Furina took a deep breath, and a smile immediately returned to her face. "Oh my, well then. I was just trying to see what it felt like to play a tragic character for a change. As expected, it simply doesn't suit someone as noble as I am."
"Oh, and everything I just said to you—pay it no mind whatsoever. With me at the helm, how could Fontaine possibly be ruled by some prophecy..."
Paimon: "But... the person we just saw—that was the real you, wasn't it?"
[Klee: This big sister's words are so contradictory! Which one is the real her?]
[Sigewinne: I've spent a great deal of time studying human expressions. Earlier, Lady Furina was showing her true feelings. What came after was a forced smile.]
[Wriothesley: Sigewinne has studied expressions for centuries. I trust her judgment, and I trust in Lady Furina's feelings for her people.]
[Neuvillette: Furina, perhaps you truly need not shoulder this burden alone.]
Lumine stood in place, deep in thought. They wanted to obtain more information. "Furina, perhaps you truly need not shoulder this burden alone."
"I think your people would be more than happy to share it with you."
Furina shook her head. "That is something simply impossible. From the very beginning, it was fated that I alone would bear this duty..."
Lumine: "But you can still choose to confide in someone. I am a Witness. You can confide in me."
Furina lowered her head, falling into thought. "A Witness... That's right. You came to Teyvat from beyond the sea of stars, didn't you? In other words, you have never truly belonged to this place..."
"If everything in Teyvat is a comedy upon a stage, then you are merely a spectator in the opera house, aren't you?"
Lumine nodded.
[Jean: What is a Witness?]
[Zhongli: Time holds tremendous power. History becomes distorted over the ages. I need to find a better record to engrave true history. Carving stone was once a good record, but even stone that seems unchanging, even a world and a self that seem unchanging, may all, one day, disappear. Lumine is one who has crossed the firmament and traversed the sea of stars. If history is carved into Lumine's memory, then perhaps one day it may travel with Lumine to another world. As a Traveler, as long as you can record it, then Teyvat's eras and histories will obtain a form of preserved backup. That is what a Witness is.]
[Hu Tao: As expected of Consultant Zhongli. He knows everything.]
[Ningguang: I still only half understand.]
[Nahida: Allow me to explain. All of Teyvat's memories are recorded within Irminsul. To alter Irminsul is to alter people's memories. However, the Traveler, Lumine, does not exist within Irminsul's records. To Teyvat, she is an outsider.]
[Ningguang: Now I understand. If Furina's secret were told to a person of Teyvat, it would have an effect on Teyvat. But telling Lumine poses no problem. Is my understanding correct?]
[Furina: That's right. Yes, that's correct. Wait—Paimon is a person of Teyvat! Future me, you absolutely must not confide!]
[Ganyu: I understand now as well. But Nahida—who is that? (Zhongli sips tea)]
[Zhongli: Nahida also goes by another name—Buer. She is the God of Wisdom of Sumeru, the god who presides over the Dendro element and Irminsul.]
[Dehya: So the Dendro Archon of Sumeru is called Nahida? How come I've never heard that name before?]
[Layla: I've never heard of it either.]
[Nahida: Due to certain reasons, I have not left the Sanctuary of Surasthana in five hundred years, nor have I had contact with the public. So it is only natural that you do not know me.]
[Video Compilation System: Furina's story moves one to tears. Nahida's story is much the same. The next video will feature the story of Nahida. (Nahida's eyes widened)]
[Nahida: Mine? I didn't do anything... I'm just a useless god. (lowering her head)]
[Video Compilation System: No. Your story moved the world. Your story saved the world. Every living being in Teyvat ought to offer you their thanks.]
[Ningguang: I'm already looking forward to it. To be able to learn so many secrets of the gods is truly a joyous thing. I wonder if there will be any stories about our Geo Archon.]
[Video Compilation System: The Geo Archon, Morax, protected Liyue for five thousand years. However, at present, he may be wishing to step down from his divine throne. Isn't that right, Zhongli? (Zhongli sips tea)]
[Hu Tao: Zhongli, look! The broadcast room just called you out by name! Do you know the Geo Archon?]
[Ningguang: Zhongli... I know of this person. He enjoys drinking tea and listening to opera.]
[Xiangling: Mr. Zhongli is also very skilled at tasting and appreciating food. He has profound expertise in the culinary arts.]
[Venti: Zhongli IS the Geo Archon! Isn't what that system just said clear enough? Anyway, since the broadcast room will play Zhongli's video sooner or later, you'd all find out eventually. Zhongli—you won't hold it against me, will you? (Zhongli sips tea)]
[Zhongli: Of course not. How could I ever hold a grudge against Barbatos, the Anemo Archon?]
[Klee: ?????]
[Jean: ?????]
[Hu Tao: ?????]
...
In the footage, having received an affirmative answer, Furina grew very emotional.
"If it's you..."
But after hesitating again and again, Furina still could not bring herself to speak.
At that moment, the room began to shake violently. Then the four walls collapsed, and the surroundings instantly transformed into the judge's stand.
The audience seats were filled with citizens.
Beside them, Lyney bowed with a flourish. "Ladies and gentlemen, my warm-up performance has now concluded. Next, let the trial of the god commence!"
[Lyney: So that's how it was! First, use the crowd's denouncement to pressure Furina into going to Poisson. Then, under Lumine's and Paimon's guidance, lead Furina into the small house. After that, the House of the Hearth would be responsible for transporting the entire room to the judge's stand, forcing Furina to face trial directly. This is my style. And that magic curtain call was so cool!]
[Lynette: As expected of my brother. Capturing the Hydro Archon was effortless.]
[Lyney: This wasn't my doing alone. Neuvillette and the Traveler both took part, along with the help of many civilian extras.]
[Furina: ...]
[Lyney: I'm sorry, Lady Furina. That was something the future me did. The present me understands you.]
Furina: "So that's it. I commend your efforts at theatricality. However, I am Focalors, the God of Justice. I am justice incarnate. Is your delusional attempt to put the God of Justice on trial not somewhat absurd?"
From the judge's seat, Neuvillette spoke in a cool tone: "May I interpret your words to mean you refuse to stand trial?"
"In that case, you shall have one opportunity to defend your honor through a duel."
Clorinde, blade in hand, walked step by step to the center of the stage.
Furina still wanted to struggle. She looked at Clorinde: "You... are you certain you wish to duel a god?"
Clorinde gave no answer. She merely raised her weapon, pointing it at Furina. Everything was conveyed in that silence.
Furina: "It seems you've already made up your mind."
With that, Furina raised both hands.
Paimon was stunned: "Furina... she surrendered!"
Clorinde withdrew her sword and let out a breath of relief.
The audience was equally astonished.
"What's going on? The Hydro Archon surrendered in a duel against a human?"
"Isn't this a little too disgraceful?"
"Lady Furina, what is the meaning of this?"