Furina was adorably cute, while Focalors... seemed rather bold?
When Themis opened her eyes that morning, she found Furina sleeping peacefully beside her like a kitten. And on the other side...
"Focalors..."
Squinting, Themis was still half-asleep. She might not have fully woken up, or perhaps she'd woken too early.
How else could she see Focalors sitting on her waist right now?!
She instinctively glanced at Furina beside her. Good - no signs of waking up whatsoever.
Otherwise, this wouldn't be fair. Should she let Focalors sit on her waist while Furina sat on her legs instead?
"Hmm, I just thought it'd be quite interesting."
The sight of Themis so disoriented in front of her was rare. Focalors found it rather amusing.
After planting a morning kiss on Themis, Focalors watched as she tried to press her back onto the bed. However, fearing to disturb Furina's sleep, Themis remained frozen in place. This gave Focalors renewed confidence - perhaps there was a chance to take the upper hand after all!
The moment Focalors started getting handsy, Themis fell silent.
Grasping the legs hanging down on either side, Themis couldn't bear it anymore. She seized Focalors' wandering hands and once again pinned her to the bed.
As for Furina?
If she woke up, so be it. Eventually, she'd face the reality of waking to see Themis kissing another version of herself anyway.
Why wait for tomorrow when today would do?
With this realization, Themis's reservations vanished instantly.
Focalors, who had just moments ago thought she could gain the upper hand, now found herself helplessly pinned beneath Themis.
Damn it! A subordinate can't kiss her superior's lips!
Heh~ Want to see my face before you say that again?
The unskilled should practice more. Though Focalors' inherent physical limitations meant she'd remain clumsy no matter how much she trained - a stark contrast to the wild fantasies in her historical records.
In those chronicles, one could even find tales of the fierce Hydro Archon herself being on top of her Regent long ago.
Quite the player, Focalors. Why didn't you show these desires before?
Your affections must have been so desperate you could only fantasize in books.
Themis silenced Focalors' protests with a finger shoved into her mouth, reducing her to muffled, sticky moans. After tearing off Focalors' nightgown, Themis felt completely enlightened.
When Focalors pushed at her shoulders, citing Furina's presence nearby as an excuse to end their encounter, Themis smiled knowingly - treating it as mere coy resistance.
If she still has energy to speak, we might as well do something else.
"Mmm..."
When Focalors' entire body trembled uncontrollably after being touched, her eyes brimming with tears, she gave in to impulse. In the end, she had underestimated Themis' excitement.
Biting her finger, Focalors spoke through tear-filled eyes, "I really can't... today."
Her voice quivered as it brushed against Themis' ear, sending a ticklish sensation.
"Furina's awake..."
The blue-white kitten beside them, eyes tightly shut, had her fluffy fur trembling incessantly. Focalors' gaze shifted to see Furina's fluttering eyelashes and the hand clutching the bedsheets.
Focalors' hands pushed at Themis' shoulders. Though her Unofficial history contained many tales, returning from yesterday's encounter to immediately engage in a threesome today was pushing things too far!
Furina gripped the bedsheets, having been woken by strange noises.
Opening her eyes revealed Themis kissing another version of herself - Focalors - beside her. The urgent gasps from Focalors and Themis' heavy breathing filled the air like thunderclaps.
Furina: I don't understand. Though it's weird, waking up to this is even more embarrassing!
Themis didn't think much of it, Focalors felt this experience was a bit too advanced for her, while Furina became both shy and embarrassed.
But what's so difficult about this? Themis thought it was a small matter, easily resolved.
After kissing Focalors, Themis noticed Focalors' relieved gaze as she pulled the feigning-asleep Furina into her arms and kissed her cheek.
"Huh!"
The pretense of sleep failed; Furina's beautiful eyes flew open as Themis' persistent kisses caught her off guard.
With her mouth occupied, Focalors recovered just in time to join the scene, curiously observing the pair from the side.
So this is how I looked when Themis kissed me!
The morning air should have been refreshing and invigorating!
Thank you! Two Blueberry Cream Cakes later, I'm feeling quite refreshed!
Themis, you're truly lazy!
Embracing both women, kissing them repeatedly, yet stopping short of anything more intimate - all done in broad daylight with three people involved.
