Takumi entered Xiangling's restaurant and headed straight upstairs.
As soon as he reached the private room, he heard Hu Tao's voice.
"Are you really not interested, Paimon?"
"Buy one, get one free."
"Even if you're petite, I can make a custom urn for you."
"If that's not possible, we could go for a burial instead."
"A small coffin isn't out of the question either."
"But an urn would be better."
"That way, Lumine can carry you around at all times."
"Since you're so small, once cremated, you'd only be a handful of ashes at most."
As soon as Takumi arrived, he heard Hu Tao's unsettling conversation.
Paimon was horrified.
This crazy woman wanted to cremate her?!
Paimon was in shock.
She wasn't even dead yet!
This woman was way too dangerous!
"Lumine!"
"Let's stop hanging out with Hu Tao."
"She's too dangerous!!"
Just as she said this, Takumi pushed the door open.
Klee and a few others were also in the room.
Observing the situation, Takumi noticed Qiqi keeping her distance from Hu Tao, tucked away in a corner.
Even though their past misunderstanding had been resolved, and Qiqi had even traveled to Mondstadt, she still instinctively avoided Hu Tao.
Her body simply refused to go near the director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Diona and Yaoyao sat beside Qiqi, while Shenhe was also present.
After all, she had brought these four little girls today to help Diona with her tavern business.
The moment Klee saw Takumi, she beamed with joy.
"Brother Takumi~!"
Takumi walked in casually.
"Takumi!!"
"This woman is too much."
"She actually wants to cremate me!"
"Woooooo~~!"
"I'm so pitiful."
"Please buy me something delicious."
So that's your main point, huh?
Takumi rolled his eyes at her.
"Go, go, go."
"You just think about food all day!"
Giving her a side glance, Takumi sat down.
"Hehe~!"
Hu Tao laughed.
Of course, she was just joking with Paimon.
But she didn't expect the little floating creature to take her seriously.
Lumine, on the other hand, looked completely unamused.
The little one was so easy to tease.
Takumi, now seated, turned his attention to Shenhe and Diona.
"Diona, have you picked a tavern location?"
Hearing Takumi's question, Diona nodded eagerly.
"I have!"
"Right across from Angel's Share!"
Takumi was speechless.
Diluc had set up his tavern there, but it wasn't open yet—it was still under renovation.
And now Diona chose the location directly opposite?
That was bold.
She really was determined to challenge Grandpa Lu.
At that moment, Shenhe explained further.
"I originally planned to show her other locations."
"But once she found out Angel's Share was there, she insisted on choosing the shop right across from it."
Shenhe looked slightly helpless as she spoke.
When other merchants learned about Angel's Share, many who had considered opening a tavern backed out.
Some even abandoned their plans entirely.
After all, Angel's Share was a well-known name.
Every businessman in Mondstadt understood its significance.
It was by far the most famous tavern in Mondstadt.
The only competitor that could barely hold its ground was Cat's Tail Tavern.
And that was only because Diluc didn't care enough to deal with it.
If he wanted to, he could easily crush Cat's Tail Tavern.
After all, Diluc's winery controlled over 90% of Mondstadt's alcohol market.
Most of the wine served at Cat's Tail Tavern was sourced from Diluc's estate.
If Diluc ever wanted to target them, he could simply cut off their supply.
Cat's Tail Tavern's only real advantage was Diona.
Blessed by the Spring Fairy, Diona's bartending skills made every drink taste incredible, regardless of how she mixed them.
This unique talent had made her popular.
But now, Diona had left Cat's Tail Tavern.
Without her, the establishment might not last long.
Its owner was too laid-back, preferring to wander around rather than run the business properly.
Without Diona, the tavern could very well shut down.
There was no way it could compete with Diluc's tavern.
Diona's dream was to destroy Mondstadt's alcohol industry.
So naturally, her biggest enemy was Diluc.
Now that his new tavern was under renovation, how could Diona resist?
She immediately took the location across from Angel's Share.
She was determined to defeat Diluc in a fair competition!
Understanding Diona's intentions, Takumi wasn't too surprised.
"If that's the case, then start the renovations."
"Diona, you can design it however you want."
"I'll also set you up with proper lighting and a music system."
At that, Takumi smirked slightly.
Might as well support Diona and help her challenge Grandpa Lu.
A cozy tavern with soothing music?
That had potential.
Hearing Takumi's words, Diona's eyes sparkled.
"Okay, Brother Takumi~!"
Just as their discussion ended, Xiangling arrived with the food.
She had prepared extra, knowing that Takumi was here.
"Dinner is ready~!"
Dishes were placed on the table one by one.
After several trips back and forth, she finally finished serving everything.
Everyone started eating.
As they ate, Takumi turned his attention to Lumine.
"Lumine, you went out early this morning."
"Done exploring?"
Hearing Takumi's question, Lumine nodded.
"I like it here."
"I've decided to find a job and stay."
She had made up her mind.
Her brother could search for her if he wanted.
Why should she be the one to do all the work?
The thought annoyed her.
So, she decided to live here.
Once she had enough money, she could travel at her own pace.
"Looking for a job?"
"Are you interested in joining Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
"Great benefits! All you have to do is carry coffins with me."
At that moment, Hu Tao spoke up excitedly.
"No."
"I refuse!"
Lumine rejected the idea instantly.
Was she serious?
No matter how desperate she was for work, carrying coffins was out of the question!
Hu Tao blinked.
"Not interested in that job?"
"How about cremation services?"
"Just toss the body in the incinerator and let it burn."
"The pay is great!"
So, she didn't want to carry coffins?
No problem.
There were other roles available.
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was always hiring.
After all, they had a monopoly on funeral services in Liyue.