"I promise you," the mirror's reflection had once said to Furina, "everything will end in a grand, theatrical trial. Everyone will be saved."
"You must keep performing," the reflection continued. "Don't let anyone suspect your true identity."
Furina was clearly an ordinary person, yet she had to play the role of a God.
What if someone did suspect? A flicker of doubt and anxiety crossed Furina's eyes.
"Then..." the reflection murmured, "before the final moment arrives, before the Prophecy is fully realized, you mustn't let anyone discover your true identity."
This was the absolute limit of their plan. If Furina's true self were exposed before the end came, all Fontainians would be dissolved.
"The Prophecy will definitely come true," the reflection stated with conviction.
"How can I play the role of a God?" Furina asked, confused. "I'm just a human. I don't possess the kind of power a God has."
"You don't need to become a God," the reflection replied.
A slightly complicated smile appeared on the reflection's face, and a flash of guilt crossed her eyes.
"You need to play the role of the God humans imagine."
What do humans imagine their gods to be like?
On the day of her inauguration speech, Furina was still pondering this question. The Maison Cardinalice had already announced her succession as the Hydro Archon to the public, but today marked her first direct confrontation with the crowd.
Time had come. She had no choice but to ascend the stage of the Opera Epiclese.
Standing behind the podium, her gaze swept across the audience below, each face bearing a unique expression. For a moment, she found herself at a loss.
What should I say?
...Well, let's just summon some courage first!
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Opera Epiclese. I'm sure you've all heard about my succession as the Hydro Archon. Yes, I am Furina de Fontaine, your new Hydro Archon."
Be sincere.
"I lack experience, but I'm honored to guide you. I will do my utmost to bring you an era of fairness and justice."
Stay polite.
Furina smiled. "Thank you all for coming again..."
Just a touch more of a smile.
This should do it. As long as I express my thoughts clearly, it's not that difficult.
"Is this the new Hydro Archon? She looks too ordinary! Not at all like a divine being!"
Huh?
"She even asked us for suggestions! Ha! If a god can't lead us, how can they be considered a god?"
What's going on?
"Could she be a puppet pushed into this position?"
Why is everyone doubting me? This won't do. If my true identity is exposed, they'll all... Perhaps they want a...
"Ha, ha ha... Excellent! Only then will you be worthy of my rule! That earlier 'performance' was merely my greeting gift to you all - a small opening act."
I must play it up.
"I've heard this realm's sins have become irredeemable. How fortunate! For only justice blooming from sin itself bears the most exquisite fragrance!"
Must project dominance.
"Let us make laws our prayers, trials our worship. Ignite the bonfire and drink to Fontaine's future!"
Finally, add a touch of impolite smile.
"Within this Opera Epiclese, before the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, I, the Archon Focalors, can even judge the Archons themselves!"
Applause thundered, cheers echoing without end.
Furina could feel an invisible shell forming over her face.
Light as a feather, fragile as glass - a single touch might shatter it. Yet it would grow thick, solidify into an impenetrable fortress, guarding her secrets and truths.
Though centuries later she might awaken to find it fused with her skin, impossible to remove...
But as long as none of them were dissolved, it would be worth it...
They wanted a powerful, exaggerated God who could erase all doubts. They wanted a stage presence so dazzling it would drown out any other light. So she would perform for them.
Until the final judgment began.
Furina's hazy consciousness gradually sharpened as she realized she was lying on something warm and soft.
"Ugh..."
She slowly opened her eyes.
"You're awake, Miss Furina."
The face before her wore a familiar mask, its crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. She knew that smile all too well.
Furina blinked rapidly, frozen in shock for a moment before exclaiming, "The Phantom Thief?!"
The sensation beneath her head... was a thigh?
She sprang up, desperate to put distance between them, but her feet missed the bed's edge entirely.
"Whoa!"
Just as Furina thought she'd tumble off, Luna caught her arm and yanked her back into the warm embrace.
"I suppose I overdid it with the surprise. My fault. Rest assured, there's no one else here but you and me."
Only her and the Phantom Thief?
"That hardly puts me at ease!" Furina blurted out.
Luna smiled faintly and released her grip.
Furina immediately shrank back to the bed's foot, clutching a pillow while stealing glances at the thief while surveying the room.
This was undoubtedly an abandoned house.
She remembered everything. Furina murmured, "Why did you bring me here?"
Could she... Could she be planning something strange?
Did she drag me here to... to imprison me like those villainous queens in fairy tales?
Or even worse...
Could the sinner's end become Furina's end?
No! No! No! No!
Furina's face turned cyan. "I-I'll make it clear first. Anyone who dares harm a God will ultimately be crushed by Focalors' power—"
Luna quietly approached and pressed her hands against Furina's shoulders.
"Do you think I care?"
I don't care at all!
But this uncertainty made it even worse! A flicker of doubt crossed Furina's eyes.
Clorinde! Clorinde, save me!
"Hush. Don't move."
Eep!? Furina's face flushed crimson, and she instinctively squeezed her eyes shut. But instead of pain, she felt delicate fingertips brush the corner of her eye, leaving a cool, moist trail.
Huh? She opened her eyes to find Luna tasting the glistening droplet on her fingertip.
"Did Miss Furina have a bad dream?"
Luna licked her fingertip. "I never imagined God's tears would taste like this—bitter and heavy, yet carrying a hint of sweetness."
Tears?
Furina hastily wiped the corner of her eye and found a few glistening drops on her fingers.
No, no... Her blush deepened. "How could you... how could you taste someone else's tears?!"
"Wouldn't Miss Furina herself be curious about the taste of divine tears?"
She would be curious, of course.
After all, she wasn't truly a god.
But she'd never entertain the idea of tasting them herself! Furina shook her head vigorously.
"Is that so? You could taste mine too, if—"
Luna gently stroked Furina's cheek.
"—if you can make me cry."
...I don't think I can do that. Furina clutched her pillow tighter.