"I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Neuvillette."
As the oldest among them, Zhongli welcomed Neuvillette on everyone's behalf, and they took their seats around the golden thread sandalwood tea table.
Several plates of exquisite Chinese pastries sat on the table. The plate closest to Neuvillette also held macarons and other little cakes distinctive to Fontaine.
The girl standing beside the table brought out several teacups and filled each seven-tenths full. A delicate fragrance drifted through the air, fresh and pleasant.
"This is the West Lake Dragon Well tea Wanmin Restaurant just got in. It's quite good. Have a taste, everyone."
As she spoke, she finished setting out the tea.
Zhongli raised the fragrant tea to his nose and inhaled. His brow relaxed as he praised it. "Excellent tea indeed."
"Thank you, Xiangling. Sorry for the trouble."
Xiangling smiled and nodded. "You're welcome, Mr. Zhongli. I'll head back to Wanmin Restaurant. Just call if you need anything."
With that, Xiangling left the courtyard. Tartaglia, who was standing at the entrance, glanced inside, closed both sides of the gate, and left with her.
Silence settled over the courtyard after their departure.
Although Neuvillette had said earlier that he had learned something about them from the Traveler, everyone present still formally introduced themselves.
Zhongli blew on his steaming tea and took a small sip. After setting down his cup, he gave Neuvillette, who sat directly opposite him, a gentle smile. "These days, I'm merely a man of leisure living in Liyue. While on vacation, I go by Zhongli."
Neuvillette inclined his head in acknowledgment.
[Geo Archon-Morax]
Venti gulped down his tea, then pulled out a bottle and filled his cup with wine. A living embodiment of the word drunkard, he still found time to look up and wink at the man beside him.