Chapter 204: My Girlfriend Is the Final Boss

Several days later, Luna received a message.

"Furina was ambushed during an opera performance?"

The Melusine responsible for delivering the news nodded. "Yes. Monsieur Neuvillette said, 'The time has come.'"

Indeed, the time had come.

This was the first step in the plan to bring Furina to judgment.

After days of discussion, everyone had finally reached a consensus: Furina must first be driven into a corner.

There was no doubt this was a trap.

By exploiting Furina's personality and her established patterns of behavior in similar situations, they would gradually lead her to the courtroom.

Neuvillette had said, "I want a trap that is effective but doesn't harm the prey excessively. I even hope it can be gentle."

This was the "gentle trap."

Luna smiled faintly. "Very well, I understand."

It was time for her to act.

-

Poisson.

Furina stood in a secluded corner, her gaze lowered to the water's surface. Though she remained silent, her sorrow and confusion were palpable.

"She's here, just as we expected," Paimon whispered from nearby.

Lumine nodded slightly. "Proceed according to the plan."

Not long ago, during an opera performance, Furina had been confronted by angry theatergoers who loudly accused her of inaction in the face of the impending crisis prophesied to befall Fontaine.

At first, there were only a few scattered shouts. Then, as if a spark had ignited the entire audience, the voices swelled into a chorus of condemnation.

"Lady Furina, you're abandoning us to die!"

"What are you even doing?!"

"Don't just stand there! You're an Archon!"

The accusations grew louder and louder, turning into a one-sided denunciation of Furina.

In a nation ruled by an Archon, when crisis strikes, the people instinctively turn to their God for help, but they are equally quick to blame that God when their prayers go unanswered.

Realizing that words were useless, Furina hastily left the scene.

And now, here she was.

"Just as we thought, Furina couldn't remain indifferent to the casualties in Poisson," Paimon whispered.

They had predicted Furina would come here, driven by her overwhelming guilt.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." Tears welled up in Furina's eyes as she crouched down. "I didn't mean to abandon you... but I... I can't do anything. I'm truly sorry..."

It was time.

Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance and nodded. They approached Furina.

"Um..."

Furina startled, leaping to her feet. "Who's there?!"

"Uh..." Paimon scratched her head. Come to think of it, they weren't exactly close to the Hydro Archon yet, but it shouldn't matter. It wouldn't affect their plan.

Lyney and Lynette watched the trio from afar.

Lynette twitched her cat ears. "Logically, wouldn't it be more appropriate to entrust this confirmation task to Lulu?"

Lyney shook his head. "No. Luna is indeed close to Lady Furina, but she's still part of this world. Lumine is different—she's a Traveler from beyond the Sea of Stars, a 'Witness.'"

If Teyvat was a grand stage and its events a drama, Lumine was the audience.

"I see," Lynette murmured knowingly, flicking her tail.

If Luna went to Furina, my little sister would probably get all bristly again... Lyney subtly averted his gaze, keeping the thought to himself.

"They're moving."

Snapping back to attention, he focused his gaze.

The "thugs," Spina di Rosula members in disguise, were closing in on Lumine, Paimon, and Furina—the second and most crucial step of the plan.

"She's running."

Seeing the hostile approach, Furina turned and fled.

"It's our turn to take the stage," Lyney said solemnly.

"Right."

The second step of their plan required trapping Furina in a sealed space.

"Over here, Furina!" Paimon called out, waving her hand.

She pointed to an ordinary-looking house. "The door's unlocked! Let's hide inside before they catch up!" Paimon urged.

"Eh? O-okay, I commend your wisdom!" Furina stammered.

They hurried inside, and Lumine closed the door behind them.

The small, windowless room felt more like a cabin than a house.

Shortly after they entered, the entire space began to shake violently.

"What's happening?!" Furina cried out in panic.

"Another disaster, maybe," Lumine replied.

"Not again... Just like last time, like what happened to the people of Poisson..." Furina muttered, lowering her head and leaning against the wall, her mind elsewhere.

A perfect opportunity.

Lumine and Paimon exchanged a subtle glance.

The most crucial step of their plan had been executed. Furina was now trapped, her fate sealed—she would soon face the Judgment Chamber she knew so well.

But there was another possibility: to get her to confess the truth here, to coax the secrets she had been hiding into the open.

Lumine and Paimon tried to draw Furina out, and as they hoped, she began to speak, sharing things Neuvillette and others had never heard before.

"Yes, for centuries, I've never stopped investigating the prophecy."

"I've tried countless methods, but none of them worked. The prophecy still comes true..."

"There were countless times I wanted to give up. Accepting fate would have been a kind of relief."

