Palais Mermonia.
As Focalors slowly explained the entire sequence of events, Clorinde's face filled with shock, while Neuvillette's expression showed little change.
"That's roughly how things stand, Neuvillette. Whether you're willing to help or not, this authority is being returned to you."
Focalors took out the Hydro authority that Nolan had handed back to her and held it out in front of Neuvillette.
Now that it had already been separated, she had never intended to keep it any longer.
Regardless of whether Neuvillette chose to help, the fact remained that he had served as Fontaine's Chief Justice for several hundred years.
Returning this authority to him could be considered payment for his service as Chief Justice—there was nothing wrong with that.
At the same time, after Focalors finished explaining everything in detail, and it became clear that Nolan had paid a price to seek out help in order to separate the authority for her—
Since otherwise, the only way would have been to sacrifice herself using the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale—
Both Furina and Clorinde developed a great deal of goodwill toward him.
[Furina Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 680 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.8 (300/800)]
[Clorinde Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 620 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.7 (300/700)]
"How cunning… You knew full well that I wouldn't be able to refuse."
After a moment of silence, Neuvillette spoke with a hint of helplessness.
Since his birth, he had come to Fontaine and served as its Chief Justice for centuries, long since regarding Fontaine as his home.
So long as the prophecy crisis could be resolved, he would not hesitate even if it required paying a price—let alone reclaiming this authority and becoming a "complete dragon."
What Focalors described was, in truth, not all that difficult for him to accomplish.
"Thank you, Neuvillette," Focalors said with a smile.
Seeing Neuvillette agree, Nolan also let out a small sigh of relief. After thinking for a moment, he said,
"Neuvillette, you should merge with this authority right away. That way, you'll adapt to it more quickly."
"This is an innate authority of the Sovereign Dragon. There's no need to adapt—it can begin at any time."
Neuvillette shook his head as he looked at the Sovereign Dragon Authority before him.
If things were resolved so cleanly and decisively, then who would know what role he played in all this? How would everyone develop goodwill toward him?
It seemed they still needed to follow the original plan and gather everyone to witness it together…
Nolan fell into thought.
Half a second later, he spoke up:
"As you all know, there are still many people in Fontaine who care deeply about the 'prophecy crisis' and have been working toward its resolution.
"For example, that Fatui Harbinger who hails from Fontaine—she previously invited me to cooperate with her in investigating the 'prophecy crisis.'
"At the same time, she harbors some dissatisfaction toward Lady Furina, believing that she has done nothing when it comes to handling the 'prophecy crisis.'
"And it might not just be her. There may be others who are secretly striving to resolve the crisis and share the same view.
"After all, Lady Furina's usual public image… really doesn't look like someone actively dealing with an impending catastrophe."
Seeing Furina puff out her cheeks, clearly about to refute him, Nolan quickly continued:
"But those who don't know the truth could never understand that, in order to face the 'prophecy crisis,' Lady Furina endured a full five hundred years of loneliness through sheer strength of will!
"And while most Fontaine citizens believe the 'prophecy crisis' is merely a rumor that won't truly happen, there are still some who think it's real—and worry about it.
"For that reason, I think it's necessary to clear up the misunderstandings held by that minority toward Lady Furina, and at the same time let the rest of Fontaine's people know that the crisis was real—it's just that it was resolved through everyone's efforts.
"In that way, those who firmly believed in the prophecy crisis won't have to live in fear over this rumor any longer.
"What do you think of this suggestion?"
Focalors considered it for a moment and realized that what Nolan said did make sense. Just then, Furina seemed to recall something and hurriedly added:
"Yes! That terrifying woman—she even suddenly popped out and scared me half to death while I was playing with a cat not long ago!"
"Hm?" Clorinde raised an eyebrow. "Lady Furina, you should have told me about this earlier."
If anything had happened to Furina, wouldn't that have been her dereliction of duty?!
Previously, she wouldn't have thought so. After all, as the Hydro Archon, having a bodyguard was mostly for appearances—whether she was present or not, no one would dare provoke a god.
But now that she knew Furina wasn't the true Hydro Archon, just a girl with a bit of combat ability, the fear came belatedly.
