Volume 1, Chapter 3: Furina's Inability to Be Firm

"Secretary-General, what should we do?"

"Lynette, there's no need for formalities between us when we're alone, is there?" Richard remarked, appraising his young secretary.

His secretary looked as beautiful as ever today, a sight that never failed to lift his spirits.

Delicate black stockings encased her slender legs, disappearing into a black pencil skirt, the deep darkness of the fabric stirring primal instincts of exploration.

She wore a small black blazer over a white blouse, the moderate curves of her chest tracing a graceful line. Upon closer inspection, delicate veins could be seen pulsing beneath her fair, slender neck, involuntarily drawing the eye.

The young girl's skin was as white as snow, her eyes as clear and bright as a mountain spring. Her demeanor betrayed a detachment beyond her years—reserved, composed, and serene, like a mystical cat whose true thoughts remained inscrutable.

"Is this workplace sexual harassment?" Lynette asked calmly, her cat ears twitching slightly as she noticed Richard's gaze.

Richard choked on his tea. "Cough, cough... It's nothing like that! I'll just look away."

"I don't know why Lady Furina is so concerned about this small-time newspaper, but since our superior has given the order, it's our duty to ease her worries."

Richard made his decision quickly. "First, let's investigate the newspaper's background thoroughly. Has the preliminary investigation yielded any results?"

Lynette retrieved a document from the stack she was carrying and handed it to Richard, reporting, "According to the archives, the newspaper itself appears clean. However, Northland Bank's investigation has uncovered some concerning activity."

"Liyue, Sumeru, the Fatui, Inazuma... Good heavens, so many factions! Is this newspaper trying to collect them all?" Richard knew the newspaper was shady, but he hadn't expected its reach to be so extensive.

Is this a case of trying to get multiple bites from the same fish?

If so, it would save him considerable trouble.

Richard had initially planned to fabricate charges against the newspaper, but now that seemed unnecessary. Colluding with foreign powers and inciting public opinion to slander a God—either offense was enough to keep the newspaper's owner locked up in the Fortress of Meropide for life.

I bet the owner never imagined a City Hall clerk could task his secretary with accessing Northland Bank's internal transaction records, did he?

"First, notify the Marechaussee Phantoms and request their assistance in shutting down the newspaper, claiming it's an order from the Hydro Archon. Simultaneously, hold a press conference under the Administrative Minister's name to fiercely denounce this corrupt trend," Richard said after a moment's thought.

"Right, make sure the journalists we invite are from newspapers with 'close ties' to us. We need to ensure everything remains under our control," Richard instructed.

"Let's see what the Hydro Archon is really made of," he added.

"Isn't this a bit too obvious?" Lynette remarked, sensing the scheme.

"That's why I'm reporting this plan immediately. If anything goes wrong, I'll come up with a 'reasonable' explanation on the spot," Richard replied, waving the transaction report in his hand.

If the Hydro Archon noticed the deception, he would present the suspicious transaction report.

But if she didn't... well, that would be far more interesting.

It wasn't just about public opinion. Richard would also have to reassess the Hydro Archon herself.

After observing her for the past few days, he had concluded that she might not be as formidable as he had initially imagined.

Could she truly be all bark and no bite?

Uncertain. Let's wait and see.

-

"An excellent plan! Why didn't we think of this sooner? Anyone watching might think City Hall can't handle a mere newspaper!" Furina exclaimed after hearing Richard's plan, nodding her head in satisfaction.

Richard's eyes flickered. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "You... approved it? And you'll also need to speak at the press conference afterward."

"Mhm, approved. I'll attend the press conference too," Furina replied, completely missing the subtext in Richard's words. Without a second thought, she signed her name on the warrant to shut down the newspaper.

As for the press conference Richard mentioned, Furina saw it as a stage for her victory declaration and a chance to showcase herself to the people of Fontaine—in other words, a prime opportunity for grandstanding.

Through this subtle test, Richard had pieced together nearly all of Furina's psychological profile. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret, realizing he might have overestimated this Archon.

It was like entering a high-stakes game, expecting a formidable opponent, only to discover they'd been carried by a paid booster. The disappointment was akin to the surprise of finding a hundred Mora on the street—a small, unexpected delight, but hardly worth celebrating.

