"She didn't regret it. Even while quietly awaiting death… this must be the answer the troupe hoped for most. Their trust, admiration, and love were all given to someone who was unquestionably right. Let's go—let them know the truth as well."
Furina picked up the notebook and said, "Let's go. The troupe deserves to see this too."
[Charlotte: I'll never stop being moved to tears by love that runs both ways.]
[Zhongli: Bringing hope and light to those who live in darkness—never abandoning the will to protect others even when facing hardship oneself. Captain Aurelie was, without question, a truly great person.]
[Venti: Ehe~ I kind of want to write a poem themed around Captain Aurelie.]
[Yae Miko: Indeed. Novels are also a wonderful medium for spreading a story. My creative urges have been awakened.]
[Furina: Once it's published, remember to send a copy to Fontaine. I'm quite curious about cultural works from other nations.]
[Yae Miko: Of course. I was even thinking of naming the protagonist Furina de Fontaine.]
[Paimon: Th-this is way too embarrassing!]
[Yae Miko: Hahaha, I'm just joking.]
Inside the troupe, after reading the notebook, some people fell silent, some burst into tears, and others clenched their teeth and shouted in anger.
After a long while, the group finally reached a consensus.
"Captain Aurelie deserves a hero's curtain call. Even if it's through this kind of ending, telling the audience what she did still has meaning."
"Even at the very end of her life, she never forgot to leave behind vital clues."
"She wanted to protect more people, even if it meant sacrificing herself…"
[Arataki Itto: A hero's finale has to be grand and spectacular!]
[Furina: Could you try speaking like a normal person?]
[Arataki Itto: I'm not human—why would I speak human language? I'm an oni, so I speak oni-language!]
[Paimon: Oh, so you're not human.]
[Arataki Itto: I'm way stronger than humans!]
[Paimon: Yeah, yeah—except for your brain.]
Dulphy said, "In that case, there's no need to debate the ending of Daughter of Water anymore."
She turned to Vilmant. "What about you? Putting the past aside, can you still go on stage?"
Vilmant nodded and replied seriously, "Yes. I'll pour my apology into the performance and give her the best stage possible. I don't need your forgiveness, and I don't need to vent my emotions. This farewell belongs to Captain Aurelie."
Seeing the troupe cast aside their divisions and reunite once more, Furina said happily, "It looks like everyone's in agreement. I have a feeling this will be an unprecedented performance."
Paimon said, "You haven't even seen them perform before. Are you sure you're not overselling it?"
Furina replied confidently, "Don't underestimate my experience. I've watched countless musicals, and I've learned one thing."
"To move the audience with song, you must fully immerse yourself in the role and pour in genuine emotion. The most compelling thing in the world is human love and hatred. I believe no one wants to perform this play well more than they do."
[Charlotte: As expected of Lady Furina.]
[Paimon: As expected of a 500-year-old veteran artist.]
[Sigewinne: Ms. Furina looks so cute when she's confident.]
[Lumine: Even after stepping down as Hydro Archon, Furina still feels godlike.]
[Ningguang: She always has been.]
Dulphy said gratefully, "Thank you, Ms. Furina. Thank you for supporting us all this time."
Buraud added, "Then let's not waste any more time. We should finalize the ending as soon as possible."
Dulphy said, "Before that, I have a suggestion. For the curtain call, I want to use the captain's name—not my own."
Lauwick hesitated. "But if you do that, then you—"
Dulphy explained, "This role was meant for the captain from the start. I was only filling in. A protagonist with such commemorative meaning deserves her name."
[Ningguang: A cycle of love—Captain Aurelie carried the entire troupe behind the scenes, protecting her younger siblings. Now her sister is willing to give up her own name so the captain's name can receive this honor.
[Zhongli: If the captain could see this, she would surely be happy.]
Buraud said, "If you don't mind, then I have no objections."
Furina smiled. "Good. Now you finally feel like a real troupe. Focus on perfecting the performance—I'll take care of arranging the stage."
