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For someone who had spent five hundred years basking in the spotlight, Furina is now thoroughly, utterly exhausted by it. Ever since she stepped down from the throne, she was supposed to be free. But "freedom" in Fontaine apparently means being ambushed by the Steambird at every corner, drowning in script offers, and having entire crowds gasp every time she bought macaroni at a restaurant.
She has finally had enough, so today she hides her iconic curls under a tight linen bonnet and suspicious sunglasses, slipping out of her apartment. Her goal? To blend into the massive crowds gathered near the Opera Epiclese for a cultural exchange concert. Mondstadt’s shining star, the Deaconess Barbara, was performing today.
Furina manages to sneak into the most secluded seats of the venue, simply wanting a quiet place to watch the show from the wings without being recognized. But instead, she happens to directly witness a crisis.
"I just need five minutes!" a desperate, melodic voice pleads from behind the curtain. "Just five minutes to breathe, just a small break-"
"Miss Barbara, your appearance in Fontaine is highly anticipated, we cannot afford to delay the concert any longer. The Melusines are clearing the VIP exit, and after this you must prepare for the post-concert handshake event!" A voice speaks urgently.
Furina peeks around the velvet curtain and gasps.
The girl sitting on the vanity stool reminds her so much of herself. It takes her back to her early days of fame and expectations... This girl must be the idol of Mondstadt right? Furina observes.
As she studies her appearance, she starts to really see a resemblance in them both. With the right styling, the height, delicate frame, and aura of a girl representing for an entire nation, it's nearly identical.
Barbara looks up, her blue eyes widening as she catches sight of the strange girl in a bonnet. She doesn't even realize it's the lady of Fontaine, "You... How did you get here-" Barbara gasps softly, standing up.
"Shh!" Furina thinks fast, pulling Barbara out from her chair and behind some giant equipment. She lifts her bonnet just enough to show her face. "You're going to blow my cover! Honestly, the security in my- ahem, this Opera house has truly gone down."
Barbara blinks, taking in Furina's theatrical speech. "Who are you... again?"
Furina laughs quietly, part of her is almost glad she wasn't instantly recognized. "I~ am Furina de Fontaine, the most renowned performer of the Opera!"
"Are you... trying to hide too?" Barbara gazes softly.
"I am merely taking a required recess from my adoring public!" Furina looks up, crossing her arms. "They simply cannot comprehend the concept of personal boundaries."
"Ah... I know the feeling. It would be nice to just disappear somehow... try something else for a change." Barbara sighs, sharing a tired smile. She looks at her own elaborate stage outfit, then at Furina's disguise. "Hey... do you know how to sing?"
Furina gasps, laughing. "Well of course I can! I can assure you, Miss Idol~ singing is what we do in Opera!"
"Perfect...!" Barbara smiles, "How about we trade places? Just for an afternoon. Please? Oh please Lady Furina, I would love to be somebody else for moment!"
Furina ponders, and nods. Performing as an idol from Mondstadt? Eh, how hard can it be!
"Consider it done!" She accepts gracefully.
~💎~
Ten minutes later, Barbara walks out of the Opera Epiclese wearing Furina's perfect disguise, experiencing the streets of Fontaine for herself without a crowd screaming her name.
Okay... act natural, you're Furina de Fontaine now...
Near the aquabus line, a tall figure, Neuvillette waits with his cane. But as Barbara approaches, trembling slightly in her disguise, Neuvillette doesn't look surprised. He offers a polite bow.
"Lady Furina has just informed me of her... sudden arrangement for the day," Neuvillette says quietly, "I shall ensure your stay at the Palais Mermonia is entirely peaceful, Miss Barbara. No fans ever get in to Lady Furina's private estate."
Barbara lets out a breath she felt like she's been holding for months. "Thank you, M-Monsieur! What was your name?"
"Ah yes, you may refer to me as Neuvillette."
"-You have no idea how grateful I am for the hospitality of you two." Barbara smiles, heading on the aquabus with him.
"Of course." Neuvillette nods gently, "Lady Furina must have empathized with your situation, the two of you share similar burdens. I hope you enjoy your time as a famous actress in Fontaine, free of your usual responsibilities."
Barbara looks out at the city before her, a whole word she can have for herself for once. No Barbara fanclubs, no awkward fan signs, no constant charity work at the church.
Meanwhile, at the venue scheduled for Mondstadt's famous Idol, Furina is having the time of her life.
