The following evening, in the Twenty-First District of the Outer City.
Most of the shops and residences lining the streets were still unfinished. Having just undergone reconstruction, many storefronts hadn't had the chance to reopen yet, leaving the entire street feeling somewhat deserted with only a few pedestrians passing by.
Only in front of the newly repaired teahouse hung a wooden sign that read: “Open for Business.”
Li Yuan stood at the entrance, reaching up to slightly adjust the position of the bronze bell.
He glanced at the newly replaced wooden door and then at the neat stone steps at the entrance, feeling a sense of nostalgia.
After everything, he had finally returned to where he started.
Just as he was about to head inside, the sound of wheels echoed from the corner—it was the carriage of Duke Sebas's family.
The Duchess stepped down from the carriage carrying a flower basket, followed by Reinhardt, who held a delicately wrapped wooden box. Setis walked at the front; her pace quickened noticeably when she saw the teahouse, though she deliberately slowed down as she neared the door to avoid looking too eager.
The Duke looked up at the newly repaired sign and nodded.
“Looks good. Very tasteful.”
“Thank you all for your support,” Li Yuan said with a slight bow. “If not for everyone’s help, I doubt I would have been able to reopen so quickly.”
“Don't be so modest,” the Duke waved a hand, walking straight inside. “We came here specifically for tea today.”
The Duchess handed the flower basket to Li Yuan, smiling. “I wish you a successful opening, Mr. Li.”
Reinhardt also handed over the wooden box.
“Inside are a few sets of coasters and tea towels. Mother picked them out; they should be useful.”
“Thank you.”
Setis stood to the side, waiting until her family had finished speaking before handing a small paper bag to Li Yuan.
“These are the bookmarks I chose.”
She looked away as soon as she finished speaking. Li Yuan took the bag and peeked inside to find several finely crafted silver bookmarks.
“They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
Before long, the other end of the street became lively as well.
Mila, Thor, and several other students from the Second-Year Special Class arrived together. Some had brought streamers that read “Grand Opening,” and they hurried along, urging each other forward. The bronze bell rang incessantly as they entered.
“Mr. Li! Congratulations on the opening!”
Mila was the first to burst in, her voice so bright it could be heard nearly across the entire street. Thor followed behind her, pushing up his glasses and offering a proper bow.
“I... I wish you a prosperous business.”
Setis watched the streamers Mila was holding up, her brow twitching slightly.
“Where did you get those?”
“Leftovers from the academy's activity room,” Mila said matter-of-factly. “No one was using them anyway.”
Setis gave her a look, her expression shifting slightly. Mila immediately added, “We have other gifts too, not just this!”
This caused Setis’s expression to soften a bit.
Next, Napa arrived. As soon as he entered, he looked around with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
“It looks much better than before.”
“It was completely renovated, after all,” Li Yuan said with a smile as he welcomed him in. “Welcome.”
Napa sat down at the bar counter, his tone casual. “I had to come for your opening. After all, I was the first guest here.”
Just as he said that, a head poked through the doorway.
Angela held onto the doorframe, looking left and right first to make sure no one was watching her before straightening her back and walking in.
“I used the front door this time.”
Li Yuan glanced at her and nodded. “Good. Keep it up.”
She then familiarized herself with the place and sat down by the window.
Before long, the once-quiet street was brought to life by the teahouse. Occasionally, passing pedestrians would stop and peer inside, and seeing the laughter and conversation within, they too showed hints of curiosity.
Li Yuan returned to the bar counter and began brewing tea for everyone.
Black tea, green tea, and Oolong tea were served one by one.
The first to pick up a cup was the Duke. He had originally taken a sip just to be supportive, but as his brow relaxed, he was already bringing the cup back to his lips for a second taste.
“Hmm?”
He looked down at the tea in his cup, then up at Li Yuan.
“This tea... is indeed excellent.”
The Duchess also took a sip, her eyes lighting up.
“No wonder Setis used to run off to the Outer City so often.”
Setis’s ears turned red, and she lowered her head to drink her tea, pretending she hadn't heard. Reinhardt’s reaction wasn't as exaggerated, but he couldn't help but nod.
“It’s better than many of the teas I’ve had in the palace.”
The students nearby weren't nearly as reserved.
Mila finished her cup and set it down, her eyes sparkling.
“Mr. Li, have you really considered becoming a private tea master for someone? I can go back and ask my father. Although my family isn't as wealthy as the Duke’s, I’m sure we could work something out.”
Another boy chimed in, “I can ask my family too.”
“My uncle happens to love tea; he’d definitely be willing to pay a high price.”
With a sharp clack, the heated discussion was interrupted—Setis’s teacup had landed heavily on the table.
“No!”
Her voice wasn't loud, but it was absolutely resolute, instantly silencing the students.
Mila blinked. “I wasn't finished yet.”
“It doesn't matter what you have to say,” Setis said, looking at her. “His teahouse just opened. If you want tea, come here. No one is allowed to lure him away.”
Mila looked at Setis, then at Li Yuan, her smile gradually becoming meaningful.
“Oh—?”
Setis narrowed her eyes, and Mila immediately picked up her teacup. “This tea really is wonderful~”
Li Yuan stood behind the bar counter, smiling without a word. After drinking several cups, the Duke finally put his cup down and let out a long sigh of regret.
“If I had known your tea was this good, I should have had you brew it every day while you were at the estate.”
Setis looked up at her father, her face full of defensiveness.
