As the heavy doors of the Grand Hall closed behind them, Ren paused, a frown creasing his brow. He turned to the young scholar who was gathering the scattered files.
"Excuse me," Ren asked. "The schedule mentioned a Q&A session for the audience. The senior researchers from the other Darshans… weren't they supposed to ask questions?"
The scholar looked up, a wry smile touching his lips. "That was the plan, yes. But the Grand Sage… well, let's just say he has a habit of truncating proceedings when they don't go exactly as he envisioned. He likely realized that allowing further questions would only serve to highlight the competence of your answers. It's a face-saving measure. He claims a 'busy schedule,' of course."
The scholar leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "But don't worry about it. From what I saw today… you don't need to stress over the verdict. The Sages might play politics, but the Akademiya as a whole respects intellect. You proved yours today. Just go and enjoy the Sabzeruz Festival. You've earned it."
Ren nodded, thanking the man. Outside, the evening air was cool and filled with the scent of jasmine. They walked to a nearby restaurant, the mood light and victorious.
Over a dinner of Tahchin and fragrant rice, Ningguang looked positively predatory.
"Azar played his hand too aggressively," she noted, dissecting the meeting like a fine meal. "His attempt to bully you was transparent. And now, it is leverage."
She swirled her wine glass. "When we meet to discuss the registration protocols for Sumeru, I will remind him of his 'concerns' about safety. I will insist on strict Liyue oversight to assuage his fears. He has painted himself into a corner. If he refuses, he contradicts his own arguments from today. It will be… delightful to watch him squirm."
She glanced at Ren. "And we still have the hover vehicles to discuss. That negotiation will be entirely on our terms. He has shown his cards; he wants us here. So we will stay, and we will extract every ounce of value from his desperation."
Lisa chuckled, picking at a dessert. "You really do enjoy this, don't you? Poor Azar doesn't stand a chance."
She turned to Ren. "But for now, the hard part is over. And judging by the way the scholars were whispering in the halls this evening, your reputation is secure. 'Boy Wonder debates Grand Sage and wins.' It's the best gossip the Akademiya has had in years. You're practically untouchable now. No one would dare mess with the celebrity inventor."
She stretched gracefully. "Which works out perfectly. I have a meeting with my old teacher, Cyrus, over the next two days. Just catching up on old times, boring Spantamad stuff. So you'll be free to roam."
"I think I'll go back to the House of Daena," Ren said. "There's a book on ancient ruins I didn't get to finish. And I want to check on the preparations in the Grand Bazaar. Nilou said she'd be practicing."
"Sounds lovely," Ningguang said. "Just remember the rules. Stay within the city limits. Keep the sigil on you. And if anyone tries to debate you on metaphysics, just tell them you're on vacation."
"I will," Ren promised.
Back in the quiet of his room, Ren pulled out the communication sigil. It hummed to life, and Xianyun's voice filled the air, a comforting tether to home.
"The reviews are complete?" she asked.
"Mostly," Ren reported. "The heater, fridge, and the visions are done. But they delayed the hover vehicles."
"Expected," Xianyun replied coolly. "A delaying tactic. Do not fret. Enjoy the festival. Sumeru's celebrations are… colorful. Observe them. And remember, if the politics become tiresome, or dangerous… this one is but a call away."
"I know, Master. Thank you."
He extinguished the sigil and lay back on his bed. The review was over. The patents were pending. He was safe, respected, and surrounded by friends. The Sabzeruz Festival was just around the corner.
He closed his eyes, a sense of deep, abiding accomplishment settling over him. He had faced the Sages and held his own. Tomorrow, he would just be a boy in a library, reading books and waiting for a dance. It sounded perfect.
He slept peacefully, unaware that the dream was about to begin