Furina pressed her hand to her chest, softly voicing her innermost thoughts.

"But I have no right to decide for everyone who wants to live... Until the very end, I will continue to..."

Furina fell silent.

No, we must be nearing our destination.

If I don't ask now, we'll have to proceed to the final phase of the plan. That's the last thing any of us want.

Lumine spoke softly, "You don't have to bear this burden alone. At least, you can choose to confide in us..."

"Confide..." Furina murmured, repeating the word like a question.

"Yeah, talking about it would definitely make you feel better," Paimon nodded.

Furina hesitated for a long moment, then finally opened her mouth.

Just then—

Crack... The roof and walls of the house began to unravel.

The roof lifted into the air, the walls toppled outward with a thunderous roar, and when the dust settled, Furina found herself in the most familiar place imaginable—

—the interior of the Opera Epiclese.

Countless spectators filled the seats, each wearing a unique mask that obscured their expressions.

The Special Task Force stood rigidly at attention throughout the hall, their gazes fixed on Furina. Clearly, their target wasn't the perpetrator, but Furina herself.

Turning around, Furina saw Neuvillette seated in the Judge's chair, looking down at her. On stage, Lyney removed his hat and bowed with a flourish.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Masked Audience, my warm-up act is complete. It's time to begin the Judgment of a God."

Furina stared blankly, shrinking back in unease before suddenly chuckling.

"So that's it... this entire scheme was directed at me."

"I acknowledge your efforts, but isn't it absurd to put the God of Justice on trial?"

Furina crossed her arms. "I am Focalors, the God of Justice—the very embodiment of justice itself!"

Just as I suspected, Neuvillette thought. This meant their final attempt had failed. Furina refused to reveal her secret.

If that's the case...

He sighed softly, his voice calm and steady. "Then you reject the Judgment? Very well. You will have one chance to defend your honor through a Duel."

"And your opponent will be..."

Clorinde approached slowly. "Me."

Furina looked slightly flustered. "Are you really going to duel a God?"

Clorinde silently pointed her sword at Furina.

"Lady Furina, please do not entertain any thoughts of escape," Neuvillette declared. "The Special Task Force is fully armed. Any attempt to evade Judgment will be immediately considered an admission of guilt."

Chevreuse silently chambered a round in her rifle.

Furina glanced around at the assembled crowd.

The Masked Audience awaited a sensational drama.

Neuvillette had openly voiced his doubts, suspicions, and intentions to judge her.

The Special Task Force, guardians of order and justice, stood poised to apprehend her.

The magician who had once applauded her performances now stood firmly against her.

The Travelers from afar had taken their side as well.

Amidst the crowd, Furina spotted Navia, Chiori, and Charlotte.

Even Arlecchino was present... only Luna was missing.

Every eye in the room was fixed on Furina's face, searching for any sign of weakness, desperate to pry into the secrets hidden within her heart.

Furina clenched her fists, pressing her lips into a thin line.

Then, she exhaled softly and raised her hands.

"Has Lady Furina surrendered?"

"Ugh, what's this? How boring! Aren't they going to fight?"

"Is this all the God of Justice can do?"

"If you can't handle it, step down!"

The masks seemed to amplify the audience's innermost thoughts, and a torrent of merciless words poured forth.

Chiori frowned slightly. The Special Task Force, Clorinde, and the Masked Audience were all just pawns, used to force Furina into a corner and reduce her to a mere figurehead.

But these bloodthirsty Fontainians were even more despicable than she had imagined.

Masks magnified one's desires, easily twisting their wearers into something grotesque.

Yet, surprisingly, Furina showed no reaction to the jeers.

"I raise my hands not in surrender, but to accept Judgment."

Furina took a deep breath.

"I deserve to be judged."

Whether for failing to save those dissolved by the primordial sea or for deceiving the people of Fontaine for five centuries...

A Duel was impossible. The only option left was to face Judgment head-on.

Furina steeled her resolve.

I will protect you all.

"Hail! Cheer! Applaud! This fantastical delusion will leave an indelible mark on the stage, etching itself into history as its final act—"

Furina pirouetted lightly.

"The Judgment of Hydro Archon Focalors is about to begin!"

"Oooooooh!"

The audience erupted in cheers.

Yes! This is the kind of drama they've been waiting for!

Neuvillette sighed inwardly.

Even at this critical moment, does she still cling to the past?

"The accuser," Neuvillette said, tapping his staff.

"That's me," Lumine replied softly.

"The accused."

"That would be me," Furina declared, folding her arms.

Then, she suddenly burst out laughing.

