Yes, Lady Funina!

On the third day, Clorinde received the news that the proposal had been passed in Funina's office.

She was silent for a while.

It's not that she has lost confidence after being slapped in the face one after another, but she feels that even if the proposal is passed, it can't be so fast, right?

When did the officials of the Momang Palace become so efficient?

Richard explained: "The Oprykle Opera House does have hidden dangers, and the problems are not small. We have reached the point where we have to face them."⑦

"To be honest, it's inevitable that there are problems with the Opikley Opera House. After all, in order not to affect daytime operations, maintenance work is usually done at night, and large-scale repairs are rarely carried out. The last large-scale repair and renovation work should be traced back to several years ago, right?"

"It seems that the decision was made because the public felt that the decoration of the Oprykle Opera House was a bit outdated."

At this point, Richard couldn't help but sigh at the quality of the Oprykle Opera House. It had been hundreds of years without any major problems. The only issues that needed to be considered were minor ones such as outdated decoration and normal damage to facilities.

It seems that the people who were responsible for building the Oprykle Opera House did not take any kickbacks at all...

"It is easier to understand why those officials agreed to close the Oprykli Opera House for renovation so quickly. With Villette's support, funding, budget, and professionals to handle it, they don't have to worry too much, and most importantly, they don't have to bear any responsibility."

"With such good conditions, unless you are crazy, there is no way you would not agree."8

"When the benefits of something far outweigh the disadvantages, it would be strange if people didn't rush to implement it." Richard said.

Of course, there was one thing Richard didn't mention about the reason why he was able to pass so quickly, which was that he also played a small role in it.

There's nothing we can do about it. Who can blame Richard for being kind and generous and making friends with everyone?

Everyone is trying to give Secretary General Richard a thumbs up.

This kind of thing should be kept tacitly in private, there is no need to bring it to the surface. It would be bad if people who don't know the situation misunderstood that Richard was a treacherous minister who liked to form cliques and factions for personal gain.

Then next...it's your turn, Lady Funina, to make the choice.

"You've said so much, but I don't quite understand what you mean. What happened at the Opikley Opera House?"

At this moment, Furninna was confused, watching Richard and Clorinde discussing with each other.

I felt like an outsider who couldn't keep up with my colleagues' conversation after not watching the news for a long time. I could only watch them chatting enthusiastically, but I knew nothing and couldn't get a word in.

Human joys and sorrows are not shared, I just feel the noise (Funina only).jpg

She is still feeling sad about her decision not to go to Mondstadt, but Richard and Clorinde didn't notice anything unusual about her. (Referring to the fact that she ate one less piece of cake for afternoon tea)

Yes, Furninna has decided not to go to Mond. She doesn't want to miss any trial!

After all, what if the trial she missed was the final judgment in the prophecy?

Furninna couldn't afford the gamble; she had already paid too much for it.

As for Mond... I'll go there after everything is over.

And she hadn't had time to tell Richard about this.

"Funina, what's wrong with you?"

Richard noticed that a line of tears was rolling down Furniture's cheeks, but Furniture seemed to know nothing about it and even smiled at him when Richard asked her about it.

"Me? What's wrong with me? I'm fine."

"But you are crying. Is it such a great blow to you that the Oprykle Opera House is closed for a week?"

After saying this, Funina didn't even care about her own abundant water element. She widened her eyes and asked in disbelief, "The Opikle Opera House is closed for renovation? What about the trial?"

"Of course it will be postponed for another week. I am sorry to inform you: Lady Funina, starting from tomorrow, you will not be able to go to the Opikle Opera House to watch the trial for the next week."

"Of course, if you feel bored, why not take a leave with me and go to Mondstadt? It only takes about a week to go there and back."

Volume 39: Chapter : Fortune and Honor in Danger

"Of course, if you feel bored, why not take a leave with me and go to Mondstadt? It only takes about a week to go there and back."

Richard invited Furnina again, and this time he removed the shackles that bound Furnina.

So, what choice will Funina make this time?

Choosing to accept means that Funina has been watching the trial at the Opicle Opera House for a hundred years not just because she likes it, but for some deeper reason.

Choosing to refuse means that there are other reasons why Fournine cannot leave Fontaine, and the Opiclay Opera House is just one of them.

But no matter what choice he made, Richard could extract some useful information from it to support his inference.

Of course, he mobilized so many resources, in fact, more because he saw that Furninna really wanted to go to Mondstadt, and he just wanted to help her realize her wish.