Paimon blinked. "Arranging the stage?"
Lauwick hurriedly said, "Our usual venue is fine—we don't need to book anything special."
Furina shook her head. "What are you saying? An ordinary stage won't do. Of course it has to be at the Opera Epiclese."
Dulphy froze. "Wait—"
Vilmant waved his hands repeatedly. "No, no, that place is far too extravagant…"
Furina asked, "Why be afraid? Do you think Captain Aurelie's story doesn't deserve the finest stage?"
Vilmant hesitated. "That's not what I meant…"
Paimon said, "Since it's the final performance anyway, you might as well trust yourselves and go all out!"
[Navia: Haha, that's Furina for you—maxing out the venue right away. No wonder the troupe was stunned when they heard 'Opera Epiclese.']
[Ningguang: Liyue also has an excellent stage. If the opportunity arises, you would be most welcome to perform there.]
[Keqing: The Jade Chamber?]
[Ningguang: Yes. Though it's my workplace, don't you think it would make a splendid stage?]
[Paimon: What's the Jade Chamber?]
[Ningguang: It's the culmination of my life's work—a floating palace in the sky, lavishly decorated, overlooking all of Liyue.]
[Lumine: An incredible feat of engineering.]
[Ningguang: It is also my pride.]
The troupe exchanged glances. "Thank you for giving us such an opportunity. It feels like a dream."
Furina laughed. "Don't disappoint me. If you mess this up, I'll be embarrassed too."
She then turned to Lumine and Paimon. "Come on. Let's go talk to Neuvillette. I know where he is."
Furina's five hundred years of experience proved effective—she found Neuvillette immediately.
"I knew you'd be here."
Neuvillette nodded. "Just a brief rest. It's been a while, Ms. Furina—and Lumine and Paimon as well. What brings you here today?"
Furina explained, "We'd like to borrow the Opera Epiclese. The situation is as follows…"
Neuvillette nodded. "I see. While the reservation procedures can be rather complex, since this is your request, I see no reason to obstruct it."
"The story of Daughter of Water is remarkable. I very much look forward to seeing it on stage."
"That said, I didn't expect you to rekindle such enthusiasm for performance."
Furina froze. "…Do I really look that excited?"
Neuvillette replied, "This is the first time since you stepped down."
Furina shrugged. "At first, I just wanted to understand the situation better. Somehow, it turned into this. In the past, we only voiced opinions on isolated cases in the courtroom. We rarely saw the emotional stories behind them. Perhaps becoming an ordinary person has made me more curious about people's lives."
Neuvillette nodded. "I'm genuinely glad to see you regain your spirit. That said—has this inspired any thoughts of returning to the stage?"
Furina replied quietly, "That's quite a leap in topic…"
Neuvillette thought for a moment. "If Daughter of Water becomes a great success, it will turn into a classic, reinterpreted by many troupes. The protagonist Corinne's experiences and choices were modeled after you. Naturally, you are one of the most suitable performers. It would be a pity not to let the audience admire your acting once more."
[Paimon: Let me translate that—he means 'I want to see it.']
[Neuvillette: Ms. Furina's performances are genuinely wonderful. Every viewing is a pleasure. I truly like them.]
[Paimon: Y-you just admitted it outright! Aren't you supposed to make an excuse?]
[Lumine: Paimon, only Furina would do that.]
[Furina: Lumine, what are you saying…!]
[Venti: Ehe~ Neuvillette always answers exactly what he's asked.]
[Arataki Itto: Hold on—wasn't Daughter of Water based on Aurelie? Why does Neuvillette say it's based on Furina?]
[Kujou Sara: Only someone as simple-minded as you wouldn't see the connection.]
[Arataki Itto: How could I not? Furina's the troupe's special consultant—they said so earlier.]
[Kuki Shinobu: Boss, Daughter of Water is based on Aurelie, but it also aligns perfectly with Ms. Furina's experiences. That's why she understands Aurelie best and is most suited for the role. Neuvillette doesn't know Aurelie's story—he only read the script—so saying it's based on Furina isn't wrong.]
