Perhaps yesterday's heartfelt conversation helped Furina resolve some of her lingering psychological issues, which led to her being late once again to the Opéra Épiclès — even though she had always been so punctual before.
Furina had slept until broad daylight, and it was only after Themis steeled herself that she finally woke Furina up.
Seeing the sleepy little kitten stretch lazily, yawn, and sit up groggily — like a freshly baked bun, soft and fluffy — Themis couldn't resist leaning down and planting a kiss on Furina's cheek.
Half-asleep, Furina wrapped her arms around Themis's neck and gave her a good morning kiss. But since she had just been woken up, her brain hadn't quite caught up yet — that feather-light kiss landed on Themis's neck instead.
Smiling with curved brows, Themis lifted Furina's small, delicate body and bit her gently on the neck.
"Ah!"
Furina's soft eyes opened wide as she twisted a little uncomfortably.
"It's still morning," she said, covering the spot on her neck where Themis had bitten her, blushing as she brushed aside her bangs to shift the attention.
"It's not morning anymore — it's almost noon."
"Huh? It's that late already?"
The passage of time surprised Furina, but since she had already slept in, there was no point in stressing about it now.
Nestled in Themis's arms, Furina contentedly nuzzled against her face.
Her fingers played with a few strands of Themis's white hair, twirling them around her fingers.
Themis didn't stop her; if anything, she seemed to enjoy it. Seeing Furina emotionally stable and relaxed after yesterday's comfort put Themis in a good mood.
The once insecure and sensitive kitten had returned to being her lively and adorable self.
If Furina is happy, I'm happy. If she's sad, I'll comfort her until she smiles again.
After helping Furina tidy her long hair and getting her dressed, Themis sat back and watched as Furina ate cake — which was incredibly cute. Being petted obediently was cute. Having the cream wiped from her lips with a kiss was even cuter…
Resting her chin in her hand, Themis watched Furina sparkle under the sunlight. No matter when or where — Furina was always this cute.
Such a cute girl was born to be kissed.
Seated in the chair, Furina was kissed again and again. Half-shy and half-encouraged, Furina's fingers curled around Themis's arm as she shyly — but eagerly — kissed her back.
After all the cuddling and kissing, Furina happily nestled into Themis's arms, soaking up the affection from her beloved Regent.
Although she had just woken up not long ago, being full always made her feel drowsy again.
But Furina felt that this was perfectly fine.
"Themis's embrace is so soft and warm…"
She inhaled the faint fragrance that always clung to Themis.
Furina couldn't identify the scent, but it had been there for as long as she could remember. Every time Themis hugged her, that scent made her feel incredibly safe.
She had smelled countless perfumes and fragrances over the years, but none of them matched this particular scent.
It was a little disappointing, but not a big deal — since she could always snuggle into Themis's arms and keep smelling it.
-
After their cozy midday break, Themis was back to work, busy with her duties.
Furina sat on a chair beside Themis in the office at Palais Mermonia, watching people enter and leave, while the pile of documents grew higher and higher.
Feeling bored, Furina played with a small potted plant on the table.
That lasted for about three seconds before she got restless again, bouncing around the office.
After reviewing a particularly absurd and mind-boggling case, Furina grew bored once more and rested her chin in her hand, quietly watching Themis work.
Themis didn't seem uncomfortable being stared at — she just kept working as usual.
Furina didn't expect her to put on any kind of act — she just wanted Themis to be herself.
Thinking this, Themis suddenly leaned in and planted a quick kiss on Furina's cheek when she wasn't paying attention, then quickly sat back down, pretending nothing had happened.
Furina's eyes widened in surprise. She turned toward the only other person in the room — she hadn't expected Themis to have this kind of playful side.
"Hmph~"
Since she had been kissed, it was only fair to kiss back.
Fixing her gaze on Themis, Furina waited for the moment Themis set down her pen to reach for another document — then Furina leaned in swiftly.
But the document blocked Furina's path, cutting her off mid-kiss attempt.
Pouting in frustration, Furina's competitive spirit flared up.
