"Those people are acting... quite realistically, I must say..."
In the Palais Mermonia of Teyvat, Furina let out a dry, forced chuckle. Her expression was visibly strained.
According to her common sense, while travelers from beyond this world did occasionally appear, they were extremely rare. Furthermore, they usually manifested in person; she had never heard of anyone "descending" through something called a "chat group."
Besides, even if there were outlanders with extraordinary strength, they were at most comparable to the gods. She had never heard of any existence that surpassed the gods. Yet, according to the chat group, there were multiple "Rank 5" beings among them, as if half the members could slap an Archon around whenever they felt like it.
No matter how she looked at it, it didn't seem real. How could such terrifyingly powerful beings exist in this world?
Analytical logic told her it was clearly a prank. She just had to wait for them to fail to appear, and the lie would collapse on its own.
However, from the perspective of intuition and probability... she couldn't completely rule it out.
What if they actually could find her through the chat group?
At that thought, Furina swallowed hard and glanced toward the office of the Chief Justice of Fontaine, Neuvillette.
She knew her own situation better than anyone. Aside from the longevity she had been granted, her combat ability was less than that of half a forest boar. She was a total weakling.
If they really could descend through the chat group, they wouldn't even need a "powerhouse." A single Vision wielder would be enough to defeat her.
If that happened, her title as the Hydro Archon would be questioned, the plan created by "the other her" would end in total failure, and all of Fontaine would be plunged into a hopeless abyss.
So, even if it was just as a precaution, she had to find a countermeasure.
If it's Neuvillette, surely he can hold his own against any enemy, right?
For Furina, whose world view wasn't particularly broad, the power of the Hydro Sovereign was the absolute ceiling of her cognition. Neuvillette's strength was, in her eyes, undoubtedly on par with the gods.
Though they weren't exactly "close," she was the Hydro Archon and he was the Iudex of Fontaine; they had a professional rapport. If she had him protect her, nothing should go wrong.
"All that talk of 'Rank 5' must be a joke. How could beings on the level of gods and Dragon Sovereigns be crushed so easily? Exactly! Neuvillette can help me!"
Without a moment's delay, Furina scrambled to her feet and practically sprinted to the ludex's office. She didn't even bother knocking before pushing the door open.
"Lady Furina. Please knock before entering my office. You look... distressed. Is there an urgent matter you wish to discuss?"
Neuvillette was currently processing paperwork. Seeing Furina's frantic state, he was slightly surprised. He didn't have much personal contact with the Hydro Archon, but he knew her to be a fearless, flamboyant character. What could possibly make her look so afraid?
"Ahem! It's nothing major, Ludex Neuvillette. I merely have a small... theoretical question for you."
Furina quickly realized she had lost her composure. She adjusted her hat, cleared her throat, and addressed the Ludex in her usual haughty, slightly playful tone.
"If someone were to attempt to do me harm right in front of you, what would you do?"
She watched him with deep, supposedly profound eyes, as if observing his reaction for some grand trial.
"If memory serves, Lady Furina, your safety is the responsibility of the Maison Gardiennage, led by Clorinde."
Neuvillette wasn't sure what this mischievous Archon was up to, so he gave a cautious, legally irreproachable answer.
"I know that! I'm asking about you!" Furina snapped, dissatisfied.
The more she acted this way, the more cautious Neuvillette became.
"As the Hydro Archon, you possess the right to unrestricted self-defense. And as the Ludex, I shall strictly judge any criminal who violates the laws of Fontaine."
"What?!" Furina's eyes widened as she stared at the Hydro Dragon in disbelief. "Are you saying you'll just sit there and watch someone attack me, and only 'judge' them after the fact? Is that how a Iudex of Fontaine behaves?!"
Then what's the point of me finding you?! Aren't you supposed to protect the Archon?
Hearing Furina's interrogation, Neuvillette's expression became even more perplexed.
"Ordinary thugs are well within your capacity to handle. Guard duty is not part of my job description..."
He paused. Seeing that Furina looked like she was about to explode with indignation, he hesitated for a moment before amending his statement.
"However, as a citizen of Fontaine, I have an obligation to contribute my strength when the Archon requires it. I can assist you in subduing an assailant."
"Now that's more like it!" Furina let out a long sigh of relief, finally relaxing.
Seeing her reaction, Neuvillette asked curiously, "So, have you made an enemy of someone? Forgive my bluntness, but I must state clearly: I uphold the laws of Fontaine. If the person committing a crime is you, I will not stand in the way of those seeking justice."
Since it never crossed his mind that Furina wasn't the Hydro Archon, his first thought was that she had caused some trouble and wanted him to suppress the fallout. For a god to be targeted by a commoner in what sounded like a suicide mission, the god had likely done something wrong.
"What do you mean by that? Do I look like the type of person who breaks the law?"
Furina was highly offended by Neuvillette's suspicion, but she didn't dwell on it. After a quick rebuttal, she continued.
"One last question: are you strong? You wouldn't be... afraid of the enemy, would you?"
Faced with such a redundant question, Neuvillette replied expressionlessly.
"I hold all that is high and mighty in contempt."
Upon hearing this, Furina pumped her fist in secret.
I'm set! This time, I'm definitely safe!