It was hard to beat a sunny day in Mondstadt. It was hardly cloudy, so the warm golden rays were unhampered and balanced out by the pleasantly cool breeze. It was the perfect weather for chowing down on freshly cooked boar meat with a big cup of fruit juice. At least, that was what Paimon kept insisting.

Aether let out a wearied sigh and repeated, "Paimon, we're not going out to eat yet. We have a lot of important business to take care of first."

The floating, child-like creature let out an even more exaggerated sigh and flopped onto Aether's blond head, "But Paimon's nearly wasting away."

"We ate at the same time. If I'm not wasting away, then I know you aren't."

She pouted but didn't retort.

They started by going to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. No matter how many times they visited, Aether and Paimon felt a certain swell in their chests whenever the various knights greeted them as one of their own. They crossed the polished floors and mounted sword displays, until reaching the door to the Grand Master's office, which was currently occupied by the Acting Grand Master. At least, that's what they had expected to see.

Paimon and Aether walked in without knocking, but they froze. Instead of the Acting Grand Master at the desk, a woman in purple sat among the paperwork with a steaming cup of tea.

"Lisa?" Paimon squeaked in greeting.

The librarian's lips pressed into a warm smile, "Well, hello, cuties."

She rested her elbow on the desk and eased her chin comfortably onto her hand, adding, "If you're here looking for Jean, she went out."

"Was there an emergency?"

"Oh no, actually…she decided to take a break and go for a stroll. All on her own too."

Their eyebrows went up.

Paimon exclaimed, "Really? That's great news!"

Aether then drew out an envelope of documents and said, "Well, in that case, would we give this to you? Jean had asked us for help picking up some reports from the Dragonspine research team."

"Of course."

Lisa reached for the envelope and tapped her finger onto it, but she didn't grab it completely yet. She then asked, "I'm curious, are you still serving drinks at Angel's Share?"

"Oh! Paimon almost forgot!" the floating creature squeaked.

Aether answered, "Technically, our last class was yesterday. We do still need to swing by to finish up graduation."

Lisa tilted her head, "And then you'll be resuming your travels, I assume?"

When Aether nodded, Lisa let out a forlorn sigh. She accepted the envelope finally and hummed sadly, "That's a shame. I was hoping to have another cup of your delicious tea. Oh well. I guess I'll just have to invite you both over sometime," she added with a wink.

"Just call us up anytime!" Paimon answered before her and Aether finally headed out. After the door shut behind them, Paimon put her tiny fists to her little hips and commented, "Geeze, isn't Lisa is, like, the third person that wanted us to personally make tea for them? Do they all like tea that much?"

Aether murmured, "I don't think it's the tea, Paimon…"

They approached Angel's Share. Standing by one of the tables was a man with bright green eyes and dark hair cut very short. Luka was the tavern employee spearheading the academy week that Aether and Paimon had seldom met before but, like with most people, he very quickly warmed up to the pair, as evident by his smile at their approach.

"Good afternoon! I'm guess you're here to wrap up your training?" Luka asked.

As he spoke, a few customers passed by and walked into Angel's Share. Luke blinked and smoothed his hair with a whistle, "Wow...Business certainly has been picking up in the tavern recently." He grinned knowingly at them, "Some customers came for the drinks, but most came for you."

Paimon crossed her arms and looked doubtfully at Aether, "…Paimon still doesn't understand it. Maybe we're just that good."

Luka looked at the building in wonder, "I've never seen a more successful Bartender Academy Week. We earned both money and reputation this time." He smiled at the pair and clapped his hands together, "Anyway, well done, my friends!"

The little floating figure put her hands to her hips, "Huh, it's only been a few days and now we're buddies?"

"In some sense..." Aether murmured. With all the compliments they got from customers, Aether wasn't surprised the tavern employees would attach to them so quickly. And he had a feeling he knew what was coming next.

Luka regarded them with a very hopeful look, "I've been meaning to ask…would you consider staying and working here?"

Aether resisted the urge to snort a laugh. There it was.

