Since everyone already knew each other, Kaeya and Lisa naturally took seats at Kael's table as well.
But the rest of the night ended up being mentally exhausting for Kael.
Kaeya and Lisa—those two sly old foxes—kept subtly probing him for information.
If it were the old Kael, he would've totally missed the hidden meanings in their questions.
But now that his Intelligence was up to 250, things were different.
That number might not sound impressive, but it had been a qualitative leap in his reasoning and perception.
Every one of Kaeya and Lisa's attempts to dig for intel—Kael saw through and deflected with ease.
Not only did he block every question, he even managed to get both of them drinking heavily without realizing it.
"I propose another toast! To our glorious Knights of Favonius!" Kael declared for what felt like the hundredth time tonight.
Kaeya and Lisa exchanged a silent look—bitter smiles creeping onto their faces.
This Kael guy was just too slippery.
They'd spent the whole evening questioning him and hadn't gotten a single useful piece of intel—just a lot of wine.
And while they could both hold their liquor decently, they were now completely flushed and nearly at their limit.
One more drink and they were done for.
Lisa gave Kaeya a subtle look, and Kaeya instantly got the message.
"We have to meet with Acting Grand Master Jean early tomorrow morning. We'll finish this drink and call it a night."
"Huh? So soon?"
Amber, blissfully unaware of the tactical exchanges going on at the table, looked disappointed.
The mood had just gotten so lively—it was such a shame to see her colleagues leave so early.
Kaeya's smile grew stiff.
"Yeah… lots of work tomorrow. We'll drink again next time."
Of course, what he meant was:
Next time, we're changing the location—and the strategy.
This traveler could seriously hold his liquor.
Watching the two beat a hasty retreat, Venti chuckled and gave Kael a teasing smile.
"I'm guessing… there won't be a next time."
——————
Night fell.
The moon hung high over the skies of Teyvat.
Kael supported a thoroughly drunk Amber as he walked her home.
After Kaeya and Lisa had left, Kael and Venti kept drinking.
Both of them had absurd constitutions—able to down drink after drink without the slightest wobble.
Finally, Kael turned his head and realized Amber had quietly downed several full glasses of Dandelion Wine by herself… and then passed out at the table.
So now he was stuck bringing her home.
Getting yourself drunk like this… really, I can't with you.
"More… I want another glass of Dandelion Wine…"
Kael sighed.
"You're already this wasted, and you still want more?"
Amber giggled.
"Hehehe… Dandelion wine…"
Kael laid her gently on the bed and turned to go fetch a wet towel from the washroom to clean her up.
But the moment he stood up, Amber reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck—
And pulled him down hard.
Caught off guard, Kael lost his balance and toppled straight onto her.
The sweet scent of a young girl's skin mixed with the crisp aroma of Dandelion Wine filled his senses—an intoxicating combination that rushed into his nose.
Amber looked at him with eyes full of blame.
"Running away again! Why do you always avoid me? Do you hate me that much?"
"I was just going to get a towel and wipe your—"
"Liar! You hate me… I know it…"
Tears welled up and began to fall, trickling down her cheeks like broken pearls.
Kael was starting to get a headache.
There was no reasoning with a drunk girl.
He sighed and tried to soothe her.
"Alright, alright. Don't cry. I'm not going anywhere, okay?"
Amber sniffled, her big teary eyes locking on his.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Then… kiss me, and I'll believe you."
"Uhh…" Kael hesitated.
"Waaahhh… I knew it! You were lying!"
Seeing her cry even harder, Kael finally gave in. He gently kissed her tear-stained cheek.
The bitterness of her tears clung to his lips.
"Okay? Is that enough?"
"No! Not that kind! I want a—"
Before she finished, Amber leaned in.
The taste of dandelion wine filled his mouth.
Kael couldn't help but lose himself in it for a moment.
But when he finally pulled back, he realized something strange—
Amber had gone completely still.
He lifted his head and saw her fast asleep, lips slightly parted, murmuring softly in her sleep—
"...Anders… you used to love me the most…"