After a long while, Dehya walked over to Rahman and asked with concern, "Hey, how are you feeling?"
Rahman slowly shook his head. "Thank you. I'm fine."
"It's time to go. We can't stay here forever."
Dehya pressed further, "What are you planning to do after you get back?"
Rahman answered seriously, "I know what you're going to ask. I feel deep regret for what I've done. You'll get what you wanted."
"But give me some time. I need to explain all of this to my brothers."
Dehya shook her head. "I imagine it won't be easy."
[Paimon: We've gained a powerful friend.]
[Lumine: Nahida, was all of this part of your plan? When you sent me to the desert?]
[Nahida: This was all beyond my expectations. I never imagined we'd gain so many allies.]
[Paimon: Sumeru City is the Akademiya's territory, so we had to make our plans in the desert.]
[Lumine: When did you get so smart?]
[Paimon: After I had a full meal.]
[Lumine: ...]
Rahman pulled out a piece of paper. "That's my problem. Dehya, this is the location of my base. Remember it."
Dehya took it and asked, "When should we come?"
Rahman said firmly, "Tomorrow. By then, I'll have convinced everyone to see you as allies."
"I'll return all of your Village Guardians. As for other resources, I'm willing to share them with you too."
Cyno spoke up, "You seem to understand now. The real enemy is the Sages."
Rahman nodded. "Yes. The deities never abandoned anyone. It was humanity that created its own suffering."
Paimon watched Rahman leave and remarked, "It seems he's finally come to his senses."
Dehya said, "Rahman isn't a foolish person. Building his own power in the desert takes real ability."
"It's just that his faith in King Deshret clouded his judgment. But at least now we have a new ally."
Lumine said, "That's a good thing, isn't it?"
Alhaitham's expression remained unchanged. "At least the outcome is acceptable."
With the matter resolved perfectly, Paimon was overjoyed.
[Yae Miko: Speaking of which, I just remembered—weren't we planning to rescue Nahida ahead of schedule?]
[Furina: I've already arrived in Sumeru. Where are you all?]
[Paimon: The Traveler and I are almost there too.]
[Lyney: We arrived with Lady Furina.]
[Lynette: We also want to help and contribute.]
[Cyno: That's great. With Dottore gone from Sumeru, victory will be easy.]
[Nahida: Finally... I'm going to get out?]
[Paimon: There will be another Sabzeruz Festival too. We've ordered lots of things from Liyue.]
[Nahida: But... my birthday hasn't arrived yet.]
[Lumine: We'll celebrate your actual birthday next year when it comes around.]
"Let's go back. Eat something good, get a good night's rest, and tomorrow we'll be full of energy to meet them."
The next day, Paimon and the others arrived at the meeting as promised to see Rahman.
Rahman nodded to them. "Everything's arranged. Someone will help escort them back to Aaru Village shortly."
Dehya said happily, "Regardless, thank you for your help."
Rahman waved his hand. "Don't mention it. It wasn't exactly smooth sailing, was it?"
"Our goals are aligned. From now on, let's consider each other comrades."