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

These past five hundred years had been unbearably monotonous. Focalors could only secretly observe the interactions between Furina and her beloved Regent through a mirror, using it as respite from the suffocating atmosphere that might otherwise consume her thoughts with endless speculation.

As it turned out, even Focalors found herself unable to resist the allure of the daily scenes of warmth and happiness unfolding before her eyes.

If anything, these idyllic scenes were precisely what she had yearned for as an Oceanid.

Despite Furina's exaggerated personality on display each day, the emotions between them were genuinely felt. Every action they shared, simple or grand, stemmed from their hearts.

Seeing that Furina was well taken care of by Themis filled Focalors with immense contentment. As a divine persona destined to dissipate, witnessing Furina being lovingly cared for brought her great satisfaction as she neared her departure.

Awaiting her sentence with each passing moment, Focalors began each day by checking on Furina or observing what activities Themis undertook.

Focalors found that this life wasn't so bad, aside from never being able to leave home.

Occasionally, she'd instruct Themis to retrieve the monthly royalties from her newly written novels and deposit them into Furina's treasury.

She still remembered vividly Themis's indescribable expression back when she first helped Focalors collect her royalties.

Fine, she had to admit it—when writing as a deity, her speed was impressive, sometimes even unintentionally resulting in another new book. But didn't Themis also finish them at a brisk pace?!

Perhaps one day, the themes of relationships between the Regent and Furina, the Hydro Archon, would go out of style.

How strange. Focalors was quite confident in her love novels, which aimed to keep up with current trends.

After all, these were novels that had been popular for five hundred years—an unshakable source of income.

Even now, she followed reader comments closely, continually refining her plot formulas.

It's written very well, almost as if it were real.

Author, do you live at the Palais Mermonia?

It must be someone from the ceremonial guard; otherwise, how could you observe such minute details?!

Oh, indeed. Focalors spent her days constantly moving around, like a camera recorder.

The Steam Bird newspaper had even sought out Focalors' editor once, hoping to conduct an interview.

But even she knew it was impossible for Focalors to leave, the god mused. In the end, every attempt would inevitably fizzle out.

Poor Regent, enduring the editors' strange gazes just to collect those royalties.

At this thought, Focalors' eyes drifted guiltily. Come to think of it, she'd made Themis bear the brunt of so much blame.

[You do know that! Themis exclaimed. Can't you write about something else for a change?!]

Every day, she faced the bizarre stares of editors, collecting royalties for a novel that cast her as its romantic protagonist.

Who could understand her confusion and humiliation at being rushed by Focalors to claim payment, only to discover the novel's scandalous contents?

She was indeed smitten with Furina—it was true. But to have her Archon write those desires into a novel, broadcasting them across all of Fontaine (where everyone except Furina now knew)? That was an entirely different matter!

Even Neuvillette, prompted by the Melusines' gossip, began asking questions—proof enough of the scandal's explosiveness.

Yet the true culprit behind this affair would merely gaze at her with wide, innocent eyes, radiating pure guilelessness. What else could Themis do when faced with her own Lady? She could only accept it through gritted teeth, tears of frustration welling up.

If only she could write about herself for a change, Themis thought ruefully.

Furina wanted it, and Focalors had taken all the blame for her. Was she just going to run away now?

If she ever apologizes in the future, let it be with her body as compensation.

Unlike Focalors, who was leisurely watching this through a mirror, Themis was now being tested.

It must be said, the temptation was fierce.

How could any official at the Court of Fontaine possibly withstand this trial?

After working here for five centuries, do you think I've come this far for nothing?

Furina seemed genuine; she was truly eager to give it a try, Themis thought.

Her dreams were within reach, but Themis's rebellious spirit flared up.

She would not succumb! Despite her petite frame of a hundred pounds, her defiance weighed three times as heavy.

Themis reached out, pulling Furina back into her embrace and pinching her cheek as she resignedly said:

"Lady Furina, let's put aside the issue of why you think this would please me."

"Can you truly comprehend what you're doing with your current posture?"

"Huh? What's wrong with this? We used to do it all the time in the past!"

Furina couldn't understand; to her, there was nothing inherently improper about this position.

Themis was not just her best friend, but also her most intimate companion.

That's why Furina felt comfortable enough to display her true self around Themis without reservations.

Isn't it just sitting on her lap? What's the harm in that?

Nothing, right? Isn't this a gesture only close friends would share?

Furina believed she and Themis were close, so she saw nothing inappropriate in their actions.

"Are you suggesting our relationship isn't strong enough for such familiarity?"

Themis sighed, How should I respond to that? "Our relationship is indeed close, but I feel you don't fully grasp the consequences of your actions."

Moreover, Themis couldn't help feeling as though she were somehow involved in the enticement of a minor.

Gently stroking Furina's small head, Themis took a deep breath and restored her original form.

"The magic show at the Opera House is about to begin. We should be going, Lady Furina."

"Let's revisit this topic once you've truly considered what you're doing."

Themis helped Furina stand, the latter's eyes betraying a hint of confusion as she was guided away.

Furina stood frozen, her expression flickering like a dying flame.

Themis waited patiently, silently.

As the seconds ticked by, Furina finally lifted her head, her gaze meeting Themis's earnestly.

"Themis... You understand, don't you?"

"Of course."

"Then, could you teach me?"

"...Hm?"

Themis was taken aback, her confusion evident.

"Because you always know everything about me, but I realized I don't understand you at all."

"I want to understand you better, to treat you as you've treated me, with the same kindness and care."

"I want to know who the real Themis is."

Furina's words resonated with unwavering sincerity, her voice strong and determined.

Standing before Themis, a hint of nervousness in her eyes, Furina gazed intently at Themis's face.

The prolonged silence was enough to make one's mind wander, to instill fear.

Just as Furina began to wonder if she had said something amiss, a gentle smile appeared on Themis's face.

It was not her usual careless grin, but a smile born from true joy.

These were not words taken from the book Focalors had given her; they were Furina's heartfelt thoughts.

"The fact that you think this way already brings me immense happiness."

"Thank you, Furina."

"You truly are an incredibly gentle person."

At the Opera Epiclese, Furina sat in a unique seat high up in the theater.

On the stage, Lyney was performing his magic act, accompanied by the audience's gasps and exclamations of amazement.

Yet Furina couldn't focus on the show. She unconsciously pressed her hand against her forehead, still feeling dizzy, as though standing on a cotton cloud.

After Themis spoke those words, she kissed her forehead as she always did.

"This emotion is love."

"Everything I have is real; my appearance before you is genuine."

"I only wish for you to find happiness, Furina."

Her heart pounded rapidly. Furina clutched at her chest.

Her eyes sought out the first row, where a pure white figure sat among the guests. She stood out from the rest in a calf-length beige dress with a wide collar that framed her face.

"I've felt blessed from the very beginning."

"Themis..."