The soul hidden inside Furina's body could only be one person:
Focalors — the previous Hydro Archon.
But Idris couldn't help wondering how Nahida managed to contact her unnoticed.
As if answering that unspoken question, Nahida gently sent a voice transmission:
"Maybe it's because of my… unique abilities."
"I just sensed a faint call — Focalors' soul was reaching out to me."
"And she also said… if possible, she wants to speak with you as well."
Idris blinked.
"Ah, that explains it."
It made perfect sense.
In the original timeline, Arlecchino only scared Furina.
But Idris… had completely disrupted Focalors' carefully arranged salvation plan for Fontaine.
In the original story, Focalors sacrificed herself to grant Neuvillette full power, neutralize the primordial seawater, and stop the prophecy.
But Idris had now solved everything with a single pill.
Of course she would want to talk.
He nodded lightly. "Alright. Let's hear what she has to say."
Furina came forward and politely shook Idris' hand before leaving with the contract in hand.
Outside, she stood before the massive crowd gathered around the Debord Hotel and announced loudly:
"My beloved citizens—
From today onward, you no longer need to live in fear."
"Thanks to my efforts, I guarantee every Fontaine citizen will have a chance to obtain a Bloodline Elixir."
"Our prophecy of destruction—is no longer a threat!"
"This will take some time, so please be patient."
"And if you're too anxious to wait—don't worry.
After today's negotiations with Grand Sage Idris, Fontaine and Sumeru will establish closer trade routes."
"There will be no absurd prices. Idris has promised that the elixir will be sold at standard market value—affordable for every commoner!"
"Fontaine… is saved!"
She raised the freshly signed contract high above her head.
Paparazzi and journalists snapped photos one after another.
And among the cheering crowds, many were shouting—
Not Furina's name.
But Idris'.
That part stung.
Just a little.
After her announcement, the advisors she had brought dispersed, leaving only a few behind.
Furina turned toward Idris and Nahida, forcing a composed smile.
"Then… Please come to my office in Fontaine Court. My private room is there."
Idris and Nahida nodded and followed.
Neuvillette, meanwhile, hurried off to gather engineering teams and retrieve schematics for the firearms and rail-ship designs.
The sooner they built Sumeru's port, the sooner trade could begin.
Inside Furina's office, Idris sat down and began enjoying tea and desserts.
To her relief, he showed no signs of trying to intimidate her.
Instead, Nahida sat opposite her — small, gentle, radiating warmth.
But the real exchange was happening silently, through consciousness.
Nahida spoke into Idris' mind:
"We're far enough now.
Focalors wants me to create a private mental space for her."
"You'll create it?" Idris asked silently.
"Yes.
She's only a fragment of a soul now. She can't manifest in reality.
But with my power, I can build a dreamscape where her consciousness can appear."
"It must stay close to Furina's body — that's her vessel."
"I'll distract Furina with conversation.
You enter the dream and speak with Focalors."
Idris nodded.
"Hah. Having you as my secretary really is a blessing.
Warm my bed, manage my work…
Even if someone like Ganyu offered to trade roles with you, I wouldn't let you go."
Nahida's face flushed instantly.
"P–Pfft! Stop teasing me! I know you prefer Ganyu's figure anyway!"
"But whatever! I've already made the dreamspace.
Focalors is waiting, so hurry and fall asleep!"
On Furina's side, all she saw was Nahida randomly blushing.
She awkwardly assumed it must be because the room was warm.
Nahida began chatting cheerfully:
"You know, you and I aren't first-generation gods…
but I suppose we count as 'second-generation Archons,' don't we?"
Furina relaxed slightly.
"Well… technically I'm the third Hydro Archon, but yes."
Nahida smiled:
"We both inherited nations shaped by our predecessors.
We didn't see their founding eras, but our love for our homelands… is no less."
"Of course," Furina said softly.
If she didn't love Fontaine, she would never have borne a false identity for five hundred years.
And so, the two began chatting like old friends.
Meanwhile—
Idris leaned back, sipped his tea, closed his eyes…
And fell into the dream.
The dreamscape formed into a soft, luminous space.
Standing within it was a beautiful white-haired goddess, radiating a calm, gentle light distinctly different from Nahida's.
If Nahida's warmth was the compassion that soothed all beings…
Focalors' was water-like tenderness — serene, emotional, and endlessly deep.
She smiled when she saw Idris.
"Truthfully… today's meeting surprised me."
"I thought the first person to reach me would be Neuvillette. Not you."
Idris met her gaze calmly.
"Plans never keep up with change."
"In Sumeru, many wanted to overthrow me as soon as I took office.
Waving banners, shouting for my resignation, demanding the release of the Dendro Archon."
"But in the end, I overturned all their expectations."
Focalors nodded gently.
"I sensed everything happening outside, even as a fragmented soul.
Especially the things concerning you."
"To be honest, I admire you."
"In fact, I even wondered…"
Her eyes softened with curiosity.
"Are you the reincarnation of one of Sumeru's gods?"
"Your temperament… It resembles him far too much.
That proud, imperious air—identical, truly."
A beat.
"But now I see…
you're only human."
"That makes your accomplishments even more impressive."
Idris: "?"
The only male god of Sumeru's past was…
King Deshret.
Rukkadevata had also said Idris reminded her of him.
Another coincidence?
Idris gave a small hum.
"Well. In any case, I'll accept the compliment."
"Now then—
Even in your state, you went through all this trouble to speak with me."
"What is it that you want?"
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