In the end, Idris still couldn't bring himself to refuse the invitation.
Partly because it was simply too earnest to decline—but more importantly, he had already given Ganyu his word.
There was a saying: If others make a light promise to me, I will not fail them. If I make a light promise, I must not fail others.
As the Grand Sage of Sumeru, Idris prided himself on being a principled villain.
Once Idris agreed, Ganyu felt a small flutter of joy rise in her heart.
However, someone else was far less pleased.
A tiny voice suddenly echoed beside his ear.
"Grand Sage… if you're going to dinner, then what about me?"
"What am I supposed to do?"
It was Nahida, her telepathic voice tinged with grievance.
After all, she was the Grand Sage's princess.
She continued suspiciously,
"Grand Sage… you're not starting to like her for real, are you?
Are you planning to turn fake into real?"
There was clear jealousy in her tone.
"I'm just having dinner," Idris replied helplessly through telepathy.
"Nahida, don't start making things up again."
"I'm not!" Nahida protested—though without Idris beside her, she did feel a little scared being alone.
After a moment of thought, Idris offered,
"How about this—you stay inside the Serenitea Pot?"
"The Serenitea Pot?"
Nahida tilted her head, fingers fidgeting.
"It's a place where you can relax, eat, and explore freely," Idris explained.
"There's lots of food you've never tried."
"…Alright then," Nahida agreed reluctantly.
"But you have to come back early! And absolutely no staying overnight!"
Her warning sounded far more like coquettish concern than an actual threat.
Idris laughed softly.
"Don't worry. I know my limits. Besides—do I really look like that kind of person?"
Nahida narrowed her eyes mischievously.
"Hmph. Who knows?"
"I'll bring you something tasty when I'm back," Idris promised.
Nahida crossed her arms stubbornly.
"Don't forget! If you take too long, I'll lose my temper!"
Idris nodded, smiling.
"Got it, little glutton."
After that, he cut off the telepathic link.
Once Nahida was settled, Idris followed Ganyu and Cloud Retainer into Cloud Retainer's abode.
The interior was filled with an ethereal elegance—mechanisms everywhere, seamlessly blending art and technology.
Idris couldn't help but look around in fascination.
It was far more impressive than anything he'd seen in-game.
Pictures simply couldn't compare to standing here in person.
"No wonder people prefer real experiences over images," he mused inwardly.
"Grand Sage, we're all family now—no need to be reserved. Sit, have some tea."
As she spoke, Cloud Retainer summoned another disciple to assist—
Shenhe.
She had intentionally called Shenhe over to help serve tea—
partly practical, partly with her own considerations.
Idris didn't mind.
Such gestures were common everywhere—just a way to get acquainted.
Shenhe was quiet and reserved, nothing like Hu Tao or Ningguang.
In truth, Ganyu herself was also shy—otherwise she wouldn't blush every other sentence.
After Shenhe poured the tea, she stepped aside.
Cloud Retainer smiled expectantly.
"Grand Sage, how is the tea?"
"It's excellent," Idris replied sincerely.
"Your disciple's skill is impressive."
He silently rejoiced that it wasn't bitter tea.
He had never liked polite flattery—but ever since becoming Grand Sage, it was as if he'd accidentally maxed out the Diplomacy skill.
"Hahaha! As expected of the Grand Sage—such refined praise!"
Cloud Retainer laughed heartily, then turned to Shenhe.
"This is the Grand Sage of Sumeru—
a man who stands shoulder to shoulder with gods, despite being human."
"Please don't exaggerate, True Lord," Idris said helplessly.
"Even the Geo Archon praises him," Shenhe said quietly.
Her words were few, but her admiration was unmistakable.
Idris glanced at Ganyu, silently asking—
Weren't we supposed to be eating by now?
"Ganyu, Shenhe, you should both learn from the Grand Sage," Cloud Retainer continued.
"These are lessons in dealing with the world."
"I don't need that," Shenhe replied with a slight pout, cheeks faintly red.
"I just want to cultivate. I don't have time for such things."
"Cultivation is important," Ganyu interjected gently,
"but relaxing once in a while isn't bad either. Life needs some joy."
"Joy?" Shenhe asked, eyes glinting.
"Like finding a boyfriend?"
"T-That's… not impossible," Ganyu said hesitantly, smiling softly.
"But it has to be the right person."
"The right person?" Cloud Retainer suddenly asked, eyes shining.
"Then do you think he is suitable?"
"I… I think—"
Shenhe faltered, her face turning even redder.
"Hahaha! It seems the Grand Sage is quite popular," Cloud Retainer laughed.
"I'm not!" Shenhe protested weakly.
"True Lord," Idris stepped in quickly,
"It seems you really want great-granddisciples."
"Only if the Grand Sage is willing," Cloud Retainer said excitedly.
Idris coughed and hurriedly changed the subject.
"Ahem… so, when do we eat?"
Compared to Idris's awkwardness, Ganyu's face turned crimson—
red as a ripe apple, ears practically steaming.
She prayed silently:
Please let this interrogation end…
Why am I discussing this with Shenhe of all people?!
Fortunately, Cloud Retainer finally let the topic drop.
Only then did Ganyu breathe a sigh of relief.
Otherwise, she'd never be able to face the Grand Sage again.
If I'd known this wasn't dinner but a banquet of doom,
I would never have come!
Absolutely mortifying.
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