Chapter 104: The Nation of War

(Chapter 104 The Nation of War)

Two months had quietly passed since that fateful night when Furina had fallen asleep on Tempest's shoulder, her tears betraying the pain she kept hidden deep within. Since then, the two had seen each other often, but Furina had yet to open up to him about what was truly troubling her. It lingered in the air between them, a silent weight that neither dared to fully confront. Still, something had shifted. Each time they met, she seemed warmer, more genuine in her smiles, and more at ease around him. 

Though she kept her secrets, there was an undeniable closeness between them now. Tempest could only hope that one day, she would feel comfortable enough to share the burdens that gnawed at her soul. For now, he chose to be patient, offering her the quiet reassurance that he would be there whenever she was ready.

At the moment, Tempest sat at his desk, eyes focused on the endless stack of paperwork before him. The cursed feather, now transformed into an elegant quill by Columbina, danced across the parchment in his hand. The feather, with its dark origins, had become a constant companion in his work, its tip gliding smoothly as it wrote, seemingly guided by more than just Tempest's hand. Despite the ominous history of the feather, he found it quite useful.

In the center of his spacious office, on a plush couch, Nahida sat with her legs curled beneath her, engrossed in a book. The small Archon had become a regular presence in his life as well, a source of quiet wisdom and comfort. Her calming aura was a stark contrast to the intensity of his world, and her mere presence always brought a sense of peace, even when the pressures of Fontaine weighed heavily on his mind.

"You're unusually quiet today." 

Nahida remarked without looking up from her book, her voice soft but curious.

Tempest glanced up from his paperwork. 

"I suppose there's a lot on my mind."

Nahida closed her book and tilted her head slightly, her eyes gentle but probing. 

"Furina?"

Tempest sighed, setting down his quill. 

"Yes... It's been two months, and still, she hasn't said a word about what's really bothering her. But every time I see her, she's more at ease. She smiles more, but I can tell... there's something behind those smiles. I can feel it."

Nahida nodded, her gaze thoughtful. 

"Sometimes, even when we care deeply for someone, they need time to open up. She'll tell you when she's ready. Just continue being there for her. That alone might be enough for now."

Tempest leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling for a moment before returning his focus to Nahida. 

"I know you're right. I just... I worry for her. The prophecy, whatever it is, is hanging over her. I can't shake the feeling that time is running out."

Nahida smiled softly, setting her book aside. 

"There's always time, Tempest. As long as you both have each other, you'll find a way through whatever comes."

Tempest smiled at her words, grateful for her steady presence in his life. 

"Thank you, Young Pasha. You always know what to say."

She grinned, playfully waving her hand. 

"That's what I'm here for, right?"

Tempest chuckled softly before returning to his paperwork, his mind still drifting back to Furina and the weight of the unspoken. He could wait for her to open up, but that didn't stop the growing sense of urgency in his heart.

The sound of frantic footsteps echoed through the halls, growing louder as they approached Tempest's office. Tempest barely had time to glance up from his paperwork before the door was flung open with a bang, and in rushed Constantine, his face flushed with excitement.

"Your Grace! Let's go to Natlan!" 

Constantine exclaimed, practically breathless from his hurried entrance, his eyes gleaming with an eagerness that could barely be contained.

Tempest blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden interruption. Beside him, Nahida sat serenely, looking up from her book with an amused but patient smile. Constantine, noticing Nahida's presence for the first time, abruptly straightened and cleared his throat, attempting to regain some composure.

"Ah, my apologies, Nahida. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Nahida merely gave him a gentle nod, the amusement still lingering in her expression. 

"No harm done."

Tempest raised an eyebrow, still focused on the task at hand. 

"And why, exactly, would I want to go to Natlan?"

"War!" 

Constantine declared, his voice booming with fervor.

Tempest finally leaned back in his chair, intrigued. 

"What do you mean 'war'?"

"There have been numerous reports indicating that the Abyss is once again stirring conflict within Natlan." 

Constantine explained, his excitement palpable.

"But this time, it's bigger than before. In the past few years, we've seen only skirmishes, but I fear an invasion is imminent."

"And what does that have to do with Fontaine, exactly?" 

Tempest replied, keeping his tone measured as he resumed his scribbling on the parchment.

"To finally test the Golden Armada, of course!" 

