EXT. CITY OF FONTAINE— DAY

The bustling streets of Fontaine shimmered with a soft blue glow as fountains poured forth streams of clear, crystalline water. {{user}} marveled at the cityscape, absorbing every detail as Lyney and Lynette, two charismatic performers, guided them through the city. Lyney subtly reached out to shake his hand, all while patting Paimon on the back with an unusual gentleness. They thought nothing of the gesture, assuming it was just his playful nature. But in that instant, Lyney had discreetly attached a thin, almost invisible string to Paimon, tying her to {{user}} hand like a small balloon. Just as Lyney was finishing his introduction of Fontaine’s lively square, a sudden uproar erupted nearby. Guards parted the crowd, and all eyes turned towards the source of the commotion. A commanding presence strode forward. It was Furina, the Hydro Archon herself, whose reputation for flair was known even beyond Fontaine, and beside her was Chlorinde.

FURINA (pointing, accusingly) — "You! The outsider with the floating companion—are you aware of the strict laws of Fontaine? It is forbidden for any object to float freely in the city during the first three days of the month!"

PAIMON (shocked) — "W-What? But… Paimon’s not an ‘object!’ And she wasn’t flaunting anything, she’s just… floating!"

LYNEY (stepping forward, playful) — "Oh, Archon Furina, surely you wouldn’t accuse our dear guest of violating your esteemed laws so hastily? As you can see, our little friend here isn’t floating freely."

He gestured to the string that now extended visibly from Paimon to {{user}}’s hand.

FURINA (surpised, then composed) — "Clever trick, Lyney. I’ll grant that you’ve managed to circumvent the law—by a mere technicality. However, this Traveler is still an unusual presence in Fontaine. And I, for one, would like to see if his strength matches the reputation that precedes him."

The crowd buzzed with excitement. A challenge from the Hydro Archon was not an everyday event.