"This audience is to better witness my power and authority. Of course, of course, this is exceedingly wise. Clever people always gather under the correct banner."
"Welcome to the Nation of Water. I, Focalors, acknowledge the value and significance of your journey. Now, let your cheers ring out!"
As Furina finished speaking, the crowd erupted into cheers.
Lumine frowned, her face contorted in a pout. Though she knew that major events always unfolded whenever she visited a new nation, having it declared so publicly still felt unsettling.
It forced her to connect the deaths of her friends with her own actions, stirring resentment in her heart.
Like Lumine, Paimon's expression darkened briefly, but the little companion quickly recovered. Turning to Lumine, Paimon remarked:
"The Hydro Archon is... uh, how do I put it? She's quite different from the Hydro Archon I imagined. And that opening speech... wouldn't you say she's trying a bit too hard?"
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Live Stream
[ Is this the Hydro Archon? She's certainly beautiful, but like Paimon said, she's completely different from what I imagined. ]
[ Don't you think she's being a bit too dramatic? ]
[ Maybe each God has their own unique personality? I never would have guessed Venti or Zhongli were Gods either... ]
[ As expected, the Traveler is a walking calamity. Oh well, who cares? We're the main character after all. ]
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Paimon: "Um, Lady Hydro Archon, how did you know we were coming?"
Furina: "Ah, I understand. You Travelers from afar naturally harbor some common misconceptions. But don't forget, even among gods, there are the ordinary and the extraordinary. It's perfectly normal for you to be astonished by my brilliance."
"Perhaps you should reflect: do you truly possess the virtue and etiquette required to communicate with a god? For me, obtaining your information is as simple as snapping my fingers—nothing could be easier."
Paimon covered her mouth, whispering to Lumine beside her, "Wow, she's so arrogant..."
"And she keeps emphasizing her divine status," Lumine added.
Standing behind Furina, Fidelle felt a twinge of helplessness. Lady Furina usually had her quirks, but she wouldn't normally act like this. Could it be because Lumine was the one standing before her?
Furina: "..."
"...Hmm? Why are you staring at me like that? Has the welcoming ceremony not gone far enough? Should I say something more?" Furina muttered to herself.
Fidelle: "Ahem, Lady Furina, I think that's quite enough."
Just as Furina was about to leave, the crowd below began whispering among themselves. Some speculated that Furina had come to challenge the Traveler to a duel. Furina nodded.
"Ah ha ha ha! Exactly! Patience, patience. My faithful followers always love to shout alongside the onlookers. Such a vibrant sound! And I shall indulge these disturbances."
"Consider it a reward. Just as you've imagined, I have indeed resolved to engage this Traveler from afar in an epic duel!"
Behind Furina, Fidelle grew puzzled. Hadn't Lady Furina said this trip was merely to welcome the Traveler?
A duel?
When was this decided?
"Th-they're suddenly going to fight? That's way too fast..." Paimon exclaimed. Lumine, however, immediately assumed a fighting stance. "...Then let's see what you've got!"
In the days before arriving in Fontaine, Lumine had spent all the million Primogems she'd received from Ningguang in the Desert. Primogems could restore her lost power, and her strength had dramatically increased in the past three days.
Lumine already had some experience dueling gods.
If the Hydro Archon wished to duel, she would accept the challenge!
As Lumine assumed her stance, she noticed Fidelle and the other bodyguard behind Furina glaring at her warily. The surrounding Fontainians turned their gazes toward them, and the guards adopted defensive postures.
In an instant, the two of them had become the center of universal hostility.
Furina took a step back, then, realizing her lapse in composure, quickly stepped forward again:
"...Hmm? Ahem! You... you don't feel any fear? This is a Judgment against a god."
Furina's voice betrayed a deeply hidden nervousness that only Fidelle, and perhaps a few others, could detect.
Furina: "To draw your sword without flinching before a god—I admire you. You are a true warrior. But alas... in this era, people crave ever greater thrills. A simple clash of martial prowess can no longer satisfy their hungry souls!"
"Therefore, let the God of Justice herself face these Travelers from afar in a Judgment at the courthouse!"
After delivering this pronouncement, Furina secretly exhaled in relief.
Finally, I've salvaged the situation! Hmph, truly worthy of my own genius!
Next, Furina cited Fontaine Law: for the first three days of each moon, no one may release airborne objects within Fontaine City. Clearly, Paimon was still considered an airborne object in Furina's eyes.
Lyney intervened with a clever bit of "Cute Magic" to help Paimon out of this predicament.
Afterward, Furina left the harbor, followed swiftly by the law enforcement officers, Fidelle, and Clorinde.
"Lady Furina, I met the Traveler and Paimon in Liyue," Fidelle called out. "Please wait a moment; I must greet them before we proceed."
"Oh? Go ahead. I'll wait for you here."
Fidelle immediately nodded to Clorinde and headed for the elevator.
Down below, Lumine and Paimon were still chatting with Lyney when Fidelle suddenly approached.
"Traveler, Paimon."
"Ah, it's Fidelle!"
Fidelle: "Lady Furina's temperament is always like this. She doesn't mean to target you personally."
Lumine: "We understand, Fidelle. I can tell she harbors no malice."
Paimon nudged Lumine's hand, prompting her to ask Fidelle:
"Fidelle, could you do us a favor?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"We're looking for a Fontainian woman, nineteen years old, with an Electro or Anemo Vision, well-regarded by others, and whose birthday is November 11th. This is extremely important to us!"
Fidelle nodded slightly. She had learned during her time in Liyue that the Traveler was searching for someone matching this description.
And not just the Traveler—the gods of Mondstadt, Liyue, and Sumeru were all searching for such a person.
"Fontaine has a large population, and there are many Vision holders. A thorough investigation will take considerable time. I'll report this to Lady Furina, but in return, I'll need to know why you're searching for this person."
"Mm-hmm."
Lumine simply agreed, declining to elaborate further in that moment.
Few people know about Pure Souls, and even if ordinary people did, the knowledge would be of no use to them.
Fidelle: "Traveler, come to Palais Mermonia to find me in three days. By then, we should have a result."
Lumine: "Thank you, Fidelle! You've been a great help to us!"
Fidelle: "You're welcome. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. Lady Furina is still waiting for me."
After Fidelle left, Lyney asked curiously, "I didn't realize you two knew Fidelle."
Paimon scratched her head. "We actually met at the Summit in Liyue. Fidelle's an amazing fighter!"