"Understood, Your Majesty the Tsaritsa!"
Sandrone's beautiful eyes lit up at the words, and she was about to rush out in surprise.
She hadn't expected the leader to proactively want to meet Qin Yu.
Wouldn't that give her an opportunity...?
But soon, Miss Puppet's anticipation was dashed.
"You will stay by my side and are not allowed to go anywhere."
The Tsaritsa put away her game console and cartridges, saying coldly.
She glanced at Sandrone, whose face had fallen.
Did she want to sneak to Qin Yu's side during work hours and offer technical assistance?
She would not give Qin Yu any chance to win the bet.
Swear allegiance, then become the man of the Cryo Archon and remain in the Tsarstvo.
This was his only ending.
"But...!"
Sandrone clenched her small hands.
The proud and cold deity understood nothing of romantic experience.
Well, she never would.
She was somewhat unwilling and wanted to reason with her superior.
But it was clear that the Cryo Archon's logic was more "powerful."
In every sense of the word.
"Sister Sandrone, let's go first."
Columbina soothed and rubbed her small hand, following the cold and noble figure.
"Sister, wait for me."
Sandrone sighed softly and chased after them.
...
In the corridor, several graceful figures passed by.
The Tsaritsa, hidden beneath her cloak, strode in high heels, her long legs reflecting dazzling light under the sun.
Her aura was fully charged.
Servants made way as they passed.
But one person caught the Tsaritsa's attention.
Her steps paused slightly.
"A copy of the Steambird from Fontaine, please."
Sandrone understood the Tsaritsa's intention and waved to the person.
"Certainly, Miss Sandrone."
...
The Tsaritsa took the newspaper and read as she walked.
"Is there anything noteworthy in Fontaine recently?"
Columbina walked behind, speaking in a low voice to Sandrone.
The latter was from Fontaine.
"The Hydro Archon, Furina, will personally preside over a trial."
Mentioning Fontaine, Sandrone's expression was not good.
A complicated glint flashed in her eyes.
That was her greatest secret.
Furina, the Hydro Archon, had an unknown past with her.
She would never forget the day she was banished from Fontaine.
And it was on that day that Sandrone's fate became intertwined with that of a stranger.
Yes, Qin Yu.
He didn't know that he had been connected to the Hydro Archon many years ago.
Sandrone sank into memory.
...
The sky was overcast, and the rain poured down.
A girl in thin clothes, weak and frail, sat alone on a cold iron chair in the rain.
She shivered all over and slightly raised her head.
In her field of vision were the members of the tribunal, whose posture was lofty and superior.
They looked down at the target about to be judged, their gazes cold and suffocating.
And in the center of the crowd...
Was a young girl, dressed in a blue and white noble gown, as elegant and refined as a princess.
The Archon of Fontaine, Furina.
She rested her chin on her hand, watching the girl's expression with amusement.
As if observing a puppy struggling in the water.
In the land of "Justice," it was rare for the Archon to miss a trial.
Yet, she, who held the power of judgment, never changed the verdict.
The Archon merely reveled in the atmosphere of judging others, finding pleasure in it.
It was like watching a play where the ending was already decided.
"I... I am truly... innocent..."
Sandrone's mouth opened, her voice hoarse.
【Heh.】
Her pleading words seemed to please the Archon.
She smiled, like a flower blooming in the rain, delicate and elegant.
But the frail girl did not move the Archon.
As if finding amusement, the Archon clapped her hands eagerly.
【The trial begins.】
Beside the Hydro Archon, a man with a stern face said solemnly, his voice resonant.
Neuvillette, the Chief Justice of Fontaine.
The tribunal he represented could even judge Archons.
【Justice!】
【Fairness!】
In the tribunal, everyone fervently shouted slogans.
But when they gazed at the helpless girl, their eyes held only indifference.
Sandrone stubbornly raised her head, glaring at the Archon.
Justice... Fairness...
How ridiculous.
【Why not buy an indulgence?】
A tribunal member ostentatiously adjusted his glasses, speaking politely.
He smiled warmly, looking down at the scantily clad girl sitting in the cold, heavy rain.
"Why should I?"
Sandrone gritted her teeth and said coldly.
It was merely a means of profiting under the guise of the previous Hydro Archon...!
【You stole forbidden knowledge, manufactured machinery, and sought personal gain, violating the law.】
"Forbidden? Just because this technology inadvertently cut into your and your guild's profits?"
"The ones to be judged... are you, and the Archons!"
Sandrone sneered.
