It felt odd being back in the Fortress of Meropide again; it also felt intimidating to be surrounded by the tall dominating walls all alone but Freminet bit his tongue and went along his way. He won't be long here anyway.

"I see… so that's the situation…" hummed Wriothesley as he reread the letter from Lyney. "I'm surprised he sent you here to deliver this to me."

"I was already in the area…" Freminet quietly replied, looking down at the cup of tea the prison administrator brewed for him. While he knew what Wriothesley was actually like, he still couldn't help but feel small compared to him. "Will you be coming then? Lyney said with how things are looking, having you in the fold would be easier for all of us."

"Forming a conspiracy to fight off another conspiracy for the Traveller's fate? I know I should have expected something like this from him but I'm still surprised," the Duke commented before setting aside the letter. "Unfortunately, I'm much too busy today to join you all but I believe Sigewinne can go in my place. She has been meaning to visit Monsieur Neuvillette lately and can use this opportunity to see him… Lyney is inviting him to join your little group, right?"

"Er…"

"Hmm… yes, leaving him out is probably the right call. He may be able to remain impartial to everything but it's better we don't complicate matters," he admitted after another second of thought. Wriothesley then stood up from his seat and motioned for Freminet to follow him out of his office. "Come, let's pay the infirmary a visit."

In the meantime, Lynette had just arrived in the underground town of Poisson. It was a pain to reach the place as it entailed finding a boat to take her there since the alternative was swimming the whole way but she was there regardless. Taking care not to slip off the side, Lynette walked across the town to reach the great ship at the other end. Hopefully, Navia was here and she didn't waste her time and energy.

"Oh, Lynette! What brings you here?" Fortunately, the president of Spina de Rosula and her two retainers were around and available. "Care to join me for tea? I'll prepare some of my macaroons too." As if Lynette was going to turn that offer down.

About twenty minutes later, Lynette finished relaying Lyney's earlier meeting (as well as a whole plateful of macaroons). "So he wants you and some others to join him in fighting this other group trying to steal him away," Lynette summarised her reason for coming to Poisson. "'For the sake of Fontaine's future, we need him here to help,' or so says."

"I understand what he means. With everything that's been happening, I agree that we'll be needing Aether in Fontaine." It might be wishful thinking to believe Aether would somehow be able to break the prophecy, but Navia sincerely thought he could do something. There was also another reason for her wanting to join this counter-conspiracy: "And I put a lot of work into getting him and Lady Furina together. As if I'll sit back and let someone tear them apart."

"Uh… Boss?"

"Yes, I know I didn't actually do much but you know what I mean," Navia pouted at Silver. He may not have said anything, but she already knew what he was going to point out. She faced Lynette again and told her, "Tell Lyney he has mine and Spina de Rosula's aid, mon cher ami. I have some business to take care of here, but I promise to be there later; you can count on me. And I'll be sure to bring some treats for everyone too."

Lynette couldn't ask for anything more. "Hey, what's this about you guys talking about Aether?" Oh, she forgot Paimon was staying with Navia…

Following Yelan's orders, Xiao kept a close eye on the reporter. Yelan believed there was more to what that assistant said to Charlotte and requested Xiao to shadow her and report back later. After their little lunch interview, Charlotte returned to her office where she remained for the next several hours. Xiao had taken to staking out from a good nearby vantage point; a large dark crevice underneath the central platform of Fontaine which while a bit far was nothing to the Yaksha. From his nest, Xiao had a good view and watched Charlotte through the window as she worked at her desk.

Xiao's gaze would occasionally leave the Steambird and wander towards the streets below. It was not as crowded as the days prior since it was currently time for court trials but there were still several people who caught his interest. It was mainly due to the way they dressed but most quickly left his mind the second he looked away. However, there were a few that stuck in his mind; a blonde man in Inazuma clothes, a short member of the Fontainian law enforcement (he couldn't be bothered to remember the name) with long purple hair, some boy with a large hat, and someone he could swear was Lord Bar—

'Ah, she's moving again…' It was already nearly sundown but that didn't automatically mean she was going to leave; he remained alert though and prepared to start moving again. Unlike the previous times she left her desk, Xiao soon saw her exiting the front doors and stretched her arms before skipping off. 'Finally…' Time to start roof-hopping.