This kind of behavior was already beyond Focalors' limits, let alone Furina, a pure-hearted young girl with such thin skin.
"Ah~ Such a heavy burden lies ahead!"
Though they were all gods, human moral standards proved remarkably superior.
Reluctantly sparing Furina and Focalors, Themis watched them with a resentful gaze as they held hands and whispered secrets.
Only when Sedene came to remind Themis of her duties did she finally head to her workplace, casting three backward glances at each step.
The opera house held no trials today, only an opera. But Themis had no interest in operas, so she might as well skip it altogether.
Propping her chin on her desk, she found the office unusually quiet with surprisingly few documents.
Inquiry revealed Neuvillette had taken care of everything. All that remained required Themis's personal approval.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, she marveled at her beloved son's consideration. After nearly five centuries of raising this Dragon, he finally understood the pain of balancing intimate moments with administrative duties!
She swiftly processed the remaining documents. With a Regent's trembling hands and racing heart, she longed to return to the Hydro Archon's side and complete their unfinished business.
But even the heavens seemed to disapprove of this arrangement.
So, not long after leaving the office, she spotted the familiar Yellow-hair Traveler and her little mascot.
"Themis! Over here!"
Waving, Lumine immediately drew Themis's attention and rushed over.
Paimon twirled excitedly in the air before cheerfully asking, "Themis! Do you have a moment?"
Themis's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. What do you need?"
Lumine and Paimon suddenly felt their faces grow awkwardly conspicuous.
They just hoped it wasn't some particularly troublesome matter that would consume her entire day off.
"Well, we have a friend in Inazuma who's really interested in Fontaine's... um..." Lumine glanced around furtively, making sure no one was passing by before whispering the book's title. "Fontaine's Unofficial History. She wants to contact the author."
"When we inquired at the editorial office, they only mentioned you submitted the initial drafts. They don't know the author's identity."
Themis nodded. "I think I understand. So you came to ask me who the author of the unofficial history is, right?"
"Precisely," Paimon said. "You must know who wrote it, don't you? Or are you the author yourself, as the editorial staff suspects?"
"No, I'm not." Themis shook her head, unwilling to continue taking the fall for Focalors. She'd only been shouldering the blame during the Prophecy Crisis, when Focalors' peculiar hobby had been at play. She'd had no choice but to indulge her then.
But now Fontaine's prophecy had settled, and she could move freely. There was no need to keep carrying this burden anymore. Focalors could collect her own royalties from now on.
"Huh? If you're not the author, who else could it be?!" Lumine asked, hands on her hips. "Could it be Furina?" She shook her head. "Impossible. Furina's too innocent to write something like that."
Just glancing at the text yesterday had nearly made her faint. If Furina had written it, the update speed would never have been this fast. And Furina was simply too pure.
This child clearly knows nothing about kissing; she probably hasn't even been kissed in public before.
Getting her to write those trashy lewd novel scenes would be like convincing Lumine to believe Venti has quit drinking or Zhongli can handle Hu Tao's cooking.
"Could it possibly be Neuvillette?" Lumine guessed, observing Themis' smiling face.
"Never mind, don't guess anymore. Let's talk about your friend instead," Themis said, crossing her arms. "Who's this friend you keep mentioning?"
Paimon answered, "She's the Raiden Shogun's attendant and the Head priestess of Narukami Grand Shrine."
Lumine added, "She also runs a novel publishing house. After reading Fontaine's unofficial history, she became very interested in the author and wants to invite them to Inazuma for this year's light novel competition."
"Light novel competition..." Themis' eye twitched at Lumine's words.
Focalors' unofficial history? That thing could actually participate in a light novel competition? Wouldn't it get rejected during the initial screening?
"Of course! It's not about having the author of The Unofficial History submit their existing work to the light novel competition. They want the author to write a brand new novel for submission."
"Moreover, Yae Miko is particularly interested in The Unofficial History. She even wants the author to create a custom novel on a specific theme for her."
"They didn't reveal the exact theme to us, only stating that the author is exceptionally skilled at writing."
"That's strange," Paimon remarked, her curiosity piqued. "Isn't The Unofficial History an adult romance novel? And isn't the author renowned for this genre?"
"Why would they want such a book?"
