After some time, Yi Chen left his house in a great mood, planning to grab breakfast at the Good Hunter.
As soon as he reached Mondstadt's main street, he spotted a familiar tall figure.
Eula stood by the roadside with her arms crossed, looking as if she were either on patrol—or taking a short break.
Her ice-blue short hair and distinctive outfit made her stand out effortlessly among the crowd.
Yi Chen's eyes lit up. He waved enthusiastically and walked over.
"Long time no see! Are you off today, or are you on patrol?"
Eula turned at the sound of his voice. When she saw it was Yi Chen, her gaze flickered slightly.
She had visited him while he was unconscious… and had even said things that absolutely did not fit her usual persona. Right now, she very much wanted to erase that memory entirely and pretend it never happened.
Maintaining her usual aloof expression, she gave a small nod.
"…A short rest."
Her eyes then fell on Yi Chen's outfit—the refined dark noble attire that clearly wasn't his usual style. Her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
"Why are you wearing something from the Ragnvindr family?"
The clothes fit him well—perhaps too well—but they clashed oddly with his normally carefree demeanor. And for some reason… they felt irritatingly eye-catching.
"Oh, this?"
Yi Chen tugged at his collar casually.
"My clothes were completely wrecked when I got back. I ran into Master Diluc, and he kindly lent me a set. What do you think? Pretty handsome, right?"
Seeing his smug grin, Eula let out a quiet hmph, her crossed fingers tightening slightly.
"Barely acceptable. But parading around in someone else's clothes—aren't you afraid of embarrassing them?"
She paused, then turned her head aside as if finally finding a perfectly legitimate reason.
"Since you're back, you should wear something that actually suits you. Come with me."
"Huh? Where?"
Eula had already turned and started walking, leaving behind her uniquely styled explanation.
"To buy clothes. Are you planning to wear Ragnvindr's outfit forever?"
"This grudge, I'll remember it… letting me see you looking so improper."
Yi Chen: "???"
What did this have to do with holding grudges?!
Even though he didn't quite understand her logic, Yi Chen happily followed along.
Walking side by side through Mondstadt's streets, Eula glanced at him from the corner of her eye—watching his bright, carefree smile as he looked around with open curiosity.
She let out another soft hmph.
"Walking openly with a 'sinner' of the Lawrence clan, and looking so happy—aren't you worried about your reputation?"
Yi Chen turned immediately, smiling just as brightly, answering without hesitation—loud enough for half the street to hear.
"I told you already, Eula! You matter way more to me than those noisy pigeons!"
"So of course I'm happy to walk around with you!"
Eula's heart skipped a beat.
She quickly turned her head away, ears quietly turning red.
"Hmph. Sweet talk… You've probably said that to lots of people."
"I've only ever said that to my best friend, Miss Eula!"
Yi Chen replied instantly, completely shameless.
"How could I say something like that to just anyone?"
"…Best friend again…"
Eula muttered under her breath, a hint of disappointment slipping through—quickly offset by the phrase only to me.
She clicked her tongue lightly, lifting her chin.
"…Since you only said it to me, I'll let it slide this time."
"Haha! Thanks, generous Captain of the Reconnaissance Company!"
Yi Chen laughed, completely unaware he'd just danced on the edge of danger.
They soon stopped in front of a refined clothing store that looked decidedly expensive.
"This is the place."
Eula gestured toward the window, where clean-cut, high-quality menswear was displayed.
"The craftsmanship and fabric here are good. You should find something suitable for you… and your status."
The glass door chimed as they entered.
The stylish, capable-looking middle-aged shop owner looked up—and upon seeing Eula, smiled warmly rather than with fear or disdain.
"Captain Eula! Please come in."
Her gaze shifted to Yi Chen, surprise flickering briefly before turning into an even deeper smile.
"And… Mr. Yi Chen? Now this is an interesting pairing."
She guided them to the sofa, signaling an apprentice to serve tea, her eyes darting subtly between the two with unmistakable curiosity.
She knew Mondstadt's rumors well—especially the infamous hundred confessions at the city gate.
Everyone said Yi Chen failed and moved on to Liyue.
But now?
Eula personally bringing him to pick clothes?
This didn't look like "failed romance" at all.
…Had the rumors been wrong?
Eula coughed lightly, uncomfortable under the shop owner's gaze.
"Please help him choose something practical, suitable for daily movement, and… slightly formal."
She added quietly,
"His old clothes are no longer wearable."