The Centralized System was entirely different from standard equipment.
It functioned as the control hub for specially designed equipment units.
Any custom equipment linked to the Centralized System would generate usage logs when activating cards. Moreover, the system could remotely disable these units if necessary.
Every card bound to the system could be distributed or reclaimed at will!
With this feature, there was no need to worry about public funds being wasted on ungrateful turncoats.
"Indeed, this is perfectly suited for official use," Neuvillette nodded.
The Palais Mermonia's duty was to uphold order—it couldn't afford to break that order itself.
Since the Centralized System recorded all card activations, reviewing the logs would reveal exactly how the equipment was being used. This outright prevented any insider abuse of power.
As for potential objections… Well, it was crucial to remember the source of this power. The funding came directly from the Palais Mermonia's coffers—wasn't it only reasonable to impose restrictions?
Neuvillette wasn't concerned about resistance.
No other entity in Fontaine had the resources to provide such formidable power on this scale—not even the aristocracy.
And frankly, no one would refuse strength of this magnitude.
"This system requires a wise leader…"
Chevreuse couldn't help glancing at Neuvillette.
Fortunately, Fontaine had him.
His impartiality ensured fairness, and even the lowest-ranking officers could see avenues for advancement. There was no need for undue worry.
Plus, Neuvillette's longevity guaranteed the system's stable operation.
When viewed this way, the Centralized System was flawless!
The Palais Mermonia no longer risked nurturing traitors.Its members gained access to unparalleled power.
Neuvillette cut straight to the point: "What's the price of the Centralized System?"
"Not expensive."
Lu Heng smiled. "Ten billion Mora."
"Ten billion?"
Neuvillette pondered.
For a system of this caliber, ten billion was hardly steep—it was almost a bargain.
Without hesitation, Neuvillette declared: "Lady Furina has granted me full authority. We'll take it."
"How many administrator slots?" Lu Heng asked.
The system required at least one decision-maker to oversee operations—card distribution, retrieval, access permissions, all demanded centralized control.
"Just Lady Furina and myself," Neuvillette said.
As the Hydro Archon, Furina inherently held a permanent seat. But since she scarcely involved herself in governance, Neuvillette reserved the second slot for himself.
"Follow me."
Lu Heng led them deeper into the shop.
Thanks to spatial compression tech, the interior far exceeded its outward dimensions. They soon arrived at a warehouse.
"This is the Centralized System."
Under the lights stood a reactor-like structure spanning 200-300 square meters.
"Once bound to administrators, it can be miniaturized for transport. Just deploy it in a suitable location and activate," Lu Heng explained.
Neuvillette: "What about its energy requirements?"
"Minimal. These Energy Cards here—each single-tier card, when dismantled, fuels the system for one hour. Its energy efficiency is flawless."
"Remarkably cost-effective," Neuvillette remarked.
"It's designed for long-term sustainability," Lu Heng said matter-of-factly.
"Fair enough."
Neuvillette paid the Mora, bound himself as the second administrator, and stored the system.
Beyond the core unit's 10-billion price tag, each custom equipment piece cost double the standard rate—20,000 Mora per unit.
Neuvillette purchased 3,000 on the spot.
Now, for the main event: card pulls.
Neuvillette had arrived with 20 billion Mora. After expenses, 9.4 billion remained.
"That's 94,000 pulls," Lu Heng noted.
This was the largest single transaction he'd ever handled—20 billion spent upfront!
"Perhaps I should invite Lady Furina to join us."
After a moment's thought, Neuvillette added, "Mr. Lu, please wait briefly. I must return to the Palais Mermonia to install the system and consult Lady Furina on policy matters."
"Of course," Lu Heng agreed.
Neuvillette was a man of protocol.
Given his influence as Chief Justice, he could easily have been seen as an overreaching official. Yet he never overstepped his role. For a decision of this magnitude, even if Furina would rubber-stamp it, he insisted on her formal approval.
"I hope Lady Furina has rested sufficiently by now."
Neuvillette departed in haste.
———
Thirty minutes later, he returned—with an eager Furina in tow.
She'd initially refused to budge, until the Melusine tasked with waking her said: "Lord Neuvillette is about to pull cards at the shop. Your presence is required."
As the Archon, all major expenditures had to cross her desk.
The moment "card pulls" were mentioned, Furina's drowsiness vanished.
She was dying to see what Neuvillette would get.
Honestly, what was so entertaining about Opera Epiclese's trials anymore?
After 500 years, every case felt like a rerun.
But watching someone gacha? Now that was fun!
"Good afternoon~"
Furina greeted Lu Heng cheerfully.
"All rested?" he asked.
She nodded, then prodded: "Shall we begin?"
"By all means."
Lu Heng gestured toward a specially prepared counter.
Neuvillette stepped forward.
Ordinary users bound their equipment to personal accounts, but Neuvillette linked his to the Centralized System—this was the Palais Mermonia's official pulling profile.
"Oh? There's a 10,000x pull option now?"
Furina blinked in surprise.
"We can't have high-rolling clients spamming the 10-pull button until their fingers cramp, can we?" Lu Heng deadpanned.
Furina shot him a pointed glare.
Was this feature added because of me?!
Judging by his smirk, the answer was yes.
"Lady Furina, shall I proceed?" Neuvillette asked.
"Go ahead!"
Furina crossed her arms, a sly grin playing on her lips.
Neuvillette felt an odd premonition—why did it seem like she was waiting to laugh at him?
"No good cards, no good cards, please no—"
Furina muttered under her breath.
"Ahem… Lady Furina?"
Chevreuse coughed awkwardly.
"Lord Neuvillette's pulls are meant to strengthen the Palais Mermonia. If he gets nothing useful… wouldn't that just waste public funds?"
You're the Archon! Why are you rooting against your own faction?!
"Uh, I'm just… performing a ritual!"
Realizing her slip, Furina scrambled to recover.
"The more you crave something, the harder it is to obtain!"
"I'm using reverse psychology to boost the drop rates!"
She delivered this with utter conviction.
"Is that… actually a thing?" Neuvillette frowned.
"It is. Quite a few believers in that theory," Lu Heng confirmed.
"See?"
Furina exhaled in relief.
That was close—almost made a fool of myself!
----------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon: p@treon.com/furinaimpact