By the time Su Xuan and Eula returned to Mondstadt, the sun was already leaning toward the horizon — nearly the end of the workday.
The streets were lively, residents repairing damaged roofs and walls, adventurers lending hands where they could.
"Looks like Barbatos has already brought Dvalin back,"
Eula glanced around.
"This proves the dragon crisis is over."
Su Xuan nodded.
"Should be."
Then, he sighed.
"We were supposed to be back before noon…
However, someone apparently has a habit of oversleeping.
And insists on bathing before traveling.
Is that also part of noble etiquette?
'Never leave home without being spotless?'"
Eula stumbled mid-step and nearly fell — grabbing Su Xuan's arm for support — glaring up at him.
Her expression said very clearly:
This grudge, she remembers.
He had the face to blame her?
After last night?
And then again at dawn?
When the blizzard outside the barrier had just cleared?
Who could walk without bathing after that?
"I'm not arguing with you,"
Eula huffed, regaining composure.
"I'm going to report to the Knights of Favonius. And speak with Jean regarding the matter of my uncle."
Then she paused, lowering her voice as they passed through the city.
People were staring.
Staring at her.
No… at the two of them together.
Their expressions were filled with disbelief—
as if unable to comprehend that someone would actually walk beside a Lawrence willingly.
—The Lawrence woman found a handsome man? Why? Why does she get one!?
Feeling the weight of those stares, Eula did not shy away.
Instead — she pulled Su Xuan's arm closer, hugging it firmly.
Her chin lifted slightly, a quiet triumph in her eyes.
If they knew that this man had already taken their beloved Acting Grand Master…
They might just collapse on the spot.
For the first time in her life, Eula realized—
When she stood beside Su Xuan, she no longer feared their judgment.
"Are you coming with me?" she asked.
"You said you need to deliver the alchemical findings to Lisa."
Su Xuan waved casually.
"I'm not in a rush. I've been staying at Lisa's place anyway. I'll bring them later."
"Do you have somewhere to stay? If not, just stay with us."
Eula's face reddened instantly.
But only for a moment.
She cleared her throat, lifted a hand to her hip, and said with infuriating composure:
"Don't think I don't know what you're plotting.
But let me remind you—
Two against one is not easy.
If you embarrass yourself, things will be very awkward."
"I'm saying this for your sake."
And then she turned and fled toward the Knights' Headquarters.
Su Xuan blinked, then laughed lightly.
"Still likes to act proud… how lively."
He headed to Good Hunter.
Took a seat.
Let his telekinetic perception flow.
It swept across Mondstadt — mapping every alley, every street.
Residents were repairing their own homes.
The Knights provided materials, not labor.
Mondstadt was rebuilding itself — with its own hands.
One thing he did not find was Lumine.
Probably out on commission.
"Poor girl works too hard,"
Su Xuan murmured.
He lifted his gaze—
Someone was walking toward him.
Tall. Pale. Sharp heels.
Black-white gown, crimson fur-trimmed mantle.
Every step carried practiced arrogance.
The Eighth of the Fatui Harbingers — Rosalyne-Kruzchka-Lohefalter.
"La Signora."
She stopped before him — composed on the outside,
but Su Xuan could feel the tension beneath her breath.
Still, she spoke in her usual sharp tone:
"I possess your diary copy.
I have seen the entries.
Barbatos' Gnosis — the Heart of a God — is now in your hands.
You also wrote you intend to sell it to the Fatui.
So I am here to discuss terms."
She paused, reviewing her own words silently.
Good. Calm. Respectful enough.
Su Xuan looked up at her.
"Rosalyn.
Do you… realize how rude you are being right now?"
Rosalyne froze.
"You're standing there like a streetpost, staring down at me.
You don't even intend to sit while speaking?"
If this were anyone else—
she would have sat with legs crossed and chin raised, like a queen.
But this was Su Xuan.
She did not sit without permission.
Su Xuan continued, voice utterly casual:
"And also, you're terrible at negotiating.
It's evening.
Nearly dinner time.
You came to talk business—
without even offering to buy me a meal.
Yes, I said I might sell you the Gnosis.
But I'm also free to change my mind—
don't you think?"
Rosalyne:
"…"
This negotiation…
was already lost.
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