Yes, Lady Funina!

Although the events of the past two weeks have been quite stimulating for Richard personally, from a macro perspective, this exchange activity was undoubtedly a success.

This not only fostered friendly exchanges between the two countries, but also boosted the economies of Fontaine and Liyue. Technological cooperation also began, and this cooperation was not merely at the grassroots level, but was a genuine collaboration between nations.

For Fontaine, cooperating with Liyue not only shared the risks but also provided ample financial support. After all, everyone knows that Liyue is a goldmine in Teyvat.

For Liyue, cooperating with Fontaine will allow them to quickly emerge from the shadow of the Emperor's departure and better allocate the resources and funds currently accumulating in the Liyue market.

For a country, investing money in research and development is obviously much more useful than keeping it in a bank where it will naturally depreciate.

This is a win-win situation.

Of course, some people may ask, if this is a win-win situation, why didn't we do it before, and why did we wait until now to start cooperating?

Naturally, it's because there was no foundation of mutual trust between the two sides. Fontaine is different from Mondstadt in Liyue. The reason why Liyue and Mondstadt were able to get along well was entirely because their gods were friends.

And what about Fontaine?

Aside from trade, the high-level officials of Fontaine and Liyue had no other contact with each other beyond the most basic exchanges. Since they didn't understand each other, there was no basis for mutual trust.

It's just that Momo Palace recently produced Richard, and Liyue produced Ningguang; otherwise, Fontaine and Liyue would still be two countries that have absolutely no connection.

Richard's significance to the cooperation between Fontaine and Liyue is like that of the friendship between the Anemo Archon and the Geo Archon.

The friendship between the Wind God and the Rock God fostered mutual trust between the two nations, while Richard, through... well, his body?, managed to reach a consensus among the high-ranking officials of both countries.

But it doesn't matter if it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat.

Richard's use of his good looks to secure a partnership between Fontainebleau and Liyue does sound more impressive in some ways.

This can be considered a form of "handsome man diplomacy."

"After this parting, I don't know when we will meet again. I hope you will take good care of yourself."

After spending two weeks together, it was finally time to part ways. Even Ningguang couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reluctance, and her words inevitably revealed her true feelings.

Fortunately, there were no outsiders present. Otherwise, if others knew that the business queen of Liyue would show such a feminine side to a man, it would probably cause a huge uproar in Liyue.

The shock was no less than in Fontaine, when Furnessa announced to the people of Fontaine without warning that she was in a relationship and pregnant with a child.

Fryna seemed to be affected by the atmosphere of parting, and said emotionally to Ningguang, "Don't worry, I will take good care of Richard."

Clarinde, standing to the side, couldn't help but glance at him sideways. Are you sure it's you taking care of Richard, and not Richard taking care of you?

Of course, Clarind didn't say this directly. She had already offended Richard recently, and if she offended Funina as well, she wouldn't be able to live like this.

However, compared to Ningguang's sadness, Richard didn't have so many thoughts. This wasn't to say that Richard was heartless, but rather that for him, the journey from Fontaine to Liyue wouldn't take too long.

If visas are not a factor, Richard, when acting alone, can reduce a journey that would normally take a day to just a few hours, and when using his full strength, he can even reduce that time to about an hour.

When we regain full authority in the future, traveling thousands of miles will be a breeze, and that will no longer be a joke.

“I’ll visit you in Liyue when I have time,” Richard said.

Upon hearing Richard's assurance, Ningguang's smile became even more radiant and captivating. In her eyes, this marked the beginning of Richard's journey from "Mr." to "Master."

Although Richard did not express any particular feelings for her, there is no doubt that things are starting to show. At least Richard has begun to realize her feelings and has given some feedback.

Based on this alone, Ningguang felt that her trip to Fontainebleau was already a complete success.

In public, she achieved success in both the moon and the maple leaves; in private, she took the most important step in her emotional life, comparable to the traveler model relay—winning (Ying) Mama.

Meanwhile, watching the group reluctantly part ways, Xianyun couldn't help but look at Shen He and ask, "Aren't you going to say goodbye?"

Shen He seemed to just realize what was happening. He mimicked Ningguang and Richard's words and said to his master with a serious expression, "Master, I don't know when we will meet again after this parting. Please take good care of yourself. I will come back to Liyue to see you when I have time."

Xianyun's face immediately darkened. She looked at her little cabbage in disbelief and said in a trembling voice, "What do you mean? You're not coming back to Liyue with your master?"

When you think back to how Shenhe set off, it looked like he was moving house, and the sense of déjà vu becomes even stronger.

Could Shen He really be planning to stay in Fontainebleau? When this thought crossed Xianyun's mind, she couldn't help but feel lost.

Although Xianyun felt that he was fine being alone on Mount Aozang, the thought of not seeing his apprentice after each research on mechanisms made him feel a sudden emptiness in his heart, as if a piece of him was missing.

It was only then that Xianyun realized that over the past twenty years, Shen He had subtly and silently invaded her world and occupied a pivotal position within it.

The last time I had this feeling was when Gan Yu went down the mountain to serve as the Seven Star Secretary.

