*Disclaimer* - I do not own the copyright to Genshin Impact nor do I own any of the characters.
*A/N* - Hello, hello. Good to be in this story again. All the reviews and applause for this sudden and quite fun story have been amazing to see. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check it out. I'm slowly getting there with updates and whatnot to all my stories but eagerly can't wait for the next update to Genshin. Hope to see more of the craziness following Furina. With that being said, I hope you'll enjoy this next chapter into the Traveler encountering this bratty and energetic Hydro Archon.
Aether had been through many daring situations before. Not just including the time he spent in Teyvat venturing across the many different nations. However, what he and Paimon were dealing with now was just… unprecedented. It was almost as if the longer they were in Fontaine, the greater the chances that they would get pulled into another situation involving the Hydro Archon. Not to mention, the chances of them ending up behind bars were growing by the minute.
What was the reasoning behind this astute and somewhat bewildering idea?
Well, it just so happened to center around the white and blue-haired girl who was idiotically peeking her head around the corner but due to her blue fancy hat resting on top of her head… it was not proving to be a sound method. Additionally, even if someone was to comment to the Hydro Archon about her hat giving her position away, she would simply cast them away and pay them no attention and go back to being a very bad spy or whatever it was that she was doing.
How did this situation come to fruition? Well, let's rewind the clock a few hours ago.
~Earlier~
Walking out of the restaurant that hosted them for lunch, Aether and Paimon could barely move as it visibly appeared that their stomachs had grown quite a bit. Their well-deserved lunch really hit the spot.
"Ah… Paimon doesn't want to eat again."
"W-What? Did I hear that correctly?" Aether weakly questioned while balancing himself out.
"Y-You heard nothing… ah… Paimon hasn't been that full since back in Sumeru when we went to eat with Kaveh" the small fairy girl proclaimed while patting her tummy.
"No kidding. Even Navia was having trouble leaving haha."
What Aether was referring to was his blonde-haired partner who joined them and their courier cat yokai friend, Kirara, for some lunch as a get-together with friends. When the meal was done and paid for by the friendly and kindhearted Traveler, and Paimon in support, the new and old friends parted ways with Kirara doing her best to not look bloated while heading back to work. Navia on the other hand had to excuse herself but couldn't help but go on a burping spree which caused the Demoiselle to blush a bright red color and briskly walk away to who knows where. Thus, the two traveling companions would have a sweet new memory of their friend… and maybe some ammunition to tease her in a friendly manner when the time was right.
Now, the two companions were slowly walking to an outside lounge where they could perhaps rest their stomachs and plan whatever else sounded fun and efficient for today.
"Hah… Paimon's never felt so happy yet so hurt at the same time."
"That's on you. You're the one who said you wouldn't mind the soup and entrée mixed before even finishing your appetizer."
"B-But Paimon didn't know it came in that big of a size! Normally, when restaurants say the medium size, you get a fair amount, but that place must have switched their medium size and extra-large size because there was no way anybody could finish what was served to us" Paimon explained while recalling the size distribution of their food.
This was a colossal new issue that the two had never faced before in any of the prior regions they explored.
"Well, next time we will know better."
"Yeah, next time we got to invite the others in Spina di Rosula. They will love the place."
"I'm sure Navia will be talking wonders about that place. Even she was surprised about the food ordered. Remember what she said, about how some of the menu items were new and inspired from the other regions' cultural food."
"That's right! That's why Paimon could've sworn that some of the food looked and tasted so familiar. It reminded Paimon of some of the food in Inazuma mixed with some spices we've tasted in Sumeru. And the sweetness of…"
As Paimon continued to talk about all the delicious foods, Aether couldn't help but notice something odd. Something that didn't seem right.
Behind the small floating girl there appeared to be several Gardes who looked utterly lost. Almost as if they were looking for someone. Part of Aether wanted to go and see what was up. But another part of himself immediately remembered all the trouble they had managed to get pulled into without even doing anything during their time in Fontaine. Not to mention, there was still the issue of the God of Justice nagging him with her teasing tricks.
Hence, the blonde-haired traveler simply paid them no mind and went back to listening to Paimon's fruitful discussion about the various tastes she found in her food.