Constantine said, eyes gleaming with the thrill of potential battle.

Tempest shook his head, a bemused smile playing on his lips. 

"You and your insatiable thirst for battle... No. It's not my concern what happens in other nations. My homeland is here. Besides, Natlan has successfully held off the Abyss since the Cataclysm. I have no doubt they'll manage this situation as well."

Constantine's excitement dimmed slightly, but he pressed on. 

"But Your Grace, think of the strategic advantage! This could be our chance to showcase the power of the Golden Armada and solidify our influence in Teyvat! If we don't act, we risk losing a vital ally."

"Losing an ally?" 

Tempest leaned back, crossing his arms as he regarded Constantine with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. 

"You make it sound as if the people of Natlan cannot handle their own battles. They've fought against the Abyss for centuries."

Constantine stepped closer, lowering his voice. 

"And that's exactly why we should offer our support. They may have held them off before, but the Abyss has been evolving, becoming more cunning. If we wait too long, we may find ourselves facing the consequences of inaction."

Tempest sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. 

"I understand your concerns, but we have our own matters to attend to here in Fontaine. We cannot afford to stretch ourselves too thin."

Constantine persisted, undeterred by Tempest's reluctance. 

"What if we send a contingent of the Armada? Just a few ships to provide support, and you can observe the situation firsthand. You could still manage your responsibilities here while demonstrating our might."

As Tempest pondered Constantine's words, Nahida, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. 

"Tempest, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to investigate. You could gather valuable intelligence and ensure that your interests in the region are protected."

Tempest looked between the two, feeling the weight of their expectations pressing on him. He knew the allure of adventure and conflict was tempting, but the potential ramifications weighed heavily on his mind. 

"No." 

Tempest stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for debate.

"I will not risk my men's lives over the problems of another nation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find out what Hatsume wanted to discuss." 

He rose from his seat, determination etched across his face.

"I'm coming too." 

Nahida said, hopping off the couch and swiftly trailing behind Tempest.

"Please, don't sneak off, Teacher. I need you here." 

Tempest said, glancing back at Constantine as he moved toward the door of his office.

Constantine sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. 

"I'm not going anywhere… Maybe…" 

His voice trailed off, a mixture of reluctance and mischief dancing in his eyes. 

"Your Grace, you know I'm always here to support you, even if I do find it more fun to stir things up." 

He added with a smirk. 

Tempest shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

"Your idea of support is quite unconventional, but I suppose I should be grateful for your enthusiasm."

Nahida looked up at Tempest, her eyes shimmering with curiosity.

"What do you think Hatsume wants to talk about? It must be important if she's requesting your attention."

"I have my suspicions." 

Tempest replied, his voice turning serious again. 

"Hatsume has been working tirelessly on her latest projects, and I fear she might have pushed herself too far."

Shortly after, Tempest and Nahida arrived at the testing grounds, a space bustling with the energy of invention where Hatsume often conducted her experiments.

"Uwah!" 

Nahida exclaimed, nearly losing her balance as a sudden gust of wind swept through the area. Her small form struggled to hold its ground, but Tempest instinctively tightened his grip on her hand, steadying her.

As he looked up to assess the source of the wind, Tempest's eyes widened at the sight of a metallic bird soaring through the air. No, it wasn't just any bird, it was a flying machine, gleaming in the sunlight as it gracefully arced overhead before descending onto the testing grounds with a controlled elegance.

The craft landed with a soft thud, its rotors slowing to a halt as a cloud of dust settled around it. The sight left Tempest both intrigued and apprehensive, knowing that Hatsume was likely behind yet another ambitious project. He could only wonder what kind of chaos, or brilliance, would ensue next.

"What in seven hells…?" 

Tempest muttered under his breath, his curiosity piqued. The sight of such an innovative contraption left him both impressed and concerned. With Hatsume's penchant for eccentricity, he wondered what sort of new adventure or mischief awaited them today.

Nahida looked up at Tempest, her eyes wide with excitement. 

"Is that one of Hatsume's creations? It looks incredible!"

Tempest nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. 

"Let's see what she has in store for us." 

Together, they moved closer to the flying machine, anticipation bubbling within them as they prepared to witness Hatsume's latest invention.

