She finished her introduction in an elegant and well-mannered way.
She carries herself as overconfident and overzealous, just like in the game. Even though I know she's just acting for the "Solution" to the prophecy, I can't help but frown.
In my past life, if you acted like her in public what awaits you is social death. Being narcissistic will always get you in trouble.
"It's an honor to meet the Hydro Archon," I said as I bowed
She said as she chuckled. "Oh! What a well-mannered young man! Looks like they also teach good manners in Sneznaya." She then continued. "But it looks like not everyone was taught how to respect a GOD!"
I was alarmed. I instantly looked on Leon's way and saw him just staring at her.
"Forgive my brother my lady, but it looks like he was charmed by your beauty."
'It's not a lie, he looked like he saw a goddess. Wait? She is the mirror image of a God. I guess Leon is seeing a goddess right before him.' I thought to myself as I pondered on what to do next.
She chuckled as she said. "As expected. I am, after all, a god. My beauty transcends those of mortals,"
'Looks like she's amused.' I thought in relief.
Furina then said as she puts her in front of her mouth. "As for you, young man. For a child your age you know how to praise and compliment women, I'm afraid for the poor maidens that will fall for your words in the future."
"I am merely telling the truth, lady Furina."
As I conversed with Furina, Leon's eyes were still locked on her. He's far from saving. 'I'll wait for Furina to reject him.'
She chuckled once more and said. "I shall give you the honor of presenting your names before me, now, speak, for I shall remember them."
"My lady, my name is-" As I was about to introduce myself, Leon interjected.
"I am Leon! I am pleased to meet you! Lady Furina!"
Then with a sigh, I continued. "I am Leo, my lady."
Furina replied as she put her hands on her sides. "Leo, and Leon, what powerful names you both have! Your father must have great ambition for both of you!"
"It's an honor to be praised by the hydro archon herself. We are truly honored." I said as I gently tapped Leon with my elbow.
"It's an honor lady Furina!"
'Wow, he got the hint. Despite being dumb sometimes, he does get hints quite fast.' I thought as I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Let's take a seat; my legs are starting to hurt."
Furina then sat near the window where light passed through while we sat opposite her.
"Now, wouldn't it be bland if we just sit here and do nothing? Rejoice, for I shall treat the both of you with cake." She said then she called for the Gardes.
'I won't say no to a cake. You have my respect, dear actress.' I thought with a smile.
We sat waiting for the food to come. Furina's act was flawless, she never once fumbled; which shows her expertise and experience. No one would doubt that this Furina is just a mask.
A scene played in my mind; a sword-like guillotine, two identical women dancing in sync, a majestic palace, and a theater.
The end of the act was bitter-sweet, many were saved for the sacrifice of one. It's a noble act of selflessness but for the person leading as the sacrifice... I could only imagine the fear she faced.
"The Masquerade of the Guilty," I muttered.
"Hm? What's the matter, Leo, is something bothering you?" Furina asked. She seems to have heard me muttering to myself.
"It's nothing Lady Furina," 'What a tragic and sad existence they have.' "I'm just muttering to myself" I said as I hid my thoughts
"L-lady Furina, there's something I would like to ask..." Leon jittered as he asked.
"What is it Leon, I shall answer whatever your question is," Furina said, her voice full of confidence.
In reply, Leon asked."L-lady Furina, w-what are the things that you like!"
Furina replied. "Bold aren't we? Fine as a god, I shall answer that question. Ehem, it's cake or anything amusing."
Leon looked perplexed, I could see that he didn't expect it. I betted that he was expecting something like playing or buying toys.
"I-I see," Leon said as he hung he's head low.
"May I inquire on why you asked dear Leon?" Furina tilted her head as she leaned closer to Leon.
"I-I..."
'Here it comes, I wish I had a camera with me.' I thought as I waited in anticipation knowing what Leon is about to say next.
With determination, he shouted. "I like you Lady Furina!"
Furina was taken aback. I could see in her face the shock and disbelief.
