บท 28: The Strategy Begins
Only by gathering sufficient faith could Felina achieve her goals.
The desert of Sumeru was an environment of extreme hardship, compounded by the discriminatory policies of the Akademiya.
Faced with such dire conditions, the tensions between the desert and rainforest regions of Sumeru were on the verge of erupting into conflict.
Faith, as a force, derives its strength from two key factors:
The number of believers.The fervor of their belief.
The desert population was substantial, meeting the first criterion.
The desert's harsh environment—plagued by sandstorms, devoid of water, and unsuited for cultivation—meant that the blessings of a Hydro Archon bringing rainfall would be an unparalleled act of providence. For the desert people, it would be a miracle that could benefit their descendants for generations, unleashing immense and fervent faith.
Furthermore, the deep-seated tensions between the desert and rainforest populations made the desert people particularly easy to sway into becoming loyal followers.
With a large population, intense devotion, and the ease of recruitment, there was no better place on Teyvat for Felina to vie for faith than the desert.
However, annexing the desert into Fontaine's territory was no simple task.
Since the Archon War, the Seven Nations had established a delicate balance, with each nation's territories clearly delineated.
Despite the internal strife between the desert and rainforest, the desert was still Sumeru's domain.
As Fontaine's Archon, Felina appearing in the desert to promote her faith could easily be construed as an act of aggression.
Annexing the desert outright would be even graver, potentially leading to war between Sumeru and Fontaine.
While Fontaine's strength far surpassed Sumeru's, war would allow opportunists to exploit the situation and could disrupt life for Fontaine's citizens.
Moreover, war requires popular support, and the citizens of Fontaine were unlikely to back a campaign seen as an unjustified invasion to claim a barren desert with no obvious resources.
Such a move could backfire, damaging Fontaine's internal faith rather than bolstering it.
Most critically, the territorial integrity of the Seven Nations had been sacrosanct since the Archon War.
If Fontaine broke this long-standing agreement by seizing Sumeru's desert, it would raise alarm among other nations.
Would Fontaine stop at Sumeru, or would it also target their territories?
Or worse, would other nations feel justified in attacking Fontaine to claim its lands and resources?
Thus, war was the worst possible option.
Given the gravity of the situation, Felina needed to plan carefully.
After resolving to win the desert's faith, Felina ceded control of their shared body to Furina, allowing her to enjoy her time exploring Fontaine freely. Meanwhile, Felina withdrew deep into their consciousness to strategize.
She thought long and hard before calling for Vigneire the next day.
"Vigneire, gather information about any upcoming celebrations involving desert people near Romaritime Harbor. Compile the details and report back to me."
"Understood, Lady Furina."
Vigneire immediately set off with her team of Oceanids and other intelligence operatives.
By that afternoon, a report was on Felina's desk.
There were two upcoming events: a desert elder's birthday celebration the next day, and a naming ceremony for a newborn in the desert community.
Felina quickly dismissed both options as unsuitable until her eyes landed on one detail: in three days, a local Fontainian was marrying a desert woman.
Her eyes lit up.
Three days later, Felina summoned Charlotte and headed to Romaritime Harbor together.
The two spent a long time in the area before returning to Fontaine's court.
Shortly after, an article authored by Charlotte appeared as the headline in the Steambird Newspaper:
Today's Steambird Headline:
Fontaine, the Nation of Water, has been blessed by the Hydro Archon's rains since ancient times.
In stark contrast, the deserts of Sumeru suffer from a lack of rainfall, resulting in desertification. The people of the desert have long endured harsh sandstorms, with little arable land and scarce water resources.
Due to Romaritime Harbor's proximity to the desert, it has become a haven for desert refugees fleeing these harsh conditions.
Yesterday, Lady Furina personally traveled from the Court of Fontaine to Romaritime Harbor to inspect the area and greet the desert refugees.
She inquired about their living conditions and offered words of encouragement.
"We are doing well, very well," one desert refugee said emotionally while clasping her hands.
"It's all thanks to Fontaine's policies. Only because of them can we desert people live such happy lives here."
The desert people, resilient and humble, live in harmony with the locals of Romaritime Harbor.
On this particular day, a Fontainian and a desert woman celebrated their union in marriage. Lady Furina graced the ceremony with a gift, blessing their union and offering the following remarks:
"Fontaine, as a Nation of Water, embraces all. Just as water nourishes everything, Fontaine welcomes everyone."
Lady Furina emphasized the importance of ensuring desert refugees receive proper care and resources to rebuild their lives in Fontaine.
She reminded her audience of the deep historical ties between Fontaine and the desert, dating back to 500 years ago when the previous Hydro Archon, Egeria, sacrificed her life to address a crisis in the desert.
Acknowledging the immense hardships faced by the desert people, Lady Furina expressed her hope that they could find happiness within Fontaine's borders.
Additionally, she announced plans to discuss the desert's plight during her upcoming state visit to Sumeru. She intended to propose using her divine powers to bring rainfall to the arid sands.
The ceremony ended with Lady Furina participating in traditional desert customs.
By the light of bonfires and the sound of jubilant songs, her compassion for the people and their gratitude for a brighter future intertwined in a harmonious symphony.
The news article's tone was overly formal, almost bureaucratic, and as a result, it did not spark much public debate.
However, Felina, upon reading the piece, nodded in satisfaction.
Indeed, the purpose of the article wasn't to enhance her own reputation but to lay the groundwork for her next move: severing the desert from Sumeru.
As previously stated, the desert's harsh conditions—endless sandstorms, severe temperature fluctuations between day and night, and a complete lack of fertile land and water—made survival incredibly challenging.
