Tomoki clasped his hands together, bowed deeply, and declared loudly, "Thank you so much for your approval, Your Excellency!"
Ei asked curiously, "This delicious dumpling milk should sell very well, shouldn't it?"
Tomoki sheepishly scratched his head. "Well... to be honest with you, sales are quite ordinary."
"Huh?" Ei exclaimed in surprise. "It doesn't sell well? Why not?"
Tomoki explained, "Many people are unwilling to try it. They find the combination strange, though those who have tasted it give quite positive reviews."
[Paimon: Is this a lingering effect of eternity?]
[Ningguang: Probably not. The people of Liyue are also reluctant to accept things that appear strange. If a product looks unusual, gaining public recognition requires significant effort.]
[Furina: Food needs to be not only delicious but also appealing. Whenever I see a dessert I haven't tried before, I can't wait to taste it.]
[Zhongli: Exquisite desserts can bring joy through mere observation. One should eagerly wish to taste such beauty.]
[Paimon: So if the dumpling milk were more refined and looked better, people would be willing to try it?]
[Ei: So that's how it works?]
Realizing his words might be misunderstood, Tomoki quickly explained, "I'm not saying Your Excellency's taste is strange! Please don't be angry!"
Ei smiled. "If people are unwilling to try it, it's simple. Have the Yashiro Commission buy several hundred cups and deliver them door to door."
Tomoki shook his head frantically. "No, no! That's too exaggerated!"
Ei looked puzzled. "Too exaggerated? I just want them to try it. It would be such a pity to miss out on dumpling milk without ever tasting it."
Lumine glanced at Ei. "So you like sweets. Would you like another cup?"
"I would—" Ei caught herself. "Never mind. It's not like I'm that obsessed."
[Yae Miko: Haha, Ei. Still as tsundere as ever.]
[Ei: Miko. Still as fond of joking as ever.]
Ei mused, "Ah, desserts really do lift one's spirits. Compared to meditating alone in thought, this is far more enjoyable. Speaking of which, Miko once mentioned establishing a Yae Publishing House that sells light novels."
"She's always boasting about it, but I never quite understood. Since we have the opportunity, could you take me to see it?"
Lumine nodded. "Let's go take a look."
---
At the Yae Publishing House, the editor temporarily in charge was terrified upon seeing Ei. "The Shogun graces the Yae Publishing House with her presence! May I ask if you have any instructions?"
Ei waved her hand. "Nothing in particular. No need to be nervous. I'm just looking around."
The editor, Kuroda, asked nervously, "Forgive me, but I don't quite understand. Is this about management? Publication standards? Or perhaps fire safety concerns?"
[Yae Miko: Haha, my editor has successfully eliminated all the wrong answers.]
[Paimon: Who would guess that Ei just wants to read a light novel?]
[Yae Miko: I would. If I were in the shop, I'd say, 'Are you here to purchase novels?']
[Paimon: Miko, as expected of you.]
[Yae Miko: Haha, thank you for the compliment.]
Paimon spread her hands. "The Shogun just wants to look at books."
Editor Kuroda was shocked. "The Shogun wants to read light novels?"
Ei crossed her arms. "Yes. Any good recommendations?"
Editor Kuroda spread his hands helplessly. "Well... the novels at Yae Publishing House mainly target ordinary people. The content is quite diverse and strange. Much of it probably won't suit Your Excellency's taste."
Ei replied, "Just trying something new. Uniformity is boring. Rest assured, as long as it's a story written with words, what could there be to misunderstand?"