Ever since learning they'd be going to Inazuma for the light novel competition, Focalors had become brimming with energy.
Compared to her previous feline-like languor, she now resembled a young, energetic kitten.
Furina couldn't comprehend Focalors' excitement, nor did she particularly want to understand the books Focalors wrote.
In any case, she didn't need to read them to know exactly what kind of trash Focalors was producing.
Furina, her face contorted into a feline expression, chose to cozy up to Themis, leaving Focalors to ponder alone.
Themis had only been back two or three days, yet she was already overwhelmed with official duties, fully resuming her original workload.
Neuvillette's tearful protests nearly collapsed under the weight of Themis's accumulated tasks. He failed to adapt within two days, let alone take over her responsibilities to keep her company with the two Hydro Archons for half a month.
The Dragon nearly withdrew into himself, questioning his very existence as a dragon.
How could Themis handle documents so effortlessly? he wondered. Why can't I make sense of these papers? Every word is familiar, yet their meaning escapes me completely.
Themis spread out her files, revealing a stack of recent Academy applications. Most concerned projects halted after the Academy's catastrophic explosion, leaving cutting-edge research in limbo.
Neuvillette's confusion was understandable; after all, Themis's comprehension sufficed.
Fontaine's airships, Aquabuses, and Clockwork Meka—all represented advanced technology. But understanding invention and directing research were entirely different matters.
Themis's role involved providing wild, imaginative concepts—mere words from her lips.
Then a group of Academy bigwigs adjusted their research direction according to her ideas.
After the crisis in Fontaine was completely resolved, the great master and the crybaby were both stuffed into the Academy as punishment.
Narzissenkreuz calmly accepted his punishment. Isn't it just research? He threw himself into it with full force - if Fontaine couldn't escape, it would only be due to his lack of effort.
Seeing the great master agree, Jacob voluntarily became his assistant.
This special pair of prisoners joined the Academy in an ordinary way, becoming nominal researchers.
Before the new Academy was completely rebuilt, the two were familiarizing themselves with Fontaine's current industrial system and research directions.
Then Narzissenkreuz said: Why is it so backward? It's not even as good as before.
"You're right," Themis said. "So, can you create an linked network, or perhaps some kind of telegraph communication?"
Under Narzissenkreuz's approving gaze, Themis unblushingly listed everything she needed.
It was clear she desperately wanted to reconnect to the internet!
"What you're describing sounds like Sumeru's Void Terminal functions."
Narzissenkreuz, a pink-purple Little Droplet, furrowed his large eyes.
After carefully listening to all of Themis' requests, he immediately thought of the neighboring Dendro Nation.
Themis: "But now Sumeru's Void Terminal has been completely shut down due to missing essential components, rendering it unusable."
Narzissenkreuz: "?"
Themis: "Moreover, the Dendro Archon harbors a certain degree of disapproval toward the existence of Void Terminals."
Narzissenkreuz: "...Why?"
"The specific reason is that the Dendro Archon believes the Sumeru people have become overly dependent on Void Terminals. This over-reliance manifests in the Sumeru people instinctively seeking help from Void Terminals whenever faced with difficulties. Over time, this has gradually diminished their ability to solve problems independently."
Narzissenkreuz couldn't comprehend this. "Utter nonsense!"
The master was practically itching to confront the God of Wisdom herself and argue his point. Every tool has its own duality, after all.
Even if the Sumeru people had grown excessively reliant on the Void Terminal's convenience and power, this was understandable. After all, the terminal was designed to be that useful.
What the Sumeru people truly needed was proper guidance from the God of Wisdom, teaching them how to use tools correctly.
The master's words were absolutely correct; in truth, Themis shared these exact thoughts.
However, from this exchange, it became clear that Nahida was still too inexperienced.
Even after usurping the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's role and inheriting her memories, she remained the naive Little Dandelion King.
"In conclusion, I believe our Fontaine's version of the Void Terminal—regardless of its actual name—should be called something else entirely!"
"I propose we name this project: The INTERNET!"
Themis remained expressionless as Narzissenkreuz's voice echoed in her ears. Truth be told, she felt rather guilty inside.
She had shared her vision and the ultimate goal they needed to achieve with Narzissenkreuz.
As she strode away, Jacob's face turned ashen.
Themis deliberately ignored Jacob's resentful gaze and his needle-sharp stare.
