章 73: Chapter 73

Kaveh, a master architect who graduated from the Sumeru Akademiya's Kshahrewar Darshan, walked out of the academy's gate with excitement on his face, while Alhaitham wore a blank expression akin to that of a kitten.

Kaveh's face beamed with joy: "Hahaha, I never imagined that one day I, Kaveh, would become a sage of the Kshahrewar Darshan. Even Lord Rukkhadevata herself recognized my talent."

As he spoke, he patted Alhaitham on the shoulder: "Hey, say something, Alhaitham. You have become the Grand Sage, the head of the Akademiya, yet you still look emotionless. Smile for once, will you? I haven't seen you smile since we were kids."

Alhaitham looked at Kaveh with a slight frown and responded in a sarcastic tone, "I smiled. Can you stop talking now?"

He had never imagined being promoted to the position of Grand Sage by a group of scholars simply for being a bystander. Even Lord Rukkhadevata had nodded in approval. Being the Grand Sage meant having countless responsibilities, which left little time for quietly reading books, something he deeply cherished. Among those who helped elevate him to this status was this silly friend, Kaveh.

Kaveh immediately became unhappy, "You are mocking me! I can't believe you're unhappy now that you're the Grand Sage."

Puffing out his chest, Kaveh said, "Let me tell you, Alhaitham, I am now a sage of the Kshahrewar Darshan. Show some respect when you speak to me!"

Alhaitham replied, "I only said one sentence. Maybe you should think carefully before overreacting."

Kaveh glared at Alhaitham, who strode away as if he disliked his friend's supposed low intelligence. Furious, Kaveh shouted, "You're always like this, Alhaitham! No wonder you have no friends! If you don't apologize, I'm cutting ties with you!"

Alhaitham answered calmly, "Should we end our friendship? It would give me some peace, and perhaps you'd finally move out of my house."

Kaveh's eyes widened, "Are you threatening me? How dare you! I'm not moving out! There's no way!"

Alhaitham sighed and chose to ignore his childhood friend's constant outbursts.

"Hey! Stop, Alhaitham! We need to discuss this!" Kaveh shouted as Alhaitham walked away.

The order of Sumeru was restored to normal operation swiftly under the arrangements made by the newly appointed sages and mentors, all selected by Lord Rukkhadevata. The stagnant atmosphere of Sumeru was swept away.

At the Grand Bazaar, Takumi sat in a fruit dessert shop, holding Nahida in his lap. He gently inserted a wooden stick into a fruit dessert topped with animal milk and held it to Nahida's mouth. The sweet aroma of the dessert made Nahida's eyes narrow with delight as she swayed her little feet.

Takumi looked at Nahida's elfin ears peeking through her hair and playfully nipped at one. Her aura had a refreshing fragrance, full of the essence of life—after all, Nahida was a branch of the World Tree.

Since not many in Sumeru had seen Nahida, her appearance was not immediately connected to that of the Great Dendro Archon, especially since she was also suppressing her divine aura.

Suddenly, a charming voice interrupted them.

"Oh my, it seems Mr. Takumi has found a new love. No wonder you haven't visited your old one in a while."

Takumi raised his head, smiling, as Nahida blinked her innocent eyes, curious about the newcomer. Yae Miko approached them, her movements fluid and graceful, her demeanor combining the charm and playfulness of a fox yokai.

Istharu, who had been nearby, turned her attention to Nahida. She smiled, then looked at Takumi, her eyes full of mischief.

"Oh, so Master likes this type, huh?" Istharu commented.

Yae Miko examined Nahida carefully and felt surprised. She was an adorable child, unlike any she had seen in her five hundred years of life.

"Is this little one an elf? How cute," Yae Miko mused, her lavender eyes filled with curiosity. She couldn't help herself and gently wiped the cream from the corner of Nahida's mouth.

Nahida looked at Yae Miko, clearly puzzled. Finding her expression even cuter, Yae Miko scratched under Nahida's chin with a smile.

"What's your name, little sister? My name is Yae Miko."

Takumi watched Yae Miko's antics with an amused expression, recalling how she had teased him when they first met.

Nahida blinked and then smiled sweetly, "My name is Nahida, and I am the Little Dendro Archon."

Yae Miko's expression froze mid-scratch, her fingers stiffening as time seemed to stop.

"What? The Little Dendro Archon?" Her eyes widened, and a cold sweat began to form on her forehead. She had just playfully teased a god! Her gaze shifted towards Takumi, whose teasing smile made her feel even more flustered.

Takumi added, "How could anyone by my side be of low standing? So far, you're the only one here who's not a god."

Takumi paused before adding, "But don't worry, Nahida will forgive you. After all, you are my fox."

Yae Miko took the opportunity to play along, hurriedly nodding, "Yes, yes, I am your fox." Inwardly, she sighed, silently acknowledging her status.

Takumi looked behind Yae Miko. "So, as a reward for easing a crisis, shouldn't you willingly reveal your fox tail?"

Yae Miko subtly rolled her eyes. This god had always wanted to touch her tail—she had fallen right into his trap again.

Nahida put her tiny finger on her chin, pondering with her four-leaf clover-shaped eyes. She thought, *Is this aura of Electro and fox essence from a descendant of the Raiden Shogun? Is she following Lord Takumi? Why?* The questions swirled in her mind, but she couldn't understand it all. Perhaps she needed to consult with Lord Rukkhadevata.

Takumi looked at Yae Miko's exposed pale pink tail, which stuck out from beneath her shrine maiden uniform, making her appear even more enchanting. Indeed, a fox revealing her tail added a whole new level of allure.

Takumi held Nahida with one arm while his other hand moved to caress Yae Miko's soft, fluffy tail. It felt smooth and fragrant, completely different from the direct feeling he had when holding the Great Dendro Archon, yet still providing a physical thrill. He gently stroked her tail from tip to base.

Yae Miko shivered, startled by the sensation. She knew exposing her tail was risky since it was the most sensitive part of her. Quickly, she covered her mouth with her hands to stifle any reaction.