Hearing this, Lady Furina's pupils constricted slightly, and then she fell into a long silence.
Not only did the stage fall silent, but the audience in the stands also fell into a long silence.
A person's identity is often complex, just as Yuto is not only Lady Furina's personal pastry chef, but also the Assistant Administrator of Fontaine, and also her lover.
The audience below was not just spectators; they were also participants in this event.
They eagerly wanted to know Lady Furina's answer at this moment, after all, so much had been said previously about The Prophecy and Lady Furina's difficulties…
Now, it was time for an answer.
Looking at the pair of sea-blue eyes before her, Lady Furina was speechless for a moment, as if she didn't know what to say at this time.
Should she follow her heart and say something like, "As expected of my Assistant Administrator, you guessed correctly~," then pretend to be relaxed and reassure him, telling him she had a way?
Or should she remain silent as before, denying his ongoing investigations and research?
Lady Furina fell into contemplation. Just as she was about to say something… Yuto suddenly spoke:
"Lady Furina, I just want to know… do the things you are doing to break The Prophecy require you to pay with your life, or an even more tragic price?"
Lady Furina remained silent.
She didn't know how to reply to Yuto, because she also didn't know what the final outcome would be.
The Gnosis destroyed? Divine power completely dispersed? Or simply vanishing from the human world, with no Hydro Archon in this world ever again?
She didn't know.
Looking at the silent Lady Furina, Yuto let out a soft sigh, then took out a thick stack of documents and placed them in front of Lady Furina.
"I have always supported your investigations. I guarantee that I will not interfere with your decisions, nor will I reveal the crux of the matter."
"Please… for the sake of my two hundred years of clerical work for Fontaine, and two hundred years of making afternoon tea for you, tell me the truth."
Hearing this, Lady Furina slowly raised her head and looked at the familiar yet serious face, feeling a momentary trance.
She knew he was concerned about her, but what good would that do?
Even if he had fully investigated the matter, even if he understood what she was going to do, she couldn't possibly say those words herself.
She knew very well that once a crack was torn open in certain matters, that gap would exist forever, with no room for mending—it would only grow larger and larger, ultimately affecting her plans.
Thinking of this, Lady Furina slowly exhaled and continued:
"Although your spirit of exploration is commendable, it's a pity… your guess is wrong."
"As for what the final outcome will be… Hahaha, as the Archon who presides over water element and justice, how could I be helpless because of a mere Prophecy?"
"Don't worry, matters of the Archon's domain are to be borne by the Archon, not by you."
"You are the Assistant Administrator of Fontaine; you only need to handle your own affairs, not worry about my situation."
After saying this, Lady Furina returned to her usual demeanor. She spread her hands, her eyes slightly closed, adopting a disappointed posture, and then continued:
"Oh… Although I don't know why you've always remained so young, I actually don't care."
"Before ascending to Godhood, your wisdom is still that of a mortal. Many things… you cannot know, nor should you know."
"Never mind, why am I telling you all this? Go now, I need to rest."
Lady Furina waved her hand dismissively, a nonchalant expression appearing on her face, as if… she truly didn't care about the matter.
Looking at the strangely behaving Lady Furina, Yuto let out a soft sigh, then quietly said:
"Lady Furina, although I do not possess Archon-level wisdom, I can understand your difficulties."
"I hope you can tell me some things, even minor details or information that won't determine the overall direction of the matter. Perhaps I can still help you."
"The Prophecy, this Sword of Damocles, hangs over Fontaine. The sooner it is resolved, the sooner the people of Fontaine and… we can have a sense of security, can't we?"
Hearing this, Lady Furina fell silent once more.
She looked at the pair of sea-blue eyes that showed a hint of determination, momentarily unsure of what to say.
After much thought, she finally decided to use a delaying tactic to temporarily appease her Assistant Administrator.
"I'm sorry, I cannot tell you anything about this matter."
"This is a matter of Archon's domain, and it has nothing to do with you."
With that, Lady Furina slowly rose and turned away, saying in a flat tone:
"If you truly want to help me… then in the future, stand firmly by my side."
Hearing this, Yuto paused slightly, falling into brief thought.
However, he didn't take long to think. A moment later, he gently nodded, and while tidying the documents on the table, he said:
"Alright, I understand, Lady Furina."
"I will stand by your side and clear away all obstacles for you as much as possible."
"I apologize for disturbing you when you were about to rest, so…"
Yuto said as he placed a cake on the round table, then softly said:
"This is my apology gift. I hope you won't take offense."
"If you are troubled by The Prophecy, perhaps… eating something sweet might make you feel better."
With that, Yuto slowly exited the room, disappearing into the darkness of the room.
Lady Furina, after a brief moment of stunned silence, slowly lowered her head, let out a long breath, and whispered:
"How could I not want to tell you? But…"
"I can't tell you… Yuto."
"I'm sorry…"
Lady Furina said as she slightly turned her head to look at the matcha cupcake on the table, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.
Yuto's voice still echoed in her ears; the sound seemed to possess an irresistible magic, pulling her from the edge of the bed to the seat in front of the table.
Looking at the tempting matcha cake, Lady Furina gently raised the spoon in her hand, brought a spoonful of cake to her mouth, and savored its taste.
The cream was as smooth as ever, the cake base as fluffy as ever, but…
Plop—
Two lines of clear tears flowed down Lady Furina's cheeks, gently dripping onto the plate, making a slight sound.
And Lady Furina, at this moment, choked out:
"Why… is today's cake especially bitter?"
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