Yes, Lady Funina!

Currently, the vast majority of researchers from Fontaine who are able to study abroad in Sumeru or other countries are self-funded, or their studies are sponsored by partner companies. The remaining researchers who have already been sent abroad for further studies have had their funding cut off, and if they want to continue to stay abroad, they can only find ways to raise money on their own.

It is not uncommon for students to rely on their families for financial support to study abroad, only to find that their families go bankrupt halfway through their studies and they have to find ways to make money on their own.

This time, however, it wasn't that the family went bankrupt; it was that their house was blown up.

It wasn't very powerful; only two-thirds of the Fontaine Academy was evaporated. On the bright side, Edwin at least left you with one-third.

"I don't know what those researchers at the Academy of Sciences are thinking. The Academy of Sciences is in such a state, it's one thing if they don't come back, but they still want funding to continue their studies. Where am I supposed to get the money for them?" After stamping "Not Approved" on the application form, Fu Ningna threw it into the gray box next to her.

This place holds mostly unimportant or rejected documents. Since the last Ministry of Education reform and reorganization, Funina has frequently received such applications for study abroad funding.

Furina had initially intended to approve these funding requests, but fortunately, Clarinde intervened quickly and stopped her.

Just kidding, if these applications were actually approved, wouldn't the Ministry of Finance be coming upstairs the day after tomorrow?

As for why it's the day after tomorrow instead of immediately, well, you're overestimating the speed of information flow within the Mo Mang Palace.

At the Mo Mang Palace, only the trial and afternoon tea are entitled to the highest circulation rate; everything else has to take a backseat. The difference between the two is like one having a cloud storage membership and the other not having one.

Frynn didn't pay attention to Clarinde's usual dissing of other departments, because Richard and Lynette often did the same. Frynn actually wanted to follow suit, but considering that she was the water goddess, it was somewhat inappropriate to say such things, so she gave up.

“This can’t go on forever; it could easily cause us to lose our initial investments in those researchers,” Fu Ningna said with some concern.

After all, stopping funding is a minor issue, but what we could lose is the hearts and minds of those researchers. We must avoid a situation where researchers we've trained for years are lured away by governments of other countries.

This is truly like doing all the work for someone else's benefit.

“Lady Frinna, you may be overthinking it,” Clorind said. “The situation in the countries around us is not much better than ours.”

The Dragon Plague of Mondstadt, the Godfall of Liyue, and the isolation of Inazuma—among the seven Teyvat nations this year, only Sumeru, Natasha, and Winterfell have managed to avoid major upheavals.

However, Sumeru doesn't need to recruit researchers; they don't even have enough resources of their own, so how could they possibly share their educational resources with outsiders without any benefits?

Needless to say, almost no researchers would choose to stay in Nata, and as for Zhi Dong... if you go there, are you afraid you won't be able to come back?

Therefore, what Funina was worried about was actually unnecessary. Those who were meant to leave would leave, and those who were meant to stay would stay. Funding might be affected, but not as much as Funina imagined.

“That makes sense.” Funina thought Clarinde was right, but she also thought of a half-baked solution for the situation.

That is to follow the cooperation model with Liyue and arrange for researchers who are studying abroad to participate in projects so that they can learn from practice. Wouldn't that be more efficient?

If you're lucky, the project will succeed, not only generating revenue but also potentially solving your job prospects after graduation—a win-win situation for everyone.

After sharing this idea with Claude, Claude also felt that there was room for maneuver. So Claude and Frynn put their heads together and invited Richard to listen to the 'Prime Minister's' thoughts.

“It’s feasible.” Richard gave his answer after only a moment’s consideration.

To be honest, Richard didn't expect that Funina would come up with such a method. It seems that he didn't serve as the Minister of State for nothing this year.

Funina has gradually found her footing, and it is foreseeable that with Richard's assistance, she will become increasingly adept at handling affairs of Fontaine.

"Speaking of which, Lady Funina's complexion has been getting better and better lately since Richard returned." After finalizing the arrangements for the 'overseas researchers' in a few words, the two returned to the minister's office, and Clarinde smiled as she looked at Funina's radiant face.

Where is the listless look she had just had due to lack of sleep a couple of days ago?

Strangely enough, ever since she met the servant Arecino, Furina's insomnia has improved a lot, and she was able to fall asleep even when she was alone that night.

The only problem was that her sleep quality wasn't as good as when she was with Richard. But Furna was afraid that she would turn into a koala and leave her saliva on the 'tree' again. In addition, her girlish modesty wouldn't allow her to invite Richard to share a bed with her again, so Furna slept alone.

