Over the next two days, Li Yuan finally came to understand the true meaning of having help that wasn't entirely helpful—Angela was certainly capable.
She knew many of the craftsmen responsible for the district's reconstruction and where to buy good quality wooden shelves, tables, and chairs at fair prices. Whenever a shopkeeper tried to hike up the price, she only had to cleverly drop Hogg’s name, and their attitude would immediately become much more polite.
At the same time, she was indeed very annoying. For example—
“Should we add a hidden door here?”
“No.”
“How about hiding a short crossbow under the counter? If someone causes trouble, you can just duck and pull it out.”
“Let me reiterate—this is a teahouse.”
“A teahouse also needs to consider security issues.”
“I don't think I'll need a short crossbow to entertain guests.”
“Then how about instant-cast magic scrolls?”
“Those aren't necessary either.”
Similar conversations repeated themselves countless times over those two days.
Angela even almost ordered a set of magic mechanical shelves that could move on their own. According to her, these shelves could normally organize books and tea leaves by themselves, and in case of danger, they could ram into enemies, making them both practical and fun.
However, after the shelves crashed into the shop walls for the third time during the demonstration, Li Yuan firmly rejected the proposal.
Beyond that, she tried to install an escape rope ladder by the second-floor window, dig a tunnel to the back alley in the storage room, and hide a row of small magic bombs under the bar counter.
All of these were vetoed by Li Yuan one by one. In this stumbling manner, the teahouse's arrangement was eventually completed smoothly.
Two days later, in the afternoon, the last set of small tables and wooden chairs was moved into the teahouse and placed by the window. Li Yuan personally adjusted their angles, restoring them to how they were in his memory.
The tea shelves behind the bar counter had been wiped clean, with spaces reserved on every level. New bookshelves were placed against the left wall; the bottom shelf held travelogues and miscellany, the middle shelves were reserved for books brought from the Kyushu Continent, and the top shelf held books from Blue Star.
The bronze bell was re-hung, so the crisp chime would ring above the heads of arriving guests. Though it wasn't the same as the old one, it was pleasant enough to the ear.
Li Yuan stood in the center of the room, looking around once more, and let out a long sigh of relief.
...It was finally over.
He hadn't experienced anything thrilling or fought any powerful enemies over the last two days, but he was no less mentally exhausted. Spending too much time with Angela made one feel as if they were dealing with a troublesome child who was constantly having "bright ideas."
“Alright.” He turned around and looked at Angela, who was currently browsing the bookshelves. “The teahouse is fully set up. Your task should be finished now; you can go back and report.”
Angela acted as if she hadn't heard him. With her hands behind her back, she circled the shop, looking from the bar counter to the bookshelves, then from the small tables to the stairs. Finally, she stood by the door, hands on her hips, and nodded with great satisfaction.
“Not bad.”
Li Yuan looked at her, feeling a bit puzzled. This teahouse was supposed to be his... Angela nodded again, a hint of pride in her expression.
“As expected of something I personally oversaw. It’s practically perfect.”
Li Yuan remained silent for a moment before choosing a relatively polite response.
“I appreciate your hard work.”
“It was nothing.” Angela waved it off, looking like a hero who had completed a great feat and sought no reward. “Even though you vetoed many of my useful suggestions, the overall effect is still good. Especially this bar counter; the position is great. It’ll definitely be comfortable to sit here and drink tea later.”
“You’re naturally welcome to come for tea.”
“I’m definitely coming.” Angela’s eyes lit up. “Last time I was here, I was too busy hiding to drink anything. Now that you’re reopening, I have to have a few cups. You’ll be treating me, right?”
At this, she added, “What kind of tea do you have here? I’m not picky, as long as it’s expensive.”
“Complimentary tea is limited to the opening day, and the menu will be redone by then.” Li Yuan paused and gave a serious reminder. “However, there is one condition.”
“What?”
“Use the front door.”
Angela blinked, then immediately raised her right hand in a very solemn gesture.
“I know, I know. I’ll definitely use the front door. I won’t come crawling out of the shadows ever again.”
Looking at her vow-making appearance, Li Yuan still felt a bit uneasy. Angela pulled the somewhat crumpled task list from her sleeve and held it out to him.
“Oh, right. Sign this for me to prove I finished today’s task, otherwise the teacher will definitely say I was slacking off halfway through.”
Li Yuan looked at it and finally understood Hogg’s well-meaning intentions. He took the pen and wrote "Assisted in completing the teahouse arrangement" at the bottom.
Angela took the task list back, carefully blew on the ink, and the smile on her face became much more relaxed.
“Alright, I’m heading back then.”
She stepped out of the teahouse and waved to Li Yuan from the doorway.
“Remember to notify me when you open!”
“I will.”
The two parted at the street corner. Angela walked toward the palace, her steps as light as a mythical beast released from its cage. Li Yuan relocked the teahouse door and headed toward the Duke's estate.
By the time he returned to the Duke's estate, it was nearly evening.
In the foyer, only a few servants were organizing vases and carpets; the Duke’s family had not yet returned. A footman bowed respectfully as Li Yuan entered.
“Mr. Li, the Master and the Young Master are still out, and the Madam and the Eldest Miss have not yet returned. Dinner will likely be a bit later.”
“I see. Thank you.”
Li Yuan nodded and went up to the second floor.
