Watching Idris drift into thought, Nahida—hidden in the shadows where only he could sense her—whispered into his ear, teasing:
"Grand Sage, what are you thinking? Deciding Liyue's girls are prettier than ours?"
After losing to him in debate too many times, she'd decided to snipe at what ought to be a weak spot: a young man's fondness for beauty.
Idris didn't bite. He murmured back, flat as ever, "I was thinking… once I let you out, you could come work for me."
"Huh?"
"Serve as our envoy. A god of wisdom at the diplomatic table—if that doesn't scream 'face,' what does?"
Nahida: "...You're not right in the head."
Turn the heavens upside down, why don't you.
You're my sage. How are you making me work for you?!
(Granted, not yet, but Nahida was convinced he'd be hers sooner or later.)
She was here today to learn how to handle state-to-state diplomacy—quietly tailing him like some ring-bound old master from a cultivation tale.
Idris let her spluttering roll off his back. He clasped Ganyu's offered hand with a courteous smile. "Welcome to Sumeru."
"On behalf of Liyue, thank you for the warm reception," Ganyu replied.
He released her soft fingers without lingering, lifted a hand, and said, "If you'll follow me."
"Mm." The visitors fell in behind him.
They wound into the Grand Bazaar. Zubair and Nilou had already tuned the atmosphere to "welcome": fragrant street snacks steaming on trays, crowds dressed simply but bright with energy, and stage lights at the plaza's heart—festive without being garish. Nilou stood center stage, not yet dancing, but her eyes kept drifting to Idris's side of the square.
(He noticed. He also decided it wasn't the point.)
Ganyu breathed in the scene and smiled. "This venue's very different from previous exchanges. The last time I came—decades ago—the Grand Sage received me in the Sanctuary, under the Divine Tree…" She hesitated, diplomatic. "Not that it was poorly appointed—just… quiet."
"As a secretary who moonlights as an envoy," she thought, "I never liked those rooms of aloof scholars going through the motions." With the Chasm sealed for years, ties had frayed; only now were they formally renewing them.
Beidou chuckled approval. "Heard the Grand Sage's fond of Liyue's culture—so he brought us somewhere lively. Nice touch."
Ningguang didn't add much, but her small nod and smile said she agreed.
Idris cupped his hands. "I'd heard Liyue's people prefer bustle, so I chose this place. I hope you'll eat and play to your heart's content."
Out on the perimeter, Cyno stood with the Matra detail, watching the warmth ripple through the crowd. Respect flickered in his eyes.
"When the Grand Sage first proposed hosting Liyue here," he said to a patrolling officer, "several Akademiya factions opposed it."
"And he ignored them?" the officer asked.
"He pressed on," Cyno said. "We thought it willful. It wasn't. This place is made for diplomacy—something every prior Grand Sage missed. And with the Bazaar's energy, we can showcase a slice of Sumeru's old culture while we're at it."
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