Despite the sting to her conscience, Focalors eventually had Furina issue a formal conscription decree to all of Fontaine in the name of the Hydro Archon.
After all, as Focalors had pointed out, Jibril was showing them a great deal of respect by letting them handle the logistics themselves. If they refused to help and forced Jibril to take matters into her own hands, the outcome would undoubtedly be far less pleasant.
Thus, under the decree of the Hydro Archon, notices were sent out to girls of exceptional beauty across every corner of Fontaine.
From Lynette, the magician from the House of the Hearth, to Navia, the President of Spina di Rosula—everyone was within the scope of the recruitment. Even Sigewinne, the head nurse of the Fortress of Meropide, was on the list.
"Miss Clorinde, what are your thoughts on the capricious order issued by Lady Furina?"
"It is said that Captain Chevreuse of the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol is also among those conscripted. You personally took her into custody—how has arresting a fellow colleague affected you?"
"Rumors are circulating that you yourself, Miss Clorinde, are also on the list. After you escort the others away, will you also be joining this legendary 'Maid Guard'? Do you regret your actions? Are you dissatisfied with Lady Furina for abusing her divine prerogatives?"
In front of the Palais Mermonia, Clorinde stood with a frigid expression, facing a swarm of journalists whose cameras wouldn't stop clicking.
Clearly, she was not fond of their babbling chatter or their invasive questions, but the journalists didn't care whether she liked it or not.
Everyone knew that outside of the duelist's ring, Clorinde would not raise a hand against ordinary citizens. Because of this, they felt they could push her a little further without consequence.
She was a "good person" who followed the rules, and bullying a good person rarely led to serious repercussions.
More than her comfort, they cared about the explosive scoop involving Furina.
In Fontaine, while the Hydro Archon was still deeply revered and held many privileges, the populace largely viewed her as a superstar. Questioning her occasionally wouldn't land anyone in hot water.
In five hundred years, this was the first time Furina had ever exercised her Archon's prerogative—and she was using it to round up beautiful girls.
They couldn't afford to miss a headline this juicy.
Whether it was the children of the House of the Hearth, the members of Spina di Rosula, or the average citizen of Fontaine, everyone was paying close attention to this development.
Surrounded by layers of reporters, Clorinde—who had also been conscripted due to her extraordinary beauty and cold, sharp elegance—felt utterly helpless.
Truth be told, she didn't know why the Hydro Archon had summoned her, either.
However, as the person Furina had put in charge of the operation, she had to manage the public relations and suppress these journalists in a "reasonable" manner.
As she scanned the crowd, her eyes locked onto a certain figure and lit up slightly.
"First of all, Lady Furina's orders are not to be questioned. This is an authority granted to her by the laws of Fontaine; she is under no obligation to explain her divine will to anyone."
She offered the official explanation in a voice as cold as ice. The journalists were dissatisfied, but they had no choice but to listen.
"Secondly, Chevreuse accepted the conscription voluntarily. I did not lead a team to 'arrest' her; we simply happened to be together."
"Lastly, regarding the dissatisfaction expressed by certain individuals—specifically those in the news industry—concerning Lady Furina's decree, and those who have the audacity to call her 'capricious'—"
Clorinde paused for effect, sweeping her gaze across the reporters.
"Dissatisfied? And then what?"
"Tell us, Miss Clorinde!" the journalists urged, their eyes gleaming.
They had been disappointed by her initial corporate answers, thinking they wouldn't dig up anything spicy. But Clorinde had pivoted to the most sensitive question herself, and they weren't about to let the opportunity slip by.
Whether she affirmed or denied the sentiment, anything she said now would be a front-page story.
Under the focus of dozens of lenses and the hungry anticipation of the crowd, Clorinde finally spoke.
"Miss Charlotte!"
She pointed directly at a pink-haired journalist on the edge of the crowd. Though Charlotte was busy taking photos, she hadn't been shouting offensive questions like the others.
"Eh?"
Charlotte blinked, looking at Clorinde in surprise. Why is she pointing at me? Does she want me to do an exclusive interview?
While she was still in a daze, Clorinde spoke with absolute seriousness.
"I forgot to notify you, Miss Charlotte. You are also within the scope of the conscription."
"Huh?!"
Charlotte's brain stalled, and she froze on the spot.
Although she was cute and had a great figure, she lacked self-awareness and never thought this matter would have anything to do with her. She had only come here to get a front-row seat to the chaos.
Who would have guessed she had walked right into the trap? She had delivered herself right to Clorinde's feet.
Before she could snap out of it and decide whether to run or stay as an "undercover" agent to get a first-hand scoop, Chevreuse—already "arrested"—had appeared behind her, blocking her exit.
"Lady Furina's orders cannot be refused. Charlotte, don't even think about running!" Chevreuse said.
Chevreuse expected Charlotte to be terrified, but instead, the journalist let out a long sigh of relief.
"If even Chevreuse has accepted the conscription, I guess it can't be anything bad. Don't worry, I won't resist! This isn't exactly how I imagined my day going, but going undercover will definitely get me the most direct news!"
Knowing she couldn't escape, she actually relaxed, her curiosity about the decree taking over.
Seeing her reaction, Chevreuse also relaxed.
However, their sense of ease did not spread to the other journalists.
Seeing Clorinde identify a fellow reporter on the spot for conscription, the rowdy crowd suddenly went silent. Though they were still whispering, the looks they directed at Clorinde were now filled with pure horror.
Noticing their reaction, a trace of a smile finally flickered beneath Clorinde's cold expression.
"Hmph."
That's right. Lady Furina's 'capriciousness' is far more serious than you think. Even journalists can end up on the list.
Having said her piece, she turned to leave. Chevreuse and Charlotte exchanged a look and quickly followed.
Behind them, the Fontaine journalists stared at each other in stunned silence. Not a single person dared to shout another question.
After all, this time, the "story" could actually come for them.