{"Hydro Archon Focalors Assumes Office as Administrative Minister—Fontaine's City Hall Extends Warm Welcome"} —Steambird Press
Standing before the mirror, the man adjusted his attire, his suit impeccably pressed, his white shirt collar and cuffs pristine, without a single stain.
His eyes were bright, clear as water, shimmering with sincerity. Confidence radiated from his brow, and a composed smile graced his cheeks, effortlessly drawing others in.
His name was Richard, a half-elf, a hybrid of human and elf, inheriting all the advantages of elvenkind: longevity, strength, striking beauty, and a pair of pointed ears.
"Secretary General, the Hydro Archon has arrived at City Hall and is currently being escorted to her office by staff," Lynette reminded him from behind.
"Understood." Richard gave his collar one final adjustment.
Fontaine's problems far surpassed those of any other nation in Teyvat: internal strife, external threats, and the looming apocalypse foretold by prophecy, hanging over them like a blade yet to fall.
Moreover, Richard carried Fontaine's blood within him. No one knew how the nation's prophesied doom would affect a half-elf like him, and he wasn't willing to gamble on it.
So, following the advice of his "cheap auntie", Lady Alice, he resigned from his post in Snezhnaya and came to Fontaine. Through connections, he quickly rose to become the second-in-command at City Hall.
Just as he had begun addressing some of the nation's issues, the Hydro Archon descended from on high to become his direct superior, throwing all his carefully laid plans into disarray.
'Could she have discovered something?' Richard wondered.
But if his analysis of Fontaine's situation was correct, everything he had done was to ensure the nation's survival past the prophesied calamity—actions that should, to some extent, align with the Hydro Archon's own schemes.
Focalors sought to accumulate vast amounts of Indemnitium by absorbing the people's faith in the judicial system, all to counter Fontaine's impending doom.
It was precisely because Richard had discerned this that he had subtly manipulated the previous Administrative Minister into enacting policies that, while seemingly innocuous, actually stimulated crime.
He had turned a blind eye to corruption, allowed subordinates to amass wealth to buy loyalty, then personally delivered them to the courts for the Hydro Archon's "entertainment," completing the cycle.
Of course, this left behind loose ends that needed time to erase. Had Focalors not suddenly taken over as Administrative Minister, Richard was confident he could have secured the position himself within three years, without leaving a single trace.
But now, with the Hydro Archon here, Richard faced a new problem: the risk of exposure.
He couldn't rely on her understanding and trust if his actions came to light. So, he had no choice but to return to his old ways, deceiving those above and concealing the truth below.
"I may form factions, deceive superiors, manipulate ministers, and act autocratically, but I am a loyal subject."
According to a famous theory, "If it hasn't been discovered, it's not a crime."
All Richard needed to do was suppress these matters, keeping them out of the Hydro Archon's sight while demonstrating his competence to earn her trust. That would be mission accomplished.
Because, based on his deductions, Focalor's tenure as Administrative Minister was likely just a whim of pride, she wouldn't stay in the position for long.
'…And honestly, it's my own fault.'
If he hadn't stirred up public opinion, the Hydro Archon wouldn't have been provoked into storming into City Hall to become his boss.
If given another chance, he would never have written that article—"The Apocalypse Crisis and Hydro Archon Focalors' Afternoon Tea"—let alone paired it with an illustration of Fontaine submerged in water, juxtaposed with a photo of Furina sipping tea, just to rile up the public.
His intention had been to push the Hydro Archon into taking more decisive action against the prophecy, not to provoke her into personally taking the reins as Administrative Minister to "prove herself."
Lost in thought, Richard pushed open the door to the Administrative Minister's office.
And there she was—seated at the desk, wearing a blue top hat and a modified tailcoat, the Hydro Archon herself.
Except at this moment, she was clenching her teeth, eyes blazing with fury as she glared at the newspaper in her hands.
Richard blinked. If he wasn't mistaken, that was the very same newspaper he had used to manipulate public opinion.
He could guess the headlines:
{"Hydro Archon Focalors Intervenes in Trial, Defends Defendant—Only to Get Them 10 Extra Years in Prison"}
{"Hydro Archon Focalors Assumes Office as Administrative Minister—Fontaine's Apocalypse May Come Sooner"}
And how did he know this so well? Well, he wrote them himself.
"Lady Furina, Chief Secretary Richard has arrived," Clorinde, the Archon's bodyguard, announced.
Furina set down the newspaper, her anger still simmering, but she forced a smile. "Mr. Richard, you're here."
Frankly, if she knew the man orchestrating this media frenzy was standing right in front of her, Richard was certain she'd order his immediate arrest and exile to the Fortress of Meropide.
"Greetings, Hydro Archon," Richard replied with a polite smile, studying her carefully.
"Mr. Richard, what are your thoughts on this newspaper's contents?" Furina flipped the paper around and slid it toward him.
Richard's mind raced through possibilities before he finally took the paper.
{"Fontaine's Rising Sea Levels Fulfill Apocalypse Prophecy—Hydro Archon Focalors Still Putting on a Show!"} He couldn't help but read the headline aloud.
His first thought: 'This isn't my writing.'
His second thought: 'Fontainians are quick learners—they've already taken the initiative to escalate things.'
Watching Furina's expression darken, Richard calmly folded the newspaper and declared with utmost seriousness: "This is absolute nonsense! The author is clearly malicious, and the newspaper is unforgivable for allowing such slander to circulate!"
As the saying goes: The one who frames you knows better than anyone how innocent you truly are.
