"Don't worry, Mr. Feng Yi, I'm fine!"
Thoma smiled and waved away the concern. What was a few trips to the restroom compared to what the Family Head endured? He was practically in peak condition.
Kamisato Ayaka felt a pang of guilt. Thoma's upset stomach was, after all, a result of her pastries.
"Have some tea, it might make you feel better."
Feng Yi poured a cup and discreetly added a tiny drop of the Water of Life. Just enough to help Thoma regain his spirit.
"Thank you, Mr. Feng Yi!"
Thoma accepted the tea politely, but he didn't hold out much hope. How could a simple cup of tea possibly alleviate the exhaustion from a sleepless night and near-fatal diarrhea? He assumed it was just Mr. Feng Yi's kind words of comfort. He'd come here hoping a hot spring bath would help him relax and recover.
However, the moment he tasted the tea Mr. Feng Yi had given him, Thoma realized his perspective had been too narrow. This wasn't just tea; it was like a legendary immortal elixir. After just a small sip, he felt most of his fatigue melt away, as if a thousand pounds had been lifted from his shoulders. He felt so much lighter. What would happen if he drank the whole cup?
With that thought, Thoma eagerly downed the rest of the tea. In the next instant, he felt his body and soul cleansed, pure and unblemished. The lingering ailments from overwork seemed to be washed away, adding years to his life. Thoma genuinely wanted to ask Mr. Feng Yi if this was truly not some miraculous medicine. His sunken eyes regained their glow, his haggard face became rosy, and Thoma felt so energized he could have spent three days straight washing the Family Head's dirty socks.
"Thank you, Mr. Feng Yi, thank you so much! Please, let me help you with something!"
His gratitude now was far more genuine than his earlier politeness. Thoma pleaded with Mr. Feng Yi to let him assist, otherwise, he wouldn't feel right about drinking the tea.
"Then go help Arataki Itto entertain the male guests. With you there, I'll feel much more at ease."
Kuki Shinobu was handling the female guests, and Feng Yi had complete faith in her capabilities. With Thoma assisting with the male guests, Feng Yi had no further worries.
"Don't worry, Mr. Feng Yi, I've got this!"
Thoma readily agreed. Entertaining guests was a simple task he was perfectly capable of. As they departed, Kamisato Ayaka gave Feng Yi a grateful wink, knowing he was helping her clean up a mess. Her lively eyes seemed to ask, "How can I thank you? Perhaps..."
Feng Yi returned her gaze, signaling that he accepted her unspoken gratitude.
Not long after Thoma and Ayaka entered the Serenitea Pot, Yoimiya arrived, panting. She sat opposite Feng Yi, as if she'd run all the way from the fireworks shop. The white slime bound by bandages on her chest rose and fell, captivating Feng Yi's attention.
"Haa~ Haa... Feng Yi, I'm late. I was so excited thinking about today's hot spring party last night that I couldn't sleep. Do you know, Feng Yi? It felt like suddenly hearing they were holding a festival tomorrow..."
Yoimiya patted her chest, trying to regain her breath. Last night, she'd been too excited to sleep, and then there was a small mishap this morning, which caused her to be late. Otherwise, Yoimiya was certain she would have been the first to arrive.
Feng Yi helped cool the hot tea and handed it to Yoimiya, assuring her he understood her excitement. He remembered tossing and turning the night before his first school trip.
"Feng Yi, am I rested? Is there anything I can help with?"
After several cups of tea, Yoimiya finally calmed down. She placed her hands on the table, her gaze fixed on Feng Yi.
"Kuki Shinobu is handling the reception, so you shouldn't worry about that. If you really want to help, Xiangling might need a taste-tester. You could give that a try..."
Feng Yi paused, considering. If Kuki Shinobu hadn't been there, he might indeed have needed Yoimiya's assistance.
"It's alright if you don't need help. Just enjoy the hot spring party!" Feng Yi said as he escorted Yoimiya into the Serenitea Pot.
After seeing Yoimiya off, the wait this time was longer. It took about two hours before Ei and Kujou Sara arrived together.
"Feng Yi, we'll go in and wait for you..."
Ei and Kujou Sara said little, sat down, had two cups of tea, and then went directly into the Serenitea Pot.
After them came Albedo and Klee.
Another hour passed before Sangonomiya Kokomi and Gorou from Watatsumi Island finally arrived.
"Sorry, Feng Yi, something came up on Watatsumi Island, and we're late."
Kokomi apologized with a slight blush. Gorou, beside her, looked around nervously, as if confirming the safety of their surroundings before he subtly relaxed.
"What happened on Watatsumi Island? Was it serious?"
Feng Yi invited them to sit and poured them both cups of hot tea.
"It's about the 'Sanctification' matter. It's tricky for Watatsumi Island, but not entirely without solutions... Never mind, it's not something that can be explained in a few words. I'll tell you more when you visit Watatsumi Island next time. Today, I'm here specifically to enjoy the hot springs, so I don't want to think about these troublesome things. I need to relax completely!"
Kokomi forced a few smiles. Though she claimed they had ways to deal with it, Feng Yi knew this was an extremely challenging situation for Watatsumi Island. Feng Yi knew a little about Watatsumi Island's 'Sanctification' issue, only that it was related to Enkanomiya. It was all the fault of "Old Mi" for releasing the story so slowly. By the time he arrived in this world, he only had a vague understanding of Enkanomiya's plot. It seemed after this hot spring party, he would need to pay a visit to Watatsumi Island, or perhaps even Enkanomiya.
"Don't worry. If Watatsumi Island faces hardship, I won't stand idly by. First, enjoy the hot spring party and relieve your long-standing fatigue. Afterwards, we'll discuss how to resolve this together..."
Feng Yi gently pinched Kokomi's cheek, telling her not to frown and to not shoulder everything alone. He would stand by her side to face any calamity together.
"Mhm~"
Looking at Feng Yi's earnest expression, Kokomi smiled with relief, her furrowed brow finally smoothing out. For some reason, even when facing the grave issue of 'Sanctification,' just having Feng Yi by her side made Kokomi feel much more at ease. She believed that the difficulties would eventually be overcome...