Paimon shook her head, "No can do." She flew to Aether's shoulder and put a tiny hand on his head, "Though unlimited refills are enticing, Paimon made a promise to keep traveling with him."

The disappointment was evident, but Luka respectfully dipped his head, "Okay then, I won't twist your arm. In fact, Charles had mentioned that to me, as well." His friendly smile returned and he continued, "Well, feel free to come back and visit the Angel's Share whenever you like. And remember to bring your friends!"

"Sure thing," Aether responded. He really did have fun and hoped there might be something similar in the future. A part of him dared to imagine bringing his sister and teaching her what he learned about mixing drinks. She would probably have fun mixing concoctions, attempting to make a new one and dare him to drink it. His heart squeezed, wondering how she was.

"Oh! One more thing before you go," Luka added, breaking Aether from his thoughts before they turned melancholy. "Master Diluc is actually inside. He said he wanted to speak with you after you graduated."

Paimon and Aether exchanged surprised looks. The former shrugged her tiny shoulders, "Guess we're heading in then!"

Stepping into the tavern was sometimes like stepping into a different world, where the hustle and bustle of life could settle down and unwind, kicking up its feet to laugh with friends and a delightfully smelling drink. Since it was still daytime, the tavern wasn't as crowded, which left a more relaxed and contemplative atmosphere, rather than the carefree rowdiness that tended to stir up in the evening.

Paimon and Aether saw Charles in his usual spot behind the counter, polishing drink glasses. The fiery red hair of Diluc was unmistakable as he sat at the bar, with the tails of his dark coat hanging behind him a bit like how a bird folds its wings. He appeared to engaged in conversation with someone else sitting next to him, and that happened to be a familiar blonde woman with a blue and white Favonius uniform. Jean and Diluc paused and turned their heads when the door opened.

Paimon greeted in surprise, "Jean? We weren't expecting to see you here!"

"Ah, Traveler, Paimon," the woman fully turned in her chair and respectfully dipped her head in greeting. "It is good to see you."

"It's good to see you too," Aether answered. "What brings you here?"

Jean's steadfast composure gave way slightly as she bashfully tucked her bangs behind her ear, "I must admit, ever since that coffee you made, I started to…reconsider my schedule. I do believe that taking the occasional break will prove helpful for my duties."

"It's about time!" Paimon said. "Breaks will help you a lot in the long run!"

Jean gave a somewhat embarrassed but grateful smile. She then asked, "And so, what about you two? Are you going to make more drinks?"

Diluc spoke up, "Actually, I believe you've graduated the academy now, haven't you?"

Aether and Paimon nodded, with the latter adding, "Yup, yup! We're master bartenders now! Uh—well, for non-alcoholic drinks anyways."

"Congratulations. Your accolades are well-earned," Jean spoke warmly.

"Indeed, Charles had nothing but praise for your work," Diluc said as he gestured to said bartender, who politely tipped his head. The red-haired man added, "I actually wanted to talk with you regarding your graduation."

Sensing the conversation was going to shift, Jean slipped a perfectly calculated tip on the counter and stood from her seat, "I should probably head back then."

"Aww, you're ending your break?" Paimon asked.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I do still have work to finish."

"And then you'll be back home at reasonable hour, of course," Diluc added with a faint mix of knowing sarcasm and a dry reminder. "No more all-nighters at the office, right?"

"Of course—As long as there are no emergencies."

"'Emergencies?'" Diluc rose his eyebrows questioningly at this.

"Good day, Master Diluc, Traveler!" Jean said and hurried out the door before she could be stopped.

Paimon said, "Well. At least she's trying to relax. That's progress!"

Diluc lightly shook his head with a sigh, "I don't imagine she'll relinquish her workload anytime soon. But she has taken better care of herself lately than I've seen in a while." His eye settled on Aether and Paimon, "You've been a good influence, I think. Your bartending certainly left quite the impression."

Paimon put her hands to her hips, "You're not gonna try convincing us to stay and mix drinks for you too, are you?"

