Hello I'm back, thy leg is healed but I don't have molars anymore.
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"Shipbuilding, producing the underwater breathing potions, and creating the magic pockets—these three plans all have prerequisites. Shipbuilding requires selecting materials and design blueprints, which you already obtained from Charlotte last night, right?"
"Yes."
"You also brought the alchemical formula for the underwater breathing potions. The only thing left is acquiring the method to make the magic pockets from Magician Lyney… I know him, and it just so happens he has no performance today. I sent someone to invite him early this morning, so he should be arriving soon. Let's wait here."
Ten minutes later.
"..."
"..."
"Perhaps something unexpected happened…"
"Shall I go look for him?"
"Wait a bit longer. A Hydro Archon wouldn't go seeking the people herself, especially after invitations have already been sent. They must come on their own to meet me."
"Alright."
"I say… besides these three plans, is there anything else you need me to do?"
"There is, but it's too early now. The right timing must come; only then will those things be meaningful… Don't worry, I'll remind you when the time is right."
"..."
"..."
After another moment of silence, there was finally a knock at the door.
"Here they come!" Furina's restrained voice betrayed a hint of relief at the awkward wait. She muttered a couple of low words, then cleared her throat and said to the door, "Please, come in."
Someone pushed the door open: a wide-brimmed magician's hat, deep teardrop-shaped streaks, slightly flashy clothes designed to divert attention—prepared at any moment to handle unexpected situations even without performing. As expected, it was Lyney.
As Victor Wang studied Lyney, Lyney likewise examined Victor, who stood at Furina's side.
Though not overly flashy, the fox mask and black cloak had now become signature attire within Fatui intelligence. After a flicker of surprise, Lyney calmly shifted his gaze to Furina, removed his hat, and bowed respectfully.
"Hehe, Great Magician Lyney, my dear subject, there's no need to be so formal. But it seems you've arrived a bit later than I anticipated."
"Lady Furina, I dare to guess that the reason you summoned me suddenly is because the magic performance application I submitted yesterday for the Opera Epiclese was approved. So before coming, I spent some time preparing a few tricks. To be honest, my best assistant Linnette is waiting outside as well. If necessary, we can perform on this unfamiliar stage to show that our magic is indeed worthy of the Opera Epiclese."
After speaking, Lyney noticed the seemingly casual yet profoundly inscrutable smile on Furina's face suddenly vanish.
"Th-This too?"
"Did I guess wrong…?"
"Ahem… of course, my purpose in summoning you is far more important than that." Furina immediately adopted a serious expression. "Lyney, I know that you and your sister have been distributing a highly compact magic item to people living near the coast—a magic pocket, correct?"
The sea level in Fontaine had been rising year by year, and the Hydro Archon Furina had seemingly done nothing. This was not a secret to the Fatui, which is why the application for a performance at the Opera Epiclese was made—to gauge the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale.
And the recent large-scale construction of small boats, nearly halted by Furina, was also no secret to the Fatui. Could it be… now even the magic pockets are to be prevented from distribution?
Lyney was worried but, having been noticed, he could only answer honestly:
"Yes. In recent years, Fontaine's sea levels have been rising, and many people's former homes have already been submerged. Some still dismiss it as a 'natural phenomenon,' but my family and I believe the prophecy's occurrence should not be ignored. At the very least… we hope coastal residents can relocate in advance, so whenever we have the chance, we distribute magic pockets to them."
"Good. I summoned you to discuss this matter. The prophecy is indeed approaching. In order to protect everyone's property from flooding, would you be willing to hand over the method for creating the magic pockets and allow Fontaine's Court to produce them in bulk, so that the public can benefit?"
Furina's assertive tone surprised Lyney, but what surprised him even more was what she said next. He repeated in disbelief, "The prophecy is about to happen… you really mean that?!"
"Why would you doubt a Hydro Archon?" Furina propped her cheek with one hand, her expression lazy yet stern, eyes unwavering, her aura commanding. "I see far beyond what you can perceive. I have no reason to joke about this matter."
"Apologies… I… my thoughts are a bit scattered after hearing this…"
Lyney rubbed his forehead, troubled—not only is the prophecy about to happen, but now the Hydro Archon is finally taking action?
From the perspective of Fontaine citizens, a stronger Hydro Archon is better for dealing with the prophecy…
From the Fatui perspective, with the Tsaritsa having issued the order to obtain the Hydro Archon's Gnosis, a weaker Hydro Archon would be preferable…
And for Lyney, born in Fontaine and affiliated with the Fatui's Hearthstone family, the best outcome would be achieving both goals… without major conflict. After all, the one tasked with obtaining the Hydro Archon's Gnosis is his father—the "Knave."
Furina pressed further: "Being surprised by sudden news is perfectly normal. I understand how you feel. So, have you made up your mind?"
"Oh!" Lyney snapped back to attention. "You mean the method to make the magic pockets, right? I'd be happy to make it public."
He explained in detail: "It's actually not that mysterious. The main material is Romaritime Flower. In the past, we always handed production to the Beaumont Workshop. If you want to scale up production… I can't explain it clearly right now. Perhaps the craftsmen can go directly to Beaumont Workshop, where the owner, Estelle, can give them detailed instruction and demonstration."
"So, we just need to approach Estelle directly."
"Mm…"
Lyney nodded but looked very hesitant. Furina asked curiously, "What's wrong? Is there a problem with the magic pockets?"
"It's unrelated to the magic pockets—just a personal matter. Considering the prophecy is a national concern, it might be inappropriate to bring it up…"
"Making the method public is already a huge contribution to Fontaine. You deserve recognition, so feel free to speak."
Guided by Furina, Lyney fell into the trap he'd prepared for himself and continued:
"All right, though I'm embarrassed… As I mentioned, performing magic at the Opera Epiclese has always been a dream for my sister and me. But following normal procedures, our turn would be months from now… So, I have to shamelessly ask you: if the magic pockets are used, could our performance be scheduled earlier?"
Victor Wang froze. Alarm bells immediately rang in his mind.
If Lyney's performance at the Opera Epiclese were advanced, then Vacher, who aimed to frame the Fatui for the largest unsolved case in Fontaine in the past twenty years—the "Serial Disappearances of Young Women Case"—might act sooner. If Vacher acted early, the dissolution event would be revealed ahead of schedule, potentially destabilizing the entire situation in Fontaine. This could not be allowed!
Suddenly, the office window was blown open by a strong gust of wind outside. Both Furina and Lyney were momentarily distracted, but after Victor Wang stepped forward to close it, they no longer paid attention.
At this moment, aligned with Lyney but out of his sight while still in Furina's view, Victor Wang shook his head.
As expected, Furina refused: "No… for your own good, I cannot agree to this one."
Lyney, sensing her resolve, glanced briefly at Victor Wang and feigned confusion: "What do you mean?"
"The prophecy will soon become widely known. In the short term, the public probably won't be in the mood to seriously appreciate performances. Performing for a distracted or inattentive audience would be disheartening—you understand that, right? So, for your own good, your magic performance should wait until the people's emotions have settled."
"This… I really hadn't considered that…"
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