The moment the prophecy was mentioned, even Navia—who hadn't been involved at first—became serious.
After all, Fontaine's prophecy was something every Fontainian knew.
Even if no one could confirm whether it was true or false, there were always those who worried.
Navia was one of them.
And now, hearing two Fatui Harbingers discussing it in person—
That made it even more alarming.
Surely executives of the Fatui wouldn't gather together just to lie to a small figure like her… right?
"What prophecy? What era are we in? And people still believe in that?"
Herta suddenly popped out from behind the sofa.
"And this is?"
Arlecchino quickly noticed the visible mechanical joints on Herta's hands.
A puppet.
After Scaramouche, now another one?
Were these people really that idle?
The Marionette obsessed over mechanical research—Katheryne from the Adventurers' Guild was his work.
Dottore is obsessed over researching Scaramouche.
And now "Genius" had not only built several small versions of Arlecchino—
He'd made a full puppet girl too?
"This is the renowned Herta. Very famous in the wider universe."
Su Ran casually patted Herta's head.
He had brought this puppet body down so she could see this world firsthand.
The universe was vast. Elemental lifeforms were a fascinating research subject.
In the end, Herta agreed to take a break and accompany him—studying this world's "specialty products."
"How do you compare to him?" Arlecchino asked calmly.
She didn't know how famous Herta was elsewhere.
But comparing her to Su Ran would give a rough idea.
"By status? We're both members of the same club—equal.
By strength? Both Emanators—equal.
By contribution to the universe? I've contributed plenty. He's contributed zero. That's a complete victory for me. Overall? I'm stronger."
Herta introduced herself first, before Su Ran could downplay her.
Arlecchino was genuinely startled.
There was more than one being like Su Ran?
Same status. Same level of power. Same origin?
"Is that so?" she asked.
"More or less. She's contributed more publicly, so she's more famous. But in terms of the technology we produce? I'm a bit stronger."
Su Ran admitted most of what Herta said was true.
Both were Emanators.
Though their blessings from Nous differed, they had never truly fought—so no one knew who was stronger.
Both were late members of the Genius Society.
And in terms of contribution?
Yes, Herta had more.
For now, Su Ran's contribution to interstellar civilization remained zero.
But that would change soon.
Once his Stargate went operational—
It would revolutionize universal transportation.
Even warp engines couldn't compete with instantaneous gates.
On that day, his merit would surpass hers.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Herta. I am Arlecchino, Fifth of the Fatui Harbingers—The Knave."
Upon realizing Herta wasn't some trivial invention, Arlecchino's tone softened noticeably.
Much gentler than when she first addressed Su Ran.
"Hypocritical."
Unfortunately, Herta wasn't interested in social niceties.
She cared about Su Ran—no one else.
"Just to clarify," Su Ran interrupted lightly, "Arlecchino is now Fifth. Fourth is 'Damselette.'"
That made things more awkward.
Arlecchino had held the Fourth seat for so long she momentarily forgot—
After Dottore's demotion, everyone's ranking shifted down one.
"So—'Maiden,' 'Servant'… What's your codename?" Herta asked dismissively.
"Genius."
"Tch. No creativity at all."
Herta instantly lost interest.
"You mentioned prophecy. What kind? A prophecy of the End?"
Now that intrigued her.
In the cosmos, spreading prophecies was usually the domain of Terminus' followers.
The only truly valuable prophet, in Herta's view, was Elio.
Unfortunately, he never showed himself.
"If this place were tied to Terminus, I wouldn't be so relaxed."
Teyvat didn't even have Paths spreading across it yet.
How could it connect to the End?
"It's simply a declaration of death issued from above."
"Explain," Navia urged immediately.
Among them, she cared the most.
Arlecchino still had Snezhnaya behind her.
If Fontaine fell, Navia would truly have nowhere left.
"Sea levels will rise. The people of Fontaine will dissolve into the waters. In the end, only the Hydro Archon will remain, weeping upon her throne."
That was common knowledge.
But he said it for Herta's benefit.
"And I know the full process—and the cause."
That was the part neither Navia nor Arlecchino knew.
Both waited intently.
"My shoulders feel a little sore."
Navia immediately stepped behind him and began massaging his shoulders.
She hadn't officially become his "ox or horse" yet—
But she was prepared to.
"My legs are sore too."
Navia glanced at Arlecchino.
She couldn't do both.
Arlecchino's gaze sharpened.
"Pray you're not deceiving me. The consequences would not be pleasant."
She knew he was deliberately making things difficult.
But she still stepped forward.
Because she wanted the truth about the prophecy.
And slowly—
She bent down.
To press against his legs.
—------------------------------
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