Chapter 156

After Takumi confirmed the color Kaeya wanted, he used his tools, and in an instant, a car of the same color as Diluc's appeared.

"All right!" Takumi said. "I'm heading out now. Try driving slowly and don't run into anyone."

After reminding him, Takumi got into his car, started the engine, and drove away.

Watching Takumi leave, Kaeya could barely contain his excitement.

He had been longing for this moment.

Usually, his brother wouldn't even let him touch his car.

But now, he finally had one of his own.

Originally, if Takumi hadn't come to Mondstadt, Kaeya had planned to travel to Liyue to purchase a vehicle.

However, since Takumi was already here, things became much simpler.

All he needed to do was bring his savings and buy a car on the spot.

At the same time, he was surprised by Takumi's ability.

Did he really create this car on the spot?

Alchemy?

Though curious, Kaeya didn't dwell on it.

Instead, he eagerly started testing out his new ride.

Sitting in the driver's seat, he placed his Vision in the designated slot and pressed the ignition button.

Instantly, the energy from his Vision, which would normally fuel an Elemental Burst, was extracted to power the car.

Seeing this, Kaeya became even more excited.

Without hesitation, he drove straight toward Diluc's tavern.

Since he had spent a fortune, he figured he might as well go to his dear brother for reimbursement!

Meanwhile, Takumi and Lumine returned to the Deer Hunter Restaurant.

As soon as they got out of the car, Paimon excitedly chirped, "Takumi is such a good person! What are you treating me to today?"

Just moments ago, he was the "bad guy."

Now, he was suddenly a "good guy."

Paimon's double standards were truly impressive.

Takumi sighed internally before responding casually, "Whatever you want."

"Eat whatever you'd like."

With that, Takumi walked into the restaurant.

At this hour, the Deer Hunter Restaurant was already bustling with diners.

With the dragon crisis over, people who had been hiding at home were gradually venturing outside again.

As a result, the restaurant was packed.

Paimon, thrilled to hear Takumi's response, eagerly found a table and sat down.

Without hesitation, she ordered an enormous amount of food.

Takumi couldn't comprehend how her tiny body could store so much food.

Some of the dishes she ordered were larger than her entire body.

How was this physically possible?

Takumi was genuinely curious—perhaps he should dissect her to find out.

"Hey!" Paimon exclaimed, as if sensing his thoughts. "I feel like you're thinking something rude! That's too much!"

Hearing this, Takumi smirked slightly.

She was so cautious.

"Lumine," Takumi asked suddenly, "do you know what race Paimon belongs to?"

Lumine glanced at Paimon with an expressionless face.

"Emergency food race?" she replied flatly. "Probably."

There was no doubt—this remark enraged Paimon.

"I'm not emergency food!!" she shouted. "Lumine, you're too much!! I'm obviously your best friend!!"

She was absolutely furious.

However, Lumine completely ignored her.

Whatever Paimon said, Lumine wouldn't argue. If she refuted even once, she'd consider herself defeated.

"Then tell me, what race are you?" Takumi asked.

"I'm human, and Lumine is also human," he continued. "Teyvat has beastfolk, slimes, and even elves like Klee."

"So, Paimon, what exactly are you?"

Takumi's words immediately stumped Paimon.

What race was she?

For a moment, Paimon fell into deep thought.

Seeing her contemplative expression, Takumi couldn't help but laugh.

"Looks like even you don't know your own race," he teased. "In that case, we'll officially classify you as emergency food."

Paimon slumped in defeat.

"I am not emergency food!!" she pouted. "I'm going to give you an ugly nickname now!"

Regardless of her actual race, she was determined not to be labeled as emergency food.

Takumi, however, simply smirked.

"If you give me a nickname, I won't treat you to meals anymore."

At this, Paimon froze in place.

She could handle anything—except losing her free meals.

"Good man! I'll give you a shoulder massage instead!" she declared.

Without hesitation, she flew behind Takumi and started pinching his shoulders with her tiny hands.

Lumine facepalmed at the sight.

How embarrassing.

Takumi chuckled.

As expected, the best way to keep Paimon in check was through food.

For Paimon, Takumi was the ultimate food provider.

After a few moments of massaging, Paimon sighed in satisfaction and returned to her seat.

She was smart enough not to continue the previous discussion.

If it went on, she might actually end up classified as a bizarre race with a ridiculous name—assigned by Takumi.

Before long, the food they ordered arrived.

Paimon immediately started eating with enthusiasm.

This time, no one interrupted her.

Klee had probably returned home for the night.

Perhaps when they left Mondstadt, they could take Klee with them.

In a few days, once his affairs were settled, Takumi planned to return to Liyue.

There was nothing significant left for him to do in Mondstadt.

Next, he needed to prepare for the Rite of Descension, which would take place in a few months.

Takumi also had other tasks to complete in Liyue.

Oh, and he hadn't forgotten about giving Paimon a camera.

At some point, she could document Lumine's travels and adventures.

Even though Lumine claimed she was done searching for her brother, she was bound to continue her journey.

And when it came to dealing with gods and legendary events, Paimon could capture everything on camera.

Then, later on, they could compile all the footage and turn it into a full-length film.

That would be amazing.

Director Paimon—officially launched!

After finishing their meal, Takumi drove the car and parked in front of the hotel.

Then, he and Lumine walked toward Angel's Share.

As they approached the tavern, they noticed that most of the nearby shops were closed.

Only a few remained open.

Takumi couldn't help but wonder—had Diluc bought all the surrounding properties?

Did he shut down competing establishments to boost his own business?

With Diluc's wealth, that was entirely possible.

When they reached the entrance of Angel's Share, Takumi spotted two cars parked outside.

One undoubtedly belonged to Diluc.

As for the other—it was Kaeya's.

Pushing the door open, they were greeted by the sound of lively laughter.