Lumine, standing nearby, wore an expression that confirmed her suspicions. When Yae Miko had approached her earlier, she'd already guessed the reason.
What other motive could there be? That sly fox is plotting against her superior, Raiden Ei. She's trying to climb into bed with her, isn't she?
But she can't manage it, and Raiden Ei's as wooden as a log. It seems her path to winning her wife's heart will be long and arduous!
Heh, has that wretched fox truly fallen so low? To the point she needs someone to write a book just to satisfy her fantasies?
Themis shared Lumine's sentiments. After all, the Narukami couple was officially endorsed.
She had read that Inazuma light novel competition entry about the useless general and her shrine maiden countless times.
"I can ask on your behalf, but I can't guarantee anything. Whether the author of the unofficial history will agree is beyond my control."
Paimon replied, "That's fine. Just ask for us. There's still plenty of time before the Inazuma light novel competition, so we can take our time!"
Though she spoke with patience, the Miko's urgency was palpable. Were it not for being unable to leave Inazuma and lacking the author's location, she might have personally gone to Fontaine to recruit the writer, hounding them daily to start the Inazuma unofficial history.
"I'll handle it. Wait for my update. If there's a response, I'll notify you immediately."
"Alright then, we won't disturb you further," Lumine said.
A faint dissatisfaction lingered in Themis's demeanor, though her attention had been diverted by the mention of Inazuma and unofficial histories.
Lumine dared not linger. Seizing the moment before Themis could react, she hastily tugged at Paimon's small shawl and fled, leaving Themis's line of sight.
The interruption had delayed Themis's departure, and now new work awaited her.
"Fontaine New Academy Reconstruction Application..."
Themis examined the document with mixed emotions, then hit upon an ideal candidate.
"What happened to the old Academy built last time?"
The Academy researcher, though bewildered, answered earnestly: "It's quite good - fully functional and very convenient. The person who designed and built it must be a genius! Every brick and tile is made of explosive materials. But was there some deeper meaning behind that?"
The final line of defense after Fontaine's fall - the researchers' pride?
Had they ever considered the possibility of blowing themselves sky-high?
Regardless, the designer of that old Academy was undoubtedly a genius!
It's been so long since the explosion. You should know that when the Academy researchers first learned of this, they nearly broke out into cold sweat.
How many times had they bid farewell to their own lives?
Ah, by the great God of Justice above, this must be the return of their years of effort in Fontaine!
The corner of Themis's eye twitched uncontrollably. What else could she say? She could only think, Just as expected from you, Alice!
I had you build the Academy, not create a single-person explosives factory disguised as one!
It's been so long without an explosion. You should know that when the Academy researchers first learned of this, they nearly broke out into cold sweat.
How many times had they bid farewell to their own lives?
Ah, by the great God of Justice above, this must be the reward for their years of effort in Fontaine!
The corner of Themis's eye twitched uncontrollably. What else could she say? She could only exclaim, Just as expected from you, Alice!
I had you build the Academy, not create a bomb shaped like the Academy by yourself!
Though the Academy's explosion had nothing to do with Alice - at most, on the day the old Academy blew up, the entire Fontaine shook violently. Flames erupted skyward, lighting up the night brighter than day.
If possible, Themis would have loved to pinch Alice's ears and bang a few punches on her head.
Remember how Alice had guaranteed absolute safety to her face? What safety was this?! As a building, it was completely unacceptable! A structure that could've been demolished any minute!
It was only because Themis knew nothing about materials that she'd been deceived. Moreover, during that period, Alice had been unusually well-behaved, so Themis hadn't thought much about it.
She never expected it to be such a convincing fake.
But then again, all the materials are highly flammable. The fact that it's remained intact all these years proves she's quite the clever one.
"Still, it's true that rebuilding Fontaine's Academy should be prioritized."
Rubbing her chin, Themis thought about the group of people she'd previously locked up.
"Tartaglia... Hmm, he's already returned... The one who mixes cement is gone."
"Arlecchino... Good, still serving her sentence. We can make her carry bricks..."
"Skirk... Has been confined to the Black Room all along... But a swordswoman's steady blade means she'll handle cement work with ease."
"As for the new Academy's blueprints, we can ask Alice to help design them again. Might as well exploit her by making her oversee the construction too."