"Lady Furina, I recommend immediately suing the newspaper and exiling its editor-in-chief to the Fortress of Meropide."
Notice how he only mentioned the editor, not the writer. After all, what could a poor journalist possibly know? They were surely just following orders from their black-hearted superiors!
Furina blinked. While satisfying, this approach seemed a bit extreme. Fontaine was a nation of laws, you couldn't punish people just for their words.
She had considered it before, but Neuvillette had outright refused.
'Tch. Meanwhile, this Chief Secretary understood her perfectly, a truly loyal subject!'
"Ahem, Mr. Richard, isn't that a bit excessive?" Furina smiled, pleased. She could afford to be magnanimous, but her subordinates had to show their stance.
Richard immediately picked up on this. As expected, Furina had been testing his loyalty. Based on his experience, no Archon was easy to deal with; you could never be too cautious.
Even if this Hydro Archon often performed… unconventional acts of public theatrics, Fontaine's citizens seemed to love it.
Whether this was her true nature or a calculated act of playing the fool, Richard leaned toward the latter. Archons were never simple.
"How about sending a legal warning instead?"
"Acceptable." Furina nodded. A cease-and-desist letter would serve as a warning without making her seem petty.
Having affirmed his loyalty, Richard now pondered how to redirect the Hydro Archon's attention outward, away from City Hall's internal affairs.
The best approach was to assign her a task, buy himself time to tie up loose ends, then welcome her back once everything was settled.
"If you achieve tangible results, Lady Furina, the rumors will collapse on their own," he suggested. "Nothing is more convincing than real accomplishments."
"Exactly my thoughts!" Furina's gaze softened further.
"Then, my dear Chief Secretary, what should our first priority be?"
Richard placed a pre-prepared proposal before her:
"Countermeasures Regarding Inazuma's Escalating Sakoku Decree"
"What does Inazuma's isolation policy have to do with us?" Furina's first reaction was confusion.
Richard, assuming this was a test of his competence, answered without hesitation:
"The economic integration of Teyvat is undeniable. Trade between the seven nations has grown increasingly interdependent, a complex web where each relies on and constrains the others."
"Inazuma is Fontaine's primary buyer of forged machinery, while we depend on their specialty steel for products like Mechanical Hounds and Garde Mek. The tightening of the Sakoku Decree doesn't just hinder cultural exchange, it deals a severe blow to bilateral trade..."
He dissected the policy's ramifications from economic, cultural, and political angles with surgical precision.
Furina listened blankly, the sheer density of information leaving her in a cultural desert. Finally, during the segment on Inazuman culture, she cut in: "Could you… Simplify that?"
"Inazuma's actions will cost Fontaine more than we gain."
Now that Furina understood. "Then we shall initiate diplomatic negotiations!"
"That would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," Richard reminded.
"Then summon them." The Hydro Archon's tone brooked no argument.
Richard blinked. Normally, the Foreign Minister and Administrative Minister were equals, but this was an exception. His boss wasn't just a minister; she was Fontaine's supreme leader, the Hydro Archon.
The Seven Archons' authority in their respective nations was absolute. In a way, Focalor's becoming Administrative Minister was an unprecedented power boost for Fontaine's government.
It was akin to "holding the emperor hostage to command the nobles."
Under the "Archon's" command, foreign affairs officials assembled, though their faces betrayed bewilderment at the sudden meeting.
"What are your thoughts on Inazuma's escalating Sakoku Decree?" Furina asked.
"What?" The Foreign Minister was stunned.
Furina's delicate brows furrowed. Was this man playing dumb, treating her like a fool?
"The Sakoku Decree—you're unaware?" Her tone turned icy.
"We know of it, but the Ministry hasn't received any updates about further restrictions…" The minister replied meekly.
Richard frowned and interjected: "It's all over the Steambird. You're the Foreign Minister, how do you not know?"
"The delivery person was sick today. The newspaper didn't arrive."
"Sick? Don't you have diplomatic cables?"
The minister laughed awkwardly. "Those are always delayed. I usually just read the news."
Richard: "…"
"Then hire another delivery person!" Furina huffed. Was this man incompetent?
Richard shot her a glance. Was that really the issue here?
No matter. The priority was addressing the diplomatic crisis.
"I propose we follow standard protocol, issue a formal statement expressing our concern. No need for drastic measures," the Foreign Minister suggested.
Furina's eyes narrowed. If things stayed the same after her arrival, what was the point of her coming?
"Unacceptable. Constant concessions will make Fontaine appear weak. If Inazuma cuts orders today, and Sumeru tomorrow, where does that leave our economy? Where is our future?!" Her voice rang with righteous indignation.
"For political, economic, and cultural reasons, we must take a firm stance!" She might not have memorized Richard's lecture, but she'd picked up enough buzzwords to sound convincing.
Paired with her status as the Hydro Archon, it was surprisingly effective.
The officials exchanged glances. You're the Archon, you're always right.
Thus concluded the Hydro Archon's first official meeting as Administrative Minister.
And soon, the results became apparent…
Monday Morning
Furina strolled to City Hall as usual, greeting citizens along the way and urging them to check the day's headlines; she'd made quite the splash!
Back in her office, she accepted the newspaper and tea from Clorinde, took a sip, and glanced at the front page:
{"Inazuma's Sakoku Decree Intensifies—Hydro Archon Focalors Vows to 'Blast Open Inazuma's Borders, Conquer Tenshukaku in Three Days'"}
"Pfft—!"