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

Themis, carrying the physical evidence gathered by Lumine and Navia, delivered it to Neuvillette.

"Remember, there are still many accomplices within the ruins. Have someone bring them back. And ensure you rest properly; tomorrow won't be easy."

In response to Themis' concern, Neuvillette replied honestly, "I'm fine. No need for rest; I can continue working."

"You know I'm not an ordinary human. Even if I don't sleep tonight, it won't affect tomorrow's trial."

Neuvillette truly believed these words, and indeed, they were true.

But why did it seem as though Themis had grown more displeased?

Noticing Neuvillette's weary eyes, Themis disapprovingly took the evidence from his hands and placed it on a nearby table. In a tone that bordered on command, she jabbed Neuvillette's forehead and declared, "Now, immediately, this instant, go and rest for an hour."

(TL Note: Mama Themis (◉ ̫ ◉)

"Honestly, now that you've grown up, you won't listen to me anymore."

"One after another—Furina acts this way, and now you too!"

"Do you truly think your body is a Clockwork Meka that never tires?"

Sighing dramatically, Themis wore the sorrowful expression of a mother whose child no longer needed her. She left the room, then brought Little Sedene inside and set her down in front of Neuvillette, instructing her to make sure he got proper rest.

Neuvillette was silent...

Meeting Sedene's gaze, filled with an expression that accused Monsieur Neuvillette of being unreasonable, Neuvillette felt perplexed. Yet instinctively, he sensed that his conscience had been pricked.

"My lord, please go and rest."

Caught between Neuvillette and Themis, Sedene chose to follow Themis' advice.

Neuvillette's eyes lingered unwillingly on the reports and evidence. However, under Themis' urging, he rose and returned to his bedroom.

After some time passed, having already escorted Neuvillette back to his room, Sedene now watched with mild confusion as Themis sat in her own office, organizing the reports.

"Lady Themis, aren't you going to rest?"

"Oh, Sedene. How is Neuvillette doing? Is he resting properly?"

"Mm-hmm, Lord Neuvillette obediently went back to sleep. Even if he couldn't fall asleep, he still lay down and closed his eyes to rest."

"You and Lady Furina personally selected the Fluffy Beast pillow for Lord Neuvillette to hold."

"It seems Lord Neuvillette is still very stressed."

Whenever discussing Neuvillette's bedroom, one would hear Sedene mention adorable sea otter and Fluffy Beast plushies that completely contradicted his usual demeanor, along with various carefully cherished birthday gifts collected over the years - each meticulously selected by Furina and Themis.

"I see. Neuvillette really has it tough."

With those words, Themis finished the last stroke on her paper and patted Sedene's head.

If anyone else tried that, they'd be sent to the Fortress of Meropide by the Melusines Protection Association. But as the Melusines' mentor and friend, what harm could there be in Themis patting their heads?

"You've worked hard too, Sedene. Get some rest."

"I'm just going to check on Lady Furina, and then I'll go to sleep. Don't worry about me; I wouldn't joke about my own health."

Facing a sweet child like Sedene was akin to dealing with Furina herself. Themis adopted a gentle demeanor, speaking softly, careful not to startle her.

Reassured by Themis' words, Sedene let go of her concerns.

"Well then, may you have beautiful dreams tonight, Lady Themis."

She waved goodbye to Themis, feeling somewhat weary from all that had transpired that day.

After Sedene left, Themis rubbed her tired eyes.

"Finally got all the clues sorted out. Now tomorrow's trial should go off without a hitch."

Carefully reviewing every aspect of the plan, Themis stretched, satisfied that nothing had been overlooked.

"Time to visit Furina," she thought, feeling invigorated merely by thinking of her.

Furina's bedroom was located at the top of the Palais Mermonia, not far from where Themis lived. By using some shortcuts, Themis made her way directly to the top floor.

Reaching Furina's door, Themis gently knocked twice.

Unexpectedly, the door creaked slightly and opened a narrow gap.

Had Furina not closed her door?

Themis's eyes widened, feeling somewhat bewildered. Usually, Furina's room was securely locked at night—this was one of the few times she could relax.

The unlocked door now suggested some kind of emergency might have occurred.

Worry surged through Themis immediately. Concerned for Furina's safety, she disregarded any potential rudeness and pushed open the door without hesitation.

