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The war room within the Tsaritsa’s palace was dimly lit, the glow of the ice-crystal chandeliers casting eerie reflections across the grand table. Yoshika stood beside Arlecchino, her dark pink eyes scanning the large map of Teyvat spread before them.

Across from them, several high-ranking Harbingers and Snezhnayan strategists murmured amongst themselves. The tension in the air was thick.

Arlecchino, ever composed, crossed her arms. “You’ve seen Fontaine’s defenses firsthand. What’s your assessment?”

Yoshika placed a gloved hand on the map, tracing the waterways of Fontaine. “Their defenses are strong, but limited. Fontaine relies heavily on its naval power and aquatic borders, but if the enemy has air support or any means of bypassing the water, the city could be overwhelmed.”

One of the strategists, a stern-faced man clad in a fur-lined coat, nodded. “And what of their forces?”

Yoshika hesitated for a brief moment before answering. “Determined, but lacking numbers. Neuvillette commands great power, and Clorinde is their strongest duelist, but Fontaine is not a militaristic nation. Their soldiers are skilled, but not hardened for prolonged war.”

Arlecchino tapped the table with her fingers. “Then Snezhnaya will provide what they lack.”

The Tsaritsa, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. “How many troops will be needed?”

Yoshika turned to her. “We can’t risk emptying Snezhnaya’s defenses, but we’ll need enough to reinforce Fontaine’s weaker points. A strong frontline, backup for their forces, and specialized units to counter any unexpected threats.”

Arlecchino smirked. “I’ll take my best units. The House of the Hearth’s trained agents will be useful in sabotage and ambush tactics.”

The Tsaritsa nodded, her icy gaze unwavering. “Then it is decided. Snezhnaya will send forces to Fontaine.”

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of the decision settling in.

One of the strategists stepped forward. “If we’re committing to this, we need to act fast. How soon do you leave?”

Yoshika exchanged a glance with Arlecchino before answering.

“Tomorrow.”

Arlecchino chuckled. “Good. I was getting bored here anyway.”

As the meeting concluded, Yoshika stepped away, her mind racing with the weight of responsibility. She had secured Snezhnaya’s aid, but the battle was far from won.

She stepped outside, breathing in the cold night air. The snowflakes fell softly around her, the silence of the capital a stark contrast to the chaos that awaited in Fontaine.

Furina would be waiting for her return.

Yoshika clenched her fists, determination settling deep within her.

She would not let Fontaine fall.

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖧𝖾𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗂𝗇𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝖽𝗈𝗇𝖾