svetikya Page 340
Page 340
Funina whispered:
"...I'm really not a good enough person."
Despite being so close to Lujing Spring, and despite having passed by it countless times, I never noticed anything unusual about the spring water.
The 'serial disappearances of young girls' case has lasted for nearly twenty years. To say that all the blame for this should be placed on the Water God would undoubtedly be an attempt to shirk responsibility.
But to say that she had nothing to do with it—Furina couldn't convince herself.
After all, as the "Queen of the waters, the lands, the peoples and the laws," she failed to hear even the cries of the people of Fontainebleau so close at hand.
Isn't this a dereliction of duty?
Of course—she was indeed just a figurehead, possessing the name of the water goddess but lacking the substance, but this was undoubtedly the source of Funina's pain.
Deeply loved and expected by the people of Fontainebleau, as the 'Water God,' I could only watch helplessly as the prophecy came to pass and all sorts of tragedies occurred. The feeling of 'I can't do anything' lingered in my heart, and it was truly... painful.
Biting her lip, Funina wondered—if someone else were to be the water goddess, would they be better than her?
A sense of bewilderment lingered in my eyes until a warm sensation encircling the back of my neck interrupted my gloomy thoughts.
The twin clockwork mechanisms danced gracefully on the dance floor, while also serving as silent witnesses—watching the black-haired youth whose neck was embraced by the fair arms of the blue-and-white-haired girl.
The close proximity allowed them to feel each other's body temperature, and the intoxicating fragrance of irises emanating from their hair seemed to revitalize them.
The machinery continued to dance gracefully, and the soothing music gradually calmed people's emotions—a combination of factors that allowed Funina to experience an unprecedented sense of peace and beauty.
Self-blame, pain, and even troubles seemed to have been left behind.
All that remains is a peaceful tranquility that one longs for.
This was something Funina had never experienced in the past five hundred years.
"Have you ever slacked off in the past five hundred years?"
"No... um... occasionally there is a little bit, just a tiny bit!" Funina wanted to be more assertive, but after thinking about it, she still conceded a little in a low voice and argued her point.
It's impossible that she never slacked off, after all, no matter how strong she is, she is still a human being.
If you keep staying tense... you really won't be able to hold on!
That being said—now that I'm five hundred years later, I seem to be nearing my limit... no, I've probably already exceeded it.
"I understand - everyone needs a moment of rest."
"But apart from that, have you ever neglected your responsibilities?"
"No! Absolutely not!"
"Then you've done everything you could." A sweet, warm breath brushed against her ear as the girl whispered softly, "You've done the best you could."
"...I've done my best..." Funina said, somewhat stunned. "But..."
She wanted to say something, but her index finger, encased in a silk glove, gently pressed against her lips, stopping her from speaking further.
"It's okay~ Since you've done your best, no one will blame you."
"At least—I won't allow it."
The words, gentle yet firm, conveying an unquestionable certainty, echoed in my ears.
These slightly domineering words made Funina feel a little dizzy.
An indescribable sense of peace lingered in my heart.
Of course—the most obvious sign was her slightly flushed cheeks and earlobes. Although it seemed a little strange to have her own body like this, 'she' was really amazing!
Without a doubt, the innocent 'Fuqiao' was completely outmaneuvered when she ran into a well-known heartbreaker who was experienced and skilled at flirting.
"Okay, okay... let go of me..."
Muttering softly, Funina shyly pulled away from 'Jiang Ningna's' embrace.
"So what do we do next?"
According to Funina's own idea, she would definitely bring that guy named Vashe to justice immediately, but she still subconsciously asked Jiang Qiao for her opinion.
"Next, we need to find that young lady from the Rose Society."
“Navia?! What do you want with her?” Funina asked, puzzled.
If the goal is to gather evidence, Jiang Qiao has undoubtedly obtained sufficient witness testimony to support General Vashj.
As for Navia... Funina thought for a long time but couldn't figure out what connection the young lady of the Rose Society had with this.
