Themis lay on her bed, cuddling her soft, blue-and-white little kitten, casually browsing the forums—until she was completely baffled by what she saw.
First thought: Damn, my future's already been exposed before I even figured it out myself. Worse yet, only half of it's been revealed—the other half is still a mystery. How frustrating!
Second thought: Well, it's true—I do have a white-haired beauty that I've been holding onto for 500 years.
Looking at the obedient Furina snuggled up in her arms, Themis couldn't help but nod in satisfaction. Even though her wife was forcibly split into two halves, it was still the same person—nothing wrong with that.
And then Themis was completely dumbfounded.
Seeing the insane theories the players were posting on the forums, Themis fell into a state of self-doubt.
"Damn it… I still underestimated the players' ability to create wild theories!"
Here are the top-ranked posts on the forum:
[Overseer, Go Again:"Talking like this with that shady undertone… are you the white-haired fiancée who's been dead for 500 years, Themis?"]
[Not Elysia, I Won't Pull:"White hair! Beautiful girl! Dead for 500 years! It's you—Egeria!"]
[You Got a Problem with Paimon:"White-haired beauty, green hat, dead for 500 years—yep, it's definitely Egeria!"]
[Qiqi Thinks You Pulled Too Much:"The corpse of the water god Egeria is in Sumeru and gave birth to the divine light with two Sumeru goddesses—yep, wear that green hat proudly."]
[Just Two Pieces, That's All:
"Otto: You too? (Hands over green hat.)Themis: Mm-hmm. (Accepts green hat.)"]
[Magical Girl Teriri:"Grandpa, how did you end up in Teyvat and switch genders? Where's my nap magic?"]
[Furina is My Wife:"If Themis is Otto, then doesn't that make Furina… Theresa?"]
[Fu Xuan, Taste This:"Excellent, the logic checks out—straight to the psych ward! No wonder things turned out this way!"]
Themis was having mixed feelings—so mixed that she almost wanted to die on the spot.
"I've been completely loyal to Furina and Focalors! There's absolutely no way I'd fall for anyone else!"
Themis was almost laughing out of sheer frustration at these posts. But why was everyone so convinced that Egeriahad to have white hair? What if Egeria had blue hair instead?
Luckily for these players, they hadn't actually set foot in Fontaine—otherwise, there'd be some serious consequences waiting for them.
After all, over at the duke's workshop, there were plenty of empty spots next to the polishing machines, just waiting to be filled.
As for the trial plan that the Traveler and Neuvillette were working on—unsurprisingly, the inertia of the plot made it unavoidable.
But Themis could only choose to trust Furina—because she was sure that there was no one else aside from Furina and Focalors who could ever make her shed tears.
There was no help for it; she was just that kind of cold-hearted, wicked woman.
Saving Fontaine was merely a side project while saving Focalors.
Holding the soft, fragrant Furina, Themis kissed the corner of her eye under Furina's puzzled gaze.
"Furina~"
"Themis?"
"In a few days, there will be a trial."
"Hm? Trials happen every day in Fontaine. Are you worried about another mob incident at the opera house? Don't worry, I'll have the Maison Gardiennage increase security."
Furina didn't catch the deeper meaning in Themis' words, instead calculating how many additional guards would be needed to maintain order.
"This is different, Furina."
Lifting Furina's chin, Themis revealed the day Furina had long anticipated. "Do you know? This trial... is your trial."
"Huh?"
Furina froze. A flash of panic crossed her face before she suppressed it, forcing a false smile. "I-is that so? Ha, though surprising, this is Fontaine. Law and the opera house reign supreme. Even I, as the Archon of Justice, can be tried!"
"It's alright. It's just a trial. I can handle it."
That's right, it's just a trial, Furina reassured herself.
Truth be told, ever since the last opera house disturbance, she'd had a premonition of this moment. Some citizens had grown to harbor intense resentment and doubts toward her, eventually leading to formal accusations.
As long as the process followed proper procedures, the opera house would hear the case. Even Furina, Archon of Justice, had no choice but to appear.
"Could this trial expose your secret?"
Furina: "...?"
Her eyes widened as she stared at Themis in disbelief. Her body, which had been relaxed moments ago, instantly stiffened at the mention of "secret."
