Although people often say that "regret will run through life," when encountering such a regret that can potentially be eliminated through effort... one still has to try.
You can't just let regrets pile up, can you?
Thinking of this, Yuto sighed softly, then clapped his hands symbolically, as if to bring everyone present back to their senses.
Although this was a Story Quest for the little blue cake beside him, given Furina's current identity and personality, it was better for him to be the one to break the ice.
Noticing that everyone's gaze was on him, Yuto cleared his throat slightly, then spoke:
"Since you have decided to help the theater group formed by Group leader Audrey write a new chapter, you should understand the importance of your skills."
"Rehearsal and integration take time, and the entire group's performance instruction takes even more time. Only then... can we jointly complete future performances."
At this point, Yuto paused slightly, then continued:
"Everyone, prepare to depart. Time waits for no one."
Both Yuto's words and his tone were quite serious, and as a result... the somewhat stiff atmosphere immediately became normal.
"Understood. Thank you, Lord Yuto and Lady Furina, for being willing to provide us with guidance. Please rest assured, we will not let your teachings down."
Polo said this while bowing deeply to Yuto and Furina.
And Polo's action was like a signal; the other members of the group also bowed deeply to Yuto and Furina one after another
—it was like worshipping a statue.
Seeing this, Lumine and Paimon tacitly moved to the side, as the group's gratitude was not directed at them, and they naturally could not accept such thanks.
Furina looked at the people bowing to her and let out a long sigh, shaking her head helplessly.
Only then did she realize how impactful Yuto's actions were.
If Yuto had not presented those fictional stories, it would have meant that... her own actions would still be misunderstood and unrecognized by many.
Although she herself didn't care much about this, since she had regained her freedom, there was nothing to worry about.
But... over time, those gazes would still make one feel uncomfortable to some extent.
And Yuto directly reversed all of this, allowing her to receive the respect she deserved.
Thinking of this, Furina slightly raised her head, looking at Yuto beside her with gentle eyes, a faint smile appearing on her face.
"Thank you... my Chief Justice..."
...
After the group finished their "worship" of Yuto and Furina, Yuto bid farewell to Miles and took everyone onto the boat leaving Beryl Region.
According to Lauvik, Weil Mang left the group after Group leader Audrey was murdered and had been living in the wilderness outside Fontaine.
This also meant that Yuto and the others had to return to Fontaine, and then take a spoutrail to the wilds of Fontaine to find Weil Mang.
Watching the waves constantly being shattered by the boat, Paimon seemed to suddenly remember something and asked Lauvik beside her:
"Uh... Lauvik, I have two questions for you."
"Since Weil Mang is somewhat unwilling to come, why must he participate in this performance? Wouldn't it be better to replace him?"
"The second thing is... I'm a bit curious, what kind of story is this 'The Daughter of Water' that you wrote?"
Hearing this, Lauvik was slightly taken aback, then turned his gaze to Polo, who was sitting opposite him.
In his opinion, as the creator of this version of the script, Polo had the most say regarding the plot.
Seeming to sense Lauvik's gaze, Polo, who had been sadly looking at the shattered waves, turned his head and said softly:
"The beginning of the story is actually very... clichéd. Many Fontaine Operas are written this way, so I also used this opening and setting."
"A young Hydro Eidolon disregards the advice of her relatives and becomes human."
"With her outstanding appearance, she gained friendship and love in the prosperous and lively city, but accidents followed..."
"Residents suddenly found that the surrounding fresh water was gradually disappearing, the land was dry, and plants were withered. People who noticed the anomaly fell into panic."
"The Daughter of Water, Cleo, and her lover took on the responsibility, working together to investigate the truth of the incident."
"As for the reason... I referenced some of Group leader Audrey's notes and some Fontaine Operas used to advocate for environmental protection, and finally set this reason as 'the self-escape of fresh water.'"
Hearing this, Paimon blinked slightly, then said:
"Wait a minute, let me guess... Since it's related to environmental protection, is the reason for the fresh water 'escaping' due to human waste and pollution?"
Polo nodded, then continued:
"Because the protagonist is a Hydro Eidolon, she immediately understood the water's thoughts, and she also told her lover her true identity and the truth of the event."
"Luck and misfortune always go hand in hand. Her lover accepted her and worked with her to find a way to bring the fresh water back."
"But unfortunately... at this time, someone overheard this."
"That eavesdropper shifted the blame to Cleo, making people see her as the culprit who stole the fresh water, thereby putting her in a dilemma."
At this point, Polo slowly closed his eyes, exhaled a long breath, and said:
"Finally, The Daughter of Water stepped forward and sacrificed herself to save her lover and all of humanity."
And Furina, who had been stealthily listening to them discuss the script, couldn't help but exclaim at this moment:
"It's a good ending. It elevates from the adoration of a lover to a universal love for humanity, not only reflecting Cleo's character as the protagonist but also showing her greatness."
"A successful script, a good characterization."
Furina smiled and nodded, approving Polo's script.
Hearing this, Polo nodded happily, just about to say some template-like words of thanks when he was interrupted by Dirfi.
"But... Polo, you know 'Cleo' symbolizes the Group leader, right? She didn't get a chance to be a hero in the end."
"If it's to commemorate the Group leader, shouldn't it record the true ending?"
"The Daughter of Water dies from hatred, and those who deeply loved her choose silence due to the environment, and humanity ultimately perishes."
Hearing this ending, Claude, who had been nodding in agreement on the side, was stunned, then began to shake his head frantically.
"Although I said I wouldn't participate in your decisions, this ending is a bit too irresponsible."
Furina also nodded in agreement. Her view was the same as Claude's; although this ending commemorated Audrey, it was too irresponsible to the audience.
And Polo, at this moment, slowly sighed, then said somewhat sadly:
"Just like Group leader Audrey's fate, it was all meaningless and inexplicable."
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