Early the next morning, Idris rose from his seat.
Ganyu, perhaps exhausted from the night before, had somehow fallen asleep on the bed.
Recalling how she had imitated his meditation posture the previous night, Idris couldn't help but smile.
He hadn't planned on waking her—but not long after he got up, Ganyu stirred.
Realizing she had actually fallen asleep, and in that posture no less, Ganyu stood up in a fluster, her face burning with embarrassment.
She clearly hadn't felt very tired, yet last night—she didn't know why—being beside Idris had made her eyelids unbearably heavy.
What was worse, she had even noticed a faint, unfamiliar scent on him.
This is so humiliating…
Ganyu inwardly cringed, though Idris himself didn't mind at all. Things like this were perfectly normal.
"I won't stay for breakfast today," Idris said calmly.
"Nahida is still waiting for me."
He was worried Cloud Retainer might show up again and start pulling them into another awkward situation.
"Don't worry, Grand Sage," Ganyu replied quickly.
"I'll explain everything to Master later. I promise I won't let you be embarrassed again!"
After what happened yesterday—and spending the night in the same room—Ganyu was noticeably more at ease now, even speaking to Idris without the earlier stiffness.
"That's good," Idris nodded.
Sitting all night without lying down had left him rather sore. One night wasn't long—but it wasn't short either.
Even if his strength no longer demanded rest, habits formed over time were hard to shake.
Not to mention… as a normal man, the night hadn't exactly been easy.
Ganyu was a great beauty, after all. Maybe not as dangerously alluring as the fox of Inazuma, nor as overwhelmingly seductive as Ningguang—but she was undeniably a gentle, earnest girl.
And coincidentally… he'd always had a soft spot for that type.
If not for his principles—and the fact that he was a self-aware villain—Ganyu would never have escaped his grasp.
After tidying up, the two left the room together.
As they walked, Ganyu suddenly remembered something and turned to him.
"Grand Sage… things were rushed earlier, so I forgot to ask—how did you sleep last night?"
Idris smiled faintly.
"Quite well. Your bed is very comfortable."
Ganyu nodded, relieved that nothing awkward had happened.
"That's good…"
They continued on until they reached Cloud Retainer's residence.
Just as Idris had expected, Cloud Retainer and Shenhe were already awake, clearly waiting for them to eat.
Seeing the scene, Ganyu immediately recalled yesterday's endless questioning and felt her scalp tingle.
"Grand Sage, did you sleep well last night?" Cloud Retainer asked.
Idris nodded politely.
"Very well. Thank you for your hospitality, True Lord."
"Why not stay for another meal before you go?" Cloud Retainer pressed.
"Not today," Idris declined smoothly.
"My schedule is tight. I still have other matters to attend to in Liyue."
He really didn't want a repeat of last night.
And Shenhe still hadn't given a clear answer regarding her matter—which disappointed him slightly, though he understood.
Some things couldn't be forced.
This concerned a person's fate, after all. Caution was reasonable.
If she ever made up her mind, she wouldn't need to say a word—she would come to him herself.
Because Idris was certain:
in this world, no one else could solve that problem.
"Yes, Master," Ganyu immediately added, very tactfully.
"We still have a lot of work to do, and yesterday was already a delay. The holidays are approaching too—I'm really quite busy."
Cloud Retainer gave her an I-know-exactly-what's-going-on smile, then looked at Shenhe.
"Ah… suddenly, I don't feel like pushing you to find a partner anymore," she sighed theatrically.
"Daughters really do grow up and side with outsiders. You're not even married yet and already defending him—once you are, won't you just obey everything he says?"
She was clearly teasing—mostly for Idris's benefit.
After all, without Ganyu present, she might not compare to the Grand Sage.
But with Ganyu here, a few jokes were still acceptable—she was a senior, after all.
Idris gave an awkward smile. He understood Cloud Retainer was joking, but couldn't really respond.
With Ganyu present, saying the wrong thing would only expose the act.
This was easily the most uncomfortable situation he'd been in for a long time.
One day, I really need to sit down and talk with Cloud Retainer properly, he thought.
Does she really think the Grand Sage of Sumeru has no temper?
Sensing the tension, Ganyu quickly smoothed things over.
"Master, please don't tease him. Idris is doing this for our sake too. We all have our duties and responsibilities."
"And haven't you always taught us to prioritize the bigger picture?"
Cloud Retainer nodded, her tone softening.
"True. Still, you young ones should remember to balance work and life. Don't push yourselves too hard."
Shenhe spoke quietly from the side.
"Don't worry, Master. Senior Sister will be careful."
"With Grand Sage Idris here, nothing will go wrong."
Cloud Retainer nodded in satisfaction—then realized she'd gone a bit too far earlier.
Regardless of seniority, she really shouldn't have spoken so casually to Idris.
He was no ordinary man.
If he takes offense… that could be troublesome.
A trace of apology appeared in her eyes as she offered him a gentle smile.
Idris responded calmly, saying nothing.
Inside, however, he was perfectly clear:
Those who push boundaries rarely stop—they only push further.
Ganyu gently tugged at his sleeve, concern in her eyes.
Idris felt it and lightly patted the back of her hand in reassurance before speaking again.
"True Lord, we'll be leaving now. Until fate brings us together again."
With that, Idris and Ganyu turned and departed.
Shenhe watched their retreating figures, her expression complex.
Why does Idris feel… different today?
That steadiness, that depth—somehow unfamiliar.
Once they exited the cave, Ganyu finally broke the silence.
"Grand Sage… you seem different today. Did something happen?"
Idris smiled faintly, his gaze deep.
"Just some things that require time to think through. It has nothing to do with you—don't worry."
His tone was gentle, yet firm beyond doubt.
At that moment, hurried footsteps approached.
A woman rushed over, anxiety clear on her face.
"Miss Ganyu! Lady Ningguang is urgently requesting your presence!"
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