After the crowd finished shouting their birthday wishes to Nahida, the citizens of Sumeru gradually dispersed in small groups.
Today was no ordinary day.
From morning until night, the entire nation would celebrate.
Even the Kingdom of Wisdom and Reason had never experienced such unrestrained joy before. Yet scholars and common citizens alike felt that having one day each year to cast aside restraint and simply celebrate was a wonderful thing.
After all,
This was Nahida's birthday.
She had just promised to lead them toward a brighter future. Was it not only natural to celebrate her?
At this moment, Nahida's prestige had reached its absolute peak.
If Greater Lord Rukkhadevata were to return, she might stand shoulder to shoulder with Nahida within the rainforest.
But in the desert?
Unless King Deshret himself returned, Nahida now reigned supreme in the hearts of desert citizens.
And even if Deshret returned,
Many would likely still choose Nahida.
On Ryen's side, the once-dim Dendro Gnosis now shone brilliantly, its radiance nearly rivaling Rex Lapis's Geo Gnosis.
Before long, the Akademiya plaza emptied.
Ryen and the others stepped forward openly.
The dignified Archon who had just commanded a nation instantly dissolved into a small girl the moment she saw him.
With a light leap, Nahida threw herself into Ryen's arms.
He pinched her cheek playfully.
"Should the great Lesser Lord Kusanali be doing something so undignified?"
Her face puffed up in mock grievance.
"Don't call me that. Call me Nahida. Beside you, I'm only Nahida."
His heart softened. He kissed her cheek.
"Seems staying with me has taught you a few tricks about putting on a grand show."
Nahida stuck out her tongue.
"Lumine taught me. She said doing that in front of everyone would ignite their emotions."
"Only that?" Ryen narrowed his eyes teasingly.
Nahida flushed slightly.
"And… it feels really good…"
He laughed and patted her head.
The exalted Archon of moments ago was now a girl cuddled in his arms.
The surrounding scholars watched in mild astonishment.
But none voiced objection. Everyone present was high-ranking enough to understand Ryen's identity.
"Anything else to arrange?" Ryen asked gently. "If not, let's eat first, then go watch Nilou dance."
Nahida nodded, then suddenly realized something.
"Where is Sage Naphis?"
Tighnari coughed awkwardly and pointed.
Everyone turned.
Naphis stood hugging the towering Skyroot Tree, eyes half-closed in bliss. He inhaled deeply, then kissed the trunk affectionately, stroking it like a lover.
Lumine deadpanned, "He looks like a creep."
Tighnari's embarrassment deepened.
He hurried forward and pulled Naphis away.
"Master… everyone's watching."
Naphis blinked back to awareness, casting one last longing glance at the tree.
"Magnificent… instantaneous growth… such perfectly cubic structure… the most beautiful plant I've ever seen."
"What kind of soil is this… I must study it…"
He reluctantly returned.
Nahida began issuing instructions.
"For the coming week, while the Sabzeruz Festival continues, the Akademiya cannot rest."
Alhaitham replied calmly, "It is our duty."
"Even so," Nahida insisted softly, "after matters stabilize, you should all take leave."
Then she shifted to official matters.
"First, the treatment of Eleazar and other terminal illnesses. Within one week, prioritize the most severe cases."
"The milk I brought is stored in the Sanctuary of Surasthana. Retrieve it as needed."
"Research must not interfere with treatment. Cyno, please supervise this."
Cyno nodded silently.
"Second, desert restoration and dismantling the Wall of Samiel."
She turned to Alhaitham and Candace.
"In one week, finalize the plan."
"In one month, Aaru Village must fully transform into an oasis."
"In three months, the Wall dismantled and ten oases established."
"In one year, aside from the most extreme regions, the desert should be largely restored."
Candace's eyes shone.
Having seen the Minecraft world's resources, she believed completely.
Alhaitham raised a practical concern.
"Resources. Even with alliance pricing, the cost would drain Sumeru."
Nahida smiled faintly.
"That brings me to the next point."
"Desert forces under Rahman. Rainforest forces under Cyno."
"In one week, integrate and select 1,500 reliable soldiers."
"They will station in Liyue and enter the other world to develop resources."
"That will solve the supply issue."
Cyno and Rahman exchanged glances.
"It can be done."
Nahida then looked at Naphis.
"Sage Naphis, you will assemble an elite research team to accompany the army in one week."
"They must sign contracts under Rex Lapis."
"You will also study the mod systems of that world."
Naphis nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes! I'll prepare scholars and equipment."
"May I also study those miraculous plants?"
"You may," Nahida said with a sigh, "after completing the required training."
Once tasks were distributed, Nahida asked if there were questions.
Naphis tried to speak,
But Tighnari swiftly covered his mouth and dragged him back.
Alhaitham smiled faintly.
"No further issues. Today is your birthday, Lady Nahida. We will not disturb you further."
With that, the Akademiya officials withdrew.
Ryen nodded approvingly at Alhaitham's tact.
Then,
He lifted Nahida with one arm.
Klee with the other.
Paimon perched on his shoulder.
He kissed Nahida's forehead.
"Let's cast a little illusion spell and slip away for dinner."
"Today, however our five-hundred-year-old birthday girl wants to celebrate, we follow her lead."