[Dugier was handled.]
[Clorinde didn't linger in the damp, oppressive air of the Fortress of Meropide. She moved with purpose, a shadow cutting through the mist as she made her way toward the Fontaine Church.]
[She climbed.]
[Higher and higher she went, ascending until the city sounds faded and she reached the chamber at the very peak of the spire.]
[At the threshold, she stopped.]
[She smoothed the creases in her uniform, her fingers lingering on the cold metal of her buttons. Every detail had to be perfect. Only when she was satisfied did she reach out.]
[She knocked.]
[A soft, measured sound against the heavy wood.]
[A voice drifted from within, granting permission.]
[Clorinde pushed the door open.]
[She stepped inside.]
["Clorinde, you've returned. Tell me... is the matter settled?"]
The Pope of Fontaine
"Whoa! It really is Kael," Paimon squeaked.
Ningguang narrowed her eyes, studying the screen. "Kael as the Pope... he carries an air of elegance that far outstrips his previous incarnation."
"His attire radiates a quiet, overwhelming nobility," Yoimiya added, her voice filled with awe.
Lumine crossed her arms, a pout forming on her lips. "What is that supposed to mean? Are you saying Kael suffered because he was with me in his last life?"
"If memory serves," Dainsleif interjected, his voice dry, "the Reincarnator surrendered every last coin of the Mora Mondstadt gifted him into your hands."
Lumine stiffened. "I... I was just keeping it safe! Don't you people understand how a married couple manages their finances?"
Navia ignored the bickering, her eyes fixed on the image of the stoic woman on screen. "I can hardly believe it. Miss Clorinde is acting so... cautious in front of Mr. Kael."
"I was indeed a bit too tense," Clorinde admitted, her voice tight.
[ "Everything followed the Pope's instructions." ]
[ "I personally carried out the Death Penalty on Dugier." ]
[ Clorinde placed one arm across her chest, bowing slightly with a devotion that bordered on the sacred. ]
[ "You've worked hard, Clorinde." ]
[ "I am always troubling you with these matters." ]
[ A simple word of recognition from Kael sent Clorinde's heart into a frantic, hammering rhythm. ]
[ To her, it felt like receiving a divine blessing. ]
[ "To give my all for the Pope is my greatest honor." ]
[ Clorinde couldn't help but recall the years Kael had spent mentoring her. ]
[ Kael, who had lived for over a century, had guided her with the tireless patience of a father. ]
[ He had forged her strength. ]
[ It was his tutelage that had earned her the title of Champion Duelist. ]
[ Because of him, her status in Fontaine had reached heights she never dreamed of. ]
[ Yet, what Clorinde admired most was everything Kael had sacrificed for Fontaine over the last few hundred years. ]
[ She didn't know the full scope of history, but in the hearts of the citizens, the truth was clear. ]
[ As the Pope, Kael was the bedrock of the nation, working tirelessly for its prosperity. ]
[ He developed the city, guarded its peace, and treated every citizen with genuine warmth. ]
[ In Fontaine, no ordinary citizen could help but look up to the Pope. ]
[ In the shadows, people even whispered that the true Hydro Archon of Fontaine was Pope Kael... not Focalors, the goddess who spent her days lost in the theater. ]
[ "I heard the Hydro Archon went out again today?" Kael asked casually. ]
[ Clorinde nodded. "Furin... the Hydro Archon did indeed go out." ]
[ "Apparently, she is playing by the seaside." ]
[ "I dispatched several members of the Maison Gardiennage to watch over her. There should be no issues." ]
"Hey... Clorinde..." Furina's voice trembled. "Were you about to just call me by my name?"
Clorinde looked away. "Don't misunderstand. That was a past life... just a past life..."
"Oh man," Paimon whispered. "Furina has zero authority."
Lumine sighed, shaking her head.
"Lumine, Paimon," Venti said, leaning in with a mischievous grin. "You two clearly know something. Come on, spill it."
"It's nothing," Paimon muttered. "We just think past-life Furina is kind of pitiful. She's supposed to be the Hydro Archon, but all her people were basically recruited by Kael."
Kael frowned at the screen. "What are you talking about? You make it sound like I was trying to stage a coup against Furina."
Neuvillette remained silent.