At that moment, Themis might as well have been one of those detestable clients who hold all the cards.
The crux of the matter was that she wouldn't even pay them a single Mora in wages.
Wages? What wages?!
You're prisoners, for heaven's sake! I'm already letting you out to move freely and giving you a chance to atone for your crimes through service. You should be grateful!
Remember, all your food, clothing, and living expenses come straight from the national treasury!
I'm letting you conduct research in your areas of expertise, free from worldly distractions. What more could you possibly want?!
Jacob: I'm beginning to doubt the meaning of life.
Narzissenkreuz: "You're absolutely right. This is indeed an opportunity to atone for our crimes. We are deeply grateful for your generosity, allowing us to contribute to Fontaine's development."
The master's overly sincere words finally proved too much for Themis, forcing her to flee in embarrassment.
Deceiving such an earnest, honest person really does make me feel guilty!
But I'll dare to do it again next time!
Alice was impossible to find. Themis had even wandered the world's borders multiple times in her search.
Each time she neared success, as if Alice had divine foresight, she'd vanish with preternatural speed - as if she'd opened her eyes to the heavens.
Themis: I'm fucking furious! This is ridiculous! Even if you're not working for me, you're still maintaining the borders! If you're going to fix things anyway, why can't you just rebuild the Academy for me?!
Is this really so difficult?!
Though enraged, Themis couldn't chase Alice across the vast sea of stars. The endless expanse left her no choice but to abandon the pursuit.
Thus, Themis reluctantly delegated the tasks of selecting a site for the new Academy and drafting its blueprints to Narzissenkreuz.
This was what they called: "Those who can, do more work!"
The System witnessed its host transform from a diligent worker into a vile capitalist - or perhaps more accurately, a slave master.
Even the most reluctant capitalists eventually have to pay wages.
Now this is pure, unadulterated exploitation—making others pay to work!
Who's being talked about? None other than the Knave Arlecchino!
Though the Primordial Sea's water didn't cause casualties in Poisson, the town undoubtedly needed rebuilding.
Perfect timing—since the House of the Hearth had so many servants, they could all pitch in together.
The Knave Arlecchino, serving as an official in Snezhnaya while her heart remained in Fontaine's land, received news of her servants' tireless efforts: using Snezhnaya's funds to procure materials for Poisson's reconstruction.
This left Pulcinella and Pantalone gasping for breath, their hearts pounding with near-heart attack intensity.
If this was all, one might say the Knave was simply spending money to forge increasingly stronger diplomatic ties.
The next piece of news truly made every Fatui executive lose all composure.
Childe had engaged in a brawl, and his sentence wasn't yet complete. However, his courageous fight against the All-Devouring Narwhal had provided assistance to Fontaine.
Therefore, Fontaine specially exempted him from the remaining part of his sentence and, as a bonus, awarded him the title of Fontaine's Honorary Citizen.
With this honor, he could enjoy an 80% discount on all goods within Fontaine's territory.
They also presented Tartaglia with a mountain of gifts.
Although still recovering from injuries sustained in Fontaine, Tartaglia - now able to walk - stared dumbfounded at the rooms overflowing with mystery boxes.
He then sat with his family on a blanket, embarking on the bittersweet journey of opening these mystery boxes.
Among them was even a 1:1 scale figurine of Tartaglia himself!
"Wow, Brother is so amazing!"
Teucer bounced excitedly, clutching a figurine of Tartaglia standing triumphantly on the All-Devouring Narwhal.
Tartaglia scratched his head in exasperation. The cheerful, sunlit young man could only join Teucer in clapping and cheering, all while making sure to strike a few cool poses for his younger siblings.
Tartaglia scratched his head in exasperation. The cheerful, sunlit young man could only join Teucer in clapping and cheering, all while making sure to strike a few cool poses for his younger siblings.
Tonia used her Kamera to take pictures of her brother, then stored them away. She hung them on the wall alongside photos of her other siblings, creating a makeshift family portrait.
All of these items came from Fontaine's mystery box gift to their honorary citizen.
So absorbed was Tartaglia in opening the mystery box and entertaining his younger siblings that he completely failed to notice anything amiss about a pure-blooded Snezhnaya native - and a Snezhnaya official at that - receiving the title of Honorary Fontainian.
In Tartaglia's eyes, this was Fontaine's recognition of his worth.
Since they're praising my bravery, there shouldn't be any problem with that!
