put it around Fidelle's neck.
Due to the height difference, Furina couldn't reach Fidelle's neck without her cooperation.
"Fidelle!"
Furina grumbled in annoyance, and Fidelle immediately bent down, lowering her head.
Furina carefully fastened the necklace around Fidelle's neck.
"I heard them talking—this necklace is a defensive treasure you gave me. I'm just temporarily lending it back to you. Come back safely, then return it to me."
Fidelle placed a hand over her chest and said solemnly, "Please rest assured, Lady Furina."
With those words, Fidelle left the "home."
Furina returned to the sofa and sat down, but then nervously stood up again, her gaze drifting to the window. Through the hazy night, she peered southward toward distant Sumeru.
That fleeting, profound anxiety—almost too intense to bear—rippled through the depths of her eyes, which had moments before been brimming with laughter, like a stone thrown into a tranquil lake.
Though she quickly lowered her gaze and concealed her distress by picking up her teacup, Focalors, standing nearby, keenly sensed that momentary heaviness.
Focalors' gentle gaze lingered on Furina's face for a moment, conveying silent understanding.
The unspoken concern for Fidelle permeated the air, becoming a shared, unspoken burden that hung over this brief, tender moment.