"According to the judgment of the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, the defendant, Germain Dubost, is… not guilty." With that declaration, the last trial of the day came to a close. The crowd burst into cheers and applause but Diluc couldn't care less for the outcome; if the Oratrice was truly as good as the stories say, then the verdict was already a given. As the audience shuffled out of the hall and the opera house itself, Diluc, Kaeya, and Ayaka reconvened again outside on one of the branching pathways as the latter had sat away from them earlier.

"So, Lady Kamisato, have you considered our kind offer?" Diluc let Kaeya handle the talking again. In the meantime, he watched the square; sooner or later, the Iudex and Archon would be exiting the opera house and he was already thinking of following them in secret. Sneaking into Lady Furina's tea party with Ayaka already bore fruit (somewhat) so maybe if they were to have a post-trial meeting, he could find another clue. Of course, they could be having such a meeting inside the back room but Diluc believed Neuvillette would be more careful than that when discussing potential state secrets.

Sure enough, the Hydro Archon exited the Opera Epiclese and enjoyed the attention of the crowds still gathered in the square. She addressed them but nothing important was said as she (and her bodyguard) crossed the square and headed for the station. About a minute later, Neuvillette exited the opera house too and mostly ignored the same crowds trying to get his attention. Fortunately, Kaeya and Ayaka had finished conversing so they could now get a move on. Now, if he could leverage those two's status.

The walk back to Marcotte Station was as uneventful and forgettable as always. Furina waved to her citizens as she passed by but still went on a brisk pace. Once she and Clorinde reached the station, there was still a bit longer of a wait as, despite being the nation's divine head, she still had to abide by the aquabus schedule in order to not mess up all the other rides. That naturally led to Neuvillette joining them on the aquabus. And always, he'd rather focus on some paperwork rather than talk to her after the trials but she didn't mind. A moment of silence was good every once in a while.

Well, as quiet as it could be with the nearby gossiping crowd on solid ground. She normally didn't pay them much attention, but they were louder than usual. It was more than likely due to there being more people than usual thanks to the influx of tourists. Her eyes wandered the tops of their heads while she thought of her plans for the night: 'Go home, do more investigating and cuddle— Oh, isn't that…' "Ah, Lady Kamisato!" She was unmistakable in a crowd, even when she was all the way in the back talking with some others. Naturally, calling out her name made everyone turn their heads. There were a couple of flashes from Kameras, no doubt from reporters covering today's trials. Again, she paid them little mind they were another everyday aspect of Fontaine. "Come, join me and bring your… acquaintances with you." They seemed like they were talking intently about something; to further prove she was a generous hostess and god, letting them come along would do well for her image.

Her people already loved and respected her; having other nations do the same would only help in the long run.

Clorinde, again, tried to object to her carelessly inviting strangers but didn't put up too much of a resistance as she normally did. Furina assumed she was just as eager to get going. 'Ah, yes. Lyney's invitation,' she remembered the letter again. She was already planning on heading straight back to the Palais anyway; Clorinde had little to worry about in terms of timing.

Soon enough, the aquabus started up and they began the journey back to the Court of Fontaine. While Furina was planning to spend the ride back in silence, entertaining her guests was a priority over her own wishes. "What did you think of the trials, Lady Kamisato? How different do you find it compared to how they are handled in Inazuma?"

"It's… certainly different. I heard they are more of a spectacle or a show in Fontaine, but I never expected them to like that."

That was a natural reaction, Furina thought. She faced the other two men she invited and asked for their opinions. "Judging from your attire, is it right for me to assume you two are from Mondstadt, sir…"

"Kaeya Alberich— the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius at your service, Lady Furina. It is an honour to be in the presence of one of the Seven such as you," the one Furina thought looked like a pirate with his eyepatch politely introduced himself. "And please, pay my brother no mind. Lord Barbados could grace his tavern with his presence and he would not care unless the Anemo Archon was buying drinks."