Under the complex gazes of the other officials, Tartaglia declared this with conviction.
Back in Fontaine City, Themis remained diligently at work today.
Occasionally, a blue-and-white kitten carrying a small cake would burst into her office.
Furina would then snuggle affectionately against Themis, sometimes daring enough to sit directly on her lap. She'd curiously paw at Themis' ear, playfully tugging at stray strands of hair, entertaining herself for long periods.
When boredom struck, Themis would reward her with a few kisses.
Seeing the blue-white kitten's bashful expression, Themis would stroke her small head and press her into a series of kisses. As things grew heated, Furina would invariably be the first to yield, fleeing the scene in a hasty retreat.
Watching Furina's retreating figure, Themis couldn't suppress a soft chuckle.
How strange, she mused. Her little kitten has endured countless kisses and even shared intimate moments in dreams. Why remains so flustered?
Unbeknownst to Themis, Furina had secretly devoured countless volumes of Focalors' explicit novels. The moment Themis attempted to deepen their intimacy, all those salacious scenarios would flood her mind.
The mental assault on Furina's modesty left her smoking like a steam-powered machine, transforming into a perpetual steam girl - a state now familiar to both of them.
The blue-white cat, overwhelmed with shame, fled from Themis's office with her flushed cheeks covered.
It was still work hours, and the staff in Palais Mermonia's work area watched Furina's retreating figure with excited expressions. They eagerly discussed among themselves how far things had progressed today.
"What new game did Furina and Themis play in the office today?"
Though Furina's immaculate attire suggested nothing untoward had occurred, the staff couldn't help but wonder.
When would their Hydro Archon finally gain some dignity and make Themis flee in embarrassment instead?
It wasn't that they'd grown tired of Furina's usual appearance. Rather, Themis's inexplicable allure made even the most mundane interactions captivating.
Humans have a peculiar tendency - the more impossible something seems, the more fervently they wish for its occurrence.
"Sigh... Furina, keep fighting! We're cheering you on in spirit!"
Their arduous journey to secure positions at Palais Mermonia stemmed partly from the prestige, decent wages, and professional respect. But the true allure lay in witnessing the daily interactions between Themis and Furina - a spectacle no other institution could offer.
This was firsthand information that even the Steam Bird couldn't obtain!
Being able to witness these intimate moments up close truly satisfied the Fontainians' shipper mentality.
For some inexplicable reason, seeing Lady Themis and Lady Furina's warm daily life as a young couple had reignited everyone's beautiful fantasies about love.
The sweet words and affectionate gestures were undeniably heartwarming.
While we all indulge in these romantic daydreams, in action, we must strive to be like Lady Themis!
She's the pure-hearted War God who has silently protected Lady Furina and Fontaine for five centuries!
This isn't just about empty words - our actions must prove our devotion too!
With such an exemplary leader above us, the Fontainians' unwavering loyalty and commitment to love became the stuff of legends.
Some even wrote a guidebook on love and life strategies:
If you find yourself attracted to two people, don't hesitate. The one you truly love will be the second person you feel drawn to.
Because if your heart truly belonged to the first, you wouldn't have fallen for the second.
The very act of loving someone new is a betrayal of your original love - a fundamental shift in devotion!
What?! You're telling me about Lady Themis and the two Hydro Archons' love?!
A joke! The Hydro Archon can split into two halves, but could your wife do that?!
If you want to cheat, just say so! I'll drag you to the opera house myself!
Anyway, how could Lady Themis be at fault? If she really was, it's because she still hasn't managed to marry both Hydro Archons!
Ahhh! The more I think about it, the angrier I get! Why haven't Lady Themis and the two Hydro Archons married yet?!
I'm even getting anxious on behalf of my ancestors. Now I completely understand how they felt back then.
Wait, could it be that I'll have to wait until my countless descendants' generation before hearing the news of the three deities' wedding?!
No! This kind of thing is completely unnecessary! It's just too painful!
The mental state of Fontainians is truly a cause for concern.
Venti and Zhongli walked along, stopping here and there, and even stayed for a while in Chenyu Vale to slowly enjoy the scenery before traveling together to Fontaine.
The scenery in Fontaine was completely different from Liyue, but shared some overlapping shadows with Mondstadt.
"Ah, so this is the realm ruled by the Hydro Archon," Venti marveled, his azure-green eyes sparkling with curiosity. It had been quite some time since his last visit to Fontaine.
