Yes, Lady Funina!

It's hard to imagine that these two ladies, who are currently enjoying tea and praising each other's refined taste, were just moments ago arguing fiercely over a staffing issue, using metaphors, exaggerations, and sarcasm—every imaginable technique could be found in the mouths of these two supreme beings, fighting to the point that even the Great Dao was obliterated.

In layman's terms, this argument was like a negotiation.

However, both Funina and Yae no Miko were of high character and did not utter a single swear word from beginning to end.

It's the kind of conversation that uses very elegant language to make you lose face and feel utterly humble.

Richard had witnessed Yae no Miko's sharp words before, but Funina's performance surprised him greatly.

He was surprised to see this side of the girl, which truly impressed him.

When dealing with her in the future, I must first establish the moral high ground and not give her any room to argue back.

"Ms. Fulina, the theory of the seven-nation economic system of Teyvat that you just mentioned is quite novel. Could you tell me who proposed it?" Yae no Miko asked curiously, her fingers interlaced on her abdomen and her body leaning slightly forward as if listening.

Fulina looked at Richard beside her. She had heard about that theory from Richard, but she didn't really know who proposed it.

Even Furina herself only had a superficial understanding of this theory, only knowing that if they followed it, they would be able to earn a lot of Mora in the future.

As for the underlying principles... as long as you don't go against the laws of nature, it's fine.

“Richard told me about this principle. He should know who the author is.” Funina steered the conversation toward Richard.

“Oh? Then I wonder if Secretary Richard could tell me his name? I would like to pay a visit to this outstanding economist before leaving Fontaine.” Yae no Miko narrowed her perfectly shaped fox eyes and looked at Richard, who was sitting next to Funina, with a smile.

"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Lord Chief. I saw it in a book, but the author wasn't mentioned." Richard shook his head, quite 'regretfully' informing him.

Yae nods slightly, indicating that she understands, but her next words make Richard lose his composure.

"However, I always feel that this theory is very familiar to me, reminding me of an organization that is active in the seven kingdoms of Teyvat."

"You mean the Fools?" Funina immediately thought of this organization.

After Yae no Miko mentioned it, she couldn't help but think of the history of the Fatui's rise to power, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt that it fit the theory of the economic saturation of Teyvat into seven countries.

The Fools grew in power by connecting the goods, technology, information, services, personnel, capital, and management experience of the seven nations, thus gaining enormous profits.

The most successful example is the Northern Bank, which has branches throughout the seven kingdoms. Compared to banks that only focus on their own country, the Northern Bank has a presence in all seven kingdoms. Although its size in each country is not as large as that of local banks, no one can match the Northern Bank's influence on the Teyvat continent.

Today, the Northern Bank not only provides cross-border financial support to the foolish masses, but also has many multinational chambers of commerce as loyal customers.

"Does Ms. Fulina think so too? I feel that economist has quite a connection with the Fools. Do you think it's possible that the economist is actually a high-ranking member of the Fools?"

"Mr. Richard, what do you think?" Yae no Miko looked at the handsome half-elf with a leisurely air, a playful smile playing on her lips.

Upon hearing this, Lynette couldn't help but glance at Richard, sensing that her secretary-general must be drenched in sweat by now.

Richard smiled slightly and calmly replied, "That possibility cannot be ruled out. After all, the book I saw back then was borrowed from Zhidong."

"Mr. Richard is truly knowledgeable and has made many friends, even in the winter. He is admirable."

Upon hearing this, Funina immediately nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, Richard knows a lot, and thanks to his help, I've avoided many detours in my work."

"I've not only avoided many detours, but if it weren't for Richard, I might already be in Mero Petersburg," Funina thought with a sigh.

Upon hearing Funina's words, Yae no Miko couldn't help but glance at the water goddess again. Didn't she understand the implied meaning in her words?

Or did the other party realize it, but simply didn't show it because there were outsiders present?

Thinking of this, Yae no Miko's fair hands clenched tightly. How could she have ever become an outsider, watching that guy serve his new master?

