"Th-That…"
Jiang Yan's eyes darted around nervously.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata narrowed her eyes, her expression gradually turning dangerous.
"Sorry!"
Jiang Yan apologized immediately and without hesitation.
Surprisingly, that tactic worked.
Although Rukkhadevata was indeed displeased that Jiang Yan had entered the World Tree without permission, she also knew just how secretive this place was.
Aside from the Heavenly Principles and the Seven Sovereign Dragons, the only beings who had ever entered this space were herself and Jiang Yan.
Even as the administrator of the World Tree, she rarely came here.
Today, she had only entered to investigate something.
And yet she had truly caught him red-handed.
This brat Jiang Yan—
Not only had he secretly raised a child inside the World Tree without her knowledge, but he also came and went more freely than she, the actual guardian of this place.
But seeing Jiang Yan apologize so quickly and sincerely, the anger in her chest somehow dissipated.
"Hmph. An apology alone isn't enough."
Rukkhadevata crossed her arms and asked,
"How long are you planning to keep that little girl here?"
Since the deed was already done, there was no point stopping it now.
She could tell that the girl named Nahida existed only as a soul for the moment.
She had not yet formed a true body.
Rukkhadevata wasn't heartless.
Since Jiang Yan had already gone this far, she might as well allow him to continue.
But he needed to understand—
This absolutely could not happen again.
What exactly did he think the World Tree was?
If she didn't place limits on him now, who knew what ridiculous thing he'd try next?
"Hmm…"
"Probably only for a few more days."
Jiang Yan sounded uncertain.
After all, even he didn't know how long Nahida's body would take to fully manifest.
But according to his estimate, the time wasn't far off.
Nahida herself was a branch born from the World Tree.
With the World Tree nourishing her directly, her physical form should develop much faster.
Rukkhadevata naturally noticed the uncertainty in his tone.
She sighed softly.
"This time, I'll let it go."
"But next time, you are absolutely forbidden from doing things like this inside the World Tree again."
Her voice carried undeniable seriousness.
Jiang Yan immediately nodded.
At times like this, agreeing quickly was the best way to calm her down.
Besides, he normally didn't come here often anyway.
If not for his soft, adorable little Nahida, he wouldn't bother visiting this place.
"Fine. Continue what you're doing here."
"But remember—once that little girl forms a body, disable that strange ability of yours inside this place."
Rukkhadevata warned him sternly.
She had already figured it out.
Jiang Yan clearly possessed some form of spatial transportation ability.
Otherwise, he could never have entered this place without her noticing.
"Got it, got it!"
Jiang Yan grinned.
He understood.
Since Rukkhadevata said that much, it meant she was no longer truly angry.
She wouldn't pursue the matter further.
Rukkhadevata snorted at his carefree expression, unwilling to keep talking to him.
She turned and walked toward the World Tree.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yan headed over to Ganyu and Nahida, who were chatting nearby.
"How was it? She didn't make things difficult for you, did she?"
Ganyu looked at him worriedly.
"It's fine. All settled."
Jiang Yan smiled lightly.
As long as he admitted fault fast enough, Rukkhadevata wasn't the type to press the issue.
"Brother… did Nahida do something wrong?"
Nahida lowered her head.
She felt like her brother had gotten into trouble because of her.
Hearing that, Jiang Yan smiled and rubbed her little head.
"Silly girl. You didn't do anything wrong."
"This was your brother's own decision. It has nothing to do with you."
Whether it was Ningguang, Shenhe, Beidou, or Nahida—
Jiang Yan always treated children with absolute tolerance.
In simpler terms:
He spoiled them endlessly.
Spoiled them to the extreme.
Which was exactly why Cloud Retainer had warned him before.
He was far too indulgent with children.
Even though Jiang Yan reassured her, Nahida still understood.
That older sister had only reacted that way after seeing her.
Originally, Nahida had felt a sense of closeness toward Rukkhadevata.
After all, the two of them shared a sixty-percent resemblance.
She had even thought Rukkhadevata might be someone similar to her brother.
"Don't overthink it, Nahida."
Jiang Yan could tell she still hadn't let it go.
"This was because your big brother acted on his own and placed you here."
"So none of this is your fault."
Nahida suddenly threw herself into Jiang Yan's arms.
Like a kitten, she rubbed against him repeatedly.
She could feel it clearly.
Her brother truly cared for her.
And she truly loved this brother of hers.
Looking at Nahida's adorable, clingy behavior, Jiang Yan smiled and gently rubbed her head again.
Little Nahida was just too cute.
"Alright, Nahida."
Jiang Yan smiled.
"Your sister-in-law needs to head to work now. After I send her back, I'll come keep you company again."
Nahida nodded obediently.
"Okay!"
Jiang Yan then turned toward Ganyu.
"Let me take you back first."
Ganyu nodded.
Although she wanted to stay longer with Nahida, Yuehai Pavilion still needed her.
Being able to take an entire day off yesterday was already pushing the limit.
After all, as secretary-general, her workload was immense.
The longer she stayed away, the more work piled up.
"Then Nahida, I'll come see you again tomorrow."
Ganyu smiled gently.
"Okay, Sister-in-law."
Nahida nodded obediently.
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