Children eventually grow up, and Xianyun had long understood that Shenhe couldn't stay by her side forever, but she hadn't expected it to happen so quickly and so suddenly.

Thinking of this, Xianyun fell into deep thought. She wasn't trying to find the words to persuade Shen He to stay, but rather she was thinking about how to say something that would allow Shen He to pursue his own happiness with peace of mind.

That's how it is to be a parent. No matter how reluctant you are, you will still put your reluctance in your heart and choose to let go for the sake of your child's better life.

Just as Xianyun was about to speak, Shenhe continued, "If I say this, will Master feel reluctant?"

This time, Xianyun didn't remain arrogant. Following her own thoughts, she replied somewhat awkwardly, "There will be a little."

Yes, this was Xianyun's last act of stubbornness.

“If I were to leave my master, I would feel a sense of loss, so please pretend you didn’t hear what I just said.” This time, Shen He was genuinely smiling, unlike his usual pixel-perfect smile.

Only then did Xianyun realize what was happening and laughed, scolding, "Shen He, you actually made fun of your master."

After saying this, Xianyun became even more certain of her previous judgment. Although she was reluctant to admit it, Richard was indeed a good remedy for Shenhe.

After just two weeks of contact, Shen He underwent a visible change, becoming more lively and more 'human'.

You should know that Shen He would never have said a joke like that before.

Most importantly, she said that leaving her teacher would also be a difficult feeling to let go of!

She has me in her heart!

Xianyun is feeling very happy now, happier than ever before, even more so than when he developed the new mechanism.

It's no exaggeration to say that Shen He's words made Xianyun feel that the care she had received over the past twenty years was worthwhile.

This celestial bird is so easily satisfied.

“Shen He, I remember you brought a lot of luggage when you came, right? Since you don’t plan to settle in Fontainebleau, why did you bring so much luggage?” Xianyun suddenly thought.

"Because the new house needs renovation, I wasn't sure if I could buy the things I needed for cultivation in Fengdan, so I just brought everything with me," Shen He replied.

"A new house?! You bought a house in Fontainebleau? When did this happen?" Xianyun was shocked. Just how many things are you hiding from your master?

“Shortly after you told me you were going to Fontaine, I asked Ningguang to help me buy a property around Fontaine,” Shen He replied.

With the money she earned from exorcising demons over the years, she could afford a house in the most bustling part of Fontainebleau, but she could still afford a relatively remote residence.

Ningguang also said that if Shen He was worried about money, she could lend him the money as a favor between friends, and he would only need to repay the principal in the future.

However, Shen He didn't have high requirements for housing. In addition, she preferred a quieter living environment with fewer people. So, while a bustling location might be a plus for others, it was a minus for her. She didn't need to borrow money to buy a better house, so she declined Ning Guang's offer.

The apartment Ningguang found for her is great. It has complete facilities and relatively convenient transportation. It's only a ten-minute walk to the railboat station. The only downside is that it's not as lively as the city center and looks a bit deserted.

As for why she had been living in Ningguang's house instead of moving into her newly bought house, it was because the new house was still under renovation and would probably be finished by the time she came to Fontainebleau next time.

It's quite strange, really. Shen He, a true Liyue native, bought his first property in Fontaine. Isn't that a kind of...

“Ningguang is indeed very kind; you should thank her properly later.” After hearing Shen He’s story, Xianyun knew that Ningguang had taken great care of her disciple.

Although Shen He has earned a lot of Mora by occasionally going down the mountain to exorcise demons over the years, it is still a bit difficult for him to buy a property in Fontaine. It is thanks to Ningguang's powerful connections that she was able to find the most suitable residence and sell it to Shen He at cost price.

"Yes, I know. But Ningguang said that we'll all be family in the future, so there's no need for thanks."

"Friends really don't need to be so formal... Hmm? Wait, family?" Xianyun felt something was off. How could they be family?

If Ningguang said that everyone is a friend, then there's no need for thanks or anything, which would be normal. But why did she say that we're family?

Xianyun thought about it more and more and more and more, and something was very wrong!

Just as she was about to say something, she noticed that Shen He had already walked away and joined Richard and the others in conversation not far away. The one man and five women seemed to get along very well, just like... a family.

Xianyun rubbed her eyes and then saw Shen He walking towards her with the camera Charlotte had given her.

"Master, could you please take a picture for us?"

Xianyun, somewhat awkwardly, aimed the commemorative camera at the six handsome men and beautiful women standing in a row, pressed the shutter button, and time was frozen on the photographic paper. He then looked at the photo that the commemorative camera had produced.

Xianyun fell silent.

Family... Oh, so that's what it means!

Richard... he's just too lucky!

The Liyue delegation eventually left, but their footprints did not disappear with their departure.

Liyue goods are ubiquitous in the streets and alleys, and people's casual conversations are no longer limited to the plays at the Opiclair Opera House, but have begun to talk about Liyue opera, legends of immortals, and other topics. Many well-known opera troupes from Fontainebleau have also decided to accept the invitation to tour Liyue... All these signs prove the success of this cultural exchange between the two countries.