"Don't be afraid, Furina."
Themis patted her head, keeping her voice soft to avoid startling her. "The trial is necessary. Then the prophecy will end."
Furina protested loudly, clutching her clothing and shaking her head. "No! That's not how it works!"
"The prophecy will come! But I need to save them! My secret can't be exposed!"
"I must... protect them! And you too, Themis!"
"I can't let my secret be exposed!"
Furina's entire being radiated defiance. Based on Themis' understanding of her, she could guess what Furina was thinking—just avoid it, and the trial couldn't proceed, keeping her secret safe.
Themis closed her eyes briefly, then sighed deeply.
When she opened them again, she met Furina's evasive gaze head-on. "Furina, just as the arrival of the prophecy is destined, so too is this trial fated to reveal your secret."
"I promise you, everything will find its end in this grand, theatrical trial!"
Themis' words struck Furina like lightning. In her dazed state, she saw a vision from five centuries past superimposed over Themis' form.
The same promise, spoken by two different people to her.
One at the very beginning, one just before the end.
The two figures blurred together. Hot tears welled up in Furina's eyes. Through her tear-filled vision, she understood—this was the trial she'd always awaited.
"I understand... I'll go."
"Because this is the end!"
Furina sniffled, wiping away her tears as her gaze hardened. "No matter what happens, I'll be there tomorrow!"
At this, Furina turned to Themis with a puzzled expression. "Themis, how do you know this is fate's inevitable path?"
"Do you remember Alice?" Themis replied with a smile, affectionately ruffling Furina's hair. Her eyes sparkled with fondness. "She has a friend who's a world-class prophet, you know~"
"One who can predict everything about Fontaine with perfect accuracy."
"So Teyvat has someone that powerful? And it's Alice's friend?"
"Mhm."
Furina's confusion deepened at Themis' confirmation. While Alice was indeed full of wild ideas, most were impractical fantasies. The girl's insatiable curiosity and playful nature had always been her defining traits.
If it weren't for that Alice, Furina thought, her face flushing crimson at the memory, I wouldn't have been plied with alcohol and dragged onto the banquet table to dance in front of everyone.
The recollection of this humiliating incident made Furina want to bury her face in the sand like an ostrich. At the same time, she found herself completely convinced of Themis' knowledge about the trial and the prophecy.
A mischievous smile tugged at Themis' lips as she playfully poked Furina's cheek.
At the same time, Themis couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Every time she thought Furina had reached her peak of cuteness, the goddess would prove herself even more adorable through her actions.
When facing Themis, Furina was truly innocent and charming.
Though... Themis mused, perhaps I'm simply too confident in myself?
If this were Focalors, she'd definitely...
No, let's not dwell on her. The mere thought of Focalors brought to mind that smug expression the goddess wore whenever she'd made Themis take the blame. It always left Themis feeling bitter.
How can such a revered Archon act so petty every time we meet?!
Look at Furina instead—she never shows that kind of attitude. She only ever wears expressions of sweet bashfulness, or sometimes even whimpers like a little coward.
Gentle and kind... I've never seen even a shred of that in Focalors!
Remember what she said last time? About me being too conservative? But I was simply following the laws!
Those words will haunt me until my dying breath...
Meanwhile, Lumine and Neuvillette, deeply engrossed in preparing their scheme, remained completely unaware that their plan had been thoroughly exposed.
-
"Um, I'm not questioning the official storyline here, but... do I really have to play the accomplice?"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine scratched her cheek, looking at Furina's illustration, feeling guilty like she was bullying an innocent young girl.
"Besides, this is the Hydro Archon that even my wife believed in and assisted for five hundred years!"
"Even if we can't help her become a dual-cultured Emperor of Geo like the Rock King, she should at least be a competent ruler, right?"
"Could it be that the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles herself intervened only to produce a Monarch who dies in her second term?"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine spoke cautiously, afraid any wrong word might get her roasted.
But the audience's focus wasn't on that. The moment CatCatEatsNoMedicine voiced her opinion, a barrage of comments flooded in, ready to tear her down:
[Bro, did you forget Fontaine's Doomsday Prophecy?]
