Chat Group: Starting by Swapping Bodies with Elysia?

Having stopped Narzissenkreuz's plan and dealt with the whale wreaking havoc in the Primordial Sea, there was no point in staying there any longer.

Therefore, they returned to the Ipsissimus Tower.

Jiang Qiao glanced at Fairy Ely, who understood and flew to Furina's side.

"I haven't had a good look around this tower yet. Want to explore together?"

"Eh… this…"

"Pretty please~ Pretty please~ It's an invitation from a cute fairy." Furina, her sleeve being tugged, hearing Fairy Ely's sweet voice, instantly forgot everything and said, "…Alright then!"

Although she felt a twinge of jealousy at the unspoken understanding between Fairy Ely and Jiang Qiao, she had initially wanted to get closer to the cute fairy—who could resist petting a pink, unidentified floating object?

After the two left, only [Furina] and the two captives, Narzissenkreuz and Jacob, remained in the ornately decorated tower, the atmosphere turning serious.

[Furina] sighed and said solemnly, "Jacob, Narzissenkreuz, although your initial intention of saving the world is commendable, you should also understand—how many mistakes have you committed along the way?"

"Although from the perspective of salvation, defining right and wrong with conventional laws might not be entirely clear or reasonable, for the God of Justice, this clearly isn't enough to exonerate you. You understand this, right?"

"No need for further explanation. I won't deny any of my crimes." Narzissenkreuz's distorted face, within his watery sphere form, remained impassive, his calm voice echoing in the spacious tower.

Regarding this, neither he nor Jacob had ever denied it.

Those who had become test subjects, those who had been dissolved in water, and those Steambird members sent by the Palais Mermonia to subdue them… all of these were considered necessary sacrifices on their path to salvation.

Even if they succeeded, they wouldn't deny their crimes.

Moreover, they had failed.

Thinking of the fatal flaw in his plan, even Narzissenkreuz couldn't help but lament his own foolishness.

"Hydro Archon, no matter what judgment you pass, we will accept it."

"That's good to hear—however, judgment isn't my responsibility. You'll have to go to Neuvillette for that."

"But, since you said you would accept any judgment…" The blue and white-haired girl sat on the ornate chair, her legs crossed and swaying gently, resting her chin in her hand. After a moment of thought, she asked,

"Then… are you willing to serve the Palais Mermonia?"

"?!"

As Jacob and Narzissenkreuz looked at her in surprise, [Furina] said casually, "Don't look at me like that. Although your crimes are indeed significant, considering your good intentions, simply eliminating you… with your talents, wouldn't that be a waste?"

Her divine, water-drop-like eyes scanned the two.

Narzissenkreuz—René, perhaps from a certain perspective, he was no longer the René of the past, but a new life with René's memories. But regardless of whether he was René or not, one thing remained unchanged: he still possessed René's intellect and talent, even surpassing his past self due to his evolution.

And René was a peerless genius, on par with Alain, having deduced the "world formula," the operating principles of the world, and developed the "holy sword" and other achievements.

As for Jacob, although he wasn't as brilliant as René, being described by René as "not as stupid as the others," Jacob was undoubtedly a talented individual as well.

"It would be a waste to simply eliminate you… besides, Fontaine law doesn't specify how to deal with your situation."

The girl complained, but didn't mention the more important reason.

That was—Fontaine's Akademiya, both the Dynamic Mechanics Institute and the Natural Sciences Institute, were clearly lacking in talent.

Those who could conduct research… well, just look at those two idiots in the Akademiya side story, conducting reckless research without considering the consequences. Even so, the Palais Mermonia and the Akademiya hadn't severely punished the researcher studying Primordial Crystals, only asking him to stay away from the dangerous material.

And after throwing those two idiots into the Fortress of Meropide, the Akademiya's research direction had become even more… questionable—they had started researching beverage flavors!

Although it wasn't entirely useless, food science was also a science, but in a place like Teyvat, if you were too slow, your home might be destroyed by some random monster.

