As for Paimon's question, Neuvillette explained calmly:
"The Authority of the Ancient Dragon, to me, signifies absolute dominion over the Hydro element."
"Originally, the people of Fontaine were an incomplete form of humanity—created by Egeria using the waters of the Primordial Sea. They were closer to a kind of mimicry. As long as the Primordial Sea's energy remained within them, I could exercise the authority of an ancient dragon and, by emulating the planet's original process of nurturing life, grant them true blood."
"In simple terms—at the moment I passed judgment, the people of Fontaine became genuine humans. Naturally, they would no longer be dissolved by the waters of the Primordial Sea."
[Ningguang: A complete Hydro Dragon Sovereign can create life… What an overwhelming authority.]
[Paimon: Imitating the planet's original process of nurturing life—to create real life.]
[Neuvillette: Life itself has always been within the authority of water.]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: So that's why my Vision's primary ability is healing…]
[Barbara: Mine can heal others too.]
[Sigewinne: My abilities are also focused on healing.]
[Neuvillette: That likely relates to your wishes. Life is only one aspect of water's authority.]
[Paimon: I see, I see! Then, does that mean Geo Visions can summon rocks and reshape terrain?]
[Ningguang: How did you guess? I can indeed summon stone to attack—and even create constructs from it.]
[Paimon: I was just guessing randomly…]
In the video, Lumine and Paimon were stunned by Focalors' foresight.
"So she had calculated even this far ahead… This must have been the key—letting the prophecy appear to come true, while still saving everyone. From this moment onward, the people of Fontaine were truly born. In a sense, through this method, Focalors finally fulfilled the First Hydro Archon's wish—to turn Oceanids into humans."
Neuvillette nodded.
"Lumine, judging by your expression, do you still have other questions?"
"Please ask. I will answer truthfully."
Lumine asked, "We want to know about Furina. Is she… doing alright?"
Neuvillette spoke slowly:
"Furina has stepped down from the position of Hydro Archon and entrusted all nominal administrative matters to me. She left the Opera Epiclese."
"I faithfully conveyed Focalors' final words to her in full. After hearing them, Furina showed neither sorrow nor relief. She only said that she was tired—very tired—and needed rest."
"After that, she began packing her belongings, leaving the Opera Epiclese like any ordinary person moving house."
[Paimon: So at that point, Furina already knew the entire plan.]
[Ningguang: Yes. Though influenced by some unknown force, Furina learned of the plan earlier than expected—but for her, that was a good thing. Her perseverance was rewarded. It was not meaningless.]
[Keqing: 'She's tired and needs rest'… Reading that, my eyes inexplicably sting. She was truly exhausted—mentally exhausted. It's hard to imagine the pressure she endured.]
[Zhongli: The key issue is—does she have Mora? Retirement without Mora would be most troubling.]
[Furina: Speaking of retirement, I have a question. I'm both very young and very old… Should I retire? Or should I keep working?]
[Neuvillette: As Fontaine's future Chief Justice—and as your friend of five hundred years—I can say this: with my support, you will not lack Mora. As for whether to retire or work—that choice is yours.]
[Furina: That's wonderful! Then I'm retiring!]
[Ningguang: Just hearing about retirement already makes Furina happy.]
[Furina: Of course! Who wouldn't look forward to retirement?]
[Ganyu: Retirement… what is that?]
[Zhongli: It is setting aside one's duties and resting earnestly.]
In the video, Paimon asked the question everyone was thinking:
"Then… does Furina have somewhere to live now?"
Neuvillette answered with certainty:
"Please rest assured. I have already made arrangements. Her food, clothing, housing, and daily needs are all accounted for."
"In truth, I feel quietly happy for her. Although the wounds she accumulated mentally will take time to heal…"
"Without having to play the role of the Hydro Archon anymore, she can finally set everything down and live as an ordinary person."
Hearing this, Lumine relaxed. Paimon continued:
"Neuvillette, now that you've regained the full power of the Hydro Dragon—what are your plans?"
Neuvillette replied:
"After Focalors' departure, the Oratrice ceased functioning. This directly affects the judicial process."
"After careful consideration, I have decided to replace it within the court. From now on, I will personally pass judgment and announce the verdicts."
[Ningguang: Fontaine has lost its Hydro Archon—but gained a true Dragon Sovereign.]
[Nahida: Yes. The Dragon Sovereign will fully assume the responsibilities once held by the god.]
[Venti: From two judges… to one. In the past, Focalors accompanied him as the Oratrice.]
[Keqing: That's right. From now on, the Dragon Sovereign will stand alone.]
Paimon said, "Sounds like you're still thinking from the perspective of the Chief Justice."
Neuvillette nodded.
"As an elemental dragon, I still have many unfinished matters. Yet this power—this responsibility—was, in some sense, bestowed upon me."
"Therefore, before fulfilling any other duties, I must continue serving Fontaine as its Chief Justice. These roles will coexist within my life."
"And with the Hydro Archon gone, another issue arises—the Opera Epiclese no longer produces Indemnitium."
Paimon said, "That energy came from the people's faith in the Hydro Archon, right?"
"But all the machinery in the city is still running. Where is the energy coming from now?"
Neuvillette opened his palm. Two lights flashed.
"I can now fully control Pneuma and Ousia energies. They are more than sufficient as a replacement power source."
"That is why I cannot leave Fontaine."
Paimon exclaimed, "The authority of an ancient dragon is really convenient…"
[Venti: So Neuvillette can't leave Fontaine? I wanted to invite him to Mondstadt's Beer Festival… If he can't come, then I'll go visit him instead.]
[Zhongli: Indeed. I could also leave Liyue for a time—this season is well-suited for travel.]
[Nahida: I… I'd like to go out as well. (low spirits)]
Paimon continued, "Oh right—everyone says you gave the Gnosis to the Knave as a diplomatic gift."
Neuvillette nodded.
"Those two Harbingers made significant contributions during the disaster. Setting aside the voluntary aspects, the Fatui's overt objective in Fontaine was only the Gnosis."
"Now that the Oratrice has stopped, and even the Hydro Archon's divine throne no longer exists, the Gnosis has no use to me."
"It holds no meaning for Fontaine either."
"Handing it directly to the Fatui avoids unnecessary maneuvering—and prevents them from taking more extreme actions for its sake."
Paimon said, "That's… a really complex consideration. I thought you were just thanking the Knave—or apologizing to Tartaglia."
"But about the Gnosis—there's still something I want to ask. When I was chatting with Lyney, he said your attitude toward the Gnosis changed noticeably at some point. Is there a reason only you know?"