"…And then, Paimon could also taste a bit of spiciness in her food, but it then became sweet. And it wasn't a substitute for the spice but tasted so natural. Paimon isn't sure what to really call it."
"Well, maybe you should come up with a new term for that kind of flip-switching flavor. Who knows? Maybe you're on to something that could become something big?" Aether suggested to the small girl.
"Ahhhh! You're right! Imagine, if this idea gets off the ground and it becomes something, then Paimon might get the recognition and support to have something new and exciting in Teyvat. Oh! Maybe if it gets enough support someone will want to take my idea to the next level. And then what if they want to buy it from me? Heehee! Then Paimon will be stinking rich with Mora!"
Aether couldn't help but shake his head in an amused kind of way while also applauding the fairy girl for not just jumping at the idea of money but gradually getting there with the prospect of time and attention to her idea. Who knows? Maybe this idea could be something?
As the duo continued to walk around the area, they decided it would be nice to do a bit of window shopping around the various stores and then make their way over to Leschots Clockwork Workshop to see how Arbon, Alberre, and the other staff were doing. Plus, there was also the possibility that they might have a new product that needs some testing and consumer feedback. The traveling duo would gladly lend a hand there.
Overall, Aether and Paimon had a game plan and were set to get to work.
~Earlier, back in the Opera Epiclese~
Sitting there in her fashionable chair and listening in on the trial currently being played out, Furina couldn't help but sport a bored expression on her face. Where she usually had a sly grin or flashy smile or even her head bolstered up in an energetic display of character, the Hydro Archon was utterly not interested in what was happening in the courtroom right now.
Given that only her bodyguard, Clorinde, saw the Archon's surprising display of character, were anyone else to see the God of Justice display such an act would be questioning themselves if there dreaming or misinterpreting something.
Furina couldn't for the life of her give a proper description of what the current trial encompassed. The last notable thing she heard was that someone had been caught stealing from a dress parlor and were brought to justice but anything else she simply cast off as empty noise. Her attention was elsewhere from the Opera Epiclese and more attuned to a certain someone.
A blonde-haired boy came to her mind, and she could not get him out of her head. Anytime she tried to pay attention to the trial, she would ultimately think about the trial where she went against him and was having the time of her life. Granted, the proper punishment given out through the trial was something that she wanted to have a proper conclusion on, but she couldn't help but feel as if Neuvillette had things handled there. Hence, she had her mind up in the clouds.
Before too long, the court had concluded with the thief being placed as guilty and taken away serve some time. As soon as the trial had been finished, Furina immediately jumped out of her seat and began to briskly walk away.
"Lady Furina? Where are you going?" Clorinde hastily said while following behind the Hydro Archon.
"Why, I'm going out for some fresh air. The atmosphere of the Opera Epiclese can be a bit… stagnant to one as holy as myself, of course."
Not sure what to make of that comment, the Champion Duelist simply kept to herself and continued to follow the God of Justice.
"Clorinde. Perhaps you should take a break and enjoy a beautiful day in this spectacle of a land adjourned by yours truly" Furina randomly proclaimed.
Her intent was really simple. She wanted to get out of the theater and let her mind wander. As well as come up with a plan on how she should go about her day now since her attention was directed toward a certain blonde-haired traveler.
"Lady Furina, I apologize if this sounds… retorting, but it is my job to be by your side wherever it is that you may go" the dark-haired girl replied.
"Yes, yes. I understand that Clorinde. However, isn't it a subtle understanding that even you need time to yourself? Why not take that time now? There is nothing major going on in my lovely region that would require my full attention. No disasters or threats are warranted my way. Hence, in this time of everlasting peace, you should take the chance to spend some quality time by yourself. Go for a walk, eat some delicious food, and read a book. Anything that fulfills the growing and nurturing feelings inside your heart. You've deserved it."
Hearing Furina say all this, Clorinde had only one thought come across in her mind. The Hydro Archon was up to something. What that something was? She had no idea, but a sly thought did seem appealing to the Champion Duelist. One that would fall in line with what the Archon was striving for.
"…Very well, Lady Furina. I shall humbly request the rest of the day off."
