The soft, amber glow of the lamps in the alumni house cast long, comforting shadows as Ningguang recounted her day. She sat at the head of the table, her posture relaxed but regal, a cup of tea held delicately in her hand.
"Azar is a man who believes himself the smartest person in any room," she mused, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. "He spent the first hour dancing around the topic, speaking of 'mutual cooperation' and 'historical ties.' It was a masterclass in saying absolutely nothing."
She took a sip of tea. "But the underlying frustration was palpable. He knows he miscalculated. By delaying our initial meeting, he hoped to make us desperate, to force us to come to him on his terms. Instead, we simply… lived our lives. We met with other merchants, we filed our paperwork, we made ourselves at home. We showed him that the Tianquan of Liyue does not wait."
She looked at Ren, her eyes gleaming with approval. "And your decision to list yourself as a representative of the Qixing on the patent applications was a stroke of genius. It binds your inventions directly to the state. Even with the schematics in hand, the Akademiya cannot legally reproduce a single screw without formally negotiating with me. They are trapped by their own bureaucratic laws."
She chuckled softly. "He was polite, of course. But I could see the vein throbbing in his temple. He is not used to being outmaneuvered in his own city."
"So, what happens next?" Ren asked, leaning forward.
"More meetings," Ningguang sighed, though there was a glint of enjoyment in her eyes. "We must discuss trade tariffs, export limits, and the establishment of a formal Liyue trade consulate here in Sumeru. But those are details for me to handle. You, my little advisor, need not worry about the intricacies of international contract law."
She reached out and patted his hand. "Your only job is to prepare for your review panel. And to enjoy this beautiful city. Leave the grumpy old sages to me."
Ren grinned. "Deal."
The following days were a golden haze of peace and learning. Ren and Lisa became fixtures in the House of Daena. They staked out their favorite corner table, surrounding themselves with stacks of books that ranged from Ancient Khaenri'ah Engineering Principles to The Flora of the Avidya Forest. Lisa would occasionally drift off for a nap, her head resting on a tome, while Ren read voraciously, his mind soaking up knowledge like a sponge.
In the evenings, they would wander. They explored the winding streets of the Treasures Street, haggling playfully with merchants over spices and fabrics. They sat by the canals, watching the boats drift by, eating sweet, sticky Baklava.
It was during one of these evening strolls that Ren bumped into Lumine again. She looked tired, her clothes dusted slightly, but her eyes were burning with a fierce determination.
"Hey, Ren," she said, her voice hushed as they stood in the shadow of a large tree. "I can't stay long. I'm… working on something. Something big."
"Is it about the Dendro Archon?" Ren asked quietly.
Lumine nodded. "And more. I found a lead on… forbidden knowledge. It might be the key to understanding the Withering, and maybe even saving the forest." She glanced around nervously. "I can't tell you more. It's dangerous. The Akademiya… they're hiding things. Big things. I don't want you getting involved."
She squeezed his shoulder. "Just… stay safe, okay? Enjoy the festival. I'll… I'll try to be there."
With that, she melted back into the crowd, a hero carrying the weight of a nation's secrets on her shoulders. Ren watched her go, a silent prayer for her safety in his heart.
A few nights later, the destination was the Grand Bazaar. The subterranean market was buzzing with activity, performers practicing in corners, merchants setting up colorful stalls. But the center of attention was the stage.
And there she was.
Nilou.
She was directing a group of props designers, her red hair flowing like liquid fire, her movements full of a natural, unconscious grace. She turned as Ren approached, her blue eyes widening.
"Hello!" she called out, her voice a cheerful melody. She walked over to him immediately, ignoring the ongoing preparations.
Cute! she mentally squealed. He's even cuter than the rumors said! Like a little lost doll!
"Hi, Nilou," Ren said, beaming up at her. "I'm Ren. I've heard so much about your dancing. I really wanted to see you perform."
Nilou's smile faltered slightly, a hint of sadness touching her eyes. "Oh, I wish I could! But right now… we're so busy. Everything has to be perfect for the Sabzeruz Festival. It's the most important day of the year for us. For Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Her face brightened again. "But on the day of the festival… I'll be dancing the Dance of Sabzeruz. It's going to be magical! You have to come!"
"I will," Ren promised, his voice solemn. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Yay!" Nilou clapped her hands. "I'll look for you in the crowd! Make sure you cheer loudly!"
As Ren walked back up the ramp towards the surface, the sounds of the bazaar fading behind him, he felt a mix of excitement and dread. The festival was coming. The dance was coming. And with it, the Samsara. The endless dream.
He looked up at the stars, shining brightly through the leaves of the Divine Tree. The stage was set. The actors were in place. And soon, the curtain would rise on the most dangerous, and most important, act of all.