"Furina, you're human too, so you should understand what that image is."
"Remember—your real difficulty is not discovering divinity. It is resisting human nature."
Furina shook her head lightly. "Um… I still don't fully understand, but I'll try."
"Then… when will my role as the Hydro Archon finally end?"
Focalors did not answer directly. Instead, she said, "A very long time from now. But until the final day, you will never grow old."
"And I promise you—everything will end in a grand, theater-like trial. On that day, everyone will be saved."
Furina brightened. "A trial? That sounds exciting—and I'm looking forward to it."
[Paimon: I heard Furina never missed a single trial. Judging by how excited she looks, that must be true!]
[Focalors: Of course. For a human body made to represent the God of Justice, loving trials is instinct.]
[Ningguang: I hold a great deal of authority in Liyue, but I rarely participate in trials myself.]
[Yelan: Investigation is my job. I don't like conducting trials, either. She truly is the God of Justice.]
[Furina: Trials are magnificent performances. Most of Fontaine loves them. I just… never expected that the final, grand trial would be my own.]
[Nahida: This is a sad story. Maybe you should rest for a moment. Perhaps… go to the restroom or something.]
[Venti: As expected of the God of Wisdom. Your thought process is truly unexpected.]
[Zhongli: Indeed. Quite surprising.]
The livestream display faded to black. Large text appeared on the screen:
Act Two – Inauguration Speech
On screen, Focalors walked slowly toward her throne, speaking to herself as she ascended the steps.
"Although the Court of Fontaine has already announced my succession as the new Hydro Archon, this is my first time addressing the public directly."
"As for the inauguration speech—how does one act like a god? Honestly, I have no idea. I suppose I should just behave naturally for now."
Furina looked up, preparing for her first speech as Fontaine's new Archon.
"Uh… ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's performance at the Opera Epiclese. I'm sure everyone has heard the announcement that I'll be succeeding as the new Hydro Archon. That's right—I am Furina de Fontaine, your new archon."
"I don't have experience being the god of a nation, but it is an honor to guide you all."
"As the Archon Focalors and the God of Justice, I will do my best to bring you an era of fairness and equality."
"Thank you again for coming. If you have any concerns or suggestions in the future, please submit them to the Court of Fontaine. The future of our nation depends on everyone's efforts."
[Keqing: This sounds like the speech I gave when I became class monitor back in elementary school.]
[Ningguang: I never attended elementary school due to starting business early, but the tone is indeed similar—modest and understated.]
[Venti: I can't handle inaugurations. I'd just sneak away.]
[Zhongli: A steadier demeanor would help, but one cannot demand too much from a human.]
Beneath the video, Furina's inner thoughts appeared:
That should be okay. I thought I might stutter, but thankfully I managed to get through it. Next…
But things were not as simple as she hoped.
Voices of doubt immediately rose:
"This is the new Hydro Archon? Is the Court of Fontaine trying to fool us?"
"As a god above mortals, shouldn't she be more imposing?"
"Did you hear that? She even said we could give her advice."
"Isn't a god supposed to be omnipotent? She's way too humble—just like a normal person."
"I bet there isn't a new Hydro Archon at all. She's just a puppet the court pushed out!"
[Arataki Itto: These people are so picky! Annoying!]
[Charlotte: I agree. In my years as editor-in-chief, this type of person is rare, but extremely irritating.]
[Ningguang: A performer playing a god cannot leave room for too many doubts. Let's see whether Furina adjusts.]
[Neuvillette: From what I know of her, this won't trouble her for long.]
Furina panicked.
Wait—why is everyone doubting me? If this continues, my identity will be exposed, and then no one will survive the prophecy…
But she quickly remembered.
Right… the me in the mirror said I only need to portray the god that the people imagine.
Calm down, Furina. Think—what kind of god do the people expect?
Strong. Commanding. Someone whose presence alone silences doubt. That's the role I must play.
With her mindset shifting, Furina quickly regained control.
"Hahahahaha…" Furina suddenly burst into grand laughter. "Excellent. My dear citizens, only such spirited reactions are worthy of being ruled by me, Furina."
"I was wondering—if a timid puppet ascended this stage one day and claimed to be master of this opera house, would the people of Fontaine really obey?"
"Now I see. You are not boring at all. You do deserve to stand with me in this opera house and witness the most magnificent trials!"
[Paimon: As expected—Furina's mastery of words is unmatched. She salvaged everything!]
[Lumine: In the courtroom, if we hadn't presented solid evidence, she would have talked circles around us.]
[Ningguang: A natural-born performer and orator. Truly exquisite.]
[Focalors: Naturally. The actor I chose is the finest in this world.]
[Nahida: A beautiful answer.]
[Zhongli: Under ordinary reasoning, I could not have escaped this predicament.]
"Very well. That earlier act was your welcoming performance—my intended entrance, fitting the atmosphere of the Opera Epiclese."
"Now then, let me deliver the speech properly."
The audience suddenly understood:
"So that was a performance? No wonder—I forgot this was the opera house."
"The new Archon is surprisingly bold. Much better than that timid version earlier."
"She's amusing and charismatic. Wonderful—Fontaine's future feels more secure now."
Furina placed her hands on her hips and faced the crowd.
Great—their opinion has turned around. I'll continue with this feeling. This time, I can definitely deliver the speech properly!