The next morning at the Hydro Archon's Residence.
Furina had climbed out of bed early.
As for why Furina was up so early? That was because there was a trial scheduled at the Opera Epiclese this morning.
Furina never missed a single trial. She believed that every trial had the potential to be the "magnificent, theatrical, and beautiful trial that would end everything" that Focalors had spoken of.
Although she had Rina's company, wearing the mask was still perpetually uncomfortable.
She was afraid of missing the trial she had longed for day and night.
But, of course, Rina, who was sleeping soundly was naturally woken up by Furina's movement.
She released Hydro to sense the time.
'Damn it, it's only 5:30. What's gotten into this girl? Yesterday, I practically had to drag her out of bed at eight, so why is she up by herself at 5:30 today?'
Rina's face was ashen. Being woken up at this hour naturally left her feeling annoyed.
The Hydro Archon, of course, had no restrictions on working hours. Theoretically, if there were no social engagements requiring her presence, Furina could sleep the entire day without issue.
However, a deity would never oversleep—at least, that was the public perception.
Therefore, Furina usually showed up at the Palais Mermonia in the morning before going to watch trials or performances.
Rina had initially intended to complain to Furina, but she thought over the situation carefully and instantly understood why Furina was up so early.
Once she understood, the anger drained from Rina's face.
'So, she's worried about missing that trial...' Her voice gradually lowered and her tone became slightly shaky.
Rina felt guilty about her previous thoughts and she couldn't bring herself to scold her.
Rina was actually not looking forward to the arrival of the trial. She knew the scene depicted on the third slate of the prophecy; the enraged citizens dragging the Hydro Archon to Justice and she knew that this trial was the magnificent, theatrical, beautiful trial that would end everything.
Just thinking about this scene made her feel even more sympathy for Furina, who had been waiting for and anticipating that trial; a bitter, aching feeling rose in Rina's heart.
But she also knew that the prophecy was handed down by the Heavenly Principles and could not be changed.
She couldn't do anything... Could she really do nothing?
'No, I must do something.' Rina clenched her fists as she set her mind on an unwavering resolution.
Morning, Opera Epiclese.
Neuvillette was busy pushing forward the political system reforms and this trial was a minor case, so it was handed over to a Judge from the Maison Ordalie to preside over.
"Silence in the court! The trial officially begins!"
An ordinary Judge certainly lacked Neuvillette's imposing authority, but maintaining order was not an issue and the entire venue immediately quieted down.
The case itself was just trivial, everyday matters, but the audience's discussion was heated.
At first, Furina watched the trial with relish, but since the arguments revolved around the same minor points and she quickly grew bored.
Although her eyes were still fixed on the scene in the Opera House, Rina keenly noticed that Furina's gaze was gradually becoming distant and unfocused.
She seized the opportunity to speak. 'I'm telling you, you don't miss a single trial. How much free time do you have left, anyway?'
Hearing Rina's words, the somewhat dazed Furina immediately snapped back to attention.
Towards Rina—her only current friend and the only other person she could show her true self to—Furina would not hide anything.
"I-I... I just..." Furina's consciousness retreated into her inner space, her heterochromatic eyes drooping. "I don't want to miss the magnificent, theatrical, and beautiful trial that will end everything, the one 'the me in the mirror' spoke of... If you don't like watching these trials, I... I apologize..."
As she spoke, a hint of a sob entered Furina's voice.
Furina was just an ordinary young girl; she had simply been fitted with the crown known as the Hydro Archon.
But could this identity as the Hydro Archon truly be called a crown?
Rina thought that instead of comparing the Hydro Archon's identity to a crown, it was more accurate to call it a shackle.
Did she genuinely enjoy waking up so early? Did she truly like watching those boring trials? Was this exaggerated performance really her true self?
She was merely striving to meet the public's expectations of the God of Justice and the Hydro Archon; she just didn't want to miss the trial that would end everything; she simply... wanted to save the people of Fontaine.
She just wanted to live like an ordinary young girl...
'What an idiot...' Rina's red eyes instantly softened. She took a step forward, allowing Furina to lean against her shoulder.
'Think about it, the one in the mirror specifically brought Neuvillette, the Hydro Sovereign, over to serve as the Chief Justice. That magnificent trial must surely be presided over by Neuvillette. How can such an ordinary, minor case be called a magnificent trial?'
"Mmm... mmm... b-but..." Hearing Rina's reasoning, Furina's resolve wavered slightly.
Rina pressed her advantage. 'If you're still worried, I can split off a thread of my consciousness to monitor the situation at the Opera House. I'll notify you immediately if anything seems amiss.'
"Then... alright." Since Rina had offered, Furina had no choice but to agree.
'Good, that's better.' Rina said as she gently patted Furina's head. 'Sometimes you don't need to put on such an intense performance. After that last incident, no one will doubt your identity anymore.'
Rina wasn't very good at comforting others; everything she did was simply aimed at making Furina happier and more relaxed during her time playing the Hydro Archon.
Now, Furina suddenly had more free time. Although Neuvillette still presided over many trials, compared to before, she felt much less burdened.
Furina's consciousness returned to the outside world just as the Judge announced the verdict. Before this, the audience had been busy discussing the case and no one had noticed the motionless Furina.
Rina left a thread of her perception in the Opera House. Although she knew doing so was futile, she didn't want to lie to Furina and she never would.
Furina returned to the Court of Fontaine. Seeing the Hydro Archon strolling through the streets, the citizens smiled and greeted the Hydro Archon, and Furina responded to them warmly.
In the afternoon, Furina was flipping through the latest newspaper in the Palais Mermonia.
Shock! This Trial May Be the Biggest Case in Fontaine's History! Involving Bernard, Former Vice Captain of the Gardes, and Fifteen Other High-Ranking Officials.
Court Officials Serve as Accusers for the First Time, Possibly a Trial Run for a New Fontaine Institution.
The Opera Carmen, starring the XXX Troupe, will premiere tomorrow at the Opera Epiclese.
Seeing the opera performance, Furina grew excited. She pointed at the section in the newspaper and said. "Other me, how about we go see this tomorrow?"
'Hmph. Go watch it if you want.' Rina said dismissively, completely uninterested in the performance.
"Hey, don't be a downer. If I go, you have to go with me, right?" Furina's enthusiasm was slightly dampened by Rina's words, but her interest remained strong, so she called Irene over to give instructions regarding the matter.
Time quickly moved to the evening...