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The loud sound of a pot or pan being dropped could be heard reverberating throughout the kitchen.
"Gah! Paimon's sorry about that."
"You're good. We just need to… well, find some way to make the world give us another hour."
"Paimon's not sure if that's- "
"It was a joke, Paimon."
"Heehee. Sorry. Paimon was taking it seriously."
Gathered around the kitchen within the Teapot, Aether, Navia, and Paimon were all wearing aprons and covered head to toe in flour and frosting. The reason for this is that today is a very special day.
Furina's birthday.
This plan had been in the works for a few weeks now, with Navia having reached out to her dear partner for ideas to make the former Hydro Archon's birthday a magical one. Granted, that task would be a difficult one given Furina's… persona.
How exactly could you top someone who always managed to top even the top?
"Ugh. I have flour in my hair. Oh, that's going to take some time to wash out," Navia groaned.
"Aww. Paimon's clothes are even dirty… which shouldn't be all that possible since we're wearing aprons," Paimon whined while having flour cover part of her face.
"I… think I have frosting in my shirt," Aether replied in utter bewilderment.
"How exactly did we get like this?" the President of Spina di Rosula commented. "One minute we're at full production and then the next…"
"The entire room is a mess!"
"Well, we did kind of rush it near the end. And it didn't help that I bumped right into Aether with the flour. Sorry about that, partner."
"Don't worry, Nav. I'm alright. Besides, the look on your face after the cloud of smoke disappeared is one that I'll never forget, haha!"
Navia's face became flushed with a red tint as she couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed yet amused by the teasing. She could also repeat what exactly happened in her mind and how everything was fine until it wasn't.
Who knew such shenanigans could take place within seconds?
"Hehe. I'll remember that quite fondly, Aether. But look at how our hard work has paid off!"
Gesturing to the oven fully loaded, Navia's signature Macarons, Aether's La Lettre à Focalors cake, and Paimon's chocolate chip cookies were all placed separately.
"Ooh! Paimon's mouth is watering… heehee…"
"Easy there, Paimon. We've still got a bit until Furina's party."
"Speaking of her, where is she now?"
"Furina's got a fully loaded schedule today. Not only did she plan a meet and greet as well as an autograph signing, but she's expected to perform an indie play that should take about an hour. So, looking at the time…"
"It's about one in the afternoon," Paimon chipped in.
Now knowing where the birthday girl was, thanks to Navia's input, Aether looked back at their hard work sitting inside the oven. They had gone to great lengths to make today one to remember.
Sitting down on one of the chairs in the kitchen, Navia began patting down her messy apron.
"I'm still a bit curious how we got so dirty. Aside from the flour mishap, we weren't being all that reckless."
"Yeah, Paimon was doing her best to keep everything all tidy in her area."
"I guess we've still got a lot to learn," Aether added with a small smile. "Besides, things might have gone differently if Escof- "
*BAM*
Suddenly, the front door opened, leaving the trio shaken by the loud noise.
One by one, they went to check what had caused the loud noise and soon found themselves shaking in their shoes.
The chief was now here.
"What in the world… what happened to you three?!"
The well-renowned Fontainian chef, who is widely recognized for her exquisite and extreme quality in her dishes, had entered the Teapot.
Escoffier.
"Ehehe… hi… Escoffier…" Navia weakly replied.
Observing the orange-haired chef closely, Aether could spot an elegantly wrapped box in both of her hands as she continued to stare blankly at the trio. The pieces were adding up to what the loud sound was.
"Mind explaining why you three look like you've been rolling around in flour. And… how is there frosting in your hair, Navia!?"
"Err… that's a bit of a funny story," Navia started to say. "We were baking and- "
"Baking?! And this is what's happened?" Escoffier said before casting her eyes toward the kitchen.
"Escoffier! Why don't we help you put that cake down and- "
Ignoring the Traveler's words, Escoffier strictly placed her box onto a nearby table and made her way into the kitchen.
What followed was a moment of silence, which left the trio of bakers cold and pale. They had expected the established chef to say something, but it was the silence that was getting to them the most.
"…She's not saying anything!" Paimon whispered in a dire state.
"I-I'm sure she's just in shock."
Aether tried soothing the young girl, but couldn't stop the bead of sweat trailing down the side of his face.
"Partner… I'm scared," Navia muttered while holding her hands close to her chest.
