Hello I'm back, thy leg is healed but I don't have molars anymore.
===BREAK===
"Good morning." Victor Wang greeted the late-arriving Furina.
"Good morning." Clorinde greeted the late-arriving Furina as well.
"Good morning. Are you both ready?" Furina asked, hands on her hips.
Seeing both of them nod, she nodded in satisfaction too, then led them toward the reception hall of the Palais Mermonia.
In the corridor outside the reception hall, members of the Gardes were already waiting. When the doors were pushed open, a crowd of eager reporters stood inside, craning their necks in anticipation.
The moment Furina entered, a chorus of click-click sounds from Kamera shutters erupted. She said nothing at first. Only after taking her seat at the head position did she raise a hand to stop the reporters, who were already impatient to ask questions.
"The reason I've allowed you in today is not to answer your doubts, but to announce something."
"Ten days. Neuvillette had it easy—just one sentence saying everything was carried out under my instructions, and he shook off every reporter. Meanwhile, I've been trapped in the Palais Mermonia by all of you. Unable to step out during the day. Unable to sleep peacefully at night. A full ten days."
With a cold expression and unmistakable authority, Furina declared, "Bring in the offenders!"
A clattering clank-clank echoed as the Gardes escorted a group of people inside.
Then Clorinde—regarded by Fontaine's citizens as both formidable and distant—stepped forward to explain.
"These are the eleven offenders apprehended over the past days, across three separate incidents. They attempted, in various ways, to illegally access Lady Furina's chambers via the rooftop of the Palais Mermonia during the night. Their actions severely disrupted the Archon's rest. However, considering that their misconduct stemmed from excessive concern for the nation, Lady Furina has ultimately chosen to grant them full pardon."
As Clorinde finished speaking, the eleven reporters—who had already taken a trip through the Fortress of Meropide—were released on the spot by the Gardes. Several reporters in the hall clearly knew them. Both groups stared at each other in stunned disbelief.
"Return to your places," Furina urged.
When they truly rejoined the reporters' ranks without further consequence, she continued:
"But after today, I will absolutely not tolerate such behavior again!
I state this clearly: the measures currently being implemented in Fontaine are specifically to address the prophecy. There is no need for further discussion on this matter. I will resolve the prophecy. Follow my instructions.
As for other matters, there is nothing to disclose for now. When the time comes, you will know what you need to know. There is no need to be impatient!
Additionally, promulgate this decree—starting today, anyone who, without permission, chases after me to question matters regarding the prophecy will be sent directly to the Fortress of Meropide under the charge of 'Harassment of the Archon.'"
…
"It's finally quiet… But the reporters looked so deflated when they left. That atmosphere… won't cause any problems, will it?" After Clorinde also took her leave, Furina asked Victor Wang uneasily.
"If you're worried, you can proactively contact an influential newspaper and disclose some minor, non-critical information related to the prophecy to stabilize public sentiment. I'll organize that portion for you."
"Alright. Then let's invite Charlotte for an interview."
"Charlotte has already been dispatched abroad to cover the 'Summoners' King Grand Tournament.' Have Miss Euphrasie recommend another candidate."
Furina blinked in surprise. "You've been working at the Palais Mermonia these days—especially the past three days. You've even been standing guard on the rooftop at night. How do you know that?"
"We keep in touch occasionally."
"Oh… That explains nothing!"
Victor Wang continued, "Actually, there's no need to worry too much. Once the Summoners' King Grand Tournament concludes, our plan will move into its next phase."
"The Summoners' King Grand Tournament again…" Furina pressed her lips together thoughtfully. "Clorinde requested leave to participate in that competition. I didn't expect you to be so invested in it too."
"As a rising form of entertainment, Genius Invokation TCG is quite good."
Tapping her finger lightly against the table, Furina said, "I know a little about Genius Invokation TCG. How should I put it… The character cards released so far cover Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, and Sumeru. Even the Fatui and monsters are included. There are cards for the Dendro Archon and the Electro Archon. But not a single Fontaine character. Not even a Hydro Archon card…"
After voicing her dissatisfaction, Furina finally made up her mind. "But if the tournament is popular—and Fontaine has its own regional division—then I'll take this opportunity to make a rare public appearance and ease the tense atmosphere here."
Victor Wang promptly shattered her resolve. "Registration for the Summoners' King Grand Tournament closed yesterday."
She inhaled sharply. "I see… Then what if the champion earns the right to challenge me?"
Victor Wang countered, "Are you actually good at playing cards?"
"I at least understand the basic rules…"
"In that case, I think it's a great idea. Watching the Hydro Archon suffer a crushing defeat would be highly entertaining. It would definitely boost public morale."
"D-Don't say that! Clorinde seems quite good at it. I'll ask her to teach me…"
"If you're going to learn from someone, you might as well learn from me. I'm a Genius Invokation TCG expert."
"You?"
"In this regard, I never downplay myself," Victor Wang said calmly. "But in the current version of Genius Invokation TCG… burst comps, Permafreeze, summon decks, quick-swap, pierce damage, multi-element reactions, mono-element resonance… Powerful decks are flourishing everywhere. There's no single stable winning deck anymore. I can familiarize you with them all, but how well you perform will depend on you."
"What… what was that whole string of terms you just said?"
"If you're willing to cheat… On second thought, better abandon that idea. Participating in more trials or performances would achieve a similar effect."
"You gave up on me way too fast!"
"It can't be helped. The odds of a beginner defeating the champion of a tournament of that scale are extremely low."
Furina smiled mysteriously. "But I've come up with an idea…"
...
"In yesterday's semifinals, Lynette's brilliant comeback against Lyney, and Navia's clever victory over Clorinde, dazzled us beyond measure!
"And today's grand final will feature the highly anticipated duel between Lynette and Navia!
"Furthermore! At Lady Furina's special invitation, the organizers have chosen the main stage of the Opera Epiclese as the venue for the Fontaine regional finals!
"And furthermore! Lady Furina herself will serve as special commentator for this match!"
Seated in the Hydro Archon's exclusive position—located above the audience seats, visible only from the stage or the very front row—Furina greeted the audience, the players, and the host with her voice.
Standing close beside her was only Victor Wang. He quietly relayed professional commentary to her, which she then delivered aloud. It wasn't cheating, she avoided humiliation, and it generated immense publicity.
She really isn't foolish after all, Victor Wang thought.
…
"I concede."
The finals were best two out of three. In the third game, Lynette's voluntary surrender brought the tournament to its conclusion.
Glancing sideways at Lyney in the audience—who was applauding her—Lynette said, "I'm too familiar with Lyney, which is why I managed to defeat him in the semifinals. But in terms of raw strength, you two are on the same level. Losing to you was entirely foreseeable."
"You're already amazing!"
Navia beamed, offering her praise generously.
After speaking, she also looked down toward the audience. Before her gaze could reach its target, Clorinde had already lowered her eyes first…
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