"What is this?!"
In a deserted corner of Fontaine, Furina held a copy of the latest, wildly popular Steambird, her face flushed crimson.
What… what exactly was going on?!
Liu Yuan stood silently beside her, not speaking, because on the front page of that Steambird was an enormous headline:
"The Undeniable Secrets of Lady Furina and Her Familiar, Miss Yuan!"
Hmm… not good, truly not good.
Furina's mind was already overwhelmed.
Just moments ago, she and Liu Yuan had been happily strolling, freely enjoying the morning scenery of Fontaine.
Even though she had seen these streets countless times, walking them under different circumstances felt completely different.
Furina had been enjoying every moment—
— that is, until she passed a newsstand.
Wanting to check for updates on her favorite novels or new detective series, she glanced casually at the newspapers… and one headline snatched her attention instantly.
She froze.
Picked up the Steambird. Paid for it on instinct—
Then hurried into a deserted corner to read it more carefully.
And after reading it, she was speechless.
What on Teyvat was THIS?!!!
The content was simple:
[ Speculation on the relationship between Lady Furina and her suddenly appearing familiar, "Miss Yuan."
The news author insisted their relationship was definitely more than a god and her familiar, listing "evidence" along with multiple photographs.
For example—
• A photo of Lady Furina publicly holding Liu Yuan's arm while announcing her as her familiar. The author even added a close-up of Furina's gaze…
• A photo at the Opera House where Lady Furina, being held by Liu Yuan, appeared in the stands — Furina nestled completely in Liu Yuan's arms…
• Another photo from an interview where a reporter asked Furina, "What kind of existence is Miss Yuan?" and Furina immediately answered, "She is the most amazing!" ]
There were ten photos in total, each accompanied by "professional interpretations."
They even invited the president of the Fontaine Psychology Association to analyze them!
In short, the entire article claimed the relationship between Lady Furina and Liu Yuan was definitely not just that of a familiar.
Typically, anything that could distort the Hydro Archon's image would never be published.
Because the power of public opinion was immense. The Hydro Archon represented all of Fontaine — even if most Fontainians treated her like a mascot, she was still the symbol of their nation.
Such news was normally forbidden.
Yet this time…
For some unknown reason, Palais Mermonia seemed to have quietly approved this article. Even stranger — there seemed to be another force pushing public opinion forward.
However, nothing negative emerged. Most of Fontaine was simply curious about who this "Miss Yuan" really was.
After all—
Anyone with working eyes could see that their Hydro Archon's gaze toward her familiar was far too unusual.
To most citizens:
Lady Furina always looked like an actress in constant performance. But when she spoke of "Miss Yuan," or when she looked at "Miss Yuan," her usual theatrical facade dissolved on its own.
In short—
It was incredibly shippable!
Now, the majority of Fontaine fully believed their Archon was in love.
Because to them, Furina had long since lost most of her "majestic Archon" image.
Her titles often went in this order:
Superstar → Greatest Actor → Idol → Mascot → Hydro Archon
If she didn't maintain the same youthful appearance for five hundred years, proving she was a god, many would probably treat her like an ordinary young woman.
Compared to the gods of other nations, Furina lacked majesty so thoroughly that Fontainians treated the idea of her falling in love as casual gossip.
If this were Neuvillette…
Fontaine would shatter.
Meanwhile, the Hydro Archon was currently hiding in a corner, her entire face red beneath the mask.
If she weren't using the mask's disguise, she would have already fainted.
Because this article—
Was simply too outrageous!!!
Even though… even though a tiny part of it was true…
But how did they guess so accurately?!
For a moment, Furina wanted to return to Palais Mermonia, call a press conference, and clarify her relationship with Liu Yuan.
But then she froze.
Clarify… what?
Say that she and Liu Yuan were completely innocent?
That their relationship was just a normal familiar bond?
That everything in the newspaper was nonsense?
But… but these were all technically facts…
If the issue had been anything else—
If it had been about performing the role of the Hydro Archon—
She could lie without hesitation.
But when it involved Liu Yuan…
She didn't want to lie.
So… what should she do?
Admit it?
Deny it?
Evade it?
Furina had no solution.
After a long silence, she decided to leave everything to her "future self."
She stood up. Her cheeks were still burning, but her composure had mostly returned.
She looked at Liu Yuan and murmured:
"Liu… Liu Yuan, I want to go outside and look around."
.
.
.
_