I opened a shop on the Astral Train-Chapter 82

She had spent the entire day chasing after Raiden, who kept darting off to different street stalls.

On top of that, she hadn't been able to find Ganyu. According to staff members, Ganyu had turned down an invitation from Yun Jin.

Yae Miko sighed as she watched Raiden devour a box of glutinous rice cakes. "Ah, little fox, I was born to suffer."

Her gaze drifted toward the sea, where a grand treasure ship floated in the distance.

"It's already late. No one will be out on the boat now. Raiden, let's just fly over."

She called out to her, but got no response.

Turning around, she found Raiden sharing his food with a girl with heterochromatic eyes.

The girl wore a top hat and a blue outfit.

It was Furina.

She and Clorinde had just arrived in Liyue. While Clorinde had gone off to find a boat, Furina had spotted Raiden. She recognized her from their meeting on Celestia and knew he had come at the invitation of "that person."

So, she had approached, offering him a flower cake as a greeting.

Raiden took a bite of the cake and his eyes lit up. "Furina, where did you get this?"

Furina grinned. "Hmm... Oh! Right! Qingce Manor! How is it? Good?"

Raiden nodded enthusiastically, then turned to Yae Miko. "Miko, I want to go to Qingce Manor to buy flower cakes."

Yae Miko groaned, rubbing her temples. "Enough, Raiden! We have a banquet to attend, remember?"

Raiden blinked. "Oh, right."

Furina perked up. "Why don't we go together? Clorinde just found a boat."

At that moment, something clicked in Yae Miko's mind.

Wait.

What had Raiden just called this girl?

Furina? That name sounded familiar...

She frowned, trying to remember. And then—it hit her.

The Hydro Archon. The Water God of Fontaine. Furina.

Yae Miko's expression stiffened. "Raiden, who is this?"

Ying casually grabbed another flower cake from Furina's bag and said, "Furina, the Water God of Fontaine."

Yae Miko inhaled sharply.

She immediately bowed. "Your Majesty Furina, this humble one greets you."

Furina beamed. Wow! She really was famous!

Just then, a small fishing boat docked in front of them, and Clorinde stepped out of the cabin.

"Lady Furina, most boatmen have gone home for the festival. This was the best I could find."

Furina popped another flower cake into her mouth and waved dismissively. "It's fine. Oh, by the way, Raiden and her friends are coming with us."

Clorinde turned to Raiden and immediately saluted. "Lady Clorinde greets Her Majesty the Raiden Shogun."

Raiden gave a small nod in response.

Furina boarded the boat, still clutching her bag of flower cakes.

Raiden followed, casually helping himself to more sweets.

Yae Miko sighed. She had long given up trying to stop her. After being sealed in the Tenshukaku for so many years, he was bound to be greedy.

The boat set off toward the treasure ship.

On the treasure ship, Ningguang was intrigued by the newcomers.

Furina and Raiden were the first to step aboard.

Ningguang scrutinized their unfamiliar attire. They were clearly not from Liyue, nor from Yuri's group.

"Welcome. May I ask who you are?"

Furina quickly swallowed her food and answered, "Oh, we're here at the invitation of His Majesty Asmodeus."

Yae Miko and Clorinde arrived just behind them.

At that moment, Ganyu stepped onto the deck to get some fresh air.

Yae Miko spotted her instantly and waved excitedly. "Ganyu!"

Ganyu turned and gasped in surprise. "Lady Yae Miko!"

She quickly trotted over. "What brings you here?"

Yae Miko gestured toward Raiden. "I'm here with Raiden to attend Her Majesty Asmodeus's banquet. Oh, and let me introduce you—this is Her Majesty Furina, and her subordinate, Clorinde. They're here for the same reason."

Ganyu's eyes widened, and she bowed respectfully. "Qixing Secretary Ganyu greets Your Majesties."

Raiden gave a small nod, recognizing Ganyu from long ago.

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Furina smiled. "Hello, hello! Has His Majesty Asmodeus arrived yet?"

Ganyu nodded. "Yes, His Majesty is currently playing games with Silver Wolf. Please, come inside."

She led the group into the cabin.

The moment Furina stepped inside, she discreetly tucked away her flower cakes. No way was she meeting Asmodeus with crumbs on her face.

Inside, the hall was lively and bustling.

Raiden and Furina approached Asmodeus.

"Your Majesty Asmodeus, we've arrived," Furina said, a little nervous.

Asmodeus grinned. "Oh, it's you guys. Sit down and relax for a bit—the meal hasn't started yet."

Raiden's attention immediately drifted elsewhere.

His eyes locked onto a snack table brimming with treats.

His feet started moving toward it, as if controlled by an invisible force.

Furina sighed and found a booth to sit at with Clorinde.

The entire hall was alive with activity.

Kevin and his friends were still playing Emperor's Jade. The Young Master, despite playing only six rounds, had already lost 300,000 Mora and was scratching his head in frustration.

The six children ran around, playing with their night lanterns.

Silver Wolf and Asmodeus were yelling at their screens, deep into their game.

Barnabas and the Lady sipped black tea, chatting casually.

Soon, Yuri and his friends descended from the upper floor.

Xiangling, along with her kitchen helpers, began bringing out the dishes.

Xiangling happily pushed the cart out of the kitchen.

"It's time to eat~ It's time to eat~ Everyone, come and eat~"

Three tables had been set up for the feast.

Yuri took out a jar of fine wine he had bought from the system mall.

"Those who can drink, come here. Those who can't, sit at the other tables."

