"This cake looks so good…"
A short while later, Furina was once again at a cake shop, choosing her afternoon tea.
After petting the cats, her appetite had stirred, so she came to a nearby shop.
Touching her wallet, Furina settled on a beautifully decorated cake with a flavor she had never tried before.
Holding the cake, she walked out of the shop and sat on a bench by the street. Watching the bustling crowds, she unwrapped the dessert and began to enjoy it.
"I just realized I seem to be quite poor…"
While eating, Furina spoke to Liu Yuan.
The topic, naturally, was simple: Mora.
Inside the shop, she had wanted to pick from many tempting options, but the thought of her light purse had pulled her back. In the end, she chose only the one she held.
It was only now that Furina suddenly realized she didn't have much money.
Normally, everything she needed — food, clothing, housing, and travel — was covered by Palais Mermonia. She never had to worry. After all, as the Hydro Archon, someone would always pay on her behalf.
The Mora she had used today was only what she had dug out of a forgotten corner in her room.
And now… she truly had nothing left.
"Do you need Mora?" Liu Yuan asked quietly.
"No, not really. A god doesn't need to care about money. I just suddenly realized I've been rather poor. In five hundred years, I haven't saved any Mora at all."
Furina's tone was half-hearted, a little disheartened. She wasn't actually worried — just lamenting.
"Still, the matter of money should be considered…"
Liu Yuan lowered her head, already thinking of ways to earn.
"Don't think so much!" Furina quickly stopped her. "I was only lamenting. I don't truly need Mora. I am the Hydro Archon! I don't need money!"
At this moment, Furina really didn't think she needed to worry. Even if she had left in a hurry this time and ran out of Mora, she could always ask her maid for more later. There was no need for Liu Yuan to trouble herself.
"What about later?"
Liu Yuan's calm voice broke the thought.
"Later?" Furina blinked in confusion.
"Later, when you are no longer the Hydro Archon. At that time, you won't be able to rely on that identity. You'll have to earn Mora yourself. So, why not save some now? It will be convenient later."
"Later… after I am no longer the Hydro Archon?"
The words struck Furina. She had never thought about it. She had become so numb to her role, so accustomed to living as the Hydro Archon, that even now — dressed plainly, far from her seat — she still thought like one.
When did I become like this?
Why did I never consider that I might one day live as myself again?
The realization left her shaken.
"I… still have a chance to step down?" Furina murmured, half to herself.
But Liu Yuan heard and answered simply, as if it was obvious:
"Why not?"
That voice lit a spark in Furina's dim eyes. She looked at Liu Yuan expectantly.
"I've read that Sumeru's Dendro Archon is already the second generation. Since Egeria gave you the divine seat, why can't you give it up?
"Mondstadt has lived freely for thousands of years without a ruling god. That proves a nation doesn't always need one.
"So, why can't you leave the seat behind?"
Liu Yuan's words were soft, yet weighty.
"I…"
Furina's lips trembled. She could say nothing. Because she knew the reason.
The Prophecy.
The one that loomed over Fontaine, promising its end.
She had to keep playing the Hydro Archon until that Prophecy was broken — or fulfilled. Until then, she had no right to think of what came after.
Would she die when it came to pass?
She didn't know.
Once, she might not have cared to wonder. But now…
Now she could feel Liu Yuan's steady gaze on her. She wanted to confide in her, to reveal everything, because Liu Yuan was far smarter, far steadier. Maybe she could think of a way out.
But reason screamed not to. To drag Liu Yuan into this would be too cruel.
Her hands clenched tight. She had told countless lies before, but facing Liu Yuan…
She didn't want to.
The next moment, warmth touched her hand. Liu Yuan had knelt on one knee before her, her deep blue eyes meeting Furina's downcast heterochromatic ones. Her voice was low, steady, and sincere:
"You don't have to be like this, Furina.
"I don't know what's troubling you. And you don't have to tell me.
"But I will always be by your side. I will face everything with you. I won't leave, and I won't disappear.
"So don't ever give up on your future. The beauty of tomorrow is built, little by little, from today's hopes.
"You're already incredible."
It was rare for Liu Yuan to speak so many words at once, and rarer still for them to carry such weight.
She had noticed Furina's unease, sensed the secret she carried — but chose not to press.
All Liu Yuan wanted was for Furina to be happy.
.
.
.
_