[The first Hydro Archon Egeria died, and the prophecy couldn't be resolved. Fontaine went straight to second-generation extinction.]
[Even if the second Hydro Archon might still be alive, a Fontaine without any citizens would be even worse than Khaenri'ah!]
[Khaenri'ah at least had Dain, Kaeya wandering abroad, and citizens turned into Hilichurls. What does Fontaine have left?]
[Neuvillette: The taste of water, I know. It's the pure flavor of a true Fontaine native. Strongly recommended!]
[Reply to above: What kind of demon are you? What hellish joke is this?]
Tsk~
CatCatEatsNoMedicine couldn't help but click her tongue inwardly. Watching the unfolding drama, her mental resistance to the Judgment grew stronger.
She casually tossed aside her mouse and began chatting with the live stream viewers.
"When you pass through the Court of Fontaine, if you lower the background music and stand there for a while, you'll hear the Hydro Archon's weeping."
[Furina's weeping, I heard it too.]
[So endless... so lonely... How much longer will this last...]
[Oh no, another Nahida!]
"My wife Themis, in the PV, she's dripping with Otto vibes and has the face of a Sustainer of Heavenly Principles. Fontaine's got direct Celestial Judgment coming down again!"
As CatCatEatsNoMedicine spoke, she lost interest in the main storyline and decided to take a break.
"I found this somewhere before - Furina's demonic name is Focalors."
"Although demonic names are closely tied to the Demon Pillars, the 's' added to the Hydro Archon Furina's demonic name represents plurality."
"At first, everyone guessed two, but we haven't seen any evidence of the Hydro Archon having dual personalities. Let's put that aside for now."
"But Focalors is based on the 41st God from the Demon Pillar, Focalor."
CatCatEatsNoMedicine made a hand gesture at this point. "Let's make some shallow guesses. This doesn't represent official views, and I haven't seen any insider information. Just personal speculation, ha."
[The streamer's survival instinct is so strong.]
"Focalor specializes in controlling wind and sea power, often overturning warships and drowning sailors. But he won't do anything that contradicts his Summoner's orders."
"The key point is he won't do anything that contradicts the orders!"
"Now it's almost certain that the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, Themis, is guarding Furina's side."
"Doesn't this mean Furina is being strictly monitored? She can't disobey Themis' orders?"
"Exactly! Since the prophecy from Celestia leaves Furina powerless to resist, she can only watch as the prophecy unfolds step by step, unable to help her people. Could this be why she sheds tears of pain and sorrow in the dead of night?!"
[No wonder, no wonder! Now it all makes sense why Themis would manipulate the fully divine-attired Furina into unconsciousness.]
[This completely explains everything!]
[It's... perfect!]
"It's precisely for this reason that the Hydro Archon's plans must be carried out in secret at all times."
"Now we're being asked to help Neuvillette judge the Hydro Archon and expose her secrets—a secret that might completely destroy Furina's plans!"
"But!"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine slammed her hand on the table, glaring at the viewers in the live stream with frustration.
"Have you forgotten who Neuvillette is?! He's the Dragon Sovereign!"
[Dragon Sovereign, and?]
[Hiss, this means we're helping the Dragon Race judge Fontaine's Archon!]
[The Dragon Sovereign and Celestia are mortal enemies! Do you really think Neuvillette would save Fontaine out of kindness?]
[Shit! We're screwed, fam! I've been deceived! Maybe Neuvillette's pretty boy act is just a front to kill the Hydro Archon and seize absolute power! Look at him breaking through the voice barrier—he might actually sentence the Hydro Archon to death!]
In an instant, viewers across the screen felt their scalps prickle with shock at these comments.
"Exactly! That's exactly what I'm saying!"
Seeing someone finally understood, CatCatEatsNoMedicine felt a sense of belated recognition.
"We've all been distracted by Fontaine's Doomsday Prophecy and forgotten that Neuvillette is still a Dragon Sovereign."
"Though my above conjectures are pure nonsense, it doesn't hinder the fact that if they came true, Archon Furina would find herself besieged from both fronts!"
[The Hydro Archon Furina leads the Fontaine people to their final stand, waging a desperate battle with their backs to the water!]