Inside Furina's head, she couldn't believe that her loyal and trustworthy friend and guardian would fall for her ruse.
'I can't believe it… she actually fell for it! Yes! This will give me the chance to get out and see what my dear esteemed guest is up to today. Perhaps he is still reeling in from the events of this morning? Hahahaha. The look on his face. I wonder if he'll still be in shock. Hmm. Only one way to find out.'
As Furina said all this to herself, she couldn't help but unconsciously sport a teasing smirk on her face. It was also apparent in her body language that she was greatly enjoying this change in her day. Clorinde on her part obviously saw that the white and blue-haired girl had a look of great interest in her facial expression. There appeared to be a great deal more to where her mind was now.
One idea that Clorinde had revolved around the blonde-haired traveler and how it seemed like he was a focal point to Furina's attention. Whatever they discussed or experienced together the night before, it has left her Archon in quite an unusual state. This focal point seemed to indicate that she should investigate just who this Traveler was. And knowing Furina's behavior, it was undoubtedly that she would seek him as well.
Hence, the Champion Duelist would allow Furina to be somewhat alone while also spying on the traveler and keeping an eye on the God of Justice. A win-win situation for her.
"However, while I am away from your side, I will assign a platoon of Gardes to be by your side at all times. They are to not let you out of their sight. Is that within reason, Your Grace?" Clorinde directed to the Hydro Archon.
"Yes, yes. I can accept those terms. Alas, Clorinde, you worry about me too much. I am perfectly capable of handling myself in the land I rule over. For I, the God of Justice, have made it so perfectly perfect."
Clorinde could only close her eyes and let a slight breeze of air push some of her hair to the side. Once she collected her thoughts, she addressed Furina.
"Well then, let us be off and assign you a charge of officers."
"Hmm. Gladly."
With that, the two continued walking through the halls of the Opera Epiclese and headed for the lower section of the theater where Clorinde would meet up with the other Gardes stationed here. She would then assemble a team of guards to watch over their nation's Archon. And when she would start distancing herself from Furina to keep a watchful eye on her.
She would learn the truth behind who this Traveler was along with what role he had in Furina's life now.
Meanwhile, currently back with Aether and Paimon
After having done a little window shopping and visited Leschots Clockwork Workshop to see if they had any new and available toys to test, the two travelers were now hanging around another store that centered around fancy apparel. Aether was the one who decided to check this place out as he realized that he didn't quite have the vast wardrobe in his collection. It only took him visiting four regions to get to this realization.
"Oh! Paimon thinks you might look good in this."
In the fairy's hands was what appeared to be a jacket with a dark overall tone of color to it. The design was better centered around more casual wear and purposes while still applying a sense of fanciness.
"Hmm. I like how it has a mix of dark colors. It does look quite nice as well."
"Yep! Paimon also thinks that it'll match with your overall color."
"My overall color? What does that mean?" Aether asked, not sure what Paimon meant.
"You know, how your clothes now lean toward a yellow color."
The Traveler had to think about what she said for a good minute. He started thinking about it on a deep level and even moved to a tall-standing mirror to check himself out.
"Huh. I guess I do have that familiarity with yellow. You think it'll match?"
"Yeah, it does go with yellow. Is yellow your favorite color?" Paimon questioned the boy.
It also dawned on her that she had never asked him that kind of question before.
"I don't exactly have a favorite color. Or I've never really given it much thought before."
"Paimon can agree with you on that. Paimon also doesn't even know what color suits her best."
Nodding in correlation to what she said, Aether then gave the jacket another look over and pictured himself wearing it. He had to admit, it did have a certain kind of flair to it. However, while picturing himself in the new attire, he let out a sigh of disappointment.
"Hah? What's wrong?" Paimon floated up to him and tried reading his expression. "Did Paimon's choice not sit well with you?"
"No, no. It's not that. I'm just picturing myself wearing it and thought it would also look good on me. But then I realized that the chance of us encountering combat will be high and I don't know if this jacket will last in a fight. Let alone the various climates that we traverse through" he explained to his partner.
"Ah… phooey. You're right. Paimon didn't take all of that into account. Maybe they have another jacket like this that's more capable for rougher wear?"
