Nahida also adored this story deeply, for it was a testament to human wisdom.
She had always believed in and respected human intellect, and humanity had indeed proven itself time and again, which filled her with immense satisfaction.
However, while she understood human wisdom, she had yet to fully grasp human desire.
Or perhaps she did understand but simply preferred to believe that human wisdom could suppress folly and greed.
To have faith in humanity—Focalors was the same. Both goddesses were deities who placed great trust in humans.
Ah, right, the Raiden Shogun also believed in humanity, convinced that humans wouldn't be so easily destroyed and that they could overcome the "pangs of eternity."
In any case, whether it was the "protagonist" Leonard from the story or the experiences of the Traveler and others, they were all in the past.
This tale merely allowed readers to learn more about the stories and secrets of Teyvat.
Beyond the charm of Fischl and Mona, it also introduced people to another of the Fatui Harbingers—the Sixth, Scaramouche.
Like the other "short kings," he was petite yet immensely powerful. The only shame was that he didn't wield an Anemo Vision.
Moreover, Scaramouche mentioned the name "The Jester," who had assigned him the task of researching the "falling stars." This suggested that "The Jester" held a higher rank than the Sixth.
Additionally, Scaramouche revealed some of his findings: "The sky is a gigantic lie."
Countless ordinary people read Lucian's books, and this story delivered a heavy blow to them.
Other tales still felt distant to different readers, almost like browsing the internet—despite sharing the same world, it all seemed so far away.
But this story was different, for the stars hung in the sky, visible to all who looked up.
If fate is predetermined and the sky is false, then are we truly living real lives?
This question carried a nihilistic flavor, which we won't delve into here.
The revelations in the story sparked interest among many scholars and astrologers regarding the "false sky," though some were already privy to fragments of the truth.
Unfortunately, few in the Sumeru Akademiya read Lucian's works. The place most ripe for upheaval remained eerily calm.
(An "accidental" oversight.)
Now, let's talk about little Furina. She, too, pondered this question: If the void is false and fate is predetermined, were her five hundred years of suffering also predestined?
Furina posed this question to Lucian, seeking his answer.
Everything she had done was to "defy fate," but whether this defiance itself was part of fate, even Lucian couldn't say for sure.
To comfort the downhearted Furina, Lucian decided to visit Fontaine and spend some time with her.
Coincidentally, it was nearly time for Fontaine's annual "Fashion Week."
For the occasion, Lucian even gathered his models from "all over the world," though the outfits were all crafted by Chiori—Lucian himself never produced clothing.
"Is this Fontaine?" Ayaka pressed against the window, gazing at the streets outside.
Freshly brought from Inazuma by Lucian, she was now in his Fontaine home.
Traveling abroad was a novel experience for Ayaka—indeed, for most Inazumans, it was a rare opportunity.
With the Sakoku Decree in place, ordinary Inazumans couldn't leave the country even if they wanted to.
As those who've read Yoimiya's story know, Inazumans who left without permission would be marked as fugitives upon return.
"Hmph, so? Isn't my governance impressive?" Focalors—no, Furina—planted her hands on her hips and tilted her chin up proudly.
Lucian knew full well that Furina had little to do with Fontaine's administration, but he wouldn't expose her. Let her be happy—if the kid wanted to boast, so be it.
"As expected of this one's dear friend! Truly, 'On stage, adored by thousands; in rule, relied upon by all.'" Hu Tao showered her with praise.
"Well said! Worthy of the Director! Such exquisite phrasing—'A butterfly's spirit, a plum blossom's heart; her talents astound, setting her apart.'" Hu Tao praised Furina, and Lucian praised Hu Tao.
"Ahaha, as expected of Little Lucian! You truly grasp the Director's wit and brilliance." Hu Tao raised a hand and patted Lucian's shoulder.
Their bond thrived precisely because their wavelengths aligned.
"..." Ayaka fell silent for a moment before softly adding, "It's beautifully written."
Navia frowned, pondering. Does this not feel… a bit lowbrow? Or is it just me?
Lacking confidence in her literary acumen, she hesitated. Someone like Faruzan, meanwhile, could only facepalm in exasperation.
"Alright, you two, enough with the doggerel," Guizhong said with a laugh.
By now, Guizhong had changed into the outfit Lucian had gifted her during the Moonchase Festival—a replica of Luo Tianyi's attire.
This time, Lucian had also invited Faruzan, dressing her as Hatsune Miku.
The plan was for the two of them to debut together on the "Fashion Week" stage, with Lucian even composing songs for them.
However, neither was keen on singing. Instead, Guizhong and Ping adapted the melody Lucian had "hummed" into an instrumental piece, perfect for background music.
Though Lucian's humming was far from polished, his circle was brimming with talent—whatever he needed, someone could deliver.
It wasn't just music; even makeup was handled flawlessly. With Yun Jin's skills, the transformations were uncanny.
Take Lumine, for instance: dressed as Dio, her face adorned with sharp, stylized lines.
Lucian, too, had prepared a JOJO-themed outfit, his face similarly marked.
What was meant to be a serious "Fashion Week" had taken a bizarre turn thanks to Lucian and Lumine's shared enthusiasm—they were here purely to meme.
Lumine was more than happy to play along, having grown weary from days of "Anti-Raiden Shogun Training." This was a rare chance to unwind.
"Wait, why are there no astrological instruments in this room?"
"Not just instruments—there aren't even books? What's going on? Where'd you hide them?" Mona scurried barefoot through Lucian's home.
Lucian hadn't prepared enough slippers for everyone in Fontaine, so most were shoeless—except Navia, who visited often and had her own pair.
With the Dustborne Adeptus around, there was no need to worry about the wooden floors getting dirty.
"My skills are too advanced; I don't need those things," Lucian fibbed.
"I can prophesize without them," he added casually.
"What!? Impossible! Even the old hag relies on them! Unless…" Mona fell into deep thought.
If the Thrice-Great Astrologist needed tools but Lucian didn't, did that make him at least Five Times Great?
Little did she know, Lucian's foresight operated on "higher-dimensional observation."
Unaware of Mona's musings, Lucian busied himself teaching Lumine how to strike JOJO poses.
If they were cosplaying as blond Egyptian royalty, they had to nail the poses.
Fischl, equally intrigued, eagerly joined the lesson.
When Chiori arrived, the first thing she saw was Lucian coaching Lumine in JOJO poses.
Then came Lumine, Fischl, Furina, and Hu Tao, all mimicking his stance.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Fischl: About JOJO Poses
"Hmm, quite dashing... Ahem! I mean, such noble poise befits the majesty of the Prinzessin!"