Yes, Lady Funina!

Yae no Miko thought that her little tricks could stump the guy in front of her. If the other party were really that easy to deal with, she wouldn't have lost that duel in front of the emperor when she had the upper hand.

Sometimes Yae no Miko wondered if things would have been different if she had won that duel in front of the emperor back then.

However, as soon as the thought crossed her mind, Yae no Miko knew that it was meaningless. She had lost, and lost completely. Just as Kujo Sara had never gotten the better of her, Yae no Miko had never won against Richard.

If she could win just once, perhaps she wouldn't be so obsessed with him.

Over the past century, Richard has almost become her obsession, like a shadow stuck in a rut.

"That's true, but have you ever considered that when people discover that there's a poison pill hidden under the sugar coating, it might backfire?"

Yae no Miko had anticipated this and made ample preparations in advance. She said, "Are you trying to talk about the dangers of the evil spirits? I'm sorry, but before coming here, I had already hired an authoritative person from Fontaine to conduct a detailed safety assessment of this project."

"With the renowned Fontaine Academy of Sciences as a security guarantee, I believe even the Mo Mang Palace wouldn't be able to interfere under the pretext of security, right?"

——————

"So, are we really completely out of options?" Funina asked, somewhat unwillingly, after listening to Richard's explanation.

This feeling of knowing that the other party had ill intentions, yet being powerless to do anything about it, and even being restrained on her own turf, made Funina extremely uncomfortable.

After all, even Funina, the water goddess, could not stop her people from pursuing a better life without reason.

While it's true that nothing comes for free, the pie that Yae no Miko has painted looks incredibly tempting, with the enormous benefits and prestige behind it making everyone's heart flutter.

This naturally includes Fulina herself, because behind Inazuma's investment attraction lies Fontaine's deepening influence over Inazuma, and a continuous stream of Mora. Going further afield, if the new 'Tamagang' is truly as powerful as Yae no Miko said, then it involves the industrial upgrading of Fontaine's machinery industry.

After all, the progress of mechanical technology largely depends on the progress of materials. Otherwise, even with theory, without suitable materials, a skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice.

"There are solutions... of course."

"Tell me more." Seeing Richard's confident and composed demeanor, Funina knew that the matter was settled.

"First, we can question its authority, pointing out that the report given by the Fontainebleau Academy is one-sided, and we cannot rule out the possibility of bribery. After all, the Fontainebleau Academy has also caused quite a bit of trouble in recent years, hasn't it?"

"But if we do that, won't the Fengdan Academy of Sciences have something to say?" Having learned her lesson last time, Funina was obviously more careful to consider the consequences before doing anything.

In Funina's view, her attack on the authority of the Fontaine Academy would surely provoke their dissatisfaction. It wasn't that Funina was afraid of the Fontaine Academy, but she simply didn't want to create unnecessary internal strife.

“What you said makes sense, so we can try a different approach.” Richard handed the pen and a sheet of paper to Funina.

Funina took the pen, somewhat confused about what Richard was going to do.

"Imagine you are presented with an important and authoritative report. Simply sign your name, and this report will bring Fontaine more jobs, a better economy, and stronger political achievements."

"But what if something goes wrong? You will also have to take responsibility for it, apologize in public, lose your reputation, resign... In such a situation, would you still put pen to paper? Lady Funina."

After a brief moment of thought, Funina asked Richard, "Would it be beneficial for Fontaine?"

"Have."

“Then I’ll sign,” Funina said decisively.

Richard was surprised by Funina's boldness. After thinking for a moment, he added, "If something really goes wrong, you could be exiled to Mero Petersburg."

"Well... I'll think about it some more. After all, it's such a big deal. Making a hasty decision would be irresponsible to both the public and myself." Funina shrank back, her previous decisiveness completely gone.

In this regard, Funina is quite clear-headed. Even if she really resigns from her position as Minister of Administration, she is still the water goddess.

But if you end up in jail, Mero Petersburg won't give you any special treatment just because you're the God of Water.

