Chapter 68

Teyvat, Inazuma, Shogun’s Castle.

“March, the dessert made by Keqing, looks incredibly appetizing.”

Star scanned the table with a skeptical gaze, then glanced at March 7th.

Don’t blame this newborn star-core essence for lacking experience.

The coffee jelly before them, a masterpiece combining Raiden Shogun and Keqing’s culinary skills, looked so appetizing just by sight.

Could March 7th be trying to steal it all, thinking I’m still a child?

“This coffee jelly is crystal-clear, with what seems like a swirling galaxy inside—enough to be displayed as a work of art…”

March 7th herself hesitated—could Keqing’s sister have actually succeeded this time?

The coffee jelly on the plate emitted a soft golden glow, its surface coated with a thin layer of floral nectar; from afar, it looked no different from the glowing dishes of the Little Master.

Yaoyao raised an eyebrow: “This dessert was made by two people—could it be… that the Shogun was carried along?”

“Yaoyao, try it.”

Raiden Shogun watched Yaoyao with a hint of hopeful anticipation, as if this dessert were the pinnacle of her life’s work—and she desperately wanted to hear others’ reactions.

Unable to withstand Raiden Shogun’s expectant gaze, Yaoyao hesitated—but still lifted the first spoonful to her lips.

Unable to withstand Raiden Shogun’s hopeful gaze, though still hesitant, Yae Miko finally put the first spoonful of jelly into her mouth.

The jelly melted instantly, an indescribable flavor assaulting Yaoyao’s taste buds.

The rich aroma of coffee intertwined with intoxicatingly sweet floral nectar, layered with complex notes she couldn’t name, transporting her back five hundred years—to when she was still a child.

She ran through fields of flowers, flinging herself into the arms of Huzai Gong, basking in carefree happiness…

Then, in the next instant, a black tide dragged her into the abyss!

Then, in the next instant, the black tide dragged her into the abyss!

Yaoyao’s pupils dilated in shock, the spoon slipping unnoticed from her hand to the floor.

First, she was given an unparalleled vision of bliss—then hurled into utter despair.

Her bright eyes slowly filled with tears, yet she held them back fiercely.

Unconsciously, Yae Miko’s bright eyes filled with tears, yet she forced them back, refusing to let them fall.

Don’t ask.

Just say it’s emotion—these are tears of profound feeling!

Seeing Yaoyao’s reaction, March 7th, who had been eager to try, fell silent.

Seeing Yae Miko’s reaction, March 7, who had been about to act, fell silent at once.

Keqing smiled warmly at March 7th: “Look how happy Yaoyao is—try some too, and give us your thoughts.”

“Sister Keqing, isn’t Yaoyao’s expression… kind of the opposite of happy?”

March 7th cautiously glanced again—Yaoyao’s face looked deeply strange, nothing like joy.

March 7 cautiously glanced over and noticed Yae Miko’s expression looked strangely off—not at all like someone happy.

At that moment, Star let out a delighted cry, making March 7th turn sharply.

“I saw the brilliance of the Big Bang!”

The star-core essence devoured the coffee jelly in one bite, then licked its lips, clearly wanting more.

March 7th no longer hesitated—she swallowed the jelly eagerly…

Her beautiful pink-and-blue eyes lost all focus.

“Keqing, Raiden Shogun—Itachi’ve invented an entirely new culinary school!”

Outside Teyvat, Hermes projected his image, watching the two with a peculiar expression.

【Oddity: Star River Coffee Jelly】

【Note: Turning a dish into an oddity is a rare marvel in culinary arts. Consuming it lets one experience life’s happiest moments—and their opposite, utter despair. Perhaps, for certain special individuals, it is priceless?】

[Note: To cook a dish into a wonder is itself a rarity in the culinary world; consuming it lets one experience life’s happiest moments and its opposite, utter despair. Perhaps, to certain special individuals, it is a treasure beyond price?]

Even the chat group shouted “666”—what could Hermes say?

Even the chat group had shouted “666”—what could Hermes possibly say?

Seeing the figure reappear, Keqing’s face lit up with a natural smile.

“I’ve tasted the coffee jelly Itachi and Raiden Shogun made.”

Hermes’s lips curled slightly as he lavished praise: “An incredibly creative dish!”

Since tasting Keqing’s coffee last time, Hermes had discovered a unique trait within himself—the ability to perceive beauty.

Like dragons in the D&D universe.

These creatures possess a distinct aesthetic sense—not due to unusual eye structure, but because of an innate philosophical perspective and cognitive bias.

Simply put, they transcend boundaries of race, form, and even material type.

In nearly everything—even a goblin—they can perceive unique beauty and value!

Hence, in D&D worlds, there exist rare goblins known as Dragonblood Goblins.

Hermes possesses a similar ability.

Ordinary people who drink Keqing’s coffee might suffer stomach burns—or even faint from the taste.

Ordinary people who drank Himeko’s coffee didn’t just risk stomach burns—the taste alone could knock them unconscious.

He drinks Keqing’s coffee and perceives the quiet dedication in her grinding the beans, the focus in her hands…

“Lord Hermes, do Itachi know how my sister…”

Raiden Shogun watched the man before her, her eyes bright with hope.

“Raiden Shin’s recovery is progressing smoothly. Itachi’ll see her again soon.”

Hermes replied succinctly.

“…That’s good. Thank Itachi, Lord Hermes!”

Those few words made Raiden Shogun’s eyes glisten.

“Keqing, I’m preparing to relocate Teyvat now. Have the Stellar Express ready.”

Setting aside the emotionally stirred Raiden Shogun, Hermes spoke gently to Keqing.

After setting down the emotionally stirred Raiden Shogun, Hermes gently spoke to Himeko.

Keqing had piloted the Stellar Express through the Quantum Sea—she knew its strangeness and dangers well.

Himeko had piloted the Stellar Express through the Quantum Sea and knew well the place’s strangeness and danger.

Looking at the dessert crafted by Keqing and Raiden Shogun, his eyes softened.

His bond with Keqing seemed sudden—especially for him, Hermes.

Perhaps the chat group’s owner, his fellow countryman, thought he was influenced by past plotlines, with some “paper-thin wife” bonus?

But it had little to do with that.

In this mad, god-making world of Honkai: Star Rail, how could Hermes have reached this point without being changed?

Why did he remember his mother in this life so vividly, so fondly? Wasn’t it because those years with her were the most beautiful memories of his life?

Those memories became a firm anchor, preventing his mind from slipping into madness.

His mature worldview from his past life, his mother’s gentle teachings in this life, the trials of the Nameless Guest as a celestial hero…

Together, they were why Hermes had remained sane for so long.

All these together are why Hermes has remained sane after living so long.