In Fontaine, Neuvillette took Otillia to visit all the iconic landmarks, sample all of Fontaine's delicacies, and even bought her every limited-edition cake available.
Beside Otillia, Apep also wanted to eat, but she was too embarrassed to compete with her daughter for sweets and instead chose to threaten the pastry chef.
However, though the pastry chef had no power to restrain a dragon, he was a stubborn man and insisted he wouldn't bake any more cakes today.
To prevent Otillia from crying over the lack of cake, Apep ultimately let the pastry chef go.
Finally, Otillia ran up to Apep with the last cake, saying softly, "I want to eat this with Mama." Her words instantly melted Apep's heart, who hugged Otillia and nuzzled against her delicate cheek.
This scene was, of course, captured by a Kamera. In fact, at that moment, six Kameras were filming Neuvillette and his group's movements from various angles.
To completely dispel the rumors' impact on Fontaine, Neuvillette had gone to great lengths, even dedicating an entire day to strolling around Fontaine with Otillia, just to let as many people as possible see with their own eyes that he wasn't a deadbeat dragon who had abandoned his wife and child!
Watching the heartwarming scene of Otillia and Apep sharing the cake, Neuvillette turned to Clorinde and asked.
"How are things progressing?"
"The related reports are already being prepared. Miss Charlotte is personally overseeing them this time. With her reputation, we can quell the recent rumors in Fontaine to the greatest extent possible."
Neuvillette nodded. After this incident, he was determined to crack down on these unscrupulous reporters. They had dared to spread rumors about him, truly lawless.
He still had the ability to clear his own name, but if ordinary people encountered such a situation, they would be utterly defenseless.
"I must properly thank Miss Charlotte this time. I wonder if she has any requests?"
"I heard Miss Charlotte is very eager to conduct an exclusive interview with you."
Hearing Clorinde's words, Neuvillette nodded again.
"I'll find some time for her to interview me within this week."
After speaking, Neuvillette noticed the sky had grown dark. Thinking of the work piling up, he walked over to Otillia and Apep.
"Lia, I still have work to finish. Your mother will stay with you now."
Neuvillette's tone softened unconsciously. Once he realized Otillia truly had a connection to him, his feelings for her became quite complex.
"Okay, Dad!"
Otillia replied obediently, which pleased Neuvillette.
Otillia waved her small fists, cheering Neuvillette on.
"Work hard, Dad! Mama doesn't do anything, so this family can only rely on you. Lia doesn't want to go hungry!"
Neuvillette: "..."
Apep: "..."
Alright, so that's why.
Just then, the diners around them started murmuring among themselves.
"So the child's mother is idle all day, does nothing, and just relies on Monsieur Neuvillette for money. No wonder Monsieur Neuvillette abandoned her."
"No wonder the child seems so close to Monsieur Neuvillette, while that woman just scowls as if he owes her money. Monsieur Neuvillette is too good-natured, tolerating such a woman's pestering!"
"Exactly! How could a woman like that be worthy of Monsieur Neuvillette? Monsieur Neuvillette, why not consider me instead!"
No one expected that a single sentence from the child would instantly reverse Neuvillette's public image, while conversely, Apep's reputation began to plummet.
"I see the daughter is very close to Monsieur Neuvillette. That woman must have made some unacceptable demand, forcing Monsieur Neuvillette to be separated from his child for years. Only now that she's finally relented has he had the chance to bring the child back!"
"Thinking about it, Monsieur Neuvillette works so hard, with almost no holidays. Is it all because of this woman?"
"Very likely!"
Hearing these murmurs, Apep instantly exploded with anger.
A terrifying aura erupted from her, instantly forcing all the ordinary people present to their knees. Besides the three dragons, only Clorinde barely managed to remain standing.
"Humans, are you looking to... change your way of living?"
Just as Apep was about to unleash her chilling words, she suddenly felt Otillia's tear-filled gaze from the side and immediately changed her tone.
The terrified crowd, still kneeling on the floor, was utterly stunned by her words.
Neuvillette raised a hand, and a ripple of water spread throughout the restaurant. Everyone felt their bodies lighten as they shakily used the tables to pull themselves up, their legs still trembling uncontrollably.
It was terrifying. For a moment there, they thought they'd seen their own ancestors!
"Apep, don't forget our agreement."
Neuvillette shot a warning glance at Apep.
"Hmph, if not for that agreement, do you think they'd still be alive?"
Apep retorted bluntly.
"Dad, Mom, are you arguing again?"
At this, Otillia's eyes filled with tears once more.
"No, no, we were just discussing how to make the future better!"
Seeing Otillia's tears, Apep panicked and quickly tried to comfort her, then shot Neuvillette a reproachful glare. Soon, Neuvillette's expression softened as well.
After a long while, Apep finally managed to soothe Otillia. Seeing the sweet smile on her face, Apep couldn't help but smile a little herself.
In that moment, Apep seemed like a completely different person from before, as if the earlier scene had been an illusion. However, the lingering pain in everyone's bodies told them it was no illusion.
No one dared to continue eating; they all scurried away in disgrace.
Seeing the restaurant quickly empty, Neuvillette sighed softly, then nodded to Clorinde, signaling her to compensate the restaurant owner.
"Apep, if you encounter injustice again, I hope you will handle it the Fontaine way: report the matter to the Maison Gardiennage and attend the arraignment."
"Hmph, you Fontainians are so fussy, insisting on trials and all that."
"If you can't do that, I'll have no choice but to consider sending you back to Sumeru."
Hearing Neuvillette's words, Apep snorted in displeasure again but said nothing, tacitly agreeing.