Yae no Miko actually had the feeling that she was being made into a Nendoroid, or even that she was being made into a Nendoroid in person.

“If Lady Yae no Kamiko is interested in that article, you are welcome to visit my humble abode. Although the book is no longer available, I have left behind a considerable amount of video footage, which can serve as a reference,” Richard said, looking directly into Yae no Kamiko’s eyes.

Yae no Miko's expression changed. Video footage?! She suddenly remembered that when the island was first established, the Kansei Enforcer had gifted Narukami Taisha with many novel gadgets.

Among them was a phonograph machine from Fontainebleau. I remember being very interested in that phonograph machine and having Richard take quite a few photos for me. Then, he coaxed and tricked me into changing into several different outfits and taking even more photos.

If it were just a photo like Kujo Sara's, Yae no Miko wouldn't feel too ashamed. At least she was sure Richard would never show it to anyone else, because that guy liked to keep things to himself.

The key issue is that what was captured on camera was her true form...

Can you imagine an adorable pink fox wearing a special shrine maiden outfit, with a gohei (a type of shrine maiden) dangling from its mouth?

Haha, this is still the most conservative of all the photos.

Just thinking about it made Yae no Miko involuntarily curl her ten toes tightly. The tightly arched insteps and the gradually becoming clearer pale blue veins on her fair insteps all indicated that her heart was not at peace at this moment.

She forced a smile and replied, "Never mind, I'm only interested in people. What's on paper is history; only face-to-face interaction can reveal their latest ingenious ideas."

Richard understood Yae no Miko's unspoken meaning: let bygones be bygones. What she cared about now was Richard's current thoughts. As long as he obediently returned to Inazuma with her, everything that had happened before could be forgiven.

Hehe, little fox, you still don't understand the situation. (Salary)

“It’s alright. Besides the video footage, I also have a notebook with some very interesting contents. If Lord Yaegami would like it, I can give it to you.” Richard’s gentle smile was like a warm breeze.

To outsiders, Richard's words sounded perfectly normal, but to Yae no Miko, they were interpreted very differently.

She remembered that back then, she would usually record her innermost thoughts in a diary in a notebook. For a time, she was obsessed with novels, and even wrote a passage herself, asking Richard to submit it for publication.

After that, nothing came of it, and she was too busy with official duties to remember it. Now, with it being brought up again, those dead memories suddenly began to attack her brain, catching her somewhat off guard.

A blush crept onto her fair neck, her full breasts heaved, and her round, plump buttocks involuntarily swayed. A fitting idiom could describe Yae no Miko's current state—feeling as if she were sitting on pins and needles. (Postscript)

After a long silence, Yae no Miko suddenly smiled and said, "Then I thank Secretary Richard for his kindness."

Regardless, let's get our dirty laundry back first, Yae no Miko thought through gritted teeth.

Richard waved it off nonchalantly, giving Yae no Miko's alluring face a meaningful look, and said, "It's nothing. I have many more things like notebooks, and I have copies of each one. Giving them to Lady Yae no Miko won't make a difference, so why not?"

"Is that so? Heh..." Yae no Miko's smile faltered, but due to the occasion and the fact that Richard had leverage over her, she couldn't directly lash out.

The shrine maiden who usually took care of Yae no Miko's daily life also noticed this and couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Why does Lord Miyaji look so angry? Lord Richard was even willing to give you his precious notebook...

And this Lord Richard of Fontaine is so handsome! I thought so the first time I saw him, but the more I look at him, the more handsome he becomes. He's completely different from the other officials around him. I wonder if he has a girlfriend.

To be honest, ever since Lord Kuji met Lord Richard, he's seemed a bit off, giving off an indescribable feeling. His schemes failed, but instead of feeling frustrated, Lord Kuji even seemed to feel a sense of joy? Perhaps this is what people often call a worthy opponent?

To be honest, Lord Gongsi and Lord Richard are quite a good match... What am I thinking!

Unbeknownst to Yae no Miko, her personal shrine maiden, who was responsible for taking care of her daily life, had actually started to ship her and Richard's sweet moments.