Venti and Feixiao immediately ran to Yuri's table, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

Venti couldn't take his eyes off the jar in Yuri's hands. "Quick, quick, Yuri! Pour me a glass first!"

Yuri chuckled. "What's the rush? Not everyone is here yet."

Then, he raised his voice. "Who else wants to drink? If you do, come sit here."

Kaeya and Diluc soon joined them.

Kaeya grinned. "Count me in!"

The rest of the hall filled up as everyone took their seats.

Kafka and Himeko sat with Ningguang, the six little ones, Nahida, and Paimon.

Kevin, March 7th, Hu Tao, Amber, Eula, Seele, Raiden Qingque, Xiangling, and several others shared another table.

Once everyone was present, Yuri uncorked the wine jar.

A rich, intoxicating aroma spread through the air.

Feixiao and Venti inhaled deeply, their expressions melting into pure bliss.

Yuri smirked. "This wine is very strong, so pace yourselves."

Feixiao waved a hand dismissively. "Strong? I like strong liquor! It should be drunk in big gulps for true enjoyment!"

Venti nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Sipping it like tea would be so boring!"

Yuri laughed. "If you drink like that, you'll be on the floor after one cup."

Venti grabbed a wine bowl and stood on his chair. "Come on! Let me try it!"

Seeing his enthusiasm, Yuri poured him a full bowl.

Venti lifted it to his lips and downed it in one go.

"That's it? That's all? This is nothing! Give me another—"

Before he could finish, his body wobbled, and he slumped under the table.

Yuri clicked his tongue. "Tsk tsk tsk... So this is the Archon of Wind? Too weak."

Feixiao, undeterred, grinned. "Yuri! Give me a bowl too!"

Seeing another brave challenger, Yuri poured him a drink.

Feixiao gulped it down and slammed the bowl on the table. "Refreshing! This wine is amazing! Another!"

Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You're still standing after one? Impressive."

This wine had cost him 10,000 Stellar Jade in the system mall. It was incredibly strong.

He poured Feixiao another bowl, and once again, Feixiao downed it in a single gulp.

Then, he hiccuped and frowned. "Why is everything swaying? No... why is the floor shaking?"

A few seconds later, both Feixiao and Venti collapsed under the table.

Zhongli had them carried to the side to rest.

Yuri surveyed the room. "Anyone else up for the challenge?"

Kaeya slammed the table. Three seconds later, he fell too.

Huaiyan chuckled, stroking his beard. "Let's take it slow. We old folks can't keep up with the young ones."

The rest took measured sips, enjoying the food alongside their drinks.

At the children's table, Nahida was sulking.

She was a dignified Archon! And yet, she had been seated with Klee and the others.

She had initially wanted to sit at Yuri's table, but he had promptly dragged her to the children's section.

His reasoning?

"Children aren't allowed to drink!"

Klee, oblivious to Nahida's grumbling, handed her a chicken leg. "Nahida~ Eat the chicken leg~"

Nahida's frustration vanished instantly. "Okay! Thank you, Klee!"

She happily took a bite.

At another table, Asmodeus and Silver Wolf were still engrossed in their PS5s, ignoring the food entirely.

Meanwhile, Furina sat next to Kevin.

Kevin glanced at her curiously. "Hey, what's your name? Who invited you?"

Furina, enjoying her meal, looked up. "Hehe~ Very good! I am the embodiment of justice, the god who rules Fontaine—the Demon God, Furina!"

Kevin blinked. "You're a god too?"

Furina nodded. "Yes, why?"

Kevin leaned forward. "Are there any treasure chests in your nation?"

Furina thought about it. "Yes. Why?"

March 7th, Raiden, and the others instantly perked up.

"Treasure chests!"

Furina tilted her head. "Aren't treasure chests everywhere?"

Raiden quickly realized that Furina had no idea about the value of chests—she didn't know that opening them rewarded Stellar Jade, which could be exchanged for Star Coins.

So, with a sweet smile, Raiden picked up a piece of sweet and sour fish and placed it in Furina's bowl.

"Furina, can we visit your nation?"

Furina waved a hand. "Oh, just call me Furina. 'Furina' is for formal occasions."

Raiden nodded. "Alright, Furina. So, can we visit Fontaine?"

Furina was intrigued. "Why do you want to come? Isn't Liyue fun enough?"

Raiden grinned. "We all share a common hobby—opening treasure chests. If we don't open chests for too long, we get sick."

Furina rubbed her chin. "That's a real condition? I've never heard of it."

Raiden patted her shoulder. "Furina, what do you say? Will you take us to Fontaine?"

Furina pondered for a moment. "Sure. Fontaine isn't closed to outsiders."

At this, Yae Miko sighed. How did she get dragged into this?

Thankfully, Raiden had finally decided to return home and help improve Inazuma's economy.

After the Lantern Festival, Yae Miko planned to return to handle the affairs of the three major families. Inazuma's stagnation wasn't just because of the Kamisato Clan—the other two families bore responsibility as well.

But right now, there was something else that caught her attention.

These people were way too enthusiastic about "treasure chests."

There was definitely something to it.

The supposed "chest-opening sickness" was nonsense, but there had to be another reason behind their obsession.

As everyone ate and chatted, time passed quickly.

Yuri suddenly pulled out dozens of red envelopes after all this time had passed.

"Alright, everyone, come and get your red envelopes. In my hometown, it's a tradition to hand these out during the New Year. One for each person."

Paimon, hearing the word "free," immediately zoomed toward Yuri. "Yuri! Happy New Year!"

Yuri chuckled and handed her a red envelope.

Paimon shook it excitedly, holding it up to her ear to listen to whatever was inside.