[Arataki Itto: When you put it that way… yeah.]
[Paimon: With that brain of yours, maybe don't embarrass yourself.]
Furina replied calmly, "I should have told you long ago—I won't play any role ever again. Not even once. There's no regret in that. Whether onstage or off, there will always be brilliant actors and stories, just like this time."
"I feel I've gained so much already—it was worth the price of admission. If anything, I'm a little envious that they can say farewell to their past in such a magnificent way."
Neuvillette nodded. "I see. You're enjoying a new stage. In that case, I'm at ease."
"I sincerely hope the performance concludes perfectly. I'll have the schedule arranged immediately. Once finalized, official letters will be sent to the troupe."
Lumine smiled brightly. "Thank you, Neuvillette."
"No need to thank me."
After Furina left, Lumine quietly asked Neuvillette whether he was a fan of Furina.
Neuvillette replied, "Many people were once captivated by Ms. Furina's performances. I was among them. I hope she understands that this admiration was never false."
[Paimon: He really is honest—can't even joke around.]
Back at the troupe, Furina announced dramatically, "Everyone, it's settled! Very smoothly, too. After reasoning with him logically and emotionally, Mr. Neuvillette agreed to provide the stage for this special performance!"
"Securing such an opportunity was truly exhausting—but we've finally assembled all the elements for a magnificent show!"
"A moving story, a solemn and grand stage, and emotionally rich performers! Let's give it everything we've got!"
Furina's voice rose and fell with theatrical flair, stirring the crowd.
[Yae Miko: 'Immediately agreeing' sure sounds exhausting.]
[Paimon: So that's what 'reasoning emotionally' means?]
[Lumine: Furina really knows how to energize a crowd.]
[Navia: She looks so happy right now.]
The troupe members were thoroughly fired up.
Paimon exclaimed, "Even though Furina's still over-the-top, she really got everyone motivated. I can't wait to see how it turns out!"
The group immediately plunged into lively discussion.
The scene shifts to the Opera Epiclese—the performance has reached intermission.
After one act, Furina praised them backstage. "They're doing wonderfully. I haven't seen a performance this beautiful in a long time. But…"
At that moment, Dulphy's illness flared up.
Seeing no one come out, Lauwick rushed backstage. "What's going on? It's almost time."
He froze upon seeing her condition. "Oh no… now of all times? Where's the special medicine—don't tell me it stopped working?"
Dulphy said weakly, "It's losing effectiveness. I can only keep increasing the dosage."
Lauwick said anxiously, "What? So it was never a cure—just something to suppress the symptoms?"
Dulphy barely had the strength to speak. "As long as I can get through this performance… I'll accept anything."
Lauwick shook his head helplessly. "You really don't care about your body at all."
Dulphy lowered her head. "I'm sorry. I let everyone down."
[Paimon: Of course—something went wrong.]
[Navia: Neuvillette's probably smiling right now. Looks like we'll get to see Furina perform.]
[Ningguang: Compared to Dulphy, Furina is better suited for this role. No one understands the captain's heart more than she does.]
[Yae Miko: Furina is Daughter of Water.]
[Lumine: Have you noticed? Furina's thinking.]
[Venti: The special consultant is warming up—about to take the stage…]
Lauwick sighed. "Now's not the time to argue. Without a lead, how are we supposed to finish the show?"
Dulphy looked up at Furina. "Ms. Furina… I have a request."
Furina cut her off. "That's enough. You're sick—go rest. I know what you want to say."
She turned to Lauwick. "Lauwick, you're not needed on stage anymore, right?"
He stammered, "Me? Yes… my part's already done. There's one line left, but I can ask someone with a similar voice to cover it."
Furina nodded. "Then please take her back to rest."
"For the final act—"
"I'll sing."
She sighed softly. "Honestly… how did it end up like this after all?"