[ Zhongli's head cants curiously to the side as Neuvillette describes how the octopus is prepared, it bringing back many memories of Liyue well in her early days where the harbor was a plentiful source of fish and other such creatures that budding merchants would hawk as wares. It's a bit nostalgic— to think of one particularly elderly lady who would expertly prepare the fish almost straight out of the ocean, hands steady in spite of how stooped her back became over the years.

It was truly a shame that he could not enjoy such dishes, the texture of the fish sealing the final nail on that coffin if the sight of it alone did not. But he was a guest here and should not be rude especially to that which had such cultural and historical significance.

Perhaps if he shifts his water glass just so when the dish arrives that it artfully reflects through the glass— ]

I see. So it is a dish of the people, one where the presentation of the octopus is paramount to the character and creation of the cuisine. It speaks volumes of the establishment here to include such a rustic and familiar dish into their repertoire.

[ He folds away his own menu, setting it aside so that the waiter may come to retrieve it (for their sake hopefully without Zhongli indulging in round two of questions.) ]

Does the pairing with water from Monsdtadt hold any significance?

Mondstadt has quite the adventurous people— full of those who are not afraid to start their life anew. I imagine with their sense of humor they would find such a dish quite enjoyable. Though I do not know if they would settle for simply water.