The Mediocre Goddess Furina. (Continued)

"... Huh?"

"What's the point of him talking to a force like Liyue that can't even come up with the technology to dive into the Sea of Quanta —unless it's about borrowing money."

"The Schicksal is not what it used to be."

Rita shook her head.

The Otto was able to sell a branch back then was largely due to the fact that the Schicksal itself had problems at that time.

—Can you believe that during that period, Planck, as a branch representative, also had to report to the parliament?

Now, Parliament? What's Parliament anyway?

Of course, the power of the parliament at that time was also very delicate—at least it was not as powerful as it had been back then, when it could be an enemy of the three major families, the second-in-command of the Schicksal, and the biggest political enemy of the bishop.

They found themselves in an awkward position where things seemed important, but they were actually doing menial tasks.

In conclusion, the existence of the parliament actually indicates that Schicksal is still a transitional organization operating in a religious model, and its money-making methods are as awkward as its status.

At that time, the manipulation of Europe was based on legal authority. Whoever was called the "Son of Heaven" had the legitimacy to be the "Son of Heaven." After becoming the "Son of Heaven," they were expected to pay him. Even when organizing an eastern expedition, they would incite the kings of various countries to contribute money and troops, Schicksal would provide high-end combat power, the "knights."

Now?

Sorry, but now that's the biological father, whoever he calls the "Son of Heaven" is the "Son of Heaven." Even though Mondstadt and Fontaine still maintain their independence, they are actually dependent on him.

In particular, ancient states have now been divided into various regions... with no force to oppose Schicksal.

The speed at which you make money is obviously different between these two models.

"... So it seems they really came for you."

"Yes, I'm not a nobody with skinny arms and legs anymore."

To be fair, if Liu Bai really put his mind to it, his arm might be thicker than Schicksal's thigh.

The only problem is still that... it's rather loosely structured.

Even with departmental planning in place, things haven't completely improved...

Or rather, it can't be improved at all.

Nine out of ten departments are either thinking about climbing into bed or urging their subordinates to do so.

They are very close, but it's hard to say they are close in terms of systems...

"So, do we need to agree?"

"..."

Liu Bai rested his chin on his hand and fell into deep thought.

This matter...

Whether you agree or refuse, there are advantages and disadvantages.

If we agree, the advantages are that we can carry out peaceful evolution and we can more directly demonstrate our military power.

If you put yourself in Otto's shoes and see your team's current roster, after thinking about it for a month or two, you might just surrender with your Schicksal intact.

Fighting this kind of enemy will only increase casualties.

However, the downside is... if Otto wants to do something, the success rate of his schemes will increase.

If you refuse, the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages are reversed.

Otto may not be able to resort to any underhanded tactics, but the opportunities for peaceful evolution will become increasingly scarce.

"... Say yes."

After pondering for a while, Liu Bai sighed.

The opportunity for peaceful evolution is indeed rare.

Even if it cannot actually evolve, it can undoubtedly reduce the number of innocent casualties when conflict breaks out.

As for conspiracies and schemes...

"I object—!"

Liu Bai's door was kicked open.

A girl dressed in a blue aristocratic outfit barged in.

"Absolutely! Never even consider forming an alliance with Otto!"

"... Furina?"

Liu Bai looked at the girl who had barged in, a hint of surprise on his face.

"Do you... do you know me? Cough cough... excuse me."

Panting heavily and looking somewhat disheveled, Furina immediately straightened up and tidied herself up.

"As you can see... I... cough, I am the current acting leader of Fontaine, Furina Fontaine."

Furina adjusted her little hat as she did so.

"Liu Bai, over here... the Unnamed Community."

Liu Bai reached out his hand to Furina.

The two held hands lightly.

(Ah... thank goodness... thankfully he wasn't one of those really scary middle-aged men... nor was he one of those menacing smiling tigers...)

Furina breathed a sigh of relief.

She didn't have much information about Liu Bai before she arrived.

No, it should be said that her initial purpose was actually to find Ningguang to learn about the powerful figure who killed Chiyou.

When Ningguang told her that "Liyue has a new master," Furina was startled and instantly imagined a scenario where "the plan completely failed, Ningguang smashed a cup as a signal, and axemen came out to chop them into mincemeat."

... Although it turns out that Furina only had a tiny bit of paranoia.

