Furina took a deep breath. Despite the slight awkwardness from earlier, stepping onto the center stage and feeling the focused gazes of the crowd instantly ignited her innate performative spirit.
She straightened her posture, gracefully placed her right hand over her chest, and flashed her signature, slightly exaggerated, dazzling smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen! My loyal... ah, no, esteemed guests!"
Her voice rang clear and bright. Though her tone remained familiar, this was no longer an act:
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this delightful little celebration!"
Fidelle watched Lady Furina on stage with a warm smile. The confidence she had lost during the People's Trial was rekindled by the realization of everyone's respect and affection for her.
Charlotte's Kamera had already been quietly aimed at the stage.
"I trust you've already savored—or are eagerly anticipating savoring—the exquisite delicacies meticulously prepared by Fidelle and her team! Rest assured, I guarantee in the name of the Hydro Archon... uh, the Former Hydro Archon, that they will make your taste buds dance a waltz!"
Furina waved her arms dramatically, her gestures both exaggerated and endearing:
"But! Before you completely immerse yourselves in this ocean of culinary delights, allow me—Furina de Fontaine, and my companion, Focalors—to announce a joyous, heartwarming, and toast-worthy occasion!"
All eyes focused even more intently, filled with curiosity.
Freminet seemed to sense what was coming and instinctively tried to shrink back, but Lyney, standing beside him, gently nudged him forward with a smile.
Fidelle crossed her arms, her bright eyes fixed on Furina on the stage, occasionally glancing at Freminet.
Furina turned sideways, extended her hand, and pointed toward Fidelle and Freminet.
"Spotlight, please! Shine it on them!"
Though there was no actual spotlight, all eyes immediately followed her gesture.
"Today, we've gathered not just to celebrate, but to witness a reunion of long-lost familial bonds! Let us shower our most fervent applause and blessings upon our immensely talented pastry chef, Fidelle, and our brave and dependable diver, Freminet—"
She paused briefly to build suspense, then raised her voice:
"Congratulations to them! After countless twists and turns, Fate has finally smiled upon them, confirming their long-lost blood connection! They are siblings, brother and sister by birth!"
"Whoa!"
Charlotte was the first to exclaim in surprise, and the Kamera's flashbulb immediately lit up, capturing this precious moment.
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
"So that's how it is. Truly worthy of celebration," Clorinde nodded slightly, offering gentle applause.
Neuvillette wore a warm expression as he nodded in blessing.
Wriothesley chuckled, patting the still-dazed Freminet on the back. "Good for you, kid. Congratulations."
Resident head nurse Sigewinne clasped her hands together happily. "Wonderful! Such heartwarming news!"
Chevreuse whistled loudly, shouting, "Fantastic! This calls for a toast!"
Chiori smiled faintly. "A well-written script. Congratulations to you both."
Even "The Knave" Arlecchino, standing at the back of the crowd, seemed to curl the corners of her lips into an almost imperceptible smile before blending into the applauding throng.
Freminet's face flushed crimson instantly, his eyes shimmering with a mixture of bewilderment and overwhelming emotion.
Fidelle approached Freminet, tears of joy welling in her eyes, and embraced her younger brother tightly.
"Not used to such occasions? Don't worry, it'll be over soon."
"And now, everyone!"
Furina's voice rang out once more, brimming with cheerful enthusiasm. "Let's turn up the party's energy even higher! To celebrate this joyous reunion, for the delicious food, for friendship, and for the peace and prosperity of Fontaine—I declare the party has officially entered its climax! Enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
"Oohh!!!"
Navia led her Spina di Rosula members and Little Paimon in cheering, creating a lively atmosphere.
The music grew livelier and more vibrant as people flocked to Fidelle and Freminet to offer their congratulations, only to be quickly drawn back by the enticing aroma of the food.
There was an abundance of delicacies prepared today, enough for everyone to indulge freely.
The reason each cupcake was adorned with a personal photo was to prevent Lady Furina and Lady Focalors from filling up on just cupcakes. The other dishes were equally delicious and couldn't be missed!
Besides, eating too many cakes can lead to nutritional imbalances. Now that Lady Furina is just an ordinary person, a poor diet could easily make her sick!
As Lady Furina and Lady Focalors' personal chef, Fidelle couldn't let that happen.
Paimon dragged Lumine to a dining table and immediately attacked the golden-brown roast!
Wriothesley, no longer restraining himself, seized the opportunity. Chances like this were rare, and anyone who worried about dieting now was clearly out of their mind.
Several small tables were scattered throughout the venue, making it easy for everyone to eat comfortably.
Afraid Freminet might be shy, Fidelle brought him a massive platter overflowing with food of every variety, making him blush with embarrassment.
Lyney and Lynette grabbed some desserts and devoured them in silent bliss.
Lynette: "Brother, this is so delicious."
Lyney swallowed his mouthful. "Sister, I'd say indulging in extra sugar and calories today is completely justified, given how incredible this food is."
Lynette: "Agreed."
Lynette, who usually kept a strict watch over her calorie intake, decided to indulge herself today.
She couldn't resist—the food was simply too delicious.
Even "The Knave" Arlecchino sat at a table, eating with elegant grace.
Game stalls lined the sides, but no one cared about playing now. Drawn in by the intoxicating aroma of the food, everyone's mouths watered, their only thought was to fill their bellies first.
The hall buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
Furina watched it all with satisfaction, secretly sighing in relief. Then Focalors gently tugged her hand.
"Well said, Furina," Focalors smiled faintly.
"Hmph, of course!" Furina lifted her chin proudly, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her delight.
She hopped off the stage, eager to join the scramble for food.
Paimon wiped her mouth, thoroughly satisfied after devouring a large roasted pork chop. These chops were made with ingredients she and Lumine had provided—pork sourced from pigs on Dragonspine Mountain in Mondstadt, known for its exceptional flavor.
With Fidelle's expert preparation, each bite was pure bliss!
Roasted pork chops were also Wriothesley's favorite. He took a large piece and placed it on his plate, savoring every bite.
Lumine handed Paimon a napkin. After wiping her hands and mouth clean, Paimon moved on to another table.