Furina was momentarily stunned as she looked at the adorable doll, which, despite its somewhat blank expression, was incredibly detailed in its clothing and accessories.
She had imagined many ways to apologize, such as bowing, performing a magic show, or having Navia or Neuvillette, who held some authority, lead the apology.
But...
She truly hadn't expected to receive an apology gift.
Furina lowered her head slightly, momentarily dazed, unsure of what to say.
Lyney smiled subtly at her reaction, then gently began to speak:
"Actually… this gift is not only our apology as people of Fontaine to Lady Furina, but also the gratitude of the children from House of the Hearth to Lady Furina."
"After The Prophecy disaster ended, Lynette and I have been busy publicizing everything Lady Furina sacrificed over the past five hundred years."
"And those children… they heard about your deeds and spontaneously wanted to prepare a gift for you."
"As their elder brother and senior, my brother and I merely offered some suggestions and were responsible for the decorations on this doll and its overall color scheme."
"But the main body of this doll was sewn stitch by stitch by the children of House of the Hearth, and even the cotton was processed and stuffed by them."
It was only as Lyney and Lynette recounted their story back and forth that Furina's slightly dazed state began to improve.
She looked at the cute chibi figure with rosy cheeks in front of her, an indescribable emotion flashing in her eyes.
Aside from the gifts Mr. Yuto gave her, this chibi figure… was truly the most special gift she had ever received.
She glanced at Mr. Yuto, who was looking at her encouragingly, then slowly reached out and picked up the adorable chibi version of herself, gently squeezing it.
It felt surprisingly good.
Seeing Furina pick up the doll, Lyney and Lynette's faces broke into smiles, and they gently said:
"We hope you like this apology from Lynette and me, and we also hope you appreciate the gratitude from the children of House of the Hearth."
With that, Lyney and Lynette bowed to Furina again, then returned to their seats.
Navia nodded in approval at this moment, then handed a scroll to Furina.
"Lady Furina, please… open it and take a look."
Navia said with a light chuckle, looking at Furina, who was still dazed from the little doll earlier.
Upon hearing this, Furina blankly placed the doll on her lap, then took the scroll and gently untied the black string that bound it.
Whoosh—
Almost the instant the slender black string was pulled open, the scroll unfurled instantly, revealing densely packed words before Furina's eyes.
"Lady Furina, you've worked so hard~"
"Thank you, Lady Furina. If it weren't for you and Lord Yuto, my entire family might have been swallowed by the Primordial Sea long ago. I sincerely thank you for your contributions to Fontaine."
"Lady Furina~ If you have time, please be sure to visit the new Beryl Region~"
"Lady Furina, Spina di Rosula will continue to uphold justice and create more value for Beryl Region and for Fontaine."
...
Looking at the words that almost filled the entire paper, Furina's expression, which had just improved, became dazed once again.
"These are some words written for you by the people of Beryl Region, organized by Spina di Rosula. We hope you will accept them."
Navia chuckled softly, seemingly very pleased with the dazed look on Furina's face at that moment.
However, this smile lasted only for a moment, quickly switching back to the expression she typically wore when discussing serious matters.
She first looked at Furina, who was still blankly staring at the scroll, then at Mr. Yuto, who was sitting beside her, looking at her approvingly, and gently said:
"The people of Beryl Region have a special affection for you and for Mr. Yuto. Without the two of you, Beryl Region might have become a town in name only.
If the two of you have time in the future, please do come and visit Beryl Region."
Mr. Yuto nodded gently upon hearing this, then turned his gaze to Furina, awaiting her response.
Furina herself looked at the lines of text, momentarily unsure of what to say.
She knew she had saved Fontaine, and she knew she should be thanked, but...
But she had never imagined that this gratitude would have such weight, nor had she ever thought that the respect and gratitude in the eyes of the people of Fontaine would have true significance.
She raised her head slightly, took a deep breath, then gently said:
"I will."
"If I have time in the future, I will go to Beryl Region with Mr. Yuto to see everyone."
Upon hearing Furina speak, a relaxed smile appeared on Navia's face, and she then returned to her seat, leaving the remainder of the scene to Neuvillette and Clorinde.
After all… her mission was complete.
After seeing that everyone else had completed their apologies or expressions of gratitude, Neuvillette walked over to Furina with a rather exquisite wooden box and gently placed it in front of her.
Looking at the wooden box that suddenly appeared in her sight, Furina blinked slightly, then looked at Neuvillette with some confusion, seemingly puzzled.
Neuvillette did not sit down; instead, he spoke with the solemnity of someone standing before a Judgment seat:
"On behalf of myself, and on behalf of all Melusine residing within the borders of Fontaine, I present the highest reverence to the former Hydro Archon Focalors, Ms. Furina."
"I bestow upon Ms. Furina the staff that rightfully belongs to the Hydro Archon Focalors, the splendor of tranquil waters."
Almost the moment Neuvillette uttered these words, the water element in the air began to stir, then rapidly condensed around the wooden box.
The next instant, the wooden box opened without warning, and a water element-blue light burst forth from within.
The exquisite aquamarine staff, the staff that had accompanied Furina for five hundred years, lay quietly on the red velvet, awaiting its owner to pick it up once more.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"