Genshin Impact: Fontaine's Regent, driving players crazy.

Watching through the live stream, Themis saw Traveler Lumine stroll around the court of Fontaine with Paimon until they encountered Tartaglia.

Themis recalled the story's plot points, meticulously recorded five hundred years ago—perfect. Apart from her own inexplicable presence, the narrative had unfolded without any deviations.

Her role, that of a feckless, invisible onlooker, remained as inconsequential to fate and the world as ever.

The airship touched down behind the Opera Epiclese, where a designated landing area awaited.

Descending from the vessel, Themis approached the opera house's grand entrance.

The Opera Epiclese stood as a singular monument to grandeur among Fontaine's edifices. Compared to the game's virtual representation, the real-life experience elicited genuine awe and wonder within Themis—a sentiment that gradually faded over time.

Established half a millennium ago, the opera house bore traces of Themis's original proposal. Yet it was through the tireless efforts of Furina and the entire administration that its true purpose was realized and brought to fruition.

As Themis reflected on her first time assisting Furina years ago, she recalled how Fontaine had been plagued by corrupt nobles who oppressed the lower classes, while the common folk struggled to put food on their tables. The divide between the aristocracy and the commoners grew wider with each passing day, pushing the kingdom to the brink of crisis.

Themis brought this pressing issue, which demanded immediate attention, to Furina's notice. But Furina, feigning confidence, pretended that she already knew and had a solution ready. It was tempting for Themis to chuckle at this facade.

Furina clearly had no idea what to do; her anxiety was evident as she tried to maintain the calm demeanor expected of a goddess. This stark contrast between her fragile uncertainty and forced composure was uniquely Furina's approach to handling stress—a pattern Themis had grown familiar with over the years.

Whenever Furina resorted to this coping mechanism, the next day would find her in a state akin to a frost-bitten eggplant—dazed and utterly exhausted. It reminded Themis of her own days as a student when she'd pull all-nighters poring over books for assignments due the next morning.

However, unlike schoolwork with its clear-cut answers, governing a nation didn't come with a definitive solution in the back of a textbook for Furina to reference.

Everything required this newly born pure soul to progress step by step, each move meticulously measured.

There was no room for error in this journey, nor a chance to turn back time and start anew.

Fortunately, behind Furina, Themis remained ever vigilant, guarding her every move.

Whenever confusion overwhelmed Furina, as she sifted through mountains of case files in the study, Themis would seize the opportunity to deliver food—and offer subtle guidance to the perplexed woman.

Seeing Furina's face light up with sudden understanding at the slightest hint, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders, Themis felt a sense of purpose in her own journey through different worlds.

Protecting the happiness of this newborn soul was her heartfelt wish.

"How did I respond when she presented that initial solution?" Themis mused, her mind drifting to distant memories.

Perhaps as one grows older, one naturally turns to reminiscing about the past.

Digging through her memories, Themis recalled that day when, after several hints, she received Furina's proposed solution.

Holding the fruit of Furina's nightly labor, she had said:

"Ah, Archon Furina, you truly are a wise god."

"However, as your Regent, I must request that you don't so quickly render me unemployed, hmm?"

"Therefore, please go and rest. You look absolutely drained."

"From now on, you can trust me more to handle matters."

"After all, as your Regent, I don't want to be accused of getting paid for doing nothing."

Even now, Themis vividly recalled the stunned expression on Furina's face at that time.

While Furina was forced to take a break, Themis took this chance to review and refine the flawed solution, aiming for perfection.

As a pragmatic individual who despised wasting time, Themis completed the revisions and immediately began visiting the nobles' homes the same day. If persuasion failed, she resorted to force.

Through her eloquence and strategic actions, the nobles were moved to express deep gratitude. They pledged not only their wealth but also their lives to support the construction of the Opera Epiclese, dedicated to the Hydro Archon.

The proposal to construct the Opera Epiclese was swiftly approved. This endeavor provided employment and sustenance wages for the lower classes, easing social tensions through work-as-relief.

Meanwhile, Themis tutored Furina in the responsibilities of rulership while Neuvillette, invited by the Hydro Archon, was introduced to basic human knowledge.

Secretly, Themis began observing and winning over some nobles. They were persuaded to align with the archon, believing it could enhance their own influence and profit. These nobles were then set against those of the opposing faction.

Over time, Themis inadvertently fanned the flames of conflict and rivalry between the noble camps. In the background, the lower classes were filled with tales of the nobles' misdeeds.

When the nobles, embroiled in irreconcilable conflicts over interests, were least expecting it, laws that had seemed irrelevant to them were suddenly amended. It was then that Themis sparked a popular uprising. Caught in the raging sea of people's wrath, the nobles found themselves with no refuge.

