A few days later, Lucian was awakened early in the morning by Clorinde.
This was quite unusual. During the ti Clorinde had been staying at his place, she had been very quiet, almost as if she didn't exist—simply staying by Lucian's side in silence.
"The Hydro Archon has summoned you," Clorinde said.
She had just received word that Furina was in a hurry and needed Lucian to co see her imdiately.
"Understood." Lucian set off right away.
Though he didn't know why Furina wanted to see him, he was more than happy to accompany little Furina.
Arriving at Furina's room in the Palais rmonia, he found her pacing anxiously, her small teeth nibbling at her fingernails. Her ahoge swayed with each step, making it clear just how agitated she was.
When she saw Lucian, Furina quickly ran up to him, tilting her head up to look at him. Her expression was pitiful, like a small animal's, her pupils trembling like rippling water.
"What do I do? The Knave is here!" she said, her voice quivering. "She says she wants to et . She's going to take my Gnosis!"
Thanks to Lucian's earlier teasing, Furina now imagined The Knave as a ruthless killer who wouldn't bat an eye at murder. She was terrified that The Knave might attack her—she couldn't die yet! What would happen to Fontaine if she died?
"Lucian~, what should I do?" Furina shook his arm lightly.
Lucian reassured her, "It's fine. I'll et her with you."
He might not be strong enough to defeat The Knave yet, but he could at least hold his own in a fight. Besides, this was the Palais rmonia—Neuvillette would arrive in an instant. Once he showed up, The Knave wouldn't stand a chance.
The reason Furina hadn't gone straight to Neuvillette was mainly because she was still playing the role of the Hydro Archon in front of him. How could an Archon be afraid of a Fatui Harbinger?
Hearing that Lucian would accompany her, Furina let out a sigh of relief, feeling much more at ease.
She knew it was unlikely she'd be attacked in the Palais rmonia, but she couldn't help feeling nervous. Now, at least, she felt safer.
She had never seen Lucian fight and didn't know how strong he was, but she trusted him completely.
Lucian thought to himself, I've already exchanged all the Emotional Value I earned from the third act and several Story Quests for power. Combined with the 10,000 points I had before, I probably have around 30,000 points now.
The two chatted in Furina's room for a long ti until the scheduled eting with The Knave arrived.
===✧✦✧===
In the reception room, The Knave sat elegantly on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other. Despite the casual posture, she carried herself with the grace of a queen.
"Oh? The prophet, Mr. Lucian? I didn't expect to see you here," The Knave said, her voice smooth and magnetic. "It's a pleasure to et you, Mr. Lucian, though I suppose this isn't the most appropriate setting for our first encounter."
The children of the House of the Hearth had shown her Lucian's photo, so she recognized him.
Her mission in Fontaine was twofold: to retrieve the Gnosis and to make contact with Lucian.
However, the Tsaritsa's orders weren't to kill Lucian but to explore the possibility of recruiting him into the Fatui's ranks.
In the Tsaritsa's eyes, Lucian, as a prophet, wasn't necessarily an enemy of the Fatui—he could even beco an ally in their rebellion against the Heavenly Principles.
That was also why Childe had been willing to foot Lucian's bill—it was all part of the Tsaritsa's plan.
"Hello, The Knave—Arlecchino. Or should I call you… Peruere?" Lucian said, looking at the "dark version of Eula."
Arlecchino froze, her teacup pausing just before her lips.
She raised her eyes to study Lucian. This prophet… is far more formidable than I imagined. No wonder the Tsaritsa wants to recruit him.
"Mr. Lucian, as I am now, I am simply the 'Father' of the House of the Hearth—Arlecchino," she replied.
"Though I am curious… how much do you know about my past?"
Lucian smiled without answering. Mystery loses its charm if you reveal too much.
"Let's save the conversation about you and for another ti. You're right—this occasion belongs to you and the Hydro Archon," he said instead.