"But I request a stand-in defense attorney!"

What?! Everyone gasped in shock.

A stand-in defense attorney? How is that possible?!

Paimon panicked. "A stand-in defense attorney? B-but that's impossible!"

"This isn't supposed to happen!"

"Who would dare defend Furina? No—who could Lady Furina possibly accept as her defender?"

This wasn't part of the plan at all!

Navia felt a growing sense of foreboding.

Neuvillette remained silent for a moment.

"Who is the stand-in defense attorney you have requested?"

Tap... tap... The distinct sound of footsteps echoed clearly through the court, drawing all eyes.

A flash of golden hair entered the scene.

Luna approached Furina, her face unmasked.

"It's me. I will defend Lady Furina," Luna said, adjusting her gloves with a smile.

Lyney's eyes widened in shock, while Lynette fell silent.

Clorinde narrowed her eyes.

Chiori reluctantly averted her gaze, muttering, "Just as I suspected."

Chevreuse quietly observed Luna.

"Why..." Navia whispered, her voice trembling.

Why you?

Luna, who had discussed the "trap" with them, worked alongside them to counter the Fontaine Prophecy, and sought the truth with them, was now standing firmly on Furina's side.

Had she been planning to betray them from the start?

Had she been Furina's agent all along?

"You seem rather surprised, Miss Navia."

No... that's not Luna!

Navia immediately hissed, "It's you..."

The Phantom Thief White Cat!

Arlecchino leaned back in her chair, crossed her legs, and rested her hands on her lap. She gently closed her eyes and let out a faint, inaudible sigh.

So you chose this path after all, Luna.

-

Lumine and Paimon stared at Luna in stunned disbelief.

"It's you?! But... weren't you just working with us? We were discussing everything together!" Paimon exclaimed incredulously.

Lumine narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Did you plan this from the very beginning?"

Furina struck a triumphant pose, hands on her hips, a smug grin spreading across her face.

"Exactly the reaction I expected! You see, what you didn't know is that she's been on my side all along!"

"Which is why I knew every step of your plan."

Furina raised a finger.

"First step: The Spina di Rosula will have their members disguised as audience members, ready to publicly challenge me at the opportune moment and ignite the spark."

"It's perfectly understandable that my dear subjects struggle to comprehend the actions of a God."

"Then, you'll assume I'd visit Poisson to mourn the departed, seeking to alleviate my guilt."

Not a trace of the guilt or anguish she had displayed earlier remained on Furina's face.

Now, she was Focalors, the Archon. With the audience below and her on stage, she had to maintain the performance.

But Luna knew better.

Even though Furina was merely playing along, deliberately walking into their "trap," every word and expression carried a sliver of truth.

"Second step: You'd set up an ambush, forcing me into your fabricated 'magic box.' Using a secret tunnel beneath the sea connecting to Elynas, you'd transport me to this very stage!"

Damn it.

The entire plan had been exposed! Furina had been acting all along!

Furina clapped her hands. "And you entrusted the Fatui Harbinger 'The Knave' to mobilize their vast resources and manpower to excavate this clandestine passage."

"Meanwhile, Neuvillette and Clorinde would pressure me upon my arrival at the Judgment Court, presenting me with a Judgment I couldn't refuse."

"Well done, Clorinde," Furina praised sincerely. "You truly are my finest Champion Duelist."

Clorinde lowered her hat and nodded slightly.

"The Special Task Force and the masked spectators served as mere 'scenery' to set the stage, enhancing the atmosphere."

"And the Traveler attempted to force my secret out of me before it was too late."

"I must admit, your plan was rather intriguing."

"It's just unfortunate that in all your calculations, you failed to account for one crucial factor: your linchpin was right beside me."

It's over.

Neuvillette gazed silently at Luna, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.

Why would you do this?

To save Fontaine, information was paramount. With no new leads emerging, Furina's long-hidden secret was the key to everything. Luna couldn't possibly be unaware of this.

Countless eyes converged on Luna.

But she simply smiled. "Regrettably, I am indeed the traitor you perceive me to be, just as I warned earlier—you will ultimately be disappointed."

"However, I see no impropriety in my role as stand-in defense attorney."

Neuvillette closed his eyes.

Now that the situation had reached this point, improvisation was their only option.

Everyone in the Judgment Court was well aware of Luna's formidable abilities. If anyone could prove that "Furina = Archon," it was likely her.

Yet Neuvillette still couldn't understand.

He knew all too well that some things were more important than life itself.

But for Luna, what could possibly outweigh the value of her own life?

He tapped his staff lightly.

"Lady Furina's request for a stand-in defense attorney is approved. The Judgment is about to commence. Please take your positions."

