To the citizens of Fontaine,
Perhaps Furina's performance at this mont seed awe-inspiring, showcasing the unique personality of Fontaine's deity.
But in Luo Qing's eyes,
This woman looked more like a nervous, overdramatic teenager performing on stage.
Not only were her legs trembling fiercely, but even her voice quivered. There wasn't the slightest hint of divine dignity in her deanor.
She'd probably cry for ages if soone landed a punch on her.
"That... is the Hydro Archon?"
Paimon exclaid, scanning Furina from head to toe before whispering, "She seems... really nervous..."
"Ahem... Ahem, well, as you can see, the foreign traveler has arrived in my nation. Co, let us offer them our blessings—cheers to the traveler and her companions who have journeyed from afar!"
Having said that, Furina launched into an elaborate speech, showcasing her distinctive oratory skills.
anwhile, leaning casually on the stands, Luo Qing was internally exasperated.
It felt like watching his own child embarrass herself in public.
Sigh, this is unbearable to watch.
Luo Qing shook his head. He'd long known Furina was eccentric, so this display didn't surprise him.
His attention shifted instead to Lumine below. He wondered how she was processing all this.
Before long, a shout erupted from the crowd below, which had been watching the spectacle like an audience at a play.
"Lady Furina! Since you've graced us with your presence, surely it's to engage this golden-haired traveler in an epic duel!"
"..."
Luo Qing found himself at a loss for words.
Of course, Furina understands her citizens better than anyone.
Soone actually had the nerve to incite such drama in public?
"Ah... Ahem! Indeed, as you suspect, I have decided to challenge this foreign traveler to a legendary duel!"
Furina pointed dramatically at Lumine below, her aura imposing.
Though, if only her legs would stop trembling, it might actually seem convincing.
Provoked by Furina's declaration, Lumine instinctively drew her sword, thinking a fight was imminent.
"Ah..."
Furina suddenly felt a pang of fear but forced herself to remain composed, calmly stating,
"My apologies, traveler. I understand your eagerness for a duel, but here in Fontaine, we have far more thrilling ways to settle conflicts.
"According to Fontaine's laws, no flying objects are permitted during the first three days of the month. You've already violated this regulation, and thus, I must summon you to court! There, we shall engage in a most exciting trial!"
"This..."
Lumine was montarily at a loss for words.
Just as she was about to respond, she glanced upward and caught sight of Luo Qing, casually observing the scene from above.
"Paimon, look..."
Without a mont's hesitation, Lumine pointed at Luo Qing, astonished.
"It's that guy Luo Qing again!"
"..."
[ 1 Frustration Value from Furina]
Hey!
This was supposed to be the grand Hydro Archon Focalors addressing them!
What was the aning of blatantly ignoring her?!
"Ahem... Ahem, since you're outsiders, I'll overlook your rudeness for now. But as punishnt for breaking Fontaine's laws, you..."
Furina was about to continue her theatrics when she noticed the traveler duo completely ignoring her. They were now huddled together, whispering about Luo Qing above.
"Why is Luo Qing here...?"
"Didn't he say he was going to Mondstadt for a honeymoon with Makoto and Buer?"
"No idea. Maybe their honeymoon's over?"
The two discussed in private, paying no mind to Furina, who was still standing proudly with her hands on her hips.
"You two!"
Furina felt a wave of humiliation. When had the Hydro Archon ever been treated with such disregard?!
"Apologies, Lady Furina," Lumine said politely. "We just ran into a friend..."
"A friend?"
Furina snorted, fully aware that they were talking about Luo Qing.
An idea sprouted in her mind. Perhaps she could use Luo Qing to boost her own prestige. Adopting a high-and-mighty tone, she declared,
"The friend you speak of, that man nad Luo Qing? At this mont, he is my personal bodyguard. Once your trial is complete, I'll allow you to et him!"
"Bodyguard?!"
Lumine and Paimon were both stunned.
Since when had Luo Qing ended up at the side of the Hydro Archon?
Could it be...
Lumine's mind suddenly conjured the image of Makoto and Buer acting like devoted housewives back at Luo Qing's ho.
...Terrifying.
Her pupils dilated as she looked back up at Luo Qing, who smiled faintly and waved before turning to leave.
He wasn't trying to act aloof—
It was just that Furina's performance below was so awkward it was unbearable.
If he kept watching, his toes might curl so hard they'd puncture the harbor floor.
So, after a brief acknowledgnt, he wandered off to another area to admire the desert scenery while Furina wrapped up her theatrics.
After so ti, the commotion in the lower levels of the harbor began to quiet down.
Under the escort of two squads of guards, Furina made her way back to the upper levels of the harbor, her steps noticeably more hurried than before.
"Done?" Luo Qing asked.
"Yes, let's leave quickly," Furina replied, her tone anxious.
"Leaving already? Not taking the traveler back to Fontaine Court by rail?"
"Are you kidding ?!"
Furina snapped, visibly flustered. "She genuinely wanted to fight just now! If I hadn't been so clever, she might've succeeded!"
"So what if she did?"
Luo Qing was nonchalant. "I'm here, aren't I? Relax, I've got your back. She wouldn't hurt you."
"Hmph! You're one to talk! Where were you earlier?"
Furina's earlier annoyance flared up. She'd been cornered by the eager citizens of Fontaine and looked to Luo Qing for help—only to find he'd disappeared.
If not for Lynette offering her a graceful exit, she might've actually had to drag the traveler to the Opera Epiclese!
All she wanted was to show off a little, not actually fight!
"Alright, alright. Didn't everything turn out fine? That ans it all worked out perfectly."
"Hmph! Let's just go!"
Realizing she couldn't out-argue Luo Qing, Furina huffed and dragged him toward the railcar. She was desperate to leave before the traveler below caught up.
After all, this was soone who had clashed head-on with the gods of Inazuma.
The last thing she wanted was to actually get into a fight.
As the two boarded the railcar,
Lumine and Paimon, having bid farewell to Lyney and Lynette in the elevator, finally arrived at the upper levels of the harbor.
Looking up, they saw Luo Qing waving from the railcar, mouthing the words:
"See you in Fontaine Court~"
---
"Gar~de! Voir voir."
- Gardevoir
(End of Bonus Chapter—If you like my work, consider supporting at /WiseTL]!)
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