Seeing Furina's restless behavior, Themis's lips curled into a smile. With Furina like this, there was no way she could succeed in sneaking a kiss — not even in another 500 years.
Compared to Focalors — who was cunning, shameless, and utterly devoid of human moral standards — Furina was so pure and cute that words couldn't even begin to describe it.
Still, thinking about Focalors made Themis miss her a little. She had been thinking about her last night, and now the feeling was back again.
Seriously… why do I feel like I'm becoming a bit of a flirt?
As Themis was lost in thought, Furina — taking advantage of the distraction — tried to strike again.
But she was too slow. Themis caught the movement, pressed Furina's head down, and kissed her lips directly.
Letting go of the dazed blue-and-white kitten, Themis patted her head.
Having failed yet again, Furina drooped in disappointment, even her little ahoge falling flat.
But she quickly regained her composure. Clenching her small pink fists, a determined spark lit up in Furina's eyes.
I'll definitely succeed next time!
And so, Furina began a battle of wits with Themis.
Unfortunately, her losing streak continued until she eventually gave up and slumped on the table in defeat.
Fine.This childish game doesn't matter anyway.
As the great and mighty Hydro Archon, she should be focusing on more meaningful topics!
For example — where had Themis gone yesterday with that golden-haired Traveler? And what exactly did they do?
"You and that golden-haired Traveler?"
Themis signed a document with a beautifully elegant signature.
"Nothing much. Just a simple commission."
"Liar! If it was just a simple commission, why would you need to go personally?"
Furina's accusing glare was adorable.
With a doting smile, Themis ruffled Furina's hair.
"It was related to the prophecy crisis."
"You know how the water levels in Fontaine have been rising rapidly over the past two years."
"And the recent case of the missing girls has been linked to the Fontaine prophecy crisis, proving that people can be dissolved by the Primordial Sea."
Hearing this, Furina's expression turned serious.
"What did you find out?"
"Not much, but the direct lead points to the Primordial Sea."
"According to the investigation, the most recent records of the Primordial Sea's waters date back to documents from The Narzissenkreuz Ordo — over 500 years ago."
"The Narzissenkreuz Ordo…"
Furina looked confused, feeling very unfamiliar with this name.
This was understandable. After Furina had stabilized her rule and secured her position as the Hydro Archon, she had stopped paying much attention to Fontaine's affairs.
In fact, the Narzissenkreuz Ordo's issues weren't considered major problems for Fontaine.
Even subsequent documents related to the Narzissenkreuz Ordo hadn't been reported to Furina at all.
"Regardless of the previous reasons, what's certain now is that the leader of the Narzissenkreuz Ordo, to resolve the prophecy crisis, merged his consciousness into the Primordial Sea. If the prophecy couldn't be resolved, he would be awakened on the appointed day, then use the Primordial Sea to flood Fontaine. Finally, he would sever the wills, separating the Fontaine people's consciousnesses, and survive that way."
Furina's eyes widened in shock. How had her intelligence organization failed to uncover this?!
Remembering how close Fontaine's Doomsday Prophecy had come to being fulfilled yesterday, Furina felt her scalp tingle. She covered her face, a wave of dizziness washing over her.
"So when that master was defeated yesterday, it meant part of Fontaine's prophetic crisis was resolved, correct?"
Seeing Themis nod, Furina felt a flicker of happiness. But knowing the crisis still remained unresolved kept her nerves taut.
Though the trial she'd agreed to with her mirror self hadn't arrived yet, resolving part of the crisis gave Furina hope for future victory.
This small step proved their efforts weren't futile.
At least for now, everything was progressing smoothly!
She expressed deep admiration for the Narzissenkreuz Ordo leader and his devised solution to the crisis.
While her mirror self clearly understood the resolution method, Furina herself had remained clueless.
Now she learned a Fontaine citizen had uncovered the prophecy's truth centuries ago, discovering a solution that, while not widely accepted, proved genuinely viable.
Furina desperately wanted to understand the full scope of the situation. This way, she could gather more clues and prepare better before the prophesied crisis struck, ensuring all Fontaine citizens would be saved.
