Rain began to fall over Fontaine.
"Huh? It's raining?" Furina extended her hand, letting the droplets gather in her palm. "Looks like the Hydro Dragon is sad again…"
She tilted her head, thoughtful. "I remember in the story, Neuvillette wept when Focalors died. Don't tell me… he's upset because of what I said earlier?" Even she hadn't expected her words to affect him so deeply. It didn't match the image she had of the mighty Hydro Dragon who would one day judge the Seven.
"…What an overly emotional fool of a dragon.." she sighed.
Her thoughts drifted. "Let's see… of the original Seven Sovereign Dragons, only Apep, the Dendro Dragon, is still around. I'm not sure if Dvalin counts as the second Anemo Dragon King. Azdaha and Neuvillette are definitely second-generation. That just leaves the Pyro, Electro, and Cryo dragons… I've heard Natlan is a land of humans and dragons, so the Pyro Dragon might still be there. But the other two? No clue."
She gathered the rainwater in her hand again but she quickly scattered the water and pressed her hands to her face. "Get a grip, Furina!"
Over the next few days, Furina buried herself in research and preparations for her journey to Liyue.
Suddenly, she slammed her hands on the desk. "Wait! I need to bring more Mora! That guy Zhongli never carries any! I'm not about to end up washing dishes like him!"
She paused. "Though… Childe should be in Liyue now, right? Maybe he'll cover me. Still, better safe than sorry."
She groaned. "Ugh… if I offer my Gnosis, would the Tsaritsa lend me the others she's collected? So annoying!"
Just then, she spotted Melusine Kiara passing by the door.
"Kiara! Kiara!"
The little Melusine bounced over. "Yes, Lady Furina? Do you need something?"
"Could you go find Clorinde for me? I need to speak with her."
"Right away!" Kiara chirped and skipped off.
Knock knock.
"Lady Furina? May I come in?"
"Come in, Clorinde."
Clorinde entered and bowed slightly. "You called for me?"
"It's nothing major. I'm heading to Liyue—probably tomorrow. I need you to keep it quiet. I'm traveling incognito. If word gets out that the Hydro Archon is visiting, they'll think I'm going to challenge Morax to a duel."
Clorinde raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong in Fontaine?"
Furina didn't hide it. "You've heard of the prophecy, haven't you? I have a feeling it's coming soon. Morax is the oldest of the Seven. Even if he can't stop it, he might have insight."
Clorinde nodded. "Understood. I'll handle it."
After Clorinde left, Furina stood before her wardrobe, overwhelmed.
"So many beautiful outfits! How am I supposed to choose?!"
After a long internal struggle, she settled on the plainest one she owned.
Next: finances.
She rummaged through drawers, boxes, and bags… until she finally gathered her funds.
"Forty thousand Mora?! That's it?! That might be fine in Mondstadt, but in Liyue? I'll be broke in a day!"
Moments later, she was in Neuvillette's office, massaging his shoulders with a suspiciously sweet smile.
Neuvillette sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, Lady Furina. What is it this time?"
Furina grinned. "Well, Neuv… I'm heading to Liyue tomorrow, but I'm a little short on Mora. Could you… help me out?"
"How much are we talking? Will 100,000 do?"
"Hmm… probably not enough."
"…200,000?"