[...Are you certain Furina herself can defeat both the Sustainer and the Dragon Sovereign?]
[Why not ask if Themis would bring Furina to pummel Neuvillette to death once more?]
"Of course!" Seeing their comments, CatCatEatsNoMedicine suddenly produced a fan from nowhere. "We still have a third path."
[What's the strategist's plan?]
"For example, Furina could take advantage of the Dragon Sovereign and Sustainer's mutual exhaustion to execute her scheme and save the Fontaine people!"
[Excellent logic! Discharged from the hospital!]
[This is utter nonsense! Genshin Impact is just a twelve-plus game! Use your brains!]
"So what if it's twelve-plus? Look at the desert matriarchs and clans we've wiped out so casually."
[Didn't the PV say the Hydro Archon is innocent?]
"But Fontaine's on death row! With Fontaine crumbling, Furina might follow Deshret and the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's example—ending the crisis through suicide!"
"Then that'd be a perfect solution!"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine snapped her fan shut, tossed it behind her, and spread her hands wide.
[Hiss! This Hydro Dragon Sovereign is terrifying!]
[Hiss! Fontaine's plotline is downright horrifying when you think about it!]
[Enough! Stop being spectators—why not become comedians instead?]
[Get back to the main storyline! Your wild guesses have nothing to do with it! Woh—]
User has been muted by the moderator!
Watching the muted viewer, CatCatEatsNoMedicine scratched her head in confusion. What's going on? This doesn't make sense.
[Themis: Your imagination is quite vivid. The guesses are so intriguing I can't stop listening. Mihoyo should follow your version!]
"Uh, I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not," CatCatEatsNoMedicine said, scratching her head. "But since you're using my wife's name, I'll take it as one."
"Heh-heh, my wife cares for me so much she even leaves comments in my live stream!"
Three seconds of seriousness later, her true nature showed through!
In the world of Genshin Impact—Teyvat, Fontaine—
Themis covered her face with a helpless expression, feeling utterly exasperated by this streamer who kept mistaking her for her wife.
How was she supposed to tell her she wasn't her wife? And besides, she already had two lovers who were essentially the same person—she couldn't possibly accept another unrelated partner!
Sigh, I just hope she figures it out soon. Don't get too hung up on me.
This overwhelming charm of mine is truly a curse.
Though Themis thought this way, being told by a player that she liked her still made her happy—of course, she conveniently ignored the whole "green hat" implication.
Today marked the beginning of the Judgment's plan.
Themis gazed out the window at the clear sea, a smile gracing her features.
Truth be told, Fontaine was quite lovely—aside from the occasional excessive rain.
Walking along the wide road toward the Opera Epiclese, she arrived unusually early, finding not a single passerby.
However, she did spot a little Melusine already patrolling the area.
"Ah, good morning, Blathine. Another beautiful day, isn't it?"
Themis approached Blathine at a leisurely pace, then crouched down to greet her.
"Themis?"
Perhaps finding Themis here at this hour was unusual, for Blathine looked at her with some confusion. "Themis, the official opening of Opera Epiclese is still nearly two hours away."
"Moreover, there's no trial scheduled today. The theater might not even open at all."
"Did you need something here, Themis?"
Themis chuckled softly and spread her hands. "Ah, nothing important. I just felt like seeing Opera Epiclese when it's quieter today."
This puzzled Blathine. "But what's different? The scenery looks exactly the same."
"Or perhaps... is this the atmosphere those photographers are after?"
Blathine couldn't quite understand. To her eyes, the view was identical.
In response to Blathine's question, Themis said, "Perhaps. Though it might simply be that I woke up early on a whim, found myself with nothing to do, and decided to come see what was about."
"Oh, I see. In that case, I won't disturb Lady Themis."
"My patrol for today isn't complete yet."
"May your day be as bright and cheerful as the sun itself."
Blathine, with Melusine's keen eyes, didn't sense anything amiss. Rather, she saw Themis like a feather basking in sunlight - light and airy, carrying the warmth and radiance of the sun.
"Thank you for your well-wishes, Blathine."
"Goodbye, Lady Themis."
After bidding farewell to Blathine and watching her skip away on patrol, Themis sighed inwardly.
