"It's close now—the Moon Lake Tribe."

Luciel led the white-haired girl out from behind the stone shelter. In the distance, a massive earth-brown mountain loomed high into the sky.

"The tribe is at the foot of that mountain. We'll need to circle around," Liyue said, pointing the way.

"Alright, let's head back and prepare. We'll probably stay in the Moon Lake Tribe tonight."

As he spoke, Luciel sent a mental command to guide the Rock Tortoise.

That giant beast couldn't get too close, or it would draw hostility from the tribe.

"I'll lead the way when the time comes," Liyue offered softly.

After all, she had lived there before and knew the place well.

"Then I'll trouble you with that." Luciel smiled faintly.

When the two returned to the hall, they were immediately greeted by Mino's sharp gaze.

"Liyue, what happened to her?" The rabbit-eared girl tilted her head, her blue eyes gleaming curiously.

On Liyue's white hair were faint smudges, and there were dirty fingerprints still visible on her cheeks.

What puzzled Mino even more was the way the white-haired girl was clutching tightly at the corner of Luciel's clothes.

Since when were they that close?

"She… tripped and fell earlier," Luciel replied with a forced chuckle, quickly finding an excuse.

How could he admit the smudges on her face came from his unwashed hands? And if he did… how would he explain why?

Mino's pretty face tensed with concern. "Liyue, are you hurt?"

"I-I'm fine. I'll go wash up." Liyue's cheeks burned red as she lowered her head and ran off to her room.

Her heart was still a tangled mess—she needed a moment to calm down.

"Something feels strange…" Mino muttered under her breath, lips pursed. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened without her knowing.

Luciel calmly pulled out a bench and sat down. "How's your tea-making practice?"

"I'll show you."

Mino moved gracefully, preparing the tea. Her movements paused here and there, but it gave her actions a unique elegance.

"Not bad. Quite artistic," Luciel nodded in satisfaction. Then he asked, "But if I asked you to prepare tea in front of others, would you get nervous?"

"Huh? In front of others?" Mino stiffened, her brows knitting nervously.

"Don't worry. I'll be beside you. Just ignore them—focus only on me." Luciel's tone was reassuring.

If people were to understand the value of Starlight Tea, they had to see it demonstrated.

"I-I can do that…" Mino's ears drooped as she spoke weakly.

"It's simple—just keep a straight face and keep your eyes on the tea bowl." Luciel chuckled and tugged lightly at her long ears.

"Then I'll… stare at the bowl." She whispered to herself in encouragement, so nervous she didn't even react to her ears being pulled.

"Good. Believe in yourself."

Luciel patted her head softly. "We'll be at the Moon Lake Tribe soon. Go put on your new clothes—and don't forget the portrait."

"Okay." Mino returned to her room absentmindedly.

Not long after, the white-haired girl emerged instead. She was dressed in the same hooded cloak she wore the first time she had met Luciel.

"You're planning to wear that to the Moon Lake Tribe?" Luciel raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Yes. That's how I always dressed there," Liyue replied matter-of-factly.

Before he could say anything, she added quickly, "I know a hidden path into the tribe. We don't have to go through the main gate for inspection."

Luciel almost laughed. "Who said anything about sneaking in?"

He turned her around by the shoulders and nudged her back toward her room.

"W-Wait! Hold on!" Liyue was flustered.

She had always slipped into the Moon Lake Tribe in secret—there was no other way for her to enter.

"Go change your clothes."

Ignoring her protests, Luciel pushed her inside and called out, "Didn't you sew several new dresses? Put one on."

"Honestly…" Liyue sighed helplessly from behind the door.

"I need to dress up too," Luciel muttered to himself. He had no intention of sneaking in.

If he was going to enter, he would do it openly, through the front gate. He wanted to draw attention. After all, how else could he lure out buyers who could afford Starlight Tea?

During the past five days, the three of them hadn't just sewn clothes—they had also crafted plenty of furniture.

Luciel's room now had a row of neat cabinets along one wall.

"Never thought I'd end up wearing Hanfu in this world," Luciel murmured, gazing at the white scholar's robe hanging in the closet.

It was modeled after the elegant attire of scholars from costume dramas, with some personal touches added.

Dressing himself in the long white robes and fastening a dark belt at his waist, Luciel's entire aura transformed—graceful, refined, and noble.

In this apocalyptic wasteland, wearing white alone was enough to exude wealth and status.

"No other outfit compares to Hanfu. I don't believe anyone will fail to notice."

He flicked the wide sleeves dramatically and stepped out of the room.

At the same moment, both girls appeared in the hall—wearing improved maid outfits that Luciel had designed himself, indulging a little in his own playful taste.

The girls froze when they saw him.

"Luciel… you look… amazing," Mino whispered, clasping her hands together. "Better than anyone I've ever seen."

"If strangers saw you now, no one would dare offend you."

Liyue's silver-white eyes glimmered as she added softly, "They'll think you came from one of the great cities."

Those "great cities" were far more powerful than tribes—dominant forces ruling over countless settlements.

"That's exactly the effect I want." Luciel smiled.

If he couldn't intimidate people, he wouldn't bother wearing Hanfu at all—it wasn't practical for moving around.

"I should change back…" Liyue murmured. After praising him, she suddenly felt unworthy.

Her hand rose to touch the scarlet markings on her cheek. Compared to Luciel's noble appearance, she felt her presence only dragged him down.

"No need to change."

Luciel stopped her before she could leave. He took out a mask painted with delicate plum blossoms and handed it to her.

"Wear this."

"For me?" Liyue blinked in surprise, running her fingers across the painted blossoms.

"Mm. With the mask, you'll be my guard." Luciel smiled faintly.

"Alright."

Liyue obediently put it on. At once, her presence changed—her air turned sharp, cool, and distant, like a figure above the crowd.

"Woo~~"

The Rock Tortoise let out a low growl, urging them onward. Their destination was near.

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