Before any of them could say anything, a soft, melancholic voice reached out to them.
"Aether, Navia, Paimon… mind coming in here please?"
"We're dead."
Later…
Having somehow survived the verbal assault from Escoffier, Aether and the others were now in a large conference room inside one of the hotels currently hosting Furina's meet and greet session.
"How much longer is she going to be meeting people?" Paimon asked while floating next to the Traveler.
"The schedule Clorinde provided us says that she'll wrap it up at three. Maybe she's got a few stragglers?" Navia replied.
After the barrage of words set forth by Escoffier for dirtying the kitchen, everyone went to clean up and get ready for the party. Once they were all good, they made their way over to the hotel and helped get all the decorations set.
It turns out that everyone was hyper-fixated on making Furina's party the best it could be.
"I still can't believe that Neuvillette had a hand in this."
"Right? I mean, aside from Clorinde, he's one of the only people that was relatively close to Furina and knew what things she liked and disliked. Honestly, it shouldn't be that surprising. I'm sure with all the time those two spent together while she was the Hydro Archon, he picked up a few things regarding…"
"Proper party preparation?" came a familiar voice behind them.
Turning around, Aether smiled as he spotted a certain someone coming up to them.
"Neuvillette!"
"Greetings, you three. I see you've been hard at work preparing for Furina's birthday."
"Not as hard as you. I take it you were a key force in setting all this up?"
Navia said while gesturing to the heavily decorated large room with balloons, streamers, signs, lights, guests, and much more.
"I assure you, I did not have that much of a hand in all of this. It's all thanks to the love and support that the people of Fontaine have for Furina. She's done so much during her time as the Hydro Archon and even now, post her responsibilities."
Seeing what he meant, Aether could see so many people adding their own touches to the decorations as well as bringing in unique gifts that weren't just bought at a store. The people of Fontaine truly appreciated and loved the ever-theatrical girl.
"Whoa. Paimon didn't realize that so many people helped make this."
"I sort of assumed that a hired crew would help set up the decorations."
"As did I. However, a few of the Melusines asked for the rest of the day off to stop by and celebrate Furina's birthday. Those few Melusines then turned to other attendants and soon enough, there was help everywhere you could see."
Smiles were being shared as everyone now waited for Furina to finish her meet and greet session.
"She really is loved…"
"Indeed, she is."
Just then, the sound of several doors could be heard opening, followed by a sharp gasp.
"W-What is all this?"
Standing there in all her glory was the birthday girl, wearing a somewhat tired expression. Behind her, Clorinde appeared to be carrying a box and sharing a moment of surprise before becoming neutral again.
"Surprise!"
*POP*
*POP*
Confetti shot through the air, and everyone appeared out of nowhere. Paimon was beyond confused about how many people seemed to phase into existence.
"Happy Birthday Furina!"
The sheer look of surprise and appreciation flashed onto her face, and it was easy to see how much this meant to her. It was also nice to see so many familiar faces scattered across the room. Faces such as Charlotte, Wriothesley, Sigewinne, Freminet, Lynette, Lyney, Chevreuse, Emilie, and many others. Even Hu Tao was spotted standing next to a few other familiar faces from Liyue Harbor.
From Aether's point of view, it almost looked like the former Hydro Archon was about ready to start crying at all the joy being directed her way.
Amongst the crowd, someone decided to lend her a hand.
"Speech! Speech!"
"Speech!"
"Yeah! Say something!"
Blushing brightly from all the attention, Furina now had the floor and everyone's attention.
Clearing her throat and wiping her eyes with early tears, she spoke in a soft yet noteworthy tone.
"Everyone… I cannot truly tell you how much this means to me. The days of pretending to be the Hydro Archon and fulfilling the tasks that come with the title are over. And now… I'm just me. Furina di Fontaine. A girl who… a girl who… *sniff* I'm sorry. Getting emotional here."
The crowd could understand what she was trying to say. Nobody would be upset if she needed a minute.
Stepping up to her, Clorinde offered her friend a handkerchief, which she was grateful for, and cleaned herself up.
"Sorry about that. As I was saying… thank you. This means so much to me. Everyone taking time out of their day to spend it here and helping create this magnificent sight. I have had many birthdays, and many of them have been remarkable. But this one… might just top them all. All throughout today, I've been welcomed by so many people offering me gifts and praise for everything that I've done and… I want you all to know that I shall turn all that love and encouragement into a spring that nourishes my soul – so that I might repay you all one day with work even more spectacular! Thank you!"
