Chapter 9.
On the Alcor, Beidou wiped a bead of sweat. She was still a bit surprised, "These people are too enthusiastic, aren't they?"
"After I heard you were coming aboard my ship, some guys took the opportunity to send things to my ship—and they were all food!"
Beidou laughed loudly, clearly amused. "Goodness, this is a first. My crew didn't even manage to stop them."
Not long after the Alcor docked, those handling cargo and purchases along the shore had somehow caught wind that Futsu Mitama would be boarding. One after another, they hurried over, leaving items behind with astonishing enthusiasm.
At first, the crew tried to stop them.
But there were simply too many.
In the end, a few managed to slip through, hurriedly placing their things on board before jumping back off the ship. The sudden actions startled the crew, who immediately checked the items, fearing something dangerous had been smuggled aboard.
Yet upon inspection—
They were all local specialties from Inazuma.
Food. Snacks. Ingredients.
Violetgrass, sea ganoderma, fresh seafood—everything one could think of.
"Normal," Futsu Mitama said, somewhat helpless as he glanced at the people on the shore still waving at him. "You should know that in Inazuma, I'm second only to the Shogun."
"You saw what things were like half a year ago. I fought for the people, so naturally they treat me kindly."
"Of course, those who didn't… are currently enjoying prison food."
Kuki Shinobu nodded in agreement. "That's normal, Captain Beidou. You don't know—Futsu Mitama usually doesn't even dare to go out."
"If it weren't for special reasons, he'd probably stay home all day brewing sake."
Ever since Raiden Ei had declared him the future Electro Archon, Inazuma had practically gone mad for him. Wherever he appeared, crowds would gather instantly. What followed was a period where he had no choice but to constantly move—appearing across the nation under the Shogun's orders, solving problems and handling crises.
With each appearance, his reputation grew.
And so did the crowds.
Aila gave a small nod, though whether she was acknowledging his popularity or his tendency to stay indoors was unclear.
"Anyway, thanks to you all," Beidou said with a grin, throwing an arm over Futsu Mitama's shoulder. "Looks like we're having a feast today."
"Half a year flew by. How about a drink?"
"I've heard your narukami sake is incredible. Let me try it. Don't worry—I've got plenty of mora."
"Every time I try to buy it, it's already sold out. I even wanted to attend your tasting event, but didn't have time."
"Now that the brewer himself is here, I'm going to take advantage properly."
Futsu Mitama smiled, saying nothing as he raised his hand.
"Swish—!"
A flash of Electro split the air as a spatial rift opened. Reaching inside, he pulled out two sealed jars and set them down.
"No need for mora," he said lightly. "But your food better be worth it, Sister Beidou."
"How can good sake be wasted without good dishes? If it's not good enough, I'll have Aila take over."
"At that point, we'll settle the bill properly."
"No problem!" Beidou laughed, patting her chest. "Lads! The feast has begun! Watch me drink Futsu Mitama under the table today!!!"
Cheers erupted instantly.
The crew sprang into action—some preparing dishes, others arranging tables, while a few gathered around Futsu Mitama, chatting excitedly. They recounted how Beidou had once been outdrunk by him, and how over the past six months she had trained her tolerance relentlessly.
Now—
She had drunk an entire ship's worth of people under the table.
Futsu Mitama only smiled at this.
His own physique had improved just as much.
If Beidou had grown stronger—
So had he.
Nearby, Sangonomiya Kokomi watched with a soft smile. She rarely drank, given her responsibilities, but now… things were different.
Stepping forward, she asked if she could join.
Both Beidou and Futsu Mitama agreed without hesitation.
Drink if you want. If you pass out, just sleep.
The Alcor had plenty of space.
As for Aila, Shenhe, and Shinobu—they remained silent. They rarely drank, having already had more than enough of narukami sake in the past.
Time passed quickly.
The sky darkened, lanterns lit the deck, and the noise of celebration filled the ship.
"Cheers!"
Futsu Mitama and Beidou raised their bowls again, drinking deeply.
"Hic—!" Beidou let out a hiccup, her face flushed, faint sparks flickering around her. "This sake is something else."
"No wonder it's so famous. Not only does it taste incredible, it actually strengthens the body."
"I feel like I hit the jackpot. I've probably freeloaded tens of millions of mora from you."
She scratched her head, looking slightly embarrassed. "How about this—I won't take advantage of you."
"If you ever need help, just say it. I'll back you to the end."
She could feel it clearly—the power within the sake. Continued drinking would even enhance her physique and control over Electro.
This wasn't just alcohol.
It was something far more valuable.
"Alright," Futsu Mitama said with a smile. "I actually do have something I'll need your help with in the future."
"Good!" Beidou laughed, clearly pleased.
The two clinked bowls again, continuing to drink as Beidou began rambling—about Inazuma, about Aila, and various other topics. Futsu Mitama responded to most of them, only ignoring certain questions.
In turn, he asked about Liyue.
Half a year had passed—surely something interesting had happened.
Beidou took another drink, then suddenly seemed to recall something. "Ah—right, there is."
"It's related to that Primo Geovishap meat… hic—!"
She paused, then laughed sheepishly. "Ah, right, you were the one who gave it."
"This sake's strong… makes my mouth loose."
"Anyway, Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk are at it again. They've organized an event—'A Bite of Liyue.'"
"It's basically a food competition. The Geovishap meat is just a side attraction."
"Big names in the culinary world are coming."
"And—there's an important figure involved. Very interested in this event."
"She even got the Liyue Qixing to approve it and said she'd personally attend."
Beidou leaned in slightly, grinning. "Ningguang told me this herself."
Futsu Mitama blinked.
An important figure?
Without hesitation, he opened the Chat Group.
[Futsu Mitama: "@Keqing @Azhdaha @Guizhong @Zhongli, Liyue is holding an event recently, A Bite of Liyue?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Why didn't any of you say anything?! I only found out from someone else."]
There was a brief pause.
Then—
[Guizhong: "Eh?! Was it exposed so quickly?!"]
Futsu Mitama's expression turned subtle.
He understood.
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