"G–G–G–Grand Sage Idris?! Why are you here?!"
Seeing Idris appear behind her like a ghost, Yoimiya instantly panicked.
No matter how friendly he looked, his status alone placed him on nearly the same level as Inazuma's Raiden Shogun.
During the day, at least Yae Miko had been there to shoulder the pressure.
But now—
Idris had appeared suddenly, and his gaze had fallen directly on the flame in Yoimiya's hand.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"N–No, Grand Sage, you've misunderstood!" she hurriedly stammered.
"I'm not trying to burn the forest! This tiny flame couldn't possibly start a fire, right? Hahaha…"
"I just wanted to give this little girl something exciting to see! That's all, really!"
"Y–Yes!"
Kamisato Ayaka immediately stepped forward to support her friend.
The girl in the wheelchair didn't speak, but her expression clearly echoed the same plea.
Watching their nervous reactions, Idris smiled faintly.
"Relax. I'm just out for a walk tonight—nothing more."
"I happened to notice what you were doing and got curious."
"As for 'burning the forest'…"
He glanced at Ayaka.
"With a Cryo Vision holder right here, I doubt anything like that would actually happen."
"…Ah."
Hearing this, the three girls finally relaxed.
Idris continued calmly,
"I heard you mention wanting to let this child experience something exciting."
"If it's just sitting here watching fireworks, that might not be thrilling enough."
"How about this—Sumeru's rainforest terrain inspired a new recreational project recently."
"It's a little risky at night, but if you're looking for excitement, it might suit you better."
Ayaka asked cautiously,
"Grand Sage… this isn't some kind of punishment, is it?"
After all, they had nearly been caught red-handed.
Idris chuckled.
"Of course not. I'm not that strict—especially with a child present."
"And this isn't a formal diplomatic setting. You can relax."
"Even I'm allowed a bit of personal time, aren't I?"
Yoimiya's eyes sparkled.
"Then—what exactly is this exciting thing you're talking about?"
"It's called River Rapids," Idris replied.
"A project designed specifically around Sumeru's rainforest waterways."
"I haven't tested it myself yet, and it's about to open officially soon anyway."
"So consider yourselves… volunteer testers."
"As for safety—don't worry."
"No matter how dangerous it gets, I'm here."
River rapids were simple in concept—
riding an inflatable raft through rushing water, drops, and sudden turns.
And Sumeru's rainforest?
It had the perfect terrain.
Idris was certain—once introduced, this attraction would be wildly popular.
Yoimiya and Ayaka exchanged looks, both clearly skeptical.
But then the girl in the wheelchair smiled and spoke up.
"Big sisters, don't be scared."
"If it's something Grand Sage Idris suggests, it must be safe."
"My mom always told me—if it's his idea, then it's something good."
Idris's reputation clearly preceded him.
The child had never met him before, yet trusted him without hesitation.
The two Aranara beside her nodded earnestly as well.
Seeing everyone else so confident, Ayaka and Yoimiya had little room left to refuse.
Idris smiled and gestured forward.
"Then follow me. That area isn't normally open at night…"
"…but in Sumeru, who would dare refuse me?"
A little domineering—but undeniably true.
Soon, Idris led them to the upper river inlet, where the current began.
Several villagers—simple farmers by the look of them—were already waiting.
Idris greeted them.
"The river-rapids idea I suggested—have you finished setting it up?"
The villagers lit up the moment they saw him.
"Grand Sage Idris! You came personally!"
"Yes, yes! After your suggestion, we tested it right away—had some young folks try it!"
"They said it was incredible!"
"Using the environment to make money with almost no cost—truly brilliant!"
Idris shook his head lightly.
"'No cost' is an exaggeration."
"You're responsible for maintaining the environment too."
"That requires effort."
"Of course!" the villagers laughed.
"We'll take good care of it."
"You're here to try it with these ladies, right? No problem at all!"
They guided everyone into an inflatable raft already floating on the water.
Yoimiya climbed in eagerly.
Ayaka hesitated—then noticed how the villagers spoke to Idris with genuine warmth, not fear.
The wheelchair-bound Sumeru girl trusted him completely.
Compared to Inazuma's Raiden Shogun…
Idris was loved in a way that felt entirely different.
Before Ayaka could think further, Yoimiya grabbed her hand.
"Come on! Let's try it!"
"…Alright, alright."
Idris helped the girl in the wheelchair aboard as well, then summoned vines to secure her chair firmly to the raft.
"Think of it like a seatbelt. You'll be completely safe."
"Thank you, Grand Sage!"
The villagers asked,
"Shall we release the raft?"
"Yes. I'll handle the control."
They cut the tether.
The raft drifted downstream.
At first, it was slow.
Then the current picked up.
The raft began to sway, dip, and surge—
moments of weightlessness, sudden drops, splashing water.
For first-timers, the thrill was overwhelming.
"Waaaah—this is amazing!"
"I've never done anything this fun before!"
Yoimiya's excited shout echoed through the quiet night.
Behind her, Ayaka gripped the handhold tightly.
"Yoimiya! Hold on properly! Don't wave your arms—it's dangerous!"
"It's fine!" Yoimiya laughed.
"If anything happens, Grand Sage Idris is right here!"
"Right, Grand Sage?"
Idris glanced at them flatly.
"Focus on keeping yourselves safe."
"I'm prioritizing the child."
The girl, secured and protected, felt completely at ease.
As the ride continued, the rush flushed both girls' faces red—
their laughter carried by the river under the starlit rainforest sky.
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