"Hmm. Maybe. But for now, let's put a pin on this store and check out the other stores in the area" Aether suggests.
"You're right. There's plenty of other stores to visit and hey, maybe they have something for Paimon hee hee!"
Now on the same wavelength, the two begin walking to another store to do a bit of window shopping while also hoping that there was something that caught their eye.
Evidently, this led to Aether and Paimon's current predicament where they were minding their own business when the small floating girl noticed something in the corner of her eye. Something that she knew would cause them trouble.
Hence, in a hushed tone of voice, Paimon called out to Aether while still trying to maintain a normal outward appearance. She also thanked her prior experiences in the other regions to get her to be sneakier.
"Aether… someone's following us."
Letting his eyes wander around the place, the blonde-haired played it casual.
"Where from?"
"Behind us. I thought I saw someone dart behind a wall" Paimon explained.
Deciding to see if she was right, Aether slowly looked at something to his right and paid close attention to it with his body facing the side but his eyes looking back as best as he could. There, he spotted whom Paimon suspected to be following them along with a frustrated sigh escaping his lips.
"I see them now, Paimon."
"Really!? You do? Who are they?"
He flashes Paimon a knowing look.
"Take a guess. They are not a threat to us… actually, I take that back. They are the biggest threat to us in all of Fontaine."
Giving props to the small fairy, Paimon immediately realizes just who is stalking them from a distance.
"*gasp* It's Furina! Oh! Why is she bothering us? What did we do to get on her bad- "
Suddenly, Paimon recalls just what happened earlier this morning with the extravagant event featuring all the attention directed at the Traveler and how Furina gifted him several baskets full of goodies.
"You!"
"Huh? Why are you pointing your finger at me?" Aether audibly questioned.
"You're the reason Furina's spying on us that's why. What exactly did you do to her last night?" Paimon questions the boy almost like how a strict mother questions her son.
"I-I didn't do anything. I told you exactly what happened while leaving the private stuff out."
Paimon floated up to Aether and used her entire floating body to alleviate her words.
"That's exactly what I mean! You and Furina did something and now she's after us. *shocked gasp* Oh no… she's not going after you and essentially Paimon for what you did, is she? She might even be out for revenge. Having met the Tone-deaf bard, Zhongli, Ei, and Nahida… Furina is one of the most troublesome Archons we've met and that's taking into account our rough encounter with Raiden Shogun" Paimon discussed while waving her small hands around.
"She's not that bad, Paimon. Everyone just has their own way of doing and saying things. Look at Ei now, she's one of our closest friends in Inazuma."
A sigh of realization was seen and heard from the small girl.
"Paimon gets that… but still, why is she spying on us?"
Many thoughts were swimming around Aether's head on why Furina would be doing something as ridiculous as spying on them from a distance. Even now, as he looked slightly back, he could see the top of her hat easily give away her position making the whole sneaking thing a waste of time.
"I don't know… but I think we should just keep to ourselves and pay her no mind. Maybe she's just curious about something and will go away when she's bored" he suggested, hoping that would ultimately be the case.
"Hm… you're right. Paimon thinks that's our best bet. Otherwise, we might get thrown into the slammer. Oh… Paimon's too young to go to jail."
Beginning to tease Paimon about her age, the two started walking to another shop and began to wonder what exactly they might find only to not realize that Focalors was doing a very bad job at keeping a secretive job of not being inconspicuous. Even some of the Fontaine citizens were wondering what their Archon was doing and why she was alone.
On Furina's part, once Clorinde had assigned her a group of Gardes to watch over her, she immediately started running from place to place leaving the Gardes completely surprised by her antics to the point that she would be away from them for just enough time before one Garde managed to spot her and inform her not to go to far. This kept on for quite some time until she finally managed to spot the blonde Traveler walking out of a store.
Now, she had bought herself some time and would certainly learn more about him. About the boy who had basically lent her a shoulder to cry and douse her frustrations onto. In addition, she couldn't help but gracefully let the bright smile on her face be welcomed. This entire time that she was spying on Aether, she had the biggest smirk on her face as she was enjoying this all too much.
