"Is there a way for Neuvillette to obtain the complete ancient dragon authority without breaking the divine seat?"
Perhaps such a method existed—but Focalors didn't know it.
That portion of dragon authority had been fused with the powers of the Seven Archons by the Heavenly Principles. Celestia definitely possessed a solution, but Celestia would never intervene.
And she still needed to avoid Celestia's notice.
"Wait… what are you holding?"
Focalors suddenly noticed the water-blue orb in Koji's hand.
A familiar aura washed over her instantly, and Neuvillette's eyes locked onto it—an instinctive pull from his very blood.
Could it be…
"The ancient dragon authority," Koji said casually.
[Blessing of the Divine Thief: There is nothing you cannot steal—even if it isn't a physical object.]
Using this blessing, he had stolen the dragon authority directly from the Hydro Archon's divine seat, without causing any damage.
"?"
Focalors stared at him, utterly puzzled.
How could someone take something like that without breaking the divine seat?
"…Are you from Celestia?"
Her legendary intellect kicked into high gear.
If that were the explanation, then it would actually make sense.
Koji's face was full of question marks.
How did Focalors' brain make these leaps?
"No he isn't. If he were, I'd actually be relieved, you know~"
Ronova appeared silently behind him, placing both hands on his shoulders with deliberate intimacy.
"Focalors, little Water God… you actually planned to destroy the Hydro Archon's divine seat. Aren't you bold?"
"Y-you are…"
Focalors went pale.
This aura—like the embodiment of death itself.
The legendary Ruler of Death.
"Ronova, of course. Or in the name you're more familiar with—one of the Four Heavenly Shadows of the Heavenly Principles, the Ruler of Death."
Ronova smiled lightly.
"Get your hands off my husband."
Lumine yanked Ronova away without hesitation. She didn't care who Ronova was—no one was allowed to cling to Koji.
"Don't mind me. Things here are interesting. I just came to watch."
Ronova wandered lazily across the space, looking up at the massive blue guillotine-like blade.
"Five hundred years of accumulated power… yes, it can indeed shake the Hydro Archon's divine seat.
Focalors, Water Demon God—surely you didn't think your plan was flawless?"
She walked up to Focalors and patted her shoulder three times.
Focalors forced a smile, face pale.
She never expected this kind of being to appear out of nowhere.
If Ronova wanted to, she could destroy all of Fontaine effortlessly.
"We know. We simply didn't intervene because it doesn't affect us."
"The Cryo Archon's subordinates… the Fatui, right? With such pitiful authority, and yet they dared stare at the Heavenly Principles directly…"
Ronova glanced at Arlecchino with mocking amusement.
"…"
Arlecchino clenched her fists.
She knew she was no match for Ronova. Silence was the safest option.
"The kingdom before Khaenri'ah—the Crimson Moon Dynasty.
Things from outside the world seeped into it.
You are its descendant.
Unfortunately, the Crimson Moon's blood-flame will eventually burn away everything you are."
Ronova saw through Arlecchino's lineage instantly—but paid it little mind. That dynasty had perished long ago.
"It doesn't matter. When that day comes, it'll just mean fate has revealed its hand to me."
Arlecchino's expression didn't change. She had prepared for her end long ago.
"There's nothing worth following in the Water Demon God. Why don't you come to Celestia instead?
I could ask Naberius to help you. The Ruler of Life is quite knowledgeable about matters of existence."
Ronova said playfully.
"No, thank you, Lady Ronova."
Arlecchino declined calmly.
Ronova turned her eyes next to Neuvillette.
"Little Water Dragon… your human form is rather pleasing."
"…Ruler of Death."
Though this was his first time seeing her, his inherited memories contained records of her.
"Seeking revenge, are you? I don't really care. Just don't repeat the past.
This era is no longer the age of the dragons." Ronova said flatly.
Nibelung had fallen.
Most first-generation Dragon Kings had perished.
Even if a second-generation Dragon King regained full authority, what could they possibly accomplish?
The Heavenly Principles may be dormant—but they were not dead.
"The hatred between dragonkind and Celestia is irreconcilable," Neuvillette declared.
Ronova shrugged her silky black-stockinged shoulders indifferently.
"Want one?"
Koji handed her a Three-Color Dango.
Ronova didn't refuse—she ate it happily.
Human food had its charms. She could try more later.
"This is for you all."
Koji handed the ancient dragon authority to Neuvillette.
He had no use for it.
Neuvillette stared speechlessly.
So this was his compensation for working for five hundred years?
"Neuvillette, I leave it to you."
Focalors pressed her palms together in plea.
She could tell Ronova wasn't interested in interfering with her plan—thankfully.
"Focalors… meeting you back then is something I truly regret."
Neuvillette sighed deeply, looking at her.
She had him thoroughly by the throat.
"Hehe… after all these years, did you enjoy your role, Neuvillette?"
Focalors asked shamelessly.
"You found me, and then worked me to death for five hundred years. How could I possibly say I enjoyed it?"
Neuvillette's face darkened.
"And your 'personality'—you dumped absolutely everything onto me."
Furina stared at the massive guillotine blade.
…yes, it really was intensely blue.
She definitely couldn't do such things.
And she was busy too.
Over the centuries, just investigating the prophecy had consumed much of her energy.
"Focalors… look into my eyes. Do you truly feel no guilt?"
Neuvillette pressed.
Her gaze drifted away.
Yes—she did feel guilty.
Neuvillette really had worked himself to the bone over the years.
"…Forget it. You sly Focalors."
He vanished from the space—off to resolve Fontaine's crisis.
"Is it the same in every nation?
All the gods slack off while relying on extremely competent subordinates?"
Lumine asked from the soul.
Mondstadt had Jean.
Liyue had Ningguang and Ganyu.
Inazuma had Ayato.
And the gods themselves?
Most barely worked at all.
"Finding Neuvillette was the smartest thing I ever did," Focalors declared proudly.
Without Neuvillette, Fontaine would have collapsed.
Furina wholeheartedly agreed.
A Fontaine without Neuvillette… would have been unlivable.
Pretending to be the Hydro Archon was already exhausting.
If she had also needed to govern Fontaine… she would have gone insane.
Neuvillette was wonderful.
If she were the emperor of Fontaine, she'd grant him a title like "Imperial Regent."
(End of Chapter)
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