Yes, Furina-sama!

From the very start, Furina never expected Richard would actually agree to allow refugees into the Court of Fontaine. Even if Richard did somehow lose his mind and say yes, the other departments in the Palais Mermonia would never sign off on it.

Even if the person proposing it was Furina herself.

After all, in Fontaine, it had long been tradition for the Hydro Archon to reign but not govern. Over the past 400 years, Furina had rarely gotten involved in the actual operation of the Palais Mermonia beyond holding the title of Archon.

Normally, aside from the opera house, her presence was limited to diplomatic and ceremonial occasions. Even most of her official speeches were delivered by others on her behalf.

It wasn't that she hadn't tried to participate in real governance, it's just that most of her attempts were gently declined by Human officials and even Melusines.

It wasn't until Richard suddenly appeared and public opinion shifted that she was finally given the opportunity to serve as Minister.

Had Richard been even slightly less capable, if he hadn't performed as impressively as he had, Furina would likely never have gotten the position.

Because without Richard to catch her when she fell, the kind of damage Furina could cause… would have made Fontaine's already precarious situation even worse.

"Lady Furina, I must say, your rate of improvement is truly impressive," Richard said sincerely.

He had let his guard down this time; he never expected Furina to evolve this fast. But then again, she was nearly five hundred years old. She'd just never had anyone to guide her before.

Now with Richard as her teacher, it would be harder not to learn.

"Hmph, this is nothing special," Furina lifted her chin with a proud look. "After all, I am a god!"

But the slight upturn at the corner of her mouth betrayed her smug satisfaction.

She was like a proud little white cat, pretending to be aloof, but secretly thrilled.

After all, she'd always been the one getting played by Richard. It felt good to turn the tables for once and give him a little taste of his own medicine. This was her first real taste of what it meant to be an actual minister.

"Yes, yes, of course, Lady Furina," Richard chuckled and shook his head.

"Hey! What are you laughing at? Do you have a problem with that?" Furina crossed her arms, annoyed.

"You're standing in front of Fontaine's most dazzling, most radiant, and most popular superstar! Most people have to book an appointment just to see me!"

"Ah, but Lady Furina, aren't we friends?" Richard asked playfully. "Surely a friend doesn't need to schedule an appointment just to visit?"

"Ugh…" Furina faltered.

The tables had turned.

"Wow… Furina, you actually tricked your friend, used the trust of someone who cares about you…" Richard sighed dramatically.

"Okay, okay! I was wrong, alright?! What's the big deal? Can't I win just once?" Furina grumbled, flustered.

Though she looked annoyed on the outside, deep down, she was thoroughly enjoying the playful banter. This kind of back-and-forth with a friend was completely new to her.

She had so few real friends, and no one had ever joked around with her like this.

Richard was the first.

Firsts are always special. Even with her emotional armor, Furina didn't reject this kind of companionship.

"Oh, by the way, Lady Furina… I'll need to take a short leave of absence." Richard had made up his mind; he had to check on Mondstadt himself.

If things couldn't be resolved quickly, he might even bring Klee back to live in Fontaine for a while.

"?" A question mark practically popped up over Furina's head.

Wait, she just pulled one little trick, and now he's asking for time off?

"It's nothing serious. Lynette will take over my duties for now; she's capable. You don't need to worry," Richard explained.

"That's not the problem. I just don't understand why you're suddenly taking leave." Furina narrowed her eyes. Richard didn't look ill or anything.

Then she remembered how he reacted when he heard about the dragon disaster in Mondstadt, and suddenly everything clicked.

"Is this because of the dragon disaster?"

"Yes… My younger sister is in Mondstadt. I just can't relax without checking on her," Richard admitted honestly.

After all, it wasn't shameful to have a little sister.

In fact, Richard was proud of her. So young, and already blowing up fish just like her Mother Alice, clearly destined for greatness.

"This is the first I've heard you have a sister. Is she your real sister?" Furina asked curiously.

"No, she's my aunt's daughter. But I treat her like a real sister."

Though frankly, with their age gap, "sister" might not even be the best term; it was more like having a half-daughter.

In any case, she was very important.

After learning this, Furina naturally had no reason to deny the request and immediately approved his leave.

"Now that I think about it… Richard, didn't you grow up in Mondstadt too?"

Since the official matters were done and they were just waiting for the end of the workday, Furina took the chance to get to know her friend a little better.

"That's right. For as long as I can remember, I lived in Mondstadt with Aunt Alice. I never met my parents and don't even know if they exist. To me, Alice was basically my mom."

He'd never had the urge to find his real parents. There was no need; he was happy. His childhood had been joyful and fulfilling.

"I see…" Furina said softly.

Hearing that Richard never knew his parents sparked a strange sense of closeness in her; she didn't have parents either.

Maybe they had more in common than she thought.

"So… what's Mondstadt like? Is it really as magical as the books say? That it hasn't had a rainy day in centuries?"

"It's true. Thanks to the protection of the Anemo Archon, it's common to see rain pouring just outside the city while the skies inside remain clear and sunny," Richard nodded.

"A city untouched by rain… how wonderful," Furina said with a dreamy sigh.

After all, no rain meant no flooding either… right?

"?" Now it was Richard's turn to be confused.

'Hold on, did she hear herself? She was the Hydro Archon! The god of water! And she was envious of a place that doesn't get rain?'

'Wasn't that a little… ironic?'

Noticing his expression, Furina coughed and quickly explained:

"I just think sunny weather is a lot more convenient. Open-air performances, street crowds, there's just more life than on rainy days. You know how I love a lively atmosphere."

"I see," Richard nodded. "If you say so."

Then suddenly, he turned to her and said:

"Since you're so curious about Mondstadt… why don't you come with me? See it for yourself."