She wears Barbara's iconic idol dress on stage, her hair done up in twin pigtails, secretly a wig- but still the hair that fans all know and love. Haha! As expected, everyone loves me! I knew I would crush this new role! Furina laughs internally.
No one suspects the famous actress Furina is dressed as an Idol from Mondstadt, even the people of Fontaine are fooled by her acting.
"We love you Barbara!!!" A crazy fan, Albert screams out, he had tracked her down all the way to her latest concert in Fontaine... like he always does.
Furina catches on quickly, ignoring the fan's obsessive praise. "Yes, yes! I know you love me!"
Albert gives a blank stare. Wait... is he onto her? Can this fan tell something isn't right about the idol he obsesses over?
Furina coughs, then laughs. "OH- I mean- y-yes! Thank you f-for your support everyone!" She stutters, acting like the shy girl she's supposed to be playing.
The fans all cheer, they genuinely believe she really is Barbara.
~💎~
Later in the streets, after the concert.
Furina spins around near a fountain, throwing her hands dramatically into the air. "Look at them all, completely unaware of the star walking among them!"
"Behold! The Deaconess and idol of Mondstadt is here~" She sings, but most of the Fontaine people seem to not notice her as much.
Ah- of course, the idol I'm playing is nowhere as known as I, Furina de Fontaine. Which is why the people aren't noticing me as much~
A few fans from the earlier concert wander up to her, buzzing with excitement. "H-hi! Deaconess Barbara... would you mind signing our books?"
Furina straightens up, clapping her hands charismatically. "Why, of course! Ah-" She catches herself being too bold, and starts signing. "I h-hope my handwriting looks okay~"
The fans quickly correct her, "Oh! No such thing, Barbara! You're handwriting's perfect!"
"Yeah, it's so beautiful!" Another fan nods eagerly.
My, what sweet fans this Barbara has! Is it just me, why do my fans feel so much more pretentious and judgy-?
Suddenly Barbara's manager comes rushing up to her, grabs her hand and takes her away.
"Wh- let go of me! You savage!!" Furina screams like a victim of attack.
"What's gotten into you, Barbara? I'm your manager!" They shout, stepping back and dusting themselves off. It appears to be a youthful guy with pink hair and a go-getter attitude.
Furina looks him over, his stressed expression, his hands frantically flipping through a clipboard, she realizes this must be the "Dahlia" that Neuvillette's notes had briefly mentioned.
Dahlia sighs, stubbornly fixing her pigtails for her. "You're usually tired after a big show, but you don't usually scream at me like I'm a treasure hoarder! And what was that performance out there? Yes, yes, I know you love me?" He mimicks her dramatic posture, "You're not usually that... narcissistic."
Narcissistic...? Furina fumes, as if Dahlia attacked her personal character. She reaches to strangle him, but realizes how badly she would ruin Barbara's life if she did such a thing.
She quickly catches herself, dropping her shoulders and putting on her best shy deaconess face. "Ah! I-I am so sorry, Dahlia! The Fontaine air... it is just so different from Mondstadt, I got swept up in the local areas!"
Dahlia stops pacing and looks at her, his eyes softening a little. "You're exhausted, aren't you?" He mumbles.
"I knew scheduling a cross-nation concert right after the Windblume festival was too much. But look, the concert is officially over. We have to return to Mondstadt asap. The Grand Master is hosting a gala next week, and the Church needs you back for morning prayers."
Return to Mondstadt?! Furina’s internal monologue screeches to a halt. Already?! But I haven't even had a chance to thoroughly gobble down a serving of macoroni in public yet!
"M-Mondstadt? So soon?" Furina stutters, looking up at him with wide, pleading eyes. "Can we not stay in Fontaine for just... one more evening? To see the sights?"
Dahlia looks torn. He checks his watch, sighing. "The aquabus leaves in two hours. I'm supposed to have you on it. But... fine. You worked incredibly hard today. I have to go finalize the paperwork with the Fontaine authorities and double-check that Albert hasn't sneaked into our luggage. I'll give you exactly one hour of free time. Do not wander far from the fountain, do not talk to shady individuals, and keep your hood up if you can. Got it?"
Furina hums, her natural charisma leaking through. "You are an absolute treasure, Dahlia! Truly, a paragon of management!"
Dahlia blinks, faintly blushing. He quickly runs around, coughing into his hand. "Whatever. Just... stay safe. I'll be back in an hour."