If there was even a one percent chance to resolve the crisis, Furina would sacrifice herself to save every last Fontaine citizen!
Seeing Furina's burning curiosity, Themis decided to share what she knew.
In the Fortress of Meropide, the Traveler and her good companion Paimon had finally escaped from their hard work.
They received their meal like opening a mystery box, and after hastily eating a few bites, Lumine and Paimon regained some energy.
"Ah, just thinking about how many more days we'll be stuck in this fortress makes me feel like there's no hope ahead."
"Hmm, I never would have guessed that Lyney and Lynette were actually members of the Fatui."
"According to Liyue's old sayings, it's like knowing someone's face but not their true heart."
Lumine nodded angrily. Yesterday, she'd dragged Tartaglia to the boxing arena and given him a thorough beating.
Though her mood had improved somewhat, she was still seething with anger.
Alright then, at first, the Knave said she had attempted an assassination.
Her first thought was that she had stolen the Hydro Archon's little cake.
The second time, the Knave clarified that it wasn't about stealing the cake—she had simply launched an assassination attempt on the Hydro Archon.
Lumine and Paimon also thought she had to be joking.
It was probably some strange loophole in Fontaine's legal system — something absurd like "stealing the Hydro Archon's cake equals an assassination attempt on the Hydro Archon" — and she was just exploiting it.
After all, in Fontaine, strange legal codes like that were so common that they almost seemed natural.
But what Lumine didn't expect…
Was that it was literal.
Someone really had attacked and attempted to assassinate Furina!
Ah—no, wait. There was a chance that Furina wasn't actually the Hydro Archon.
Themis — the regent, who looked exactly like the mysterious deity — might actually be the true Hydro Archon.
Lumine slapped her face with her hand.
When she heard about this from Arlecchino's unwavering words yesterday, she had been completely stunned.
After confirming several times that this wasn't just some plot twist out of a romance novel, Lumine and Paimon returned to their room in a state of utter confusion.
They tossed and turned all night before finally falling asleep in the early hours of the morning.
It wasn't until the next day — while Lumine was working at the construction site, polishing parts — that she suddenly remembered:
They had forgotten to report to Wriothesley that they had completed their commission.
"Let's go find Wriothesley first. We forgot to tell him about finishing the task yesterday."
After making the decision, Lumine and Paimon headed to the Duke of Wriothesley's office.
Thankfully, Sigewinne wasn't sitting there waiting for them this time.
"Good afternoon, Duke Wriothesley!"
Paimon waved her tiny hands, greeting Wriothesley cheerfully.
Wriothesley set down the documents he was holding, and the heaviness in his expression softened into a smile.
"Ah, if it isn't the renowned Traveler and her loyal companion."
"I thought your return to Meropide Fortress was just part of the commission. Judging by your expression, does this mean the Regent's task has already been completed?"
Paimon puffed up her chest proudly. "That's right! Lumine and I already finished the job! We're just here to let you know."
Wriothesley chuckled.
"I see. Well, the reward for that task has already been communicated to your friend, so there's no extra prize for telling me now."
At the mention of "friend," Wriothesley noticed a flicker of complexity cross Lumine's face.
It wasn't hard to guess that something had happened.
Considering the Fatui Harbingers' reputation in other nations, Wriothesley figured that some level of conflict was to be expected.
Just as he was about to offer some symbolic words of comfort, Lumine's next question caught him completely off guard.
"Duke Wriothesley," Lumine said with an oddly serious tone, "I'm going to tell you a secret — don't freak out."
Wriothesley raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Did you know that Themis is actually the true Hydro Archon?"
Wriothesley: ???
A brief silence followed.
Then Wriothesley laughed out loud.
"Themis… is the Hydro Archon?"
"Hahaha, Traveler, where did you hear such a ridiculous Fontaine rumor?"
"Sure, there have been plenty of wild comments in the comment sections of Fontaine's unofficial history — people saying Themis is trying to seize power and overthrow Furina. But when you think about it, that's impossible."
"Everyone in Fontaine knows how loyal Themis is to Lady Furina."
But as he spoke, Wriothesley 's smile gradually faded.
