"Invite Funina?" Fukaros did not refuse. If Funina could make powerful friends and gain strength, Fukaros would be quite pleased.
Although Fukaros wished for Funina to live like an ordinary human and experience a simple life, she knew deep down that such a wish was difficult to fulfill. After all, Fukaros never truly wanted to be a god in the first place. She had once been a pure water elf yearning to become human, a desire that Funina inherited.
Fukaros had placed her hopes in Funina, hoping she could enjoy the human experience. However, over the past five hundred years, Funina had taken on the responsibilities of a god nonetheless. If fate dictated that she must perish in the future, Fukaros hoped Funina could at least gain some power to protect herself. If possible, protecting Fontaine would also be crucial.
For Fukaros, this guild did not yet represent true hope. Could it, perhaps, bestow upon Villette the complete power of a dragon?
However, for Funina, it might not be a bad thing.
"Yes, if necessary, I can lend her my power." Fukaros had always felt indebted to Funina. Even though they were, in essence, one and the same, they could merge again if needed.
"Well, I hope we can cooperate happily in the future." Seeing Fukaros' attitude, Smith nodded with satisfaction. "Next, I hope you can do something. Don't worry—it's a just cause."
Smith then told them about the Order Institute imprisoning Nashida and attempting to artificially create gods.
The revelation stunned Villette and Fukaros. Were the people of the Order Institute truly this reckless? They dared to create artificial gods?
Although no human had yet reached the level of a god, there were existing processes for mortals to ascend to divinity. Some individuals, through the development of the Eye of God, had successfully ascended in the past.
Yet, creating gods artificially and imprisoning existing deities was an act of treason in any nation. As gods and dragon lords, they could not accept such blasphemy.
Fukaros thought her past actions were already radical enough. But Xumi's actions? They were even worse.
She only wanted to shatter her godhood, while Xumi had outright imprisoned the Little Auspicious Grass King.
Did they not realize that Nashida was the incarnation of the World Tree? If something happened to Nashida, the entire continent of Teyvat might face an unprecedented catastrophe.
"The Order Institute is indeed engaging in unjust actions," Fukaros admitted, her tone heavy with concern. "But this is Xumi's internal affair. It would be difficult for us Fontaine to interfere, wouldn't it?"
"Nashida in the guild is the Little Auspicious Grass King," Smith said meaningfully.
Fukaros and Navilette exchanged glances. So, the Little Auspicious Grass King had joined this guild? The Church of God previously claimed that someone had kidnapped her. Could it have been Smith?
It seemed the Church was trying to cover up the truth.
"If that's the case, then Fontaine can help," Fukaros said, her voice firm. As the God of Water, she acknowledged the duty to protect other gods.
In terms of legitimacy, a god's claim to a nation was stronger than any government institution. Furthermore, Smith and his allies weren't asking Fontaine to directly intervene in Xumi's internal conflict or declare war. They only sought assistance within reasonable bounds, and Fukaros saw no reason to refuse.
"Alright. Then, in the name of the God of Water, Fukaros, I will publicly refuse to recognize the authority of the Order Institute over Xumi. Additionally, I will expose their crimes—the imprisonment of Nashida and their forbidden experiments."
Smith nodded. "By the way, the Fatui's Doctor is also involved in this matter. They are conducting various human experiments on Xumi's citizens. Nine out of ten missing persons cases in Xumi can be traced back to their actions."
"Damn it! How could they do such a thing?" Fukaros was furious. Using people as test subjects was an act that trampled on the very concept of justice.
Villette's expression darkened, clearly sharing Fukaros' anger.
"Of course, Liyue will also release a similar statement," Smith continued. "Morax himself will issue a declaration in his name."
Smith had considered his stance on Celestia. Would they become allies, or would they become adversaries? That would depend on Celestia's response.
After all, what Smith and his allies were doing was ultimately beneficial to the continent of Teyvat. If Celestia was willing to cooperate, Smith wouldn't reject them. But if they stood in opposition, he would not hesitate to defy them.
Though Smith wasn't yet powerful enough to challenge Celestia, and perhaps not even strong enough to defeat Villette, he believed he would surpass them all in the future.
"If Liyue is willing to participate, all the better," Fukaros noted.
She glanced at Villette, who nodded in agreement. Even Villette, a being with little regard for many worldly affairs, could not ignore the plight of the Little Auspicious Grass King.
Nashida was, in a way, the daughter of the entire Teyvat continent. As a Dragon King, Villette had a duty to protect her.
If Fontaine stood alone, their credibility might be questioned. However, with Liyue's backing, it would be difficult for the Order Institute to refute their claims. Even if Snezhnaya wanted to intervene, they would not be afraid.
Was this an advanced-level alliance between Fontaine and Liyue?
Despite recognizing the necessity of this partnership, Fukaros couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
"Additionally, we should establish cooperation in technological development," Smith said. "By the way, aren't you going to invite me to Fontaine for a visit?"
(What about Sigwen? She seems adorable, but is she truly as useful as Kokomi? Should I strengthen my forces with the Water God, or try my luck drawing Sigwen? I wonder...)