From how the redhead rolled his eyes, Furina could believe such a reaction. She was also reminded again how strange it was that Mondstadt still worshipped Barbados when he hadn't been seen in a long long time. The other nations, including hers, had their Archons present in some way and should deserve the respect and worship they get but Barbados… In any case, Furina scoffed at the mention of the Anemo Archon and commented how one treats the rarely-seen god was of no matter to herself. "But treating me with disrespect would naturally land you a place in the Fortress of Meropide, do you understand? Even if you are close friends with mon amour, such connections will not save you from my nation's laws."

From the corner of her eyes, Furina noticed Ayaka fidget in her seat but focused more on Kaeya's reaction as a sizable grin appeared on his face. "Ah, so you do know who I am?" It took until hearing his name for her to place where she knew him from, but she got it in the end. And that meant the grumpy redhead must be the owner of Dawn Winery, Diluc Ragvindr. She complimented him on his winery's export and mentioned how his products had entertained various gatherings she held or joined over the last few years.

Diluc accepted the compliment and said nothing else…

"Alberich, was it? It was you then who caused that commotion during my conversation with Lady Kamisato?"

"That is correct, Lady Furina. It was a misunderstanding but Monsieur Neuvillette and I have settled the matter and I've learned my lesson," Kaeya chuckled, glancing at the busy Iudex sitting as far away from them as he could, and moved the conversation along. "If you don't mind me asking, Lady Furina, how did you and Aether end up together? I didn't know he and you were romantically involved until today."

"Ah, that is a long story that I unfortunately cannot go into details of. The circumstances leading to our mutual confessions is something both of us will keep private." What exactly happened that night will forever remain a secret. All that mattered was that Furina found someone she could confide in… the most she could at any rate. "If you have any other questions, I ask that you wait for tomorrow and wake up early. The Steambird will have a special article about Aether's trial that'll include some details on our relationship."

"Is that so? Then it seems we'll have to wake up early to get a head start, won't we, Diluc?"

"Leave me out of your gossip, I'm here on vacation," the winery owner grumbled which made Kaeya chuckle again.

"But I have to admit, it surprises me to hear that Aether had actually fallen for someone. I've known him since the start of his journey and he's never shown genuine romantic interest in anyone. He has occasionally flirted here and there but nothing beyond that," the Cavalry Captain shared; Furina also noticed the quiet Ayaka had a strange look on her face but couldn't question it any further before Kaeya resumed talking. "I know there are a lot of ladies all over Teyvat who hold feelings for him and will be upset at this revelation."

A laugh escaped Furina at that. It was not a surprise to hear such a thing. "Just as it's natural for so many to have their hearts stolen by such a brave and illustrious individual, it is natural for his own heart to be stolen by a divine being such as I. You have known him for so long; do you really think a normal human would be able or have any right to win his affection?"

Yes, that's right… He may mingle with all sorts of people but as if a simple human would be able to stand as his equal… Someone could talk themselves up but to be by someone of Aether's calibre was beyond human with all he could do. Truly, only those above human— a divine —are worthy of winning his love…

A/N: And done. Furina ended up getting the central focus of half this chapter because I realise I haven't really focused on her yet. Her perspective on things weren't completely explored yet but I think you can get a good idea of what she thinks of Aether. Will that cause issues? Take a good guess~

Anyway, Furina's banner is finally over and hope all of you guys who rolled were fortunate enough to get her. I wish the weapon banner didn't have the Jade Donut so I actually felt good in rolling on it but I guess I could wait till 4.6… Until then, here's hoping she gets a good amount of content in events! I've heard rumours about what the 4.3 event will have (mainly just the characters who'll be appearing) and hoo boy, I can't wait. Of course, that'll depend on if Hoyo will follow up on what they tease in Furina's voice lines but all I can do is wait. In other news, I also got Boba-man and now will have to farm in Inazuma again… Handguards are a pain…

Next chapter will finally have the long-teased Fontainian meeting sans Neuvillette and Furina (and Aether if you want to count him for whatever reason) so see you all next time!