Holding the soft and warm Furina in her arms, Themis gently soothed the fear and sadness in her heart.
Only when Furina had fallen into a peaceful sleep in her embrace did Themis finally let go of the worry that had been weighing on her.
What a sweet and adorable girl.
Themis placed a gentle kiss on Furina's cheek before glancing toward the mirror beside the bed, a troubled expression appearing on her face.
The traces left by Focalors in the mirror were still clearly visible.
When exactly had she been there?
Themis absentmindedly ran her fingers through her hair, carefully recalling the events in her mind.
At worst, Focalors had witnessed everything that had happened between her and Furina—starting from the kiss.
On second thought, there was nothing to be overly concerned about.
Furina was a lovely girl, but Focalors was different. She was stronger, more nurturing, and had a firm sense of self.
That being said, Focalors' thoughts were sometimes even harder to read than Furina's, making it difficult to predict her emotions.
Propping herself up, Themis reached for a pillow by the bedside and carefully tucked it into Furina's arms, replacing her own warmth.
She needed to go see Focalors. After all, in her heart, Focalors and Furina were one and the same.
If possible, she'd like to kiss Focalors too.
After all, unlike Furina, kissing Focalors would probably be even more thrilling.
"Sigh, I just hope she doesn't slap me the next time she sees me."
Carefully slipping out from under the covers, Themis tucked Furina in snugly before sitting by the bed, taking a moment to admire her delicate features.
As she gazed at Furina, she couldn't resist lowering her head and pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
Her Furina was undoubtedly the most adorable and well-behaved girl in the world.
As for Focalors, that was another matter entirely. At least, until she managed to shake off all the blame that had been pinned on her, Themis would continue to see her as a mischievous troublemaker.
Even though Focalors claimed that she and Furina were the same person, to Themis, they were more like two branches sprouting from the same trunk—each with their own path of growth, reaching toward their own destinations beneath the sun.
Until she could be sure they both had bright futures, Themis would remain their dedicated gardener, ensuring they grew strong and healthy.
The thought made her chuckle to herself.
Had she spent too much time exchanging letters with Little Lucky Nahida? She seemed to have picked up these whimsical metaphors from their correspondence.
Besides, wasn't it a bit odd to use a tree metaphor for a Hydro Archon?
Poking Furina's sleeping face, Themis watched the adorable blue-and-white kitten-like girl slumber peacefully, and she had to admit—her heart was overflowing with love for her.
As much as she wanted to stay by Furina's side, another lover was waiting for her.
Themis rose silently and left Furina's bedroom without a sound.
Her long hair, styled in a complex arrangement, had become somewhat disheveled after the night's intense activities.
Catching sight of a few white strands near her temples, she absentmindedly twirled one around her finger before tucking it behind her ear.
Stretching lazily, she changed into her usual attire and left the Palais Mermonia on foot, without alerting anyone.
Calling out to Focalors through a mirror wouldn't work.
Focalors' method of communication was one-way—she could only reach out when she wished.
Standing in front of a mirror and pouring out her heartfelt confessions, only to have the other party hear none of it?
The very thought made Themis cringe with second-hand embarrassment.
"Yeah, I'd better just go find her myself."
At this late hour, the entrance to the Opera Epiclese was eerily quiet.
Even in a nation devoted to justice, where trials had been held as frequently as the stars in the sky for the past 500 years, Themis wasn't so heartless as to force people to work through the night—
Except, of course, for those who volunteered. Like Neuvillette. And herself.
"Why does my life feel so miserable?"
But Themis quickly shook her head, rejecting that thought.
Her efforts had ensured happiness for Furina and Focalors, while Neuvillette's dedication had brought a pure and radiant smile to Melusines.
That was enough. They all had bright futures ahead of them.
A little hardship now was a small price to pay for even greater happiness in the future.
Thinking of Furina's breathtaking beauty, the way she shyly kissed her forehead, and the way she curled up pitifully in her arms like a small, adorable creature—
Themis felt that the world was truly a wonderful place!
So, Fontaine was hers to protect.
At first, she hadn't cared whether Fontaine survived or not.
But then again—if Fontaine fell, wouldn't her blue-and-white kitten cry like a little jellyfish?
So, even if it was like being pushed into the role, Themis had no choice but to step up as this inexplicable Regent.
She still remembered how bewildered she had been when she was suddenly appointed to this position upon her arrival.
Sure, she had studied high school politics, but she was a university student now!
Her intellectual peak had been in high school—now, in university, she was just an unhinged young adult!
Still, with sheer madness and determination, she had managed to intimidate most of the nobles 500 years ago.
After all, they played politics, but none of them could beat Themis in a fight, and politically, she was just a tiny bit smarter than them.
She ruled with precision and efficiency. As long as they weren't schemed to death, they were just low-cost labor generating more surplus value.
Back then, the phrase she used most often was: "Hey, let's talk about surplus value!"
It had terrified countless people.
To Furina, though, Themis was always gentle, polite, and utterly helpless without assistance.
Pushing open the grand doors of the Opera Epiclese, Themis made her way toward the Judicatory's chamber.
The room was as dark as always.
Sighing, Themis reached out and turned on the lights.
Under the warm glow, Focalors sat at the desk, resting her chin in her hand, watching Themis with a bored expression.
Scattered around her bare feet were piles of papers, covered in writing—though from the way they were carelessly tossed, it was clear she wasn't pleased with them.
Themis folded her arms, standing in the doorway, completely unfazed by the familiar sight.
"Themis~"
The divine being's voice carried a mischievous lilt, making Themis wary.
What trick was she about to pull this time? Another scheme that would land Themis in trouble?
Despite their identical eyes, Focalors' gaze was different from Furina's—more serene, more divine, and far more tempting to ruin.
But shame and innocence were concepts that had all but faded from Focalors when she split from Furina.
Unless something truly earth-shattering happened, nothing could ever embarrass her again.
Themis' silence displeased the god, who glanced down at the scattered papers.
"Themis, listen. As your god, I command you to pick them up."
Not another scheme, just picking up papers?
Confused but obedient, Themis nodded and began gathering the sheets.
Crouching down, she picked up each page with fluid, elegant motions.
Focalors had clearly written a great deal after witnessing everything between her and Furina.
Resting her chin on her hand, Focalors watched Themis in silence.
That face—etched in her memory for 500 years—was one she could draw with absolute precision, one she could picture in perfect detail.
Her Themis, always so perfect.
As Themis reached for the final page, she hesitated.
It lay beneath Focalors' bare foot.
"What's wrong, Themis? Just one more. Go on."
Smiling playfully, Focalors lifted her other foot, dangling it in the air.
Themis narrowed her eyes.
She had a feeling things were about to take an unexpected turn.