It seemed his plans would need a slight adjustment.

-

Several days later...

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Marechaussee Phantoms and City Hall, the newspaper was swiftly shut down, and all copies sold in recent days were confiscated.

The press conference commenced as scheduled that morning.

The auditorium in City Hall was packed with representatives from Fontaine's leading media outlets, yet the sudden press conference had left everyone puzzled.

"Esteemed guests, journalists, ladies, and gentlemen, good afternoon! I, Focalors, the Hydro Archon and newly appointed Administrative Minister, extend my heartfelt gratitude for your presence!" Furina's voice rang with impassioned conviction, her tone captivating the audience.

Every attendee was drawn to Furina's innate theatricality. Like a natural orator, each word she spoke resonated with the emotions of the crowd.

Richard observed this, yet remained unconvinced that she could salvage the situation.

Once the wrong path is chosen, every subsequent step only deepens the error. The more brilliantly she performs, the more glaring the misstep becomes.

As Furina continued her impassioned speech, a sense of unease gradually crept into the crowd. From the very beginning, the Hydro Archon had been focused on unscrupulous media practices. When would she finally address the main topic?

"Hydro Archon," a reporter finally called out, "what exactly is today's agenda?"

"The agenda?" Furina replied. "My dear journalist, what I've been discussing is today's agenda."

The auditorium buzzed with murmurs as the reporters exchanged bewildered glances. Had the Hydro Archon really staged this grand spectacle just to announce the shutdown of some obscure, third-rate newspaper?

"Lady Furina," a reporter called out, "is it true that the article contained accurate information? Do you harbor grievances against Inazuma and intend to warn the Inazuma Shogunate through these actions?" The journalists had come seeking a major scoop, not to listen to the Hydro Archon's self-aggrandizing rhetoric.

"Absolutely not!" Furina retorted, waving a clenched fist for emphasis. "I ordered the newspaper shut down precisely because of the false reports it published about me!"

Unanimously, the reporters scribbled in their notebooks: Hydro Archon abuses power to shut down newspaper over personal vendetta.

"Lady Furina, isn't shutting down an entire newspaper over a single article an overly harsh response?" another reporter asked, raising their hand.

"Harsh? I don't think so!" Furina countered. "Fontaine is a nation governed by law, and everyone must be held accountable for their words and actions!"

The reporters continued to write: Hydro Archon claims full responsibility for the incident.

"Did you obtain permission from Chief Justice Neuvillette for this action?"

Theoretically, Neuvillette was currently the de facto leader of Fontaine, with both the Foreign Minister and the Administrative Minister under his jurisdiction.

"Neuvillette? What does this have to do with him? Why would I need his permission? I am the Hydro Archon!" Furina declared, planting her hands on her hips.

The journalists' pens flew across their notepads, leaving ghostly trails: Hydro Archon acts unilaterally, threatening to destabilize Fontaine's established administrative structure!

Furina now realized something was wrong. The public didn't seem to approve of her decision to shut down the newspaper, viewing it as undemocratic and unreasonable.

Why? she wondered, confusion clouding her eyes. That newspaper was the one causing problems! Was she supposed to passively endure their slander without the right to retaliate?

As the journalists' questions grew sharper, Furina's face paled. Her mind began to unravel, her thoughts fractured by gaping logical holes.

The journalists' pens danced across their pages, their faces flushed with excitement. They cursed their mere two hands—how could they possibly capture every word, every detail of this historic moment?

The Hydro Archon actually dares to say what's on her mind!

Praise the Hydro Archon!

Seeing Furina standing helplessly on the stage, Richard finally stepped forward to end the press conference.

After witnessing the Hydro Archon's performance, Richard was now certain: this deity wasn't pretending to be incompetent; she genuinely lacked depth.

Did she possess any redeeming qualities? Yes, but few.

Richard felt that Furina could handle future public speaking duties. Her true calling wasn't in Fontaine's administrative department, but rather in its diplomatic corps.

She would excel at delivering official announcements before large crowds.

In all other respects, Furina was indistinguishable from a fresh-faced newcomer to public office, her eyes radiating a pure, almost naive innocence.

The atmosphere in Furina's office was heavy with gloom.

"Did I... do something wrong?" Furina asked her Secretary-General, her voice trembling with anxiety.