A melancholy settled over Themis. The thought that this adorable creature, like Furina before her, might slip through her fingers forever filled her with profound loss and sorrow.
However, for Furina and Focalors, these were all sacrifices worth bearing.
Themis strode purposefully toward the Opera Epiclese, unlocked its doors, and pushed them open.
As the gates swung wide, the light from behind her flooded into the pitch-black theater, casting an eerie glow that accentuated its mysterious atmosphere.
In the vast chamber, Themis stood alone, her footsteps echoing distinctly through the Opera Epiclese.
Following the familiar path, she approached the chamber of the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale.
The mechanical oracle rested silently upon its raised platform, unchanged from its usual state.
These past days, Themis herself had been pronouncing judgments in Focalors' stead.
Whether due to excessive contact with Focalors or Themis' flawless disguise, no one had discerned that this divine creation - the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale - now wore only a familiar shell, its inner essence completely replaced.
Reaching out to the mechanical oracle, Themis channeled golden threads of light into its form. From within the machine, a pure white figure coalesced and emerged.
Looking down at Focalors who remained asleep, Themis observed her gentle, serene expression and her sacred, noble bearing.
"You're so much cuter when you're asleep, you know."
"Then again, it makes sense. You are an Archon after all. You can't be exactly like Furina except for this compassionate heart of yours."
Themis reached out to poke Focalors' cheek, finding the texture slightly different from Furina's.
"Today is the final day. It's a shame you can't wake up to see this."
"But that's alright. It doesn't hinder the drama's conclusion."
Her index finger twirled through Focalors' long, smooth hair. Themis could only speak so tenderly to her in this state.
If Focalors were awake, she'd surely mock these words mercilessly.
"Just as you promised Furina long ago, I promise now—everything will come to an end through a grand, theatrical trial."
"Then I will save everything, including you."
-
Furina looked up toward the Opera Epiclese, her heart inexplicably heavy with unease.
Haaah... Don't panic, Furina!
She took two deep breaths, letting her pounding heart gradually find its calm.
This is the end!
Once this trial concludes, you can shed all your masks.
Then you'll finally be free to be your true self.
If Themis relinquishes her position as Regent, you can abandon your role as Hydro Archon too. You could travel Teyvat's nations with her—see uncharted landscapes and savor foreign cuisines.
Though your lifespan might lag slightly behind, it doesn't matter. You're Furina, the superstar!
Even as the drama's final act approaches, you must maintain your flawless stage presence until the curtain falls!
Mentally fortifying herself, she erected layer upon layer of psychological defenses.
Though she could anticipate several audience reactions, the unpredictable stage of reality demanded constant adaptation—where only mental fortitude and quick wits could ensure survival.
Moreover, Themis had said this trial would inevitably expose Furina's secret.
If her secret were to be uncovered during the trial, and that meant the mirror-self's plan could succeed, then this would be nothing!
There was nothing left to fear, Furina.
Trust Themis! Trust the mirror-self!
Clenching her fists, Furina's gaze gradually hardened.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a golden-haired Traveler and her suspicious companion hovering in the air. Furina began her final performance.
Though Themis had said her secret would be exposed,
if the opponent didn't work hard enough, Furina would never admit it!
Otherwise, what would five centuries of suffering and effort have meant?
The perspective shifted to the Traveler and Paimon, who stood nearby, stealthily observing the situation.
"Traveler, look! It's Furina!"
Paimon pointed at the aquamarine figure near Poisson, alerting Lumine.
"Shh—"
Lumine covered Paimon's mouth with a hushing gesture.
After letting go, Lumine saw Paimon instinctively cover her mouth and sighed in relief.
"That was close. The plan almost failed at the first step."
Wiping the cold sweat from her forehead, Lumine said to Paimon, "Remember, we can't reveal anything according to the plan."
Paimon's head bobbed like a garlic clove, fearing any mistake. She mentally warned herself not to speak out of turn and leave everything to the Traveler.
Any mistakes she makes have nothing to do with me!
I'll just stay nearby and remind her if needed.
Lumine softened her footsteps, careful not to trigger Furina's wariness and make her flee.
Only when they reached a position that was neither too close nor too far - but from where they could quickly grab Furina if necessary - did Lumine call out her name.
