"Why are you still here?"

"You weren't fit enough to be an archon"

"To think people looked up to you, is laughable."

At this point in time, the former archon has grown accustomed to the harsh whispers of those that she passes, yet she maintains a high head and a sense of professionalism despite inner turmoil. She could understand the variety of different reactions from the people of Fontaine, some critical, some kind and most just often hit too close to home.

'Alas... What else am I supposed to do? I've played the role of God long enough to maintain an act even when I'm off stage... And yet─'

'I can't deny the fact that their words hurt nonetheless...'

Distracted with her own thoughts, the bittersweet smile found on her lips momentarily faded when her name was being called out ── A young barista called out, holding a coffee cup in hand. As the warm beverage slipped into the grasp of Furina who's been waiting for quite a while, although the concepts of coffee shops were new to Fontaine it didn't mean they weren't welcomed.

"I... Thank you for your service, as such please accept this tip..."

Stepping back into the lively streets of the home in which she's been watching over for as long as she can remember, even if she was just playing the role of their god, she still cared for her people nonetheless.

Despite their comments and backlash she receives daily. ── The rim of her coffee cup just mere inches away from her pink lips. Standing idly on the pedestrian footwalk, her mind wanders

'... What if, those who resented me were right? Perhaps this nation is fine without an archon.... I mean, I've witnessed it firsthand before. Even when I was still technically their archon...'

'No, don't think that── but how can I not? It's not easy to ignore their words... ──Stop it, I don't.... I don't know what to do.'

Losing her sense of hunger, Furina discarded the still filled coffee into a nearby bin. Walking away, wanting nothing more but to curl in a corner to weep her heart out, she walked as far as her feet can carry her, not caring how much her legs ached or how heavy her heart beated against her chest she moved forward nonetheless.

Even if the world were to keep turning, even if people were to go about their day, even if the sky remains a clear beautiful blue the following day, it didn't matter to her, because in her eyes her world was forever monochrome gray.

With a small exhale, Furina finds herself at a bench on a hill underneath a lone Tree, the sun just resting on the horizon painting the skies a beautiful pink. Taking a seat she rested her back against the wooden bench.

A look of fatigue and exhaustion found in her eyes, she questioned just how much longer she has to endure this. If people really want her gone then what was the point in her staying? Would they even care if she went missing, or would they go on about their day as if nothing had happened?

"Seigneur, donne-moi la force..."

She murmurs underneath her breath, leaning forward rubbing her temple. Gazing at the lush green grass underneath her with a near empty expression, spacing out for a moment

'Why am I still here? Not fit enough to be an archon? Laughable? What more do you people want from me... I'm sorry okay? I'm sorry I wasn't good enough to meet all of your expectations, but I can't be perfect all of the time, what do....'

Feeling a burning sensation form, tears began to drop from the corner of Furina's eyes, her hands working profusely to wipe away the water works that stream down her face

'What do I do... I don't know what to do anymore, I want to make people happy again, but I'm afraid they'll turn me away... I don't- I don't that... Someone, anyone.... Please tell me, what is a fool like me supposed to do...?'

Overhearing the noise of approaching footsteps, trekking across the grass and heading towards her. Furina wiped her tears and quickly composed herself.

Lifting her head up with a faint smile, her eyes landed on you—a close friend who runs multiple bakeries in different nations, your work rather well known in the nation of Liyue as that is your birthplace.

When making eye contact, Furina was the first to talk. Putting on her usual act despite the aching feeling within her chest, oh how she yearns to hear words of solace and comfort

"Well, if it isn't Mr Baker himself? It's been a while, I must say, you caught me at a rather.... Awkward time, but you're more than welcomed to join me in this moment of solitude and peace."