Themis didn't mind the details; she just saw these women idling about and couldn't stand it. She wanted to give them something productive to do.
The most important part? They didn't need to be paid, so she could exploit them to her heart's content.
Themis's eyes brimmed with smug satisfaction—this was exactly what she wanted!
Ever since returning to Fontaine, she'd been this busy. What excuse could anyone else possibly have for not working hard?
Wielding her whip like a capitalist, Themis reveled in exploiting free labor today. Truly despicable, this grown-up Themis!
The thrill of making others work while she watched in amusement brought her immense joy, a pleasure that came from the depths of her heart.
As soon as the last batch of documents delivered to her office was processed, Themis made her escape.
If she didn't leave now, another mountain of paperwork would arrive immediately. Was she ever going to get away?
Ever since her separation from her two wives, Themis found herself utterly consumed by her obsession with Furina, unable to break free.
Even the briefest separation made it nearly impossible to suppress the wicked thoughts swirling in her mind.
Unfortunately, both of her wives' acceptance limits were too low, preventing her from achieving complete satisfaction in one session. Combined with their sensitive constitutions, this further diminished the overall experience.
If I unleashed my full power, Themis mused, they'd be bedridden for at least a week!
If she could come down, Themis would share the same surname as Furina and Focalors!
Exiting the office, Themis passed by Neuvillette's doorway. A mountain of documents towered on the desk, nearly as tall as Neuvillette himself, having consumed all available space and spilled onto the floor.
Standing in the doorway, Themis marveled at the sight. She'd never realized before how utterly wretched yet formidable her situation was.
After wandering through Phosphorus City, Themis was no longer the woman who had fought tirelessly to save her wife. Now she was the one with a wife, dreaming of retirement and world travel.
The mere thought of her wives made Themis's heart ache with longing.
She could barely contain herself. How could two women be so utterly adorable?
They consumed her thoughts day and night, yet never grew tedious.
Even while walking, she'd imagine sweeping her wives into her arms, pressing them against walls, kissing them until tears streamed down their faces.
Furina, the little weeper, was particularly satisfying to kiss.
Focalors, who was both inexperienced yet loved to tease, watched with delight as her eyes welled up with tears. She bit her finger to suppress her gasps, and being pinned beneath Themis only intensified her pleasure.
I'm truly a monster, Themis thought, mentally chastising herself.
Yet her mind couldn't help but conjure new scenarios—using these methods on Furina and Focalors might just turn the Hydro Archon into a foolish creature constantly overflowing with hydro elements.
Bouncing with energy and humming a tune, Themis's face remained impassive, but even that couldn't hide her overwhelming happiness.
They returned to the top floor of Palais Mermonia via the private elevator.
Opening the bedroom door revealed the expected sight: Focalors lounging lazily, while Furina, like an inquisitive kitten, kept poking at a small cake with her fork.
...So adorable. Truly worthy of being my wives, Themis mused.
The sound of the door opening drew their attention.
"Themis? Back so soon? Finished with your duties?"
Focalors flipped to the next page of her novel, her gaze shifting away from the book with a hint of surprise.
After all, based on past habits and experience, Themis should have been too busy to spare a moment.
"It's nothing. Most of my administrative duties have been taken over by Neuvillette."
"So today I've been relatively free, which is why I returned early."
Holding Furina in her arms, Focalors gave the girl's pert little bottom two playful pinches. Furina's face flushed crimson as she squirmed restlessly.
Seeing Furina's attempt to sit up, Themis wrapped her arms around the girl's waist, cradling her like a kitten. She adjusted Furina's position until it was more comfortable, then pressed her chin against Furina's shoulder. A kiss brushed across the girl's cheek before being followed by a gentle bite.
The round, baby-soft cheeks were as irresistibly adorable as ever, their plumpness begging to be nipped at.
The smooth, tender texture was utterly delightful.
Themis' lips curved into a smile as she took the fork from Furina's hand, feeding the girl with her own hands.
The Goddess had been lying on the sofa reading a novel, but watching the interaction between Themis and Furina filled her with a touch of jealousy.
Focalors walked up behind Themis, wrapped her arms around her, and kissed her cheek.
"I want a kiss too! Right here!"
Pointing at her own mouth, Focalors exuded an irresistible charm. Themis, her heart fluttering, kissed the mischievously grinning Focalors on the lips.