"Furina..."
"Ah—! Who... who's there?"
Furina's head snapped up, her face still bearing traces of grief that now transformed into intense wariness.
Seeing Furina's attempt to flee, Paimon hurriedly flew in front of her. "Don't panic, Furina, it's us..."
Regardless of their expressions, it seemed Furina had lowered her guard. She adopted a theatrical tone, "Ahem... heh heh, so you're a blonde traveler from afar. I thought you might be one of those troublemakers who dare cause disturbances even when the Hydro Archon mourns for Poisson. Or perhaps you've come to prostrate yourself in apology?"
Witnessing Furina's gullibility toward this despicable foreigner, the player silently released their mouse button. They mentally slapped themselves, feeling utterly damned!
While the Hydro Archon agonized over Poisson's devastation, these players were here to help others relentlessly stab this pitiful deity in the back.
In Sumeru, they'd been righteous heroes saving the Little Dandelion King Nahida. They admitted that during their campaign against the Great Sage and Dendro Hypostasis, they'd reveled in the thrill of vengeance.
But now in Fontaine, everyone was a Great Sage. Was this the hidden resentment from the Dendro Hypostasis brothers' hearts?
Sorry, Furina! Sorry, Dendro Hypostasis brothers! But this really isn't what we intended!
If Mihoyo had a second choice, we wouldn't want to treat you this way!
Blame Mihoyo instead—they're the ones truly deserving of damnation!
Regardless of what players outside the screen were thinking, Lumine and Paimon had no idea what was going through their minds.
Except for Themis, who was currently at the Opera Epiclese, inside the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale's chamber.
No one could see through Furina's acting—not even players with omniscient perspectives.
Themis mentally sighed in relief. Good. It seems the plot is on my side.
Unaware that she was being observed, Furina continued the conversation with Lumine and Paimon, carefully maintaining her usual demeanor to avoid revealing any cracks in her facade.
But it turned out to be unnecessary. After all, Lumine and Paimon weren't particularly familiar with her. They didn't know her true personality well enough to detect any differences during this brief encounter.
After thoroughly testing the blonde Traveler from afar, Furina relaxed her guard, her acting becoming more natural.
Then, out of nowhere, a crowd materialized. Seeing their aggressive postures, Furina grew genuinely anxious—without the Maison Gardiennage or ceremonial guards present, she felt completely vulnerable.
When the Golden Traveler dragged her into a house, Furina knew the woman harbored ill intent. Yet she followed anyway, running after her.
As Furina gradually calmed down, Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances.
Now it was their turn to make their move.
This was the compromise they'd worked out with Neuvillette. If Furina revealed her secret midway through, there would be no need for the trial to continue.
In this way, as a Descender, Lumine could obtain Furina's secret without it being recorded by the World Tree. Furina wouldn't have to worry about her secret being exposed either.
"Yes, for centuries I've never stopped investigating the prophecy. My spies once spread throughout the entire continent, gathering intelligence for me."
"I've tried many methods to maintain Fontaine's sea level, to prevent it from rising further..."
"But in the end, it was all futile. Many years ago, I came to understand this reality: Celestia cannot be defied. What the prophecy foretells... it will inevitably come true."
Lumine pressed, "Even so... you could have chosen to abandon your efforts."
Furina let out a derisive laugh as she reevaluated the Traveler before her. Only when the woman shifted her gaze in apparent discomfort did Furina continue, "Abandon? Ah... what a sweet-sounding word. It means finally accepting one's fate, and also... liberation. But..."
Seeing Furina's despondent expression, Lumine completed the thought for her, "It also means the disappearance of hope."
Furina nodded silently, then fell into silence.
She had spent considerable time with Themis, learning much from her. Whether in negotiations or other situations, true linguistic victory lay in seizing control of the conversation.
Now the golden-haired Traveler appeared anxious, while Furina could afford to wait for her to reveal her true purpose. In moments of panic, people inevitably show cracks in their facade.
Though Furina knew this trial had been planned from the beginning, she still wanted to discover what methods they'd prepared to make her divulge her secrets.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. While Furina remained silent, Lumine wondered if her own impulsive words might have sounded too eager.