... This is actually Furina's worry about failing to fulfill the heavy responsibility she is entrusted with.

(... and even seems quite approachable?)

Hmm... from the perspective of someone who's obsessed with good looks.

A perfect score!

"... Speaking of which, why did you come here?"

Liu Bai was somewhat surprised by Furina's sudden appearance.

"Please... cough cough, I mean, we came here under the pretext of the tour."

Furina adjusted her posture.

Don't lose your sense of distance just because the other person seems easy to talk to.

... However, in her hundreds of years of "proxy" career, Furina's skills, besides disguise and acting, also included ingratiation.

"Although part of the reason might be that Otto didn't really care about us either."

"Then why are you looking for me?"

"La Signora. Ningguang asked me to come and discuss the alliance with you."

Only then did Furina realize how powerful Liu Bai's influence had become.

Liyue, Inazuma, Anti-Entropy, Far East Branch...

Therefore, Furina could not understand why Liu Bai wanted to form an alliance.

Let's just go for Otto!

Kill him!

Even though Furina is a very humble and gentle person in private, the thought of being able to rise above her circumstances and sing her own praises made her... cough cough, get a little carried away.

But to be honest, this is really possible.

Although their Fontaine point is that the Schicksal Skywarp can attack them at any time.

Conversely, they can also penetrate deep into the heart of Schicksal at any time.

Straight to the Schicksal! Capture Otto alive!

... Of course, this requires outside help.

Otherwise, if they dared to charge through the various defensive facilities and powerful mechs on the sky island, they might all be wiped out without Bianka even having to lift a finger...

But right now, Liu Bai is the perfect foreign aid.

She wanted to see Kallen beat up Otto...

As she thought about it, Furina nodded to Rita in return.

She and Rita were so-so best friends—at least they had held tea parties and exchanged contact information.

If she had known Rita was there too, she would have contacted Rita directly...

But...

(You actually have a rebellious streak?)

Good heavens... Although Furina had a good personal impression of Rita, her overall impression of her was actually a completely negative one: a "smiling tiger," an "Otto lackey," and a "monitor by Bianka's side."

Rita smiled slightly at Furina, pretending not to notice Furina's inner monologue.

This water god really seems to have let loose after stepping out of that high-pressure situation.

But is this really our true nature?

Rita's impression of Furina wasn't actually that good either; she described her as "a mediocre god who was flamboyant and ostentatious"—something like that.

As for the so-called agent, Rita already understood—after all, she could see information related to Egeria.

However, this was kept very well hidden. If this matter hadn't been exposed and discovered by Joyce, probably no one in the world would have known that the previous water god was still alive in the Sea of Quanta.

... Ah, whales and water gods, do they really consider the Sea of Quanta to be a "sea"?

If Asta were there, she would definitely make the same comment, right?

Rita was missing Asta's rants a little—even though she'd only missed them for a day.

"Ahem, although it may be a bit presumptuous of me to say this so soon after arriving, I personally oppose your alliance with Otto."

Furina straightened her chest, making herself appear very imposing.

(Ahhh... no... I shouldn't have been so forceful, right? I... I won't mess this up, will I?)

(Is she actually a timid little girl by nature?) Rita observed Furina's micro-expressions and her opinion of Furina changed somewhat.

Although timid... she's very resilient.

Regardless of whether they managed to hide it from Otto, they definitely did.

So hardworking...

"... Indeed, saying such nonsensical things on the first meeting is no different from a provocation."

"Ugh... cough, please understand, this is all from the bottom of my heart."

After a brief moment of lamentation, Furina regained her composure.

"To ally with Otto is tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin."

(Ah... wait a minute, looking at it now, isn't Liu Bai the one who's the 'tiger'?)

Oh no! She has absolutely no diplomatic experience!

Her negotiation skills are almost entirely focused on pandering to the public and her fans!

Help... Someone please save her...

(As expected... I feel Liu Bai is even more interested... No, I have to think of a point that can convince Liu Bai! Just like Neuvillette, I need to hit the nail on the head!)

... That's easy to say.

Although the other party may seem very mild-mannered, you can't really keep spouting nonsense in front of people!

"—If Otto's influence cannot be eliminated, your plan will absolutely not be able to proceed smoothly!"

... Although I don't know what Liu Bai's plans are, it shouldn't be a problem to say this for now...?