Water, the source of life, held unparalleled value in the desert, sometimes worth more than its weight in gold.
Through this article, Felina subtly conveyed her intention to visit Sumeru for a state visit and propose to the Akademiya the idea of bringing rain to the desert.
Humans are sentimental creatures, and many desert dwellers who had settled in Fontaine often thought of their kin who still suffered back in the desert.
They longed for a day when their loved ones could live in the same safety and happiness they had found.
During her inspection of Romaritime Harbor the day before, Felina had identified several desert individuals with strong ties to their homeland and a sense of responsibility for their people.
The day after the article was published, Felina dispatched Vigneire and several other Oceanids along with these desert individuals and supplies.
Their mission was clear: to improve living conditions in the desert and spread the faith of the Hydro Archon.
Vigneire's expedition to the desert was merely the prelude to a much larger plan.
When the newspaper reached the desert, and its inhabitants read about Felina's declaration of intent to visit the Akademiya and bring rain to their arid lands, they would wait with bated breath.
Hope would ignite their hearts, and they would wait, day after day, praying fervently for the blessing of rain.
But when they learned that the Akademiya had rejected Felina's proposal—what then?
The article also served to prepare Fontaine's own populace for the eventual annexation of the desert.
Fontaine and the desert differed vastly in culture, customs, and even physical appearance, and the integration of such distinct peoples would undoubtedly cause friction.
Felina's inspection of Romaritime Harbor and her public gestures of goodwill towards the desert dwellers held profound significance.
Imagine this: you are a desert refugee who has fled to a foreign land. The environment, the people, everything is unfamiliar, and you are filled with anxiety about the unknown.
Suddenly, the god of this foreign land personally arrives to greet you, inquiring about your well-being and ordering local authorities to ensure your comfort.
Now imagine this: you are a Fontainian in love with a girl from the desert.
Because of differences in faith, culture, and skin color, your family disapproves of your relationship, and your bride worries about fitting into Fontaine's society.
But during your wedding, the god of your nation appears, blessing your union and presenting a gift.
How would you feel?
The symbolic importance of a Fontainian marrying a desert dweller and receiving blessings from their god cannot be overstated.
Felina used her inspection to convey her concern, respect, and care for the desert people, crafting an image of herself as a compassionate goddess.
Some might see this as hypocritical.
But as the saying goes: judge a ruler by their actions, not their intentions.
As the leader of a nation, the term "hypocrisy" is meaningless if their actions benefit their people and improve their lives.
Felina may have had ulterior motives in utilizing the desert people, but the directives she gave during her inspection genuinely improved their conditions in Romaritime Harbor.
Her blessings undoubtedly changed the lives of that newlywed couple for the better.
That was enough.
As she always maintained, she had a clear understanding of her own role.
Felina did not consider herself a good person, but she remained unwavering in her pursuit of her goals.
No matter how intricate or ruthless her schemes, as long as she succeeded in achieving her ultimate objective, she could confidently say:
"Everything I have done is for the sake of justice!"
Of course, this inspection and the accompanying newspaper article were only one small part of Felina's grand strategy.
Several days later, everything was ready.
Felina informed Neuvillette and set off for Sumeru.
That day, Sumeru erupted in celebration!
A red carpet extended from the Akademiya's gates, winding through the city streets all the way to the port.
Sumeru's streets were adorned with decorations, and citizens lined the paths, cheering in welcome.
The Akademiya had spared no effort in organizing this grand reception for the Hydro Archon from Fontaine.
"Wow! So this is Sumeru, the Nation of Wisdom? What a beautiful place!"
It was Furina's first time leaving Fontaine to visit another nation. She was thrilled by the new sights and cultural experiences.
"As long as you're happy."
Felina smiled at Furina's enthusiasm.
"But for now, try to keep your excitement in check. We're here for important matters. Once we're done with the Akademiya, we'll explore and try some of Sumeru's delicacies together."
"Okay!" Furina nodded eagerly.
The Akademiya, Sumeru's governing body, was led by a council of Sages, with a Grand Sage at their head.
Today, the Grand Sage Azar led the entire council to the port, where they awaited the arrival of the Hydro Archon.
"Lady Furina, the Hydro Archon of Fontaine, we have long heard of your renown. To meet you in person is truly an honor."
"Grand Sage Azar, on behalf of the Six Sages, extends our most sincere welcome."
Azar and the council placed their hands over their hearts and bowed deeply, showing the utmost respect to the visiting deity.
"There is no need for such formalities."
Felina smiled. "I have long heard of Sumeru's reputation as the Nation of Wisdom. My responsibilities kept me from visiting until now, but seeing it in person, it is indeed extraordinary."
"Ha-ha, to receive such praise from Lady Furina brings us great joy."
"Lady Furina, we have prepared a banquet in your honor at the Palace of Wisdom. Please, allow us to escort you there."
Azar gestured politely, and Felina nodded in agreement.
During the walk to the palace, the sages introduced Sumeru's culture and customs, but neither side seemed particularly invested in the conversation.
Felina, uninterested in small talk, let Furina take over to indulge her curiosity.
After a meticulously prepared banquet, Felina sat across from the council in a grand chamber.
On one side sat Felina alone; on the other, Azar and five other Sages.
A stifling tension filled the spacious room.
The air was heavy with the weight of diplomacy, as the opening moves of an international negotiation unfolded.
Though Felina sat alone, her commanding presence was unwavering.
"Lady Furina," Azar began, his eyes scrutinizing her, "I understand that you declared in Fontaine's Steambird newspaper your intent to bring rain to the desert."
"Should we interpret this as an attempt to encroach on Sumeru's faith?"
Grand Sage Azar fixed his gaze on Felina and asked.
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