After all, he said that he was Funina's friend. He couldn't just do nothing and watch his friend sad, right?

If he tries to gain full favor with her now, will Funina be able to sit idly by and watch if something happens to him in the future?

"I... let me think about it again. You see, as the God of Water, I also serve as the Minister of Administration. I must have a lot of things to do on a daily basis. Going abroad is such a big thing, so I must do a lot of preparation. It's impossible for me to go whenever I want, right?" Funina's eyes flickered, and she reached out to wipe away the tears.

Although Funina said so much, anyone with a discerning eye could see that she was indeed moved.

She just didn't give in, waiting for someone to come and convince her with more compelling reasons.

However, instead of waiting for Richard to reach the stairs, Finnina was stabbed in the back by Clorinde.

Clorinde said, "Lady Fernina, you don't actually have that many things to deal with. The city hall will not stop functioning because of someone's absence..."

Perhaps Clorinde felt that this was a bit too deliberate, so she quickly added, "Well, I mean you may not be as important as you think?"

Finnina and Richard looked at Clorinde together, marveling at her superb resignation skills.

"I think what Clorinde meant is that even if you, Funinna, are gone, she can fill in your shoes and complete all the work for you, so you can go to Mond... on a business trip without worry."

Richard almost let the cat out of the bag, but luckily he made up for it in time. He looked at Clorinde with lingering fear, thinking to himself, could this kind of thing be contagious?

Kind of scary.

"Yes, that's right." Seeing Richard helping her out, Clorinde nodded in agreement.

Hmm? Wait, when did I say I would help Funina with her work?

Clorinde looked at Richard dimly. Did this guy just dig a hole for himself again?

Richard defined this trip as a diplomatic visit, commonly known as a business trip.

If Richard went to Mondstadt alone, he would have to ask for leave, but if he brought Fininna with him, it would be a serious diplomacy, and the trip would be reimbursed by public funds.

After all, Furninna's identity is there. As one of the seven rulers of the world, the god of water, her status is equivalent to that of the god of wind in Mond.

This time when going to Mondstadt, it is impossible for Finina, the water goddess, to go there secretly. Even if she wanted to hide it, she probably couldn't, so it was better for her to go there openly.

Tell Mondstadt that they are not here to cause trouble, but to bring peace and friendship. Taking in refugees from Mondstadt is the best proof.

Therefore, even though Mond had just suffered a dragon disaster not long ago, it was unlikely to refuse this diplomatic visit.

According to Richard's intelligence, the Knights of Favonius were actually eager for them to go to Mondstadt.

The main reason is that the Knights of Favonius are facing diplomatic pressure from the Fatui and urgently need to introduce a third-party force to ease the pressure.

When Richard saw Fernina's expression at that moment, he realized that Fernina had completely given in.

"In fact, this diplomatic visit is far from being as easy as you think. Do you really think that this trip is just about eating, drinking and having fun?" Richard looked serious.

"Ah, isn't it?" Fu Nina blurted out.

"Of course not." Richard analyzed for Funina.

"Mond is in a precarious situation right now. There are dragons rampaging outside and pressure from the winter, and there is a shortage of manpower and combat power inside. It can be said that Mond is the weakest in recent years. If we lend a helping hand to Mond at this time, I believe it will bring more rewards in the future."

"After all, as long as the Wind God is here, Mondstadt will not fall, and we don't need to pay anything substantial, we just need to show up."

Furninna pondered for a moment, then asked the core question: "So we're really not going there for fun?"

"Of course, after the official connection, we can have some proper entertainment. The beauty of Mondstadt's Star-Picking Cliff is well-known throughout the entire Teyvat continent. I can be your tour guide."

Since Richard had said so much, Furninna naturally had no more doubts and nodded in agreement.

This also means that after becoming the water goddess, Funina walked out of Fontaine for the first time and went to the free city called Mondstadt.

Perhaps, in that free city-state, even she could slightly feel the wine called "freedom"?

The next day, which was also the third day of the week, the first diplomatic visit of Ms. Funina de Fontaine, the Queen of Waters, Lands, Peoples and Laws, officially began.

Funina, who had just boarded the ship, looked back and saw that in addition to them, there was a group of accompanying personnel queuing up to board the ship. The length of the line reminded Funina of when the Debo Hotel launched a limited edition dessert, the number of people queuing up must be not much different from now.

"Why are there so many people?" asked Furniture. She was even worried that one ship could not accommodate them all.

