Cyno continued briefing the Matra posted around the Grand Bazaar.
"Long-standing bad blood between the Bazaar and the Akademiya—wiped in a night. The locals feel seen; the Liyue envoys feel honored. That's a clean double win."
He glanced over the lantern-lit crowds. "And for the Grand Sage? It's more than diplomacy. It's a chance to knit Sumeru together. Reopen ties with Liyue for future trade, and rally our own people around a shared celebration—three birds with one stone."
Murmurs spread among the Matra and the Corps of Thirty. When spelled out, the simplicity of the setup felt…brilliant. More than a few eyes turned toward Idris with frank worship.
God or no god, with this Grand Sage, perhaps it didn't matter.
Cyno lifted his spear and made his vow under his breath. "By the power of the desert high priest Hermanubis, I, Cyno, pledge my service to the Grand Sage. So long as my strength remains, I will not lay down the duties of the General Mahamatra."
A runner jogged up, saluting. "General, there are non-envoys outside the cordon sneaking the free snacks. Shall we remove them?"
Cyno weighed it, then shook his head. "No. The Sage asked for bustle. If they don't make trouble, let the freeloaders be."
"Understood."
Two such "freeloaders" exhaled in perfect sync nearby. Faruzan tugged the sleeve of a drowsy girl with bed-head.
"What a considerate man. If they don't toss us out, we can still corner the Grand Sage and ask why he denied my research funds!"
Layla blinked blearily. "Weren't we here because you said you were broke and they had free finger food…?"
"That—! Ahem… also true." Faruzan coughed, then huffed. "I slipped multiple funding requests onto his desk. He tossed them straight in the bin! Outrageous. I hear he personally paid to rent this whole event. Fine—then I'll eat him poor. Let him have money for envoys, none for rejecting my grants."
Layla sighed. Even half-asleep she could tell budget decisions and banquet rentals were…unrelated.
"Anyway," Faruzan added, softer, "you wanted to ask about an anti-insomnia pill, didn't you? People say this Grand Sage has a temper, but he's a genuine do-gooder. Once the welcoming's over, I hope he won't mind us ambushing him."
"Mm." Layla nodded, meek as ever, and let herself be towed along.
At the central table beneath the stage, Idris seated Ningguang, Ganyu, and Beidou.
"Miss Ningguang, let's chat while we eat and enjoy the performance," he said. "State matters can wait. Tonight is for washing the dust from your journey."
"How thoughtful," Ningguang replied with a poised smile.
Platters arrived; onstage, Nilou signaled to bring up the music player. The Liyue trio's eyes lit with curiosity the moment the device appeared.
"Grand Sage," Ningguang said, leaning forward with interest, "we're very curious about that music player."
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