Smack! Smack! Smack!
The sound of cake hitting faces echoed through the room. After everyone had a bit of cream on their faces, the chaos finally died down.
Once the "war" between the men and women ended, Bonanus's first instinct wasn't to eat cake but to gather Hu Tao and Yanfei to clean up.
If the cream dried, it would be a nightmare to scrub off. They had to clean it up while it was still fresh.
"Isn't this a bit wasteful?" Ganyu stood up and helped them clean while asking. Even though she hadn't eaten any, it didn't stop her from asking.
"Sorry about that. I just wanted to liven things up. Won't happen again." Bonanus said sheepishly. It was indeed a bit wasteful.
Whether in her previous world or this one, there were always people who couldn't afford enough food. This was rather extravagant.
"I wasn't blaming you, Bonanus." Ganyu shook her head gently. She had just been asking casually. She didn't mean to make Bonanus feel bad.
She suddenly felt like she had spoken out of turn. This was Bonanus's birthday, after all.
"Hehe, but you're right." Bonanus smiled in return. Touching the cream in her hair, she continued.
"Oh, and when this is over, remember to wash your hair. It'll be a hassle to deal with later if you don't."
"Hu Tao and Yanfei, don't forget either." Bonanus reminded the two youngsters.
"Don't worry, we know." Hu Tao turned around with a smile. Yanfei nodded in agreement.
...
As for the "three big goofs," they were quietly eating their cake. Compared to the girls, they had taken significantly more cream hits.
"Who knew you could throw this stuff around." Bosacius popped a piece of sweet cake into his mouth and muttered to himself.
He wiped the cream off his body with a napkin as he ate. Even though the cream felt a bit greasy on his skin, it didn't bother him.
"I guess it's a way to liven up the mood." Menogias chuckled. The cake really was delicious. So sweet.
If Indarias were here, she would probably love it.
"It's soft, but it doesn't have that feeling." Alatus placed his cake on the table, crossed his arms, and leaned back in his chair flatly.
He looked up at the ceiling and let out a deep breath. After this ended, he would be alone with his sister again.
At that thought, a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, unbeknownst to him.
"Alatus, what are you grinning about?" Bosacius asked curiously. Don't keep it to yourself—share it with your brothers.
"None of your business." Alatus replied flatly, glancing at Bosacius. Tugging at his tight maid outfit, he continued.
"By the way, get ready. If nothing goes wrong, we can go get Indarias tomorrow or the day after."
"Really? Is little sister ready?" Bosacius finished the last piece of cake on his plate and looked up excitedly.
"Sooner if we're fast, but the exact timing isn't certain." Alatus replied with his eyes closed.
"I'll inform Rex Lapis. To be safe, I think all four of us should go this time." Menogias wiped his mouth with a napkin, slowly opened his usually half-closed eyes, and spoke seriously.
"We'll follow Rex Lapis and Sister Bonanus's arrangements. Once everything is ready, we'll move out." Alatus nodded. Only one step remained. They would succeed.
"Good. Call me when it's time. Don't you two go off on your own again. As your big brother, I'll protect you." Bosacius stood up, rubbed his sore back, and said to Alatus.
"Mm." Alatus gave a soft grunt and said no more.
Bosacius put his hands on his hips. The brat had gone back to his usual cold self. He shook his head and looked at Hu Tao, who had finished cleaning up and was playing with her hair out of boredom.
"Looks like it's over. Little sister, we'll be heading back now. If anything comes up, be sure to tell us. Don't carry it all alone." Bosacius reached out and ruffled Bonanus's hair with his big hand, then left with Hu Tao.
Menogias and Ganyu also said their goodbyes, exchanged a few casual words, and left. It was late—time to rest.
Watching the others leave, Bonanus stretched deeply and yawned.
Ah, she was suddenly so tired. She wanted to sleep!
But she still had to absorb her little brother's karmic debt tonight. She had to hold on.
"Sister Bonanus, do you want to bathe first, or should I?" Yanfei asked, holding her nightgown.
"Why choose? We can just bathe together." Bonanus put her hands on her hips and gave Yanfei a "don't be shy" look.
"Uh... that?" Yanfei tilted her head. It didn't seem impossible. Wait—why did she even think that?
Suddenly, she remembered all those times she had been cuddled and smothered in her sleep. No way! Her sister was definitely trying to take advantage of her.
"Enough thinking. Come on! Let's go bathe!" Bonanus gave a sly grin and grabbed Yanfei's hand without another word, dragging her into the bathroom.
"Hey! Wait! Hold on, Sister Bonanus!" Yanfei struggled, but she was no match for Bonanus's strength. She was dragged in, looking utterly resigned.
Meanwhile, Xiao, still sitting on the couch, narrowed his eyes. Why did he suddenly feel an annoying sense of envy? Like he had lost at life somehow.
Shaking his head to push those thoughts away, he somehow blocked his ears, closed his eyes, and waited quietly for Bonanus to come out.
...
A few minutes later...
From the bathroom came the sound of water splashing, along with a certain girl's strange noises.
...
After their bath, the two girls changed into their nightgowns and left the bathroom. Bonanus dried her hair with a towel, a satisfied smirk on her face.
Warm steam rose from their bodies, carrying a pleasant fragrance.
Compared to Bonanus, Yanfei looked completely defeated.
Her sister was such a pervert!
Yanfei muttered as she used her Pyro abilities to dry her hair.
"Hehe, alright, Yanfei. You have commissions tomorrow, right? Get some rest. See you tomorrow." Bonanus patted Yanfei's head with a grin.
"Okay. I'll head to bed now. Good night, Sister Bonanus." Yanfei nodded. She was truly tired. She would sleep after drying her hair.
With that, she slowly walked into her room.
Once Yanfei was in her room, Bonanus looked around. Granny Ping was nowhere to be seen—she must have gone to bed too.
As for Alatus...
Bonanus walked over to Xiao and looked closely. This little brother had fallen asleep!
She squinted. There was still work to do tonight. She didn't want to disturb him, but she had to wake him.
With that thought, she gently flicked his forehead with her big paw. It worked: the little brother jolted awake.
"Hmm? I fell asleep?" Xiao's eyes snapped open as he sat up straight. The relaxation had made him doze off.
"Alatus, do you want to take a bath?" Bonanus pointed at the cream on his clothes.
"No need. I have a quicker way." With that, he snapped his fingers, and a gust of Anemo energy enveloped him.
In an instant, the cream was gone, and he was back to normal.
"Then don't sleep. We still have work to do." Bonanus gently took his hand and led him toward her room.
Another all-nighter ahead.