After realizing that she wasn't the protagonist meant to take the stage here, the Traveler quietly shook her head.
Instead, she decided to head toward Liyue Harbor's General Affairs Department, to see whether there was anything she could help with during the festival—errands to run, preparations to assist with, or activities she could participate in for the New Year.
Meanwhile, after exchanging farewells with Ningguang and Keqing at the harbor, Ningguang mentioned that she still had important matters to attend to and would be taking her leave.
Thus, she entrusted Keqing with the task of accompanying Idris, acting as his guide.
Along the way, Keqing thoughtfully introduced him to Liyue's distinctive architecture, cultural customs, and local legends.
Although Idris already knew all of this from his past life, hearing Keqing explain it in person gave the experience an entirely different flavor.
Eventually, she brought him to a private room at Xinyue Kiosk, where an extravagant banquet had already been prepared.
The sight alone made Nahida and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata widen their eyes in amazement.
Keqing smiled warmly, almost like a server welcoming guests.
"You've traveled a long way—please enjoy yourselves."
"We weren't sure about your dietary preferences, Grand Sage, so we prepared more of Liyue's signature dishes."
Idris chuckled.
"That's fine. As long as there's nothing too exotic—like dishes made from slimes—I can handle it."
After arriving in this world, Idris had indeed tried food made from magical creatures.
In Sumeru, for instance, there were Fungi that looked colorful and delicious—but tasted unbearably fishy.
Slime-based dishes were no better.
Later, after Nahida explained it to him, Idris understood that the issue wasn't flavor—but elemental contamination.
Humans simply couldn't handle excessive, impure elemental energy.
A little exposure was fine. Too much, however, caused problems.
Hearing his joke, Keqing laughed.
"Then this works out perfectly. Today's head chef happens to be Xiangling."
"Normally, Xinyue Kiosk wouldn't have her cook—but once she heard you were visiting, she insisted."
From the kitchen, a cheerful girl in light attire hurried out.
"That's right! I cooked everything today!"
"I hope you like it, Grand Sage!"
Idris nodded politely.
"Then I'll make sure to taste every dish carefully. Thank you."
Xiangling waved her hands, cheeks slightly red.
"No need to thank me! Even though you're a leader, you feel more like a friend."
"You even gave me Youth-Preserving Pills last time, so I wanted to cook something special for you."
"Lulu!"
A small, bear-like companion popped out behind her in agreement—
Guoba.
Rukkhadevata paused, her gaze softening with nostalgia.
"So it's you… hello."
"Lu…lu?"
Guoba tilted his head, confused.
Though once an ancient god, his current self naturally didn't recognize her.
Still, Rukkhadevata smiled thoughtfully.
"So even you ended up like this—following a human child."
"In that sense, we're quite alike."
"I, too, now walk beside a human sage, in the form of a princess."
"It seems the age of gods truly has passed."
"But perhaps… being a witness and helper like this isn't such a bad fate."
"Lu-lu!"
Guoba smiled back, clearly pleased despite understanding only part of her words.
After a joyful meal, Keqing spoke again.
"The cultural performances will take place later at the Jade Chamber."
"Ningguang hasn't even finished rebuilding it, yet she already plans to host a banquet for you there."
Idris laughed.
"That's fine. Leaders need to know how to issue a few empty promises."
"Besides, Liyue is large—I can wait until it's finished."
Keqing visibly relaxed.
"Then… I'll have to leave you to explore on your own."
"It is the festival, after all. Ganyu has gone to Jueyun Karst to visit family, and we're extremely busy."
"I hope you understand."
Idris nodded.
"No problem. I was planning to roam freely anyway."
"A group this large draws too much attention."
"I came here to enjoy the festival—not for politics."
And besides, Idris remembered—
This year's Lantern Rite involved confronting Osial's wife once more.
Keqing would have plenty to worry about.
With that, she departed, wishing him an enjoyable holiday.
After finishing the meal, Xiangling asked eagerly,
"Did you enjoy the food, Grand Sage?"
"Very much. Thank you for the hospitality."
Xiangling smiled shyly and began clearing the dishes.
Idris then turned to Nahida and Rukkhadevata.
"What about you two? Any plans?"
"You don't have to stick with me. Feel free to wander."
"If you see something you want, just buy it yourselves—I know your salaries aren't low."
The two Dendro Archons chuckled softly.
Rukkhadevata spoke first.
"I won't be accompanying you."
"There are old acquaintances I wish to see in Liyue. Thousands of years have passed—I'd like to see how they're doing."
Nahida smiled brightly.
"I'll stay with you, Grand Sage. I am your secretary, after all."
As she said that, Rukkhadevata secretly transmitted a message.
Remember—when the time is right, disappear quietly.
Don't interrupt our Grand Sage while he's flirting in another nation.
Nahida replied just as discreetly.
Don't worry, Senior. I know exactly when to vanish.
Idris, of course, heard none of this.
But judging by their expressions, he could guess they were plotting something involving him again.
He had long since grown used to it.
And as long as they didn't cause real trouble…
He couldn't be bothered to ask.
As for the trouble they caused before—
Well. That was another matter entirely.
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