The city's architecture stood tall and imposing, far more magnificent than Mondstadt's structures. While most residents wore smiles, some workers sighed in frustration - a common sight in any city where not everyone could be happy every day.
What intrigued Venti were the groups of people huddled together in twos and threes, whispering conspiratorially. Zhongli stood nearby, his imposing stature and handsome features drawing admiring glances from passersby. His presence made Venti look like a child he'd brought along, especially since the boy's good looks and sweet words earned him constant greetings of "Big brother!" and "Pretty sister!"
Everyone loved chatting with the adorable Venti, and they eagerly produced small snacks to feed him.
Before long, Venti had gathered the information he sought. Clutching his haul of snacks, he returned to Zhongli's side with a triumphant air.
"When the world's greatest bard takes the stage, even the toughest challenges become child's play!"
Though he boasted thus, the Anemo element's refusal to obey him in Fontaine left Venti thoroughly perplexed. He quickly shoved these doubts aside, remembering his true nature as a free-spirited wind elemental. Adaptability was his forte, especially with Zhongli by his side—the world's strongest Morax stood ready to protect them. What could they possibly fear?
With this thought, Venti's face lit up once more. Zhongli accepted the offered Fontaine snacks with curiosity, noticing most were sweet treats.
"Can't be helped. Seems our young Hydro Archon has quite the sweet tooth. Might even find common ground with Beelzebul."
Noticing Zhongli's lingering confusion, Venti tore open a candy wrapper and tossed a fluffy cotton candy toward him. The soft, sweet confection landed perfectly, its texture and flavor promising to be particularly delightful.
Zhongli, eager to try new things, picked up a piece of cotton candy and popped it into his mouth.
"It's so sweet and fluffy," Zhongli said, unable to resist the soft, chewy texture and sweet taste. He quickly grabbed another piece.
He then stuffed the remaining cotton candy back into Venti's arms. Watching Venti's cheeks puff out like a hamster's, Zhongli wondered if he'd be able to eat lunch later.
Zhongli's official reason for this trip was to experience foreign culture in Fontaine, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Liyue Qixing approved his application without objection, even providing generous funding in mora.
After all, Zhongli's status was well-known. His reputation as a scholar and polymath had become deeply ingrained in Liyue's collective consciousness.
No one else could have been more suitable for this mission.
Though he traveled alone, with Venti tagging along as an afterthought.
Ningguang felt no concern - she understood Zhongli's status all too well.
Zhongli himself made no special requests and didn't ask for any special treatment.
Dragging Venti along, they departed without spending a penny, trailed by a crowd eager to cover their expenses.
If it weren't for these generous patrons, Venti might have thought he'd need to sell his body to repay debts!
Traveling with Zhongli guaranteed exceptional safety, but this came with one glaring flaw: a moment's lapse could bury you under colossal debts—sums of Mora so vast that ordinary folk couldn't repay them in ten lifetimes. These figures might well have been numbers Zhongli casually tossed out during a conversation.
Arriving in Fontaine, the iconic Aquabus—a quintessential feature of the nation—proved indispensable.
The Melusines, beautiful creatures cherished by Fontainians, had already been observed en route to the capital, matching descriptions from the Traveler's letters. Though pure-hearted and endearing, most of these beings exhibited a distinctly absentminded demeanor.
"The Furina Protection Act, and the Melusine Protection Act..."
Venti grinned broadly, laughter bubbling forth as if astonished by Fontaine's abundance of peculiar legislation.
Standing before Fontaine's bookstore, the God of Contracts and the God of Freedom first acquired a complete edition of the Court of Fontaine's legal compendium.
The first law that caught their eyes was the Furina Protection Act, which genuinely rocked the worldview of these two veteran deities.
As they continued reading, their hearts suffered a ten-thousand-point critical blow.
Furina Protection Act, Article 7: All legitimate and reasonable expenses for the Hydro Archon's sustenance, attire, and usage shall be borne by Palais Mermonia.
Every month, one million Mora shall be paid to the Hydro Archon Furina as her divine salary. Additionally, Furina, as a renowned opera singer, shall receive standard compensation for all performances and related activities.
Venti, who had been playing music on the streets with an empty wallet, sleeping under trees and on the pavement, felt utterly devastated!
Venti: We're all gods here! How is the gap between us so vast?!
