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

Furina was oblivious to Themis's plan. Though slightly uneasy, she figured there must be a deeper reason for Themis's secrecy.

"Ah, I just didn't think it was necessary to bother you with such trivial matters," Themis replied. "It'd only keep you up at night. Better to let you sleep and worry about it tomorrow."

Themis's intentions were good, but she didn't realize that for the first time, Furina had successfully feigned sleep.

-

From the player's perspective in the real world...

Surrounded by stacks of Fontaine Unofficial History books, CatCatEatsNoMedicine was eager to advance the story. By wrapping things up quickly, she could read more of those fascinating accounts and uncover clues related to Themis's backstory.

They followed Lyney to the Opera Epiclese. After enjoying the scenery outside, they plucked a rainbow rose and stored it in their knapsack. Post-conversation, they headed inside the opera house to find their seats.

"Whoa—look! It's Themis! My wife—!"

CatCatEatsNoMedicine, thrilled, cried out in excitement, her hands pounding relentlessly against the table, causing it to reverberate with slaps.

"Those captivating features! Golden eyes shimmering like stars, snow-white hair pure as the driven snow, and that luminous skin... Ahh, Themis, you steal my heart away!"

"Themis, how could I bear to live without you!?"

As her gaze fell upon Themis's face, CatCatEatsNoMedicine began to lose her mind, her words filled with unbridled passion!

Suddenly, she noticed someone else at the table. "Hold on, why is it Neuvillette standing there? Where's Hydro Archon Furina?"

[Just a gentle reminder for our broadcaster: Furina's seat is actually right above your head.]

[Also, remember that today is a magic show, not Judgment Day, so Neuvillette isn't seated in his customary place as the Arbiter.]

[Heh, you're sitting right next to Themis now. Quick, take a good look at her!]

Since the scene had automatically brought them closer to the action, Lumine found herself seated beside Themis.

CatCatEatsNoMedicine pressed her face against the screen, like a starry-eyed maiden, intently studying every inch of exposed skin on Themis's body.

Suddenly, she realized something.

"Huh? Lumine, why are you sweating all of a sudden?"

[Lumine: Can you guess why I'm sweating?]

[Lumine: Hey, tell me, why does this white-haired girl next to me look so familiar?!]

[Themis: Soaked with sweat, huh, Traveler?]

[Lumine: Oh no, I'm surrounded.]

As Themis worriedly touched Lumine's forehead, telling her to rest properly, a bunch of viewers in the live broadcast room began shipping the pair.

Themis x Lumine — the rumor was born on the spot.

CatCatEatsNoMedicine tried desperately to stick close to Themis, her words turning into a frenzy.

"Ai ai, darling, why are you leaving?! Don't leave me all alone!"

CatCatEatsNoMedicine watched her wife's figure fade into the distance, her gaze longing.

Then, she seemed to discover something truly frightening.

"Guys, does Themis not have a Vision?"

[Blasphemy! As the mighty Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, how could I ever be a believer of those seven gods?! Am I unable to wield my blade or toss my nails now?]

[Just looking at her face, it'd be more normal not to have a Vision, wouldn't you say?]

[Themis's modeling surpasses everyone else's; we're not the least bit surprised.]

"How could that be?! How can anyone not be surprised?! Even Zhongli knows he needs to give himself a Vision! As the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, when descending to the world, she'd at least bring along a Vision to maintain some facade!"

Wait, that doesn't make sense! If the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles is here, then will the Cryo Archon have any chance for survival?!

My mind races with endless questions.

Ay, forget it, too complicated. Let's see what the official story is. These kinds of things are better left to the source material experts.

"Let's just enjoy our shipping!"

CatCatEatsNoMedicine continued reading the dialogue with Neuvillette, learning the player-known fact that Themis was considered the best Regent.

"The Hydro Archon Furina and Themis have been inseparable for nearly five centuries."

"When in doubt, consult Themis. If you can't find Themis, consult Furina."

I bet you they're really up to something scandalous! Angled eyes glistening, CatCatEatsNoMedicine's happiness was just that simple.

[I heard from an insider that Themis is actually the true Hydro Archon.]

[Huh? If Themis were the real Hydro Archon, would Furina even get a chance to show off in front of her?]

[Shh... Don't you wonder why Themis, with her face, would work under Furina of all people?]

[Maybe because everyone else except Furina is a traitor?]