However, on the same day that she met the "servant", Funina still invited Richard to stay at her home. After confirming that one of them could fall asleep and that his sleep quality was acceptable, Richard, this human-shaped self-propelled sleep aid machine, was ruthlessly abandoned by our Lady Funina.

It's worth mentioning that the room key on Richard wasn't taken away by Funina. It's unclear whether she forgot it or what. However, the key that Richard had was originally left by Funina for Clorinde, so Funina later gave Clorinde a replacement.

"I just read a horror novel those two days, which made it hard for me to sleep. What does that have to do with Richard?" Funina retorted stubbornly.

Faced with Furness's stubbornness, Claurind disregarded her own safety at work and immediately retorted, "Then why were you sleeping so soundly on the sofa as soon as Richard came back..."

"That's because the calming tea you gave me worked," Funina casually made up an excuse.

"Really? I still have some leftover from last time. My friend said that it's best to drink a full course of calming tea..."

"Who is your friend?" Furina was worried that Clarinde had been deceived, especially since the Opiclie Opera House had recently tried a group of tea-selling swindlers.

Selling cheap tea at high prices, involving huge sums of money, and being a cross-border fraud, is extremely egregious. If it weren't for the significant improvement in the relationship between Fontaine and Liyue, and the joint law enforcement efforts between the Thousand Rock Army and the Shadow Court, these criminals probably wouldn't have been caught.

"It was Navia. After the trial of Vashe, Navia gradually took over the various businesses of the Rose Society, including tea."

However, the tea that Navia has prepared for you is not the tea sold by ordinary tea merchants, but a general-purpose calming soup specially brought from Bubulu in Liyue.

Although the medication wasn't as effective as the one specifically prescribed after a consultation, the doctor said it was sufficient to relieve the anxiety.

After listening to Clorind's words, Funina was surprised to find that there were so many intricacies involved in such a simple calming soup. Funina was deeply moved by Clorind's concern for her.

So he decided... to take Claude to the trial.

After the incident with the servant, Funina was so wary that she never dared to go out alone again. Even in Fontaine, she needed someone to accompany her, and it couldn't be one of her empty-headed guards; it had to be someone with real skills like Clarinde.

If it weren't for the fact that Clorinde has her own house in Fontaine and that Clorinde might not be very willing to live in Moman Palace, Furna would have even considered giving Clorinde a room in her own palace.

One thing at a time. Frynn had seen how well Clarind had taken care of her these past few days. People are all made of flesh and blood, and a kind girl like Frynn naturally wanted to return the favor.

When she asked Clorind what she wanted, Clorind firmly refused, saying that her kindness to Funina was only out of concern for a friend, and not for any benefit.

Furina was even more moved after hearing this and insisted on giving Claurind good juice.

Under Furna's insistence, Clarinde finally stammered out what she longed for.

It's not about money and power, but...

"You want me to take pictures of Richard and then share them with you?" Furlinde was stunned when she heard Clorinde's request.

No, what is this?

"Why don't you go and film it yourself?" When Funina asked this question, she immediately remembered what had happened more than a month ago.

Well, if she were Richard, she certainly wouldn't film Claudia anymore.

They agreed not to show it to outsiders, but Richard almost became the first superstar in Fontainebleau to become famous for his suggestive female-oriented photobook.

It also happened to be during a time of cultural exchange between Fontaine and Liyue, allowing Liyue to witness the handsome men of Fontaine.

You know what, after Richard's photo came out, the job of a civil servant in Fontainebleau became even more popular.

It's a promotional video.

“Okay, I understand, but why are you so fixated on Richard’s photo?” Funina asked.

She couldn't understand why a great beauty like Clarinde would be so obsessed with Richard's photograph.

"That's because you can't touch it..." Clorind muttered to herself.

If you could touch it, who would want to just look at it?

"what?"

"It's nothing, Lady Frinina, I'm just asking for your help." Clarinde didn't have any other hobbies, except for her fondness for Richard's looks.

"I...I'll try my best."

Because it involved Richard, Funina couldn't give any guarantees. She wasn't sure if Richard would agree to take her picture, and wouldn't Richard think she was a pervert if she just went up to him and asked to take a picture?

Furina thought for a moment and realized that her image in Richard's eyes was already pretty much ruined, so what difference would it make...

What a ghost!

Funina, you can't give up on yourself like this!

Just as Funina was lost in thought, Richard finished his work and knocked on Funina's office door. It was estimated that it would be some time before the "Young Master" came to Fontaine for vacation, and he had already made the preparations before then.

