"Long time no see, Qiao." Eden, without changing expression, promptly corrected herself after realizing her slip of the tongue.
"..." The 'Ely' just now, she must have been calling me, right? Ms. Elysia, her smile stiffening slightly, consoled herself.
Although Eden seemed to always use her full name 'Elysia' before... But it's okay! Doesn't this just mean our friendship has progressed? Thinking this, the initial awkwardness vanished completely.
After all, her plan was precisely to use this meeting to show off the rapid progress of her friendship with Eden, thereby 'retaliating' fiercely against someone.
"Mm, long time no see, Eden... You've changed quite a bit too," Jiang Qiao remarked.
"Have I? Then... what kind of change? I'm quite curious how you see me now," Eden replied with interest, a sparkle in her beautiful golden eyes, teasing lightly with a chuckle.
"Perhaps more mature? Like a flower standing taller after weathering wind and sun~ Beautiful and captivating. I imagine, during my absence, you two must have experienced a lot."
Hearing this, Eden's smile grew brighter, and she couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Yes, we certainly experienced much. A life entirely different from before."
"But to recount it all in detail would take more than just a few words."
"So?" Facing Jiang Qiao's teasing smile, the former songstress also smiled knowingly, extending her hand in invitation. "Care to join me for a drink?"
"Of course. After all~ who could refuse Eden's invitation?" The two exchanged words, their joyful atmosphere incredibly harmonious, like a well-coordinated musical piece—if one ignored the third person present.
"Wait, wait, wait... Why does it feel like there's absolutely no place for me here?!" A sweet voice, yet filled with dissatisfaction and annoyance, interrupted.
The pink-haired girl glared slightly with her blue eyes framed by pink lashes, her full, beautiful face puffed up in protest. She waved her hands, expressing only protest and pique.
This isn't how it's supposed to go! According to my, Elysia's, script, it should be me and Eden showing off the fruits of our bestie bonding time, making that bad guy Jiang Qiao really mad! How come, as these two chatted, it feels like there's absolutely no room for me, Elysia, to play my part anymore?
To avoid the terrible scenario of 'the two chat, then run off together, leaving only me behind,' Ms. Elysia had to resort to a rather blunt method, attempting to insert herself into the conversation and reclaim her presence.
Unexpectedly, Eden looked somewhat surprised and asked quizzically, "You want to join too?"
"...?" Hearing this, Elysia froze. ...You want to join too? You... want to... join too?
Her mind went blank, repeating the phrase over and over. Ms. Pink Fatty's eyes widened in disbelief. So, you two really weren't planning on including me! Aren't we best sisters, Eden?!
"Ah, apologies, Elysia... But, didn't you tell me you don't like drinking?" Eden seemed to realize the inappropriateness of her wording, her expression turning subtle. After apologizing, she asked cautiously.
Regarding not liking alcohol, Elysia had indeed revealed this to Eden during their 'Best Friend Offensive.' After all, alcohol made people dizzy, and in a muddled state, one might easily show a strange side.
Therefore, unless it was a necessary celebratory occasion like a banquet, Elysia had little interest in things like tobacco or alcohol, which were mainly used for stress relief.
Instead, drinks like apple cider vinegar were more to her liking. Unfortunately, Eden's collection clearly lacked such things. She only had various expensive wines from all over the world.
"..." Elysia's expression instantly fell. Eden loved drinking. Normally, to quickly improve their relationship and advance the 'Best Friend Offensive,' she should have followed the host's preference.
However, although she wasn't fond of alcohol, especially since Eden's wines were top-shelf and within Elysia's tolerance range... Ms. Pink Fatty clearly worried, 'What if I get drunk and act crazy? Will that negatively impact her impression of me?'
Therefore, she used this reason to politely decline Eden's invitations.
And the result... Elysia was successfully hit by her own boomerang. She gritted her teeth. So what if it's drinking?
But, the next moment...
"Besides, Dr. MEI seemed to have something she needed you for, right?" Eden reminded her.
In fact, the main reason she sought out Elysia was that she had just returned from Dr. MEI's place and was relaying Dr. MEI's request to notify Elysia.
Grind, grind. Ms. Pink Fatty ground her teeth silently. Since you've said that, what else can I say?
Originally, she thought, Just alcohol, whatever! Jiang Qiao, that bad guy, is here anyway... Worst case, I'll just puke on him!
But with Dr. MEI brought up, Elysia could only puff her cheeks and glare resentfully at a certain Jiang-surnamed man. "I'm going to find MEI..." After saying this hatefully, she shot Jiang Qiao one last 'fierce' look.
"Don't you dare do anything strange to Eden!"
"What kind of person do you take me for?" The latter chuckled helplessly. "We're just going to have a drink together."
"Hmph..." Elysia snorted lightly. Don't think I, Elysia, don't know what 'drunken debauchery' means!
However, after thinking about it carefully, she felt much more relieved. After all, based on her understanding of someone, mere alcohol couldn't possibly disrupt his mountain-like composure.
Like that time she sneaked into his quilt at midnight, that bad guy really just held her and slept the whole night... Damn him!
No need to worry about bad Jiang Qiao. Eden... hmm, even less need to worry about Eden. She was her best friend, after all.
Though the previous moment was awkward, it clearly seemed like just a misunderstanding~ Eden definitely still liked her, Elysia, more! Besides, Eden wasn't the type to get drunk and act crazy.
Thus, Ms. 55kg left with complete peace of mind.
Left alone with Eden, Jiang Qiao asked, somewhat puzzled, "Did MEI need Elysia for something?"
"Not quite sure. Probably something related to the Honkai," Eden replied.
"Then why not use the communicator?"