Bumping into everything will only harm you!

"Hey? Can I have a copy too? I want to see it too." Funina chimed in, saying that although she was uneducated and only wanted to judge and amuse herself every day, she still wanted to see what was written in the notebook.

I can skip watching it, but I can't live without it.jpg

“No…it’s just a notebook. What’s valuable is the thoughts recorded in it. Ms. Funina, if you have any questions, why don’t you just ask Richard directly? Wouldn’t that be more effective?” Yae no Miko almost blurted out, but in the end, she managed to control her instincts with reason and swallowed the word “no” back.

“That makes sense.” Funina thought it made perfect sense, so she dropped the matter, figuring she probably wouldn’t even bother looking at it after she got here.

Richard ignored Yae no Miko's knife-like glare and said to Funina, "If Lady Funina wants to read them, I can bring you a few later. With explanations, they are definitely more effective than reading them alone."

Funina couldn't help but think of the previous 'tutoring class'—if the explanations had been like that…

The girl shook her head abruptly, her face flushed, and she waved her small hands in front of her chest, stammering, "N-no, never mind. You're busy enough, don't let my situation interfere with your work."

Richard didn't think it would interfere with his work. In fact, teaching Funina was part of his job. If a leader can fully understand his subordinates' intentions, then there will be much less resistance and more efficiency in the execution process.

"It won't interfere with work..." Richard sighed when he saw that Funina really didn't want to go to tutoring classes. Well, if the child doesn't want to go, then she doesn't have to.

However, this action was seen differently by Yae no Miko. She already felt her head was heavy, as if she were wearing something, her chest felt tight, her face felt hot, she started sweating, and she felt like taking a bath.

Red-hot temperature...

The shrine maiden, Inashiro Hotaru, glanced at Funina, then at Richard, and finally fixed her gaze on her own priest. Although she maintained the dignity of a shrine maiden on the surface, she had actually already woven a love and hate story of over 100,000 words in her heart.

If it weren't for the fact that Yae no Miko was the editor-in-chief of Yaedo, she would have even wanted to write it and submit it to Yaedo.

After thinking it over carefully, I decided against it; work is more important.

After this incident, Yae no Miko lost interest in continuing to drink tea and chat with Funina. She now only wanted to return to the Inazuma Embassy to calm down and sort out her thoughts.

As for acting like a little girl and directly competing with Funina for Richard's affections, she definitely wouldn't do that, and she didn't really intend to expose Richard's true colors.

Although Richard is a despicable guy, he is also really capable.

Yae no Kamiko is currently in a dilemma. She wants to expose Richard, but she is also afraid that if she does, Richard will discover Richard's badness and also his excellence, and will not let go, thus creating a competitor for herself.

Not to mention that he had a lot of leverage over me. Heaven knows how many shameful things I did back then. Looking back now, I guess Richard was probably involved in guiding me through those things.

The thought of her younger self, manipulated by Richard, made Yae no Miko wish she could travel back in time like a light novel protagonist and use her precognitive advantage to launch a fierce counterattack.

Just thinking about it makes me feel great. When I get back to Inazuma, I'll have Yaedo organize a themed essay contest.

The main theme is 'going back to the past'!

Meanwhile, Funina returned to her office, expecting a grand display of praise, but Richard didn't see it that way...

PS: This is a trial run, please give me your recommendation votes, monthly tickets, favorites, and please follow the story! I'm saying it three times because it's so important. or2

Volume 1: Chapter 15 Why So Skilled?

"In fact, Lady Funina, your performance today was barely satisfactory..." Richard then launched into a merciless critique, his sharp words piercing Funina's heart like a thorn.

The balloon named 'Pride' was suddenly deflated.

Funina's straight body suddenly hunched over, like a wilted eggplant.

"W-Is it really that bad?" Funina asked unwillingly. She felt that her performance today was pretty good, even an exceptional one.

She had been somewhat restrained in front of Richard just now. If she were to give herself a self-evaluation in private, she would say, "I think that Eightfold Divine Child is nothing special."