Because Lumine's expression remained dead serious.
And the way she was looking at him — with that complicated, searching gaze — made his instincts sharpen.
"…But what if this information came from the Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers themselves — after they personally tested the theory by attacking Furina?"
Wriothesley 's eyes narrowed. His smile vanished completely.
If the Fatui were involved — this wasn't just some idle rumor anymore.
Before this conversation:"Oh, this has been a running joke in Fontaine's history for centuries. Obviously false."
After this conversation:"…Wait, is the coup theory actually real?"
Wriothesley's expression grew solemn as he focused on Lumine and Paimon.
"I can't verify the truth of this claim," he said carefully.
"But… I would advise you not to spread it around. Even if you did, most people wouldn't believe you."
"After all, this rumor has existed for 500 years — no one has ever taken it seriously."
Lumine nodded. She wouldn't just go around telling people something this explosive.
But Arlecchino's certainty kept nagging at her. That was why she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to confirm it.
Wriothesley sighed.
"Let's set that topic aside for now. Let's talk about the Regent's commission."
"As for whether Themis is the Hydro Archon… it doesn't really matter. Whether it's true or not, it doesn't change the fact that the Regent has safeguarded Fontaine for so many years."
"Her contributions to Fontaine will not be diminished by a title."
"And Lady Furina will not be doubted because of a few words from a Fatui Harbinger."
"Wrong words lead to wrong judgments," Wriothesley said. "It's better to see for yourself than to believe speculation."
Lumine agreed with him completely.
She resolved to ask Themis directly the next time they crossed paths.
If Themis really was the Hydro Archon… it wouldn't be surprising if she was also the mysterious deity.
The Primordial Sea… René… The Narzissenkreuz Ordo…
The situation was far more serious than Wriothesley had anticipated.
Even he, normally so composed, couldn't stop the furrow in his brow.
The prophecy crisis was approaching.
The Ark's construction would need to be accelerated.
The Narzissenkreuz Ordo had their method of salvation. Wriothesley had his own.
Even if the odds were slim — they had to try.
Wriothesley glanced at Lumine and Paimon.
"Well then… are you two interested in taking another commission?"
"Huh?"
Lumine stared at Wriothesley , her mind flashing with visions of Themis, Furina, and countless others from across Teyvat who had asked her for help.
She knew where this was going.
Her days of playing Fontaine's errand girl were far from over.
"Just say it!" Lumine crossed her arms. "Running errands, gathering items, delivering packages, fighting rogue mechs, clearing out monsters, polishing parts, writing novels, playing the harpsichord — I can do it all!"
She spread her arms wide, radiating confidence.
At that moment, Sigewinne — who had appeared behind her at some point — switched on a Teyvat-style spotlight.
The dramatic lighting made Lumine look almost divine.
Wriothesley couldn't help but feel a little emotional at the sight.
She was so capable — so selfless — and yet they kept asking more from her.
"Well…" Wriothesley's gaze sharpened. "Can you help me build a ship?"
"...Huh?"
Lumine blinked, stunned.
Is Wriothesley seriously making her build a ship now?!
She stared down at her own slender arms and legs.
Did these people have no idea how to treat a girl properly?!
What kind of proper young lady was expected to spend her days polishing parts, fixing machines, and getting dragged into boxing rings?!
And now they wanted her to build a ship?!
"Shipbuilding?! How?! Isn't Fontaine already full of ships?!"
Lumine could feel her brain filling with yet another pile of absurd Fontaine knowledge.
Wriothesley smiled.
"Of course, we have ships."
Sigewinne pressed a button, revealing a hidden underground passage.
"Traveler," Wriothesley said smoothly. "Shall we take a look at the ship you'll be helping with?"
Lumine and Paimon exchanged looks.
Even though they were utterly confused, they still followed Wriothesley into the passage.
After passing through several heavy iron doors, they entered a massive underground chamber.
A colossal ship loomed before them — two members of Fontaine's Institute of Natural Philosophy were working frantically beside it.
"W-Whoa! That's huge!"
Paimon flew closer to the ship, circling it in awe.