"I-I see, but a god and a human can't be together and you're still young so I can't reciprocate your feelings." Her voice carried surprise mixed with embarrassment.
Leon then pressed further. "T-then if I get older and become a god would you like me back?!"
Furina averted her eyes as she replied. "Well...If it comes to it, I don't find the reason why not... hehe."
"You're gonna regret that," I muttered to myself.
Furina noticing me murmur to myself asked. "Did you say something, Leo?"
"Nothing Lady Furina, I just admire your benevolence and kindness. 'This isn't what is supposed to happen. You should have flatly rejected Leon and not made him believe he's got a chance. Maybe he'll give up? A child's emotions are fleeting, right? Yeah, he'll forget about Furina for sure." I thought to myself as I imagined the trouble this would cause.
Suddenly it dawned on me. 'Why am I saying this? I should be rooting for Leon...'
Furina laughed albiet forcibly. "I, am a benevolent and kind god, it's normal for me to show kindness to the people, if it's some other god I fear that you would have already been decimated."
Leon said with determination. "L-lady Furina! Wait for me, I will become a god and marry you!"
Furina stuttered as she replied. "I-I see, then I'll be waiting."
'This isn't gonna go well, is it?'
***
A few more minutes passed and the food finally arrived.
The Gardes sliced the cake and served it on an elegantly decorated plate.
"Now, Let us eat." Furina took the lead as she took a big slice and put it on her plate. We did the same following after her.
The cake was tasty. It's not very sweet, just the right amount of it.
As we were eating, Furina asked us. "I am quite curious, could you two tell me what is it like to live in Sneznaya?"
She then panicked and said. "Don't get me wrong, as I GOD, I know all there is to know about Sneznaya, I just want to know how you view your hometown, yes, that's all there is to it."
I can tell that she really wanted to know about it despite her insistence that she knows about Sneznaya.
"We don't have much to say, my lady. We are very sheltered and rarely go out of the house." I said, trying to tell her that it's not worth to ask us.
"I-I see... Fear not! Even if your knowledge of your homeland is limited, I still would like to hear your stories. You wouldn't defy a god's word, would you?" She insisted.
It Looked like she's really eager to know about Sneznaya. I don't know why she asked us. By this time her own personal team should still be all over Teyvat trying to get any information to fight the prophesy. I could only guess the reason why.
"Then, I believe Leon can answer this Lady Furina, he's more involved in things than I am and he has more knowledge about the outside world." I said because I didn't want to give her false hope.
Furina then turned to Leon. "Then, please, young Leon, tell me the tales of your homeland."
In reply, Leon said as he stuttered. "I-It's my pleasure, Lady Furina!"
I then left to go to the restroom and left them alone to talk by themselves.
One of the Gardes showed me the way to the restroom. As we walked, I could not help but appreciate the intricate designs and carvings on the windows. It felt like I live inside a castle.
"Palais Mermonia." I muttered as I observed the surroundings.
I came back to the room after a refreshing time in the restroom. I could say that they took good care of it; clean and not stinky.
"I see, then I ask you. What do you do when there are floods or..." I could hear them still immersed in their conversation.
'They're still talking huh? I wonder what Leon is telling Furina, it's not one of his disappearing treasure stories again, is it?' I thought with no trust to my brothers judgement.
I entered the room and greeted them.
Furina looked serious and immersed as she noticed me coming back. "Oh! Welcome back Leo, Leon has been telling me many stories about Sneznaya, I never thought that thieves are plenty in your homeland. It makes me want to bring justice upon your land!"
'Thieves? The only thief I know is the one in front of you, and good luck bringing justice to the psychos of the Fatui.' I thought as I lampooned on the fact that snezhnaya would be full of terrirost in the future.
I sat back down and joined in. We talked mostly about stuff that children would like. Despite crude Furina does know how to please children. Her 500 years of experience is not only for show I guess.
A couple of minutes passed, and Papa and Neuvillette finished talking and entered the room.