"Wait!" Navia's shout interrupted Neuvillette's pronouncement.

"...Miss Navia, do you have any objections?"

"I..."

Navia fixed Luna with a deep, penetrating gaze.

She couldn't fathom why the Phantom Thief White Cat would side with Furina, but the countdown to the Prophecy was nearing its end. To prevent more people from succumbing to the Dissolution, they had to uncover the truth.

With this resolve, she pointed at Luna.

"I request to become the prosecution's Champion Duelist!"

Let's settle this fairly in the Court of Judgement, Phantom Thief White Cat!

Furina's eyes widened slightly at this unexpected turn of events, but it didn't shake her composure.

"Are you sure about this?" she whispered.

"Rest assured," Luna replied. "I anticipated this possibility long ago."

This had been foreseen long ago.

Someday, they would stand opposed in the Court of Judgement.

Now, that day had arrived.

Neuvillette announced, "The application is valid. Both parties, please take your seats."

"This is terrible," Lyney thought.

He never imagined that the final enemy they would face would be their closest friend, their own family.

And judging by Luna's past performances in the Court of Judgement, all their preparations might be in vain.

But they had no choice but to grit their teeth and press on.

This was for the future of Fontaine.

"Lulu, why did you choose Lady Furina?" Lynette asked, her head bowed and ears drooping.

They knew better than anyone that Luna was the Phantom Thief White Cat; they were family.

Yet none of them could comprehend the meaning behind Luna's actions.

Lyney couldn't think of any comforting words, so he simply continued to stare at the stage.

"...Let's just keep watching for now," he said. "She wouldn't want Fontaine to be destroyed by the prophesied crisis."

Luna and Furina took their places on the side designated for the accused.

"Hmm? My Divine Throne has actually been moved here," Furina remarked in surprise, her gaze drawn to the imposing throne standing in the center of the stage.

Though called a Divine Throne, it was simply her personal seat.

Luna chuckled. "It seems they've put some thought into this."

"Ah, I know... they don't want to treat me this way either," Furina murmured, lowering her gaze.

"But Lady Furina has no intention of giving up, does she?" Luna asked.

Furina nodded slightly. "Of course not."

Standing in this final Court of Judgement, she had already made her final decision.

Perhaps her performance wouldn't be glorious, perhaps she would disappoint everyone. But five hundred years ago, she had accepted a mission uniquely her own.

And... she stole a glance at Luna.

Though she would never voice it, she knew she could stand here without fear only because her sole ally was by her side.

She hadn't felt this secure in five centuries.

"Just this once, help me, White Cat," Furina whispered softly.

Luna curtsied, lifting the hem of her dress. "Of course, my beloved Lady Furina."

This time, she had come fully prepared. In addition to her two fully charged Skills, she had one last trump card up her sleeve.

-

Meanwhile, Lumine, Paimon, and Navia, the prosecution team, took their places.

After a brief exchange, they reached an unavoidable conclusion:

Improvise.

"All parties, please take your seats. The Judgment begins."

"The prosecution will now state the charges."

There was only one charge.

Navia's clear voice rang out: "The sole reason for Lady Furina's trial is this—you are not a god!"

Whoa! Talk about starting with a bombshell!

The audience buzzed with murmurs.

"Not a god? This is... completely unexpected."

"Impossible! Shouldn't they be accusing the Hydro Archon of negligence or dereliction of duty?"

Furina = God. This was an unshakable truth etched into the hearts of every Fontainian, a fundamental principle passed down through generations, her divine figure etched in their collective memory.

Yet now, she was being accused of not being a god?

Unthinkable. Utterly impossible.

"The charge stands," Neuvillette declared.

"Lady Furina, do you acknowledge the prosecution's accusation?"

How could she possibly acknowledge it? Furina stated solemnly, "Absolutely not! I, Focalors..."

"Furina de Fontaine..."

"...One of the Seven Archons of Teyvat..."

As Furina spoke, her tone grew increasingly assertive. "Regina of all waters, all lands, all peoples, and all laws—without a doubt, I am the true God!"

Suddenly, the Oratrice activated.

Its scales tilted in Furina's favor.

Lyney murmured, "The Oratrice moved right from the start?"

It was as if the machine unconditionally recognized Furina's legitimacy as a God.

"See?" Furina said with a faint smile. "Even the Oratrice acknowledges my status. Are you still determined to continue this pointless charade of a Judgment?"

Navia pointed a finger. "I object!" She slammed her hand on the table. "The people's belief in your divinity is based solely on common sense!"

"But—" Furina began to retort.