Richard offered a tepid reassurance. "It's not a complete disaster. At least you didn't actually want to start a war with Inazuma. Besides, you might have broken a record."

"What kind of record?"

"The shortest tenure as an Administrative Minister."

Furina looked as if she'd been struck by lightning. "N-no way! It can't be that bad, right?" she stammered in disbelief.

Richard shook his head, mercilessly shattering her last shred of hope.

"Actually, it's exactly that bad. Using vast public resources to shut down a newspaper without proper justification is, strictly speaking, a gross misuse of public funds." Richard paused, then added, "It's illegal."

Furina froze, her face drained of color like an abstract oil painting left out in the sun.

Furina had thought losing her job was the worst of it, but now she was being told she might even go to prison?!

"What am I going to do? I don't want to go to prison! And I definitely don't want to go to the Fortress of Meropide!" Furina's face paled, her voice trembling with tears as she instinctively clutched at the hem of Richard's coat.

She'd heard terrible things about the Fortress of Meropide—poor food, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, forced daily labor, and worst of all, no desserts or Tea. If she ended up there, she'd surely develop insomnia!

"Lady Furina, please calm down. There's still a chance to salvage this," Richard said calmly, patting her trembling hand.

"Really?!" Furina's eyes widened, clutching at this lifeline. "Is there really still a way to fix this?"

"Of course, provided you follow my instructions precisely. Otherwise, you'll only make things worse, just like this time," Richard replied with a faint smile.

From the beginning, Richard's goal had never been to oust Furina from her position. That wouldn't serve his interests. What he truly desired was to tame the Hydro Archon.

"I'll do whatever you say! I'll be good and listen to you!" Furina nodded eagerly, desperate to agree.

She looked just like a frightened kitten, utterly vulnerable and afraid of being abandoned.

"In that case," Richard said, "let's start drafting a resignation letter, just in case."

"But didn't you say there was still a chance to salvage this?" Furina protested, her voice trailing off. "Why resign already...? Fine, fine, I'll write it. I'll write it..." Her eyes reddened as she slumped back into her seat.

Like a primary school student struggling with homework, she leaned over the desk, listlessly poking at the blank paper with her pen.

The thought of losing her hard-earned position as Administrative Minister before she'd even warmed the seat brought a misty sheen to her eyes. Her tearful, pitiful expression was almost too much to bear.

Click.

Furina looked up at the sound and saw Richard holding a camera, capturing her dejected state.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking a photo," Richard replied. "Humans are visual creatures. They tend to be inexplicably forgiving of beautiful things. This picture might soften public criticism of your recent failures."

Furina quickly realized that if this photo were leaked, it would severely damage the Hydro Archon's image of divine wisdom in the eyes of the people. Instinctively, she didn't want Richard to release it.

But if she didn't let him release it, what if she really ended up in prison? What kind of image would a Hydro Archon have behind bars?

Thinking of this, Furina sniffled and choked out, "T-then... take a few more."

"No need," Richard said with a smile. "One is enough for my collection."

"Collection?" Furina's eyes widened.

"Indeed. Lady Furina doesn't think I'd actually release the photo, does she? That would only make things worse. For example, how could a Hydro Archon who's prone to crying possibly shoulder the heavy responsibilities of Administrative Minister?" Richard mimicked a reporter's tone with exaggerated drama.

"Who's prone to crying?!" The Hydro Archon sputtered indignantly, a snot bubble forming at her nose. Before she could retort, Richard swiftly wiped it away with a tissue.

Whether it was Furina's delicate skin or Richard's heavy-handedness, her nose tip turned bright red.

"Don't worry, Lady Furina. I share the responsibility for this situation, and I'll help you resolve it. As for this photo... consider it my reward," Richard said with a smile.

After regaining some composure, Furina said to Richard, "Alright, but... you promise you won't do anything weird with my photos, okay?"

"What do you mean by 'weird'?" Richard asked, his smile unwavering as he watched Furina, as if trying to catch a hint of embarrassment on her face.

"Like... secretly selling them to reporters or something," Furina whispered.

If that happened, the Hydro Archon's dignity would be ruined!

"Don't worry, Lady Furina," Richard assured her. "Just leave it to me."