Amusement crossed over Diluc's face, "No, I know better than that. Elzer and Luka have been floored by the numbers you've brought in, but I don't concern myself with it. I know you still have your journey to complete, and we won't stand in the way of that."

His words had a knowing weight to them.

Aether then asked, "So, why did you want to see us then?"

"Right. I wished to give you something."

Paimon clapped, "Oo! A present?"

Reaching into his coat, Diluc drew out an ornate shaker. He explained, "This is the Grumous Oscillation. It's a drink shaker. Considering how well you both did, this seemed like something that you could make use of."

While Diluc spoke almost off-handedly, Aether noticed Charles watching and surprise flashed across his face. It was gone in an instant, and the bartender's neutral expression returned.

Paimon's cooing over the gift brought Aether's attention back to it. The shaker had a brown, coffee-colored base with a white pattern wrapped around it. The bottom and top were plated in a gold-like material. The very top of the shaker appeared to be fashioned into the shape of an owl's head, with a horn-like brow.

"It's so pretty!" Paimon exclaimed.

Aether smiled, "Thank you for this opportunity."

Diluc brushed it off, "There's no need for thanks. It was your choice to participate. I hope at least the experience has provided some skills and memories to take with you." His voice became quieter and more thoughtful, "You may have already noticed this but…there are times when a well-made drink can make the difference for someone. Not because of the drink itself, but the heart behind it."

Like the flicker of a candle, Diluc's soft expression shifted, resuming his more cool expression as he cleared his throat. "That is to say, you're welcome to return whenever you like to the tavern."

He then stood, "If you'll excuse me, I do have some matters to tend to, but I appreciate you coming by. When you return to town, I'd be happy to treat you."

An elated squeal left Paimon, "Paimon will hold you to that Master Diluc!"

Aether scoffed and murmured, "Careful, Master Diluc. Offering to cover dinner for someone like Paimon could be dangerous even for someone as wealthy as you."

They very nearly got a laugh out of Diluc as he left.

While Paimon danced happily in mid-air, Aether turned his attention to Charles, who had quietly observed the scene while tending to the bar. Aether asked, "Say, Charles, does Master Diluc often give shakers like this to people who attend the academy?"

Charles smiled knowingly, "Oh no, not often at all. That's not just any shaker either."

Now Paimon turned with interest, "Really? Is it magic?"

Charles laughed, "Technically, no, but could be in a sense. It is said that this shaker can make drinks of exceptional richness, which can stimulate the truest emotions of those who partakes. Drinks made with this shaker then get the nickname 'liquor of truth.' A gift like that has a very particular meaning among bartenders and customers. Simply put, a gift like that means that the other party is someone you would drink with any day, thus making it a symbol of 'unreserved trust.'"

Paimon and Aether looked at each other with wide eyes, then they regarded the shaker even more warmly. Aether carefully put the shaker away in his travel bag.

"Will you folks be heading out real soon?" Charles asked.

Paimon nodded, "Yup, yup. But we'll be back to visit as always!"

"Would you like something for the road then?"

The floating creature's eyes lit up and she clung to the bar counter like an eager puppy, "Oo, yes! Paimon would like a—"

The tavern door snapped open. A woman's cold voice shot like an arrow into Paimon and Aether's backs, "You two! I demand your attendance!"

The pair jolted and turned, meeting the icy, yellow gaze of Eula. The blue-haired woman stood imposingly in the doorway.

"It is time for you to receive my vengeance!" Eula proclaimed angrily.

Paimon let out a low squeal and clutched Aether's head, whispering, "Why is Eula mad at us? She came to the tavern super drunk and all we did was give her coffee!" She sucked in a breath, "Oh no! What if she's mad we watered down her coffee even though it would've been bad for her if we didn't? Or maybe she's mad we saw her so wasted? Or—or I don't know!"

"Do not dawdle! Your vengeance is nigh!" Eula's voice was suddenly in front of them. She had crossed the tavern and seized the two by their shirt collars. Paimon and Aether were both incredibly aware of how the hands holding them had crushed and sliced immense rock and ice. They were then dragged outside and shoved behind the tavern.

