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The atmosphere turned tense to the extreme in an instant, with people whispering to one another in growing alarm.
The situation had escalated into something unbelievable—Lady Furina, the Hydro Archon herself, had seemingly made a racially discriminatory remark in public!
And this was Fontaine, after all, a nation founded upon the very principle of "justice."
If this incident continued to escalate, the consequences would be unimaginable.
At best, Furina wouldn't be able to leave her home; at worst, she might earn herself a premium seat in the Fortress of Meropide.
Just as the crowd grew increasingly chaotic, a tall, cold, and dignified beauty stepped forward to restore order.
She had long black hair with a faint blue tint, and her flowing side bangs made her look even more striking.
Her eyes glimmered like deep violet gemstones—so dazzling that few dared meet her gaze.
She wore a blue side hat, adding an air of mystery and nobility, adorned with a snow-white feather on one side.
Her lovely hair was tied into a low ponytail with a delicate black ribbon.
Beneath a high, stiff collar, she wore a deep blue-violet tie, contrasting beautifully with her fair skin.
She wore a crisp white shirt that embraced her slender figure, and over her back lay layered deep-blue-and-black capes.
At her waist, a corset-like black belt emphasized her slim waist, making her appear sharp and formidable.
Her lower half was clad in a short black skirt that showcased her long, graceful legs.
Her jade-white hands were covered with long white gloves extending to her upper arms.
Her legs were tightly wrapped in black tights, with dark leg rings around her thighs.
Finally, she wore black-and-white cuffed high-heeled boots, their sturdy metal heels clicking sharply as she walked.
This ensemble—dominated by black and accented with blue-violet—perfectly embodied her cold, noble elegance.
When she spoke the words, "Silence. Silence." her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable authority.
Everyone turned to look at the tall, slender, cool-faced woman, and in an instant, the crowd fell silent.
The woman then calmly walked up to Shao Yun, speaking without a ripple of emotion in her voice. "Greetings, traveler from afar."
"I understand your feelings, but offending a deity is not something to boast about. Let us all calm down. Do not act on impulse."
Shao Yun looked her up and down before asking, "For the sake of courtesy, please introduce yourself first."
Hearing this, Clorinde placed her right hand—clenched into a fist—over her chest in a standard Fontaine salute, then spoke softly, "I am Clorinde, Duelist Champion of Fontaine."
Seeing this, Shao Yun removed his hat and gave a polite hat-tip, casually offering a "fake name."
"Tacitus Kilgore, a nobody."
After both sides displayed impeccable manners, the atmosphere eased slightly, allowing the conversation to move naturally to its next stage.
Shao Yun then spoke first. "Regarding what you said about offending an Archon, let me remind you: Paimon is my daughter. Your superior was the one who provoked us first!"
Clorinde frowned slightly, pondering. She was a reasonable person, and she understood there was truth in his words.
But adhering to her philosophy of defusing major conflicts and dissolving minor ones, she proceeded calmly.
"If you believe Lady Furina's words offended you or your family, you may bring your accusation to the Opera Epiclese. Lord Neuvillette will judge the case fairly."
"Shouting in public will not solve anything. It only constitutes an offense against a god—and it will not help your cause."
Just as Shao Yun was about to retort with "Yes, I'm offending the Hydro Archon—what can you do about it?" Yanfei suddenly flashed between them.
With a professional smile, she greeted Clorinde. "Hello, Miss Clorinde. I'm Yanfei, legal consultant of Liyue. For this type of civil dispute over wording, mediation is perfectly acceptable!"
"I can negotiate as their attorney and secure fair compensation for my friend."
After speaking, Yanfei shot Shao Yun a meaningful look—as if saying, leave it to me, relax.
Upon hearing the word "mediation," the tension inside Clorinde finally eased.
Some matters, though light on the scale, outweigh a thousand pounds when weighed formally.
And clearly, the current situation was not in Furina's favor. If mediation could resolve it, that would be ideal.
Thus, Clorinde nodded slightly, signaling her agreement. "If you're willing to help mediate, that's excellent. Allow me to escort you to the Palais Mermonia to address the matter."
"Arguing loudly in public is not ideal—and with so many eyes watching."
But Shao Yun was not pleased. What, a few words between the two of you and the whole matter is over?
Impossible—he had already been generous enough. If Furina wanted to show off and stepped on his dignity, he wouldn't show mercy.
Just then, a sentence floated through his mind:
"When walking in public, do not disturb others. If someone disturbs you, ask them to stop. If they refuse… destroy them."
He reached out and pulled Yanfei behind him.
"I don't need legal support, Yanfei," he said bluntly. "This woman and I share one belief: 'The last one standing decides the truth.' And that is the only creed we recognize."
It was essentially a challenge—war declared right to her face.
At that moment, Paimon came flying over in a panic.
She had seen the tension, painstakingly calmed earlier, flare up again. She was terrified.
She hovered beside Shao Yun, pleading, "Don't do this, Shao Yun! We didn't come here to make trouble! Didn't you say we're here for 'vacation'?"
But Shao Yun only cast a cold glance up at Furina, then returned his chilling gaze to Clorinde.
His expression was terrifyingly dark, his tone harsh.
"Paimon, save your breath. My good mood was ruined long ago by that discriminatory person up there."
"I'm the kind of man who settles grudges immediately. I never let them rot in my heart."
To him, it was simple: he could talk things out peacefully. He could even simply leave. But he would not allow anyone to treat the respect he offered as a doormat.
Clorinde stared wide-eyed at Shao Yun, wondering if he had lost his mind.
The conflict could have been dissolved through mediation, yet he insisted on settling it through a duel.
But soon her thoughts shifted.
If he wanted to duel—it was fine. It would even save trouble.
Currently the situation was: Furina had "discriminated" against Shao Yun's "adopted daughter," and Shao Yun had "offended" a deity.
Most importantly—Furina struck first. In court, she would not win.
But if she won a duel, Furina's dignity would be preserved.
And as Furina's current protector, her stance required her to do so.
Holding the intention to resolve everything quickly and efficiently, Clorinde asked, "Do you truly wish to duel? If your resolve is firm, very well. I accept."
Shao Yun responded instantly, almost eagerly. "Exactly! Let's have a proper gunslinger's duel!"
Hearing this, the crowd—originally focused entirely on Furina—shifted their attention immediately to Shao Yun and Clorinde.
This unexpected development successfully redirected the public's attention, rescuing Furina from the spotlight.
Now, the masses of Fontaine spectators were already buzzing with excitement, barely able to contain themselves.
One man shouted in astonishment, "No way—did I hear that right?! He's challenging Clorinde herself?! That's suicide!"
Another followed immediately, "Exactly, but hey—this means we get a great show!"
Voices rose from every direction—some admired Shao Yun's courage, others thought he was reckless.
But most were simply here for the spectacle, eagerly awaiting the unexpected thrill this duel might bring.
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