As Dahlia rushes off, shouting orders at a passing stagehand, Furina watches him go with a curious smile. My, my. She thinks. So he acts like a strict manager, but his heart bleeds for her. What a fascinating dynamic. Poor Barbara must be too shy to realize it, but it's rather sweet.
~💎~
"I... I truly hope I am not causing you too much trouble," Barbara murmurs, looking down at her lap as she rides the Aquabus alongside Neuvillette. "Lady Furina was so kind to offer this trade, but I realize taking up your time must be an huge burden. You must have mountains of paperwork waiting for you, too-"
"Do not distress yourself." Neuvillette replies, a softness in his words. "Lady Furina was quite adamant that you receive a comfortable vacation as well as herself. She explained to me, in rather... expressive detail, that you were alike, drowning in the shallow waters of public adoration."
Barbara lets out a gentle chuckle, her shoulders finally relaxing a bit. "That sounds exactly like how she spoke in the dressing room. She was very... charismatic."
I wish I could be that confident and bold sometimes... Barbara thinks to herself.
"Indeed." Neuvilette replies to her earlier comment, "She possesses an undeniable flair of theatrics." Neuvillette notes, though there's a deep, underlying note of fondness in his voice.
"But her assessment was correct. For five hundred years, she lived under the constant, scrutinizing gaze of the public. She understands the exhaustion of playing a role that the world demands of you. When she informed me of your demanding duties, she insisted that the Palais Mermonia serve as your sanctuary today."
"Oh... that's pretty rough, I hope she remembers to take care of herself." Barbara gives a solemn nod. "But..."
The aquabus comes to a gentle halt at the private docks of the Palais. Neuvillette stands up gracefully, stepping off first before extending a gloved hand to help her down.
"Thank you." Barbara smiles, taking his hand.
As they walk through the grand, marble corridors of the Palais Mermonia, Barbara feels a sense of peace washing over her. In Mondstadt, a single step outside the Cathedral meant encountering eager fans, citizens asking for blessings, or the endless chatter of the Barbara Fan Club. But here, the guards stand at absolute attention, keeping their eyes trained strictly ahead. No one approaches her or screams the name "Barbara," she only hears the name of "Lady Furina."
Neuvillette leads her past the majestic office halls and unlocks a heavy, ornate double door at the end of a secluded corridor.
"This is Lady Furina's personal estate." Neuvillette explains, gesturing for her to enter. "Since her retirement from public office, she retains these quarters for her private use. No citizens, journalists, or external delegations are permitted entry without my direct authorization."
Barbara steps inside and gasps softly. The room is beautiful, filled with elegant Fontainian furniture, towering bookshelves packed with play scripts, and large windows that overlook the sparkling sea. But what catches her eye the most is the absolute free feeling of the space. It's a place designed entirely for hiding from the world.
On a small round table near the window sits a beautifully arranged tier of pastries. There are delicate cakes, macarons, perfectly glazed tarts, and a small silver pot of freshly brewed tea.
"I took the liberty of requesting a light refreshment from the Palais kitchens." Neuvillette says, adjusting his sleeves. "Lady Furina mentioned that you have a fondness for sweets, though she deeply apologized that she could not personally prepare her signature macaroni for you on such short notice."
Barbara's eyes shine with genuine gratitude. She walks over to the window, looking out at the vast, open horizon of Fontaine. For the first time in years, there are no awkward fan signs to smile at, no charity schedules to memorize, and no expectations of the deaconess weighing down her chest. She's just a lady in Fontaine, in a quiet room, looking at the sea.
"It's perfect." Barbara whispers, a bright, genuine smile spreading over her face as she turns back to Neuvillette. "You have no idea how wonderful it feels to just... escape into silence."
"Then I shall leave you to enjoy it." Neuvillette bows politely, stepping backwards to the door. "I must return to my duties in the office downstairs. Should you require anything at all, simply inform the guard outside. You are entirely safe here, Miss Barbara. Enjoy your afternoon of freedom."
With a soft click, the heavy doors close, leaving Barbara alone in the light room. She takes off the bonnet and sunglasses she was wearing, letting her blonde hair fall free, and she sinks into a plush armchair with a blissful sigh.
"The nation of Hydro feels so welcoming." Barbara hums quietly.
~💎~
Back at the fountain square, Furina stares at her reflection. She has less than fifteen minutes before she's supposed to board the aquabus to Mondstadt.
Mondstadt, a completely different nation. A land where no one knows the face of Furina de Fontaine as a fallen Archon, but everyone knows 'Barbara' as a beloved idol... Furina ponders.
