Chapter 84: The Hydro Archon Is Right Beside Me?!

(Lots of poetry verses here)

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Callirhoe tried to excuse herself, but Furina simply pulled her into the group.

After a hearty meal at Wangshu Inn, Callirhoe still seemed uneasy and hastily departed.

Focalors watched Callirhoe's retreating figure, lost in thought.

"What's wrong?" Themis asked.

"She seems troubled," Focalors replied. "Miss Callirhoe carries a familiar aura."

"Never mind," Themis said. "It's probably nothing bad."

Focalors turned to Furina, who remained blissfully unaware. Furina hadn't noticed anything amiss and was happily exchanging musical performance tips with Venti.

Focalors probably meant to say, "Pay attention, Furina," Themis mused.

Exhausted from their day's activities, they fell asleep. The moon quietly set, the sun rose, and the morning light was perfect.

The next day, Furina yawned as she got ready, still feeling drowsy.

"Ugh... everyone's up so early. I haven't had enough sleep," she mumbled.

As a star, Furina needed to put on makeup, but even for a god using elemental power, water-based cosmetics seemed impossible. It was admirable that she had woken up so early to apply it herself.

"The sun is shining beautifully today," Venti announced. "Once that leaf drifts through the Stone Gate, I'll reveal the theme for today's poetry competition."

"The theme for the second day of the Bilateral Poetry Exchange Conference is... antithetical couplets!" Hu Tao declared.

Furina looked utterly bewildered. Antithetical couplets? she thought. I've never learned about those. She glanced at Themis and Focalors beside her, but the two goddesses maintained their usual serene expressions, unconcerned with winning since they were just here for fun.

Scanning the crowd, Furina searched for Callirhoe but couldn't spot her. Callirhoe isn't here today, she realized. I wonder if she even knows how to write couplets.

Hu Tao began explaining the rules of the competition, using examples:

"Heaven pairs with Earth, rain with wind, continents with the vast sky. Forest boar with sea shrimp, violet melon with pine mushroom!"

"You must compose the second line of a poem based on the given first line. Drawing inspiration from your surroundings makes it easy."

"Whether it's couplets, quatrains, or any other poetic form, the principles of balanced structure, complementary imagery, and harmonious rhythm remain universal."

Hu Tao's explanation made it sound straightforward, but Furina's confidence remained tenuous.

"To help everyone capture more inspiration from the wind currents and craft even more dazzling verses," Venti announced, "today's Poetry Exchange Conference will feature a special 'inspiration-gathering' session."

"Inspiration-gathering," Hu Tao explained, "means venturing into the wilderness, observing the world, and pocketing imagery suitable for poetry."

Unsurprisingly, the Fontaine Trio—Furina, Focalors, and Themis—formed their own team.

Before setting out, however, they received a request from Chongyun.

"I saw an ethereal creature floating in the air... it had no physical form..."

Furina scratched her head, completely stumped.

Focalors and Themis exchanged wry smiles.

Furina, you really need to pay attention.

Furina: "Snacks? Where are the snacks?!"

Though called "inspiration-gathering," it was essentially a leisurely stroll through the wilderness in search of inspiration.

Furina started with enthusiasm, but her energy quickly waned as they walked.

Under Focalors' watchful eye, the three "little seafood" skillfully built a fire and prepared a meal.

"Truly versatile and reliable," Focalors praised.

The three visibly brightened at her compliment.

Upon returning to the competition venue at the appointed time, they were surprised to find Zhongli serving as a judge.

Callirhoe had returned with the Traveler and their companions.

And Hu Tao had stepped down from judging to compete as a participant.

As a back-alley street poet, Hu Tao was undoubtedly a formidable opponent.

But Themis didn't mind. She hadn't even considered winning and simply shrugged it off.

Themis believed in Focalors' abilities.

Similarly, Focalors and Furina were confident in Themis' capabilities!

In a way, they truly were kindred spirits.

Venti: "Old friends and new, let's clear our heads and breathe in some fresh air! The second event of the Poetry Exchange Conference—the couplet challenge—is now officially underway!"

Xingqiu stepped forward with graceful confidence and a smile. "Then allow me to break the ice with this couplet," he said.

"Please listen to the opening line: 'In Xinyue Kiosk's elegant private room, one savors the myriad flavors of the martial world.'"

Paimon turned to Lumine. "Xinyue Kiosk? Does that mean we have to match it with Liuli Pavilion? Ugh, this is tough right from the start!"