Even if there are preferential treatments, the conditions will certainly not be comparable to what we have now.

However, Richard's simulation made Funina vaguely guess what he wanted to express...

Volume 1: Chapter 12 Security Assessment Report

This was a typical celebrity dinner party, with fine wines, gourmet food, and expensive glassware all set up in this small banquet hall.

Women dressed in bright and beautiful clothes, arm in arm with men in suits, moved from one chat group to another, their mouths full of principles, but their hearts full of business.

The celebrities talk nonsense, never really getting to the point. All the deals they make are pre-arranged in private. Despite these hypocritical and useless social gatherings, people still enjoy them immensely, and many even go to great lengths to get in.

Clearly, such a gathering has its value; otherwise, Richard wouldn't have taken time out of his busy schedule to attend it.

“Oh, Professor Bosuai, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you at a party.” A balding, middle-aged lawyer walked up to Bosuai happily and struck up a conversation with him.

“Mr. Harper, I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had a moment to spare. As you know, the report from Inazuma is pressing me hard, and I have to be responsible for the reputation of the Fontaine Academy of Sciences, so I can’t afford to be careless.” Professor Bosu’e seemed rigid and spoke and acted like a machine, but you could see the shrewdness hidden in his eyes.

As one of only two leading figures at the Fontainebleau Academy of Sciences, Professor Bosuai is clearly no ordinary person.

"Haha, Professor Bosuai is as responsible as ever. You've come to the right place today. Let me introduce you to two distinguished guests." The old lawyer, Harper, patted Bosuai on the shoulder and led him to the center of the room.

"Hey, ladies and gentlemen, excuse me for interrupting, but may I have a moment to spare for your distinguished guests?"

As the organizer of the gathering, and with such a heavyweight guest as Bosuai by his side, although somewhat unwilling, everyone still gave him face.

They vacated the center of the gathering—Ms. Funina and Secretary-General Richard.

Funina was already used to these high-society banquets and felt no discomfort whatsoever; on the contrary, she was quite at home with them.

Richard, needless to say, with his abilities, can fit in well in any situation, even a kindergarten meeting.

Furthermore, all of this was originally his arrangement.

"This is Professor Bosuai, Mr. Richard, Ms. Funina. Please continue your conversation. I have to take my leave." After introducing the two parties, Harper, the middleman, tactfully left.

“Professor Bossiere?” Richard looked surprised, as if he was quite taken aback to meet him here.

Professor Bosuai's usually stern face broke into a smile, and he extended his hand to Richard first, saying, "I never expected to meet the Secretary General here, and also the esteemed Lady Funina."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Richard asked, "Professor Bossie, I heard you've been busy with a project lately. How come you have time to attend this banquet today?"

“Yes, Mr. Richard. The project I’m in charge of is nearing completion. The report is basically finished, and all that’s left is to fill in some details. These can be left to the students; after all, they need to get some practice.” Professor Bosu’e said, a smug smile on his face.

In his view, this report will not only bring huge profits to Fontaine, but he will also gain more resources and greater influence within the Fontaine Academy of Sciences.

It is highly likely that this will disrupt the current bipolar structure of the Fontainebleau Academy and completely overwhelm their arch-rival Edwin.

He himself also hoped to gain the support of high-ranking officials in Fontainebleau, such as Richard. Of course, it would be even better to gain the support of the Water God, which would be the icing on the cake.

Yes, in Bosuai's eyes, the Water God's weight was not as great as Richard's. After all, he knew that although Funina was the nominal Minister of Administration, the real power was held by her Executive Secretary.

Many of the decisions that Funina made were actually filtered by Richard; whichever one she chose, it met Richard's expectations.

This is similar to many vice presidents of the Fontainebleau Academy of Sciences, who merely hold the title without any corresponding power.

"A report? What kind of report requires a Grand Secretary like yourself to personally take charge?" Richard asked in surprise.

"It's a research report on the safety and quality of the working environment at the Inazuma Tsuruga sandpit. According to our team's survey data, although the environment at the Tsuruga sandpit is rather... special, the harm to the human body is not as great as imagined."

