The next morning at 5:30 AM, at the Hydro Archon's Residence.
Furina had already climbed out of bed early.
As for why Furina was up so early—that was naturally because there was a trial scheduled at the Opera Epiclese this morning.
Furina never missed a single trial. She believed that every trial had the potential to be the "magnificent, theatrical, and beautiful trial that would end everything" that Focalors had spoken of.
Although she had Black Furina's company, wearing the mask was still perpetually uncomfortable.
She was afraid of missing the trial she had longed for day and night.
But, of course, Black Furina, who was sleeping soundly, was naturally woken up by Furina's movement.
She released her Hydro elemental power to sense the time.
"Damn it, it's only five-thirty. What's gotten into this little girl?"
"Yesterday, I practically had to drag her out of bed at eight, so why is she up by herself at 5:30 today?"
Black Furina's face was ashen. Being woken up at this hour naturally left her feeling annoyed.
The Hydro Archon, of course, had no restrictions on working hours. Theoretically, if there were no social engagements requiring her presence, Furina could sleep the entire day without issue.
However, a deity would never oversleep—at least, that was the public perception.
Therefore, Furina usually showed up at the Palais Mermonia in the morning before going to watch trials or performances.
Black Furina had initially intended to complain to Furina, but she thought over the situation carefully and instantly understood why Furina was up so early.
Once she understood, the anger drained from Black Furina's face.
"So, she's worried about missing *that* trial..." Her voice gradually lowered, and her tone became slightly shaky.
Black Furina felt guilty about her previous thoughts and words toward Furina, and she couldn't bring herself to scold her.
Black Furina was actually not looking forward to the arrival of the trial. She knew the scene depicted on the third slate of the prophecy—the enraged populace dragging the Hydro Archon to the Court of Justice—and she knew that this trial was the magnificent, theatrical, "beautiful" trial that would end everything.
Just thinking about this scene made her feel even more sympathy for Furina, who had been waiting for and anticipating that trial; a bitter, aching feeling rose in Black Furina's heart.
But she also knew that the prophecy was handed down by the Heavenly Principles and could not be changed.
She couldn't do anything... Could she really do nothing?
"No, I must do something." Black Furina clenched her fists, setting her mind on an unwavering resolution...
Morning, Opera Epiclese.
Neuvillette was busy pushing forward political system reforms, and this trial was a minor case, so it was handed over to a Prosecutor from the Court of Justice to preside over.
"Silence in the court! The trial officially begins!"
An ordinary prosecutor certainly lacked Neuvillette's imposing authority, but maintaining order was not an issue, and the entire venue immediately quieted down.
The case itself was just trivial, everyday matters, but the audience's discussion was heated.
At first, Furina watched the trial with relish, but since the arguments revolved around the same minor points, she quickly grew bored.
Although her eyes were still fixed on the scene in the Opera House, Black Furina keenly noticed that Furina's gaze was gradually becoming distant and unfocused.
She seized the opportunity to speak: "I'm telling you, you don't miss a single trial. How much free time do you have left, anyway?"
Hearing Black Furina's words, the somewhat dazed Furina immediately snapped back to attention.
Towards Black Furina—her only current friend, the only other person she could show her true self to—Furina would not hide anything.
"I... I just..." Furina's consciousness retreated into her inner space, her beautiful heterochromatic eyes drooping. "I don't want to miss the magnificent, theatrical, and beautiful trial that will end everything, the one 'the me in the mirror' spoke of... If you don't like watching these trials, I... I apologize..."
As she spoke, a hint of a sob entered Furina's voice.
Furina was just an ordinary young girl; she had simply been fitted with the halo known as the "Hydro Archon."
But could this identity as the "Hydro Archon" truly be called a "halo"?
Black Furina thought that instead of comparing the Hydro Archon's identity to a "halo," it was more accurate to call it a shackle.
Did she genuinely enjoy waking up so early? Did she truly like watching those boring trials? Was this exaggerated performance really her true self?
She was merely striving to meet the public's expectations of the "God of Justice" and the "Hydro Archon"; she just didn't want to miss the trial that would end everything; she simply... wanted to save the people of Fontaine.
She just wanted to live like an ordinary young girl...
"What an idiot..." Black Furina's majestic red eyes instantly softened. She took a step forward, allowing Furina to lean against her shoulder.
"Think about it, 'the you in the mirror' specifically brought Neuvillette, the Hydro Dragon Sovereign, over to serve as the Chief Justice. That magnificent trial must surely be presided over by Neuvillette. How can such an ordinary, minor case be called a magnificent trial?"
"Mmm... mmm... but..." Hearing Black Furina's reasoning, Furina's resolve wavered slightly.
Black Furina pressed her advantage: "If you're still worried, I can split off a thread of my consciousness to monitor the situation at the Opera House. I'll notify you immediately if anything seems amiss."
"Then... alright." Since Black Furina had offered, Furina had no choice but to agree.
"Good, that's better," Black Furina said, gently patting Furina's head. "Sometimes you don't need to put on such an intense performance. After that last incident, no one will doubt your identity anymore."
Black Furina wasn't very good at comforting others; everything she did was simply aimed at making Furina happier and more relaxed during her time playing the Hydro Archon.
Now, Furina suddenly had more free time. Although Neuvillette still presided over many trials, compared to before, she felt much less burdened.
Furina's consciousness returned to the outside world just as the Prosecutor announced the verdict. Before this, the audience had been busy discussing the case, and no one had noticed the motionless Furina.
Black Furina left a thread of her perception in the Opera House. Although she knew doing so was futile, she didn't want to lie to Furina, and she never would.
Furina returned to the Court of Fontaine. Seeing the Hydro Archon strolling through the streets, the citizens smiled and greeted the Hydro Archon, and Furina responded to them warmly.
In the afternoon, Furina was flipping through the latest newspaper in the Palais Mermonia.
"Shock! This Trial May Be the Biggest Case in Fontaine's History! Involving Bernard, Former Vice Captain of the Gardes, and Fifteen Other High-Ranking Officials."
"Court Officials Serve as Accusers for the First Time, Possibly a Trial Run for a New Fontaine Institution."
"The Opera *Carmen*, starring the XXX Troupe, will premiere tomorrow at the Opera Epiclese."
Seeing the opera performance, Furina grew excited. She pointed at the section in the newspaper and said, "My other self, how about we go see this tomorrow?"
"Hmph, childish nonsense. Go watch it if you want," Black Furina said dismissively, completely uninterested in the performance.
"Hey, don't be a downer. If I go, you have to go with me, right?" Furina's enthusiasm was slightly dampened by Black Furina's words, but her interest remained strong, so she called Ilen over to give instructions regarding the matter.
Time quickly moved to evening...