Otherwise, given Idris's personality, there was no way he would have brought this up out of kindness alone.
There had to be another motive behind it.
Unfortunately, Kamisato Ayaka didn't quite catch the underlying meaning. She shook her head gently and replied,
"Thank you for your concern, Grand Sage Idris, but we didn't encounter any particular difficulties on the way."
"While the rainforest is indeed very humid, Inazuma is an island nation as well, so we're not unfamiliar with damp environments."
"If anything, we might even adapt to it more easily."
Hearing this, Idris sighed softly, a hint of regret in his tone.
"Guests from island nations naturally don't need to worry much about this. And locals in Sumeru City are already used to it."
"But sooner or later, we must consider visitors from other regions."
"For instance, the rainforest and the desert are now truly one family. But the desert is far drier—will people from there struggle with such humidity?"
"And what about foreign guests from afar? Will they adapt easily?"
"That's why," he continued calmly, "it would be best to properly expand and reinforce our roads—so whether it's citizens traveling in and out, or guests from home and abroad, no one has to worry about such inconveniences."
"Unfortunately… our workers and factories are facing a few issues at the moment, so—"
Midway through his explanation, Idris suddenly seemed to realize something. He clasped his hands apologetically and smiled.
"Ah… my apologies. I've gone off topic."
"This has nothing to do with you as guests. I'll punish myself with a drink."
With that, he raised his cup and drank it down in one go.
The scene left many present feeling deeply impressed.
What a wise king, they thought.
A ruler who never stops thinking about the nation.
Only Yae Miko, who had seen straight through the performance, narrowed her eyes and stared at Idris with a strange look.
What a clever Grand Sage, she thought bitterly.
Trying to use our goodwill to help you build roads.
If this diplomatic mission were truly led only by young people like Ayaka, she was certain that within a few sentences, Idris would have dragged them straight into his trap—just like he had done to Fontaine.
Once you fell into his rhythm, the entire nation would soon find itself led around by the nose.
Fortunately—
This delegation included Yae Miko.
She had no intention of letting that happen.
She immediately stepped in, sitting beside Idris with a graceful smile.
"From what you've said, Grand Sage, it does seem you're facing some difficulties."
"But with your astonishing talents, I'm sure such issues are easily resolved."
"By the way," she added casually,
"I've heard that Sumeru's Little Lucky Lord isn't just a princess, but also your personal secretary."
"Why haven't we seen her today?"
Idris replied calmly,
"When I'm away, the Little Lucky Lord handles other important matters on my behalf."
"If she were here, then I wouldn't be able to attend myself."
Yae Miko hadn't brought up Nahida for any particular reason—she simply wanted to break Idris's momentum.
If she let him continue, who knew how many more pits he'd dig for them?
This time, she succeeded.
Idris didn't mind in the slightest.
After all, now that they were already in Sumeru and seeking diplomacy, being "slaughtered" was inevitable—
It was only a question of how much.
Soon, Idris and Yae Miko fell into a subtle back-and-forth, a classic diplomatic duel.
Watching from the shadows, Nahida found it endlessly entertaining.
Despite her playful and frivolous demeanor, Yae Miko was undoubtedly one of the most capable diplomats in all of Teyvat.
And Idris was no less formidable.
During their exchange, Yae Miko suddenly made another request.
She wished to meet the Elder Princess—Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
To justify it, she even spun a story on the spot.
"Five hundred years ago, when I was still just a little fox," Yae Miko said wistfully,
"I once had the fortune of meeting Greater Lord Rukkhadevata."
"Our meeting was brief, but she taught me many things—she could be considered one of my mentors."
"Later, after I gained the ability to take human form and returned to Inazuma, much time passed…"
"And then I heard of her passing. I deeply regretted it."
"So when I learned that, through your efforts, Grand Sage Idris, she had been reborn—I was truly happy."
"May I see her? Even if only privately."
As she spoke, Yae Miko smiled sweetly.
A story like this was nearly impossible to refute.
After all, who present was over five hundred years old?
Idris, however, knew better.
According to the original timeline, before she ever took human form, this fox had been busy serving as the Raiden Shogun's personal hand warmer.
Meeting Rukkhadevata in Sumeru back then?
Pure nonsense.
As for why Yae Miko wanted to see Rukkhadevata—
The reason was obvious.
In Inazuma, Raiden Makoto still possessed remnants of her soul—within the Sacred Sakura and the blade Musou Isshin.
If anyone could persuade Idris to help revive her, it would be a kind-hearted god like Rukkhadevata.
Unfortunately for Yae Miko—
This was nothing more than wishful thinking.
Idris was a Grand Sage who never acted without profit.
Reviving a god?
That was practically an invitation to be extorted.
Since she had already brought it up, Idris decided to stop playing along.
"Very well," he said plainly.
"If you wish to see Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, I'll personally take you to the Sacred Tree later."
"As for the rest of you," he continued,
"I've arranged guest rooms at the Grand Bazaar. Feel free to rest—or explore Sumeru City."
Yoimiya's eyes lit up.
"Then I'm definitely going out to play!"
For someone like her, this was a rare chance at publicly funded tourism.
Fireworks under the rainforest night sky—just imagining it was magical.
Ayaka immediately sensed danger.
She grabbed Yoimiya's shoulders firmly.
"Then we'll go together later. Make sure to take me with you!"
After all, fireworks in a rainforest could easily turn into a disaster.
At least with her Cryo Vision, she could help put out any accidental fires.
Then Ayaka remembered something and asked,
"Grand Sage Idris, may I ask—do you know a blonde Traveler and a small white companion named Paimon?"
"Where are they now?"
Few outsiders knew where the Traveler had gone.
Unlike other nations, the Traveler had never gained much fame in Sumeru.
And going forward—
She likely never would.
Idris had already decided that if the "blonde camera" couldn't perfect the world…
Then he, the Grand Sage villain, would.
Idris replied casually,
"She's probably still adventuring in the desert."
"I'm not sure what she's doing."
In truth, the Traveler was likely near the Sea of Flowers at the End, the former domain of the Goddess of Flowers.
But that was her business.
"Oh… I see."
Ayaka gave up on the idea of meeting her.
Soon, hand in hand with Yoimiya, she left the Grand Bazaar to explore the city.
Looks like the Aranara will be in for a rough time, Idris thought—but let them be.
Watching them leave, Idris turned back to Yae Miko.
"Lady Yae Miko, if you're free now, why don't you come with me to the Akademiya atop the Sacred Tree?"
"Very well," Yae Miko replied with a nod.
"I'll follow your arrangement."
Together, they headed toward the Sacred Tree of the Akademiya.
And there—
Yae Miko saw it.
Sitting cross-legged like a statue at the base of the Sacred Tree—
A colossal mech.
The Shouki no Kami.
But to Yae Miko, this machine wasn't just massive.
From deep within its frame, she sensed a familiar energy.
A presence she knew all too well.
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