"Furina, you too are human, so you should understand exactly what that image is."
"Remember, the challenge before you is not how to grasp divinity, but how to resist your own humanity."
Furina gently shook her head: "Uh... I may not fully understand just yet, but I'll try my best."
"So... when will this role of playing the Hydro Archon finally come to an end?"
Focalors did not answer directly. Instead, she said: "It will be a very long time. However, until the day it ends, you will not age."
"And I promise you—everything will conclude in a grand, dramatic trial, and everyone will be saved."
Furina answered with excitement: "A trial? How exhilarating! I can't wait."
[Paimon: I'd heard that Furina never misses a single trial. Judging by that excited expression, there's no doubt it's absolutely true!]
[Focalors: Of course. As the human vessel of the God of Justice, the love of trials is an instinct carved into her very body.]
[Ningguang: Though I hold considerable authority in Liyue, I rarely participate in courtroom proceedings.]
[Yelan: Investigation is my duty, but I'm not particularly fond of trials either. As expected of the God of Justice.]
[Furina: Trials are magnificent dramas. Most Fontainians love them dearly. But I never imagined that the final, grand trial... would be one where I myself was the one on trial.]
[Nahida: Mm. It is a sad story. You should rest properly now—perhaps use the bathroom, nice and leisurely.]
[Venti: As expected of the God of Wisdom. Her train of thought is beyond my expectations.]
[Zhongli: Mm. I too find it rather unexpected.]
The screen in the broadcast room turned black. Several large characters appeared.
Act Two: The Inaugural Address
In the footage, Focalors walked step by step toward her throne, speaking to herself upon it.
"Although the Palais Mermonia has long since publicly announced my succession as Hydro Archon, this is the first time I've faced the audience so directly."
"An inaugural address... how should I conduct myself to seem like a god? To be honest, I still don't have a clear idea. For now, I'll just try to act as naturally as I can."
Furina lifted her head and officially began her inaugural address.
"Uh, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to welcome you all to tonight's performance at the Opera Epiclese. I trust you've already heard the news of my succession as Hydro Archon. Indeed, I am Furina de Fontaine, your new Hydro Archon."
"I have no prior experience in becoming the new god of a nation. I am deeply honored to guide you all."
"As the god Focalors—and also the God of Justice—I will do everything within my power to usher in an era of fairness and justice."
"Once again, I thank you all for coming. Ah? If you have any questions or suggestions in the future, you are most welcome to submit them to the Palais Mermonia. Fontaine's future requires the collective effort of us all."
[Keqing: It feels like when I was still in elementary school, giving my speech after being elected class president.]
[Ningguang: I started doing business at a very young age and never attended elementary school. But from the feeling of it, it really is quite similar. Modest. Humble.]
[Venti: An occasion like an inaugural speech—I simply couldn't handle it. If it were me, I'd probably just slip away.]
[Zhongli: Mm. Perhaps a more measured approach would be better. But one cannot demand too much of a human.]
Beneath the video, Furina's inner thoughts were displayed.
(That should be fine. I thought I'd end up stammering. Good thing I managed to express my thoughts smoothly in the end. Next...)
But things were not as simple as Furina had imagined.
Voices of doubt immediately arose: "This is the new Hydro Archon? Surely the Palais Mermonia isn't fooling us. As a god above humanity, I would have expected something more assertive."
A sarcastic audience member: "Did you hear that? At the end, she actually told us to submit suggestions to her."
A disappointed audience member: "Shouldn't a god be all-powerful? She's so humble. What difference is there between her and an ordinary person?"
A skeptical audience member: "I suspect there may be no new Hydro Archon at all. This is just a puppet propped up by the Palais Mermonia."
[Arataki Itto: These people are seriously so picky! Annoying!]
[Charlotte: I agree. Though from my years of experience as a journalist, people like this don't make up the majority. Even so, they are exceptionally irritating. I don't like them.]
[Ningguang: Playing the role of the Hydro Archon—there can't be too many voices of doubt on stage. I wonder if Furina has the ability to adjust in time.]
[Neuvillette: From what I know of her, this will hardly pose a challenge.]
Furina panicked.
Wait, what's going on? Everyone is doubting me? If this continues, it'll be disastrous. If I'm exposed, no one will be saved from the prophecy.
Furina quickly recovered.
Right—my mirror self said I just need to play the role of the god that people imagine.
Calm down, Furina. Think about what the people need. What exactly is the image of a god in their minds?
Strong. Commanding presence. The image that can dispel all doubt... That's the role I'm destined to play.
As her mindset shifted, Furina swiftly adjusted.
"Hahahaha..." Furina suddenly burst into laughter. "Very good, very good! My subjects—only people like you are worthy of my rule, Furina."
"I had been wondering... if the person who ascended this stage one day was a cowardly puppet, who still claimed to be the master of this opera house, would the people of Fontaine simply obey?"
"As it turns out—excellent. None of you are such dull creatures. You are all worthy of witnessing those magnificent trials alongside me in this opera house."
[Paimon: As expected, Furina's command of language is masterful. She even managed to turn that around.]
[Lumine: During the earlier trial in court, if our video-selves hadn't presented conclusive evidence, we'd never have been able to out-argue Furina.]
[Ningguang: Furina is a born actor and orator. Truly, a masterful performance.]
[Focalors: But of course! The actor I chose is naturally the finest actor in all the world.]
[Nahida: A very elegant answer.]
[Zhongli: Logically speaking, faced with such a predicament... I would not be able to manage it.]
"All right. That performance just now was a little welcome gift for everyone—an entrance I thought fitting for the atmosphere of the Opera House."
"Now, allow me to deliver my address anew!"
The audience suddenly understood: "So that was just an act! No wonder—I forgot for a moment that we're in the Opera House."
It also won the audience's approval: "The new god actually has this much personality. She gave me quite a shock. But it's still better than that cowardly image from before."
"Such an interesting and bold god—this is truly wonderful. I can feel a little more at ease about the future now."
Furina placed her hands on her hips and looked out at the people.
Wonderful. The public's opinion seems to have been turned around. I'll follow this feeling and start the inaugural address over again. This time, I can definitely do it!