Chongyun: "—'Atop the ancient city wall, a dilapidated pavilion overlooks a thousand bolts of lightning.'"

Paimon stared at Chongyun in shock, while even Furina looked bewildered. He'd already come up with a perfect couplet?!

Zhongli explained, "Indeed. Xinyue Kiosk is a renowned restaurant in Liyue, while the ancient city wall sits atop Mt. Tianheng. Both are place names, making them a perfectly valid pair."

"The leisurely and carefree atmosphere of the first line contrasts sharply with the perilous imagery of the second, creating a vivid visual contrast that's perfectly mirrored in the composition."

Chongyun: (Huh? I was just recounting my experience from that day, but... did I accidentally hit the mark?)

"In that case, I'll give it a try—Here's my counter-"

Emboldened, Chongyun declared, "With a clear ambition, one lies hidden in the market, awaiting the chance to ascend to cyan clouds. He waits at the foot of Jueyun Peak, preparing for his next move."

Chongyun's on fire today. I never knew he was so skilled at composing antithetical couplets. Xingqiu was amazed.

Zhongli nodded in approval. "The essence is of one with lofty aspirations, who dwells among the common folk, awaiting their chance to rise to greatness. Using place names as thematic anchors is quite innovative."

Noelle pondered deeply before reciting, "Her virtue shines like stone amber, her elegance rivals silk brocade, and her heart remains as clear as glazed glass."

Zhongli regarded Noelle with admiration. "Truly remarkable. The metaphor of stone effectively conveys her noble character and pristine inner self. Using material names as thematic anchors... hmm, quite sophisticated."

Furina blurted out, "Wow... everyone's so impressive!"

"I underestimated this. Without any Liyue natives here, I should have brought Miss Callirhoe along."

This was a disaster. The Hydro Archon, representing Fontaine, was about to lose at the Poetry Exchange!

Themis listened to Furina's words, a hint of helplessness in her expression. She wasn't from Liyue, but she might as well be a fake Shenzhou native. "Sorry our school didn't teach us that," she thought wryly.

Callirhoe, caught up in the convivial atmosphere, offered her own couplet:

"From the Radiant Mist Sea above to the Watery Reed Isle below, all for a bowl of lotus seed and bird's egg soup."

"Venturing to Liyue Port, then seeking Jueyun Peak, finally rewarded with half a bowl of mountain delicacies in savory broth."

To everyone's surprise, Themis, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward with a matching verse.

"That was quick!" Focalors exclaimed.

"It was on the menu at yesterday's dinner," Themis replied modestly.

"Even so," Zhongli praised, "to recall it and adapt it with such speed, with such agile thinking and perfectly balanced imagery—impressive indeed."

Furina huffed twice. "After all, it's Themis. Of course she could come up with that."

Paimon and Lumine exchanged glances. "Furina's still as confident in Themis as ever," Paimon whispered to Lumine.

Lumine nodded in agreement. It was indeed so.

Callirhoe: "Then I'll try another one—right!—'A Qingxin heart, free from malice, skillfully governs the hearts of the world.'"

This was a difficult one. Everyone pondered, racking their brains, until Lumine stepped forward.

"A beautiful dream is no mere illusion; it grants lasting peace to life's fleeting dreams."

With that single line, Xiao fled in embarrassment.

Zhongli: "Haha, I agree it's an excellent match. The point is well-deserved."

Hu Tao: "Give it, give it! With a judge this generous, every point's guaranteed!"

Zhongli chuckled silently, having no desire to turn this into a cutthroat competition.

"I award the points, everyone's happy—isn't that better?"

Hu Tao: "But if you ask me, everyone's being too proper with their couplets! Why not loosen up a little?"

Xingqiu: "Oh? In that case, Master Hu, might I challenge you to a match?"

"The moon hangs high, round and full, uniting families in reunion."

Hu Tao tilted her head proudly and instantly replied, "The banquet is served below, bowls at the ready, overflowing with meat."

Xingqiu's eyes widened in astonishment. "Eh? This... this is..."

Zhongli explained, "This is an 'unfeeling couplet.' The lines appear unrelated, yet their words correspond almost perfectly, each forming a complete thought. It's no simpler than an ordinary couplet."

"Enough talk, Honorary Advisor," Hu Tao said. "Just tell me if the Boss deserves the points."

Zhongli chuckled. "Of course. Who would dare withhold the Boss's due?"