“Is it not the same to drink it now?”
“It’s not,” the Duke shook his head solemnly. “Free tea tastes better. From now on, I’ll have to pay to drink it here.”
Reinhardt covered his face in distress, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
“Father...”
The Duchess covered half her face with her fan, her shoulders shaking slightly with laughter, while Setis rubbed her temples with a look of utter helplessness.
Li Yuan smiled and said sincerely, “If you come often, Your Grace, I can give you a discount.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
The Duke immediately accepted, as if the previous awkwardness didn't exist. This time, even Reinhardt gave up on speaking entirely.
The teahouse remained lively until late into the night. The students drank their fill of tea, ate refreshments, and spent a good while browsing the bookshelves. Mila was very interested in the sequel to the Chronicles of Kyushu, while Thor was drawn to an old book about formations. Even though he couldn't understand the content, he flipped through it very seriously.
Before leaving, the Duchess specifically told Li Yuan to let them know if he needed anything else for the shop. The Duke drank one last cup of tea before standing up somewhat reluctantly.
Setis should have left with them, but she remained seated by the window, motionless.
The Duke looked at her, his brow about to furrow, but the Duchess gently shook her head.
“Let her stay for a while.”
The Duke opened his mouth to speak but ultimately only let out a muffled huff.
“Don't be too late.”
“I know.”
Setis didn't even look up.
The students also took their leave one by one. Before leaving, Mila gave Setis a wink, but after receiving a cold glare in return, she immediately pulled Thor out the door.
Angela wanted to linger for another cup of tea, but after being fixed with a look from Napa, she could only stand up unwillingly.
However, she turned back at the door and whispered, “I can come back next time, right?”
“Of course.”
After everyone left, the teahouse returned to its usual tranquility. The only ones remaining were Setis and Napa.
Setis held a cup of black tea in one hand while flipping through Li Yuan's latest recommendation, Wind and Clouds of the Dao Sect, with the other. She turned the pages slowly and read with great focus, her brow furrowing occasionally as she encountered some particularly obscure parts.
Napa sat at the bar counter with a cup of Oolong tea. After clearing a few tables, Li Yuan returned to the bar, poured himself a cup, and asked casually.
“How have things been at the academy lately?”
Napa took a sip of tea and replied slowly, “The usual. Rebuilding while resuming classes. The lower years are starting with theory classes, while the upper years take turns helping to repair the barriers. Professor Hogg has been so busy he’s barely been seen. Angela wants to help, but everyone feels that her helping less is the greatest help of all.”
Hearing this, Setis’s mouth twitched. Although she wasn't familiar with this Angela, to receive such an evaluation from Napa made her quite the character in her mind.
Napa continued, “Your name has been coming up a lot at the academy lately. Word of you teaching refreshments to the Special Class during the anniversary has spread. I was thinking... if you’re interested, I could arrange a spot for you in the Vocational Theory Class.”
Li Yuan paused.
“The Vocational Theory Class?”
“Yes,” Napa nodded. “It doesn't require vocational talent. There are many ordinary people in the theory classes—some research magic history, others study vocational systems and tactical foundations. Even though you don't have vocational talent, you have good insights. If you listen to the lectures there, you could do something else if you ever get tired of running a teahouse.”
Napa was being very sincere. In his eyes, Li Yuan was simply a teahouse owner who lacked vocational talent but possessed considerable knowledge. Getting him into the academy, even if he couldn't become a practitioner, would at least provide him with more opportunities.
Setis finally couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. Napa turned to look at her.
“What are you laughing at?”
Setis picked up her teacup, trying to suppress her amusement.
“Nothing. I just think the Dean is very caring.”
Napa looked at her, sensing some underlying meaning in her words, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Li Yuan set down his teacup and shook his head.
“I appreciate the kind offer, but I still feel that running a teahouse suits me better. The academy has too many rules; I doubt I’d get used to it.”
Napa didn't push.
“Fair enough. It’s up to you. At least I’ll have a place to drink tea if you stay here.”
“You’re always welcome.”
As midnight approached, Setis closed Wind and Clouds of the Dao Sect and placed her bookmark. She looked up and asked,
“Can I borrow this?”
“Of course,” Li Yuan replied with a smile. “Just bring it back when you’re finished.”
Setis carefully cradled the book in her arms. Napa finished his last sip of tea, set down the cup, and stood up to stretch.
“It’s about time to head out.”
Li Yuan put down his own reading material, preparing to see the two of them out, when the bronze bell above his head suddenly chimed.
“Ding-ling-ling—”
The wooden door of the teahouse was pushed open, and two people walked in, one after the other.
The young man leading the way was slender, his short silver-white hair appearing somewhat cold under the light. He wore a simple dark coat, and his face was paler than Li Yuan remembered. The arrogance of the past had faded from his eyes, replaced by a weariness that was hard to conceal.
Lanqiu de Cecil.
Following behind him was a young man Li Yuan had never seen before.
He looked to be about twenty years old, dressed in plain grey clothes. His features were clean and his expression quiet as he stood half a step behind Lanqiu.
After entering, he didn't look around. He gave the people in the room a quick glance and then lowered his gaze.
Napa’s pupils contracted slightly as he looked at the two of them, clearly surprised. Setis also looked up, her grip on the book in her arms tightening instinctively.
Lanqiu stood at the door, his gaze passing over the others before finally landing on Li Yuan behind the bar counter.
After a moment of silence, he spoke.
“...Is there any tea?”
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