The room then erupted in cheers and applause from everyone.
Finishing her speech, Furina could feel herself beginning to cry, but quickly wiped her tears before beginning to go around and greet as many people as she could.
"Aww. Paimon's gonna tear up! That was such a nice speech."
"Yeah… it really was… *sniff*" Navia replied while also beginning to tear up.
Aether smoothly handed her a handkerchief he had kept on hand.
"Thanks, partner."
"Anytime."
"Look! Paimon sees Hu Tao giving Furina a gift. Ooh! Wonder what it might be?"
"Knowing Hu Tao, I doubt we'd ever come close to a correct guess."
In the next instant, a small flash of fireworks appeared right above Furina. The fireworks also carried a message that glowed a bright red color.
"Happy Birthday!"
As time seemed to pass, the mood in the room was at an all-time high for fun and happiness. Everyone was chatting with one another while Furina continued to make the rounds and see as many people as possible.
Many of the trio's friends were chatting with one another. Some examples were Neuvillette and Hu Tao talking about something that caused the Funeral Parlor Director to start mimicking a ghost. Lynette and Clorinde were happily talking about blades. Chevreuse and Sigewinne were discussing something about guns, all while Escoffier and Lyney were talking about cake designs that might stand out.
Overall, today was becoming a day to be remembered.
"Ah! I've finally made it to you three."
"Furina! Happy Birthday!"
"Happy Birthday!"
"Cheers!"
"Thank you all so much! You three hold a special place in my heart. The same goes for several others, but you three mean a lot to me."
As Furina said this, Aether couldn't help but see that whenever her eyes met his, she seemed to get embarrassed and quickly look at either Paimon or Navia.
"How's the wrist?" Navia asked, showing concern for the former Archon. "I bet it hurts."
"I won't lie. It's a bit sore. But that's nothing compared to the kindness bestowed upon me from everyone's kind words and actions today. I'm beginning to worry that my heart won't be able to take all this love."
"Or maybe you're hungry?" Paimon suggested.
Ah, speaking of being hungry…" Furina began to smell the delicious sweets nearby. "Ah, that familiar aroma of something freshly baked. Let me guess… Navia's macarons, or perhaps a cake by Escoffier?"
"Ding! Ding! You got it!" Aether cheered.
"Heehee. Paimon might have some competition when it comes to recognizing food."
"My, what a production… everyone really went all out for my birthday!"
"You deserve it."
"Yep! Today's your day."
Brushing some hair from her face, Furina smiled brightly.
"Well then, as a seasoned dessert connoisseur of Fontaine, I suppose it's my duty to give these a proper taste! And those cookies… Hmm… I'm guessing Paimon made those, while that La Lettre a Focalors cake is… Aether's."
Satisfied looks were shared by the trio.
"Oh boy, she's good."
"Haha! You got it right. Paimon did the cookies. I wanted to try something unique and special. So, I gave the cake a shot," Aether explained. "Hope you like it."
Furina's face glowed a pink color as she examined the beautiful cake.
It was hard to see what she might be thinking, but if there was a point to stand by, then it was that she was over the moon at all the gifts. Especially at the Traveler's.
Spending another moment analyzing Aether's dessert, Furina picked it up and softly looked over at him.
"In that case, my dearest number one supporter, would you do me the honor of cutting the birthday cake in my stead?"
Surprised that she would want to consider his cake as her main birthday cake, Aether couldn't help but feel butterflies in his stomach, all while being unable to tear his eyes off her.
"I would be honored to do so. But only if you join me."
"Consider it done. Now then, let us enjoy ourselves to the fullest!"
Being handed a knife for the cake, Aether held it above the La Lettre a Focalors cake and waited for Furina to join him.
Stepping next to him, she was becoming as red as an apple but kept her composure while gently placing her gloved hand atop his. With one simple look at each other, the two cut the cake together.
Cheers and applause rocked the room as everyone now began to dig into the flood of desserts spread across the room.
"Thank you… Aether…"
Hearing Furina's soft voice reach only his ears, he couldn't help but smile right at her.
"You're welcome and… Happy Birthday Furina…"
He returned the favor by whispering back to her and holding her hand.
All in all, this was a birthday that would be hard to top next year.