Furina watched from the side, feeling a bit overwhelmed. It was all too much, even though they were all herself.
After the kiss, the blue-white kitten—Furina—grabbed Themis' collar and swiftly kissed her mouth.
This left Themis torn between laughter and exasperation.
She stroked Furina's fluffy head and kissed the jealous Furina. Then, holding her, she sat down on the sofa.
Focalors sprawled out, resting her head on Furina's lap. Furina, now settled against Themis' chest, found the sudden weight on her legs rather uncomfortable—mostly because it interrupted her chance to snuggle properly with Themis.
"Focalors..."
"Hmm?"
"What's wrong? Did you need something?" Focalors raised an eyebrow, closing her novel. "I told you earlier—I want to rest today. We can talk tonight."
"If you want, Furina could do it. After all, she's not asleep right now."
Furina glanced at Focalors, then at Themis, her large eyes filled with confusion. What's going on? What do they mean? It feels like I'm being kept in the dark again. Is there something else I don't know?!
Her pleading eyes turned to Themis, but Themis grabbed her head and pressed their lips together until Furina collapsed onto the sofa in a daze.
Furina gasped for breath, the passionate kiss leaving her oxygen-deprived and dizzy. Her eyes shimmered with liquid light.
Unable to resist, Themis slipped her hand under Furina's blouse, kneading the soft, delicate skin of her abdomen. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Focalors slid off Furina's leg and joined in, squeezing the same spot Themis had been enjoying. If Themis finds it so pleasurable, I must try it too.
After all, there was a world of difference between touching someone else and touching oneself.
Seeing Furina suddenly tense up, Focalors decided: Next time, I'll tease Furina instead.
Teasing Themis was simply too risky—her waist might not withstand it.
Seeing Furina's feathers ruffled like a startled cat, Focalors felt her heart swell with affection.
"Focalors, the Traveler came looking for me today. She said the Raiden Shogun's favored one is very interested in you, the author of unofficial histories."
"She wants you to write a novel for her, with a theme she'll choose. She claims it's an area you're particularly skilled in."
Hearing this, Focalors's drowsiness vanished completely!
Just imagine how extraordinary this must seem to the gods! Another deity's favored one actually wants an unofficial history author to write in their specialty field.
Well, even without meeting them, Focalors's sharp mind could guess that this must be the type who's scheming against their god!
Haha, how intriguing! This promises to be a truly entertaining spectacle!
"So I just write a novel based on her theme? Of course I'll do it!"
Focalors planted her hands on her hips. What was there to refuse? If negotiations failed, she'd simply ignore them. As if anyone could threaten her!
More importantly, while she wrote, she'd get to enjoy all the juicy gossip and fun. She could eat the whole melon!
Refusing was simply impossible!
Focalors absolutely loved eating melons and watching the fun!
The gods of the Nations loved all kinds of spectacles because they could eat melons and watch the fun!
-
"The wind has been so gentle lately," Venti murmured.
He lay on the trunk of the great tree in his domain, his eyes half-closed in contentment. In his hand, he held the Fontaine's Unofficial History lent to him by the Traveler.
Whenever Venti now read the unofficial history, he instinctively set aside his wine. He no longer dared to drink while reading, fearing he might accidentally spray wine and choke himself.
The history's descriptions were bold and daring. Venti found himself gradually being drawn into this bottomless abyss, his mind being shaped by the Fontainians' way of thinking.
The articles in the history were truly audacious—so daring that one wouldn't dare buy it, fearing it might corrupt children.
However, Fontaine's God was truly an intriguing deity!
For some reason, Venti kept feeling that he could get along with her.
He casually plucked his strings, producing a pleasant tinkling sound like flowing water.
Venti was quite pleased with himself, considering his status as one of Mondstadt's three consecutive champion bards.
"I've heard Fontaine's God has a deep understanding of drama and music, and is even called a 'star.' If I go to Fontaine, I should be able to get her to perform on stage with me!"
As Venti contemplated this, he found himself inexplicably growing excited.
He would play the music, and the Hydro Archon would sing.
Hmm, that's settled. When the Windblume Festival comes next time, I'll go to Fontaine and invite the Hydro Archon to Mondstadt for a visit!