At that moment, the house suddenly shook violently. Seeing the fleeting worry and panic on Furina's face, Lumine's eyes lit up with realization - this was her chance.
Paimon silently hovered nearby, her heart clenching in anxiety as Lumine seized the opportunity to question Furina. If possible, she too wished Furina would quickly reveal her secret to the Traveler. That way, the impending Trial might be avoided altogether.
The thought filled both Lumine and Paimon with overwhelming guilt.
Players watching this scene through their omniscient perspectives also gripped their virtual controllers in tension.
Two conflicting sentiments now dominated player discussions: one faction believed Furina revealing her secret would benefit everyone, while another faction demanded, "Themis, why aren't you saving your wife? Do you even love her anymore?!"
"Furina, I don't know what you're hiding," Lumine said earnestly, "but as a Descender, perhaps I can share some of your burden. At least confessing your secret might bring you some relief."
Furina let out a soft chuckle, then immediately reverted to her earlier despondent state.
"Witness, you who do not belong to this world - a traveler from beyond the star sea. I've long heard of your great name."
Lumine: "If that's the case, you should know that telling me won't produce any consequences."
"But who can guarantee that?" Furina lifted her head, her piercing gaze making Lumine feel inexplicably uncertain.
"You are a Descender, a Witness. You were destined to bear witness and remember, not to be a savior sent to save everything."
"At the end of the day, you don't understand at all what kind of difficulty the Prophecy is for me, for Fontaine."
"If the Descender is equivalent to a variable in a world..."
"...then the Prophecy is the future history carved into the world by Celestia that must be realized."
"How can you change Celestia's will and turn the fate of the world?"
Furina watched the golden-haired Traveler sink into deep thought, understanding dawning on her.
They had no way to resolve Fontaine's Prophecy. The conclusion they'd reached was simply that her secret could allow them to devise a plan to save Fontaine.
"Forgive me for speaking plainly, but I don't trust you. At the end of the day, we hardly know each other at all."
Moreover, she hadn't even told these secrets to Themis.
Though she didn't know why Themis had learned of it, the reflection in the mirror didn't question it either. But for Themis, and the love and affection they'd shared for five centuries, she was willing to believe Themis's words.
But none of this applied to the Traveler.
Having been thoroughly defeated, Lumine furrowed her brow deeply, racking her brain for anything that might convince Furina to lower her guard.
But it was no use. Furina remained convinced her plan would succeed.
And Lumine had no viable counterplan to persuade her, nor the strength to defeat the whales in the Primordial Sea.
Damn, we're running out of time!
Lumine gritted her teeth and glanced anxiously at Paimon. The latter made a gesture indicating they were nearly at the end.
Paimon frantically gestured behind Furina, but the girl pretended not to notice her movements.
"Seeing you so anxious, I assume this house's end is approaching the opera house, correct?"
Furina raised an eyebrow, gazing at her with a calm expression tinged with disappointment and sorrow.
"Furina, you—"
Lumine's eyes widened as she stared in disbelief at Furina, who was now completely within her grasp. Yet when their gazes met, Furina's sorrowful, tear-filled eyes made Lumine feel such intense shame that she lowered her head.
"Hmm... What other reason could there be?"
"I can't imagine why we'd need to come specifically to comfort you, only to be discovered by a crowd."
"I am Furina, the Hydro Archon of Fontaine - the righteous Archon revered and beloved by all. The drama I'm about to stage will far surpass anything you've prepared."
Smiling again, Furina smoothed her hair, which had become disheveled from running. A celebrity must maintain perfect appearance at all times, after all.
The four walls of the room collapsed outward, revealing Furina standing on the Opera House stage.
The audience in the theater's seats had already settled into their positions.
Exiting the room, Furina spread her arms wide before Lumine could speak.
"No need for introductions, my dear subjects!"
Lyney stared in astonishment at the audience, who had already taken control of the scene and were cheering wildly.
"Rejoice! Applaud! For within this Opera House, a wondrous spectacle unfolds—one that dares not even be imagined!"
"A bold stroke upon Fontaine's stage, both vividly painted and stirring to the heart!"
"The Trial of Archon Focalors—Now Commences!"