Zhongli: Is this how young deities think? How careless - I forgot to save up for my retirement.
Zhongli, equally devoid of a single Mora, suffered a similar blow. Rex Lapis began questioning the very meaning of his divine existence.
Perhaps I was too hasty when I retired. At least I should've secured my divine pension first.
This wasn't a big deal, after all, sometimes experience and knowledge are more valuable than Mora.
Besides, Zhongli had created Mora in the first place. Although he now wanted to live as an ordinary person and refused to break his principles by creating Mora recklessly.
But that's not a problem. Zhongli thought he could use reasonable alternatives to Mora to pay for items that normally require Mora.
However, Venti held a skeptical attitude. After all, everyone in Fontaine City was ultimately just ordinary people. Mora was what truly mattered, while other knowledge and experience meant nothing to them.
Zhongli couldn't possibly go inside every time for a free meal and then try to reason with the boss, could he?
No, it wasn't that Zhongli was shameless - Venti thought he would be the first to crack.
If this accidentally got reported to the Court of Fontaine, and the new Hydro Archon happened to witness the entire process, where would the senior's dignity go?
Just thinking about that scene was embarrassing.
At this thought, Venti couldn't help but envy Zhongli, who had a whole group of wealthy women supporting him behind the scenes.
Venti: I wish someone would take care of me too! The God of Freedom doesn't want to work hard anymore! Who can come and support him?
He can sing and play the lyre, and most importantly, he's handsome and considerate - the perfect person to warm your bed.
All you need to do is occasionally feed him some Cider and Dandelion Wine to gain the Anemo Archon's favor!
What are you waiting for?!
Give him 10,000 Mora and see how loyal he becomes!
They continued browsing the bookstore with Zhongli, and in the romance section, found an item not for sale called Fontaine's Unofficial History.
"Ah, you're asking why it's not for sale."
"Of course not! This has been passed down from my ancestors over ten generations ago."
"There's only one set. If I sold it, how could I complete the collection?"
"I can let you look at it, but please be careful not to damage it."
Seeing Zhongli and Venti's keen interest, the shopkeeper generously took out the entire set of Fontaine's Unofficial History from the shelf.
The unofficial history showed signs of having been read, yet it was well-preserved. Its cover gleamed like new, still wrapped in its protective jacket.
Venti and Zhongli sat at a nearby table, beginning to read Focalors' famous novel known throughout Fontaine.
To be honest, while the books sent by the Traveler had opened their eyes, when they finally delved into these treasured unofficial histories, they realized the Traveler's offerings were truly insignificant in comparison!
Zhongli and Venti exchanged glances, both seeing the complex emotions reflected in each other's eyes.
Indeed, it seemed these two old men couldn't keep up with the times.
Who would have thought people these days actually preferred this kind of literature?!
"Hmph! You don't understand! Though these unofficial histories are categorized as romance novels, I remain steadfast in my belief that they're true!"
The shopkeeper puffed out his chest, head held high with unwavering confidence.
Zhongli felt somewhat bewildered, the Fontaine's Unofficial History lying in his hands. His golden eyes reflected the book's cover.
In the end, Zhongli couldn't resist asking:
"Excuse me, shopkeeper. When you say 'true,' do you mean..."
"Of course I mean the Hydro Archon and Lady Themis are lovers!"
"Think about it! If they're already lovers, then the stories in these unofficial histories will undoubtedly become reality someday!"
"You outsiders, don't think I'm blowing smoke or spreading baseless rumors!"
"In Fontaine, every Fontainian knows that Lady Themis and the Hydro Archon share mutual affection, valuing each other more than themselves."
"What's most crucial? Just recently, everyone witnessed the two deities holding hands during a date in Fontaine City."
"Moreover, since the Prophecy crisis was resolved, Lady Furina has been visiting the city more frequently."
At this point, the shopkeeper couldn't help but sigh wistfully. Such a perfect Furina, he thought. Her radiant beauty should be shared with all to admire, including these outsiders.
Venti's eyes sparkled as he chimed in, "Wow, that sounds like a truly beautiful love story!"
He leaned forward earnestly. "Boss, we've just arrived in Fontaine and aren't familiar with local affairs. Could you tell us more about Lady Themis?"
"We're genuinely curious."
"Besides, if we accidentally offend the two deities by bumping into them, it would be a terrible sin."
