The group tactfully moved on from the previous topic, shifting the conversation elsewhere.
While Shenhe was refilling tea, Idris noticed the red string tied around her wrist.
After a moment's pause, he asked casually,
"Shenhe, is that red string on your wrist something important?"
Of course, Idris already knew exactly what it was.
In this world, he was practically walking around with a form of omniscience.
Shenhe's secrets, the Geo Archon's past, the Abyss, ancient gods, even dragon sovereigns—none of it escaped him.
He asked anyway, partly to avoid Cloud Retainer suddenly stirring up trouble again.
Idris had already realized something troubling—Cloud Retainer seemed very eager to pair both of her disciples with him.
Whether it was ambition or simply a desire to see her students settled, the intent was obvious.
Shenhe didn't answer immediately.
The atmosphere grew a little awkward, and Ganyu quietly tugged at her junior's sleeve.
Shenhe hesitated, then nodded faintly.
"…It's an inauspicious object," she said softly.
"Inauspicious?" Idris echoed, feigning surprise.
"Yes," Shenhe replied.
"I've had it for a very long time. As long as I wear it, misfortune seems to follow those around me."
She hadn't wanted to explain it at all.
If Ganyu hadn't prompted her, she would have kept silent—this was no blessing worth discussing.
More than anything, she worried that revealing its nature might cause friction between Idris and Ganyu.
After all, her senior sister was exactly the kind of person who could be affected.
"Have you ever thought about removing it?" Idris asked calmly.
He already knew the answer—but he wanted to hear Shenhe's own resolve.
Ganyu sighed and shook her head.
"If it were that simple, things wouldn't be like this. That red string isn't ordinary."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she turned hopeful eyes toward Idris.
"Grand Sage… you're so knowledgeable—do you have a way?"
"I'd need time to study it carefully," Idris replied.
He neither agreed nor refused.
Truthfully, this was something worth investigating.
If handled properly, it might even trigger a system reward—pure coincidence, of course.
Shenhe shook her head gently.
"It's closer to a curse. Removing it recklessly would only bring greater disaster. I've searched for a solution before… but found nothing."
Her voice was low, carrying quiet resignation.
Idris made a silent note to himself but said nothing aloud.
"…Still," Shenhe added after a pause,
"thank you, brother-in-law. I appreciate your concern."
Idris smiled and nodded.
Now wasn't the right moment.
He planned to research the red string later—perhaps ancient records would reveal a way to sever the curse.
At that moment, Shenhe's gaze toward him subtly changed, carrying a trace of expectation and trust.
Her aloofness had never been by choice.
With such a curse bound to her, making friends would feel like inviting harm upon them.
Ganyu felt a dull ache in her chest.
She knew how much loneliness Shenhe had endured because of that red string.
Idris's words gave her hope—perhaps, just perhaps, this curse wasn't truly irreversible.
Their eyes met briefly.
No words were exchanged, but Ganyu's look held both gratitude and a plea.
Idris sighed inwardly.
Being the Grand Sage really is exhausting.
Fortunately, his reputation as a villain worked in his favor—
otherwise, he'd be drowning in requests.
Shenhe and Ganyu behaved this way precisely because they knew Idris would never act without reason.
After all, the Grand Sage of Sumeru did nothing without benefit.
"If it can be done," Idris said calmly,
"then gratitude can wait until afterward."
Ganyu froze.
"…Does that mean you can solve it?"
She replayed his words carefully—too carefully.
If it were anyone else, she wouldn't dare believe it.
But this was Idris—
the man who turned a fractured Sumeru into a flourishing nation.
"You're jumping ahead," Idris replied evenly.
Then, his gaze sharpened slightly.
"I've heard of this red string curse before. Removing it won't be easy, and it certainly won't be smooth. I'll try—but you must be prepared."
His steady tone was like a warm breeze over frozen ground.
Hope bloomed.
Unable to contain herself, Ganyu suddenly stood and grabbed his arm, eyes shining.
"No! I am in a hurry! Grand Sage, please—just tell us the method!"
Her voice carried an unmistakable hint of childish pleading.
Shenhe's heart pounded.
For the first time in years, she dared to imagine a future without the curse.
"…Ah."
Idris was momentarily at a loss.
He did have a solution—but it was troublesome, costly, and far from efficient.
And as someone who never lifted a finger without gain, he had no intention of acting prematurely.
Cloud Retainer, ever perceptive, immediately understood his hesitation.
She smiled gently and said to Ganyu,
"Since the Grand Sage has his considerations, we should be patient. He will act when the time is right."
Reluctantly, Ganyu sat back down.
Shenhe remained silent—but her eyes were bright.
Idris nodded faintly toward Cloud Retainer.
As expected… She understands.
It wasn't that Cloud Retainer was unusually clever—
Idris's reputation had long spread across the nations.
A man of terrifying power and near-demonic intellect would naturally possess pride.
If Ganyu continued pressing, it might only sour things.
And besides—asking for help required decorum.
Clinging and pleading would only cheapen the request.
Ganyu seemed to realize this as well.
She adjusted herself, pressed her lips together, and spoke softly,
"Grand Sage… I understand. Let's talk about it again when the time is right, alright?"
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