If she went back to her apartment now, she would return to the same tedious cycle of rejecting theater scripts and dodging overzealous Fontaine directors. But if she steps onto that aquabus? She would be embarking on the ultimate, unscripted act of a lifetime!
"Oh, Neuvillette is going to have a massive headache from this." she giggles to herself, quickly pulling out a small notepad and pencil from Barbara's idol pouch.
She furiously scribbles a note, sealing it with her dramatic touch, and spots a nearby post-man. Walking up with her dignified stride, completely forgetting she was dressed in a frilly idol dress, she hands it over.
Deliver this to the Chief Justice immediately!" Furina commands, before catching herself and dropping her voice into a higher, sweeter pitch. "Ah! I mean... please give this to Monsieur Neuvillette! It's an urgent message from Lady Furina! Thank you, kind sir~!"
The post-man blinks, thoroughly confused why the idol in town is sending letters to the Chief Justice, but he nods anyway and rushes off toward the Palais.
Inside the quiet sanctuary of Furina's estate, Neuvillette was just about to check on Barbara when a knock sounds at the door. A guard handed him the sealed letter. Unfolding it, Neuvillette's eyes widen by as he reads Furina's dramatic, loopy handwriting:
My Dearest Iudex,
The stage calls, and I must answer! I have decided to prolong this little arrangement and sample the cultural delicacies of Mondstadt firsthand. Do not fret! Miss Barbara is perfectly safe under your watchful eye.
To ensure she gets the full 'Furina Experience,' I have generously left her my schedule for tomorrow. She is to attend a private tea party at the Hotel Debord with Demoiselle Navia and Champion Duelist Clorinde. Please ensure she does not ruin my reputation as a flawless hostess!
Adieu for now!
- The Grand Artiste, Furina 💎
Neuvillette pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out a long, heavy sigh. "Furina... what have you done?"
He walks into the room, where Barbara is happily sipping her tea. Looking up at the Chief Justice's troubled expression, Barbara tilts her head. "Is everything alright, Monsieur Neuvillette?"
"Miss Barbara..." Neuvillette begins, his voice carrying a mix of apology and exhaustion. "It appears Lady Furina has... extended her role as, well, you. She has boarded the bus to Mondstadt."
"What?!" Barbara gasps, nearly dropping her teacup. "But- but the Church! Dahlia! My morning prayers!"
"I shall handle the diplomatic notifications to Mondstadt to ensure no panic ensues." Neuvillette reassures her, raising a hand. "However, to maintain the facade here in Fontaine, you must fulfill a certain obligation tomorrow. Lady Furina has scheduled a tea party with Lady Navia of the Spina di Rosula and Champion Duelist Clorinde."
Barbara's jaw drops. "A tea party? With a mafia boss and Fontaine's deadliest duelist?! As her?!"
Neuvillette offers a polite, deeply sympathetic bow. "Do not be alarmed. I shall provide you with a comprehensive guide on Fontaine high-society etiquette before tomorrow afternoon. For now... please try to rest."
Barbara nods weakly, lost in thought. No big deal... I wanted a break from being the idol of Mondstadt... this is a break, right?
~💎~
Meanwhile, a few days later, the carriage from the port finally arrives at the grand gates of Mondstadt.
Alright, Barbara, we made it back in one piece." Dahlia says, dusting off his jacket and looking at her with a protective frown. "Go on to the Cathedral and report to Sister Victoria. I have to go carry these papers to the knights' headquarters. Don't talk to any weirdos on the way, okay?"
"Yes, yes, My dear manager, I shall behave with the utmost poise~" Furina waves him off playfully, earning a confused stare from Dahlia before he hurries away.
Left to her own devices, Furina gasps as she looked up at the towering stone walls of Mondstadt. The air reeks of dandelions, wine, and absolute freedom. "Ah! The City of Wind and Song! Let's see what kind of audience awaits the magnificent- er, the humble Deaconess Barbara!"
She begins ascending the massive stone stairs leading up to the Favonius Cathedral, swaying dramatically and humming a theatrical Fontaine opera tune.
"Hehe, what a terribly dramatic tune, don't you think, Deaconess?"
Furina freezes on the steps.
Leaning casually against the stone railing of the stairs is a boy dressed in green, a wooden lyre resting against his hip. He wears a matching beret, and beneath it, a pair of bright, mischievous green eyes are locked onto her. He grins with an amused, knowing smirk.
