Partway through the meal, Cloud Retainer suddenly clapped her hands.
"My dish!"
Without further explanation, she vanished into the kitchen in a flash, leaving Idris momentarily stunned.
He couldn't help but laugh inwardly.
For someone so obsessed with mechanisms and precision, Cloud Retainer could be surprisingly careless at times.
Once she was gone, Ganyu could no longer hold herself back. She tugged lightly at Idris's sleeve.
"Grand Sage… tell me. What exactly is the method you mentioned earlier?"
Idris smiled faintly, a deep glint flashing in his eyes.
"That method relies on borrowing the power of heaven and earth," he said in a low voice.
"Using fate itself as the anchor to seek a turning point. But this path is dangerous—extremely so. It must be handled with caution."
Ganyu listened intently, curiosity and worry intertwined. Without realizing it, she tightly clasped Shenhe's hand.
Shenhe blinked, clearly confused by the riddling exchange.
Just then, a cold breeze swept through the room. Ganyu shivered slightly and instinctively leaned closer to Idris.
"Changing fate… is that really possible?" she asked in disbelief.
Shenhe, catching the implication, spoke cautiously.
"You mean… my fate?"
"Yes."
Idris nodded, firm and unhesitating.
Shenhe's eyes lit up at once.
For years, she had lived under the shadow of misfortune. To hear that it could truly be undone—this wasn't a joke.
Idris continued calmly, his tone unwavering.
"I am a guardian of the World Tree. Through its power, altering a person's fate is possible."
"The World Tree?" Ganyu asked, puzzled.
"What is that?"
"The World Tree is one of the most fundamental existences in Teyvat," Idris explained.
"It is intertwined with the destiny of the entire continent. Entry is not something I allow lightly—only under absolutely safe conditions."
Shenhe met his gaze directly.
"Then… what is your condition?"
Idris raised an eyebrow, faintly surprised.
"So direct? People say you're unfamiliar with worldly matters, yet you understand quite clearly."
He paused, then spoke plainly.
"If you wish for me to alter your fate, then for a period of time, your three souls and six spirits will be under my control. I will ensure your safety—but this requires absolute trust."
He stopped there, then added evenly:
"Of course, if this is unacceptable, you may wait. There may be other solutions in the future."
Silence fell.
The idea of having one's three souls and six spirits controlled was no small matter.
The chance to change fate was tempting—but the cost was frightening.
"Is… is this really safe?" Ganyu asked softly, unease clear in her eyes.
She was worried for Shenhe.
If Idris harbored even the slightest ill intent, Shenhe's very existence could be erased.
"You don't need to decide immediately," Idris said gently.
"Take your time."
He wasn't pressing them. Truthfully, even he wouldn't agree lightly if the roles were reversed.
At that moment, Cloud Retainer returned, carrying the dish she had rushed off to retrieve. Seeing the strange tension, she chuckled.
"What are you discussing? You all look quite serious."
"We were talking about altering fate," Idris replied calmly.
"Altering fate?"
Cloud Retainer froze, then set the dish down.
"Why is this the first I'm hearing of it? And why do my disciples look so tense?"
"Master," Shenhe explained, feeling oddly relieved by her presence,
"We're considering the conditions the Grand Sage proposed."
"What conditions?" Cloud Retainer frowned.
"…Control over the three souls and six spirits," Ganyu added carefully.
Cloud Retainer fell silent for a moment.
"That does sound severe," she admitted.
"But the Grand Sage's capabilities are unquestionable. If fate can truly be changed… it may be worth considering."
"But that means complete reliance on him," Ganyu said hesitantly.
"I understand your concerns," Idris said evenly.
"That is why the final choice is yours. I offer the opportunity—nothing more."
"Grand Sage," Shenhe said apologetically,
"This matter is too important. Please allow me time to think."
"Of course," Idris replied with a small smile.
"There's no rush."
Cloud Retainer watched quietly, deep in thought.
Perhaps this choice would truly redefine her disciple's destiny.
Still, she offered no guidance.
Such decisions had to be made by oneself.
"Alright," she finally said, clapping her hands lightly.
"Let's eat first. We'll return to this discussion later."
She smiled.
"This dish was prepared using my mechanical techniques—it won't disappoint."
The atmosphere gradually eased as the meal continued.
Yet everyone at the table knew—
This dinner was merely a pause,
before a far greater choice.
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