Could they really rely entirely on Neuvillette?

Archons and dragons were powerful, but humanity's future ultimately depended on themselves. This was a common belief among many Archons—they all hoped that humans could leave the embrace of gods and walk towards the future without needing their protection.

Liyue and Mondstadt were products of this philosophy.

Fontaine's future also had to keep up with the times.

And technology was the most effective path.

Didn't they understand how much a level 10 tech genius could contribute to scientific progress?!

"This…"

Narzissenkreuz hesitated.

[Furina] curled her lip:

"What, unwilling? That's fine, I won't force you."

"But according to Fontaine law, I definitely won't let you die like this."

According to the storyline, Narzissenkreuz eventually died from "exhaustion of power"—but honestly, Jiang Qiao didn't believe it at all.

For someone like Narzissenkreuz, as long as he didn't want to die, he believed that he definitely had hundreds of ways to survive.

If he died, it could only mean that he no longer wanted to live.

From a hero to a villain, everything he had done had become a farce. In the end, Narzissenkreuz was simply tired and didn't want to continue.

To avoid this outcome, Jiang Qiao hadn't used the holy sword—because he was afraid of accidentally killing Narzissenkreuz.

"..." Seeing [Furina]'s displeased expression, Narzissenkreuz felt slightly speechless.

The meaning was clear—whether he wanted to die or not, she wouldn't allow it!

—Well, he admitted that he really didn't want to live anymore.

After all, after all this time, everything turning into a farce and becoming a laughingstock was a devastating blow to someone as intelligent as him.

His old friends were almost all gone, what motivation did he have left?

But with the Hydro Archon's intervention, even if he wanted to die, he couldn't.

Of course, he was still slightly irritated.

She wouldn't let him die, so he couldn't even decide his own death?

He couldn't defeat her, but he couldn't even die to spite her?

Seeing his expression, the blue and white-haired girl smiled subtly:

"You wouldn't want to miss the day Fontaine escapes the prophecy, would you?"

"Master René, are you planning to escape with death just because of one failure?"

"Weren't you trying to save Fontaine? How can you just give up after one setback?"

Stop it, stop it, the pressure is building.

Narzissenkreuz's entire watery sphere turned red.

Unfortunately… he couldn't defeat the person in front of him.

He could only respond weakly to her request:

"As Lady Furina commands."

In fact, after being provoked by those few words, René no longer wanted to die.

He had wanted to die because he was demotivated and tired.

But with René's pride, how could he back down because of one or two failures? If that were the case, he wouldn't have been able to maintain his consciousness after merging with the primordial water, nor would he have been able to control the primordial water and transform into Narzissenkreuz. He should have been finished five hundred years ago when the Steambird and Alain confronted him.

As long as he was motivated a little, given a new purpose, after overcoming his suicidal thoughts, everything would be fine.

[Furina] nodded in satisfaction, then glanced at the bruised and swollen Jacob.

"You… whatever."

"?" Jacob had originally intended to surrender as well. After all, René, the leader, had already surrendered. What was there for him to resist? He could join the Hydro Archon's side and enjoy a comfortable life!

But this vastly different treatment made him feel slightly offended.

What? Discrimination?

—Jiang Qiao had his reasons.

What was René? A level 10 scientist! A five-star character!

And Jacob, this little follower, although talented, was at best a four-star character. They weren't on the same level.

Although he wasn't bad, after spending so much effort persuading René, spending more effort on a small follower seemed inappropriate. He would surrender anyway, wouldn't he?

He, as the temporary Hydro Archon, Furina, was already very dedicated!

If it were Focalors and Furina, those two silly women, they might have foolishly let Narzissenkreuz die, just like that certain blonde idiot.

Of course—Jacob was undoubtedly dissatisfied with this different treatment.

Thinking of his past, his rebellious nature flared up, and he said, "I apologize, but I don't want to be involved with the Palais Mermonia."

This was the truth. After all, his family background wasn't aligned with the Palais Mermonia. But since René had surrendered, he didn't really care about it, just wanting to act a bit difficult.