Luna slowly raised her hand.

Here it comes! Navia braced herself, while Lumine and Paimon watched Luna tensely.

"Before we formally proceed to the defense, I have a suggestion," Luna said.

Neuvillette paused for a moment. "Please proceed."

Luna raised an index finger, her smile elegant. "I question the impartiality of this Judgment."

Her words took everyone by surprise, even Furina, who blinked rapidly, utterly taken aback.

"Doubt? Where's the doubt? Isn't this how Judgments have always been conducted?"

Neuvillette said calmly, "Lady Luna, am I to understand that you are accusing the Tribunal of impropriety?"

"No," Luna replied, her smile vanishing and her tone turning icy. "This is simply the truth."

"If you believe there are flaws in the Judgment, please point them out."

"Of course. My reasoning is quite straightforward."

Why does her defense sound exactly like Lulu's? Navia bit her lip, feeling as though she were facing her former partner once more.

Luna pointed at Neuvillette. "Mr. Neuvillette, you were also involved in this plan."

Neuvillette: "......"

"The entire purpose of the plan was to use the Judgment to expose any information Lady Furina might be concealing."

"You actively participated in the planning discussions, offering numerous suggestions and insights. You were a key player in this scheme."

"You suspected that Lady Furina was hiding something."

Navia's eyes widened in sudden realization.

So that's her angle!

As expected, Luna continued, "In other words, the Chief Justice himself may have been wearing 'colored glasses' from the start!"

"The lofty Judge suspected the accused from the very beginning!"

"Therefore, I submit that the impartiality of this Judgment is questionable!"

Neuvillette remained silent, taken aback by this unexpected line of attack.

"I'm not finished. I call for a witness!"

Sedene nervously approached the witness stand, glancing at Neuvillette.

Neuvillette nodded slightly, signaling her to proceed.

This was indeed a blind spot they had overlooked. Luna's ability to exploit it only highlighted their oversight. Outmaneuvered, they had no choice but to concede.

Sedene visibly relaxed a little and testified, "W-well... Miss Luna and I did see... Monsieur Neuvillette and Lady Furina arguing..."

Luna smiled faintly. "The Chief Justice was arguing with Lady Furina even before the Judgment began."

She clapped her hands. "I trust everyone here has clear eyes. Under these circumstances, Mr. Neuvillette's statements might be biased."

"Impossible!" Navia retorted. "The Judge would never render an unjust verdict! Five centuries of documented Judgment records prove it!"

"That's why I said 'might'," Luna replied, "given the extraordinary circumstances."

Luna smiled. "However, just to be on the safe side, I think it would be wise to let Mr. Neuvillette rest for a while and allow the Oratrice to deliver the verdict in this trial. It's a sensible option."

The Oratrice? Lumine thought. No way... The Oratrice already condemned Childe outright.

Paimon voiced the same concern. "The Oratrice already declared Childe guilty before! Who knows if it'll do the same thing this time?"

Luna seemed to have anticipated their objections. "How convenient," she said. "It seems we have two biased judges presiding over this trial."

Luna continued mercilessly, "Rather than a trial, this is nothing more than a theatrical performance."

Oh no! Navia realized belatedly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, this is nominally a trial, but it's truly a pure drama unfolding before your eyes."

"Now, please remove your masks, cast aside your preconceived notions, and embrace your roles as spectators of this story. Savor every moment that follows!"

Hmm... maybe she's right? The audience exchanged glances, then one by one began removing their masks.

The tense atmosphere of the trial dissipated, replaced by the expectant gazes of the crowd.

She's dismantling the entire trial!

Furina hastily protested, "Hey! Don't steal my thunder!"

"What's so bad about that?" Luna replied.

Furina felt utterly helpless. If Luna stole all the limelight, how could she possibly maintain her persona as the formidable, dramatic embodiment of Focalors?

Furina's composure gradually returned.

This was the Phantom Thief's true intention.

If they can't break Furina's mental defenses, they can't win.

Luna snapped her fingers. "Of course, we have no intention of leaving. Since the stage has invited us, we'll see this through to the end."

Furina puffed out her chest. "Exactly! That's what makes the absolute protagonist shine!"

"Please continue," Luna said with a smile, gesturing. "The real defense has only just begun."

What an intimidating opening move...

But she couldn't afford to lose, not even for a moment.

Navia bit her lip. Why does my chest feel so heavy and painful right now?

Neuvillette sighed softly.

"I don't deny anything Lady Luna has said. But I swear this trial will proceed strictly according to Fontaine's laws and procedures. There will be no lack of fairness or impartiality whatsoever."

"...Now, please continue with your defense."