Idris couldn't help grumbling inwardly at the system.
Everything about it was great—except that the rewards were far too random.
Rubbing his temples, he decided to temporarily put the matter of the Conqueror of Demons aside.
After all, someone else was already waiting for him back in Liyue Harbor.
No matter how much of a villain he claimed to be, he still believed in first come, first served.
Once everyone came down from the upper levels, the innkeeper had already prepared the dishes and rushed over to welcome them.
The meal passed without incident.
Since Zhongli had already agreed to cooperate, there was none of the earlier tension.
Only Hu Tao found it strange.
Just moments ago, those two looked ready to tear into each other—
and now everything was suddenly fine?
Men really do have big hearts, she thought.
Unlike us. I teased Ganyu once about being unwanted and she held a grudge for years.
After dinner, they parted ways.
The Conqueror of Demons chose to remain near Wangshu Inn, explaining that recent Abyss activity had grown unstable and that Abyss Mages had been sighted nearby. He would return to Liyue Harbor during the Lantern Rite instead.
At dusk, the group made their way back to Liyue Harbor.
Hu Tao returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to resume business.
Only then did Zhongli speak again.
"When do we leave for Sumeru?"
The former Rex Lapis no longer looked dispirited.
Acceptance had replaced his earlier reluctance.
Truth be told, it wasn't just fear of exposure that made him agree.
It was also the matter of Azhdaha.
Very few knew of it—no more than three, by his reckoning.
Yet Idris, all the way in Sumeru, seemed fully aware of affairs within Liyue.
That alone was unsettling.
No wonder Sumeru, once so weak, had risen so rapidly—
even to the point of surpassing Liyue itself.
Perhaps cooperating with the Grand Sage would not be a bad thing after all.
"No rush," Idris replied after some thought.
"Everything in Sumeru is proceeding smoothly for now."
He still lacked manpower, but not urgently.
Once the people from Inazuma arrived in a few days, Zhongli would be perfect for leading an infrastructure team.
And if Zhongli took a liking to Sumeru, perhaps even the Millelith might join in.
As for the matters deep within the Geo layers—those could be handled along the way.
Two birds with one stone.
"Very well," Zhongli nodded.
"When you need me, inform me in advance. And do not forget—what you promised Liyue must not be broken."
"Of course," Idris said calmly.
"Sumeru keeps its word."
Zhongli turned and departed.
Watching his retreating figure, Idris felt exceptionally pleased.
Another highly skilled 'employee' secured, he thought cheerfully.
Idris then led Nahida toward the harbor, where Shenhe was already waiting.
Shenhe stood beneath the covered walkway, quietly observing flowers and plants.
Because of the curse she bore, she often kept to herself—not by choice, but to protect those she cared about.
"Shenhe," Idris called.
She turned at once and stepped out from the flower stall, a faint smile on her face.
It seemed she had been in a good mood.
Nahida tilted her head, then suddenly dashed forward and grabbed Shenhe's hand.
"Well, well, Grand Sage," she huffed.
"Flirting with two girls in one day—just you wait until I report you!"
Shenhe panicked instantly.
"W-Wisdom God, you misunderstand! The Grand Sage is with my senior sister—"
"Senior sister or junior sister, it's all the same," Nahida said breezily.
"No need to be shy~"
Shenhe's face flushed crimson in an instant.
"All right, Nahida, enough teasing," Idris said helplessly.
"Didn't you want to watch the fireworks? If we don't hurry, there won't be a good spot left."
That did it.
Nahida immediately let go and sprinted toward the harbor's firework display area.
"Grand Sage! Shenhe! Hurry up!"
Idris and Shenhe could only follow after her, shaking their heads.
Because Idris was already famous, word spread quickly during the festival.
The stone-gambling merchant had an especially loud mouth.
In just one morning, half the harbor had heard that the Sumeru Grand Sage had gambled stones at his stall.
Most people didn't believe it at first.
The Grand Sage of Sumeru? At a random stone stall? Impossible.
The merchant nearly lost his temper trying to prove it—but once witnesses came forward, business exploded.
His revenue quintupled that day.
He was so busy counting Mora his hands went numb.
Nahida ran ahead, Shenhe followed, and Idris brought up the rear.
Before they reached the fireworks, however, they saw Ganyu rushing toward them, a sheet of paper clutched in her hand—covered in strange symbols.
"Grand Sage Idris!" Ganyu panted.
"I finally found you—this just arrived from Sumeru. It's urgent."
Idris took the letter.
The moment he read it, his brow furrowed and his expression darkened.
"Grand Sage…?" Nahida asked softly.
"Is it from the Greater Lord?"
"Yes," Idris replied.
"There's been trouble in Sumeru. We may need to return ahead of schedule."
Shenhe and Nahida exchanged a glance.
Both saw the worry in each other's eyes.
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