The Next Morning
At dawn, Natalia and her group had already gathered at the Vasari Colonnade.
They were currently standing in front of the massive circular fountain, directing a team of Suru scholars to set up a broadcasting device.
Through its connection to the Void Network, this device would remotely project Furina's image from the Palais rmonia to the Colonnade, enabling her actions to be broadcast live in real-ti.
Several days ago, Furina had announced that a new type of performance and speech event would be held today to introduce a cutting-edge communication device to the citizens of Fontaine.
Thus, it ca as no surprise that when the citizens saw the massive broadcasting device set up near the fountain early in the morning, many curious onlookers stopped to wait for their Hydro Archon's speech.
"Hey, Natalia, do you think we're here to help Fontaine with its infrastructure developnt?"
Beneath the broadcasting device, Natalia's team gathered around, watching the Suru scholars work. Their expressions were a mix of confusion and disbelief.
They were, after all, mbers of the Fatui—accustod to either wreaking havoc or lining their pockets when venturing into foreign nations. Yet now, they found themselves helping Suru scholars promote their technology in Fontaine. If word of this reached headquarters, they'd likely be accused of treason.
"The Lord ordered us to promote this device here," Natalia said in her usual calm tone, pointing at the item on her ear. "So we've collaborated with the Hydro Archon to help spread the word."
"But isn't this a Suru invention?" Sergei asked, still baffled. "Why are we, citizens of Snezhnaya, constantly helping the Suru scholars?"
"Ha?"
Theresa, who rarely showed emotion, now wore a distinct expression of disbelief, as if Sergei had said sothing utterly idiotic.
"Don't you know about the Lord's relationship with... that Little Lord Kusanali?"
"Huh?"
Scratching his head, Sergei muttered to himself, still puzzled.
"But that Little Dendro Archon looks so young... The Lord wouldn't... no way he would... I an, it wouldn't even—"
Before he could finish his thought, Luo Qing's voice suddenly resonated in his mind.
"Sergei, after the Hydro Archon's speech, while the crowd is still gathered, strip off your clothes and perform a half-hour naked dance for ."
"L-Lord?! You heard that?!"
Sergei froze as if struck by lightning.
"Of course," ca the dry reply before Luo Qing's voice disappeared, leaving behind only the smirking faces of his companions.
Clearly, the others had also heard Luo Qing's command.
"You idiot," Natalia sighed, shaking her head. "Not knowing why the Lord is promoting this device is one thing, but have you really forgotten the Lord's abilities after just a few months away from Suru?"
She gestured at the device on her ear. "As long as soone wears this, the Lord can hear everything they say—or even think. He can also directly control their actions if needed. Did you really think soone like him would do charity work?"
---
Palais rmonia – Furina's Office
Though Furina rarely busied herself with formal work—preferring instead to seek entertainnt through trials and spectacles—she still required an office befitting Fontaine's Archon and ruler.
Not only did she have one, but it was decorated to the highest standards in Fontaine, as anything less would fail to reflect her grandeur.
At this mont, Furina sat at her grand desk, facing a recording device resembling a Kara. She forced herself to maintain an air of nobility, elegance, and a touch of aloofness. Despite her efforts, she looked more like soone owed five million Mora than a dignified ruler.
"You know, for your first livestream, maybe ditch the face that screams 'soone owes money,'" Luo Qing remarked casually, standing beside the recording device. He paid no heed to Furina's status as the Hydro Archon.
"You don't understand!" Furina retorted, turning to glare at him. "As a god, I must maintain an air of cold authority. This image will leave a lasting impression on the citizens of Fontaine!"
Free from the public eye, Furina's sharp tongue and quick wit ca out in full force whenever she bantered with Luo Qing. Here, there was no need to uphold her public persona—even hurling insults felt liberating.
"Still, no need to look so sour. You're adorable enough as it is. Can't you just flash a sweet smile?"
"Sweet? That's not in my vocabulary."
Furina crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "Focus on your precious device. I'll handle the livestream. Trust —nobody understands Fontaine better than I do!"
"..." Luo Qing fell silent, glancing at his watch before shifting his consciousness back to the Void Network to check in with Natalia.
"Is the setup ready?"
"It's ready, my Lord," Natalia replied with a subtle nod toward the air around her. Though accustod to Luo Qing entering her mind, the sensation still left her sowhat uneasy.
"Good," Luo Qing said, using Natalia's eyes to scan the gathered crowd. Citizens of Fontaine had surrounded the fountain in thick layers, with several journalists stationed in front of the broadcasting device.
"Inform them to activate the device. It's ti to begin."
"Yes, my Lord."
Natalia relayed his instructions to the Suru scholars before Luo Qing returned his focus to Furina.
Back in the office, Furina sat stiffly at her desk, her small hands folded on her lap. Her unease was palpable.
"Are you nervous?"
"Nervous? Ha! Never!" Furina scoffed, though her voice quivered slightly. "I'm the Archon of Fontaine. Such trivial matters don't faze !"
"Your voice is shaking."
"..."
[Frustration Value 1 from Furina]
"I'm not nervous! I feel perfectly fine!"
"Fine, fine, you're not nervous." Luo Qing raised his hands in mock surrender. "Now then, my dear Hydro Archon, rember the speech you rehearsed all night. Look at my finger. On the count of three, the livestream will begin."
"Three..."
"Two..."
"One..."
"Start!"
With a flick of his consciousness, Luo Qing activated the broadcasting device in the Vasari Colonnade.
A soft blue glow erged, forming a lifelike projection of Furina in the air.
"Is it really the Hydro Archon?"
"She always cos up with new ideas!"
"Never expected her to appear like this!"
The citizens buzzed with excitent, their spirits high as they anticipated another of Furina's antics.
Then, the projection of Furina suddenly stood, raised her arms, and shouted:
"Rich or poor, with a cup of wine or nothing at all—my children! Raise your hands together! Cheer for ! Applaud... for !"
"..."
---
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