"Alright."
Idris nodded. Ganyu visibly calmed down, while Shenhe remained comparatively composed—so calm, in fact, that it was almost unsettling.
Perhaps it was because she had grown accustomed to loneliness over the years.
If the curse could be lifted, that would be wonderful—but if not, she wouldn't be devastated either.
After all, she had never truly experienced what it felt like to be surrounded by friends.
"Regardless of the outcome, thank you in advance, Grand Sage," Shenhe said softly.
"Thank you for being willing to help."
There was genuine gratitude in her voice—something rare for someone of her temperament.
Idris's eyes flickered with approval.
Cloud Retainer and Ganyu exchanged a glance and smiled quietly, offering their silent blessing.
Watching the three of them, Idris was suddenly reminded of the original storyline's Traveler.
The so-called chosen one—yet often reduced to a bystander, sometimes little more than a cameraman trailing behind events.
It was… frustrating, in its own way.
Idris sighed inwardly.
Still, he had no intention of overturning everything. Some things were meant to proceed along their destined paths.
Just as he was thinking of that blond traveler—
Ding.
A crisp notification sounded in his ear.
"Detection complete: Host has altered a key storyline."
"Ganyu's fate trajectory has been affected."
"Reward distribution initiated."
"…A reward?"
Idris froze for a moment, then felt a surge of delight.
This counts too?!
The system continued calmly:
"Reward confirmed."
"Item obtained: Abyss Teleport Gate."
"Reward successfully issued."
The system fell silent.
Idris, however, was buzzing with excitement.
Perfect timing—like being handed a pillow the moment he felt sleepy.
Not only had he altered Ganyu's storyline, the reward was an Abyss Teleport Gate.
That was enormous.
He'd been wondering how to deal with the Abyss in the future—and now the solution had practically dropped into his lap.
With this, plus his steadily advancing military technology, the Abyss—long a menace to all nations—might actually be wiped out someday.
More importantly, this teleport gate was essentially a backdoor straight into the enemy's home.
Idris couldn't help imagining it—
Popping in now and then just to harass Abyss monsters… wouldn't that drive them insane?
He had already checked: the mechanism was identical to what Abyss Heralds used.
His lips curved upward slightly.
Raiding the Abyss's backyard—no matter how he thought about it, it felt good.
"Grand Sage?" Ganyu asked softly, noticing his expression.
"You look very happy. Did something good happen?"
"Ah—"
Idris snapped back to reality and waved his hand casually.
"No, nothing like that. I just thought of something amusing."
"Oh…"
Ganyu clearly didn't believe him, but she didn't press further.
Idris, meanwhile, was already thinking ahead.
If merely being in a relationship with Ganyu triggered a reward…
Then resolving Shenhe's curse might yield one too.
That thought made him regret holding back earlier.
This system really had a talent for surprising him at the worst—and best—moments.
Still, he chose not to bring it up at the dinner table.
Instead, he smiled and changed the subject.
"So… are we eating or do you plan to starve your boyfriend?"
Ganyu hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Well then—since the Grand Sage is our guest," Cloud Retainer said smoothly,
"you two should show him your skills."
That broke the tension.
Ganyu and Shenhe responded with a quiet "Mm," then headed into the kitchen together.
Cloud Retainer began brewing tea for Idris.
Watching the two figures disappear, Idris's gaze sharpened slightly.
Now isn't the time to reveal too much.
He lifted the teacup, took a sip, and nodded in approval.
"This tea has a unique flavor."
Though his mind was already itching to test the Abyss Teleport Gate the moment he got back.
For once, he had a rare moment of peace.
While waiting for the meal, he chatted with Cloud Retainer about mechanical arts.
Their differing perspectives made every exchange enlightening.
Each time Idris proposed a forward-thinking idea, Cloud Retainer grew more absorbed, already imagining how such concepts might be applied within her own abode.
Before long, the aroma of food drifted out from the kitchen, accompanied by soft laughter.
Idris smiled.
"Looks like I'm in for a treat."
"Indeed!" Cloud Retainer laughed.
"Even I don't get to eat their cooking often. You've got prestige, Grand Sage."
Moments later, dish after dish was laid out—colorful, fragrant, and unmistakably Liyue.
Idris tasted one carefully.
Authentic Liyue cuisine—rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Back in Sumeru, even changing flavors took effort.
After all, inter-nation exchange had only just begun.
As for Inazuma?
Isolation meant isolation. Forget foreign dishes.
The table was round.
Ganyu sat to Idris's left, watching him eat without touching her own chopsticks.
Feeling her gaze, Idris leaned closer and whispered,
"I've figured out Shenhe's situation."
Ganyu's eyes lit up instantly.
She grabbed his hand in excitement.
Across the table, Shenhe and Cloud Retainer paused—then exchanged knowing smiles.
Only then did Ganyu realize what she'd done.
Her face turned scarlet.
She quickly released his hand and covered her face in embarrassment.
Idris merely chuckled and patted the back of her hand gently.
Ganyu felt warmth spread through her chest, the tension slowly melting away.
When she finally looked up again, her eyes were filled with gratitude.
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