We might even bring the old man along to sample the fine wines.
The Raiden Shogun might be a bit difficult.
The Dendro Archon should have no problem.
Well, we don't have to meet in Mondstadt. We could just go straight to Inazuma!
Since the Raiden Shogun doesn't want to come out, we can go find her instead. That way there's no problem!
This perfectly solves the Raiden Shogun's dislike of going out.
It's been so long since we've all been together. A reunion to reconnect would be wonderful.
Ah, too bad the Cryo Archon and Pyro Archon are both busy and in no mood to join us.
Having leisurely finished reading a historical novel, the wind spirit gained some rather useless knowledge.
Carefully storing the book the Traveler had lent him, Venti leaped down and landed gracefully on the grass.
Like a joyful and free gust of wind, he wandered across Mondstadt's land without restraint.
Passing by the Apple Tree, Venti plucked two or three apples. He washed them in the waters of the Cider Lake before taking a bite.
The apples were sweet and crisp, juicy and tender.
Venti's cheeks puffed out as the green bard began his daily routine.
He earned Mora by selling goods in the Favonius Cathedral square, then loiter at the Tavern. When his mouth watered, he'd use those big round eyes to look at Diluc.
At this point, Diluc would usually be reluctant, but still give Venti some apple juice.
My heart's broken! I've become a freeloader who wants to mooch off others. I want to drink real alcohol!
Receiving the same treatment as Lumine, Venti put his hands on his hips, thoroughly displeased.
But did you think this could trouble the God of Freedom?
Impossible!
Using his music and storytelling, Venti easily earned tips at the tavern - jugs of Cider!
Occasionally, some generous patrons would treat him to the tavern's signature drink, Dandelion Wine.
Thinking about Dandelion Wine, Venti's mouth watered again.
But looking at Diluc's expression, he knew he wouldn't sell him any today.
The drinking session was over for the day. Venti waved goodbye to his fans, then blended into the crowd as he wandered through Mondstadt.
He still avoided places where cats had been, as his cat fur allergy would make him sneeze two or three times.
"Hello! Are you Mr. Venti?"
A cat from Inazuma with starry eyes came running over. Venti backed away in panic, sneezing repeatedly.
"Wait! Wait! Stop moving!"
"I'm allergic to cats! I can't help sneezing when I touch them!"
Venti jumped to a safe distance, now ten meters away. Seeing Kirara frozen in place, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Mr. Venti, Miss Lumine sent you a message."
"How should I give this to you?"
Kirara held up the delivery box, sounding a bit helpless. This was the first time in her long career that she'd seen such a severe reaction to a customer's cat allergy. If it weren't for the letter she still had to deliver, she would have fled immediately.
"The Traveler's message?" Venti's eyes were a bit confused, but he quickly understood. "I see. Just put the letter on the table by the Good hunter."
Venti pointed to a table farther from The Cat's Tail and said.
Kirara didn't say much else. She just put the letter on the table, weighed it down with utensils, said goodbye to Venti, shouted the employee slogan, and hurried away.
She still had to deliver more letters. Her work kept her rushing.
After Kirara left, Venti used Anemo to blow the surrounding air, sweeping away the cat fur.
"Achoo!"
He sneezed hard, took the letter, opened it, and quickly read the contents of the Traveler's message.
Venti's face was full of shock. Ahhh? What happened?
The Hydro Archon was getting married so young—and to two people at once?!
Venti couldn't help but wonder how things had turned out this way after Lumine's trip to Fontaine.
Being so anxious about a God's marriage—is that really necessary?
Was it because of those unofficial histories? Venti admitted they were well-written, but Lumine was hundreds or even thousands of years old. She shouldn't have her worldview overturned by a few books.
For archons like them, marriage was the truly strange part.
The two Hydro Archons and their Regent's warm daily routine was quite pleasant.
However, when Venti learned that all of Fontaine had been shipping them for five centuries—persisting through twenty generations just to witness their marriage—
Venti: (⊙ _ ⊙ ) You Fontainians are truly a bit unhinged!
The entire nation of Fontaine had yearned for the Hydro Archons and their Regent's wedding for half a millennium. Such persistence could have been channeled elsewhere!
Even the inventor of the Kamera developed the device specifically to secretly document the Hydro Archons and Regent's intimate moments.