He knew the truth. There was no need for a coup. As the one playing a role for Focalors, Furina would have had no way to resist if Kael truly wanted power.
If the Prophecy of the flood wasn't looming over them, Furina would likely be throwing a tantrum in the chat right now.
'It seems,' Neuvillette thought, 'that my past self had an even harder time than I do now.'
"Based on universal liberty and priority," Zhongli mused, "is Furina truly the Hydro Archon of Fontaine?"
Nahida sighed softly. "Just sensing Clorinde's attitude toward Furina brings back some... unpleasant memories."
"Stop trying to stir up trouble," Clorinde snapped. "In this life, I have been nothing but diligent. I have never overstepped my bounds."
Yae Miko chuckled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "It seems women are easily led astray after meeting Mr. Kael. I'd quite like to try it myself."
"Anyone but you," Lumine barked.
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Hmph! Because you're a dangerous, sneaky fox!"
[ After listening to Clorinde's report, Kael set down his teacup. ]
[ His voice was calm, yet heavy with authority. "According to our intelligence..." ]
[ "The individual known as the Traveler is currently heading toward Fontaine." ]
[ The Traveler? ]
[ Clorinde blinked, confused. ]
[ "You mean..." ]
[ "The one who left a trail of blood and chaos across four nations," Kael said firmly. ]
[ "The one they call the blonde Traveler." ]
[ Kael's expression turned serious. "Major incidents occurred in every nation she visited. I fear she will bring the same to Fontaine." ]
[ "For the time being, it is necessary to restrict the Hydro Archon's movements." ]
[ Kael paused for a few seconds, deep in thought. ]
[ He stood up. "Come. Let us go and bring the Hydro Archon back." ]
"???" Lumine stared at the screen in shock.
Lisa let out a sudden laugh. "Pfft! The loving couple of the last life has been branded as 'vicious criminals' in this one?"
"Wait, blood and chaos?" Paimon's jaw dropped. "Kael's evaluation of us is exactly what Furina said when she first 'welcomed' us!"
"Oho! The guessing game begins," Venti shouted. "Let's place our bets. Which lucky lady is the Pope entangled with this time?"
"It has to be Clorinde," Arataki Itto roared. "She's strong! I like her style!"
"Strong? Hey, watch your mouth!" Clorinde hissed.
Eula crossed her arms. "Guessing about romance is boring. Why don't we guess something bolder? Like how Pope Kael plans to 'handle' the Hydro Archon."
"Handle... handle me?" Furina's face went pale. "Why would he need to handle me? Don't scare me... I'm very fragile!"
"Because Mr. Kael said he's worried about Lumine causing trouble," Jean explained calmly. "He wants to restrict your freedom for your own safety."
Furina's eyes widened. "What does that even mean?"
The Gilded Cage of the Archon
"It means your freedom was entirely contingent on Kael's whims," Neuvillette said, his voice steady and clinical. "You only stepped outside when he permitted it."
Furina blinked, her eyes wide and searching. "Wait, what?"
'Contingent? Whims? He makes it sound like I was some kind of prisoner.'
"But he calls me Lady Hydro Archon," she stammered, her hands fluttering nervously. "Kael is always so polite... so incredibly respectful!"
"Titles are just window dressing, Furina," Paimon chimed in, crossing her arms. "There is a saying for people like him. They speak the sweetest words while sharpening the coldest blade."
Lumine frowned, her gaze drifting to the floor. "I am not sure I follow..."
"It is quite simple," Alhaitham interrupted. His voice carried the weight of cold, hard logic.
He adjusted his posture, looking directly at the flustered Archon.
"Mr. Kael's respect for Lady Furina is a calculated performance. Nothing more. The Fontaine Church derives its authority from the divine, meaning the deity must appear flawless and untouchable to the public."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"In reality, the Hydro Archon was a mascot. You were a puppet Kael kept in a gilded cage, brought out only to be displayed to the masses."
The silence that followed was heavy, pressing against the walls of the room.
"No way..." Furina whispered. "Is that true?"
'A mascot? Me? The great Furina was just a toy?'
The realization hit her like a physical blow. Her shoulders slumped, and her lower lip began to tremble as the image of her past glory shattered.
"Waaaaah! Was my past life really that pathetic?"
~✦~ End of Chapter ~✦~
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