The room was pitch-black, with curtains firmly drawn shut, creating an atmosphere where one couldn't even see their hand in front of their face.

Yet, Themis felt no fear; after all, she had been entering this room for five centuries now.

Even without light, she knew the layout well enough that she could navigate by touch if need be. She instinctively knew how many steps to take to reach Furina's bedside.

"Lady Furina, are you here?"

"Lady Furina? Are you asleep?"

Could it be as simple as forgetting to close the door?

As she walked, Themis called out repeatedly, but the lack of response left her scratching her head in confusion.

Reaching the bed, Themis gazed at the empty space, her heart skipping a beat as a sense of foreboding washed over her.

Damn it, could Furina have gone out?

But that didn't make sense!

The Gardemeks and guards were patrolling constantly. Themis had even asked Sedene to keep an eye on Furina at Palais Mermonia; she shouldn't have received any news of Furina leaving.

Worried that something might have befallen Furina, Themis felt her heart race with anxiety.

Could something have happened to her in her room?

Impossible! Neuvillette had been asked to keep watch here too!

Flooded with concern and apprehension, Themis felt herself slipping into a state of near panic.

In a few hurried steps, she reached the window and switched on the bedside lamp.

A warm yellow glow illuminated the room, its delicate threads of light permeating the dark bedroom.

"...?"

Huh?

When the lamp was turned to its brightest setting, what Themis saw defied her expectations: Furina wasn't on the bed at all. Instead, she was seated at the desk, her head pillowed on her arm, her shallow breaths the only sound in the room.

The sight of Furina's figure replaced Themis's anxiety with joy. Caught off guard by this sudden shift from worry to happiness, she found herself momentarily dizzy.

After a moment to gather her thoughts, Themis quietly approached Furina. She reached out and embraced the young girl's petite body.

Honestly, how could she fall asleep at the table like this? What if she catches a cold?

Themis gazed at Furina's furrowed brow, feeling deep concern for her troubled slumber.

If Furina were to fall ill, she'd have no choice but to endure it silently. Given her unique circumstances, she couldn't risk revealing symptoms of sickness or fever. Even purchasing medicine would likely require furtive secrecy.

Over the past five centuries, Themis had meticulously shielded Furina from harm, ensuring she remained unscathed. The only exception being the time she overindulged in cake and nearly gagged.

Themis gently lifted Furina onto the soft bed, then took a seat beside it. Observing her fully clothed figure, it was clear without needing to guess that Furina had been anxiously awaiting news, waiting so long that she had inadvertently drifted off.

Themis pulled the quilt up around her, noticing how the tiny Archon, lying adjacent to Themis, curled into a tiny ball on his side.

Reachng out, she began to lightly stroke Furina's furrowed brow with her warm fingertip. Again and again, her finger traced its path. Perhaps the presence of a familiar being, or perhaps the soothing magic conveyed through her touch, gradually smoothed Furina's frown. A hint of a smile graced her lips, suggesting she might be experiencing a delightful dream.

Themis plucked a soft, plush pillow from beside the bed and stuffed it into Furina's arms. Seeing Furina naturally hug the squishy cushion, Themis let out a relieved sigh.

"Goodnight, Furina. May sweet dreams embrace you throughout the night."

After placing a belated goodnight kiss on Furina's forehead, Themis quietly retreated from the room.

Excellent. Feeling quite refreshed now. Let's ponder the dynamics of tomorrow's trial and draft emergency measures. Finally, set aside an hour for rest.

Furina was pushing herself relentlessly; as her Regent, Themis had no excuse to rest easy!

A dedicated single-minded supporter must learn to outdo everyone else by sheer force of will!

After all, tomorrow's trial would primarily involve Furina as the listener, with assistance from the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale. Debating scholars wouldn't be necessary; the evidence was solid as a rock, needing only the verdict.

Recalling Focalors' words, Themis' feline-like face crumpled.

I'm not that conservative! It's clear Focalors has immersed herself in the great dye vat of human society and picked up bad habits!

Could Focalors perform well as physical evidence for her first time? Themis hoped she wouldn't become radicalized and land herself in more trouble.

Themis rested a hand on her forehead, still feeling somewhat uneasy.

Having been screwed over by Focalors countless times, it was only natural for Themis, the professional scapegoat, to be more than a little suspicious.