In the end, Ye, now in possession of his coveted autograph, was thoroughly satisfied. He then invited Yun Jin to sit and chat.
"Director Yun, would you be interested in performing in Fontaine? I can arrange for you to take the stage at the Opéra Épiclèse."
"Perform in Fontaine?"
Yun Jin's eyes lit up instantly.
If you asked whether she was interested—of course she was! As a performing artist, who wouldn't want their craft to reach a wider audience? The opportunity to perform abroad was rare enough as it was, let alone receiving a personal invitation from the Supreme Bishop of Fontaine.
To put it in perspective, it was like a Chinese opera singer being personally invited by the British Prime Minister to perform at the Royal Opera House. News like that would send shockwaves not just across the nation, but the entire world.
And refusing such an invitation? That would be nothing short of blasphemy!
"Would I... really be suitable?"
It wasn't that Yun Jin lacked confidence, but faced with the legendary Supreme Bishop of Fontaine, she couldn't help but feel a bit awestruck.
This whole situation felt like a dream.
Was the man before her really the Supreme Bishop of Fontaine? He was nothing like she'd imagined! Far too amiable and approachable. He didn't carry himself like a high-ranking religious leader at all—more like an easygoing older brother next door.
Were all the legends about him just… false?
"Director Yun, there's no doubt about your qualifications. I'm certain both the Hydro Archon of Fontaine and the Chief Justice would adore your performance."
"If that's the case, then Yun Jin humbly accepts your generous offer."
Yun Jin rose and bowed gracefully, expressing her gratitude for the Supreme Bishop's high regard.
"Wonderful! We'll welcome you with open arms in Fontaine." Furina, who had been listening in, chimed in with a bright smile. "I'll arrange for an escort to accompany you when the time comes."
"An escort?" Lumine glanced at Furina curiously.
Furina blinked. "What I meant was, Ye will arrange for someone to accompany Director Yun. As the Supreme Bishop, sending a few attendants to ensure her safe passage should be no trouble at all."
Lumine studied Furina with a knowing look, her mind already forming a theory—though she chose not to voice it aloud.
While she did have the goal of meeting each nation's Archon, if Furina truly was the Hydro Archon, she was clearly operating under a hidden identity.
Lumine only wanted to ask the Archons a few questions—she bore them no ill will. So, doing anything that might leave a bad impression was out of the question.
No need to rush.
For Lumine now, seeking out the Archons was no longer an urgent necessity—just a minor objective in her journey. Unless the Archon in question was that white-haired stranger, she saw no reason to hurry.
These things could be taken slowly.
"Lady Furina, Your Excellency the Supreme Bishop, please forgive my tardiness—official duties kept me occupied."
At that moment, Ningguang approached, accompanied by Ganyu.
Ganyu held a tray bearing an exquisite wine flask and several cups.
"This is my treasured Liuli Cui. Please, enjoy."
Ningguang lifted the flask, filling each cup to the brim before personally serving everyone at the table—with the exception of the seemingly underage Traveler.
Lumine shot Ningguang a resentful look, which Ningguang calmly ignored, opting to pour her a cup of tea instead.
Ye paid no mind to the minor drama, downing his wine in one go before offering his verdict.
"Not bad."
Ningguang smiled. "To receive praise from Your Excellency is an honor."
"That counts as praise?"
"Coming from Ye, it probably does."
"I think the way he complimented Director Yun earlier was more genuine, though."
Paimon and Lumine whispered among themselves, the former sulking over her lack of alcohol.
As for Furina, she merely touched the wine to her lips, pretending to sip—though in reality, she hadn't drunk a drop. Over the past five hundred years, to avoid any risk of drunken slip-ups, she had maintained a strict policy of total abstinence. Today was no exception.
Ningguang, of course, noticed this—but she was far too tactful to call attention to it.
Perhaps Lady Furina simply dislikes alcohol.
In Ningguang's eyes, the fact that the Hydro Archon had even feigned drinking out of courtesy was honor enough. She couldn't possibly take offense.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ningguang excused herself.
With that, the in-game storyline officially concluded.
"Even though I was one of the producers behind The Divine Damsel of Devastation, experiencing it like this is still utterly breathtaking."
Robin's cheeks were flushed with excitement as she sighed in admiration.
"Back when Kiana proposed promoting traditional opera culture, I never imagined The Divine Damsel would accomplish it so perfectly. Though it isn't actual opera, its cultural essence remains intact. I'm certain countless people will develop a deep fascination with Chinese opera because of it... Though, saying that feels a bit like self-praise, doesn't it?"
Robin suddenly caught herself and chuckled sheepishly.
[So beautiful! Can you smile again?]
[I want to hear Robin sing!]
[Sing The Divine Damsel!]
[Can Robin do opera vocals?]
[Do it! Do it! Do it!]
The chat had completely derailed.
But honestly? Robin was genuinely tempted. Having just listened to that performance, she couldn't help but want to sing along—a professional habit, perhaps.
So, clearing her throat, Robin launched right into it.
The chat fell silent.
Only after she finished did the comments explode anew.
[That was AMAZING!]
[Wait, you can actually sing like that?!]
[So good! So good!]
[Holy crap, Robin's opera vocals are insane!]
[Just as good as Eden's version!]
[Why didn't Robin voice Yun Jin?!]
"Thank you for the support, everyone."
Robin smiled warmly.
"Alright, that's all for today's stream. Tomorrow, let's experience the Lantern Rite together."
Without waiting for further reactions, Robin quickly ended the broadcast, exhaling softly in relief.
Even though she'd held concerts before, livestreaming was a different beast. She'd been nervous the entire time, her eyes glued to the chat to avoid missing any interactions.
Now that it was over, she could finally reflect properly.
"The way Furina behaves around the Supreme Bishop… Could it really be… affection?"
Why else would she be so jealous?