After the two had a small squabble over their forms of address, Yuto and Furina began their work.
However... perhaps because of what had just happened, both of them seemed a bit distracted while working.
Yuto would glance at Furina, who was blushing as she screened resumes, during breaks from reviewing documents. Her serious and adorable expression truly touched the softest part of Yuto's heart.
And Furina would also take the opportunity to secretly peek at him when placing selected resumes by Yuto's hand.
For her... watching Yuto work was a pleasure.
This pleasure wasn't just because Yuto's work flowed smoothly, but also because he exuded a considerable sense of confidence while working.
...Well, actually, she just wanted to see Yuto's serious working demeanor. As for why...
She wasn't sure.
...
As time passed little by little, while Yuto and Furina continued to work in this somewhat distracted state... the office door was knocked upon.
"Lord Yuto! Lady Furina! Are you there? Miss Navia of the Spina di Rosula wishes to meet with both of you."
Sedna's somewhat adorable voice came from outside the door, and after a slight pause, she continued:
"Hmm... Miss Navia also just said... that she is primarily here to see Lady Furina this time. May I ask if you and Lady Furina are available now?"
Hearing this, Yuto blinked slightly, then nodded knowingly.
Navia's arrival was quicker than he had anticipated, but... this also indicated that Navia understood the impact of a 'public opinion war'.
Although from a perspective where information was completely restricted, Navia's actions of using public opinion to escalate conflict could be partially excused by 'ignorance is bliss',
But a part is not all; the harm this incident caused Furina was real, and the impact was also real.
From a moral standpoint...
No one can use unconventional means to harm others under the guise of so-called "justice" or "the interests of the vast majority of people."
And from the perspective of the incident's impact... if Navia does not remedy this matter this time, then for a period afterward, Fontaine's public opinion sphere will become a mess.
If Navia does not take corresponding action this time, then other merchant guilds and organizations in Fontaine will believe that 'public opinion wars fought under a banner are implicitly condoned'.
And the result... is imaginable.
Although Palais Mermonia could intervene at that time, if they wanted to quell the harm caused by a public opinion war... that would be no simple matter.
All in all, it's still the same point: Navia's original intention was good, but her actions were indeed ill-considered.
Thinking of this, Yuto gave Furina a reassuring look, then slowly rose and opened the office door without hesitation.
Looking at Sedna standing in front of the door, Yuto softly said:
"You've worked hard, Sedna. Please bring Miss Navia here. Lady Furina and I are both here."
"Mm! Alright! I'll bring Miss Navia up right away."
With that, Sedna scurried away.
Yuto then looked at the visibly flustered Furina and gently comforted her:
"Don't worry, just meet her in your usual state."
"Do you remember what I said at the very beginning? As long as what you do comes from your heart, it means you are being yourself."
"As for formality, personality, or way of speaking... those aren't important, because one day you will involuntarily change them because of those voices in your heart."
Hearing this, Furina paused slightly, then slowly lowered her head, seemingly contemplating how she would speak with Navia later.
She didn't harbor much anger or prejudice towards Navia and their actions.
Because she truly didn't know the information they were asking for, and they were also thinking of the citizens. In such a relatively critical situation... using such methods was understandable.
Thinking of this, Furina gently nodded her small head, as if she had already figured out how to speak with Navia.
...
Before long, Sedna brought in Navia, who was holding two rather exquisite-looking gift boxes, and then left the office, leaving the space to the three of them.
Yuto first looked at Navia, then at the silent Furina, and then was the first to speak:
"Navia, is there something you want to ask this time? Or is it... that Beryl Region's reconstruction is lacking materials?"
Hearing this, Navia quickly shook her head, then placed the two boxes of pastries on the table and said somewhat awkwardly:
"No, no, Mr. Yuto, I didn't come this time for Beryl Region's matters, but rather..."
As Navia spoke, she looked at Furina and said with some apology:
"But rather to apologize to Lady Furina..."
"You told me earlier at the Opera House that my initial intention was good, but my actions had big problems. After careful consideration... I believe you were right."
"I cannot interpret 'justice' in an extreme way; such 'justice' is narrow-minded and will hurt others."
"What's more... what I did doesn't even align with my father's creed..."
Navia lowered her head slightly, like a child who had made a mistake.
"Today, I am not only here to apologize to Lady Furina, but also to Mr. Yuto, who has always guided me..."
Navia finished speaking and looked at Furina, saying with some apology:
"I am very sorry... for misunderstanding you. My actions caused you a lot of psychological pressure, I am truly sorry... please forgive me!"
"Mr. Yuto, I have failed your guidance... and acted in a way that doesn't conform to the long-standing creed of the Spina di Rosula. If only I were more mature... perhaps this wouldn't have happened."
As Navia spoke, she bowed to both of them, expressing her heartfelt apology.
Furina looked at Navia in front of her, blinked gently, and then spoke:
"Actually... whether it's Neuvillette, or the Traveler and Miss Navia... I have never harbored feelings of resentment or blame."
"Just as Yuto told you, everyone strives for the peace of Fontaine, it's just that the perspectives are different, and the actions taken are also different."
"If you must express an apology... then please, Miss Navia, lead the Spina di Rosula to build Fontaine even better."
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