"V-Venti?!" Furina stutters, recalling the files on Mondstadt's local street performers. She quickly clasps her hands together, trying to channel Barbara's signature modesty. "Ah! I mean... hello, Mr. Bard! May the Anemo Archon protect-"
Venti bursts into a light melodic laugh, plucking a single bright note on his lyre. The wind around them seems to swirl playfully, lifting the edges of Furina's dress. Venti walks down a few steps, circling her with an analytical glint in his eyes.
"You know, the Barbara I know usually sighs when she sees me, or gives me a stern lecture about my outstanding tavern tabs." Venti teases, leaning in slightly. "She certainly doesn't march up the cathedral steps like she's walking a red carpet in the middle of an opera premiere."
Furina's cheeks flush a bright pink. "An idol must always carry herself with a certain... presence! The stage is anywhere I stand!"
Venti stops right in front of her. For a second, his playful demeanor softens. His eyes flash with an ancient, divine recognition. As an Archon himself, he recognizes the unbreakable, enduring spirit of the human girl who had successfully deceived the heavenly principles for five centuries.
He knows exactly who she is, and he finds it fascinating.
"Presence, huh?" Venti murmurs, his smile turning warm and gentle. "Well, I must say, I like this new 'presence' of yours. It's got flair. Say, since you're Mondstadt's brightest star and I'm just a humble bard... how about a little duet right here on the steps to welcome you back?"
Furina looks at his extended hand, then at the mischievous smirk on his face. Her heart does a sudden flip that had absolutely nothing to do with the front she's keeping up."
"A duet?" Furina smirks back, her natural confidence completely taking over as she boldly places her hand into his. "Hmph! You better keep up with my tempo then, bard! I don't share the spotlight easily!"
~💎~
The private dining room at the Hotel Debord bathes in warm, golden light. A long table is adorned with fine Fontaine porcelain, silver cutlery, and a towering centerpiece of fresh lilies.
Barbara sits at the head of the table. Her back is as rigid as a wooden plank. She wears Furina's signature top hat, short curls, and her hands clamped tightly beneath the table to stop them from shaking.
To her left sits Demoiselle Navia, looking radiant but incredibly sharp as she casually toys with a silver dessert fork. To her right sits Clorinde, the Champion Duelist, whose posture is effortlessly lethal. Clorinde's violet eyes fix on Barbara with an intensity that makes the poor Deaconess feel like she's standing in trial.
And just behind Barbara's chair, acting as an anchor of silent support, Chief Justice Neuvillette hovers the whole time. His presence is comforting, but his instructions from earlier still echo in her head: Lady Furina is never meek. She dominates the room. Act as though the entire world is your stage.
"Well, Furina!" Navia speaks up, breaking the silence with a bright, curious smile. "You've been awfully quiet today. Usually, by this time, you've already given us a fifteen-minute lecture on the dramatic subtext of the latest play at the Palais."
"Ah! O-Oh, yes!" Barbara squeaks. She quickly catches the pitch of her voice, coughing into a silk handkerchief to lower it into Furina's haughty, confident tone. "Ahem! I am merely... savoring the anticipation! A true artist knows that silence can be the most powerful prelude to a grand entrance!"
Clorinde raises an eyebrow. She leans back, crossing her arms. "Your cadence is different today. And your hands are trembling."
Barbara's heart leaps into her throat. She looks frantically at Neuvillette.
"Lady Furina has been experiencing a slight... vocal strain from her recent writing sessions." Neuvillette intervenes smoothly, his deep voice commanding the room. "I advised her to conserve her energy. As for the trembling, it is a byproduct of her creative passion."
"Is that so?" Clorinde murmurs, her gaze narrowing. She doesn't look entirely convinced, but she won't push further.
Navia leans in, her bright blue eyes scanning Barbara's face with intense curiosity. "Vocal strain? Oh, Furina, you poor thing! You really must stop staying up until dawn writing those tragic scripts. But look on the bright side- Escoffier personally prepared the menu today to cheer you up!"
Right on cue, a waiter steps forward, lifting a silver cloche with a dramatic flourish.
Sitting in the center of the table is a beautifully baked, gourmet platter of macaroni and cheese. Bubbling with a rich blend of Fontaine cheeses, topped with a perfectly golden, crispy herb crust. Beside it a selection of Escoffier's famous delicate fruit tarts and almond cakes.
Escoffier silently waits in the corner, pressing her knuckles into her teeth with nervous anticipation... as if she's been cursed at before for not making the macaroni perfection.
