Fontaine — Palais Mermonia
Office of the Chief Justice.
Neuvillette gazed at the luminous screen before him, deep in thought.
"The Dance of the Guilty…"
"Who exactly is the 'guilty one'?"
Since this episode did not list Mr. Gu Chen among the main characters, it likely meant the events would unfold without his influence.
In other words—
The prophecy of Fontaine would very likely appear.
"I hope this video reveals Fontaine's future… and gives us enough time to prepare."
After instructing the Melusines not to allow any interruptions, Neuvillette focused entirely on the screen.
Fortress of Meropide
In the Duke's office—
"The Dance of the Guilty?"
"Sounds like a criminal performing on stage."
Wriothesley stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Nurse, what do you think?"
Sigewinne tilted her head.
"If it's from the Traveler's perspective… then it should be Fontaine's future, right?"
"Most likely," Wriothesley murmured. "I just wonder whether my preparations are thorough enough…"
"Don't worry, Your Grace~"
Her eyes curved into crescents.
"If things get bad, we can ask other nations for help."
Wriothesley smiled faintly.
"If we can solve it ourselves, that's best. If not… then we ask. 'No casualties' may be an idealistic dream. I just hope we can preserve a few sparks for Fontaine."
He stood.
"Lunch time."
Poisson — Spina di Rosula Headquarters
Navia stared at the screen expectantly.
"Finally, Fontaine's turn!"
"And it's from the Traveler's perspective!"
"Will Father's case appear? Will the prophecy be resolved?"
Miles reassured her.
"Based on past episodes, Fontaine's future will certainly be shown."
Silver nodded confidently.
"Yes, Miss. We'll see the final outcome."
Navia exhaled.
"Have everyone on standby. We act at the first sign."
"Yes, Miss!"
House of the Hearth
Arlecchino narrowed her eyes.
"So. After Signora and Tartaglia… it's our turn."
Lyney spoke respectfully, "Father, we're acting to resolve the prophecy too. There's no need to be pessimistic."
"Always prepare for the worst."
She paused.
"Slow the plan. Observe the impact of the video. If Lady Furina and Chief Justice Neuvillette act—and if our interests align—we may assist them."
Lyney bowed.
He understood.
Arlecchino was born in Fontaine. She cared deeply about the prophecy.
If assistance could be exchanged for the Hydro Gnosis… could bloodshed be avoided?
Then a thought struck him.
Did the Gnosis even matter anymore?
With the current state of affairs… perhaps even the Tsaritsa's grand plan was wavering.
Palais Mermonia — Top Floor
Furina sat by the window, a small cake untouched before her.
In her gloved palm—
Water swirled.
Then wind.
Then flame.
Then nothing.
She stared blankly.
Those who successfully cultivated the Supreme Profound Scripture were known to be pure-hearted and virtuous.
Navia's two bodyguards practiced it.
She had even asked Neuvillette.
Every successful practitioner had a clear conscience.
But why could she cultivate it?
She was only an actress.
Playing the role of the Hydro Archon Focalors.
Deceiving Fontaine.
Even knowing the purpose behind her act—
Was deception not deception?
Yet her progress was astonishingly fast.
"Does the Scripture… acknowledge me?"
She shook her head.
Through the open window, Fontaine shone—advanced, elegant, civilized.
"At least with this power… I can protect them better… right?"
Extraordinary Group Chat
Mona: "Fontaine's prophecy says every Fontainian is born with sin. No matter how just the trials, the sin cannot be cleansed. One day, the sea level will rise. People will drown and dissolve. Only the Hydro Archon will remain, weeping upon her throne. Only then will the sin be washed away."
Paimon: "Wait—@Lyney. Rising sea levels drowning people makes sense. But dissolve?? Did you Fontainians violate heavenly law or something?!"
Heavenly Principles: "In a sense… yes."
Navia: "We WHAT?!"
Heizou: "If sea levels rise high enough to flood Fontaine… where does that water come from? Wouldn't it spill into other nations? This isn't just Fontaine's crisis—this is Teyvat flooding!"
Silence fell.
Xingqiu: "Liyue Harbor would be first to drown…"
Itto: "So Inazuma becomes a few mountaintops?!"
Dehya: "Sumeru Desert would be underwater…"
Gu Chen: "Imagine Apep popping her head out like: 'What's going on?'"
Apep: "…Unthinkable."
Albedo: "So what heavenly law did Fontaine break?"
Nilou: "Shh! It's starting!"
The Video Begins
A harbor.
Humanoid mechanical guards patrolled.
Ying and Paimon disembarked.
"Finally here…" Paimon grumbled. "Sand and water all the way."
"This must be Fontaine's port," she observed. "It feels advanced. Industrial."
Ying nodded.
The architecture divided an endless waterfall like a curtain.
Towering structures connected lower docks to higher waters.
Even the border port felt futuristic.
Kaeya: "I've become a country bumpkin…"
Zhongli: "By common sense… Fontaine surpasses Liyue in visible advancement."
Raiden Ei: "…So I really am the provincial girl Yae calls me."
Ying: "Stop it. I'm cringing through the screen already."
Paimon suddenly gasped.
"Wait—that girl looks familiar! Isn't that Lynette?"
By the water stood a quiet girl, staring at the sea.
Worried she might jump, Ying and Paimon approached.
Moments later—
Lyney appeared.
After greetings, he patted Paimon's back.
"You wish to see Lady Furina? She's already come to greet you."
Then—
A ceremonial guard formation arrived.
A white-haired girl with blue highlights stood atop a wooden crate—hidden from below—to appear taller.
She looked down arrogantly.
Neuvillette: "…So it was a matter of height."
Arlecchino: "When posturing, one must look taller."
Furina: "Please stop…"
"Citizens—rich or poor—raise your glasses! If you have none, raise your arms!"
The Hydro Archon—Focalors—declared grandly:
"As you see, foreign travelers have arrived in my nation! Let us welcome them!"
"I've heard you stirred storms in other lands. Yet I welcome you. No—I personally greet you."
"Fear is for lesser beings. As a god, I do not adhere to such caution."
"Have you reflected? Do you possess the virtue to speak with a god?"
Her voice rose theatrically.
"Welcome to the Nation of Water! I, Focalors, acknowledge your journey's meaning! You may now rejoice!"
Ying and Paimon were stunned.
They met a god this easily?
"You outsiders hold vulgar misconceptions," Furina continued smugly. "Gods differ in quality. Your surprise at my brilliance is understandable."
Paimon whispered, "She's so arrogant…"
Ying twitched.
"And she keeps emphasizing she's a god…"
The stage was set.
The "Dance of the Guilty" had begun.
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