Tempest and Nahida approached the massive flying machine, its sleek metallic surface gleaming under the sun. Bold letters emblazoned across the body of the craft read "Electro Smasher!", a name that immediately had Tempest raising an eyebrow. A pair of shark-like teeth were painted across the front of the machine, resembling a gaping maw ready to bite. Tempest felt a shiver run down his spine. The sight of the shark design wasn't just unsettling, it tugged at an old fear of sharks he'd long tried to bury.

"Of course…" 

He muttered under his breath, forcing his gaze away from the jagged teeth.

The plane's door hissed open, and out stepped Hatsume, her signature enthusiasm radiating from her wide grin. She wore her usual set of mechanical goggles, which were slightly askew over her eyes. With a quick gesture, she lifted them onto her forehead, revealing her bright, eager eyes.

"What's up, chief?!" 

She exclaimed, her excitement palpable. 

"How do you like my new baby?!" 

Hatsume threw her arms wide, proudly presenting the giant flying machine as if it were her greatest creation yet.

Tempest sighed, trying to push aside the discomfort the shark design brought him. 

"You named it 'Electro Smasher'?" 

He asked, tone neutral, though his eyes showed a flicker of trepidation as they briefly darted back to the shark teeth.

Hatsume's grin widened even further as she looked at her creation. 

"Oh, come on, it's fierce! You gotta admit, it gives the plane some personality!" 

She replied with a laugh, completely ignoring Tempest's discomfort.

Nahida, meanwhile, was all smiles as she examined the aircraft from a distance. 

"It's very... unique," 

She said, trying to offer encouragement. 

"What does it do, Hatsume?"

"Oh, you're gonna love this, Little Miss Archon!" 

Hatsume exclaimed with boundless enthusiasm. "

It's an absolute combat beast in the skies! The 'Electro Smasher' is armed with a heavy payload that could decimate enemies from above, plus four miniguns, the same kind we've got on the Suppression Specialist Mekas, giving it even more firepower! And the speed? It'll outfly any airship you've ever seen. This thing is practically unstoppable!" 

Hatsume puffed out her chest, pride radiating off her as she marveled at her latest creation.

*Hatsume's plane image*

Nahida shifted uncomfortably at Hatsume's response, realizing that this massive machine was designed purely for warfare, a tool built for destruction. She gave a small, thoughtful glance at Tempest, her gentle nature conflicted with the sheer power and deadly purpose of the invention.

But Tempest, though aware of Nahida's quiet discomfort, couldn't deny his intrigue. Hatsume's description of the 'Electro Smasher' left him impressed. He wasn't one to shy away from practical weapons of war, especially not when they were as advanced as this one.

"Impressive..." 

Tempest muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the immense aircraft once more. He could already picture how effective it would be in battle, dominating the skies as part of the Golden Armada.

Hatsume beamed at his response, her excitement only growing. 

"And get this, chief, it only took me nine trial designs to perfect this beauty! So, you see, I didn't waste much of your money this time!" 

She gave him a wink, clearly proud of how efficiently she had created such a powerful machine.

Tempest allowed a small smile to tug at the corner of his lips. Hatsume's resourcefulness and ability to continually outdo herself always amazed him. 

"Nine trials, huh?" 

He said, amused. 

"At this rate, you'll be building floating fortresses in no time."

Hatsume's eyes widened with excitement the moment Tempest mentioned floating fortresses. 

"How did you know, chief?!" 

She exclaimed, almost in disbelief.

"Huh?" 

Tempest replied, confused by her sudden outburst.

"That's exactly why I called you here! Come, come, come!" 

Hatsume motioned for Tempest and Nahida to follow her, practically bouncing with enthusiasm as she led them into the workshop.

"This might be my most ambitious project yet." 

She said, her voice brimming with pride. 

"It'll probably take a few years to complete, and we're going to need massive amounts of resources to build it."

As she spoke, she laid out a large blueprint on the worktable. The design sprawled across the page, revealing a colossal flying fortress. At the top of the blueprint, the name stood out boldly: The Pride of Focalors.

Tempest's eyes scanned the intricate details, this was no ordinary war machine. The fortress was a marvel of engineering, with massive cannons, advanced artillery, and sprawling airfields. It wasn't just built for destruction but for dominance, an airborne citadel that could control entire skies.

*Pride of focalors image*

"This." 

Hatsume said with a dramatic flair.

