"Why the surprised expression?"
"Even gods know how to cook."
Legend has it that the original Seven Archons would gather regularly to share their prepared dishes or fine wine.
Though the Archons changed and times evolved,
this tradition had been preserved.
Now, as the Archons met again, they, of course, thought of the same thing.
All Archons love their people.
Perhaps, they too were reminiscing about the good old days.
Thinking this, Miss Furina, who had been lazily basking in the sun on the wooden table, shifted her position and looked at Qin Yu.
She raised a paw, propping up her fluffy little round face.
Her pure white belly was inadvertently revealed.
In the sunlight, there was an indescribable elegance and allure.
Before her sat a half-finished cup of black tea and a few sugar cubes.
In an empty vase, a few freshly picked flowers were placed, vibrant and captivating.
"...Miss Furina certainly knows how to enjoy life."
Qin Yu looked at the exquisite and beautiful little cat, sighing helplessly.
You're slacking off too, aren't you?
He had been working outside for half the day!
"How rude, this lady did participate in the cooking."
Miss Furina rolled her eyes in dissatisfaction and pointed with her paw.
In a basket not far away, golden, rod-shaped items filled it to the brim.
"Wow, it smells so good."
Beside Qin Yu, Nilou sniffed, her beautiful eyes sparkling.
"Mm-hmm, Baguette from Fontaine."
Miss Furina relished the praise, tilting her chin proudly.
If not for the lack of ingredients here, she could have made some cakes and pastries.
There isn't a god who can't cook, right? No way?
"Baguette? The one that's rumored to be usable as a weapon..."
Qin Yu’s expression turned strange as he triggered the keyword.
In reality, a well-made baguette has a crispy crust and a soft, slightly chewy interior.
And because of the cracks on top, it can be easily torn and eaten by hand without needing a knife.
"?"
Miss Furina narrowed her eyes and slowly stood up.
How to anger a Fontaine native in one sentence.
See you in court, death penalty!
"Ahem... Anyway, I'll go check on Ei and the others first."
Qin Yu left Nilou and Nahida behind and hurried away.
...
Soon, Qin Yu found the two women under the shade of a tree.
"Ei...!"
Qin Yu quickly went to her side, asking with concern.
His hand honestly and naturally rested on Ei's waist.
"Boss, are you tired?"
Put down the pot first, don't tire yourself out before conceiving.
Actually, he was afraid Ei might blow up Seirai Island.
"..."
Meanwhile, the Tsaritsa glanced at the exceptionally close pair, a dark gleam flashing in her silvery-grey eyes.
She let out a soft snort and silently raised the sharp knife in her hand.
With a few *kacha* sounds, the carrots, potatoes, and other ingredients on the cutting board were instantly diced, suffering a grim fate.
Especially the meat, which was cut several extra times.
There was a definite personal emotion involved.
"..."
Just as Qin Yu felt a chill down his spine.
"Yu, you're back."
A gentle voice rang out, tinged with surprise and unexpected joy.
The next moment, Ei looked up at Qin Yu, revealing a faint smile.
Her hair cascaded down, and her cheeks flushed.
At this moment, she looked like a virtuous wife waiting for her husband's return, appearing incredibly alluring.
And the blush on her cheeks seemed to be spreading.
Her long, fair neck and delicate, small earlobes were tinged with a faint pink.
One couldn't tell if it was from the heat of cooking, or...
"Hmm?"
Qin Yu's movement paused. Looking at the smiling "Ei," his eyes widened.
This lively feeling... didn't seem like Ei.
And she was too gentle.
"Makoto?"
Qin Yu thought of a certain possibility, his heart beginning to race.
His hand still rested on the beauty's waist, warm and delicate.
It felt like coming home and accidentally opening the wrong door, stumbling into his wife's older sister's room...
Hoo, calm down, calm down.
He was a decent person!
"...Yes, it's me."
Makoto turned her blushing face away and whispered.
For the culinary duel with the Tsaritsa, Ei had decided to let her sister take over.
Besides, meetings of the gods were something Makoto should handle.
Everyone knew Ei's usual work state.
