Shenhe sat quietly off to one side, her eyes calm and unwavering. When it came to the answer she would give tomorrow, there wasn't even the slightest trace of doubt in her heart.
At her side, Ganyu gently held her hand, offering silent reassurance.
Inside the room, the atmosphere slowly settled back into a peaceful calm, much like the quiet that follows a meal.
Idris's deep gaze moved across everyone present. The faint smile at the corner of his lips carried a sense of quiet certainty, as if everything ahead had already been arranged in his mind.
"Fortune favors the prepared," he said in a low voice."Miss Shenhe's determination is the first step toward success."
Cloud Retainer sighed inwardly, filled with admiration.
As expected of the Grand Sage—every word he spoke carried meaning.
After dinner, Ganyu led Idris toward one of the rooms within the adeptal abode for him to rest. Idris followed with a light smile, though inwardly he was already considering how to deal with the increasingly complicated situation.
The two walked ahead, leaving Cloud Retainer and Shenhe behind, both lost in their own thoughts.
Once their figures disappeared into the corridor, Cloud Retainer and Shenhe exchanged a glance across the table, a faint unease lingering between them.
Shenhe spoke in a soft voice, "Do you think… Idris can really accomplish this?"
After a brief pause, Cloud Retainer nodded."The Grand Sage is someone worthy of trust. Besides—he is your senior sister's partner. If you think about it, that makes him one of us, doesn't it?"
"…I hope so," Shenhe replied quietly, silently wishing for everything to proceed without trouble.
As night deepened, the adeptal abode became serene. Candlelight flickered softly, shadows swaying along the walls as Cloud Retainer and Shenhe continued their quiet discussion on mechanisms and cultivation.
Meanwhile, Ganyu and Idris had already arrived at the room.
"Grand Sage… please, have a seat," Ganyu said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Idris gave a faint hum in response, his eyes sweeping across the room. A single glance was enough for him to confirm it.
This was her personal chamber.
"So," he said casually while observing his surroundings,"This is your room. Aren't you worried about letting me stay here?"
Ganyu, who had been tidying the bedding, suddenly froze. Her grip on the blanket tightened slightly.
"I… I trust the Grand Sage," she answered softly.
Her tone was steady, yet her body betrayed her unease.
Idris was far stronger than she was. If he truly intended to do anything, she would have no way to resist.
But she had already agreed to act as his girlfriend—even if only in name.
Still… this was her first time in such a situation.
Of course she felt nervous.
"Haha, relax," Idris chuckled."I'm only joking."
He had no inappropriate thoughts at all.
In truth, even just in Sumeru, he already had more complicated relationships than he could easily manage. Bringing Liyue into that mix would only make things more troublesome.
Besides, he and Ganyu hadn't known each other for very long.
That said, he couldn't deny that many individuals in this world were strikingly beautiful, each with their own unique charm.
"Grand Sage… you're teasing me again," Ganyu said softly, her tone carrying a hint of reproach.
After arranging the bedding, she walked closer and lowered her voice.
"I apologize for the inconvenience. I originally intended to see you off after dinner, but my master insisted. She sent a message and asked me to have you stay. I hope it hasn't caused you any discomfort."
"It's nothing," Idris replied casually with a wave of his hand."Just remember the blueprints for the Guizhong Ballista."
"Where I stay doesn't matter. But you—sharing a room with me tonight… by tomorrow, all of Liyue may hear about it. I hope it won't bring you trouble."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
If even she wasn't concerned about rumors, why should he be?
If anything, he was the one gaining from this.
And with Shenhe's situation now involved, there was a strong chance the system would grant him further rewards. The reward he received earlier from Ganyu had already put him in a good mood—this was simply an added bonus.
The only thing that gave him slight pause was Nahida, still inside the Serenitea Pot.
Had she eaten yet? What was she doing now?
Idris had never truly regarded Nahida as an adult—perhaps because of her small stature.
And in truth, by conventional standards, she was still just a child.
Back in the main hall, Cloud Retainer and Shenhe began clearing the table. Once everything was cleaned up, the elder adeptus naturally slipped into her usual long-winded mode.
This time, however, it wasn't about the World Tree or exchanging fates, but rather simple concern.
From everyday life matters to cultivation and mechanisms, their conversation stretched late into the night.
Cloud Retainer was often occupied and rarely had the chance to spend time with her two disciples.
If not for how obedient they were, her abode might have long since been reduced to ruins—perhaps even blown apart.
"I truly hope your senior sister gives me a grand-disciple soon," Cloud Retainer muttered."With the Grand Sage as the father, wouldn't the child be extraordinary from the moment of birth?"
Her eagerness for things to be settled was obvious.
After all, someone like Idris would never lack admirers.
Miss the opportunity once, and he might be gone for good.
Shenhe remained silent.
Better not to give her master any chance to probe further.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Ganyu sat stiffly at the edge of the bed, her fingers fidgeting nervously.
Her tension was impossible to hide.
Idris found it somewhat amusing.
Nothing would happen, of course. Ganyu was far too reserved, and his own self-control was more than sufficient.
The only concern he had was Cloud Retainer suddenly returning to check on them.
And given her personality… that possibility wasn't entirely unrealistic.
Just as both of them were lost in their thoughts—
Knock. Knock.
"Ganyu."
Her master's voice sounded from outside.
"Master… we've already gone to bed. Is something the matter?" Ganyu asked quickly.
Idris sighed inwardly.
Speak of the adeptus…
"It's nothing," Cloud Retainer replied casually."I'm just checking in."
The door opened.
At that very moment, Idris pulled Ganyu down onto the bed and covered them both with the blanket.
Cloud Retainer glanced inside, took in the scene, then smiled faintly before closing the door again.
She had only been worried the two might feel embarrassed.
Otherwise, she might have stepped inside fully.
Ganyu's heart pounded wildly, her face flushed a deep red.
Idris let go of her and gave a soft chuckle.
"If you're going to put on an act," he said lightly,"you might as well see it through."
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/nani_kaito