When Nahida uttered those words in such a calm tone, the entire room struggled to suppress laughter.
Especially Ryen.
He was holding it in so hard that his legs began trembling, causing Nahida, seated on his lap, to tremble as well.
Annoyed, Nahida turned back and shot him a warning look, signaling that as her "exclusive royal throne," he should sit properly and stop moving.
Only then did she turn her attention to Rahman, whose eyes were darting guiltily.
"You mocked the Corps of Thirty," she said evenly. "Although they may lack recent combat experience and may not yet be reliable, not all of them are incompetent."
"They are Sumeru's people, just as you are. Why despise them?"
"In the future, you will be comrades. Allies. How will you face them then?"
"Are we to foster division within the newly integrated army?"
Rahman lowered his head awkwardly.
"I… got carried away in the heat of the moment."
Nahida sighed helplessly.
"Your words left a deep psychological scar."
"Competitive excellence is permitted. Targeted hostility is not."
"In the new world, survival depends on cooperation, on trusting one another with your backs."
"After reorganization, you will apologize."
Rahman nodded in embarrassment.
In truth, he believed the Corps' trauma had less to do with his words and more to do with being surrounded by Dragon Riders.
The overwhelming dragon aura. The torrents of dragon breath.
The sight of Fatui soldiers skewered midair.
Even if the Dragon Riders had not truly harmed them, that psychological pressure alone was unforgettable.
Still, apologizing cost him nothing.
In the future, they would have to fight side by side.
"With the Eremites settled," Nahida asked, "are there other matters?"
Alhaitham raised his hand.
"There is the flow of tomorrow's Sabzeruz Festival."
He unfolded a sheet of paper.
"The flower carriage will depart from the Sanctuary of Surasthana, travel along the main road through all major districts of Sumeru City."
"Before noon, it will arrive at the Akademiya gates. There, you will address the citizens."
"We will publicly expose Azar's conspiracy and clear your name of five hundred years of injustice."
"Afterward, you will outline Sumeru's future development."
He paused and glanced at Ryen.
"This was our original plan."
"But now… I have an additional proposal."
"It may trouble the Archons present."
Ryen responded instantly.
"Not troublesome at all! For Nahida, they'll definitely help. Right?"
Venti leaned forward eagerly.
"Is there compensation?"
Ryen replied lazily, "So if there's no compensation, you won't help Nahida?"
Venti stiffened.
"Daughter-obsessed tyrant…"
Raiden Makoto covered her mouth with a gentle smile.
"If it is to help Nahida, I have no objection."
Zhongli and the others nodded as well.
After all, affection extended through Ryen naturally reached Nahida.
She was the youngest among the Archons, a beloved little sister.
Helping her required no hesitation.
Alhaitham clarified quickly.
"Of course, we would not let Your Excellencies assist without return."
"If there is anything you require, the Akademiya will provide it."
Venti's eyes lit up.
"Sumeru's finest wines! One hundred bottles of each variety!"
Alhaitham smiled faintly.
So the Anemo Archon was… approachable.
And fond of drink.
Interesting.
Zhongli spoke calmly.
"What is your proposal?"
Alhaitham straightened.
"I propose that when the Five-Nation Alliance Treaty is signed, it be done publicly at the Akademiya gates."
"This will show Sumeru's people that although Lesser Lord Kusanali was imprisoned for five hundred years, she immediately secured powerful allies upon her return."
"The alliance will strengthen public confidence."
"And reinforce her legitimacy."
Zhongli nodded.
"In principle, acceptable."
"But only the clause of mutual advancement may be disclosed."
"In Liyue, the people already know the alliance's true purpose, to oppose Celestia. Once that becomes known here, there may be unrest."
"Have you prepared for that?"
Alhaitham replied steadily, "We will handle it."
Zhongli did not press further.
"After the treaty signing," Alhaitham continued, "the afternoon will be free celebration."
"No formal schedule."
"I recommend the Grand Bazaar. The art ban has been lifted. Miss Nilou's Dance of Sabzeruz remains Sumeru's pride."
"Shops throughout the city will remain open."
"All expenses will be covered by the Akademiya."
Ryen nodded approvingly.
Morning: parade through Sumeru.
Afternoon: free celebration.
A perfect birthday.
He ruffled Nahida's hair.
"You look like you wish it could start right now."
The dignified Dendro Archon instantly melted, burying her face shyly in his chest.
Alhaitham pretended not to notice.
"The celebration will last three days," he added.
Ryen snapped his fingers.
"One more matter."
"We'll remain in Sumeru for about seven days. Afterward, we return to Liyue. The Lantern Rite approaches."
"And I must visit Inazuma."
"But development cannot stall. Since Sumeru is joining the alliance, when we depart, send personnel with us."
Every Sumeru representative straightened.
This was what truly mattered.
"Can the Corps of Thirty and the Eremites be integrated within a week?" Ryen asked.
Alhaitham glanced at Rahman.
"With difficulty, but one thousand should be possible."
"One thousand will suffice for now."
Ryen nodded.
"They'll enter Qianyan Army Base One."
"They can begin with mining operations, learn the fundamentals."
He turned to Naphis.
"How many elite scholars can you provide?"
Naphis responded without hesitation.
"Seventy percent of the Amurta scholars are under my authority."
"But true elite researchers, forty at most."
Ryen frowned slightly.
"Only Amurta?"
Naphis blinked.
"I am the Amurta Sage."
Ryen looked to Alhaitham.
"Recruit elite scholars from all Darshans."
"There are too many projects waiting."
Alhaitham nodded.
Sumeru's strength lay in knowledge.
Raiden Makoto and the Cryo Archon exchanged glances.
Though Sumeru joined last, its manpower was abundant.
Within weeks, thousands could be mobilized.
And with scholars joining research, their progress might soon surpass Inazuma and Snezhnaya.
Night had fallen.
Dinner arrangements were made.
Alhaitham flipped through his notebook.
Most urgent matters had been settled.
But on the final page,
He paused.
There remained one issue requiring Nahida's direct decision.
The Akasha Terminal.