Even Funinga was hoping that the seemingly technically skilled Liuyun Borrowing Wind True Lord could bring her some surprises in anti-gravity technology.

Yes, Xianyun kept her promise and selectively told Funina the truth, but it wasn't "for next time." Since Xianyun had already said it, she would also study anti-gravity technology in her spare time.

Even if it can't create a stable anti-gravity device, it can at least help Fontaine improve its technology and provide some new ideas for front-line researchers.

Although no significant results can be seen in the short term, in the long run, the advent of this technology is almost inevitable.

Seeing the possibility of success, Fu Ningna's anxiety eased somewhat. Although she was still anxious, she would no longer resort to desperate measures.

Life returned to its usual tranquility, except for Clarinde.

Because of her previous mistake, Clarinde wasn't fired, but as a price for staying, her workload increased several levels, almost matching the workload during her busiest period as a dueling agent.

I'm so busy every day that I barely have time to breathe. Sometimes I only have time for a quick afternoon tea before heading off to work.

It's said that the duty of a minister's secretary is to keep the minister busy, but so far, it seems that Frynn is getting more and more relaxed, while Clarinde, as the secretary, is getting busier and busier. It seems that the roles have been reversed.

Although it sounded pitiful, Richard didn't feel sorry for him at all; he had his own things to do right now.

"What? You're going on another business trip? And to Inazuma again?!"

P.S.: Holy crap, I forgot to post it after I finished writing it yesterday, I only realized it when I woke up.

Volume 1: Chapter 131 Furina: Richard…no… (10,000 words)

Today, the weather in Fontaine is clear and sunny. Although it is winter, the warm sunshine makes people feel cozy and comfortable. It is a perfect day to have afternoon tea in the open-air garden.

Although her worries were not yet resolved, at least there was hope. So after the Liyue delegation left, Frynn was in a very good mood, and a smile seemed to never disappear from her face.

However, this good mood vanished after Richard told her about his recent work arrangements.

"What? You're going on another business trip? And to Inazuma again?!"

Funina slammed her hand on the desk, leaned forward, and stared at Richard with wide almond-shaped eyes.

We've only been at peace in Fontainebleau for a short while, why are we going out again?

At this moment, Fu Ningna felt like a gentle and virtuous wife who had a husband who was always away from home and loved to have fun.

A sense of helplessness lingers amidst the heartache.

Moreover, unlike the others, Funina couldn't find a reason to refuse Richard's request for this business trip, because the reason given by the other party was reasonable and well-founded: to revisit and investigate the living conditions of the technicians that the Inazuma Mission had taken from Fontainebleland.

After all, it was their city hall that was in charge of liaising with them in the first place. If something really went wrong, neither Funina nor Richard could escape responsibility. It was necessary to make a proper follow-up visit. This was not only to be responsible to the technical staff, but also to be responsible to themselves.

Moreover, this trip to Inazuma also serves to maintain the friendship between Fontaine and Inazuma. Therefore, this diplomatic activity is necessary from both the perspective of national and personal interests.

"Can't we let someone else go? What are the people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for?" Fu Ningna pouted and muttered.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also send someone to accompany me, and I was specifically invited this time, so it’s not easy to refuse,” Richard said.

"They specifically invited you... Could it be that Yae no Kami, the one who came to Fontaine back then?"

The beautiful fox spirit left a very deep impression on Funina at that time. It wasn't that Funina suffered any great loss at the hands of the fox spirit, but rather that it was the first time Funina had joined forces with Richard to fight against an enemy.

Of course, that's not the key point.

The main thing is that she didn't think there was anything wrong with it before, but after Ningguang's incident, looking back, Funinna realized that both Yae no Miko's attitude towards Richard and Richard's understanding of Yae no Miko indicated that the two of them were definitely more than just acquaintances.

Moreover, Yae no Miko's attitude when she first arrived was vastly different from her attitude before she left.

The former's attitude reminded Fulina of a resentful woman confined to her chambers, who was filled with unfulfilled desires, while the latter was like a cunning fox who had reaped the benefits.

Well, Funina admits that this analogy is somewhat subjective, but there is no doubt that Yae no Kami's purpose in inviting Richard to Inazuma was not pure.

This ambiguous attitude reminded Frynn of Ningguang, who had recently returned to Liyue from Fontainebleau.

In some ways, Ningguang and Yae no Miko are quite similar; both hold high positions and are beautiful and charming, representing the ideals that ordinary people can only dream of.

Most importantly, both of them have a complicated past with Richard.

The resemblance was uncanny; it was impossible for Funina not to overthink things in this situation.

Based on the principle of presumption of guilt, Funina did not make an objective judgment this time, but only a subjective one. She was convinced that Yae no Kamiko's invitation to Richard was not as simple as a dinner party, and that they might end up eating somewhere else entirely.

The more Funina thought about it, the more panicked she became. This panic was even greater than when Ningguang came to Fontaine. After all, when Ningguang came to Fontaine, it was like she was fighting on home turf. On the other hand, when Yae no Kami invited Richard to Inazuma, wasn't it like she was fighting on away turf?

They were already likely to lose, and this was an away game, plus the person was a member of Narukami's family, with Raijin backing them up.