Wasn't it just being treated coldly and left aside? That was such a common diplomatic tactic.
Thinking of it that way, even someone like Eula, whose expectations had been low to begin with, felt for a moment that this was actually pretty good.
"...Damn it."
Eula muttered under her breath.
"Since that's the case, why not go see our former companions?"
Suppressing her prejudice, Eula offered the suggestion objectively.
Those former companions naturally referred to Liyue, Inazuma, Fontaine, and even Sumeru, whose circumstances were similar to theirs.
Allies in name were still allies.
They couldn't really forget their friends just because they had gotten men, could they?
Everyone felt that made sense, so they went out and asked someone where their old acquaintances were staying.
"Sumeru's Lord of the Trees came in person and has shut herself inside the research institute. Most of Inazuma's people are outside with Lord Liu Bai. Only Lord Furina is here..."
As Jean walked toward Furina's residence, she summarized the current situation.
It sounded as though things here were nowhere near as dire as they had imagined.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
"Excuse us, Lord Furina. This should be our first face-to-face conversation, correct?"
Jean pushed open the door with Barbara. The others had not followed them—bringing a whole crowd to visit Furina would clearly have been improper.
"Uh... ahem, good morning, Captain Jean."
Furina was somewhat surprised that Jean had come to visit her.
"And this is...?"
"My younger sister, Barbara."
"It's a pleasure."
Furina nodded at Barbara, who felt somewhat flattered—after all, the person before her was a god at the pinnacle of the "idol" path!
"What brings you two here at this hour?"
"We came to thank Lord Furina for your previous guidance."
"Huh? Before? There's no need to make such a big