Wait... Could it be that Jiang Qiao and Navia have some kind of relationship?
Funina subconsciously recalled the brief conversation between Jiang Qiao and Navia during the day. Logically speaking, the former should be visiting this world for the first time, and it should also be the first time she has met Navia, so they should not have any connection.
Could it be... love at first sight!?
Miss Fulina instantly recalled a classic scene from the story, and her expression subtly changed.
Seriously?! Is the progress this fast?!
Miss Funina subconsciously bit her nails, seemingly bothered by the action.
Of course—she wasn't concerned about whether there was any intimate relationship between the two of them!
Do you remember her father?
"Kares Casapa".
While Funina was lost in thought, the name Jiang Qiao mentioned made her pause for a moment, and then she nodded in realization:
"Oh, it's him. I definitely remember that man."
Although the Rose Society is a non-governmental organization with the nature of a gang, it is actually quite special—especially its founder, Carles Casapa.
He was kind and righteous, bringing much help to the residents of White Pine Town. He also made significant contributions to the government of Fontaine, such as the rail-guided waterways that now operate throughout Fontaine, which were built with the help of Kares and the Rose Society he founded.
In recognition of Kares' contributions, the three waterways of Fontainebleau—the "Kares Line," the "Clementine Line," and the "Navia Line"—are named after Kares and his family. The Moman Palace even plans to bestow upon Kares the title of Earl.
She was the one who approved that title.
However, the man did not seem to accept it.
“Kares…I remember him a few years ago…that’s right! He died because of the serial disappearances of teenage girls!” After recalling for a moment, Furnessa exclaimed in surprise, “He…she was innocent!”
Kares, who made great contributions to the development of Fontaine, ended up being involved in a series of missing girls, which caused a great sensation at the time and was something she would remember.
However, as time passed and the prophecy drew near, she no longer had the leisure or inclination to pay attention to such old matters.
Now that she had learned about Vashes, Funina immediately realized—this...this is framing an innocent person!
"After that incident, Kares was branded as 'the unjust Kares,' and the reputation of the Rose Society plummeted."
"this..."
Funina's eyes widened in surprise.
She really didn't know anything about this.
“Unjust Kares…this…” Savoring this derogatory title, Funina fell silent for a moment.
Having reigned for five hundred years and witnessed the rise and fall of the Rose Society, as well as the rise of that man, she knew his character all too well.
As a result, this person who made great contributions to the development of Fontaine not only died in the opera house due to the serial disappearances of young girls, but was also given such a stigma after his death.
"No, no, this won't do! How can you do this!"
Because she was so focused on the prophecy, she failed to notice the terrible things that had happened around her. Funina said urgently, "We have to do something!"
Regardless of her sense of justice, she clearly could not let this happen.
"...Wait, I get it. You're planning to have Navia as the plaintiff, right?"
The blue-and-white-haired girl smiled and asked in return:
"Isn't this bad?"
There are many ways to deal with Vasher.
Having the Shadow Chasing Court and the police force handle this would enhance the prestige of the Fontaine Court and also compensate for the loss of public trust caused by the series of missing girls.
If he were to expose it—in the form of Fryna—it would further solidify the image of the God of Justice in people's hearts.
But Jiang Qiao does not intend to choose either of these two.
In his opinion, the one more suitable to do this would be Navia, the young lady of the Rose Society.
This is definitely not because Navia was originally supposed to do this.
But simply put—this is how justice should be served in Fontainebleau.
...
"Funina...sir?!"
Inside the Debord Grand Hotel, Navia, who had been invited, looked at the figure sitting at the dining table with some surprise and awkwardness, and changed her address accordingly.
Unlike most Fontaines, perhaps because she had more contact with the lower classes or had witnessed too many 'absurd' trials, Navia was not very fond of Fontaine's higher-ups.
Of course, this was probably mainly aimed at the Supreme Judge Navigette and those bureaucrats.