Why was the Hydro Archon treating them differently?

If he acted a bit tougher, more rebellious, perhaps she would compromise and try to recruit him with courtesy?

Then, he could just play along, saving face.

The proud Mr. Jacob's mind raced.

Unfortunately,

"Oh."

[Furina]'s reaction was quite indifferent.

This stunned Jacob, then he was confused—Wait, this wasn't the reaction he expected!

Shouldn't she be trying to persuade him to stay?

Even just a few soft words, and he would have surrendered!

Well… perhaps his attitude wasn't clear enough, not strong enough.

Thinking this, Jacob took the next step, saying tentatively, "…In that case, I'll be leaving."

"Please, be my guest." The girl waved her hand indifferently.

She really didn't seem to want to persuade him at all.

Jacob bit his lip. Seriously, you're not giving me any face at all?

Fine, fine! You're not giving me face, right? Then I won't put up with this! If you don't want me, there are plenty of other places that do! I'll just pursue my original dream!

As for René… he could just secretly become his assistant later!

"Hold it, you can't leave."

As Jacob walked towards the exit, the girl's voice called out from behind, making his heart leap with joy.

Heh, so you're playing hard to get?

He couldn't leave just because she said so? Wouldn't that make him look bad?

He would just leave, and let her beg him to stay!

Wanting to regain his pride and save face, Jacob quickened his pace.

The next moment—

"Snap."

A crisp snap of her fingers.

Three watery blue "spirits" surrounded Jacob.

"?"

As Jacob looked at them, fearful and puzzled, the Seafood Trio swarmed him.

"Ah, ooh—!"

With a series of cries, Jacob was tied up and dragged back.

"What are you doing, Hydro Archon?!" He asked, confused and annoyed. And Jiang Qiao—[Furina]—glanced at him strangely, "Catching a fugitive. Do you have a problem with that?"

At this moment, even René, who had been about to complain, shut his mouth.

Jacob was also dumbfounded.

—In reality, they were both "criminals" captured by Jiang Qiao.

It was just that Jiang Qiao was kind and respected talent, so he had loosened their restraints.

I loosened your restraints, and you're trying to run? So you don't appreciate my kindness, right?

Escaping right in front of me, the Hydro Archon? Do you think I don't need face?!

Someone, get him! Beat him up! Beat him up good!

After dealing with Jacob, Furina, dragging Jacob along with the Seafood Trio and René, left the Ipsissimus Tower.

And then, they saw Neuvillette in front of the tower, standing with [Furina Qiao].

"Neuvillette, why are you here?"

Jiang Qiao—[Furina]—looked at Neuvillette, who had brought a squad of Gardes, with surprise.

"The water level suddenly rose. Also… someone reported unusual activity at this tower, so I came to take a look."

"You did this?"

Neuvillette pointed at the rising water level with his cane. It had been much lower before, but now it was level with the entire island.

Only the Ipsissimus Tower itself was still above water.

"It's slightly related." He was tugged by his sleeve and saw Furina's panicked, pleading gaze—she was clearly terrified by the sudden rise in water level, but Jiang Qiao calmly comforted her, understanding the reason.

This was definitely because of the Narwhal.

The Narwhal released a large amount of Hydro energy during battle, which, merging with the Primordial Sea, caused the water level to rise.

Just like in the storyline, after Neuvillette and the Traveler fought the Narwhal, the water level rose and flooded the entire Palais Mermonia.

He had anticipated this when dealing with the Narwhal, which was why he had used the triple holy sword combo, aiming for a quick victory.

To prevent the Narwhal from raising the water level.

Letting it escape to another space was the same.

If such a massive amount of energy leaked into the Primordial Sea, the consequences wouldn't be much better than in the original storyline.

The best way was to force the Narwhal to escape to another place, then eliminate it.

Unfortunately, something had blocked his attack, only injuring it instead of killing it.

During this process, the Hydro energy released by the Narwhal had caused the water level in Fontaine to rise.

