Hello I'm back, thy leg is healed but I don't have molars anymore.
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"You mean… you're saying you're willing to help me?"
"I know you might have some misunderstandings about me. It feels a bit strange to say this myself, but I really am a decent person."
"N-No, you don't have to put it that way. I know who you are. Ever since your very first play, Romeo and Juliet, was brought to Fontaine, I already knew. I also investigated you—Inazuma, Liyue, Sumeru… You and that blond Traveler have been helping people all over other nations, resolving so many crises. I even thought that once you arrived in Fontaine, I would definitely find a way to ask you for help in resisting the prophecy—until I received that story…"
"I wrote the story of 'The Kitsune Replacing the Shogun' for you. My original intention was only to make you believe me. Other than you and me, no one else knows the contents of that story."
"Other than trusting you…" Furina said hesitantly, "I really don't have any other choice, do I…?"
"You can choose not to believe me. I won't reveal any of the secrets you're protecting."
"Huh? You've told me all this… wasn't it because you wanted to borrow my power?"
Save Focalors, and spare her from sacrifice.
Save Furina, and spare her from the helpless fear and the pain brought by judgment.
Save the people of Fontaine, and spare them from death caused by an unguarded flood.
The first objective is already impossible to achieve. As for the latter two, having Furina's help would of course be best. Even if she refuses, they can still be accomplished—so long as she doesn't interfere…
Furina truly isn't foolish. She just likes to be clever at times. That, too, stems from the flamboyant path she chose when she first played the role of the Hydro Archon. As for how much of it is still acting now, and how much has seeped into her naturally… that's hard to say.
So, Victor Wang shook his head and replied, "I won't force you to do anything. It would be best if you're willing to help. If not, that's fine too—but I'll carry out my plans on my own afterward. I just hope you won't step in to stop me."
Won't force you to do anything…
Furina froze, feeling Hydro energy welling up again. She hurriedly tilted her head back and sniffed, asking hazily, "Wh-What… what do you mean…? I don't really understand. Holding a secret that determines the life and death of an entire nation—money, power, fame… what couldn't you obtain? Are you really willing to want nothing at all, just because of… me?"
Victor Wang was also taken aback. He answered honestly, "I never even thought about those things. If I really had to say it, it's not that I have no desires. I want my power to become stronger—but that's something you can't do either, right?"
"I… hehe. So that's how it is. That really is an unexpected answer… I'm sorry I can't help you with that… Why does it always feel like my reason for existing is being denied…"
"Well, not exactly…"
"It's fine… it's fine." Furina's expression gradually firmed up. "As long as it's to save Fontaine, I'm willing to do anything. So, there's no such thing as being forced along the way to that goal. I've decided to trust you—so please, make good use of my power."
Gazing into those heterochromatic eyes filled with resolve, Victor Wang nodded solemnly.
"There are three plans that need you to carry out right away.
First, push for shipbuilding across all of Fontaine. Use materials with excellent buoyancy to construct small vessels intended solely for escape. Every household must prepare one… Just follow the type of boats Charlotte and the others built before—they've already passed wind and wave tests.
Second, I have an alchemical potion that allows people to breathe underwater. It needs to be produced in large quantities. At a certain point in time, you'll also need to issue a regulation requiring every Fontaine citizen to carry at least three of these potions on them.
Third, as far as I know, Fontaine's great magician Lyney can create a kind of magic pocket with exceptional storage capacity that's also easy to carry. This needs to be promoted throughout Fontaine as well, to protect important property at critical moments."
"Boats, underwater breathing potions, and storage tools…" Furina thought carefully. "These do sound like effective ways to deal with ordinary floods. But what about the most crucial part—the dissolution?"
Victor Wang answered, "I've already seen the solution through the prophecy. But this method can't be told to anyone—just like the secret you're guarding. Once it's spoken, it might no longer work."
"Since I said I'd trust you… alright. I'll start pushing these three plans tomorrow. But with movements this big, everyone will definitely guess—"
"Let them guess. You can even announce it openly. Saying 'within two years' was just me leaving myself a way out. The prophecy will most likely occur this year. Before it arrives, the water level will rise. When that happens, there'll be no way to hide it anyway. What matters is soothing their emotions."
"So soon?!"
Victor Wang said seriously, "Furina… you're already a qualified Hydro Archon who has a way to deal with the prophecy. From now on, you don't need to live in fear of it anymore. And you shouldn't show this kind of shocked expression in front of others again."
Furina nodded blankly. "I-I understand…"
Victor Wang sighed softly and continued, "You must remember: as the Hydro Archon, knowing when the prophecy will occur is perfectly normal. You need to treat these plans as preparations you made long ago. Everything that might happen afterward should be within your expectations—not something told to you by an outsider like me. Only then will the people trust you unconditionally."
"Oh…"
"You need to appear confident enough. Until the prophecy comes to pass, you can't let panic spread. Make them believe that you'll resolve everything smoothly—this will be your final performance."
Furina weakly objected, "But shipbuilding and all that… Charlotte and the others already knew about it, right…?"
"That was a backup plan prepared under the assumption that I hadn't earned your trust. If you refused to help, we would've had to handle everything ourselves. Without your influence, efficiency would've been much lower, so preparations had to be made in advance. But now, as long as I tell them that all the intelligence I obtained was gathered under your instructions, we'll keep our story straight. Other than you and me, no one will know the truth."
"Oh…"
"Don't worry. Performing is what you're best at. This is just the most ordinary year out of the five hundred you've lived through. I'll clear away the obstacles for you and accompany you through this final performance."
"Mhm…"
"One more thing… crying is a basic skill for an actor. At your level, being able to cry on cue shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"W-What do you mean? A true Hydro Archon wouldn't just cry so easily! Don't think I've already given up on thinking!"
Furina really isn't stupid… really not… Victor Wang felt helpless. He took a deep breath and asked, "The final part of the prophecy—do you still remember it?"
"The Hydro Archon weeps alone upon the throne… weeps… so you want me to cry for you right now? That's so embarrassing…"
"This is an extremely critical step. If you can't cry whenever needed, then I'll have to do something later that makes you sad enough to cry. Cry voluntarily or cry passively—your choice."
"..."
"Who was it just now that said, 'As long as it's to save Fontaine, I'm willing to do anything'? Or am I remembering it wrong?"
Furina flushed red and retorted, "Stop talking! I'm getting into the mood!"
Victor Wang stared at her and said nothing more.
After only about two seconds, the face that had been full of embarrassment was suddenly overtaken by an inescapable, overwhelming sorrow. Clear tears spilled from those deep, soul-stirring blue eyes, cascading down her cheeks like a broken dam.
Too pitiful. It doesn't look like acting at all.
"That's enough… give me a smile."
"…Hey, this definitely has nothing to do with the prophecy anymore, does it?"
"Ahem. About the prophecy, about things you find hard to deal with… or even things you want to do in your everyday life but haven't been able to—no matter what it is, during the time we work together, you can tell me. I'll do everything I can to help you."
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