The scene shifted. Furina now stood before a bookshelf.
An unknown voice spoke: "Lady Furina, here is the latest hydrological report. The parameters you asked us to monitor remain... unfavorable, as before."
Furina turned around: "So it's as I expected. As a god, this is an outcome I foresaw long ago. I merely wished to see to what extent human intelligence could analyze the situation."
"All signs indicate that the prophecy will still come to pass. But never mind—this is not something you need to worry about for now."
[Ningguang: Secretly investigating the water levels, searching for a way to break the prophecy—Furina has been making all kinds of efforts all along.]
[Keqing: From this, we can also see that while Furina used the authority of a god to carry out her work, she was constantly vigilant not to expose her identity.]
[Zhongli: Indeed. Without the memories of a god, her task was merely to perform. Though she is only human, she has perfectly fulfilled the duties of a god. She has responsibility, love, wisdom, and resourcefulness. She lacks only the power of a god.]
[Venti: Without a doubt, when it comes to fulfilling the role of an Archon, Lady Furina is far more competent than I.]
[Diluc: That is certainly true.]
[Jean: Still, Mondstadt has always held unwavering faith in you.]
[Zhongli: The God of Freedom has always been free-spirited and unrestrained. I recall him once saying: "Is freedom still true freedom if it is commanded by the God of Freedom?" That is the truth Barbatos has been hiding, is it not?]
[Paimon: Why do I get the feeling that Venti simply can't be bothered with administrative affairs?]
[Venti: Hahahahaha...]
A voice spoke: "Uh, to my knowledge, the Fontaine Research Institute is also attempting to devise a method to counter the rising water levels..."
Furina asked eagerly: "Is that true? Have they come up with any leads?"
The voice: "At present, no viable solution has emerged."
Furina cleared her throat lightly: "Is that so? Well, it can't be helped. After all, this matter has already touched upon the domain of the gods. Still, their spirit is worthy of commendation."
The scene shifted again. Furina returned to her bed and sat down, relaxing.
(Another day finally over. A day playing the Hydro Archon—there wasn't even a moment to catch my breath.)
(But there's some comfort in knowing that things are gradually getting on track. I no longer hear any voices of doubt.)
(Perhaps this isn't so bad. If it continues like this, everyone will be saved.)
(No need to overthink. Tomorrow will be another day. I need to rest quickly.)
[Kamisato Ayaka: Performing like that must be truly exhausting. And that was just one day.]
[Ningguang: In the span of an entire day, only this brief moment belongs to Furina herself.]
[Navia: And even then, she can only reflect inwardly. Tomorrow after tomorrow, there is always another tomorrow.]
[Keqing: I am also very busy, but I take joy in my work, and I am always being myself. By comparison, Lady Furina has it far more exhausting.]
Act Four: The Opera House, Furina.
At the desk.
A voice spoke: "Lady Furina, here is the case report for the new trial and the follow-up results..."
Furina, somewhat impatient: "All right, all right. I've seen it, I've seen it. Don't repeat the plot I already witnessed at the scene."
The scene shifted. On the reception sofa.
A voice: "Lady Furina, to finally meet you like this... I've waited so long for this opportunity."
Furina: "Mm. My loyal subject, this moment of happiness is a glory that belongs to both you and me."
The scene shifted again to the bookshelf.
A voice spoke: "Lady Furina, we've detected significant hydrological anomalies near Poisson..."
Furina turned her head: "Mm. Continue monitoring. If there's any development from the Research Institute, be sure to inform me as well."
The scene returned to the bed. Furina began her daily summary.
(Phew. I didn't slip up anywhere today, did I? I must always show the people the most reassuring image.)
(Still, I wonder when these days will finally come to an end.)
(The mental exhaustion is heavy too. I'd better rest early today.)
[Ningguang: Compared to the pain one must endure every day, this inability to see the future is even more despairing. Day after day, year after year, never knowing when that day will finally arrive. Waking every morning with hope, and sinking into slumber every night with disappointment.]
[The Knave: I sincerely apologize for my previous actions. I should never have doubted you. I even considered testing you with force. I am deeply grateful that I did not make a move. Otherwise, with your ordinary human body, you would never have withstood my attack.]
[Tartaglia: Within the Fatui, ranks are determined by strength. The Knave, seated among the highest, is even more powerful than I am. Her strength is second only to the gods on the continent of Teyvat.]
[Furina: As the god of Fontaine, I forgive you, Knave. You too have been working tirelessly against Fontaine's prophecy. In these five hundred years, this is not the first time I have heard such accusations.]
[Zhongli: Mental exhaustion is a deeply tormenting thing. Furina's perseverance is truly admirable.]
Act Five: The Opera House.
Furina's silhouette flickered between the desk and the bookshelf.
Act 182,375 (Year 499.7), The Opera House, Furina.
A voice: "Lady Furina, to speak with you at such close distance... it feels like a dream."
"I heard that the first person in our family to have this honor of receiving an audience with you dates back to Lady Deotire, almost twenty generations ago?"
[Ningguang: Though the most important thing in business is rational judgment, I cannot stop my tears from flowing at this sight.]
[Xiangling: It has already been so long. When will the salvation that belongs to Furina finally arrive?]
[Yae Miko: And the most absurd thing of all is that the ultimate salvation... turned out to be a trial against Furina herself.]
[Furina: It's almost here. The Knave, Charlotte, Lyney—all those who appear in the video are in their younger forms. The final trial will take place within these few years. But my salvation... has already come. Before the trial.]
[Ningguang: I, too, was enveloped by an inexplicable sorrow and overlooked those details. The trial is approaching.]
In the video.
"Hahahahaha!" Furina's bright laughter rang out once again. "Splendid! What a fine family! To receive such a devout believer—or rather, the descendant of such a devout believer—is truly the greatest pleasure to me."
The voice: "Hehe, you flatter me, Lady Furina."
"Lady Furina... are you crying?"
[Yae Miko: It's heartbreaking. She was crying and didn't even realize it herself.]
[Ganyu: These five hundred years... have been far too heavy a burden for her.]
A tear was sliding down her cheek. Furina smiled and raised a hand to explain: "Ah, it's probably because the Hydro elemental power within me is simply too abundant. It can't be helped—after all, I am the god who presides over the Hydro element."
"I see, I see... so it's a manifestation of divine power! I am truly honored to witness this."
[Ningguang: Furina's ability to adapt on the spot is astonishing. My own Hydro element is overflowing as well.]
[Keqing: Even Furina's eyelids were trembling—tense and helpless. Smiling while crying... that is the saddest scene of all.]
[Ganyu: Her own pain... was taken by her subject as a divine miracle.]
Furina lifted her head, refusing to let the tears fall.
The voice: "I see, I see... so it was a manifestation of your divine power, my lady! I am truly honored to witness this."
Evening. Furina returned to her room.
Tears once again welled up in her eyes.