He had spent almost all of the last two days at the teahouse. Now that things were finally settled, his body wasn't tired, but his mind wanted some peace. He returned to the guest room, hung up his coat, sat on the edge of the bed, and idly flipped through a few pages of a book.
He hadn't been reading long when a familiar knock came from the door.
“Li Yuan, it’s time for dinner.”
Setis’s voice drifted through the door.
Li Yuan closed the book and got up to open the door.
Setis stood outside, having changed back into a light-colored lounge dress, her golden hair tied simply behind her. She first looked at his face as if checking if he was hiding anything from her before speaking.
“Is the teahouse finished?”
“Basically.”
Her eyes brightened for a moment before she quickly composed herself.
“Then let’s go down. My father and the others have returned.”
In the dining room, the Duke and Duchess were already seated, and Reinhardt was talking to his father about palace affairs. Seeing Li Yuan and Setis come down, the Duke signaled for them to take their seats.
The atmosphere at dinner was much more relaxed than in previous days.
The Duchess asked a few questions about the teahouse's arrangement, and Li Yuan shared some details. When he mentioned Angela’s suggestion to install magic bombs under the counter, Reinhardt nearly choked on his soup.
Duke Sebas put down his wine glass, raising an eyebrow.
“Lord Hogg’s disciple is truly... unique.”
“She isn't a bad person,” Li Yuan offered a relatively diplomatic assessment. “She just has a few too many ideas.”
“That’s an understatement,” the Duchess added with a light laugh.
Li Yuan smiled as well. Then, as everyone looked toward him, he set down his utensils and spoke naturally.
“The teahouse is completely organized. It will be able to reopen in another two days.”
Everyone at the table stopped what they were doing.
The Duchess was the first to react. A sincere smile appeared on her face as she raised her glass. “That truly is good news. Congratulations, Mr. Li.”
Reinhardt also nodded. “Congratulations. I heard from Setis that your tea tastes wonderful. I’ll definitely come to try some on opening day.”
The Duke picked up his glass, his tone heartier than usual.
“This can be considered the first piece of good news in the capital’s post-disaster reconstruction. Being able to reopen your own shop is always more grounding than living in someone else’s home.”
Having said that, he seemed to realize the phrasing was a bit improper and coughed.
“Of course, I’m not chasing you out. You can stay as long as you like.”
The Duchess glanced at her husband, her fan lightly tapping the edge of the table, her eyes full of amusement.
Setis, sitting across from Li Yuan, had not spoken yet.
The fork in her hand lightly clinked against the edge of her plate. Her expression was a bit paler than before, but she didn't rush to say anything like she had in the past.
After a moment, she looked up and asked steadily, “Still night hours?”
“Yes.” Li Yuan nodded. “Roughly the same as before. For the first few days of the opening, I might open a bit earlier, but once things stabilize, it will be after dusk.”
Setis nodded slowly.
“Then I will be there.”
“You’re always welcome.”
She looked at him, her lips moving slightly, but in the end, she only whispered, “Congratulations.”
Her tone was soft, but very sincere.
Li Yuan gave a slight bow.
“Thank you.”
After dinner, everyone sat in the living room for a while. The Duchess asked if Li Yuan needed any flower baskets for the opening, while the Duke offered to let the estate’s carriage help transport things. Reinhardt mentioned that many students at the academy had heard of the teahouse and might want to visit after it opened.
Li Yuan thanked each of them, neither fully refusing nor committing to anything.
Setis remained seated to the side, occasionally chiming in with questions about minor details like tea leaves, bookshelves, and operating hours. Compared to her previous urgency, she seemed much quieter tonight.
However, every time the conversation turned back to the teahouse, she would glance at Li Yuan and then nonchalantly look away.
The next morning, Li Yuan woke up earlier than usual.
At breakfast, the entire Duke’s family was present, which was rare. Setis sat beside her mother, holding a cup of hot tea, with faint traces of lack of sleep under her eyes.
Once the servants had withdrawn, Li Yuan stood up and gave a slight bow to the Duke and Duchess.
“I am truly grateful for the care you have shown me during this time. Now that the teahouse is ready and will officially open in two days, it is time for me to move back.”
He paused and added, “Technically, I am not a member of this household, so I can't exactly tender a resignation. However, I should still formally take my leave today.”
The Duke put down his knife and fork, looking up at him.
“Why be so formal? You are Setis’s friend and a guest of our family. Staying for a few days is nothing.”
The Duchess also smiled. “The room will always be reserved for you. If the teahouse becomes too busy or if you ever want a quiet place to rest, come back anytime.”
Reinhardt nodded. “If you need help with anything, just say the word. If you’re short on hands on opening day, I can go over and help out.”
“Thank you all.” Li Yuan bowed solemnly. “I will remember this kindness.”
The Duke picked up his teacup, his tone sounding like he was mentioning a trivial matter.
“We will certainly be there on opening day.”
The Duchess nodded gently. “I’ve also wanted to see for myself what this teahouse that Setis has been thinking about for so long is actually like.”
Setis had been keeping her head down, but her ears turned slightly red at those words. She glanced at her mother, who only smiled. Setis remained silent for a moment before looking at Li Yuan, her tone steadier than the previous night.
“I will be there too.”
Li Yuan smiled and nodded.
“Then I will prepare the black tea in advance.”
The corners of Setis’s mouth twitched upward slightly before she quickly suppressed it.
“Okay.”
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