"Go on, Furina! Dig in!" Navia encourages, picking up her own fork. "You always say Escoffier's macaroni is the only thing that can properly fuel your artistic soul."
Barbara stares at the rich, cheesy pasta. In Mondstadt, her diet was strictly monitored by Dahlia and the church to protect her singing voice. She survived mostly on clean broths, spicy dried fish, and light herbal teas. Looking at the mountain of melted cheese, her stomach does a nervous flip.
Act like Furina... She reminds herself. Furina loves macaroni. Furina eats this like a queen...
Barbara scoops up a massive forkful of macaroni, shocing it into her mouth, and chews with a forced, ecstatic grin. "Mmm! Magnificent! Truly, a culinary masterpiece worthy of my divine palate!"
Clorinde watches her, leaning forward on the table. "You're chewing on the left side of your mouth today. Usually, when you eat Escoffier's cooking, you hum a specific opera tune from the third act of The Little Oceanid. Are you feeling alright?"
Barbara freezes, a piece of macaroni practically stuck in her throat. Who would even notice these things?! She looks desperately toward Neuvillette, who remains a stoic anchor behind her chair.
"Lady Furina's new acting method requires her to fully immerse herself in different physical habits." Neuvillette coughs. "She is currently practicing the posture of a modest, reserved citizen from a neighboring nation. It is a testament to her dedication to the craft."
"A modest citizen?" Navia giggles, clapping her hands together. "Oh, I can't wait to see this play! Well, to toast to your new artistic endeavor, let’s have a drink!"
Navia pours a sparkling liquid into Barbara's crystal glass. Barbara assumes it's a sweet, non-alcoholic Fonta mocktail. She takes a massive, grateful gulp to wash down the sticky macaroni.
Instead, a sharp, bitter, and incredibly potent burst of Fontainian vintage wine hits her tongue.
As a strict idol of Mondstadt, alcohol is a disadvantage for Barbara. Her body instantly reacts to the heavy taste.
"Pffffft-!!!"
A fountain of high-end wine sprays directly across the table, just barely missing Navia's frilly parasol and splashing slightly onto the edge of Clorinde's hat.
The entire dining room goes dead silent.
Barbara gasps, coughing violently into her silk handkerchief, her face turning bright red. "I'm- I'm so sorry!!"
Neuvillette quickly wipes the table, sweeping away the evidence while his other arm gently but firmly guids a coughing, blushing Barbara out of her seat.
"Apologies, ladies. It seems Lady Furina is not feeling very well. I shall appoint her a checkup with Sigewinne immediately-"
"Wait just a moment, Monsieur Neuvillette!" Navia stands up, her expression no longer one of playful amusement.
"Furina has lived in Fontaine for centuries. She knows the taste of that vintage like the back of her hand, and she never apologizes that meekly for a spill. What is really going on here?"
Clorinde remains seated, but her hand rest deliberately on the table, her eyes locked onto Neuvillette. "The posture, the cadence... and now this. Neuvillette, you are a terrible liar. Fess up."
Neuvillette pauses, he looks down at Barbara, who's still coughing softly into her handkerchief, looking entirely terrified of the two powerful women before her.
Realizing that keeping up the charade will only cause a greater diplomatic misunderstanding, Neuvillette lets out a long, heavy sigh. He turns back around, guiding Barbara to the table, though he keeps a protective hand near her shoulder.
"Very well" Neuvillette speaks, exhausted but sincere. "I apologize for the deception, Demoiselle Navia, Champion Duelist Clorinde. The truth is... this is not Lady Furina."
The one huge gasp in the room comes from Navia, her jaw dropping. "What?! But she looks exactly-"
"This is Miss Barbara, the Deaconess and beloved idol of Mondstadt." Neuvillette explains calmly. "Lady Furina met her at the Opera Epiclese. Recognizing that they both carried the immense, suffocating weight of public adoration, Lady Furina proposed a temporary... exchange of lives. She wanted Miss Barbara to experience a peaceful sabbatical free from her fans."
Navia blinks, completely stunned, before a massive smile covers her face. She bursts into a bright laugh. "Oh, Furina... that absolute wild card! She actually ran away to be a popstar, didn't she?!"
"She did." Neuvillette nods gravely. "And she left strict instructions for me to ensure Miss Barbara was treated with the utmost hospitality. I had hoped to shield her from the pressures of Fontaine high society, but it seems I underestimated your perceptiveness."
