The scene shifts. Furina once again stands before the bookshelves.
An unknown voice speaks: "Lady Furina, this is the latest hydrological report. The parameters you asked us to monitor still show no improvement."
Furina turns around. "I see… As a god, this is the result I already expected. I simply wanted to see how far human analysis could go."
"All signs indicate that the prophecy will still come to pass. But forget it—this is not something you need to worry about."
[Ningguang: Secretly monitoring the water levels, searching for any way to break the prophecy—Furina has been trying everything.]
[Keqing: And notice how, even while using divine authority, she's always careful not to expose her true identity.]
[Zhongli: Indeed. Without divine memories, her task was only to play the role of a god. Though human, she carried out a god's duties flawlessly—responsibility, compassion, wisdom, and strategy. The only thing she lacked was a god's power.]
[Venti: No doubt, Lady Furina is far more competent at being a god than I ever was.]
[Diluc: That is true.]
[Jean: Mondstadt has always believed in you, though.]
[Zhongli: The God of Freedom has always been free and unrestrained. I recall him once saying: "Is freedom granted by the God of Freedom truly freedom?" That is Barbatos's hidden truth.]
[Paimon: Sounds to me like Venti just didn't want to handle government affairs.]
[Venti: Hahaha…]
Another voice: "Uh… from what I know, the Fontaine Research Institute is also attempting to develop methods to counter the rising water level…"
Furina asks excitedly: "Really? Do they have any leads?"
Voice: "As of now, nothing viable has been found."
Furina coughs lightly. "I see. Not surprising—this matter borders on the domain of gods, after all. Still, their spirit is commendable."
The scene shifts again. Furina is back on her bed, sitting down and finally relaxing.
Another day of pretending to be the Hydro Archon… I barely even had a moment to breathe.
But at least things are stabilizing. The doubts and questions have finally disappeared.
Maybe this isn't so bad. If things continue like this, everyone will be saved.
Don't overthink it. Another long day tomorrow. Rest while you can.
[Kamisato Ayaka: Performing like this every day must be exhausting—and this is only a single day.]
[Ningguang: Out of the entire day, this is the only moment Furina has that belongs to herself.]
[Navia: Even so, she can only think about it quietly. Tomorrow will come again.]
[Keqing: I'm busy too, but I work as myself. Compared to that, Lady Furina's burden is far heavier.]
Act Four – The Opera House. Furina.
At the office desk.
Voice: "Lady Furina, here is the trial report for the new case and the follow-up handling—"
Furina, impatient: "Alright, alright, I've seen it. No need to repeat what I already witnessed on-site."
Scene shift again—to a reception lounge sofa.
Voice: "Lady Furina, I can't believe I get to meet you like this. I've waited far too long for this opportunity."
Furina: "Mm. My loyal citizen, this happiness at this moment is the glory shared by you and me."
Scene shifts to the bookshelves.
Voice: "Lady Furina, we've detected clear hydrological abnormalities near Poisson…"
Furina turns her head. "Mm. Keep monitoring it. And inform me if the Research Institute makes any progress."
The scene returns to her bed as Furina reviews her day.
Phew… I don't think I slipped up today, right? I must always show the citizens the image that reassures them the most.
But… when will this life ever end?
The mental exhaustion is heavy. I should rest early today.
[Ningguang: Compared to daily suffering, what's worse is seeing no end in sight. Day after day, year after year—waking with hope, sleeping with disappointment.]
[The Knave: I sincerely apologize for my previous actions. I should not have doubted you, nor attempted to test you. Fortunately, I never acted—your human body could not have endured my attack.]
[Tartaglia: In the Fatui, ranking is based on strength. Those at the top, like the Knave, are even stronger than me—second only to the gods.]
[Furina: As Fontaine's deity, Knave, I forgive you. You, too, have worked tirelessly against the prophecy. For five hundred years, I've heard accusations like yours more times than I can count.]
[Zhongli: Mental exhaustion is a harsh torment. Furina's perseverance is truly remarkable.]
Act Five – The Opera House.
Furina's figure moves between the desk and bookshelves.
The 182,375th performance (Year 499.7). Opera House. Furina.
Voice: "Lady Furina, speaking with you at such close distance feels like a dream. I heard the last person in our family to receive such an honor was Lady Diotiray, nearly twenty generations ago."
[Ningguang: Even though a businesswoman should remain rational, I couldn't stop my tears here.]
[Xiangling: So many years… When will Furina's salvation come?]
[Yae Miko: And ironically, the final 'salvation' is a trial against Furina.]
[Furina: It's close. In the video, the Knave, Charlotte, and Lyney all appear in their younger years. The final trial will happen within a few years. But my salvation already arrived—before that trial.]
[Ningguang: I was overwhelmed by sadness and missed those details. The trial is near.]
Video continues.
"Hahahahaha!" Furina laughs brightly again. "Splendid. Such an excellent family. Meeting a devout believer like you—or the descendant of one—is truly a joy to me."
Voice: "Hehe, you flatter me, Lady Furina."
"Lady Furina… are you crying?"
[Yae Miko: The pain is so deep she doesn't even realize she's crying.]
[Ganyu: Five hundred years is simply too heavy for her.]
Tears slip from Furina's eyes as she smiles and raises a hand.
"Sigh… perhaps my Hydro power is simply too abundant. I cannot help it—after all, I am the Archon who governs Hydro."
"Oh—no wonder! No wonder! So this is a manifestation of divine power. It is such an honor to see it!"
[Ningguang: Furina's improvisation skills are incredible. My Hydro is overflowing too.]
[Keqing: Her eyelids are trembling—panic and helplessness. Laughing while crying is the saddest sight.]
[Ganyu: Her suffering… is being mistaken for a miracle.]
Furina tilts her head upward, preventing the tears from falling.
Voice: "No wonder—so it's the manifestation of your divine power, Lady Furina. I am truly honored to witness it."
Night falls. Furina returns to her room.
Her eyes well with tears once more.