Soon, Neuvillette left, his heart heavy with worry. Although those people had seemed terrified of Apep earlier, he knew they were secretly plotting revenge. Neuvillette understood the Fontainians of today all too well: they couldn't stand even the slightest disadvantage, each one as volatile as a firecracker, ready to explode at the slightest provocation.
Sure enough, not long after Neuvillette returned to the Palais Mermonia, several malicious rumors about Apep began circulating throughout Fontaine.
Of course, more than that, Neuvillette was worried about another matter: the Cult of the Dragon's next move...
-
"Monsieur Rene and Monsieur Jacob are back!"
With this excited shout, the entire Fontaine Research Institute instantly erupted in commotion.
Everyone immediately dropped their research and quickly gathered at the main hall entrance, their gazes filled with immense respect as they looked at the man who had brought the Fontaine Research Institute back from the ashes!
Soon, Rene and Jacob were surrounded by the crowd, like stars orbiting the moon, while Rene smiled and greeted everyone.
At Rene's side was Dottore, bound by three layers of seals. Although Dottore knew what awaited him, he seemed remarkably calm, even having the presence of mind to speak to Rene.
"Monsieur Rene, I could join your Fontaine Research Institute, you know."
"Let's discuss that after your matter is concluded."
Rene replied coolly, completely unmoved.
While Fontaine currently faced many technological hurdles that Dottore's involvement could certainly accelerate, Rene didn't trust him and would never let him near their core technologies.
"Monsieur Rene, who is this?"
Facing the crowd's questioning gazes, Rene calmly spoke.
"He is a heinous criminal solemnly entrusted to me by Monsieur Neuvillette. I believe some of you have heard his name before."
"He is 'The Doctor,' Dottore."
Upon hearing this title, everyone present was shocked. They never expected Dottore to appear before them, and in such a manner. But soon, their shock turned back into excitement.
This was the Second of the Fatui Harbingers! They remembered how the Fatui used to swagger across Teyvat. Now, even Dottore had fallen in Fontaine. This was proof of Fontaine's current strength.
After a round of effusive praise, Rene led Dottore into the Fontaine Research Institute, with Jacob following closely behind.
Amidst the compliments, someone suddenly remembered something and asked the others with a puzzled expression.
"By the way, has anyone seen Miss Ann?"
Hearing this, the faces of those present showed contemplation, and they began looking around.
"That's right, Monsieur Rene and Monsieur Jacob both returned today. Where did Miss Ann go?"
"Could Miss Ann have forgotten about this today? That can't be right, can it? She was the one who proactively wanted to have an academic debate with Monsieur Rene."
Hearing their words, Rene asked with a puzzled expression.
"Who is Miss Ann?"
"Monsieur Rene, Miss Ann is someone who joined our Fontaine Research Institute on her own initiative recently. She's already capable of working independently and was the fastest to be promoted to a full-fledged researcher in the Academy."
"Just two days ago, Miss Ann mentioned wanting to have an academic showdown with you. She probably got too engrossed in her preparations these past couple of days and didn't come. I'll go check on her right now."
Hearing the acting Head's reassuring words, Rene nodded slightly.
Just as the Head was about to go see what Sandrone was up to, a masked figure suddenly appeared before everyone.
"So you're Rene? Come on, let's have a match!"
Judging by the voice, the figure was clearly Sandrone herself.
After seeing this, everyone present was left speechless, only barely regaining their composure after a long moment.
"Miss Ann, what are you trying to do now?"
"He hasn't earned my approval yet. He's not worthy of me removing my mask for him!"
Hearing this, everyone present completely lost their composure, never expecting Sandrone to pull such a stunt.
This was actually part of Sandrone's plan: to prevent Rene and Jacob from recognizing her for now. If she lost, she could immediately flee, giving them no chance to mock her.
But if she won, she would reveal her true face to Rene and Jacob and mercilessly taunt them!
Sandrone, pleased with her foolproof plan, thought that this way, she wouldn't lose out whether she won or lost, and she could maintain an air of mystery. It was simply brilliant!
"Ann..."
Hearing that name, Rene froze instantly as long-buried memories flooded his mind.
Could it be Mary-Ann?
Rene shook his head. It couldn't be her, even though their voices sounded somewhat similar.
Mary-Ann was dead. He had confirmed it himself. This must just be a coincidence.
Rene finally shook his head and spoke to Sandrone.
"Miss Ann, I always welcome academic exchanges. Scientific development can never be achieved by working in isolation."
"I accept this challenge, but there's no need to determine a winner or loser. Let's all progress together."
Hearing Rene's words, everyone present couldn't help but feel excited. This meant they would get to see Rene in action personally!
If Sandrone's skills were strong enough to push Rene to reveal more, they would have truly struck gold this time.
Of course, in the eyes of most, Sandrone was far inferior to Rene. This contest was purely about participation.
No one would mock Sandrone for her arrogance; in fact, they respected her deeply. She had easily done what they dared not even attempt, and many among them lacked the courage to even challenge Rene.
Hearing Rene's flawlessly diplomatic words, Sandrone had no intention of letting him slip away. But just as she was about to unleash some harsh remarks, she finally noticed Dottore standing not far from Rene, already a prisoner.
Sandrone was completely stunned
Dude, how did you get captured and brought here?!
Dottore, meanwhile, had clearly recognized her by the Pulonia behind her. Feeling her gaze, he had been constantly signaling her with his eyes and even mouthed some words. After some thought, Sandrone roughly figured out what he meant.
"Sandrone, you wouldn't want me to reveal your secret as a Fatui Harbinger, would you?"
Sandrone instantly felt a massive headache coming on, regretting that she hadn't checked her fortune before challenging Rene today.