Navia's laughter softens into something warm. She walks around the table, bypassing Neuvillette entirely, and kneels down slightly to match Barbara's eye level.
"Hi there, Barbara~" Navia says gently, her voice full of comfort. "You don't need to be worried, we aren't going to expose you or anything! You did well, playing Furina must be incredibly exhausting."
Barbara relaxes with relief. "Thank you, Lady Navia... and I'm so sorry about the wine. I guess I'm not used to the exotic flavors of alcohol in Fontaine, the taste just caught me completely off guard."
"Don't worry about it at all!" Navia smiles, gently patting Barbara's hand. "You know, seeing Furina spit out expensive wine is the funniest thing I've witnessed all year. But... don't you have to return to your friends in Mondstadt? I'm sure they miss you! The real you, anyway." She winks.
Barbara's posture shifts from a forced royal stiffness to her own natural, graceful poise. "It was wonderful to have a break, but... I think it's time for me to be myself again. I am Barbara of the Church of Favonius. I can't run away from my duties, or my fans, forever. And I think I actually miss Mondstadt's spicy dishes already... haha."
Neuvillette looks at Barbara, his expression softening with a profound sense of respect. "Your sense of duty is commendable, Miss Barbara. If you wish to end this exciting charade, I can arrange a private luxury transport to return you to Mondstadt immediately. We shall retrieve Lady Furina and put an end to this theatrical experiment."
"Thank you, Monsieur Neuvillette... and to you too Miss Navia and Miss Clorinde." Barbara smiles, "Let's go retrieve the regal runaway herself, Furina de Fontaine!"
~💎~
Meanwhile, across the sea, the situation in Mondstadt is reaching a boiling point!
Furina still stands on the Cathedral steps, performing with Venti's as the crowd roars in applause from their grand duet.
But the heavy and stressed footsteps of Dahlia rapidly approach them.
"BARBARA!!! WHAT IN THE BARBATOS ARE YOU DOING?!" Dahlia screams, stomping up the stairs with his book in hand.
Furina smirks, dropping her pitch slightly but keeping her dramatic flair. "Ah, Dahlia! You are just in time to witness the evolution of my musical artistry!"
Venti chuckles, winking at Furina. "Oh boy, here comes the fun part. Ready to improvise, Barbara?"
"You never perform with the drunken, tone-deaf bard! He can barely pay his tab at Angel's Share, let alone share a stage with the Deaconess of Favonius! What's gotten into you... Wait- have you finally realized Venti is-"
Furina crosses her arms defensively. "I am in perfect health, good sir! And what's so wrong with performing with a homeless bard?"
Dahlia blinks, his expression turns into deep suspicion. He stepped closer, squinting at her. "Okay, that's it. Something is seriously wrong. If you're really Barbara... answer me this. Who is your sister?"
Furina's looks guilty as charged. Sister?! Her mind races back to the brief, chaotic notes she had skimmed. Wait, wait... did the notes mention a sister? Oh, think, Furina, think! What was the name... Juju? Or was it...
"Ah! Well, of course I know my own flesh and blood!" Furina stammers, sweating beneath her blonde wig. She strikes a bold, theatrical pose to cover her panic. "She is... the Magnificent Captain of the... Mondstadt Steeds! Yes! A warrior of unparalleled equestrian excellence! Heh...heh."
Blasted Neuvillette!! You failed to prepare me properly for this disaster! She panics.
Dahlia stares at her in absolute horror. "Equestrian excellence?! Her title is the Acting Grand Master! Barbara, you don't even know who Jean is?!"
"Hehe, alright, alright. The game is officially up." Venti chuckles from the side, a gentle breeze rustling his hat. "You can drop the act, Lady Furina de Fontaine."
Furina gasps, ripping off her wig. "Ah... how could you tell? Was my acting not-" she scoffs, "Superb?"
"A mortal disguise might fool a deacon of the church, but a fellow performer always recognizes the true star of the stage, heh." He says, appreciative of her acting skills.
Dahlia's book drops to the ground, "F-Furina?! The famous superstar from Fontaine?! Then... where is Barbara?!"
He grabs Furina's shoulders, falling into protective panic. "Where is she?! Is she safe?! Did you leave her alone in Fontaine with all those paparazzi and strange clockwork monsters?! I knew I shouldn't have let her out of my sight for even an hour!"
Furina laughs, stepping back. "My my, calm down Sir Dahlia! You must be very protective over her~ How cinematic, I must say!"