Hence, in a daring move, she dashed forward to the building that Aether went into and tried to enter the establishment and spy on what exactly she was buying but had to quickly throw herself behind a pillar near the building as the Traveler and his floating friend walked out. They then moved to another store which bolstered Furina's drive to spy on the boy closely.
However, behind the God of Justice and sitting perched on the top of a building right above her was the Champion Duelist and she couldn't help but let out a sigh. Watching the Hydro Archon lazily sneak around the surrounding area while wanting to get closer to the Traveler caused Clorinde to let out a sigh she would normally be unable to do. She enjoyed her role as the guardian of the Archon and would not trade it for anything else. Alas, this entire charade left her feeling two things.
One, she was truly curious as to who the Traveler really was as she had not started a proper conversation with him. Perhaps there was something more to his character than she thought possible. Granted, doing a bit of background research into him provided quite the history within the other nations. Were these any other circumstances, the likelihood of her wanting to strike up a conversation about his duels in other nations would be high. Even the chance to just sit down and chat with him freely. Now, however, that was not the case.
Secondly, she could not help but wonder deeply about why Furina would choose a method of gathering intelligence about the boy in this kind of regard. It would have been much easier for her to assign one or more of her followers to watch the boy closely and learn all that she could about him. Heck, that is how she learned of his coming to Fontaine and was able to conduct quite the introduction ceremony when he first arrived. Clorinde couldn't help but wonder about her Archon sometimes.
Nevertheless, the dark-haired beauty would continue to watch over both the esteemed Traveler and her Archon with a close eye. She had a mission, and she would not fail it.
With this in mind, she smirked playfully while creeping closer to the two but still keeping a respectable distance away from him to avoid being seen.
Later, after visiting a few more stores in the area
Aether had had enough.
As they continued to venture across several stores now, Furina's presence had grown exponentially. Before she would keep a moderate distance watching them. Now, she was practically only a few feet away from them inside the stores. However, she would do a really bad job of hiding herself. Either her hat or hair would be a dead giveaway for her position, or he could hear her talking to someone which would basically defeat the purpose of spying on them.
This was starting to annoy the boy as he was frustrated by the obvious act and decided that enough was enough. Hence, while they were eyeballing some travel bags being displayed in the store they were currently at, Aether gestured to Paimon to listen to him. She immediately caught on as she was also growing tired of the Archon's sad attempt at spying.
"Paimon's listening."
"We need to stop this so-called spy."
"Agreed."
"Here's the plan. I'll make my way to the next store but suddenly take a detour and then…"
As the two quickly came up with a plan to surround and confront the Hydro Archon, Furina did her best to try and listen in on what they were talking about. Suffice it to say, she could not hear anything was practically several feet away from. Had she been spotted? Were they purposely keeping to themselves because of her presence? These were questions that plagued her mind.
Suddenly, she watched as the boy who plagued her mind and interest suddenly started walking toward the exit while his floating companion started spinning and then disappeared out of thin air. Many questions landed within Furina's mind, but she could ponder them later. Now, the Traveler was getting away which was something that she would not let happen.
Sneaking behind some of the pillars in the store she was currently in, the Hydro Archon stealthily made her way through the store keeping a good pace to the exit. Furina either ignored or was not aware of the items that she knocked over in her attempt at being stealthy. Furthermore, there was even an employee of the store who was behind her picking up everything that hit the floor. The employee wasn't sure if they should mention this to the Archon or just try to go about their day. Either way, Focalors immediately followed behind the blonde-haired boy to keep up with him.
Now outside, she saw him book it in a different direction than she was expecting. This resulted in her picking up the pace and trying to stay within reach of him. He then did a 90-degree turn into what appeared to be a small alleyway leading toward another store. Just as she was about to turn past the corner and expect to see the Traveler, Furina found herself staring at an empty alleyway.
"H-Huh? Where did- Where did he go?"
She began looking around the place up and down and even thought that she misread the direction Aether was going or that he was already in the store up ahead. Deciding to turn around once more to garner her surroundings, Furina expected to still see an empty alleyway but was soundly surprised to see the small fairy girl looking right at her. A look of directness with her hands on her hips was sent right at the Archon.
"O-Oh! It's you. The floating girl. To what do I owe this sudden and unexpected meeting with yours truly? This is certainly one encounter that's to be written in a book about thyself."
