"Oh, stop it. Do you even cry anymore?"
Idris didn't bother indulging Nahida.
This little one was clearly just acting spoiled.
Still, she boldly pressed herself against his chest, her cheeks flushed as she whispered softly,
"Um… Grand Sage… if you're not planning to go look for other girls tonight… then maybe we could do that again."
"After all… you don't dislike this body of mine, right?"
Idris shot her a flat look.
"After last time, I recall you were so uncomfortable you could barely move. And you want to try again?"
Nahida's face turned even redder, but she shook her head slightly.
"I–It's fine. I came prepared this time."
"Look."
From her sleeve, she produced a small white pill.
Idris only needed a glance to recognize it.
Shaping Pill
— Temporarily alters one's physical appearance for several hours.
— Cannot change biological sex.
— May be recognized by those extremely familiar with the user.
"Where did you get this?" Idris asked.
The pill itself wasn't difficult to refine—but none of the current Alchemy Faction students were skilled enough yet.
Nahida answered softly,
"Greater Lord Rukkhadevata gave it to me."
"You didn't forget… she's an alchemy grandmaster too, did you?"
"You may not have taught much, but her comprehension is exceptional."
"…I see."
Idris hadn't expected Greater Lord Rukkhadevata to help with this of all things.
You two Wisdom Gods really know how to have fun.
Soon after, Nahida swallowed the pill.
Her petite form shimmered—and quickly transformed into the slender, graceful young woman Idris had once seen in Vanarana.
At the very least… she was no longer in her childlike form.
After examining herself, Nahida whispered shyly,
"My Sage… you like this body more, don't you?"
"Come on. The effects last for several hours…"
Idris chuckled.
"Alright. If you insist, I won't hold back."
The night quietly deepened.
The next day, people once again noticed that Little Lucky Lord hadn't appeared.
As for why—
Idris naturally wasn't going to explain.
He went about his work refreshed and clear-headed, focusing mainly on Inazuman diplomatic matters.
To his mild surprise, Yae Miko had actually managed to find Rukkhadevata overnight and bring her in as a mediator.
It didn't change anything.
Idris's conditions remained firm.
However, he did offer an additional concession:
the technology of plant grafting.
Not charity—mutual benefit.
Only by studying each other's regional flora could the technique truly advance.
Yae Miko was helplessly resigned, but at least she returned to Inazuma with something to show for it.
The delegation departed the following day.
Before leaving, Yae Miko learned that Idris had taken Kamisato Ayaka and Yoimiya to experience Sumeru's unique attraction—River Rapids.
The fox's eyes gleamed at the news.
Who knew what she was plotting.
After that, Sumeru entered one of its most peaceful periods.
Domestic and foreign affairs alike were calm.
The only turbulence came from Fontaine.
Within half a month of signing their contract, Fontaine expanded Port Bayda nearly threefold.
Trade ships came and went nonstop, transporting vast quantities of Bloodline Pills.
Crisis resolved.
Even Liyue benefited—
Fontaine needed alchemical furnaces, and no one forged better tools than Liyue.
Even Ningguang sent a personal letter:
"Sometimes we wonder whether, centuries ago, you were already one of us."
"By the way—will you be attending this year's Lantern Rite?"
Idris skimmed the letter and set it aside.
Everyone won—
except Fontaine's treasury.
But that was fine.
As long as their order stabilized, the cost was worth it.
Soon enough, Sumeru approached its traditional Akademiya Extravaganza.
In the original timeline, this event had been… controversial.
Mostly because of Scaramouche.
Now, that problem no longer existed.
The representative of the Rtawahist Darshan was a young man personally fostered by Idris.
No Vision—but that wasn't unprecedented.
The Alchemy Faction's representative, Dunyazard, also lacked one.
Idris briefly considered letting Rukkhadevata participate.
The other Darshans immediately protested.
"Great Sage, that's too much!"
"Having the Princess compete is completely unfair!"
The idea was dropped.
The final outcome mirrored the original history—
Kaveh shattered the prize, giving the event its symbolic ending.
That night, Idris returned to his quarters.
On the bed sat "Nahida", already having taken a Shaping Pill, waiting obediently.
"Welcome back, Grand Sage. You must be tired."
"Come rest."
Idris's gaze flickered—
his Golden Insight activated instantly.
Same energy.
Same aura.
Same presence.
But—
There was only one woman in Sumeru who could perfectly mimic Nahida like this.
You two Wisdom Gods… really are playful.
Idris didn't expose her.
He stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Her body trembled slightly.
"Are you prepared?" he asked calmly.
Golden light gleamed faintly in his eyes.
The woman hesitated, then nodded, blushing.
"Yes… Thank you, Grand Sage."
"You made me understand that even reborn in this era… I'm not alone."
She knew she'd been exposed instantly.
But since Idris didn't stop her—she played along.
Idris never refused gifts delivered to his door.
After a brief kiss, he murmured with a smirk,
"You can't back out now. Any last words?"
She flushed.
"I just wanted to know… what Sumeru's Princess and her Sage do at night."
Idris replied softly,
"Then let this be a puzzle."
"I'll make sure you remember the answer… piece by piece."
The candles went out.
From then on—
Rukkhadevata would carefully avoid Idris during the day.
At night, Idris had to determine whether the Nahida in his room was real or fake.
Troublesome… but not unpleasant.
Months passed in quiet rhythm.
And soon—
It was time for Lantern Rite in Liyue.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/nani_kaito