Cloud Retainer's moment of contemplation came to an end.
A rare gentleness appeared in her eyes as she spoke with quiet satisfaction:
"My disciple truly has a discerning eye—to find someone like you as her boyfriend."
She knew very well that a man of Idris's stature was not someone an ordinary person could hope to match.
Yet since this was her disciple's choice, she had no reason not to give her blessing.
Up to this point, she had not doubted the matter even once.
After all, Idris was not only the Grand Sage of Sumeru—
even in Liyue, he was a figure highly praised by the Geo Archon himself.
Thinking back on her earlier defeat to such a person, Cloud Retainer felt no embarrassment—only relief.
Ganyu, hearing this, could only lower her head with a burning face.
Her fingers unconsciously twisted a strand of her hair as she whispered,
"Master… please don't tease me…"
Cloud Retainer smiled, a glint of amusement flashing in her eyes.
"Oh? I mean every word. Just look—handsome, wise, composed.
To have the Grand Sage as your partner… how many people could only dream of such fortune?"
Ganyu's face grew even redder.
"Y-You're exaggerating, Master… I-I'm just… lucky, that's all."
Watching Ganyu's shy reaction, Idris felt a trace of mischievous amusement stir in his heart.
"Hah, what's there to be shy about?" Cloud Retainer continued cheerfully.
"Affection between men and women is only natural. You like the Grand Sage, and he likes you—what more is needed? Back in my day—"
She paused.
Trying to recall her own past, Cloud Retainer realized that aside from mechanical research…
her memories were strangely blank.
Ganyu, already flustered, nodded nervously.
"I-I suppose that's true, Master…"
"Look at you," Cloud Retainer laughed.
"Too shy even to speak properly—this isn't how you usually act around me."
"That's b-because…" Ganyu stammered,
"Because the Grand Sage is… special…"
Cloud Retainer chuckled.
Idris, wisely, kept silent.
Lying was not his strength—this was precisely where Nahida usually excelled.
"The Grand Sage of Sumeru is special," Cloud Retainer said approvingly.
"And just as men should be brave in love, women should be the same."
She stepped closer and gently patted Ganyu's head.
If her disciple could truly be bound to the Grand Sage, then she would have nothing left to worry about.
Ganyu, panicking at how far the conversation was going, suddenly blurted out—
"I-I think the Grand Sage is very charming… and he makes me feel safe.
I want to marry him!"
Idris froze.
…What?
What did she just say?
They had only known each other for a short time—
how did this jump straight to marriage?!
Ganyu realized how shocking her words were, yet she didn't try to take them back.
Instead, she secretly glanced at Idris.
His expression was strange—but he didn't deny it.
That alone made Ganyu's heart leap with joy.
Which girl didn't harbor romantic dreams?
Back in Sumeru, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had once mentioned it—
among all nations, countless women admired the Grand Sage from afar.
In Sumeru alone, at least half the women secretly dreamed of marrying him.
Of course, most of it was fantasy.
Those who truly managed to approach Idris always did so by exhausting every possible method—
otherwise, he wouldn't constantly divert the topic whenever such matters arose.
The most difficult kindness to bear… is beauty's affection.
As the Akademiya's leader, Idris rarely allowed himself indulgence.
Unless all conditions were perfectly aligned, he would never cross that line.
From a distance, Nahida covered her mouth in shock.
Even she hadn't expected Ganyu to be this bold.
So many people longed for Idris yet never dared speak—
and now Ganyu looked ready to seize the advantage outright.
Aren't girls supposed to be shy?
Are Liyue women always this decisive?!
Nahida immediately sent a telepathic message, indignant:
"So this is why you like Liyue so much!
I thought it was because it reminded you of home—but it's because the girls here are so bold!
Grand Sage, you big bad pervert!"
She crossed her arms in protest.
Idris shot her a warning glare.
"What nonsense are you spouting?
Keep talking and I will spank you when we get back."
Nahida instantly surrendered.
"H-Hey! I was just joking! Don't hit me!
Ganyu is great—she's pretty too! Want me to help you 'accept' her? No need to thank me!"
For the sake of survival, Nahida sold Ganyu out without hesitation.
Ganyu, of course, had no idea.
Idris hurriedly cut the connection.
"Enough."
At this rate, he had no idea what kind of disaster Nahida would unleash next.
Cloud Retainer, unaware of the silent chaos, glanced at the sky.
"It's getting late," she said.
"Grand Sage, since this is our first meeting, why not stay and have dinner with us?"
"Master—!" Ganyu tugged urgently at her sleeve.
She wanted nothing more than to flee.
Who knew what earth-shattering questions her master might ask over dinner?
"Perhaps… we shouldn't," Idris tried tactfully.
"It might be inconvenient."
He, too, feared the truth slipping out—
and if that happened, future cooperation on mechanisms would become very awkward.
Ganyu finally relaxed and cast him a grateful look—
though, strangely, a hint of disappointment lingered in her heart.
"Nonsense," Cloud Retainer said firmly.
"You must stay."
Then she added pointedly,
"Unless… you don't like my disciple?"
Idris widened his eyes.
How did eating dinner turn into a question of affection?!
Ganyu froze, then sighed helplessly.
Turning to Idris, she said softly,
"Then… Grand Sage, please stay."
United instantly, master and disciple left him no escape.
Idris could only smile wryly.
"…Then I'll be imposing."
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