Eula shoved them into the shade of the building. Aether stumbled while Paimon flipped uncontrollably in the air, only managing to stop herself by catching onto Aether's sleeve. Paimon then looked around, realizing how secluded the spot was; it was precisely the place where you go to beat somebody up without causing a scene.

Paimon's little fingers dug into Aether's arm and she mumbled in his ear, "Paimon's trying not to wig out."

"Don't wig out," Aether whispered.

Eula shot them a piercing look.

Paimon squeaked, "Paimon's wigging out!"

Eula swiftly closed in on them, like a blade being plunged. Paimon and Aether couldn't escape as they were both pulled into a tight hug. The latter pair blinked in surprise and confusion. Eula had her face buried in their shoulders, so her words were soft and muffled, "Thank you. When I woke up this morning, I read everything you two told me, of staying true to myself and not giving up…I couldn't let this go unavenged."

Their faces softened, and they returned the hug. Despite Eula's icy Cryo Vision, the hug was warm.

When they finally released one another, a rarely-seen, gentle smile still lingered on her lips.

"You're a good friend, Eula. Soon you'll be able to change everyone's mind about the Lawrence Clan!" Paimon assured.

"With your support, it certainly feels more attainable than it had been before," Eula agreed, giving the sky a wistful look. Then, like a switch being flipped, her gaze sharply returned to the pair and her voice snapped as an indignant whip, "But! That does not change what you have witnessed! If I find you have so much breathed a word to anyone else regarding my drunken state, then I swear you shall receive my great and terrible vengeance!"

Paimon jolted behind Aether's head like a spooked cat, and Aether held up his hands with a nervous smile. Paimon yelped, "We got it! No blabbing from us!"

Eula upturned her chin, leering at them. She then gave a small nod, much akin to sheathing a sword, "That is suitable response. I shall then take my leave." She turned to leave but paused. Eula added curtly, with fringes of the warm tone, "And congratulations on graduating. Good day to you both."

Her clacking heels signaled her leave.

Aether would have exchanged looks with Paimon, but she still clung to his head. He felt Paimon comment in bewilderment, "Sure never a dull moment with her."

The floating being finally released him and straightened her outfit, "Being a bartender is way more of a wild ride than Paimon thought it would be!"

"Maybe we should give Charles a nice tip before we leave town," Aether commented.

"Definitely! Was there anything else we needed to do before we left?"

Aether smiled, "I think you mentioned something earlier about freshly cooked boar meat with a big cup of fruit juice?"

Her eyes shone like stars. Paimon did excited figure-eights in the air and squealed, "Yes, yes, yes! All these heartfelt reunions really worked up an appetite!"

He let out a laugh and followed the speedy, small figure. The wind airily danced alongside them to their next destination, while the ornate drink shaker sat cozily in Aether's pocket.

END


CatCrescent:The tags turned out a lot heftier than I expected, haha.

This particular story was mostly inspired by the drink shaker that you got at the end of the event and I think it was implied that Diluc gave the shaker, especially since it totally has an owl at the top of it. And I like to think that Eula eventually found out what the traveler and Paimon did for her and was thankful about it, in her Eula-way of course.

What Tavern Tale did you like the most from the event?

I know the event this is based on happened a while ago, but I still wanted to give it a good send off since I had a lot of fun with it. I, uh, admittedly haven't played Genshin Impact in a WHILE, so I'm pretty out of the loop on the latest events, ironically, in part because I was too busy writing about it. I also have other stories that I've been working on as well, so it will be a mixture of not just Genshin.

Also, as a sort of announcement, I don't think I'll be posting stories on holidays anymore. My horror story 'No Littering' was a lot of fun to write but MAN it was kind of stressful getting it out around Halloween. That doesn't mean I won't post holiday-themed stories but I won't make myself post something on the holidays if I don't have anything ready. As those of you following me may have noticed, I like to slow-cook my writing and only post when I have a story fully written, so I've really appreciated your patience and am excited to share more with you!