Undeterred, Xingqiu offered another couplet: "Eight hundred li of jade-bright land—where in Dihua Marsh do the reeds not return to Li?"

Hu Tao countered instantly: "Twenty pounds of forest boar—what pot could possibly contain that beastly stink?"

Simple—child's play for the prodigious young Master Hu.

"Huh?" Xingqiu blinked.

"So this is what they call a 'ruthless couplet'?" Paimon mused. "I feel like I could come up with a few myself!"

"I've got one!" Diona exclaimed. "Hookfruit can't hook Count Rabbit!"

"Aww, that's so cute!" Paimon cooed.

Levin tried his hand: "Sweet Flowers aren't as sweet as Barbara!"

"Huh?" Paimon tilted her head.

"Haha! We all appreciate your enthusiasm, friend," Venti said, "but alas... you're one character short!"

"If that's the case..." Focalors grinned.

Those who knew Focalors well felt a sudden sense of foreboding.

"Whopperflowers can't fool Barbatos."

Noelle's eyes lit up, while Barbatos, also known as Venti, was speechless for a moment before bursting into laughter.

The venue grew increasingly lively, filled with laughter and chatter as evening approached.

Only after the host announced the end of the day's activities did the crowd reluctantly begin to disperse.

"Whew, that was so much fun!" Paimon exclaimed. "I managed to pair up with so many people! Traveler, you heard me, right?"

Lumine nodded in agreement.

"But let's be honest," Paimon continued, "Furina was completely slacking off!"

"Ahem..." Furina coughed twice. "It's my first time trying this. It's understandable that I struggled."

Furina resolved to practice diligently later.

"I enjoyed it too," Noelle said. "I never realized Liyue's poetry matching could be so entertaining."

"Noelle was amazing today!" Paimon exclaimed. "She came up with so many great couplets!"

"Especially that one about the Heart of Clear Springs!" Paimon added. "I almost couldn't find a match!"

The mention of Heart of Clear Springs seemed to unsettle Callirhoe.

"Everyone," Callirhoe asked, "has anyone read the story of the Heart of Clear Springs?"

"I read it a while ago," Lumine replied.

Diona: "My dad told me this story once. It's about a Spring Fairy and a boy."

Noelle: "Yes, a Spring Fairy who left her distant homeland met a young boy under the moonlight."

Furina perked up with interest. "And then?"

Noelle continued, "The boy poured out his heart to her, and the Spring Fairy listened to his stories."

"Over time, the boy developed feelings for the Spring Fairy. But she didn't understand human love and feared their promise would end in tragedy, so she... uh..."

Diona finished, "So the Spring Fairy left the boy and never appeared again."

Themis added, "Later, as time passed, the boy grew old. But he always believed their encounter hadn't been just a dream."

Furina sighed. "So it's a bittersweet love story."

Callirhoe asked, "What do you all think of the Spring Fairy's actions?"

Xingqiu replied, "I believe she acted with good intentions. But those intentions ultimately led to a misunderstanding, which is rather regrettable..."

"So, if she had the chance, do you think she should go back and see that young man now?" Callirhoe asked.

Her question sparked a variety of opinions among the group.

Themis stared at Callirhoe for a moment before replying, "If the Spring Fairy didn't want to see him, she wouldn't have emerged in the first place."

"Since she's considering meeting him, she must miss him too."

"Human lives are fleeting. It's best to say what needs to be said while you still can."

Furina nodded in fervent agreement with Themis.

"No matter what happens, they'll always be... important to each other."

Paimon nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! If I were that young man, I'd still want to see the fairy again, no matter how old I got. After all, she's someone I loved."

Callirhoe listened intently, her eyes thoughtful and her expression conflicted. Lost in her own thoughts, she seemed distracted, as if some memory had caught her attention.

Watching Callirhoe's retreating figure, Furina tilted her head in confusion. "She seemed really invested in that story."

"I wouldn't put it that way," Lumine countered. "Maybe she's more invested in her own feelings than the story itself."

Lumine suddenly sensed something amiss. She turned to Themis, guessing, "You mean Callirhoe and that... boy..."

Themis winked, seemingly confirming Lumine's suspicion.

Lumine couldn't believe it. No, no, no... But upon closer reflection, there was an old man by the spring in Springvale. And when the Slumbering Water had taken human form, its hair and eyes had been exactly like his.

Lumine's conviction grew stronger. The Spring Fairy and the boy in the story were none other than Callirhoe and that old man from Springvale.

