Kapitel 193: Chapter 193

"Isn't this Mr. Takumi? Please come in quickly. Are you here to order dishes again this time?"

When Master Mao saw Takumi entering the Wanmin Restaurant, he quickly stepped forward to greet him. This Mr. Takumi was as knowledgeable as Mr. Zhongli, and even Mr. Zhongli showed respect toward him. It was clear that Takumi's knowledge was on par with, if not superior to, Mr. Zhongli's.

Takumi often ordered dishes at Wanmin Restaurant and could analyze each dish thoroughly, which greatly improved Master Mao's cooking skills. Such a knowledgeable person, even in ordinary conversation, was a source of valuable insight.

Takumi found a seat and said with a smile, "Master Mao, I'll eat here this time, no need for a takeaway. But today, I want to eat something that showcases Xiangling's talent—the future number one chef of Liyue."

Master Mao laughed heartily. "Xiangling might not be the best chef in Liyue yet, but I admit her cooking skills have surpassed mine."

After taking Takumi's order, Master Mao turned to Guoba. "Guoba, bring a pair of bowls and chopsticks for our guest, and serve a pot of the finest tea." After that, he hurried away to tend to the other guests.

Guoba slowly approached Takumi's table, carrying the bowls, chopsticks, and teapot. He greeted Takumi innocently, "Lulu~"

Takumi smiled and said, "Guoba, fill up my teacup, please."

Guoba nodded, clumsily pouring the tea. Takumi lifted the cup, his golden eyes shimmering. Instantly, Guoba's simple eyes also began to shimmer, and the glow spread across his entire body.

Golden light spots emerged from the void, flowing into Guoba's body. Guoba, startled, began to spin around in confusion, as if he were a flipped-over tortoise. "Lulu, lulu," he muttered anxiously.

The situation of the Demon God of Hearth, Marcusius, was relatively simple. Due to the rules of the Demon God War, there could only be one winner in an area. He and Morax were friends, and Marcusius knew he couldn't match Morax's strength, so he supported him instead.

Marcusius dispersed all his divine power, along with his Gnosis, to the land of Liyue, helping to stabilize the earth's veins and suppress the remnants of demon influences. Without Gnosis to control the authority, the "original fragment"—the core of his power—fell into a dormant state.

The "original fragment" was essentially the heart and soul of the Demon God, and without it, Marcusius' status as a Demon God had been downgraded. All it took was reactivation of the fragment, and Gnosis would return to him on its own.

Gradually, Marcusius' Gnosis returned, his consciousness becoming complete, and his eyes turned from dullness to wisdom. He had received information about the Teyvat Universe from Zhongli before, but had not fully understood it. Now, with his awareness restored, he grasped it all and quickly bowed to Takumi.

"Lord Tianli."

Takumi handed his empty teacup to Marcusius, who promptly refilled it. "Though you are not a powerful demon and we don't need you in battle, your presence is vital for the people of Liyue."

Marcusius, the Demon God of Hearth, was born from the "Rule of Food" and the "Rule of Fire." His domain was purely culinary—nourishment for all. He scratched his head, feeling humbled. He had never been a powerful demon. Aligning with Zhongli and later joining the Three-God Alliance had always felt like leaning on Zhongli for support. Although his power was still formidable to humans, it was more akin to that of the Salt Demon God.

At that moment, Xiangling approached, carrying the dishes Takumi had ordered. "Mr. Takumi, your food is ready!" she said cheerfully. She glanced at Guoba, then frowned. "I was wondering why I hadn't seen Guoba helping. Turns out he was lazing around here."

Marcusius, now fully aware, scratched his head sheepishly. "Little girl, I'm not being lazy. I'm just—"

Before he could finish, Xiangling's eyes widened in shock, her jaw dropping so much that she could almost put an egg in her mouth. "G-Guoba... you can talk?!"

Marcusius put his hands on his hips like a proud little bear. "Of course I can talk! I am the Demon God of Hearth, Marcusius. I lost my divine power, but I'm back now."

Takumi chuckled at Xiangling's stunned expression. "Guoba could always talk, Xiangling. He just hit his head hard and got a bit muddled. I managed to help him recover." He pointed toward Marcusius' head. "It was a pretty nasty fall."

Xiangling blinked, then smiled in realization. "So that's it! Guoba could talk but ended up thinking he was just a regular bear after that fall?"

Marcusius looked puzzled, glancing at Takumi for confirmation. Takumi nodded. "Exactly."

Xiangling then bowed deeply to Takumi. "Thank you so much, Mr. Takumi, for helping Guoba. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

Takumi smiled, picking up his chopsticks and tasting the food. "Well, I wouldn't mind if Xiangling agreed to be my personal chef—but I know you have bigger dreams."

Xiangling blushed at his words, her cheeks turning pink. "I want to travel around Teyvat and cook many dishes. I can't settle down to be a personal chef right now. But... is there anything else I could do for you?"

Takumi grinned. "How about this, Xiangling? Let's make a contract. In the future, after you become the God of Cooking, would you agree to be my chef then?"

Xiangling's face reddened even more. She stammered, "Mr. Takumi, are you... are you trying to court me?"

Takumi chuckled. "No, not exactly. More like teasing."

Xiangling puffed her cheeks in mock anger. "Mr. Takumi, you're terrible."

Takumi kept smiling. "But about becoming my chef after you become the God of Cooking—that part is serious."

Xiangling sighed in resignation. "Alright then, if I become the God of Cooking, I'll consider being your chef." She then narrowed her eyes playfully. "But don't think I'm making any promises!"

Takumi raised his finger with a grin. "The contract is sealed, Xiangling. The one who eats the dish shall honor the rock of the land."

Xiangling huffed. "Mr. Takumi, you're so sneaky."

In her heart, though, Xiangling couldn't bring herself to dislike Takumi. Despite his teasing, he was kind and genuinely knowledgeable—much like Mr. Zhongli.