"It meets Fontainebleau's most basic working environment regulations, so there are no safety issues, and it might even be beneficial," Bosuai said confidently.

“What benefits could there be?” Richard couldn’t understand it at all. What benefits could there be in that remote, impoverished place with its rugged and unpredictable terrain?

"Lightning element is abundant. Hasn't a recent research report indicated that the human body is rich in weak bioelectric currents, so appropriate electric shocks are beneficial to the human body?"

"So you think that the enrichment of lightning element is beneficial to the physical and mental health of the human body?" Richard said with a 'sudden realization,' thinking to himself that this guy must have gone stupid from reading too much. If it was so beneficial, he could give Bo Sue a free shock.

Putting everything else aside, at least it can prevent this professor from developing Alzheimer's disease. If he were electrocuted, he would naturally not have old age or Alzheimer's.

perfect.

“No, I don’t think so. I just think there’s a possibility,” Bosu’e said, shaking his head.

Only then did he resemble a meticulous scientist, but this caution was most likely due to a fear of taking responsibility.

Professor Bosuai struck Richard as more of a businessman than a scientist.

Of course, it cannot be ruled out that Richard misjudged the situation. Professor Bosuai does have some real talent and knowledge. He is not only the one who proposed the concept of the new type of clockwork mechanism, but also the person in charge of the project's development.

Perhaps that's why Yae no Miko went to great lengths to have this authoritative professor travel all the way to Inazuma to provide a safety assessment report.

“Well, actually I’ve been to Tasha, and the scenery is quite beautiful, but…” Richard looked around and asked quietly.

"Has your team encountered any strange things in Tabusha?"

“Strange thing?” Bosu’e was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

“It’s like the weather is fine one minute, then suddenly there’s thunder, and at night you often hear eerie howls coming from outside,” Richard said.

“Mr. Richard, please believe in science.” Bosu’e shook his head and chuckled, not expecting that someone of Richard’s power would believe such rumors.

"Science? Well then, does Mr. Bosuai know anything about the remains of the Demon God?" Richard asked.

"Of course I know. In fact, the Fontaine Academy of Sciences also conducted in-depth research on this topic in its early years." As a professor at the Fontaine Academy of Sciences, Bo Sue naturally knew exactly what kind of terrifying product the remains of the demon god were.

Richard narrowed his eyes and said something startling: "Inazuma has the remains of a demon god, known locally as the vengeful spirit. It is the resentment left behind by Narukami when he killed the demon god Orobas in his early years, and it has been wandering the land of Inazuma for thousands of years."

Bo Sue frowned. He had heard of this before, but wasn't the Demon God Orobas slain on Ba Yun Island? (Disgusted)

Although Tabai Sand is not far from Bayun Island, it's still separated by the Mingzhui Beach. Surely the demon's resentment wouldn't travel all the way to Tabai Sand to cause trouble?

"Mr. Richard, you're overthinking it. The Demon God Orobas was slain on Bayun Island, not on Tabai Sand. I've never heard of a Demon God's resentment acting on its own after death," Bosuai said, his voice lacking confidence. In fact, the Fengdan Academy of Sciences still hadn't fully understood the properties of the Demon God's remains.

On the one hand, the sample size is too small; on the other hand, the remains of the demon god are highly likely to have been influenced by the power the demon god possessed in his lifetime, and the characteristics they exhibit may differ greatly.

But one thing is certain: the Ks are extremely dangerous to humans; even the slightest contact could be fatal.

Therefore, Richard's words cast a heavy shadow over Beaussie's previously fairly good mood.

"I'm not entirely sure about that, but what if something goes wrong?" Richard asked with a smile.

"An error?" Bosuai chuckled softly, instinctively wanting to deny the possibility, but Richard's words still echoed in his ears.

"If the sands aren't as safe as you think... your reputation at the Fontainebleau Academy... your courage is commendable." Richard chuckled twice, stopping short of saying anything more, leaving enough room for the old professor to ponder.