"A match made in Celestia!" Venti chimes in, leaning against the railing with a cheeky grin. "He acts like a storming cloud following the deaconess wherever she goes, but he really just wants to shield his favorite flower from the rain. Don't worry, Dahlia, your secret is perfectly safe with the wind~"
"You... are no longer my archon." Dahlia sighs at him, his face burning a deeper shade of pink than his hair. "I am her manager! It is my job to worry about her safety! We are heading back to Fontaine right now to find her!"
"Oh, come now, don't be so dramatic!" Furina laughs, waving a dismissive hand. "She is perfectly safe at my private estate accompanied by Neuvillette himself. Though, I must admit, watching you lose your composure like this was well worth the trip, wasn't it, Venti?"
"Absolutely!" Venti nods, giving Furina a theatrical bow. "A flawless performance, my lady. Though next time, we should definitely write a real script and perform it together."
"Hmph! A true artiste always improvises!" Furina shoots back with an amused roll of her eyes.
"BARBARA-SAMAAAAAA!!!"
A terrifying, blood-curdling screech comes from the base of the Cathedral steps. The trio snaps their heads around to see Albert sprinting up the stairs like a crazy person. His eyes are wide, bloodshot, and frantic with obsession.
"I KNEW IT! I KNEW MY IDOL DARLING WAS ACTING STRANGE!" Albert cries, lunging forward with open arms. "YOU'RE NOT BARBARA! YOU FOOLED ME! GIVE HER BACK TO ME! WHERE IS MY DEACONESS?!"
"Ugh! Gross! Stay away from me, you goblin!" Furina gags in disgust.
As Albert throws himself forward, completely reckless and desperate, Furina doesn't hesitate. Stepping to the side with the fluid grace of a stage actress, she spins around and delivered a sharp, perfectly aimed kick right to his chest.
Thwack!
"Be gone, peasant!" Furina yells.
Albert flies backwards from the force of the kick, tumbling completely over the stone ledge of the stairs and landing with a loud, dramatic thud into a massive, conveniently placed bush in the plaza below.
Dahlia stares over the ledge, completely stunned. "Did you just... kick the head of the Barbara Fan Club off a balcony?"
"He was infringing upon my personal space." Furina scoffs, elegantly straightening her dress. "A public safety hazard. Now, did someone mention returning to Fontaine? I believe my curtain call is... ahem, calling!"
Venti and Dahlia begin clapping for the justice Furina just served, watching Albert fail to get up.
~💎~
A day later, at Romaritime Harbor...
Barbara heads to the boats, she ditched the royal wig but still wears one of Furina's luxurious outfits, Neuvillette and the other ladies follow behind alongside her.
Just as they're about to leave, Furina arrives at the dock... riding a giant dragon... with the Anemo Archon.
"Woah?! Is that a dragon?!" Navia clutches her parasol, the wind nearly sweeps her away, but Neuvillette grabs her and pulls her to him.
"Oh my... thank you, Neuvillette." Navia blushes, glancing up at him, and he gives her a gentle smile.
"Barbara!" Dahlia waves, pushing past Furina and rushing straight to her side. He frantically looks her up and down, checking for any injuries. "Are you okay?! Did the Fontaine people force you to do anything weird?! I was worried sick!"
Barbara smiles warmly, her gentle eyes shining as she looks at him. "I'm perfectly fine, Dahlia. Actually... I had a wonderful time, even though I missed your guidance."
Furina walks up to Barbara, the two of them standing face to face now. Furina claps slowly, "Well, my dear Deaconess, I must say, playing a Mondstadt idol was an exhausting endeavor. Your fans are utterly terrifying, and your manager is a complete control freak~"
Barbara giggles softly, "Oh, and playing the Lady of Fontaine was a bit too much pressure for me, too." She hands Furina back her elegant top hat. "But I think we both learned that being ourselves is the best role we could ever play."
The two famous ladies give a respectful bow to one another before switching places.
"A beautiful sentiment!" Venti cheers, strumming a joyous chord on his lyre as the cool Fontaine breeze wraps around them. "A symphony of two nations, brought together by an actress, a popstar, and a little bit of mischief!"
"I still can't believe you rode a dragon all the way to Fontaine!" Barbara laughs.
"Wait, isn't that against Fontaine law?" Clorinde stops, whipping out her gun.
Navia freaks out, waving her arms.
"CLORINDE- WAIT-"
Gun click
~💎~