[Is our hard-working Greater Lord Rukkhadevata not good enough?]

[Who knows what the Sustainer is thinking?]

CatCatEatsNoMedicine continued her dialogue, advancing the plot. Soon, the Opera Epiclese was filled with chattering audiences, reaching a fever pitch.

It was at this moment that Themis, who had left earlier, finally returned—late and inconspicuous.

Behind her came Furina, looking slightly awkward and unwilling.

As the two entered hand-in-hand, CatCatEatsNoMedicine clutched her heart, her suspicions confirmed.

Even in that brief glimpse, she could tell that Furina and Themis were definitely having an affair!

"Cold-faced, tyrannical regent and her delicate little water goddess wife?!"

"Mihoyo, you've outdone yourself this time!"

[I'm an omnivore shipper; let Themis and Furina have the top spot!]

[At this moment, we'd expect someone to say, 'Sis Shadow reigns supreme in the Plane of Euthymia.]

[Bro above, that won't do. Check out mine: Mei on Earth, Kiana on Moon.]

As faces of Mihoyo's renowned actresses, the mere sight of Themis and Furina clandestinely arriving hand-in-hand was enough to stir up old tropes.

Then Lyney's magic took over, immersing the audience in the spectacle, marveling at Mihoyo's cutscene.

But it wasn't long before a viewer in the livestream chat noticed something amiss.

[Catcat, quick look! Furina's jealous!]

[Oh no, I barely spoke to Themis, and now Furina's so upset she's about to cry.]

[Waaaah, my poor Furina! It's been hardly anytime at all, and Themis has already been snatched by Blondie!]

"Invest now! ThemisxFurina or ThemisxLumine?"

CatcatEatsNoMedicine seized the opportunity to explore this new pairing. She didn't care either way; once the gacha pool opened, even if her heart wasn't truly hers, at least her body would be!

You can't force a melon to ripen, but it still quenches thirst!

[Hmph, as a threesome shipper, I fear nothing!]

[Only children face choice questions; as an adult, I naturally choose all of them!]

A major mishap occurred during Lyney's magic show, resulting in the death of his assistant, Cowell.

This sudden incident brought to light a decades-old case of a missing girl.

Themis stealthily approached Furina, the Hydro Archon, who was greatly shocked by the event. Themis embraced her and gently stroked her head.

CatCatEatsNoMedicine let out a sudden cry, still wearing a sweet smile on her face, "Tell me, this can't possibly be the Sustainer I know!"

[The pain I felt when I was beaten up years ago is as deep as my sadness now.]

[What's going on? Even a Sustainer of Heavenly Principles can be two-faced, huh?!]

[Brothers, join the great Themis cult! Offer your loyalty and win the favor of Lady Themis!]

[Who would you believe, me or the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles?]

[It seems like Furina's personality is wildly extreme, completely different from our first encounter.]

With Themis's assistance, they successfully proved Lyney's innocence and uncovered the detailed circumstances behind the missing girl case over the years, along with Themis's investigative findings.

Finally, we deduced the clues and gained a new helper, Navia.

[True to her title as Fontaine's Regent. Her intellect and manipulation skills are on par with that crafty fox.]

[She even treated us to a whopping five million mora. One task per person, yet it counts as just one favor. Priceless!]

[Furina's performance was over the top, but her on-the-spot reaction was truly impressive. No mistakes at all, and she even helped us through the crisis, pulling off the act flawlessly!]

[Their chemistry was perfect; both knew each other's habits well. At the slightest hint, they understood how to proceed with the act. Indeed, Hydro Archon and Themis seem truly destined for each other—like old married partners.]

[Haha, Neuvillette, guess who is the only one who has no clue about Themis' plan? It's only you!]

The scene now shifts to the Palais Mermonia. Furina clutches at Themis's hand, hesitation written across her face.

The camera then moves to show Furina faking her sleep and secretly rising at midnight to assist Themis.

"Don't you dare say such things again! I am not here to tear this family apart, but to join their ranks!"

Catcat tearfully exclaimed, "Very well, enough of this madness! I've come to the realization that the Hydro Archon and Themis are truly meant for each other!"

Wahh, the Hydro Archon Furina acted so convincingly alongside my wife; she even needed Themis' embrace to avoid stirring my jealousy.

She stayed up all night to help my wife bear the consequences, just so she wouldn't worry.

Really, I'm crying my heart out!