Furina never imagined that one day she'd be sipping tea with the scary Arlecchino. Yet, here they were, sharing snacks like old buddies.

They weren't alone though. Joining their party were fellow UHA members and tea enthusiasts.

From Fontaine: Clorinde and Navia. From Mondstadt: Lisa, and Noelle. Their Liyue guests included Ningguang and Hu Tao. From Inazuma, they welcomed the Electro Archon herself and Yae Miko.

It was odd, having such a large circle of friends. Every day she thanked Celestia that Aether came into her life. Thanks to him, she knew she wasn't alone anymore.

That being said, she did have to wonder why Arlecchino was acting so quiet. Ever since they took their cups, she'd been glancing at Yae Miko who only sipped her tea in silence. Paranoid, much? Though, Furina would be lying if she said that watching the Knave fret didn't give her some schadenfreude.

Ei spoke up, "This tea you brewed is divine, Noelle."

"Thank you, your excellency. I'm happy to be of service."

"Please, call me Ei. By the way, have you considered my offer? I could use a soldier like you. An exceptional warrior like you could make general within three years."

"Thank you, but I wish to become a knight."

"My offer remains should you change your mind."

Ei scarfed down a sweet cake. Her eyes sparkled with delight. Furina couldn't help but chuckle, catching the archon's questioning gaze.

"Oh, it's nothing," she said "Forgive me, but I'm surprised seeing how much you love cake. I always thought archons were these all-knowing, terrifying gods who could do no wrong."

Ei smiled indulgently. "A common misconception. Believe me, the other archons all have—let's say— colorful personalities."

Navia giggled. "That so? Makes you wonder what the Pyro Archon's like. Boy, I wonder if she has a sweet tooth. Perhaps I should buy more sugar so I can prepare macrons when we finally meet her. I bet she'll be a fun addition to our little family!"

Clorinde quirked an eyebrow. "You seem to think her joining the UHA is inevitable."

"Well, given Aether's charms," said Miko with a chuckle. "It wouldn't surprise me. Who knows? In another year, perhaps we'll see the Tsaritsa here. What do you think, Perry?"

"Perhaps," Arlecchino answered curtly before sipping tea. Her hand trembled a bit under Miko's watchful gaze. Incredible, thought Furina. Only Yae Miko could get away with using the Knave's real name so informally.

"Putting that aside," said Miko, "how are the children?"

Arlecchino dabbed a napkin to her lips.

"Fine. They enjoyed those light novels you generously donated, Ms. Miko. Heloir is particularly fond of the one about isekaid pest controller."

Ningguang smiled, "Heloir was the girl fond of poisons, yes?"

"That is correct. She's been getting quite bold with her concoctions lately." Hu Tao opened her mouth, but Arlecchino quickly interrupted her, "No, I do not have any new clients for you."

"Oh phooey, that's no fun."