"Then let's do it this way," Idris said calmly.
"If I'm going to pretend to be your boyfriend, all you need to do is find a way to bring me an Adepti Guizhong Ballista."
"No need for many. One is enough. That shouldn't be too difficult for you, right?"
Even now, Idris was still thinking about naval artillery.
Technology had to advance. Productivity had to rise.
As the ruler of a region, continuous technological innovation was non-negotiable.
"Ah—Guizhong Ballista…?"
Ganyu gasped, then frowned slightly.
"Grand Sage, that… isn't simple at all. I can't manufacture Adepti mechanisms myself, and finished ones definitely can't be taken out so casually."
Her voice carried clear disappointment.
If she couldn't provide what Idris wanted, then this whole boyfriend arrangement might fall apart before it even began.
"Then it doesn't have to be a complete one," Idris replied, easing back a step.
"Design schematics, construction principles, even partial blueprints are fine. As long as it can be reverse-engineered."
Truthfully, even if someone handed him a real Guizhong Ballista right now, he still couldn't fully replicate an Adepti mechanism.
Industrial foundations mattered.
Without matching materials, tooling, and manufacturing chains, even the best blueprint was useless.
Technology, after all, was the primary productive force.
"If it's just schematics…" Ganyu hesitated, then nodded slowly.
"That might be possible. But I can't guarantee anything."
"Adepti mechanisms are classified military assets tied directly to Liyue's security. I don't have the authority to decide this alone."
"What I can do is create an opportunity for discussion."
"I hope the Grand Sage can understand."
She didn't dare promise more than that.
This wasn't a personal matter—it concerned all of Liyue.
"Then that's enough," Idris said, smiling faintly.
"In that case, Miss Ganyu—starting now, I am your contract boyfriend."
"It's a pleasure to work with you."
He extended his hand.
Ganyu's face flushed instantly as she nodded and reached out.
The moment their hands met, a jolt ran through her body like an electric current, and her ears burned bright red.
"Then… I'll trouble you, Grand Sage."
"When we meet Cloud Retainer, please… perform well in front of my master."
Her voice was so soft it was nearly inaudible.
Nearby, Nahida quietly covered her mouth, stifling laughter, and slipped away.
Idris accepted the benefit, so naturally he intended to deliver results.
After finalizing things with Ganyu, he turned to call Nahida—
Only to realize she was gone.
He glanced around. No sign of her.
She'd clearly slipped off to do her own thing while they were talking.
Just as Idris was about to suggest parting ways for now, a familiar giggle echoed in his ear.
"Grand Sage~ you two are so sweet."
"I didn't want to be a third wheel, so I'm hiding and watching from the shadows~"
Nahida's voice arrived via telepathic transmission.
The God of Wisdom was becoming increasingly mischievous.
Idris sighed inwardly.
At her age—mentally speaking—being playful was unavoidable.
Fortunately, Ganyu heard none of this.
"Did you find Lady Nahida?" she asked, looking around.
"No need," Idris replied.
"Let's take care of the important matter first."
"…Alright."
Given the closeness between Idris and the Dendro Archon, Ganyu trusted that he knew what he was doing.
She then led him toward Cloud Retainer's abode.
The scenery along the way was breathtaking, and Idris took his time appreciating it.
Cloud Retainer's Abode
Cloud Retainer was visibly delighted to see her disciple return.
That joy, however, instantly stiffened when she noticed someone holding Ganyu's hand.
Her tone turned sharp, carrying unmistakable elder authority.
"…Who is he?"
"Master," Ganyu said, face burning red,
"he is my… boyfriend."
"Boyfriend?!"
Cloud Retainer froze for a heartbeat—
Then erupted in joy.
"Excellent! Excellent!"
She patted Ganyu's shoulder enthusiastically.
"You've been single for thousands of years! Finally you've awakened!"
"Since you've found a partner, you can't bury yourself in work anymore. Spend more time together!"
"And hurry up and give this one grandchildren—ah, no, disciples' disciples!"
"My requirements aren't high. Someone like Yaoyao would be perfect!"
Cloud Retainer was already lost in future fantasies.
Ganyu nearly combusted from embarrassment.
This was supposed to make things less awkward—not catastrophically worse.
Before she could change the subject, Cloud Retainer stepped closer, circling Idris with a critical gaze.
"Not bad. Good looks. Good temperament."
"But what about strength?"
"He can't be a weakling. Otherwise, I'll have to be the villain here."
With that, she began probing Idris's aura.
What she sensed was immovable calm—which only made her more curious.
After all, how could she not test her disciple's boyfriend?
"Disciple," Cloud Retainer said decisively,
"shall I spar with your partner for a few moves?"
She decided that if Idris could endure three exchanges, he'd barely pass.
"Master—please don't!" Ganyu blurted out instantly.
She wasn't worried about Idris.
She was worried about her master.
After all, this man had defeated the Scarlet King.
Cloud Retainer, powerful as she was, was still not on the level of an ancient Demon God.
"Disciple, do not fret," Cloud Retainer laughed.
"I'll only use one-twentieth of my power."
"I wouldn't dare injure my future son-in-law."
"As long as he can take that, he passes. I'll hold back."
Silence fell.
Idris and Ganyu exchanged a look.
One said: What do we do?
The other said: I have no idea.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, Nahida stared at Cloud Retainer with an extremely strange expression.
Aren't Adepti supposed to be wise?
Why does Cloud Retainer look…
not very smart right now? 😐
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