At first, Ningguang thought Idris was merely being polite.
She accepted the contract and began reading carefully.
The rest of the Liyue Qixing gathered around as well, while Nahida sat on her chair with her feet dangling in the air, idly swinging her legs.
She had never liked serious negotiations.
Compared to this, she'd much rather go out, grab some food, and wander around—at least that would be fun.
Ever since Sumeru gained Idris, she hadn't had to worry about these things anymore.
Their Grand Sage was practically omnipotent.
Other than giving birth, there was nothing he couldn't do.
Smart, capable, dependable—
That was exactly why Nahida liked sticking to him so much.
Being with Idris meant she didn't have to think, didn't have to maintain the dignity of a god, didn't have to remind herself that she was the God of Wisdom.
She only had to be his princess.
Idris gently patted Nahida on the head and said softly,
"Feeling bored? Once this is over, I'll take you out to eat."
"Hmph, no way. I haven't forgiven you yet," Nahida replied stubbornly.
"Don't even think about it."
It was clearly sulking.
The reason, of course, was that Idris had stayed overnight at Ganyu's place.
She didn't know what had happened, and that alone was enough to make her upset.
"What if it's free?" Idris added casually.
"Someone else is paying. Still not going?"
That instantly hit the mark.
"R-Really?" Nahida's eyes lit up.
Free food was irresistible—and besides, Idris had only been in Liyue a short time. Had he already made new acquaintances?
"Of course," Idris smiled.
"And this person actually has something in common with you.
You could even say… they're also a god."
He deliberately left it vague.
Nahida's curiosity immediately spiked.
At that moment, Ningguang finished reading the contract.
She set it down slowly, unable to calm her heart for quite some time.
The other members of the Qixing were even worse—barely containing their excitement.
As for Cloud Retainer, she wasn't surprised.
After speaking with Idris the previous day, she already knew what kind of man the Sumeru Grand Sage was.
He wasn't stingy—but he definitely wasn't someone who casually handed out massive benefits.
After all, Sumeru was the stronger nation.
Even if the contract had been unfair, Liyue wouldn't have dared to complain.
That was simply how power worked.
Just like how people from Mondstadt were treated in Liyue—
only those at the very top received proper respect.
Strength was authority.
And yet Idris, ruler of Sumeru, was showing Liyue such goodwill.
It was shocking.
Ningguang quickly reached her own conclusion:
This was because of Ganyu.
There was no other explanation.
A capable man, generous, powerful… truly worthy of being my subordinate's partner, she thought.
She then voiced the question she had been holding back.
"Grand Sage Idris, are you truly planning to establish branch factories in Liyue as stated in the contract?"
"Are you not concerned that Liyue's rapid development might one day pose a threat to Sumeru?"
This wasn't provocation—it was a reminder.
They were laying everything on the table now.
Idris smiled calmly.
"A gentleman's word is worth a thousand gold pieces.
Sumeru keeps its promises."
"If Lady Ningguang finds anything unsatisfactory, feel free to bring it up.
Cooperation is about discussion and adjustment—finding a balance both sides can accept."
"No, no—Grand Sage," Ningguang quickly said, almost flustered.
"Your terms are far too generous. I'm honestly overwhelmed."
She truly didn't understand his motive.
If this was only because of Ganyu, then the price he was paying was absurdly high.
And if it wasn't… that made it even harder to understand.
Unmerited favor invites disaster.
Idris seemed to read her thoughts.
"Don't worry. This benefits Sumeru as well," he said evenly.
"You have sincerity, and I don't mistreat my allies—especially a nation like Liyue."
Ningguang finally let out a long breath.
"Then thank you, Grand Sage. Since you trust Liyue, we will never disappoint you."
"I'll personally oversee the factory.
Cloud Retainer will act as technical advisor.
Nothing will go wrong."
"That's enough," Idris nodded.
"I know how busy you are, Lady Ningguang, so I won't disturb you further."
"We'll proceed according to the contract.
If any issues arise, contact Ganyu—she'll reach me."
Mentioning Ganyu wasn't deliberate favoritism.
They had shared a night under the same roof, after all.
Giving her a bit of standing was only fair.
"Understood. Once construction begins, Ganyu will be responsible for coordination," Ningguang agreed.
"Good. I'll draft the final contract once I return.
Lady Ningguang, you must attend the signing."
"Of course. You have my word."
With that, Idris stepped out of the Jade Chamber.
Standing in the open air, suspended high above Liyue, he gazed into the distance.
For some reason, the scenery reminded him of home—
old houses, blue roof tiles, worn yet familiar.
Outdated, perhaps.
But nostalgic.
Whether he would ever return… even he didn't know.
After lingering for a while, Idris finally turned to leave.
Nahida, who had been utterly ignored during the negotiations, nearly burst with joy.
She laughed so hard at the Jade Chamber entrance that it sounded like a goose honking.
Thankfully, there weren't many people around.
Otherwise, it would've been a legendary public embarrassment.
"Grand Sage," Nahida asked cheerfully,
"weren't we going to visit someone? Are we heading there now?"
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