【You dare to question the laws established by the previous Hydro Archon!】
The tribunal member's face changed, and he said angrily.
【O Hydro Archon, bestow a just and fair verdict!】
【Of course.】
The Archon smiled elegantly and nodded gently.
"..."
Sandrone stared at her, her eyes filled with resentment.
【Bearing sin against the Archon, according to the law, the penalty is death.】
The Chief Justice delivered the final verdict with a cold expression.
"Death penalty?"
Sandrone murmured, trembling all over.
Perhaps it was the cold rain, or the profound fear.
But she still raised her face, her gaze stubborn.
【...】
Seeing the amusement, the Archon's smile grew more intense.
【Execute immediately!】
The tribunal members shouted coldly.
Everything was decided.
Whoosh—
The rain intensified.
Sandrone stared intently at the Archon, never lowering her gaze.
Just as the guards were about to drag her away.
【Why do you question the laws of the previous Hydro Archon?】
The Archon suddenly spoke, asking with amusement.
She slowly rose and, with elegant steps, descended the stairs.
Holding an umbrella, she approached the girl.
"Archons can also make mistakes."
"Whether it was the previous Hydro Archon, or you."
Sandrone glared at the Archon, who was now close, her eyes filled with resentment.
The air suddenly froze.
The tribunal members looked over, their gazes chilling.
【Heh... So someone actually dares to question the Hydro Archon's justice before the tribunal...!】
【Interesting, so interesting!】
The Archon was stunned for a moment, then laughed in the pouring rain, tears welling in her eyes.
After years of unchanging plays, the ending had finally encountered a variable.
At that moment, she, the spectator, bore no resemblance to the elegance of a lady.
【Furina, the Hydro Archon! The tribunal is a solemn and sacred place!】
The Chief Justice said coldly.
Such a paranoid and hysterical fellow...!
【My apologies, my apologies, I suddenly remembered something joyful.】
Furina gently lifted Sandrone's chin and whispered.
In the land of justice, you are the first person to dare question the law.
With a satisfied smile, her face flushed with an abnormal hue.
【What a lovely and pure child.】
"Let go of me!"
Sandrone struggled and turned her innocent face away.
Wicked Archon, she would not yield!
But the helpless girl's eyes soon widened.
【Hold onto the justice in your heart... Well done.】
A gentle voice sounded in her ear.
"!"
Sandrone instinctively looked at the Archon, filled with surprise and confusion.
Was she hallucinating as death approached?
【What is your name?】
"...Sandrone."
【You study mechanics, have you ever harbored ideals?】
"I..."
Young Sandrone gazed at the Archon, her expression lost.
【My ideal is to change this oppressive old world and achieve fairness and justice.】
Furina's fingertip traced Sandrone's small face, tidying her messy hair.
Be an elegant little lady.
【Do you think I am a paranoid Archon?】
"...You're troubled."
Sandrone felt the Archon's kindness and shook her head, her gaze drifting past the Archon.
Behind the Archon were the cold, aloof people.
As if from another world.
Yes.
In Fontaine, the laws of the previous Hydro Archon could judge the current Archon.
The tribunal, representing the law, was above all else.
This deeply ingrained notion in Fontaine...
For the Archon who sought true equality, the tribunal, representing the faction of the previous Hydro Archon, had become the embodiment of inequality.
With this thought, Sandrone's gaze firmed, and she said earnestly:
"I want to change this old world!"
【...】
Furina's lips curved slightly, her gaze growing more satisfied.
【You are a smart, good child.】
【Through the Astrolabe of Water Divination, I saw a different destiny.】
【You will meet your destined partner, and he will help you.】
Furina leaned close to Sandrone's ear and whispered.
Like a caring older sister.
"Partner? Where is he?"
Sandrone asked blankly.
Was he the knight from fairy tales who defeated the dragon and rescued the princess?
【If I say it, it won't be romantic.】
Furina playfully kept him in suspense.
"Then my partner, he can help you too."
Young Sandrone wanted to share.
【Hmm... That's true, but aren't you afraid I'll steal him?】
"No."
【...】
Furina smiled playfully and slowly stepped back, holding her umbrella.
The rain fell on Sandrone's head once more.
The surrounding guards were about to advance.
But at that moment, the Archon, standing in the center of the tribunal, spread her arms.
She faced the tribunal, her smile unrestrained and bold.
【Criminal Sandrone—I shall correct you.】
【Here, mortals do not bear sin against Archons.】
【I decree you innocent!】
Furina looked at the uproar from the crowd, and the Chief Justice's distorted expression, with a mocking gaze.