(╥﹏╥) We Mondstadters are simply behind the current trends!
Why doesn't anyone care about his romantic history? He wants daily pampering too!
The life of a freeloader is truly blissful!
It seems Fontaine must be visited after all!
Lovely Focalors, my dear junior! Let this senior come inspect your intimate daily life with your Regent!
Venti, brimming with excitement, wanted to embark on an impulsive journey!
However, instead of rushing straight to Fontaine, he took his time, stopping along the way.
When passing through Liyue, he even met with the old man and shared a few drinks.
Master Hu had memorized Venti's face, maintaining a certain level of formality with this guest.
But when it came to Zhongli, there was no such restraint.
Watching the old man helplessly trying to soothe the child, with Hu Tao tugging at his braid while he wore an apologetic expression, Venti felt this Liyue trip had been well worth it.
"Old man, if someone didn't know better, they'd think you two were father and daughter."
"You're mistaken. I was invited to become Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant, and this child Hu Tao, I've watched grow up since she was little."
Those shimmering golden eyes, usually radiating with authority, now held a helpless affection when speaking of Hu Tao.
When people grow old, they simply enjoy watching energetic children.
Venti propped his cheek in his hand and then recounted the contents of the letter the Traveler had sent him.
To his surprise, Zhongli produced an identical letter.
"It seems the Traveler's journey in Fontaine has been quite entertaining."
Zhongli, somewhat out of touch with modern trends, rubbed the corners of his eyes. He never imagined the Hydro Archon would be so hip these days.
Her mindset is truly ahead of its time. Even Morax, the Emperor of Rock who has lived for eons, has never encountered a god so wild in his life.
These young gods just love these convoluted games.
"I plan to visit Fontaine soon," Venti declared, hands on his hips. "I haven't been there for centuries."
"I've heard those who've visited recently say there are many new inventions there."
"That sounds wonderful! I want to try those new toys too."
"And while I'm at it, I can sample the local Fontaine wines!"
Venti's purpose for the trip was laid bare.
Zhongli couldn't suppress a chuckle as he drained his porcelain cup. "I've heard the Hydro Archon has a sweet tooth. Perhaps Fontaine's wines are sweet?"
Venti puffed out his chest, his cyan eyes sparkling. "That sounds intriguing! Of course, as long as it's good, I wouldn't mind if they added sugar!"
"So, old man, are you busy lately?"
"If not, could you ask your superior for two days off to accompany me to Fontaine? We could help Lumine with her urgent situation while we're there."
"I don't have any vacation days from the leader," Zhongli said, setting down his porcelain cup. "But I could propose going abroad for exchange and study, expanding our business operations. I'm sure the leader wouldn't refuse."
"That sounds like a solid reason," Venti agreed, though a hint of concern crept into his voice. "Just so you know, I'm not exactly rolling in Mora. If we travel together, I won't be able to cover your expenses."
"Why complicate things? Let's simply expense it as an official trip."
Zhongli's eyes glinted. Mora? That's hardly an issue. In this commercial hub, where contracts reigned supreme, there were countless alternatives to the currency.
Moreover, Fontaine's Prophecy Crisis had been fully resolved, and Liyue had received word. The eastern nation now sought to establish new connections with Fontaine.
If that's the case, Zhongli mused, I might as well borrow this favorable wind to negotiate in Fontaine. A little personal use of official funds wouldn't hurt.
"Haha, since you've got a plan, I'll rest easy."
"Ah, at least we won't end up street-performing our way to Fontaine to scrape together travel funds."
"Heh, now that would be an... interesting experience."
Zhongli automatically dismissed the option of using divine power to reach Fontaine. For now, he wanted to live as an ordinary person, experiencing life through mortal eyes.
"We'll depart directly from Chenyu Vale for Fontaine."
"I heard Inazuma's light novel competition is coming up again. The Raiden Shogun's favored one even went to Fontaine to find the author of that unofficial history. Hopefully the author enters the competition too."
As he relayed the news, Venti's eyes couldn't help but light up with amusement. Though he wouldn't be able to hear directly once they reached Fontaine, he could still receive updates indirectly.
After hearing about the unofficial history from Venti, Zhongli's expression turned particularly complex.