In warfare, Themis believed, grand strategies are not necessary when simple, effective tactics suffice.

In the end, using the Opera Epiclese—funded by these nobles themselves as their final stage—they were judged under laws they once deemed meaningless, surrounded by a populace eager for change. Chief Justice Neuvillette presided over the trial, with the Goddess of Justice, Furina, overseeing it all. In the watchful eyes of Regent Themis, the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale—the divine mouthpiece of judgment—delivered its first verdict, sentencing many aristocrats to death.

Seizing this moment, Themis swiftly consolidated power, excising the toxic tumors and factions harmful to Fontaine.

Only a handful of cowards remained—those who surrendered swiftly, obeyed without question, and astutely knew when to hop on the winning bandwagon.

Though the nobility system wasn't outright abolished, all remaining privileges were stripped, leaving only empty titles behind.

Themis enacted laws clearly stating that only those who made tremendous contributions to Fontaine could earn noble titles, which were to be held for a single generation, without hereditary rights.

If you desire a noble title, earn it yourself. Your ancestors' achievements are no excuse for your own laziness.

After this event, noble titles would only serve as honorary distinctions without any inherent rights. At most, those with meritorious service might receive some material rewards based on their contributions.

This trial had utterly shattered the monopolistic privileges of the nobility, granting the common people the same treatment due to all citizens of Fontaine.

The reputations of Chief Justice Neuvillette and the goddess Furina also soared.

However, the only thing that disheartened Themis was the venomous gossip among the nobles' descendants. They spread rumors about her, painting her as an ambitious schemes who wanted to usurp the archon and seize control over all of Fontaine.

As a people who loved leisure, the masses didn't think too deeply about these rumors. They simply passed them around as daily conversation material.

Through artistic embellishment, the stories grew more exaggerated, until Themis became a power-hungry schemer, a calculating, old ... always plotting to usurp the throne in their retellings.

Whenever she heard these hushed whispers while strolling the streets, Themis couldn't help but feel disheartened.

She had been unwaveringly devoted to Lady Furina. Why twist the truth so grotesquely?!

Walking along, Themis enjoyed the pleasant surroundings and the sun's warm, unblinding rays. As it fell upon her, the light shimmered with a golden glow.

There was still plenty of time before today's magic show; even the performers were still preparing their props.

So, Themis decided against entering the opera house directly. After all, what's the difference between doing that and obeying school administrators' orders to sit idly by waiting for a lecture to begin?

In the past, she might have whiled away the time reading a novel, but now, bound by her status, she couldn't even indulge in such simple pleasures.

Thus, Themis paused on a small path near the Court of Fontaine, taking in the day's scenery.

"Good morning, Lady Themis! Another beautiful day," exclaimed Blathine, the small, cheerful melusine, bouncing up to Themis and waving enthusiastically.

"Indeed, it seems like another lovely day," Themis responded, crouching down to their level. She gently took Blathine's hand, giving it a playful shake. "May you have a wonderful day, full of happiness and good cheer."

Blathine giggled, "Ohhh, I'm already quite chipper today, Lady Themis!"

"That's fantastic! Starting the day in high spirits is the key to a truly splendid day," Themis agreed, smiling warmly at the young Melusine.

Blathine nodded enthusiastically, recounting her day's adventures.

"I heard there's going to be a magic show at the Opera Epiclese today, performed by the great magician Lyney."

"Our Melusines have extraordinary eyes, you know. Mine can pick up even the tiniest clues at a crime scene, but I still can't figure out how magicians do their tricks."

"Magic truly is fascinating!"

Themis remained neutral. "Indeed, it is. However, Lyney is considered one of the top magicians in Fontaine. If others could simply copy his tricks, he'd be out of a job in no time."

"Huh? Is that so?"

"If a magician loses their job because their methods are exposed, does that make me a bad person for exposing them?" Blathine asked, puzzled and feeling guilty. For someone as kind-hearted as Melusines, causing someone to lose their livelihood was a serious matter.

Themis could see through Blathine's thoughts with a glance, barely able to suppress a chuckle.

"In truth, it won't make Lyney lose his job as long as you don't tell anyone else. After all, a magician's techniques are akin to their own inventions. As long as the principles behind them aren't revealed to the public, nobody will know, and Lyney can keep his job."

Oh, I see. It's wonderful that Lyney won't lose his job."

Blathine released a weight from her shoulders, feeling relieved as she patted her chest.

"Still, if it's Lyney we're talking about, even if this trick has been exposed for what it is, he'd probably invent another fantastic one, wouldn't he?"