"Is why I called you here, chief. If you want me to mass-produce machines like the 'Electro Smasher', or anything on this scale, we need access to far more resources than we currently have. I've already passed the blueprint for the wobble, uh, I mean Siege Engines, to our engineers, and we've begun mass production. But if you want more, bigger, things like this, we need an uninterrupted supply of resources. Trading with other nations isn't going to cut it anymore."

Tempest glanced at Nahida, who was silently listening, her expression a mix of curiosity and slight concern. Hatsume's ambition knew no bounds, and it was clear this new project would require not only materials but also political maneuvering to ensure such a massive undertaking could be achieved without interference.

Nahida exchanged a concerned glance with Tempest, sensing the weight of Hatsume's ambition. 

"And what are the risks involved, Hatsume? We must consider the implications of acquiring resources without restrictions." 

She cautioned, her voice gentle yet firm.

"Risks? Pffft! What's life without a little risk?!" 

Hatsume replied with a grin, waving off the concerns. 

"I'll have the engineers working around the clock, and with the right resources, we could dominate the skies!"

"You're talking about an entire industrial overhaul." 

Tempest said thoughtfully, his mind racing through potential strategies. 

"That's no small task."

"I know." 

Hatsume replied, her tone serious now. "But if we want Fontaine to stand above all others, to truly secure its place as the most advanced and powerful nation in Teyvat, we'll need this." 

She tapped the blueprint with finality. 

"The Pride of Focalors, will make the Golden Armada invincible."

Tempest studied the blueprint again, his mind already calculating the cost and logistics. If this could be pulled off, Fontaine's dominance wouldn't just be in the seas but in the skies too. The thought of it stirred something in him, power, legacy, the future of his nation.

Nahida gently tapped Tempest's leg, signaling that she wanted to share something privately. 

Tempest knelt down to her height, offering his ear with a patient smile. 

"What's on your mind, Young Pasha?"

With a furtive glance toward Hatsume, who was animatedly discussing her plans, Nahida leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"Tempest, you know what happened to Khaenri'ah when they tried to elevate their technology to heights that shouldn't have been possible. It's crucial to think this through carefully."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Tempest's expression shifted as he processed her cautionary reminder. He recalled the tales of Khaenri'ah's downfall, the consequences of ambition unchecked by wisdom. The catastrophic results of their hubris had left deep scars on Teyvat, a cautionary tale that resonated through the ages.

"I understand what you're saying." 

Tempest replied, his voice low but firm. 

"But we're not Khaenri'ah. We have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Still, we must tread carefully. Hatsume's vision is grand, but we can't lose sight of the potential dangers involved."

Nahida nodded, her wide eyes reflecting both concern and hope. 

"It's not just about the technology, Tempest. It's about the balance of power, the stability of nations, and the lives that could be affected. If you move too quickly, you might ignite conflicts you cannot control."

Tempest straightened, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. 

"You're right. We need to proceed with caution. I'll speak with Hatsume and ensure we keep our ambitions in check." 

"Mm... Where do you think we could acquire those resources, Hatsume?" 

Tempest asked, his tone inquisitive as he considered their options.

"Both Natlan and Inazuma are rich in natural resources." 

Hatsume replied, scratching her head as she hesitated. 

"But, I uh, to be honest, I really don't want to go back to Inazuma, at least not yet…"

Tempest nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing through the possibilities. 

"Natlan…" 

He murmured, and a smile slowly formed on his face as an idea took shape. 

"Tempest, are you seri-" 

Nahida began, but her words were swiftly cut off.

"We're going to Natlan to bargain with the Pyro Archon." 

Tempest declared confidently, his decision made. 

"I've heard from Teacher that the Abyss is planning an invasion on Natlan. We can provide the nation with support, but of course, we'll need something in return, a price to pay for our assistance."

Nahida's expression shifted, concern etching her features. 

"Tempest... Are you seriously just going to approach a nation for its natural resources instead of actually helping the people?" 

Her voice was tinged with a mix of disappointment and urgency.

Tempest paused, feeling the weight of her words. "

I understand your concern, Young Pasha, but think about it. By supporting Natlan against the Abyss, we're not just helping them fend off an invasion, we're also ensuring that they remain stable and prosperous. In return, we'll secure the resources Hatsume needs for her projects, which will ultimately strengthen our position and capabilities."