Paimon didn't say anything except fold her arms across her chest.
"I think it's you who owes us an explanation, Focalors."
Turning around again, Furina was now met with the boy who had managed to become quite the influential and entertaining aspect of her life in the past day and night.
"T-Traveler!? This is certainly a surprise!"
Aether simply sent her a look that could be described as fed up and tired of her shenanigans.
"Furina. Enough. We know that you've been following us for a minute now."
Worry was evident on her face now. The jig on her entire spying operation might have just collapsed right before her very eyes and ears. She had to think fast about how to salvage this plan.
"W-What do you mean? I think you are utterly and illy confused, dear Traveler. I have not been followi- "
"That's a lie and you know it!" Paimon shouted. "You can't get out of this."
"You really are bad at trying to spy on someone. It was almost as if you wanted to be seen."
A small hint of pink appeared on the Archon's cheek as she started pointing her gloved finger at the boy.
"I highly doubt that you correctly and adequately perceived me as the kind of person who resorts to stalking" Furina tried to reason but her claim fell on deaf ears.
Aether and Paimon shot each other deadpan looks. This Archon was surely something else.
"We could see you the whole time. Honestly, everyone could see you. If there was a contest for who could be the quietest stalker, you'd be kicked out immediately" Paimon reasoned.
"Every time you moved around a corner or tried to hide behind cover, either your hair or hat would give away your position," Aether said to the god.
At this point, Furina had to think about all the spots she tried to hide behind. Some of the pillars she thought were thick enough to hide her entire body, but she did not take into account her hat being the one true thing to give away her position. She let out a silent curse while realizing that the next time she tries to follow in the ways of a spy, she won't be wearing a hat.
Amazingly, she was oblivious to all the commotion caused in her wake wherever she went. Either she would break out of character and start talking with the closest citizen who noticed her or she would knock things over leaving quite the mess behind. Overall, she was not and should not be a spy.
"T-That's all denigration! Slander I say. This is all one big coincidence. I just happened to be in the area and took a keen interest in the two of you wandering around my beloved city."
Paimon was growing fed up and began shaking her little head while Aether simply stared right at Furina with his eyes meeting hers in a somber moment between the two. Verbal words did not need to be said as it appeared that he was talking to her through mental wavelengths, but in reality, he hadn't said a single word and just kept his attention on her.
"Paimon doesn't think so," said the small girl with a deadpan expression.
Normally, she was attuned and loved the attention that her adoring citizens gave her. Now, however, Furina couldn't help but become a little squeamish at the Traveler's gaze not leaving her and in fact, it seemed like he was enjoying looking at her. This caused a staggering revelation in the God of Justice's chest. The inside of her mind was running at a rampant speed with her thoughts being expanded or blown apart completely.
She was losing it.
'Ahhhhh! No, no, no! What do I do!? He's just standing there… amiably! His eyes aren't leaving mine. Isn't this what I wanted? Didn't I want his attention? To have him think and focus on me? What am I even doing? I-I can't focus. Gods… get control of yourself. He's just a boy. A boy that… has quite the background. A boy that comes highly respected and honored by other nations. A boy that… listened to me and my frustrations and let me spill everything out to him. He is the one that has made me feel the happiest I've been in a long time and all he had to do was just listen and talk to me. Ahhh! No… calm yourself. Calm down. *sigh* Ok. I've got this.'
As Furina's mental war was at an all-time high, Aether and Paimon looked at each other in confusion as the flamboyant girl had gone silent for a good moment. They were starting to wonder if she was preparing a counter-speech against them. Just the thought of her rambling on about this being a coincidence got Paimon riled up and ready to fight back with the usage of words. Her time on the stand in the court trial had really inspired the young girl to ponder a bit more about thinking before you act.
In this case, the traveling fairy, emergency ration if needed, was ready to do literal combat against the Hydro Archon.
However, that plan soon fell flat as Furina burst into a fit of laughter.
"Ahahaha! Well, well, well, it seems we are at a standstill dear Traveler and friend."
"Grrr. It's Paimon! You've heard Paimon's name before many times now."
