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With Yoshika departing for Snezhnaya, the rest of Fontaine had no time to waste. The city, once known for its elegance and refined beauty, now had to become an impenetrable fortress.

Furina stood atop the grand balcony of the Palais Mermonia, staring down at the city below. Normally, she would be playing the role of a dramatic celebrity, waving at people or basking in attention. But today, her expression was serious. She could feel the weight of what was coming.

Neuvillette approached from behind. "You seem troubled."

Furina scoffed. "Troubled? Moi? Neuvillette, please, you know I thrive under pressure."

He gave her a knowing look, his long hair flowing gently with the breeze. "Then you must also know how important this moment is. Fontaine cannot afford weakness."

She sighed, resting her chin on her hand. "Yes, yes, I know. We're all playing our roles, aren't we?"

Neuvillette didn't respond right away, instead looking out at the city with a calculating gaze. "We have already begun reinforcing key locations. The courts have been repurposed as strategic points for defense. The Champion Duelists are training more fighters. And I have personally requested the Fortress of Meropide's aid in securing our supply lines."

Furina raised an eyebrow. "The Fortress of Meropide? You mean Wriothesley and his-ugh-underground society?"

Neuvillette nodded. "They have resources that we lack. If Celestia launches another attack, we will need every ally possible."

Furina huffed but didn't argue. For once, she understood the necessity of it all.

Down in the training grounds, Clorinde was already working with a group of Fontaine's finest duelists. Her movements were swift, calculated, every strike of her blade sharp enough to leave a deep mark on the wooden dummies.

Lyney and Lynette watched from the side. While Lynette remained quiet, Lyney frowned slightly. "It's strange, isn't it? Preparing for war in a place that was once filled with magic and performances?"

Clorinde sheathed her sword and glanced at him. "It's necessary."

Lyney sighed, adjusting his magician hat. "I know, I know. But I prefer battles with illusions, not real bloodshed."

Clorinde's sharp eyes softened slightly. "Then make sure you survive."

Lyney gave a small smile, but even he knew the danger ahead.

Meanwhile, Arlecchino had taken command of another faction-coordinating with Fontaine's military and ensuring that every soldier was ready. She was strict, unyielding, and her mere presence alone was enough to keep everyone focused.

When she returned to the Palais, Furina was waiting for her.

"Ah, Arlecchino, dearest menace of Fontaine," Furina greeted with a dramatic sigh. "How is the grand preparation going?"

Arlecchino crossed her arms. "Efficiently."

Furina smirked. "How delightfully vague."

Arlecchino narrowed her eyes slightly. "Don't waste my time, Furina. You and I both know that even with all these preparations, we are at a disadvantage. Celestia's forces are beyond anything Teyvat has faced before."

Furina's smirk faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Which is why we're making every effort count."

Arlecchino studied her for a moment before speaking in a lower tone. "You're worried about Yoshika."

Furina stiffened, but her expression remained composed. "Worried? Ha! She's the strongest dancer in Snezhnaya. Why would I be worried?"

Arlecchino didn't answer right away. Instead, she simply said, "Make sure you're prepared for when she returns."

Furina blinked, caught off guard by the words.

Arlecchino turned to leave, her red-and-black coat flowing behind her.

That night, as Furina sat alone in her chamber, she found herself staring at the moonlit sky.

She hoped Yoshika would return soon.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖧𝗈𝗐 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗅𝗅???><