"Probably because the internal network and communication channels are currently undergoing maintenance. The engineering department does this every so often." As they talked, Eden led Jiang Qiao to her room.
Differing slightly from the standard Fire Moth quarters, Eden's room was much larger than those of other warriors—a privilege granted due to her substantial financial contributions to the Fire Moth, catering to her personal needs.
The room primarily housed musical instruments and a cellar storing Eden's collection of fine wines from around the world. Of course, this part was only a small fraction of Eden's collection.
The vast majority was stored in the grand cellar beneath the Golden Courtyard, within her estate assets scattered across the globe.
"Red wine from the Mu Continent."
"Though not the most expensive, it's one of my favorites." She gently held the simple bottle, filling the mahogany wine glass—inlaid with gold and gems, transparent as blood—to the brim. The clear liquid reflected their faces. Her lazy words held a hint of amusement; it was clear Eden was in a good mood now.
She enjoyed savoring fine wine alone, relishing its taste. But what Eden loved even more was sharing a drink with a 'confidant,' with companions. And Ely... cough cough, Qiao, was clearly such a 'confidant.'
Of course, Eden was also very fond of Elysia. During their time together, she had grown fond of this sincere girl. Although in some ways, Elysia couldn't compare to 'Elysia,' being somewhat inadequate, for Eden, this wasn't a significant demerit.
However, if possible, Eden certainly hoped for more than just emotional compatibility; if Elysia could make some progress in sharing her hobbies, she would be even happier.
Sipping the mellow wine, she savored the rare moment, gazing at the peaceful face opposite her. Everything reflected in her golden eyes, to be contemplated, to be savored, like the red wine in the glass.
Even though change had turned [Elysia] into Jiang Qiao, for Eden, it felt as if nothing had ever changed. He was Jiang Qiao, yet also, always, the [Ely] she first met in her heart.
Why didn't she use a more intimate address for Elysia? Perhaps this was why. Not because of varying degrees of closeness, but simply because, in her heart, the name 'Ely' was forever fixed to the moment Jiang Qiao, in the guise of 'Elysia,' met her.
"Wine, huh..." Resting his cheek on his hand, he narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly recalling something, and chuckled. "Speaking of which, I have some acquisitions too."
"Oh?" Eden's interest was piqued.
Jiang Qiao casually reached into the inventory granted by the chat group to every member and took out several bottles of crystal-clear fine wine.
Among them were Dandelion Wine, Grape Wine, and Apple Cider from Mondstadt, brewed with water from Cider Lake.
Although he hadn't visited Mondstadt in that world, Fontaine's bustling maritime trade meant goods from various nations were available, naturally including wine.
There was also fruit wine native to Fontaine, brewed from Sunsettias. While Jiang Qiao wasn't particularly fond of wine, everyone has hobbies. Since he visited, returning empty-handed felt inappropriate, so he snagged some from Furina before leaving.
The Honkai: Star Rail side was no exception. During his time as Empress [Firefly], especially after taking over the Interastral Peace Corporation, many tributes were offered.
For example, Dreamdew Wine from Penacony, ambrosia produced by the Xianzhou Alliance, and even wine said to be from 'The Tavern'... Because Jiang Qiao himself didn't drink much, these accumulated unintentionally over time.
"Is this... wine from another world?" Seeing the unfamiliar liquors, Eden's beautiful eyes shone brightly, full of interest.
Since her relationship with both Elysia and Jiang Qiao was significant, she knew Jiang Qiao wasn't from the Previous Era.
She had actually thought about asking Qiao to bring back some desired items from other worlds for her, but due to his busy schedule and fleeting visits, she never had the chance. Now, a wish was fulfilled.
"Mm, various kinds... I don't even remember the origin of some of them anymore."
"If you like them, consider them yours."
"This..." Eden hesitated. She was generous, never stingy when sharing her wealth. But when receiving gifts from others, she tended to feel awkward, finding it strange to accept things for free.
"No matter. After all~ we're good friends~" Seeing Eden's hesitation, Jiang Qiao smiled and said casually, "If you really feel bad about it, you can give me a gemstone in return."
"No problem!" Eden readily agreed to this suggestion. If it was a mutual exchange, then there was absolutely no issue.
However... "Qiao... you've really given me a difficult task," she smiled, yet with a hint of trouble.
Although Jiang Qiao offered a good suggestion, given Eden's personality, for such a gift, especially to a confidant like Jiang Qiao, Eden would inevitably choose the best she possessed. After all, in her view, only this could truly express her 'feelings.'
But... the best? Regarding this question, Ms. Eden undoubtedly had a major headache.
Best didn't necessarily mean most expensive; at least, she firmly disagreed with measuring feelings by value.
In her collection, the value of jewels wasn't categorized simply by high or low. But, which 'gemstone' was her best, sufficient to respond to this sentiment?
"Hm? Perhaps I could offer some suggestions," Jiang Qiao proposed.
"Hmm... True." Eden nodded, then stood up, retrieved a jewelry box from a drawer, and displayed the dazzling, exquisitely crafted treasures within.
"Then... Qiao, which of these gems do you think is the best, the most brilliant?" Perhaps letting Qiao choose one he likes would be better, she thought.
But, after examining them for a moment, Jiang Qiao shook his head. ...None caught his eye? Right, although these gems are ones I quite like, they aren't the best. The best ones are kept elsewhere...
"Well then, I'll look for other gems later," Eden offered.
"What are you talking about, Eden? Isn't the best gemstone right here?"
"Uh...? Weren't these gems not suitable?" Eden looked confusedly at the gems in the box. Unexpectedly, the latter chuckled lightly. "Isn't the best gemstone far away yet right before your eyes?"
"In this world, what gemstone could possibly compare to you? Eden, you are the most precious 'gemstone' in this world."