"Is that so? I understand!" Fukaros gently patted Funina's head. Thanks to the guild, he could now stay in touch with her, which was a comforting thought.
"Sorry, President, I need to return to the Cardinal of the Oracle. If anything requires Fontaine's cooperation, Funina and Villette can make the decisions on my behalf. Likewise, if there's anything urgent, you can reach me through the guild." Fukaros stood up and spoke softly, his expression calm but his mind burdened.
The impact that Smith had on him today was immense. Even now, he wasn't sure if today's events would change his plans. If Fontaine couldn't be saved in the end, Funina would probably end up crying at Smith's doorstep every day.
"Alright." Smith gazed at Fukaros with pity. "All of this is the fault of the former Water God, Egolia. You've done well enough. Waiting for your own demise day after day must be agonizing, right?"
Knowing that death was inevitable was painful, but having to wait for it, counting down the days, was even worse.
"It's not so bad. I trust that Funina will be able to live well in my stead." Fukaros forced a small smile despite the sorrow lingering in his eyes. "Besides, this is my mission. We made mistakes in the past, and this is my way of atoning."
"Is that so?" Smith nodded thoughtfully. Even if Fukaros had accepted his fate, Smith still felt sorry for him. He had no sympathy for Egolia, though. If the former Water God were in front of him right now, Smith wouldn't hesitate to work against him. In his mind, Egolia was the perfect example of someone who deserved to die.
"Just focus on surviving for now. Who knows? You might even surpass your predecessor in the future," Smith said with a meaningful smile.
"Then I'll take your words as a blessing." Fukaros chuckled, nodded at Funina and Navilette, then vanished in a flash of light.
"President, would you like to explore Fontaine? The food here is quite delicious." Funina smiled as she spoke. She seemed to have developed a natural trust in Smith.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Funina!" Smith replied with a grin. "After lunch, I plan to head to Mondstadt."
Navilette looked at Smith in surprise. "Are you planning to bring Barbatos in?"
Smith nodded. "As one of the original Seven Archons, the Wind God Barbatos is still quite capable. He might even be a useful ally in the future. But Mondstadt's culture and attitudes can be... problematic. That's what concerns me about working with them."
"Mondstadt, huh?" Villette murmured, deep in thought. As someone with access to intelligence from various nations, he understood Smith's concerns well.
While Funina was leading Smith to the Debo Hotel for lunch, Linni was in the Buffati Mansion, reporting to Alechino.
"Father, Liyue's Seven-Star Consultant has arrived in Fontaine and was personally invited to dinner by the Water Goddess Funina. Could this be related to the recent incidents?"
"Seven-Star Consultant, Smith?" Alechino's eyes darkened as she pondered.
Smith was well-documented within the Fatui, and his danger level was classified as S-rank—the same level as the Seven Archons. He was not someone to be trifled with lightly.
Currently, the Fatui were still debating whether Smith was an Adventurer. The drastic changes in Liyue were likely tied to him, yet Liyue had now fortified itself into an impenetrable stronghold. The Fatui's operations in Liyue had become exceedingly difficult.
That shadow organization had been particularly troublesome.
But now, such a person had suddenly arrived in Fontaine. Even Alechino felt a headache coming on.
Smith's true strength remained a mystery. His presence in Fontaine could introduce countless variables into their plans.
"Should we send someone to gather intelligence?" Linni inquired.
Alechino hesitated briefly before shaking her head. "No, not for now. The Water God is with him. Facing two beings with god-like power, your tricks won't escape their notice."
The aura from before—the dense water element—was undoubtedly from the Water God. Combined with Funina personally inviting Smith to dinner, it was clear that she had sent that energy as a warning for him not to cause trouble in Fontaine.
It seemed that the Water God had been hiding her true strength all along.
But did Smith know about Fontaine's prophecy? Could he help Fontaine in its time of need? Alechino still had deep ties to Fontaine and didn't want to see the children of the Hearth House lose their home.
Still, this was a matter for the Tsaritsa to decide.
---
"Smith, how do you like the cream of mushroom soup and meat sauce lasagna?" Funina looked at Smith with anticipation, hoping for his approval. After all, this was her homeland, and she wanted every aspect of it to be praised.
The Debo Hotel was the best hotel in Fontaine and also the most expensive. But to Funina, the cost was negligible. Unlike some other gods, she wasn't poor. She earned a salary, received performance fees, and had various investments and financial assets. If anything, she was a wealthy woman.
Even after stepping down as the Water God and surviving on macaroni daily, it wasn't because she lacked money—it was simply her own choice.
Zhongli and Barbatos were in entirely different financial leagues compared to her. Truly, lacking the Water Element meant being poor!