Murmuring to herself while stroking her chin, Themis expressed great confidence in the famed Fontaine magician's ability to create new illusions.

As Blathine and Themis plunged into a discussion about Lyney's past magic tricks, they failed to notice a figure slowly approaching behind them.

Neuvillette had been invited to the Opera Epiclese to watch today's debut performance. However, he didn't expect to encounter an unexpected sight just outside the Court of Fontaine, right after the show concluded.

"Blathine... and Themis?"

A hint of confusion clouded Neuvillette's eyes. According to the information he'd received, Themis should have left early that morning with Furina to welcome the blonde traveler at Romaritime Harbor.

So how had Themis ended up at the Opera Epiclese?

Based on Neuvillette's speculation, at this very moment, Themis should have been strolling leisurely through the streets of Court of Fontaine with Furina and the newly arrived Traveler.

"Ah, it's you, Monsieur Neuvillette!"

Compared to Themis, who had her back turned to Neuvillette, Blathine, with her own viewpoint, instantly spotted his figure.

"Hm? Neuvillette, are you here to watch Great Magician Lyney's magic show as well?"

"Mm-hmm," Neuvillette replied. "I thought there were no other official duties today, so I accepted the invitation."

"But..." Neuvillette glanced at Themis, then looked around the area before curiously asking her, "Why don't I see any sign of Lady Furina? Usually, shouldn't you be together when traveling?"

"Don't talk about Lady Furina as if she's some child who might get lost," Themis replied calmly. "It's not like I accompany her everywhere at all times."

"Lady Furina always has her own thoughts. I suppose there must be some deeper reason behind her absence today."

Themis's lips curled into a faint smile as she stood up and glanced towards the nearby flower patch... where a long, white tuft of hair was peeking out.

Looking lost, Neuvillette followed Themis's gaze to the flower patch and saw the same strand of Furina's hair. He stared, utterly bewildered.

Neuvillette blinked repeatedly, his mind filled with question marks. What was Furina doing now? This was what Themis meant by "deeper meaning"? Or had this dragon, who had worked in Fontaine society for five hundred years, finally fallen out of touch with modern trends and couldn't understand what Themis was saying anymore?

How did this so-called deeper meaning connect to Furina hiding in a flower patch? It's just bizarre and incomprehensible!

In contrast to Themis and Neuvillette's silence, Blathine wasn't overthinking things.

The moment she spotted Furina's tuft of hair, Blathine recognized who it belonged to.

"Miss Furina, are you here on some sort of infiltration mission?"

In all of Fontaine, such rare white hair was hard to come by, let alone one that defied gravity with its irregular, upward-bending characteristic.

At first glance, it was obvious that Furina herself had arrived on the scene.

The tuft of hair protruding from the flower arrangement began to twitch.

Hidden behind the blossoms, Furina clutched her knees, her eyes wide with shock.

Huh? How did I get caught?!

Furina's face was a picture of bewilderment. Just moments ago, everything had been going according to plan—Themis hadn't even noticed her presence!

Cursed fate! Had she just been a few steps away, she would have slipped past Themis undetected, through the flower arrangement, and straight into the Opera Epiclese. That way, she could have avoided the awkward spectacle about to unfold.

Only the heavens knew how long it had taken her to regain her composure after being trapped in the airship seat and kissed by Themis. Her mind had been a jumbled mess for quite some time.

Summoning all her willpower, Furina chose to repress the memory of being forcibly kissed by her subordinate. Only then did she disembark from the airship.

Just as she considered taking refuge in the Opera Epiclese, she found her path blocked by Themis.

Noticing that Themis was still engaged in conversation with the young Melusine, Furina realized she had a brief window of opportunity.

Thus, the formidable Lady Furina found herself compelled to seek out a hidden route, dodging Themis's gaze as she slipped into stealth mode.

As Furina stealthily slunk through the flower-lined path, her attention was suddenly drawn by the conversation between Neuvillette and Themis.

"Damn it, what are they talking about?"

Furina strained her eyes and ears, trying to catch every word, but her distance from the pair made it impossible for her to hear anything at all.

She had no choice but to inch closer, trying to get a better listen.

Her mind whirled with confusion—she'd hidden herself so perfectly, how had she been discovered? But for now, the pressing matter was clearly the fact that Blathine had found her.

"Ah ha ha, Neuvillette... what a coincidence to meet you here."

With that, she stood up and wove her way through the flowers to Neuvillette's side, her gaze darting about as she avoided looking at Themis altogether.

"It is quite a coincidence, but Miss Furina, why were you hiding in there?"

"Well, of course because the view is so lovely. Don't you think the flower arrangement at the entrance of the Opera Epiclese is simply beautiful today?"