Hatsume chimed in, her enthusiasm returning. 

"Exactly! If we can show the Pyro Archon that we're valuable allies in their time of need, they might be more willing to negotiate on resources. It's a win-win situation!"

Tempest could see Nahida still wrestling with her thoughts.

"I just don't want your ambitions to overshadow your humanity. You must remain mindful of the impact your actions could have on the lives of those in Natlan."

Tempest nodded, appreciating her perspective. 

"You're right, and I promise to keep that in mind. We'll approach this with the intention to help, not just to take. Let's make sure we're clear about our motives when we meet with the Archon."

"Hatsume! The coffee machine has decided to sabotage our caffeine cravings once again! Please, fix it right away before my head explodes from lack of coffee!" 

The exasperated voice of Faruzan echoed from the laboratory next door, her frustration palpable.

Hatsume's eye twitched as a vein popped out on her forehead. 

"Shut up, you old hag! I'm not your personal barista! Fix it yourself!" 

She shouted back, her tone laced with playful irritation.

"Why, you cheeky little whippersnapper! How dare you call me an 'old hag' once more? You really have some nerve, you know that, don't you?!" 

Faruzan retorted, her voice rising as she burst out of the laboratory, ready to confront Hatsume. However, the sight of Tempest and Nahida made her halt mid-stride.

"Oh, greetings, Tempest and Nahida!" 

Faruzan said, quickly shifting her demeanor to a more cordial tone, though her irritation was still evident.

"Greetings, Faruzan! We were just discussing Hatsume's latest invention."

 Nahida replied, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Latest invention? More like her latest disaster!" 

Faruzan shot back, crossing her arms. 

"Just the other day, I found one of her contraptions attempting to take flight. I thought I was going to be attacked by a rogue mechanical bird!"

Hatsume huffed indignantly, hands on her hips. 

"That was a prototype! It was supposed to demonstrate the principles of aerodynamics, not become a flying menace! You should be thanking me for the thrill!"

"Thrill? It nearly gave me a heart attack!" 

Faruzan chuckled, shaking her head. 

"Next time you decide to create something, maybe consider the fact that not everyone enjoys having their life threatened by your 'innovations.'"

Hatsume rolled her eyes dramatically. 

"Oh please, Madam Faruzan! If you can survive that ancient relic of a coffee machine, you can survive a little invention of mine. Besides, who needs coffee when you have adrenaline?"

"Adrenaline doesn't wake me up in the morning, you madwoman!" 

Faruzan exclaimed, her hands on her hips. 

"I need that coffee to function! What kind of scholar can't handle a simple caffeine fix?"

Tempest watched the banter unfold with a bemused smile. 

"Perhaps you should consider investing in a coffee machine that doesn't have a vendetta against its users." 

He suggested his tone light.

"Ha! If only Hatsume put as much effort into fixing machines as she does into creating them!" 

Faruzan shot back, casting a knowing glance at Hatsume.

"Alright, alright! I'll fix the blasted coffee machine!" 

Hatsume finally conceded, throwing her hands up in defeat. 

"But only because I can't concentrate with you bickering! Just don't expect me to serve you coffee like some kind of maid!"

Faruzan smirked, her playful attitude returning. 

"You know, Hatsume, you'd make a terrible maid. I doubt anyone would trust you with a broom, let alone a coffee machine!"

With a playful glare, Hatsume marched off toward the laboratory.

"Just wait and see! I'll create a coffee machine so advanced it'll brew coffee while performing a full concert! Then you'll be begging me for a cup!"

"I'd settle for one that works!" 

Faruzan called after her, laughter trailing behind her as she turned to Tempest and Nahida.

Nahida looked at Tempest, her eyes twinkling with amusement. 

"They certainly make a lively pair, don't they?" 

Tempest chuckled, nodding in agreement. 

"It's always entertaining around here. Let's hope Hatsume's next creation doesn't cause any more chaos."

"So, what have you been working on, Faruzan?" 

Tempest asked, genuinely curious about her latest project.

"I'm thrilled you asked, Tempest! Just look at what I've got here, this is a true marvel of innovation! Behold, this is the future of communication, right at your fingertips!"

 Faruzan exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she held up a shimmering prism from a Primal Construct.