"I'll deal with this later."

Neuvillette was skeptical, but looking at the girl's confident expression, he still nodded.

If it were before, he wouldn't have believed it at all. After all, their Hydro Archon was just a figurehead.

But… she seemed much more reliable now.

"And these two are…?"

Neuvillette's gaze shifted to Narzissenkreuz and Jacob, his brow furrowing.

He sensed the aura of primordial water from the former, and the latter was even more alarming… Whoa, the aura of the Abyss!

If they weren't with Jiang Qiao, he would have apprehended these two strange individuals immediately.

"Let me introduce them."

[Furina] wasn't surprised. She simply smiled and explained Narzissenkreuz and Jacob's identities and their plan to Neuvillette.

Neuvillette looked at the two, surprised and unexpected:

"…The Narzissenkreuz Ordo?!" The last time he had heard this name was over four hundred years ago.

After all, he was the one who had handled that case. If he hadn't been busy with official duties, he would have led the operation personally.

After hearing the report from the human who handed over Alain, he had thought the matter was over, filing it away. He hadn't expected…

"No wonder the water veins have been acting strange."

Neuvillette frowned, his expression darkening.

As the Hydro Dragon, he had been managing Fontaine's water veins, controlling everything through the water tree on the Ile d'Eros.

But in recent years, he had sensed something amiss with the water veins. Although puzzled, he hadn't found anything unusual after investigating, only the continuously rising water level in Fontaine.

So it was this Jacob who had been secretly causing trouble… Neuvillette was displeased. As the Hydro Dragon, he was undoubtedly very proud, and yet he had been negligent in this regard.

And that Narzissenkreuz… he hadn't expected him to be secretly plotting such a thing. Just thinking about the salvation plan [Furina] had described made him shudder.

If this guy had succeeded, not only Fontaine's people, but even Melusines would experience the joy of dissolving in water.

If that happened, the prophecy would have to be revised.

—From Furina weeping alone on the throne to him weeping along with her!

Thinking of this, Neuvillette's impression of Narzissenkreuz worsened.

And at times like this—he would usually impose a heavier sentence.

Within the boundaries of the law, imposing a slightly harsher sentence… he, the law-abiding Chief Justice, was also quite flexible.

Someone who harmed Melusines… hmph!

If it weren't for the law, Neuvillette would have blasted him into the wall with a tidal wave.

However, [Furina], anticipating this, immediately explained René's situation, putting in a good word for him.

Neuvillette's expression changed from displeasure to contemplation. He glanced at René and nodded:

"I understand."

Although Mr. Hydro Dragon was sometimes a bit… slow, having been Fontaine's de facto ruler for so many years, Neuvillette understood many things.

He had many research collaborations with the Fontaine Akademiya, both the Dynamic Mechanics Institute and the Natural Sciences Institute, and he had approved many research grants.

Considering Fontaine's future, if René's existence was truly beneficial to Fontaine's technological development, Neuvillette would definitely set aside his prejudice and try to recruit him.

Exceptional talent, no bad habits, excellent character, except for being slightly socially inept… losing such a top-tier researcher would be a great loss for Fontaine!

The failed salvation plan was just a mistake. To err was human, moreover, René had created this plan for the sake of Fontaine's people. Neuvillette recognized his good intentions.

As for Jacob…

Jiang Qiao only briefly described his crimes—both of them would be tried. With Fontaine's emphasis on procedure, it was unavoidable.

But compared to Narzissenkreuz, who had been soaking in the primordial water after their fight five hundred years ago, Jacob, who had been acting as his assistant, running around and committing crimes for so many years, was undoubtedly much more "tainted."

Simply describing his crimes was already putting in a good word for him.

Because of Narzissenkreuz's example, Neuvillette, knowing that Jacob was also talented, had originally intended to give him a lighter sentence, even if he was displeased.

He could endure his anger for the sake of Fontaine's future.

Until [Furina] revealed one of Jacob's crimes—

The crime: Deceiving a Melusine.