Arlecchino blinked. So you're throwing my own words back at ?
Little Furina, who had been watching their exchange in confusion, straightened up imdiately when Lucian suddenly addressed her.
"Ahem! I am Furina de Fontaine, the Hydro Archon of Fontaine!" she declared. "Now, speak. What business does a Fatui Harbinger have with the Hydro Archon?"
It had to be said—Furina was quite skilled at playing the role of an Archon, at least when it ca to diplomacy.
Even though she was terrified of Arlecchino, she masked it completely.
Arlecchino turned her gaze to Furina. Under that intense stare, Furina couldn't help but tense up.
Are these the eyes that have slain countless from Snezhnaya to Fontaine without ever flinching? So scary!
"Lady Furina, shouldn't this eting be a diplomatic discussion between Snezhnaya and Fontaine?" Arlecchino said, her tone implying, Why is a citizen of Liyue present?
"My dessert table must have more than two guests. It's beneath my status otherwise," Furina argued weakly.
"Is that so?" Arlecchino didn't press further, nor did she care. After all, she wanted to get closer to Lucian anyway.
"In that case, may I assu that if any of our discussions are leaked to Liyue, Lady Furina will take responsibility?"
"O-Of course!" Furina nodded firmly. She trusted Lucian.
Arlecchino didn't mind either way. She hadn't planned to discuss anything confidential to begin with.
Her goal was simply to assess the Hydro Archon—to see what kind of being she was dealing with.
Sothing's off… This Furina does have the aura of an Archon, but it feels different from Her Majesty the Tsaritsa.
Arlecchino wasn't entirely sure. Perhaps she'd need to test it herself.
If Furina made a move, or if she could touch her, she'd be able to confirm the truth.
"This diplomatic eting is primarily to foster goodwill between our nations. Recently, there have been rumors that the Fatui intend to steal the Archons' Gnosis," Arlecchino said, glancing at Lucian. If not for you, such rumors wouldn't have spread.
"I hope Lady Furina won't let such baseless gossip create unnecessary misunderstandings between us. The rumors are false."
Furina's animal-like intuition told her that The Knave might have ill intentions.
Her ahoge stood on end, as if receiving a warning signal.
"Is that so? I see," Furina said, scooting closer to Lucian.
"Hmph! I am the Archon Focalors. Even if you wanted to take my Gnosis, you wouldn't be worthy!"
She emphasized her identity as an "Archon," hoping to intimidate Arlecchino.
Unfortunately, such intimidation had no effect on her. Every Fatui Harbinger operating abroad feared no Archon—even those who couldn't defeat one.
Arlecchino chuckled but didn't argue.
"I'm glad Lady Furina understands."
"Then, may I ask…"
"Why—are you afraid of ?"
Furina's instinctive move toward Lucian hadn't escaped Arlecchino's notice.
Her own children would also cling to those who made them feel safe when frightened.
"Afraid!? Don't be absurd! I am the Archon Focalors. How could I possibly fear a re mortal like you?" Furina retorted.
"Oh?" Arlecchino picked up her teacup.
As she did, the Pyro energy in the surroundings grew restless.
Having previously attuned himself to Pyro, Lucian quickly sensed the shift.
Arlecchino slowly raised the cup to her lips. The higher it went, the more unstable the Pyro energy beca—until she took a sip, and the energy cald.
"I see. My apologies for the misunderstanding, Lady Furina."
From the mont she began manipulating Pyro, her actions had grown increasingly obvious—yet Furina showed no reaction.
Is this Hydro Archon truly so confident? Does she not care if I strike?
If it's not fear, then is it simply because the two of them are close?
Regardless, Arlecchino couldn't possibly attack here. Her doubts would have to remain unresolved for now.
===✧✦✧===
While the three of them chatted over tea, Liyue was in an uproar.
Shikikan's new book had been released—and Liyue was the setting of the story.
User Comments
0 comments from readers