She, who enjoyed judgment.
So, who were the jesters in these plays?
【Only the law and the tribunal can pass judgment.】
【They can even judge me.】
【Praise my sublimity and purity—】
"Furina, the Hydro Archon...!"
The Chief Justice heard the threat in her words, his expression uncertain.
If this lively and sophistical Archon were to truly act against the tribunal...!
"Wow."
Little Sandrone gazed at the Archon, who stood before the entire tribunal, shielding her, her eyes shining brightly.
Elegant and brave, beautiful and reassuring.
What a cool Archon sister.
【Leave.】
Furina murmured, looking up at the sky.
Remember your ideal of changing the old world.
【But... only the Heavenly Principles are not to be opposed.】
The prejudiced Archon muttered the previous Hydro Archon's catchphrase, her lips curving slightly.
In her azure-glowing divine eyes, a shadow flickered.
【You are disrespectful to the Heavenly Principles...!】
A strange voice echoed in her ear.
【Still trying to possess my body for reincarnation? The previous Hydro Archon who has already passed.】
Furina smiled, her beautiful face contorting slightly.
【You have corrupted justice!】
【Heh, justice that blindly obeys the Heavenly Principles?】
【...!】
"You must come and find us, good Archon sister!"
Sandrone shouted in the pouring rain, then, suppressing her reluctance, fled the tribunal.
No one dared to stop her along the way.
【Good sister... Heh.】
Furina slowly turned, her expression gradually calming.
Elegant, refined, with a hint of prejudice in her gaze.
She smiled slightly, holding her umbrella in the rain.
Lifting the hem of her skirt, she was as graceful and beautiful as a noble lady.
【Then it's a promise, my dear little Sandrone.】
【Your partner, I will go and meet him personally.】
【And by the way... I will judge him too.】
【Oh—and judge the Electro Archon, the Dendro Archon...】
【On the compass, why are there so many stars clustered together?】
The lively and elegant Archon stood in the rain and sighed softly.
Her authority allowed her to see through fate, but she still felt perplexed.
So many Archons gathered, were they about to start a war of the Seven?
It would make for an interesting play.
Furina's lips curled slightly, and her heart felt joyful.
...
((I will be posting some images of Furina, confirmed by an uncle, in this comment section. Do not enter if you don't want spoilers.))
...
The flashback ended.
"Sigh."
Sandrone's gaze gradually cleared, and she sighed.
Those memories from the past were truly terrible.
"Remembering bad things again?"
Columbina asked gently.
"It's okay."
Sandrone shook her head and smiled.
She had found her lifelong partner and was very happy.
As for Furina's words, they were probably just a joke.
How could an Archon get close to her partner?
Wait, that Raiden Shogun with the huge chest?
Perhaps she should have the Tsaritsa bring her partner back to the Tsarstvo.
As Miss Puppet was deep in thought.
"The Hydro Archon is going to judge herself? Interesting."
The Tsaritsa put away her newspaper, her voice as calm as ever.
Only the Heavenly Principles are not to be opposed.
This was the Hydro Archon's intention.
This meant that the Hydro Archon and the Cryo Archon were the most antagonistic pair of Archons.
They would surely fight sooner or later.
As for where they would fight, and how...
The Tsaritsa's gaze turned cold, and she didn't think further.
Fontaine was too far from Inazuma; they would never meet.
"..."
The Tsaritsa suddenly sensed the aura of Raiden Ei.
What was the aura of Raiden Makoto on her?
And... the first Dendro Archon, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"?"
The Cryo Archon stopped, lost in thought.
Was the Komore Teahouse the Heavenly Islands? So many Archons.
Also, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Raiden Makoto had already passed away.
This was also a major reason why the Cryo Archon had become reclusive and cold.
And now...
The art style of this world, destined for destruction and filled with knives, seemed to have become somewhat... off, from a certain point onwards.
The key to the problem lay with Qin Yu.
"Where is Qin Yu's room?"
"Over there."
"Let's pick up the pace."
"Hmm?"
Sandrone and Columbina looked at each other in confusion.
Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, why do you look like you're going to start a fight?
This place is not to be destroyed!
...
Just as the Archons were heading to his door.
Meanwhile, in a room with a closed door.
"Achoo!"
Qin Yu sneezed several times, doubting his life.
He felt that the Electro, Dendro, Cryo, and Hydro elements in the air had been restless lately...
They were mixing together harmoniously, making his heart pound.
Who would be looking for him?
It couldn't possibly be the corresponding Archons... could it?
...