After settling her affairs, Chaya sent Xiao off to attend to his duties and made her way alone to the docks, boarding a ship bound for Fontaine.
After several days at sea, the vessel entered Fontaine's waters. Standing at the bow, she gazed out over the vast expanse before her. Her eyes followed the rolling waves until they settled on the distant coastline.
"So this is the Nation of Water…" she murmured softly. "Just as Lora said—there's something unsettling beneath these waters."
In the past, when the Seven gathered, the meetings were always held in Liyue. She rarely traveled to the other nations, and had never set foot in Fontaine until now.
The ship docked at Romaritime Harbor. She hired a local guide to lead her to the Palais Mermonia. Though travelers were common in Fontaine, few carried themselves with such composed authority and aloof elegance. Along the way, more than a few curious glances followed her.
With no trials scheduled that day, Chaya gained entry to Neuvillette's office using the token Lora had given her. He was seated at his desk, absorbed in his work.
At her arrival, his gaze lifted, flickering almost imperceptibly. He could already sense the immense power contained within her. When she presented the token, he asked,
"You were sent by Lora to assist with official matters? Your name is Chaya, correct?"
Though he could not fully discern her true nature, he recognized the aura of divinity. And anyone entrusted with Lora's token was not to be treated lightly. His posture eased, if only slightly.
Chaya showed a trace of surprise at his words, then inclined her head.
"Yes."
Neuvillette did not bother with pleasantries.
"Tell me about your abilities. I'll determine how best to make use of them."
Chaya realized at once that he had misunderstood.
"You're mistaken. I'm not here to be assigned a post. I've come to assume your position as Chief Justice."
"Assume my position as Chief Justice?" His expression grew more perplexed, and he murmured under his breath, "Has she finally decided to remove me?"
"No, that isn't the case." Chaya shook her head and explained the circumstances.
When he learned that he was not being dismissed, but instead summoned to Inazuma, the confusion did not entirely leave his face.
"Did Lora explain why she wishes me to go to Inazuma?"
Chaya shook her head.
"She did not."
"…If it is her request, I cannot refuse." He paused briefly before continuing, "Very well. For the next few days, remain at my side and familiarize yourself with the duties of this office. Once you have a firm grasp of them, I will depart for Inazuma."
"That would be appropriate," Chaya replied with a slight nod.
He then escorted her to the Opera Epiclese, where Furina was watching a performance.
He approached and gestured in introduction.
"This is Lady Furina, the Hydro Archon of Fontaine."
Chaya composed herself, her expression serene and unreadable, and inclined her head in respect.
"So you are the Hydro Archon. I have long heard of you. Seeing you today, you are every bit as radiant as the tales describe."
Furina visibly stiffened at the polished string of praise. She looked the unfamiliar foreigner up and down, a faint crease forming between her brows.
"And you are…?"
Neuvillette answered in her stead.
"This is Lady Chaya of Liyue. I will be leaving Fontaine for a time. During my absence, she will temporarily assume the duties of Chief Justice."
"What? You're leaving Fontaine?"
At the mention of his departure—and that a complete stranger would be stepping into his role—Furina shot up from the sofa, staring at him in disbelief.
"Only temporarily," Neuvillette said with patient calm. "There are matters in Inazuma that require my attention. Fontaine cannot be without someone to oversee its affairs. Lady Chaya will act in my stead."
Furina cleared her throat, straightening at once.
"…Ahem. I am Focalors, the Hydro Archon and sovereign of Fontaine. You have yet to obtain my permission to depart."
Neuvillette remained entirely unruffled.
"Lady Furina, this is not a matter open to refusal. I must go. You may rest assured—Fontaine will encounter no difficulties with Lady Chaya present."
"Her? And what exactly can she—"
Furina cast Chaya a dubious look, clearly unconvinced.
Neuvillette continued evenly,
"Lady Chaya is a god, Lady Furina. Surely you understand what that implies."
"A… a god?"
Furina's eyes flew wide. She stared at Chaya—still standing there with that faint, composed smile—and instinctively took a step back, hands lifting defensively before her chest.
Then she seemed to remember herself.
Forcing down her unease, she straightened at once, chin lifting as she regained her composure.
"And where, exactly, did you acquire this… god?"
"She was recommended by Lady Lora," Neuvillette replied without hesitation.
"Lora…"
Furina froze, clearly caught off guard by the name. If this had Lora's endorsement, then Chaya's identity was unlikely to pose a threat…
Realizing that, she quietly exhaled in relief.
That subtle shift did not escape either of the two before her. Both Neuvillette and Chaya sensed it—and each suppressed a faint sigh.
"In that case," Furina declared briskly, "I grant her temporary authority to assume the duties of Chief Justice! But you must return as soon as possible. I— I mean, Fontaine cannot possibly function without its Chief Justice!"
"You have my word," Neuvillette replied calmly. "Once matters in Inazuma are concluded, I will return without delay."
He inclined his head slightly.
Meanwhile, Chaya's gaze drifted across the Opera Epiclese before settling on the imposing Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale suspended at its center.
The Oratrice stood dormant for now, and no one in the hall paid it any particular notice.
After studying it for a moment, she withdrew her gaze and turned back to Furina with a gentle smile.
"Please rest assured, Hydro Archon. Though I am new to Fontaine and unfamiliar with its affairs, with Mr. Neuvillette's guidance, I do not believe it will take long to learn what is required of this office."
Furina hesitated, regarding her with an awkward expression.
"Uh… hahahaha, very well! See that you perform admirably—and do not betray my trust!"