Time passed like youthful days—gone in an instant, never to return.
Before they knew it, several more years had slipped by.
Furina had long grown accustomed to this kind of life. She was full of hope for the future.
After all, destiny would arrive sooner or later. Rather than spending every day in anxiety, it was better to live happily in the present.
Of course, what gave Furina even more confidence was the silly little brother who clung to her every day—and whom she held in her arms.
Though she was often exasperated, she doted on her little brother, and he in turn doted on her.
The era of "sleeping through problems" was over.
Now, it was the era of "summon your little brother when trouble arises."
Neuvillette found it difficult to comment on their behavior.
Furina summoned Gu Chen, and then Gu Chen summoned him.
He felt like he was carrying far too much.
He had to manage their daily meals, oversee Fontaine as a whole, and often handle various other matters.
It was tiring—but Neuvillette felt that this kind of life wasn't so bad.
After all… he, Neuvillette, could summon the Melusines!
—
For long-lived beings, time was always abundant.
Decades passed in the blink of an eye.
Generations of humans in Fontaine came and went. Old faces faded, new faces aged in turn… an endless cycle.
The place that had once been just a small building had now been transformed into a modest estate.
There was a flower garden in the courtyard, and not far from the gate, a few seal-like Blubberbeasts lounged on the beach.
On a reclining chair in the yard, Gu Chen lay basking in the sun, with Furina nestled in his arms.
Footsteps sounded outside the courtyard—steady and measured. It was clearly Neuvillette.
As expected, he entered and, seeing the scene before him, showed no surprise.
"I've heard the Traveler will be arriving in Fontaine soon," he said.
"The one who stirs up trouble wherever they go?" Furina asked with interest.
"'Stirs up trouble' is not quite accurate," Neuvillette raised a brow. "But it is true that the Traveler always finds themselves at the center of events."
"Maybe the Traveler is like the protagonist of a light novel," Gu Chen said.
Furina nodded thoughtfully. "I wonder what will happen when she arrives in Fontaine?"
"Based on current signs… likely the prophecy crisis," Neuvillette said after a brief pause, then shook his head. "Though how it will manifest is still unclear."
Furina, who had just sat up, lazily lay back down in Gu Chen's arms. "Whatever. We've got our little dragon."
Gu Chen took a sip of juice. "Whatever. We've got Neuvillette."
Neuvillette paused, then replied, "Very well. But if I cannot resolve it, I will still require your assistance, Lord Chen."
"Sure." Gu Chen nodded, picking up a grape and holding it to Furina's lips. "Big sis, have a grape."
"Mmm."
Furina enjoyed the feeding, eyes half-closed in contentment. Then she glanced at Neuvillette. "Why are you still here?"
Neuvillette said flatly, "You haven't shown yourself in Fontaine for decades. Make an appearance soon."
"Got it, got it!" Furina waved him off.
After he left, Furina turned her head toward Gu Chen. "Can Neuvillette handle it?"
Gu Chen replied calmly, "He was once gazed upon by my past self. Even without full authority, his abilities are more than sufficient. He simply hasn't found the root of the crisis yet. Don't worry, big sis."
"As long as you're here, I'm not afraid," Furina stretched lazily. "Stop talking—I'm taking a nap."
"Alright."
Gu Chen nodded.
—
Furina indeed hadn't appeared in Fontaine for a long time.
Fortunately, everyone knew the Hydro Archon was still there. It was just that there hadn't been any need for her intervention—Neuvillette had handled everything.
On this day, Furina finally made an appearance in the Court of Fontaine, with Gu Chen accompanying her.
Previously, his dragon horns would bump into her when they slept, and after her complaints, he had learned to retract them. Now, he looked no different from a human.
Days passed.
The Traveler arrived in Fontaine and met many people—including Neuvillette.
"With the prophecy crisis looming over Fontaine, why does no one seem afraid?" Paimon asked curiously.
Neuvillette replied calmly, "Because the Hydro Archon is here."
"Because of the Hydro Archon? But in the prophecy, doesn't she still end up weeping alone on her throne?" Paimon asked, puzzled.
Neuvillette nodded. "A prophecy is a prophecy. What is meant to happen will happen—perhaps in a different form. But you need not worry. We possess absolute power to face it. Everyone in Fontaine understands this, so no one fears the prophecy."
"So confident?" Paimon and Lumine exchanged surprised glances.
"Of course." Neuvillette nodded. "In recognition of your help to Fontaine, I can arrange an introduction. Shortly, you will meet the Hydro Archon, Furina."
"Really? Thank you!"
After expressing their thanks, they asked, "Do we need to prepare anything?"
Neuvillette paused, then nodded. "An audience with the Hydro Archon naturally requires some preparation. But more important than the Archon… is that individual. In any case—speak less and observe more."
Lumine and Paimon exchanged confused looks.
More important than the Hydro Archon…?
Who could that be?
—
With their questions in mind, they followed Neuvillette to a small estate.
By the seaside, they saw a small boat floating on the water. A young man and a girl sat on it, fishing.
The young man reeled in a fish. As it struggled near the boat, he casually pulled out a gun—bang!—and shot it dead before hauling it aboard.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances.
The Hydro Archon, Furina, was female—so she must be the girl.
Which meant the one Neuvillette referred to… was that young man.
Noticing them, the girl steered the boat to the dock. Adjusting her sunhat, she asked, "You're the Traveler?"
"H-hello, I'm Paimon, and she's Lumine," Paimon greeted, a bit stiff.
Gu Chen stepped off the boat with his fishing rod and glanced at Paimon.
Her small body began trembling uncontrollably. Her pupils dilated as if she were seeing something utterly terrifying.
Shaking, she instinctively muttered:
"F-F-Father God…"
"?"
Lumine had never seen Paimon look so terrified and shaken. Startled, she quickly held her and patted her. "Paimon, what's wrong?"
"I—I'm f—fine…"
Before she could finish, Paimon fainted in Lumine's arms.
"What happened to her?" Furina asked in confusion. Then she turned to look at Gu Chen. "Father God? Is that your child?"
Her brows furrowed—her expression a mix of disbelief, grievance, and irritation.
"What? No!" Gu Chen was stunned, quickly shaking his head. "Who knows what this little thing is—she's probably trying to claim kinship!"
Neuvillette, meanwhile, fell into thought. "Father God… she is likely referring to the Primordial True King."
"The Primordial True King?" Lumine echoed, confused.
It was a name she had never heard before.
"In that case… could this little one be among the first lifeforms derived from the Ancient Progenitor? Doesn't quite seem like it… Could she also be a reincarnation?" Furina said, surprised.
Lumine froze.
She could understand every word individually—but together, they left her utterly bewildered.
Paimon…
…seemed to be hiding an extraordinary secret.
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