“It’s not that it’s bad…” Richard paused, and Funina’s face showed a little expectant expression.

"It's just that they're not on the same level."

Funina fell silent, seemingly still unable to accept such a sharp comment, and consoled herself, "Indeed, this Water Goddess is indeed a level above that Eightfold Divine Child."

“If you mean the first class seats at the Opiclie Opera, then you are correct,” Richard replied with high emotional intelligence.

However, it must be admitted that Yae no Miko is even better than Funina at finding amusement. The difference is like one person makes others amusement, while the other makes himself amusement.

If Li had to describe Funina in one apt phrase, he would say she was a natural comedian.

“I think I’m pretty good in other aspects too!” Funina argued.

Richard glanced regretfully at the area a few centimeters above Funina's abdomen; she had already lost completely on some level.

But kind-hearted Richard decided to comfort his boss, saying, "But you and Narukami Balzebu are indeed on the same level."

Although he didn't know what was happening to Inazuma, Richard realized there were still experts among them as soon as the lockdown order was issued!

"Really?" Funina was taken aback for a moment, then quickly regained her confident demeanor. "I knew it! I'm definitely no worse than anyone else!"

"Then why didn't Lady Funina even look at some of the most basic information before the negotiations?" Richard bluntly exposed her shortcomings.

"Um... um... Richard, would you like some macarons?" Funina presented the small desserts on her table to Richard, trying to bribe him with the treats.

"I'll let it go this time, but please remember this lesson, Lady Funina." Richard popped a macaron into his mouth, a sweet, almost cloying sensation filling his taste buds. He quickly took a sip of bitter black tea to neutralize it.

“Richard, what if this negotiation fails? Or what if the result is not ideal and Inazuma gains the advantage…” Funina asked, she had a feeling that Richard must still have a backup plan.

"Lady Funina, sometimes even when the negotiation results are obtained, there will be many twists and turns in the implementation process."

"for example?"

"As far as I know, the emissions from many industrial facilities in Inazuma do not actually comply with Fontaine's environmental regulations."

Funina was puzzled. Why should Inazuma's emissions comply with Fontaine's environmental regulations? Isn't this like using the sword of the previous dynasty to kill the officials of the current dynasty?

Has Fontaine's influence grown that much?

Although rumors circulated that the God of Justice yearned to judge all gods, Funina knew her own situation best; she had no right to judge the gods of other nations.

"Lady Funina, you don't need a reason to hate someone, but a conflict between nations does need a reason, no matter how absurd that reason may sound."

"Moreover, our reasons are perfectly just. The ocean does not belong to any one nation but to all Teyvat creatures. Inazuma's sewage discharge does not meet the standards and is harming everyone's interests."

“In that case, we also have sufficient reason to break the contract and restart negotiations until we reach a result that satisfies us all,” Richard said calmly.

"What if Inazuma doesn't negotiate with you?" Funina asked.

"That would be even better. Let's start by creating a media frenzy: 'Inazuma's shrine dumping into the sea is seriously impacting the marine ecosystem; experts point out that Inazuma is attempting to exterminate marine life,' 'The dangers of the shrine's remains: three things every Teyvat should know!' 'The head of the shrine's chieftain is suspected of being seriously ill; experts speculate it may be diabetes'..."

"We'll officially step in after the public outcry has subsided. Inazuma's willful actions, which harm the interests of the entire Teyvat continent, are immoral and unjust. As a nation of justice, we unilaterally announce the termination of this cooperation and call on all countries to jointly resist this immoral behavior." Richard smirked, like a devil manipulating people's hearts.

"I think the other five countries will definitely not mind taking the opportunity to gain some benefits from Inazuma."

After hearing Richard's plan, Funina's expression was somewhat complicated. Although the plan had not yet come to fruition, she felt that if the negotiations had really gone wrong, he would have done just that, and the events would most likely have unfolded as he had predicted.

The only thing that puzzled Funina was... why Richard's whole process seemed so familiar.