I guarantee I'll make sure they understand and follow all the rules.

It's a pity that this Fool's Enforcer's Fontaine vacation will likely miss out on visiting many famous historical sites.

But that's alright, the famous Mello Petersburg in Fontainebleau will treat him well, guaranteeing him a free and worry-free stay with all his food and drink.

"Hmm? Lady Funina, why are you looking at me like that?"

Chapter 155 Swimsuit Episode: Funina's Regret (10,000-word long chapter)

"Hmm? Lady Funina, why are you looking at me like that?"

"N-nothing, I just wanted to ask Richard if you're free this weekend?" Furnessa said, glancing at Clarinde, who had been seriously examining the table decorations since Richard entered the room.

This table really does look like a table.

Although Clarin's eyes were fixed on the table, her ears were secretly perked up, paying attention to the conversation between Frynn and Richard.

"I should be fine over the weekend," Richard replied after a moment's thought.

Richard really didn't have much to do this weekend. If nothing unexpected happened, he would spend a very leisurely weekend like any other civil servant.

"Does Lady Funina have any plans?" Richard asked.

“Arrangements…” Seeing Klorind looking at her expectantly, Funina felt a sudden surge of pressure.

"Yes, I have plans. This weekend I might go... to have a private photoshoot, but I'm having trouble finding a qualified photographer. I remember Richard, your photography skills are pretty good, right?"

"Private photoshoot?" Richard looked at Claurind beside him and said, "If it's a private photoshoot, why don't we just ask Claurind to do it?"

"She's an expert."

Richard spoke calmly and deliberately, as if stating a fact, but Clarinde sensed a strange murderous aura emanating from him.

Maybe this is what happens when you feel guilty?

“This…” Funina couldn’t think of a reason.

Upon seeing this, Claurind quickly added, "Yes... it was me and Funina who filmed together."

Is that why you need to find a third person to be the photographer?

reasonable.

"That's it, then..."

“That day, Furnessa and I were probably dressed a little… a little revealing. Yes, revealing, and we needed a trustworthy photographer.” Clarind forced herself not to look at Furnessa, who was giving her a shocked look.

Funina: You're amazing, you're aloof, you should wear revealing clothes.

She only wanted to use the excuse of taking photos to lure Richard in and kill him, but she never thought that she would also have to sacrifice herself for art!

But Clarind's words had already been spoken, and Funina couldn't say anything more. If it was for Richard to see, Funina felt that it wasn't unacceptable.

After all, they have the final say on what clothes to wear and how revealing they are, so it's not really a big problem... probably?

Richard took in their expressions but didn't expose them. Although he didn't know what kind of trouble they were planning to cause, he was definitely not sleepy if they were dressed so scantily.

"Indeed, when it comes to boudoir photography, it's very important to find a good photographer who can keep secrets, has professional ethics, and won't casually use other people's photos to enter into public competitions."

Clarinde: ...Stop cursing, stop cursing.

"So where and when did you decide to film?" Richard asked.

Upon hearing Richard's question, Clarinde turned her pleading gaze to Funina.

Seeing this, Funina thought for a moment and said, "Let's do it on Saturday, there's no trial that day. As for the location... let's do it at my house."

The house has almost everything you could need, and the rooms are all complete, including a study, bedroom, living room, swimming pool, and more.

It is indeed very suitable for taking private portraits, and even taking other kinds of photos would be quite appropriate.

Oh, this refers to filming a family sitcom, don't overthink it.

After Richard left, it was almost time to get off work.

"Hey, Clarind, can you explain to me what you mean by 'lighter clothes'?"

As expected, after Richard left, Furness immediately confronted Clarinde.

Fu Ningna originally only planned to use the excuse of taking a photo shoot to lure Richard over first, and then use the secret technique "Since you're already here" to take a set of photos for Richard as well.

But... she never said she wanted to take those revealing photos!

"It's just... less fabric, more skin than everyday clothes, more eye-catching..." Clarinde whispered.

"Who asked you to explain this?" Furna stood aggressively in front of Clorinde.

However, due to the height difference, at such a close distance, Funina even had to look up to see Clorinde's face.

Most importantly, if she didn't look up, all Furness could see was the enormous breasts on Clorinde's chest, which seemed almost as big as her head.

It makes me so angry!

Furina placed her hands on Clorinde's shoulders and forcefully pushed her down onto the sofa.

After Clorinde sat down, Fryna was finally able to experience what it felt like to look down on people.