Genshin Impact: Villain Life Sim

"Of course," Xianyun said, folding her arms. "Surely that man isn't a one-trick pony."

"Shenhe!" Ganyu cut in, noticing a faint tension building. "Go hurry him along."

"Understood!" Shenhe nodded and hurried to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Lucas was busy cooking, his movements fluid and precise. With the Master Chef talent, his culinary skills rivaled, if not surpassed, those of the best chefs in Liyue.

"How's it going?" Lucas asked confidently as Shenhe entered. "Did she like it?"

"It was… passable," Shenhe replied, her tone oddly tinged with something unplaceable. "You really go all out for my senior sister, don't you?"

"What choice do I have?" Lucas replied, focused on the wok in front of him. "If I don't help, Xianyun might force her to meet someone she doesn't even like."

"Hmph… pushover," Shenhe muttered under her breath.

"And you know, if it were you in her shoes," Lucas continued, pouring the stir-fry onto a plate with a smile, "I'd help you just as much."

"I… I don't need you to fake being my husband," Shenhe huffed, rolling her eyes. "Besides, you're already pretending for Senior Sister. You can't use the same trick twice on Master."

"Why not?" Lucas joked, patting her shoulder. "Liyue law doesn't forbid marrying two sisters. I'll just take both—ow!"

Before he could finish, Shenhe had twisted his hand into a painfully awkward position, glaring icily. "Are you serious?"

"I'm kidding!" Lucas yelped, wincing in pain.

Satisfied, Shenhe released him, her expression softening slightly.

"Geez, you're no fun," Lucas muttered, picking up the dishes. "These are the last of them. Let's bring them out together."

As Lucas walked away, Shenhe clenched her fists and muttered under her breath, "Tch… I thought he was serious."

Just as Lucas had predicted, his cooking proved to be a resounding success. Xianyun, usually discerning and critical, seemed genuinely impressed, and even Ganyu—who was notoriously particular about food—ate heartily.

She hadn't realized Lucas possessed such remarkable culinary talent.

"This is the final dish," Lucas said, placing an ornate iron box before Xianyun. "I created this one especially for you."

"Oh?" Xianyun's interest was piqued as she opened the box. Inside was a bowl of noodles, strikingly presented in three distinct colors interwoven beautifully.

"What is this dish called?" she asked.

"It's called 'Three Immortals in One Bowl,'" Lucas explained. "The noodles are made from buckwheat, potato starch, and fish meat. Combined with this tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce I call 'Overlord Shreds,' it's ready to serve."

Xianyun took a bite, savoring the unique combination of the buckwheat noodles' chewiness, the potato noodles' softness, and the fish noodles' delicate texture. Her expression softened as she let out a satisfied "Mm!"

The dish not only tasted extraordinary but also carried a thoughtful name that resonated with adeptal tradition. Lucas' performance had earned him some unspoken approval.

"The flavor is indeed remarkable," Xianyun said, setting down her chopsticks. "Tell me, Lucas, what is your occupation? Are you… a chef by trade?"

While Xianyun had little interest in worldly titles, she couldn't accept her beloved Ganyu marrying someone without ambition or accomplishment.

Lucas hesitated for a moment before starting, "I work for the Liyue Qixing as a—"

But before he could finish, Ganyu cut him off abruptly.

"He's a candidate for Liyue Qixing's Tianshu!" Ganyu interjected hastily.

If humans are involved, only the title of "Liyue Qixing" could barely meet Xianyun's standards.

However, Ganyu's quick response surprised not just Xianyun but also Lucas himself.

After all, he was merely a participant in the Tianshu election. The word "candidate," however, carried a somewhat preordained implication.

"Tianshu… candidate?" Xianyun furrowed her brow. "So, are you the next Tianshu?"

"Technically, I'm only eligible to compete for the position," Lucas replied. "The current Tianshu intends to retire and has organized an election to find a worthy successor."

"So, you're merely one of the candidates," Xianyun remarked, shaking her head. "You aren't the actual Tianshu."

"No, it's not like that!" Ganyu clenched her fists tightly. "With Lucas' abilities, he's sure to become the next Tianshu!"

She had to say this, as it might be her last bargaining chip to win Xianyun's approval for their marriage.

"How interesting," Xianyun said with a nod. "So, you chose him because you see this potential?"

"No, I chose him…" Ganyu shook her head gently. "Because he is who he is."

Ganyu…

Hearing this, Lucas felt a surge of emotion.

Indeed, in Ganyu's eyes, he wasn't a Tianshu candidate or a hero who had saved Mondstadt—he was simply the somewhat clumsy messenger she had come to know.

"You truly are like your mother," Xianyun remarked with a faint smile. "Very well, I'll be frank. Lucas?"

"Yes?" Lucas straightened his posture instantly.

Typically, when an elder calls you by your full name, it rarely bodes well.

"Ganyu and Shenhe are both incredibly important to me," Xianyun said solemnly. "So I respect Ganyu's choice. But I also want to see your determination. If you can truly become the next Tianshu, I'll approve of this marriage."

Lucas fell silent for a moment before nodding firmly. "I'll… do my best."

Hearing this, Ganyu couldn't help but feel touched.

"But the Tianshu election is such a major event," Xianyun said, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "Why haven't I heard a single word about it? Ganyu, who are the other candidates?"

"The candidates fall into two groups," Ganyu explained earnestly. "The first consists of individuals evaluated by Yuehai Pavilion and the Ministry of Civil Affairs for their merits or capabilities. They are issued direct invitations. The second group consists of those recommended by key figures in Liyue."

Lucas nodded. "In my case, I was recommended by Yuheng, Miss Keqing."

Xianyun raised an eyebrow. "Ganyu, do you think… I count as a key figure in Liyue?"

Ganyu hesitated briefly before nodding. "As a Three-Eyed and Five-Manifests adeptus, you are undeniably an important figure in Liyue."

"Then," Xianyun said with a sly smile, pointing to Shenhe, "I, too, have the right to recommend someone. And I'll recommend Shenhe for the Tianshu election."

For centuries, Liyue had transitioned toward human governance. The adepti, like Rex Lapis, had become revered figures of tradition, rarely intervening in administrative affairs. Moreover, while it wasn't explicitly stated, the Liyue Qixing had always been composed of humans, making it unusual for an adeptus to endorse a candidate.

"Recommending Shenhe?" Ganyu looked alarmed. "But that seems… against protocol."

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