Furina's years of experience had honed her ability to improvise on the spot to a fine art.

In this kind of situation, you must never back down. Instead, take control of the conversation to swiftly cut off any further awkwardness.

Themis murmured her understanding. "I see, as expected of Lady Furina. I hadn't even noticed that today's flowers are more beautiful than ever."

"Especially that blue flower among them."

Furina shifted subtly behind Neuvillette, evading Themis's gaze.

Themis let out a soft chuckle, her eyes filled with indulgence.

"My apologies, Neuvillette, Blathine, but Lady Furina and I have some private matters to discuss. We'll be taking our leave now."

"Is that so, Lady Furina?" Blathine asked curiously.

"Uh..." Furina's gaze flickered away. She glanced at the inquisitive Blathine and the gathering crowd around them. Clenching her jaw, she nodded emphatically.

"Yes, that's right! Themis and I have more to talk about. We'll be heading off!"

"Oh, Neuvillette, the magic show is about to start. Don't forget the time..." Furina added, her unspoken plea clear between her words.

Neuvillette, however, could not decipher the hidden message in Furina's words.

The foolish Dragon Sovereign, ever earnest, thanked Furina profusely for her warning before coolly turning away to engage Blathine in conversation, inquiring after her well-being.

As she watched her last hope clearly fail to grasp her true meaning, Furina felt utterly defeated. Led forward by Themis, her hand clasped, Furina limped along despondently.

The Opera Epiclese bore little resemblance to its in-game depiction—a vast hall devoid of any amenities. In reality, as a venue for theatrical performances, it boasted numerous rooms scattered throughout.

Originally intended as dressing rooms and private spaces for performers and staff, these chambers now conveniently served Themis's purpose.

"W-What are you planning?!" Furina hauled into one such room, and crossed her arms defensively. Under Themis's enigmatic smile, she instinctively retreated two steps.

"Furina, I must warn you, Neuvillette doesn't harbor such intricate schemes. He is merely an outsider—a spectator."

"I... I don't understand what you're implying!" Furina stammered.

No, no, I couldn't possibly admit at this moment that I sought outside help to thwart this impudent Themis, she thought.

Gritting her teeth, Furina's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she recalled the earlier theft of her first kiss.

Incredible! Simply incredible. That abominable Themis, daring to steal my first kiss!

"What I meant was..." Themis took a few steps forward, prompting Furina to shakily retreat several paces.

"I thought you would return it personally."

"Huh?" Furina's confusion quickly gave way to anger. "Are you some kind of pervert?! Once was enough! And you'd dare to ask for more?!" she exclaimed loudly, her face flushed red with indignation.

Furina shook her head vigorously and declared firmly, "I definitely don't want to return it!"

"Understood, Lady Furina."

Themis stopped in her tracks, swiftly reverting to her initial solemn demeanor. She found a nearby chair and sat down nonchalantly.

"Is that... it?" Furina's eyes widened in disbelief, her arms crossed as she stared at Themis. The goddess had composed herself with surprising calmness as if nothing untoward had ever occurred. It was as if the whole episode had been erased from memory, leaving no trace of the earlier encounter.

Furina gritted her teeth. Though she could be certain that her virginity remained intact, for some inexplicable reason, all she felt was an overwhelming surge of fury. That despicable Themis, you great scoundrel!

That was this hydro archon's first kiss!

And you just gloss over it like it's nothing!

If Furina's glare could kill, she'd already be cradling Themis, tears streaming down her face as she pleaded for her not to die.

She glared fiercely at Themis until her eyes grew prickly. Only then did Furina realize how utterly silly she must look.

Frowning, Furina sulked into a chair placed across from her nemesis. Themis, for her part, coolly surveyed the self-improvement books for actors on the table, showing not the slightest interest in engaging with the irate Furina.

Realizing she had been snubbed, Furina scoffed. If she won't bother with me, well, I certainly won't bother with her either!

Merely a Themis—just try to make this great archon bow first!

How could my first kiss happen in such a cramped place? It should have been far more romantic, shouldn't it?!

Ah, wait! No—why should I pardon her for kissing me?!

Furina's mind tied itself into a knot over these thoughts. But then, if she really threw Themis into prison, who would make all of Fontaine's finest cakes and pastries for her?

Hmm, fine. This time, the great Hydro Archon will forgive you!

Next time, I'll send her straight to the Fortress of Meropide!

Hmm, and I'll make her prepare all her meals in advance too.

Hmph, just wait until she's thrown in jail. Then we'll see if she dares to ignore the Hydro Archon again!

Pfft.

A soft chuckle echoed from out of nowhere, but went unnoticed by all.