Her mind raced with possibilities, but the story's Master was gone. Unable to shake her thoughts, she tossed and turned in bed, dwelling on Callirhoe's plight.

The next morning, Lumine waited in vain for Callirhoe to appear. Mika reported that he had seen Callirhoe looking deeply distressed earlier that morning near Dihua Marsh.

"What are we going to do now? Come on, think of something, you two!" Paimon urged, glaring at Focalors and Themis, while Furina remained oblivious to the situation.

"Paimon, I'm thinking as hard as I can," Focalors retorted.

Focalors sighed, teasing, "You seem more concerned about her than I am."

"Never mind," she continued. "Come with me; I've already located her."

"So fast?!" Lumine exclaimed, her eyes widening as Focalors flicked her wrist. Blue Hydro energy coalesced, forming a guiding path for them.

Themis, who had harnessed the power of the Ley Lines, remained modest about her abilities.

Xingqiu marveled, "Incredible! What a remarkable technique!"

"Now that we've found her, let's hurry," Themis urged.

The group rushed to Callirhoe's location.

When they arrived, they found Callirhoe surrounded by Hilichurls.

"Eh... EH?!" Furina's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the little droplet. "Is that Callirhoe?!"

"How could it be..."

The form was unmistakably familiar—an Oceanid!

It was precisely this familiarity that made Furina's disbelief even stronger.

Paimon glanced between Callirhoe and Furina. Why did Themis and Focalors seem to know all along, while Furina, the Hydro Archon herself, was completely clueless?

Xingqiu and the others shared her astonishment.

Under their watchful eyes, the droplet slowly transformed back into Callirhoe's original form.

Through Callirhoe's explanation, the group finally understood her origins and why she had been so moved by the story yesterday.

The Spring Fairy depicted in the tale was none other than herself.

After much persuasion, the hesitant Callirhoe finally resolved to meet Finch, the boy she had once known.

"Would you all please accompany me back to Springvale and help me bring Finch here?" she asked. "My physical form can't last much longer... I'm worried someone might see me as I was earlier..."

Callirhoe's concerns were understandable, but...

Lumine glanced at the three Archons beside her, narrowing her eyes. With them here, we should be fine, but they haven't made a move yet... Hmm... Never mind. Let's not overthink it. The Oceanid matter is best left to the Hydro Archon herself.

Returning to Springvale, they brought Finch before Callirhoe.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Finch," she said.

Old Finch looked at her, tears welling in his eyes. "Not long at all, not long at all. It passed in the blink of an eye."

A blink of an eye... decades for humans.

"Finch," Callirhoe asked, "would you like to hear a poem I wrote for you?"

"A poem? You write poetry? Of course, I'd love to hear it... I'd listen to every word you say..."

"Then let me recite a tale of the Spring Fairy for you..."

It was the poem Callirhoe had written for Finch: "Heart of Clear Springs."

Together, they had witnessed a pure and beautiful love.

As her physical form began to dissipate, Callirhoe bestowed a kiss upon Finch, a symbol of their vow and affection.

Furina watched the scene, thinking that if this were turned into an opera, it would be a smash hit in Fontaine.

Callirhoe gazed at Finch as the form conjured by the Oceanid gradually dissolved into the air.

Lumine sighed softly. "How much longer are you two going to keep watching?" she murmured.

Paimon whispered in agreement, "Yeah, yeah! Hurry up and think of something!"

"What's the rush?" Focalors gestured toward the crowd around them. "Besides, Callirhoe isn't dead—her power is simply too weak to maintain a physical form. We can secretly enhance her strength with Hydro Element later." They didn't want to reveal their identities now.

Hearing Focalors' words, Paimon knew they were in the clear.

And so it was. Finch returned home, clutching the memento Callirhoe had given him as a token of their love, her final kiss still lingering on his lips.

He had barely stepped inside when a knock sounded at the door.

Opening it, Finch froze, staring at the azure Oceanid floating outside.

"Um... Finch..."

"Callirhoe? Am I dreaming?"

"No, it's really me..."

Before she could even begin to grieve her fading form, Callirhoe's vision blurred, and she was yanked back into existence.

Flooded with a torrent of potent Hydro energy, Callirhoe finally understood.

Holy shit! The Hydro Archon is right here with me?!

Lady Egeria, your judgment was impeccable!

I now wholeheartedly acknowledge the greatness of the new Hydro Archon Focalors—no further words are needed!

-

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