One careless moment, and Fontaine's Hydro Archon might very well "pass away" like Liyue's Geo Archon—and she would become Fontaine's sinner!
"Th-this…"
Furina stammered, not wanting to admit that she had kept quiet out of fear—afraid that if she spoke up, that terrifying woman would come looking for her again.
Only now that Focalors had returned did she finally feel confident enough to mention it.
"…Mm. In that case, how do you intend to proceed?"
Neuvillette thought it over and saw no real issue, then turned to Nolan.
"Simple. Invite some people to come and witness the resolution of the crisis. More importantly, bring in reporters to conduct interviews. Reveal what should be revealed so the public understands the situation."
Nolan replied.
Naturally, the matter of Furina playing the Hydro Archon and Focalors' existence could not be disclosed. Even if it had been a necessary measure to save Fontaine,
Pretending to be a god and deceiving the populace was still far too outrageous. Even as a well-intentioned lie, making it public would inevitably erode the people's trust.
However, the fact that, after everyone's efforts, the "prophecy crisis" had finally been resolved—that needed to be properly publicized.
That way, no one would think the Hydro Archon had done nothing.
"Very well, let's do it that way. But we can't delay dealing with the 'prophecy' crisis—we'll begin this afternoon."
Neuvillette felt that the longer they dragged it out, the more likely something unexpected might happen.
"Alright. I'll go find reporters and notify those who care about the 'prophecy crisis' to come and witness it."
Nolan said.
"We'll be counting on you."
No one objected. With Nolan's ability to move through space, he was the most suitable person for the task.
After discussing a bit more about where to reenact the blood incident for the people of Fontaine, Nolan set off.
Naturally, his first stop was Charlotte. As a journalist with interviews to conduct, it would be best to inform her early so she could prepare in advance.
However, when Nolan arrived at The Steambird newsroom, he didn't see Charlotte—she was likely out gathering news.
Releasing his spiritual perception slightly, he soon found her nearby.
Nolan blinked over and gave her a brief explanation of the situation.
Charlotte was someone who chased after major scoops. Upon learning that this was a report related to the "prophecy crisis," there was no way she wouldn't be interested.
On top of that, Nolan had come to invite her personally, which further raised her goodwill toward him:
[Charlotte Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 620 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.7 (680/700)]
Seeing the affection notification pop up again, Nolan felt a surge of delight. He asked Charlotte whether there was anything she needed to prepare—he could accompany her back to the newsroom to pick it up.
"Most unexpected major news stories are encountered suddenly. Opportunities vanish in the blink of an eye—there's no time to prepare on the spot. A professional journalist is always fully prepared."
"So please take me there right now."
Charlotte grabbed Nolan's arm and shook it slightly, her excitement practically spilling over.
Without hesitation, Nolan immediately teleported Charlotte back to the Palais Mermonia, letting Focalors and the others discuss with her how the interview should be conducted and what content should be covered.
After that, he set off once more—this time to the Spina di Rosula to find Navia. During her investigation of the "serial disappearance of girls" together with Lumine, she had also learned the truth behind the "prophecy crisis."
Now that the crisis was about to be completely resolved, inviting her to come and witness it was perfectly appropriate—and it would also be a good chance to raise her affection.
When he found her, Navia was lecturing the new recruits recently taken in by the Spina di Rosula, explaining their rules and code of conduct.
Seeing Nolan appear, she clearly showed a hint of joy. She handed the lecturing task over to Melus, then walked over openly and asked what he needed—was it because he missed her?
Nolan cleared his throat lightly and explained that he was inviting her to witness the complete resolution of the "prophecy crisis."
As expected, Navia was very interested, and she also developed goodwill toward him for coming all this way to invite her personally:
[Navia Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 660 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.7 (160/700)]
Nolan then brought Navia, along with Melus and Silver as representatives of the Spina di Rosula, and teleported them together to the Palais Mermonia.
The next stop was the Fatui Harbinger known as "The Knave," Arlecchino. After all, he had already cooperated with her in dealing with the "prophecy crisis."
Naturally, she needed to be informed as well—while also conveniently boosting affection.
Nolan arrived at the Hotel Bouffes d'Azur and encountered Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet, the three siblings.
After explaining that he was there to see Arlecchino, he met her inside the estate without any trouble.