"Indeed. Now then, dear Aether and Paimon, you have greatly misjudged me. I am not spying on you and simply taking action into my own hands."
Startled expressions appeared on the two traveling companions' faces. This was not what they thought was going to happen.
"What do you mean by that?" Aether asked.
"It's simple really. Your actions in my dear nation have caused quite the… shall we say interest to spike up. Therefore, it has fallen onto me to keep a close eye on you two and determine if there is such an encounter of yours that may warrant a bit of… judgment" Furina said, flashing Aether a teasing smile.
The blonde-haired boy was about to retort and say something to counter this baloney claim but then realized that this might all be a ruse. Having gotten to know Furina both on her extravagant and boisterous exterior and apprehensive and self-doubting interior, Aether was starting to get a handle on her personality.
One other girl that comes to mind with how differently she presents herself and how those who are close to her perceive her would be Fischl aka Amy. The Electro Vision-wielding girl with her trusted companion Oz was someone that he could spend hours talking to and wouldn't be off put by her exaggerated way of speaking. Honestly, Aether found it to be quite fun and original as well as showing that Amy was certainly a creative and adventurous person. One that he would gladly welcome into his life at any time. Plus, she was a bundle of fun to hear when he and Paimon took her to Inazuma a while back. That was an adventure he'd never forget.
Plus, who knew that the Electro Archon, Ei, would find great solace and companionship with the adventurer and her many outlandish theories and statements? Those two really had a great deal to talk about regarding light novels and the creative aspects behind building an imaginary world that could magically become reality. Thinking about this, Aether recalled that the next time Fischl was free that he'd have to take her back to Inazuma to meet Yae so that the two could collaborate on a series of new novels thanks to Ei's input.
Nevertheless, Aether had a better judgment of Furina's words and could feel a sly smirk appear on his face. She was currently addressing Paimon in another laughing fit while the small floating girl was arguing about not understanding her way of thinking. Deciding to flip the script on the stubborn and teasable Archon, Aether coughed into his hand.
"Hm? Yes, dearest Aether? Is there something you'd like to say to yours truly?"
"Why, yes, there is." He said flashing her a bright smile. "You see, taking your words into account, I feel that this… spike of interest around us is understandable and that we should follow Fontaine's guidelines to prevent the risk of being thrown in the slammer… again."
Paimon looked a bit shocked but then realized that Aether was sending her another silent gesture which she immediately picked up on and stayed quiet.
"Therefore, I propose that you, milady, should be at the center of our attention and that we should be by your side to answer all your questions. While also answering our own given your proper and adequate stance as this nation's Archon. This is what you strived for, correct?"
Aether's sudden plan was to gradually admit that Furina was spying on them as well as try to find a way to make it so that instead of them being the focus, she was now the focus. Blasting her with questions and chatter might be able to thwart this tease-worthy Archon. A bit of payback for this morning where he was at the center of attention.
As it turns out, Furina's face now matched the color of a freshly grown apple that was ripe and ready to be picked. She looked to be slightly trembling on the inside and it showed through her eyes which were focused directly on the Traveler's. Aether looked to be enjoying his plan coming to fruition and seeing Furina unexpectedly get what she wanted. Though, not in the way she was expecting.
"I…I… "
Left speechless, the Hydro Archon's mind was at a blank for how things were progressing in a way that she had no idea they would. Left with the only option to go by, Focalors adamantly responded.
"…Parley?"
Aether and Paimon shot knowing looks at each other. They had pulled a fast one on the spying Archon. Now then, how would they go about things from here?
*A/N* - Greetings again, the work on this chapter started before the release trailer for 4.1. So, the mention of ending up in the slammer was purely coincidental if you could even think about it like that. Honestly, it just felt common sense that the lead-up to Fontaine would have Aether/Lumine and Paimon ending up in jail one way or another. Kind of funny when you think about it like that. Nevertheless, thanks for checking this sudden story out. I really can't wait to explore more of Furina's character. Along with Navia and Clorinde's characters as well. Really, I'm enjoying everyone in Fontaine now. Additionally, thanks for all the positive reviews and insight into this story. Hope to see more stories about Furina's shenanigans. Hope you'll like the chapter and until next time. Take care.