"This is necessary. On the one hand, it shows Fontaine's importance to this diplomacy, and on the other hand, it is for your safety." Richard said.

Finina looked at the bald, fat, middle-aged men in the team who had to take a breath after walking every two steps, and the old men with gray hair and few teeth left, then looked at Richard, and the meaning in her eyes was self-evident.

They protect me...are you serious?

However, this reminded Furninna of one thing. Since there was a dragon disaster in Mondstadt, could her safety be guaranteed in Mondstadt?

After all, even Clorinde wouldn't be a match for the 'dragon', right?

What's more, Clorinde hasn't come this time, and should be handling government affairs in her office on her behalf.

"Um... didn't you say before that a gentleman should not stand under a dangerous wall? So our mission to Mondstadt should be safe, right?" (Chapter 33)

"Yes, Lady Finina. But there is also a saying that goes, 'It is better to sacrifice one's life for justice.' Oh no, it means that wealth and honor can only be achieved through risk."

Furninna was so frightened that her face turned pale.

Volume 40: Chapter Mr. Macaron

Furninna suddenly wasn't so excited about this trip to Mondstadt.

It’s not because her safety is not guaranteed. Ever since the last treasure-stealing group incident, she has had a clear understanding of Richard’s strength.

I can't say that I can kill the Wind Dragon alone, but at least it should be no problem to protect myself from the dragon's claws.

What really bothered Funina was the topic of dessert.

Richard told her that Mondstadt had suffered severely and many people had been displaced by the Wind Dragon. Although the Knights of Favonius had organized rescue operations and provided relief supplies, the atmosphere in the city was still depressed and people's morale was low.

In this case, "luxury items" such as alcohol and desserts will not appear on the menu of the welcome dinner.

After all, if a rumor were to spread that "the people of Mond are suffering, while the upper class of Mond is enjoying fine wine and delicious food", the consequences would be absolutely unbearable for Mond today.

Of course, in terms of hospitality, Mond will definitely receive them according to the highest standards. Except for food, which has been reduced due to the current situation, the other three aspects are of the highest standards.

The concerns of the Mondstadt Knights of Favonius are not groundless. You must know that there is a group of evil guests who are eyeing the city of Mondstadt covetously.

The Fatui certainly wouldn't mind kicking their 'allies' when they're down. In fact, they're already doing this under the guise of 'help'.

With just a little incitement, the Knights might have to consider how to resist the people who are blinded by anger before resisting the Wind Dragon.

"So there are no desserts in the embassy?" Funina asked hurriedly.

"The embassy has it, but the reception and banquet are held in the auditorium of the Knights of Favonius's headquarters. However, there is juice available, sunset juice, which is seasonal and very sweet." Richard shrugged.

She doesn't care whether there is wine or not, she doesn't drink anyway.

But the thought of not being able to eat dessert at the reception made Funina feel very uncomfortable.

She asked somewhat unwillingly: "How long will the reception and dinner take?"

"From the schedule... it won't take more than seven hours, and usually it will last four to five hours."④

"Five hours... just covers my afternoon tea time..." Furniture said dejectedly, and the hair on her head also drooped in a humane way.

Although juice is good, she is more accustomed to black tea with dessert.

Thinking of this, Fu Nina couldn't help but twist her body and lean towards Richard. While holding Richard's arm with her hand, she looked to the side.

After making sure no one was paying attention, Furninna said in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "How do you think about hiding the cake in the hat?"

Richard looked at Fernina's beautiful blue hat and thought that she had a very smart little head. She could always come up with these eye-popping suggestions.

"Good idea, but how are you going to taste your treasured delicacies, Furninna?"

Fu Nina thought about it, and in her mind she appeared standing in the middle of the banquet, elegantly taking off her hat in full view of everyone, revealing a plate of chocolate layer cake on her head, and taking the cake off slowly, even asking the waiter for a fork.

Finally, in front of everyone, she cut a piece and put it in her mouth. The sweetness filled her taste buds. The feeling of being able to enjoy dessert alone while people around her were drinking juice made the cake taste even better.

The image makes one's toes clench just thinking about it.

She came here to make friends on behalf of Fontaine, not to make enemies.

There is no doubt that this plan was directly rejected.

So Furninna started thinking again and came up with another plan.

"Then can we set up a lounge or discussion room next to the banquet to discuss the cooperation plans proposed at the banquet, and bring the embassy's desserts in?"

Richard opened his mouth, but in the end he didn't know what to say. All he could think of was one sentence: "That's a very constructive idea, Lady Finina."