Meanwhile, Funina chimed in, "Were you talking about demons just now? As far as I know, the remnants left by that demon on Inazuma's side are extremely troublesome. Even Narukami couldn't completely eliminate them; he could only rely on sealing them."

"Let me think... the one responsible for sealing the demon god's remains should be Inazuma's Narukami Shrine. Do you know Narukami Shrine? Professor Bosue... Professor Bosue?" Inazuma...

"Ah? Oh, I'm sorry, Lord Water God, I was just lost in thought. You know, as people get older, they tend to lose focus easily and have difficulty concentrating..." Bosuai forced a smile and replied.

How could Bosuai not know about Narukami Taisha? The person who asked him to go to Inazuma to obtain a safety assessment report was none other than the head priest of Narukami Taisha, who is currently still in Fontaine! (Higashi)

Considering the other party's recent actions, his thoughts inevitably began to wander.

Could there be something hidden in this that he doesn't know about? For example, is Ta Bei Sha not as safe as he imagined? What he and his team saw was actually what the other party wanted them to see. The so-called safety was very likely a deliberate illusion created by the other party.

After all, when they were traversing the sand dunes, the Inazuma side did indeed assign them a shrine maiden as a guide.

Bosuai felt something was amiss the more he thought about it, and the more carefully he considered it, the more suspicious he found in his previous trip to Inazuma.

"If I may ask, Professor Bosuai, how long have you and your team been in Inazuma?" Richard continued, giving Bosuai no time to think.

"About a month..." Bosuai took out a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped the sweat from his brow, and said with a slight stutter.

"A month?" Richard asked, puzzled.

“One month!” Bosu’e affirmed.

“Oh, then the report you wrote is truly… truly impressive.” Richard seemed at a loss for words to describe Professor Bosu’er’s actions, and could only use the word “impressive” to describe the professor.

“Actually, a month is already quite a long time. There are still many things to deal with at the Fontaine Academy of Sciences…” Bo Su’e’s voice grew weaker and weaker, and towards the end, it was impossible to hear what he was saying.

Clearly, this professor has also begun to question whether it was too hasty to use only one month to assess the safety of a region.

Richard's lips curled slightly when he saw Bosuer, who was caught in self-doubt.

You're all sweaty, aren't you, bro?

"In fact, Inazuma has an island climate, and the environment changes greatly throughout the year, especially in autumn when thunderstorms are frequent. It is said that many people are struck by lightning and die in Inazuma every year. Professor Bosuai, have you ever encountered a thunderstorm?"

"I've encountered it before, but..."

“But Professor Bosu’e, have you ever thought about this? If your report is wrong, even if something happens ten years later, the first thing the newspapers in Fontaine will do is look for your report.”

"Then, as they investigate further, they'll find that Professor Bosuai, you and your team provided technical support for the development of sophisticated machinery at the Sumeru Academy..."

“That was twenty years ago,” Bosu’e argued, the old professor blushing as he took in the context Richard was describing.

“Nineteen years,” Richard added at the opportune moment.

Furina also remarked to Bosue with deep feeling, "That's really how the newspapers in Fontaine are. For the sake of sales, they won't hold back even when it comes to me."

"You should understand how terrible public opinion can be, right? Rumors can come out of thin air and bring you endless trouble."

Professor Bosuai's expression was unusually interesting; the wrinkles on his face twisted into a knot, his back teeth were clenched, and it felt like all the muscles in his face were straining.

Furina pressed her advantage, saying, "If anything goes wrong, those third-rate newspapers won't let such a good opportunity pass them by. Lifting someone up high and then dropping them hard, like a dramatic rollercoaster, is exactly the kind of spectacle the media and Fontainebleau people love."

“You’re going to be famous, Professor Bosuai.”

Furnessa sang in an aria-like tone: "The victims of the Bosué Report smelled like roasted meat."

"hiss……"

Bosuai gasped, his gaze involuntarily avoiding Furnessa's direct eye contact.