"..."
The air suddenly fell silent, leaving only the bubbling sound of cooking.
Makoto's watery purple eyes blinked as she patiently stirred the ingredients in the pot, her gaze flickering.
Clearly, her attention was not on the cooking.
"It seems your mental recovery is good. You'll be able to leave the Plane of Euthymia in your true form soon."
Qin Yu observed her beautiful profile seriously for a moment and said softly.
Although the sisters looked alike, upon closer inspection, their charm and beauty were entirely different.
One couldn't tell what Qin Yu was observing as he stared at Makoto.
"How long do you plan to keep touching?"
Makoto took a deep breath and cast a somewhat resentful glance at Qin Yu.
Can't you be more considerate?
It was one thing to tease his sister usually.
But now, he was boldly teasing her, his older sister?
"Ahem... I apologize."
Only then did Qin Yu notice his hand was still on Makoto's waist and quickly withdrew it.
He had to show respect to Ei's sister, couldn't be rude.
Ei probably wouldn't find out, right?
"Hmph, there won't be a next time."
Makoto snorted, placing a hand on her hip, trying to assert her authority as the elder sister and scold Qin Yu.
In the end, it was just a gentle punch to the chest.
"Thank you, Sister Makoto."
Qin Yu chuckled.
Makoto's punch was so light it felt like a massage.
"I can't do anything about you... Want to try some?"
Makoto's lips curved slightly. She scooped out some soup with a spoon, blew on it gently.
Then, she extended it to Qin Yu's mouth, her gaze expectant.
You must be tired lately, eat something to replenish your strength.
"Ahhh."
Qin Yu opened his mouth directly and ate it vaguely.
Mmm, delicious.
He gave a thumbs up, nodding repeatedly.
As expected of Ei's sister, it was soft and fragrant, exceptionally delicious.
Referring to the food she made.
"Hehe... I'm glad you like it."
Makoto gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile gentle.
Suddenly, she noticed the soup on the corner of Qin Yu's mouth and frowned slightly.
"Eat slower."
Makoto puffed out her cheeks, took out a tissue, and wiped Qin Yu's mouth.
Honestly, why is he so careless, getting soup everywhere again.
And she had to clean it up in the end.
"..."
Qin Yu felt Makoto's gentle touch, his breathing momentarily catching.
Raiden Makoto, focused and attentive, seemed to possess a unique charm.
Sister, you're too good at this.
"Alright, go check on the others, hurry!"
Makoto's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she realized they were getting too close.
The fireworks in Inazuma City that night were still vivid in her memory.
By Qin Yu's side, she could see more beautiful possibilities.
Their souls were already inextricably bound.
But... his sister was still watching.
After giving Qin Yu, who was practically vibrating with eagerness, a glance, Makoto pushed him away.
Greedy scoundrel.
"Alright."
Qin Yu coughed and moved to the Tsaritsa's side.
"That..."
*Swish—!*
A flash of the blade, and Qin Yu's smile froze.
The Tsaritsa, with a cold expression, sliced through the remaining mushrooms.
Qin Yu felt a chill in a certain spot.
"What's that smell? It smells very good."
He coughed lightly and asked tentatively.
"Snezhnayan Borscht, take it away."
The Tsaritsa glanced at him, her coldness slightly easing.
Then, she swept her long hair and left expressionlessly.
"..."
Qin Yu watched the CEO-like empress's graceful retreating figure and shook his head.
Her Majesty the proud Tsaritsa still couldn't quite blend into such a crowded environment.
...
After a period of busy work.
"The dishes are ready."
On a lush green lawn, a wooden table was set.
Everyone took their seats casually.
Raiden Makoto, the Electro Archon.
Nahida, the Dendro Archon.
Besides these two who were temporarily filling in.
There was also the Cryo Archon, the Tsaritsa, and the Hydro Archon, Furina.
And Nilou, who was a bit nervous and carried the power of the God of Flowers.
"Then..."
Qin Yu's gaze swept across the women.
He hadn't expected so many Archons to gather because of him.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions.
"There are some things we need to talk about properly now."