Once he briefly explained the reason again, Arlecchino was clearly surprised. It hadn't been long since the All-Devouring Narwhal was driven off—had they already found a way to completely resolve the "prophecy crisis"?
She didn't doubt it at all. Arlecchino believed that Nolan truly had that kind of capability.
Thus, she agreed to go to the Palais Mermonia, and her affection toward him rose once more:
[Arlecchino Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 630 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.6 (150/600)]
Meanwhile, the three siblings—Lyney and the others—also felt goodwill upon learning that Nolan had found a solution to the "prophecy crisis."
However, only Lynette, being a girl, triggered an affection notification:
[Lynette Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 620 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.6 (100/600)]
Bringing Arlecchino and the three siblings back to the Palais Mermonia, Nolan then went on to find Chevreuse of the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol.
She was also aware of the "prophecy crisis" and already held goodwill toward Nolan, so naturally he needed to notify her as well—and raise her affection a bit.
At the same time, he asked her to bring members of the Special Patrol over to help maintain order.
[Chevreuse Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 640 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.6 (500/600)]
The process was much the same as before. After finding Chevreuse and explaining the situation clearly, she agreed without hesitation and developed affection toward Nolan.
At this point, the affection of most of the girls in Fontaine who had close ties with him had been raised—but his task still wasn't finished.
The administrator of the Fortress of Meropide, Duke Wriothesley, also needed to be informed.
The Duke guarded the "Primordial Sea" at the Fortress of Meropide. Now that the "prophecy crisis" was about to be completely resolved, he naturally had to come and witness it as well.
In addition, Nolan contacted other people in Fontaine who were particularly concerned about the "prophecy crisis"—some officials, some merchants.
Finally, he also called over Lumine and Paimon, who were adventuring in Natlan. As adventurers, how could they miss witnessing such a grand event?
By the time he was mostly done, it was already noon.
At this moment, Neuvillette had long since fused with the missing "Sovereign Dragon Authority," becoming a "complete dragon"—the fully realized Hydro Dragon Sovereign!
Since nearly everyone had arrived, there was no need to wait until the afternoon to reenact the blood transformation for the people of Fontaine.
Thus, the group set out in a grand procession, walking out of the Palais Mermonia.
Yes—the location was the open square right in front of the Palais Mermonia. There was no need to look for anywhere special.
On that day, under the blazing midday sun, the people of Fontaine suddenly witnessed the weather change without warning. Dark clouds gathered in an instant, followed by a torrential downpour.
Such an abrupt change in weather was unprecedented. Most Fontaine citizens looked up at the sky in astonishment.
And then they saw a sight they would likely never witness again in their lifetime.
A sky-piercing pillar of azure-blue light shot straight into the sky from the Palais Mermonia, and Neuvillette rose into the sky along with it.
Looking down at the familiar land of Fontaine, he unconsciously revealed a smile. His raised left hand gathered immense elemental power.
The authority of the "Sovereign Dragon" activated, and a vast, sky-covering azure magic formation unfolded across the heavens.
Every single person in Fontaine could see it.
Just as the majority were confused—or even thought that the "prophecy crisis" was finally arriving—a calm, low murmur spread from the sky:
"I, Neuvillette, Chief Justice, hereby proclaim: I shall absolve all the sins of Fontaine's people."
The azure pillar of light merged into the dark clouds. The magic formation that covered the sky expanded once more before fading away, as the power of authority descended with every drop of rain.
Whether indoors or outdoors, people felt as though something within their bodies had changed.
Yet upon closer inspection, nothing seemed amiss.
This was no illusion. Their bodies had indeed changed—only, under the absolute control of water granted by the "Sovereign Dragon Authority," the change was extraordinarily subtle.
So subtle that ordinary people could not perceive it at all. Even those of considerable strength could not sense it.
Only beings at the level of gods who possessed authority over water could clearly detect it—such as Focalors.
Nolan could sense it as well, though he did so through his exceptional spiritual perception.
For instance, at this very moment, he could feel that within Navia beside him, her blood was undergoing a transformation.
Blood that once contained the power of the Primordial Sea was re-evolving, much like the planet's primordial act of giving rise to life—
Until it became nothing more than ordinary human blood.
(End of Chapter)
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