The guests' average age was impossible to estimate, so even though some of them had never met, they still chatted animatedly.
Aside from a few minor incidents, the meal left hosts and guests alike thoroughly satisfied.
Before they parted, Xianyu endured Matthias's burning gaze and ruffled his hair, then watched Zandar and Matthias leave together.
Akivili, meanwhile, stayed at his home.
There were plenty of empty courtyards in Xianyu's home, but the servants needed some time to clean one, so the Aeon and the two humans picked a pavilion to drink in.
The night on the Luofu was no different from that on the Xuling.
The temperature and humidity were always maintained at the most comfortable levels.
Akivili sat opposite the couple.
Watching the best friend and his wife sit shoulder to shoulder, occasionally pouring drinks for each other, the Aeon remarked wistfully:
"What a surprise..."
Xianyu set down the wine jug.
"What surprised you? That I'd get married?"
"I meant how you interact." Akivili shook their head. "Lan and I discussed this sort of thing in private."
Xianyu froze for a moment.
Who? Lan? He actually discussed things like this?
Come to think of it, something like that did happen.
Akivili glanced at Jingliu.
"Lan and I discussed what you'd be like once you fell in love."
Hearing this, Jingliu set down her cup and looked at the Aeon with interest.
"Oh? What did you think he'd be like?"
Akivili hesitated for a moment, then turned to Xianyu. "Can I say it?"
If it had been Lan, Xianyu would have refused immediately.
But since it was Akivili, he said, "There's nothing you can't say."
At that, the previously languid Aeon immediately sat up straight.
"Lan and I agreed that he would provide his lover with the best material comforts