"…Is this sleepwalking?"
Idris looked at the girl who had walked straight into his room without knocking.
If Layla really did sleepwalk, that wouldn't be surprising. After all, she possessed two distinct personalities.
But the next moment, Idris activated his Fiery Golden Eyes.
What he saw made things immediately clear.
Wrapped around Layla's body was a faint thread of life-force, as though her movements were being subtly guided—controlled from the shadows.
As for who was responsible…
Idris didn't even need to think.
Other than his now-thoroughly-corrupted little secretary, who else had both the ability and the free time to do something like this?
Faced with a mischievous girl who enjoyed playing matchmaker, what could he do?
At this point, Idris was genuinely starting to suspect that Nahida might have been Cupid in a previous life.
Calmly, Idris tapped his desk.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sudden sound instantly jolted Layla awake.
She froze.
Her eyes fluttered open as she looked around blankly—then finally landed on Idris.
A flush spread across her face.
The next second, she bowed deeply in panic.
"W–Why did I sleepwalk into your room, Grand Sage?!"
"I—I'm so sorry! I don't know how I got here! I was completely absent-minded just now—I couldn't control myself at all!"
Idris waved a hand dismissively.
"It's fine. I understand."
"If it was an accident, you shouldn't stay here too long—especially this late at night."
"Staying in my room for too long would… invite misunderstandings."
His words were perfectly reasonable.
However, Layla glanced around the empty room, then back at Idris.
Perhaps because of the way she had arrived—or perhaps because this mistake felt like a strange kind of fate—
She blushed deeply and spoke up.
"Um… Grand Sage… can I stay tonight?"
"I think… if I'm alone, I might not be able to sleep."
Idris immediately understood what she meant.
He stepped closer, his voice calm but direct.
"Is that so? Then let me ask you something."
"Are you mentally prepared?"
Layla's entire face turned crimson.
But she still nodded firmly.
"It's… it's okay. If it's you, Grand Sage…"
"I've actually liked you for a long time. I just never had the chance to say it."
"Even if coming here tonight was an accident… maybe that accident was fate."
"So… Grand Sage…"
"I'm ready."
Fate?
Idris couldn't help but laugh quietly.
With Nahida's abilities, deceiving him was impossible—but fooling a lovestruck young girl was effortless.
Layla had no idea that a god had pulled the strings behind the scenes.
But since she had already made up her mind…
Idris had no reason to refuse.
He was never the type to return a gift that had fallen into his hands by mistake.
He accepted it—thoroughly.
"Thank you, Layla…"
"Perfect timing, too. The festival is coming up, and I was just wondering who might give me a special holiday gift."
"Happy… Lantern Rite, Grand Sage…"
The Next Day
Idris woke up refreshed.
The first thing he did was give his little secretary a sound spanking—
—and then immediately returned to work.
After several days of nonstop effort, the day he had been waiting for finally arrived.
The Lantern Rite.
This time, Idris didn't plan to bring many people with him.
Strictly speaking, he didn't want to.
His status was what it was—he wasn't going to Liyue for diplomacy, but for leisure. And with his current strength, he didn't need guards at all.
So he decided to bring only Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Nahida.
The King of Sumeru traveling personally, accompanied by two princesses.
Perfectly reasonable.
As for anyone else who wanted to visit Liyue?
They could go on their own.
Nahida was thrilled at the thought of traveling with Idris again.
Rukkhadevata smiled gently as well—after all, traveling with the only two people she truly cared about was something she welcomed.
Still, with her mature mindset, she voiced a concern.
"But if both of us leave with you… who will govern Sumeru?"
Idris replied calmly.
"I've already handled everything important."
"Even if we're gone for a month or two, nothing major will happen."
"As for security…"
He glanced toward the city outskirts.
"We now have a very capable bodyguard, don't we, Apep?"
Using the Dragon Seal's connection, his voice reached her instantly.
"Hmph. All the dangerous nuisances in this country have already been dealt with."
"If the Abyss dares make a move, I can hold them off for you."
"Much appreciated."
At the mention of the Abyss, Idris's gaze grew thoughtful.
Someday, confrontation would be inevitable.
Better to fight on their ground than his own.
Preparations complete, Idris casually sent a letter to Liyue, then departed from Port Ormos, boarding a ship bound for Liyue.
Why not fly?
Out of courtesy.
Flying through another nation's airspace was still… impolite.
Meanwhile, deep within Sumeru, Lumine finished opening the last treasure chest of the day.
She suddenly turned to Paimon.
"Come to think of it… it's almost time for the Lantern Rite, isn't it?"
"Yes! And you know we have to join the festivities!"
Paimon practically drooled at the thought of Liyue cuisine.
Lumine paused, then added thoughtfully:
"Speaking of the Lantern Rite… Grand Sage Idris is definitely attending, right?"
"You mean the Grand Sage from the Akademiya?"
"That makes sense! He loves Liyue's culture and history—of course he'd go."
Lumine nodded.
Idris's fondness for Liyue was common knowledge.
Yet he had proven what rational admiration looked like—loving Liyue without neglecting Sumeru, governing it so well that it might even rival Liyue Harbor.
Paimon giggled.
"If he goes, we'll probably see a lot of old friends too!"
"True…"
Lumine's feelings were complicated.
In Sumeru, because Idris was too active, their journey had felt strangely… simplified.
But still—
Having a friend like him made the journey worthwhile.
After packing up, Lumine activated a Teleport Waypoint.
Light flashed.
The two arrived in Liyue Harbor.
Red lanterns adorned every street. Festive decorations filled the air with warmth and celebration.
Lumine relaxed instantly.
After all, she was a hero of Liyue.
Yet—
The moment they arrived, they noticed crowds rushing toward the harbor.
Some even carried Kamera devices, clearly eager to record something important.
Curious, Lumine stopped a passerby.
"Why is everyone running toward the docks?"
"Is an adeptus visiting for the festival?"
The young man shook his head.
"You're half right."
"A big shot is arriving today—but it's not an adeptus."
"He's… far more impressive than that."
"I've gotta go—if I'm late, I won't get to see him disembark!"
And with that, he ran off.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged looks.
"Well then," Paimon said excitedly,
"let's go check it out too!"
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