Charlotte's tone was bright, her mood clearly upbeat.
"So? These two newspapers are pretty eye-catching, aren't they? The Steambird's idea is actually quite simple. The disaster has only just passed, so we plan to publish a free special edition filled with good news, to help soothe the public's emotions."
"As for the value of major headlines—what makes them meaningful is that they always have follow-ups. We'll continue tracking these stories, digging deeper into the people behind them."
"Edwin's assistant, Jurieu, has successfully built a real flying vessel. Miss Navia of the Spina di Rosula is leading residents in rebuilding their home. I'm sure even well-traveled people like you will find the follow-ups to these stories compelling."
Lumine: "Just hearing the headlines does make me curious about what happens next."
Paimon: "Same here! The titles sound interesting—but when you think about it, these things all happened right around us. Is there really anything left to be curious about?"
Charlotte laughed.
"And that's exactly why I want you to come along with me for the interviews. Have you noticed? You're the perfect breeding ground for news. With you around, I'm sure I'll finally get to meet that Duke."
Paimon put her hands on her hips.
"Are you sure you can meet him? Didn't he turn down interviews several times already?"
Charlotte replied confidently, "This time will definitely work. Come with me. First we'll head to Poisson, then to the Fortress of Meropide. Some things—you'll understand once we get there."
The scene shifts.
Lumine had already arrived in Poisson. Navia was in the middle of a conversation when Charlotte stepped forward to greet her.
"Navia—"
Navia was delighted to see Lumine and Charlotte.
"It's you! What brings all of you here together?"
Paimon: "We were just taking a look around."
Charlotte: "Mm. I came to check on your situation and update the news. Judging by the outfit—this gentleman beside you, is he from the Fatui?"
Navia introduced him warmly."This is Grund. He represents the Knave and has delivered a large amount of supplies to support the Spina di Rosula's relief efforts."
"The local residents have been working very hard as well. Thanks to everyone, reconstruction is progressing smoothly. We lost many people, but we're still moving forward—and that's enough."
[Paimon: Everyone really pulled together. Things are getting better and better.][Ningguang: Yes. Post-disaster reconstruction is truly heartening.][Keqing: The joy of surviving disaster—everything is slowly improving.][Ningguang: Indeed. Everything is getting better.][Venti: I just wonder how Furina is doing now. I really hope she's living happily.][Keqing: We hope so as well.][Zhongli: A society where people live in peace and prosperity—that is the future I wish to see.]
Grund spoke politely, "Miss Charlotte, it's a pleasure. I've seen your name often, and I greatly enjoyed your report last year about Fontaine's stray cats."
"That said, I ask that you don't report on us too prominently. This isn't an act of charity—we're simply aligned with the Spina di Rosula's interests."
Charlotte nodded quickly. "Of course, I understand. I'll keep it brief—perhaps refer to you as kind neighbors."
Grund smiled. "That's a good description."
As they spoke, Clorinde approached.
Navia greeted her immediately."Ah, you're back. How are things on that side?"
Clorinde replied, "All construction materials are in place. The workers should arrive in about an hour."
Paimon asked curiously, "Wow, even Clorinde has time to come by?"
Navia chuckled. "Well, after that duel with Miss Furina, her fame skyrocketed, so she came to Poisson to lie low for a bit—"
Clorinde crossed her arms and shot Navia a sharp look.
Navia quickly corrected herself. "Alright, alright—she's actually here to help me."
[Paimon: That's great. Navia's finally moved forward.][Navia: Those who left us have already gone. What we should do now is carry their hopes and continue onward. Besides, they didn't truly die—they became Oceanids, living within the sea. I'll visit them often.]
Clorinde spoke calmly, "There's far too much to manage when rebuilding Poisson. The Spina di Rosula needs more people capable of making decisions. And it just so happens that I have some ties to Monsieur Callas."
Charlotte seized the moment. "Excuse me—this is a rare opportunity. Miss Clorinde, may I ask you a question? An interview about your mindset before the duel, and your stance toward a god, would definitely be explosive news."
Clorinde declined evenly. "No need, Miss Charlotte. I'm sure you'll find a better topic."
Charlotte's mood visibly deflated. "It's the same as always… not even for Navia's sake?"
[Paimon: Interviews must really be the most important thing in Charlotte's heart.][Keqing: I often get like that at work too.][Ningguang: Keqing truly is a workaholic. I always advise her to rest more, but she refuses.][Keqing: I can't rest until the work is done.][Ningguang: See? Just like that…]
Navia cut in with a smile. "Then why not take more photos of me instead? That'll save you the trouble of persuading her. Or take some of Lumine—she'd make a great subject too."
Charlotte: "Oh, I definitely won't let her off, either. Everyone willing to take a photo, please come closer. Smile!"
Click.
The moment was captured in the camera. In the photo, Lumine's eyes were slightly narrowed, while Navia and Paimon were beaming brightly.
Paimon: "Well? How is it? Did it turn out well? Am I cute?"
Charlotte nodded. "Not bad. Composition-wise, you look like a little cloud decorating the head of a fish… Alright, wait a moment—I'll take a few more."
Click, click.
Soon, Charlotte returned. "That should be enough. We'll be back again anyway. Let's call it a day."
Clorinde remarked, "Impressive. You work fast."
Afterward, Lumine and Paimon followed Charlotte to the Fortress of Meropide. As before, Wriothesley once again declined the interview, redirecting the spotlight to those working behind the scenes.
Upon returning to the surface, Lumine and Paimon ran into Lyney. After some small talk, they got down to business.
Lyney: "Father said you've put in a great deal of effort lately. She's very grateful for everything you've done for Fontaine."
Paimon was so pleased, her whole body practically lifted, though she still tried to sound modest."Oh, it was nothing. We have lots of friends in Fontaine, after all. By the way—what is the Knave doing now?"
Lyney glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then lowered his voice."Actually, after Lady Furina left, Father discussed matters with Monsieur Neuvillette. In the end, Monsieur Neuvillette offered the Gnosis to Father as a diplomatic gift."
Paimon's eyes went wide. "A diplomatic gift? He gave the Gnosis to the Knave?"
Lyney spread his hands. "I was shocked at first too. But when you think about it carefully… there are quite a few reasons."