[Ningguang: A god… has retreated in the face of a mortal's challenge? Shouldn't gods be omnipotent?]
[Arataki Itto: She… surrendered!!!!]
[Eula: That's unworthy of a knight's honor. When facing a challenge, one should confront it directly.]
[Keqing: Clorinde must also be under immense pressure, after all, she's challenging a god.]
[Zhongli: Perhaps Furina has her own considerations.]
[Venti: Hahaha, if someone challenged me, I'd probably raise my hands too!]
[Jean: Lord Barbatos!]
[Charlotte: Could it be that Lady Furina fears harming others with her power?]
[Lyney: That's certainly possible.]
[Furina: Charlotte understands me. How could I ever use my divine power to harm my own people?]
[Kazuha: I also believe the Hydro Archon doesn't wish to hurt her people. My friend once challenged the Electro Archon, and a single strike fell past him—impossible to block. The Musou no Hitotachi's strike is still vivid in my mind. A god's power far exceeds mortal capability.]
[The Knave: Am I the only one who feels that Furina thinks she can't defeat Clorinde? I once secretly tested her power, and was shocked at how limited it was.]
[Furina: Knave, you are of Fontaine. I simply do not wish to harm you. Otherwise, you would be erased by my power. The decisions of a god do not require mortal explanations.]
On screen, Furina explained solemnly:
"It seems there has been some misunderstanding. Raising my hands… does not always mean surrender."
She stepped forward, her voice proud:
"This time, I raise my hands to show that I am prepared to face judgment directly. No duel is needed."
"I admit, I have long avoided certain matters. I apologize—I failed to protect the people of Poisson, and I deserve this trial."
"Not just from you, but even I am disappointed in myself."
"But now, as Hydro Archon, it is time for me to summon courage and resolve!"
"I, Focalors, will exemplify true justice in this trial!"
[Charlotte: Lady Furina's speech is so impressive!]
[Sigewinne: Full of confidence. Truly befitting the Hydro Archon.]
[Ningguang: I sometimes lack the courage to face reality myself.]
[Navia: If only the Hydro Archon had refused to run sooner… I wonder what would have happened to Poisson… (Neuvillette comforts)]
[Neuvillette: Hmm… Furina has changed a lot.]
[Furina: Neuvillette, I am your superior. Please do not speak to me in my late father's tone.]
On screen, Furina's thoughts were resolute:
I will protect you all.
She opened her arms, beginning her speech theatrically, accompanied by a performance gesture:
"Rejoice! Applaud! Within this opera house, behold a spectacle that no one even dares to imagine."
"On the stage of Fontaine, a stroke of brilliance, thrilling and grand—the trial of the god Focalors is about to begin!"
The audience, carried away by her speech, clapped enthusiastically.
Paimon whispered: "It almost feels like Furina has the upper hand here… even though she was basically forced into this trial."
"Her performance is a bit exaggerated, but this time… she's serious, right?"
[Keqing: As expected of the God of Justice, she holds the stage perfectly, becoming the center of attention.]
[Mona: The Anemo Archon doesn't have this skill. He hid in Mondstadt for countless years without anyone noticing.]
[Venti: Hahaha, no one noticed me either. That proves my disguise worked!]
[Diluc: When it comes to enjoying wine, I trust Lord Barbatos isn't pretending. (Venti scratches his head)]
[Venti: Hahaha, the Dawn Winery's wine is excellent.]
[Jean: Lord Barbatos, could you return to the Knights? I can help with the duties.]
[Venti: Well… that situation isn't suitable for me. In front of ordinary people of Mondstadt, I hope you can keep this secret. And… get free wine at the Dawn Winery in the future.]
[Venti: Let's watch the video!]
Furina looked back at Neuvillette: "So… who is my opponent?"
Lumine stepped forward: "It's me."
Furina paused for a second, then brightened:
"Is that so? Very well. You are both the accuser and the witness… and, apparently, my destined opponent."
The two stood center stage, facing each other.
Lumine felt a pang of regret—just before, Furina had almost revealed her secret. But for now, there was still a chance to learn everything by winning in court.
Lumine and Furina moved to their respective positions: the witness seat and the defendant's seat.
[Ganyu: How sad… the god betrayed by her people and friends. Furina must be heartbroken!]
[Keqing: Actually, the Traveler had no choice. Furina was the only lead.]
[Ningguang: I wonder if Furina regrets hesitating in the tunnel… in the end, she still didn't speak.]
[Nahida: Sister Furina must feel so lonely. There is no one behind her.]
Furina stood alone on the defendant's stage, arms crossed over her chest:
"Before this trial begins, may I ask… how much effort did you all put into getting me here?"
Paimon stammered: "Well… ever since your argument with Neuvillette, a long time has been spent preparing."
Navia's voice came from the audience:
"Our organization, the Spina di Rosula, had the simplest task. Let me explain first. This morning, the rioters in the Opera House were mostly our agents."
"Disguised as ordinary spectators, they incited the crowd to denounce you."
"Based on our analysis, the most likely choice you would make was to fled to Port Ormos."
(TL Note: I don't think it was clear last time, but it's mentioned here in this chapter that Furina fled to Port Ormos. However, she first went to Poisson to cry and then fled to here following Lumine. Just tryna make it clear.)
"So we stationed a second team there to wait for the right moment…"
[Ningguang: The planner is impressive—they completely understood Furina's psychology.]
[Keqing: The planners were close to Furina. They knew her best.]
[The Knave: Regardless, Lady Furina still kept her secrets. We genuinely wanted to share the burden and save Fontaine.]
[Furina: I'm sorry, Knave. On this matter, no one can help me.]
On screen, Furina looked calm:
"So those people were also your arrangement."
Lyney stood: "The Spina di Rosula's goal was to force you into the giant magic box. I was responsible for transporting the box from Port Ormos to the judgment stage."
"To bring you here, the House of Hearth used immense manpower and resources—digging tunnels, opening waterways—to move the entire house."
Furina reflected: "So the shaking I felt in the room wasn't an earthquake—it was the house moving underground."
Paimon added: "Exactly. It wasn't a disaster."
Lumine apologized: "I'm sorry for deceiving you."