"The more we speak, the more curious I become about who you truly are,"
said Cloud Retainer, her gaze sharp as lightning.
"Such forward-thinking ideas, such extraordinary insight… You are no ordinary man."
Though she found his reasoning sound—and was even moved by it—Cloud Retainer was still cautious.
Ideas alone were not enough.
Even if she could persuade Ningguang to consider such a proposal, if other nations refused to follow, Liyue would end up losing both effort and leverage.
She glanced at her disciple.
Ganyu parted her lips, wanting to speak—then stopped.
Idris noticed immediately and spared her the burden.
"I am from Sumeru," he said calmly.
"True Lord may not recognize me in person—but you should have heard of the Grand Sage."
"…You are that acc— no— the Akademiya's Grand Sa—?!"
Cloud Retainer stared at him in disbelief, then turned sharply toward Ganyu for confirmation.
Ganyu nodded.
She had known this would happen sooner or later.
At least now it was out in the open—no more tiptoeing around the truth.
And suddenly, everything clicked.
So that's why Nahida disappeared earlier…
She hadn't vanished—she'd simply predicted how this would unfold and tactfully avoided the awkwardness.
As expected of Sumeru's God of Wisdom.
Cloud Retainer murmured to herself, dazed:
"So that is how it is… No wonder these ideas felt so far ahead of the times.
To think they came from Sumeru's Grand Sage… Everything makes sense now."
When she finally steadied herself, admiration welled up in her heart.
Even secluded in her mountain abode, the Grand Sage of Sumeru was a name she knew well—
a human who stood shoulder to shoulder with gods.
"Then… may we speak seriously now?" Idris asked gently, hands folded in his sleeves.
Cloud Retainer hesitated, then said slowly,
"Even so, the essence of adeptal mechanisms and mortal constructs still differs.
Grand Sage, do you truly believe there is no fundamental gap between immortals and humans?"
Idris shook his head, wisdom gleaming in his eyes.
"You're right—there are differences, in both technique and philosophy.
But I believe the gap is not insurmountable."
"When ideas collide, when techniques merge, progress accelerates.
If we cling to a single framework forever, how will we ever open new horizons?"
At this point, Ganyu realized something unsettling.
She had only invited Idris to pretend to be her boyfriend.
Yet somehow, this meeting had spiraled completely out of her control.
Cloud Retainer fell silent.
For the first time, she sensed that her path in mechanical arts might have been… too conservative.
This man before her truly deserved the title of humanity's pinnacle of wisdom.
His words were like a lantern, illuminating blind spots she had never questioned.
She let out a deep sigh.
The stubbornness in her eyes faded, replaced by sincere appreciation.
"…I must admit," she said softly,
"your insights have shaken me. I once prided myself on adeptal craftsmanship, never considering that mortal ingenuity could shine so brightly."
"You are correct. The future of mechanisms should belong to the world—not hidden away in mountain caves. Only then can it truly flourish."
Idris smiled.
"For you to reach such an understanding, True Lord… that itself is a blessing for mechanical arts."
Ganyu stood frozen.
Wasn't today supposed to be about meeting a senior?
How did it turn into a discussion on the future of mechanism theory—and now cooperation?
Even business-style mutual praise had come out.
Wasn't her love life supposed to be the main topic?
From afar, Nahida watched, then relaxed, smiling to herself.
"…Looks like I misunderstood him.
So the Grand Sage really is here for Sumeru's military industry."
"True Lord," Idris said, finally revealing his true intention,
"if you believe this path has merit, perhaps we could discuss future cooperation."
"Not a formal agreement today—just understanding one another first.
If we find alignment, why not advance the art of mechanisms together?"
Ganyu's pupils shrank.
So that's it…
He agreed to be my fake boyfriend for this?
…Did she really lack that much charm?
She couldn't help but glance down at herself.
I look perfectly fine though…
Cloud Retainer pondered briefly, then nodded with resolve.
"Very well. I am willing to cooperate."
"My adeptal craftsmanship, combined with your mortal creativity…
Together, we may indeed open an entirely new era."
Idris's eyes lit up.
"True Lord has courage. Today isn't ideal—perhaps we discuss the details another day?"
"Grand Sage, please do as you wish."
Idris smiled.
He had come to Liyue to relax—and ended up with an unexpected windfall.
Cloud Retainer's mastery of mechanisms?
That was nothing less than the Rolls-Royce of the mechanism world.
After settling the matter for now, Cloud Retainer's tone suddenly shifted.
"Grand Sage," she said solemnly,
"our agreement on mechanisms does not guarantee Liyue's immediate adoption. This matter is too significant—I trust you understand."
"Of course."
"And since you are now with my disciple," she added firmly,
"your status is high, your responsibilities great. Do not mistreat her."
"I would never," Idris replied gently.
Ganyu's face flushed as she lowered her head.
"Good. Since you are together," Cloud Retainer continued seriously,
"aim to marry soon. I would like to hold my grand-disciples in my arms."
"Disciple, remember this."
Ganyu felt like she'd fallen into a pit she could never climb out of.
One lie… and now a hundred more to cover it.
How was she ever supposed to face her master again?
"True Lord, rest assured," Idris said smoothly, stepping in to rescue her,
"We already have plans."
The meaning in his expression made Ganyu's heart skip.
Cloud Retainer exhaled, overwhelmed.
She had never imagined that such a casual exchange would lead her to meet
a man of such vision—
The Grand Sage of Sumeru,
a human who rivaled gods themselves.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/nani_kaito