Zhongli turned to glance at Venti, who was still pretending to be a child. He fell silent.
The Anemo Archon's shamelessness knows no bounds, Zhongli thought. To think he'd still play the innocent in front of me at a time like this.
Hearing Venti's words, the shopkeeper didn't give it much thought and enthusiastically assured them that there was no way they wouldn't be recognized.
After all, the distinctive hair and eye colors of these two adults were unmistakable in Fontaine City. It was simply impossible to confuse them with anyone else.
The adults of Palais Mermonia all sported heads of white hair.
"White hair?!"
Zhongli's radar went off. His attention, which had been wandering moments ago, was now fully focused.
Please understand, Zhongli needed to explain - it wasn't that other hair colors couldn't be afforded, but white hair offered better value for the price.
When he learned that this Regent didn't possess a Vision, and even the Hydro Archon hadn't taken her as a favored disciple, Zhongli felt certain that granting her a Vision would pose no issues!
Though the Hydro Archon might have some objections... well... hmm... as long as he acted swiftly, there would be no problems.
Venti narrowed his eyes, wearing a mischievous grin as he observed Zhongli. Damn, so Morax has always been this obsessed with white hair? How did we never notice before?
The people of Liyue's trust was truly misplaced!
One could only imagine the reactions of those who had gone to extreme lengths - even bankrupting themselves - to gain Rex Lapis's attention. If they discovered that simply dyeing their hair white could achieve the same effect, would they experience such intense joy and sorrow that they'd become staunch advocates for white hair?
Given Venti's understanding of these fervent believers, he might actually follow through with such a gesture.
"Ah, right. I have some landscape photos I took earlier. Let me show you."
He carefully retrieved a photograph from a locked drawer beside the table.
The shopkeeper treasured it so much that one might mistake it for some rare treasure.
Though called a landscape photo, it was merely a pretext.
"I'll say it again: I took these photos of Fontaine City's scenery. I'm showing them to you now to prove I'm not taking any unauthorized shots."
"These are the beautiful scenes that evoke admiration and longing in every resident of Fontaine City."
As the shopkeeper repeatedly emphasized this, Venti and Zhongli's interest grew increasingly piqued.
When the "landscape photo" the shopkeeper had described was finally presented before them, the smiles on Venti and Zhongli's faces froze instantly.
Zhongli & Venti: ...?!
Their expressions turned to that of having seen a ghost. In that moment, the God of Freedom and the God of Contracts felt as if they were facing a formidable enemy.
Save me! We've been slacking off, taking extended holidays, and even retired! What should we do now that we've entered our boss's territory?!
Ahhhh!
Wait, wait! That's not the main point!
The real question was why their superior would personally come down to serve as Regent for a Hydro Archon of equal rank?!
This has to be a lie. Since when was she so kind? And why would she come down here to be Regent and fall in love with the Hydro Archon?
Looking at the photo of the Hydro Archon's bashful expression, Holy shit, hasn't she completely won her over?!
Little Hydro, Little Hydro! Wake up! The woman in front of you isn't some pushover!
You might end up losing everything, down to your last pair of pants! Zhongli crossed his arms, his mind racing. When the Traveler had sent him that letter earlier, she'd only mentioned the Hydro Archon's Regent had kept her company for five centuries.
She never said anything about the Regent having a face that could make them flee in terror!
The white hair and golden eyes weren't the issue—it was that face.
Thank the heavens the shopkeeper was so kind as to display those scenic photos from his collection. Otherwise, when I met this Fontainian's "Regent" and tossed her a Vision, I'd have been imagining the most awkward and bizarre scene ever.
Me and the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles locked in a staring contest, her holding the Vision I threw at her.
Two pairs of golden eyes met in the air. After a long moment, the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles tilted her head, gazing at him, and said slowly, "Morax, is something wrong with you?"
"Or has your retirement ended, and you're here to report to me, ready to resume work?"
The daydream ended. Zhongli silently covered his face. Thank goodness, thank goodness—this scenario was nipped in the bud from the very beginning.
Returning the photo to the shopkeeper, Venti and Zhongli practically floated out of the bookstore, their steps as gods unsteady.
"Um, do we still need to go find the Hydro Archon now?"
Venti scratched his head. To be honest, he really didn't want to.
Though he'd been working diligently, even a slacker employee wouldn't want to face his superior's stern, expressionless face—let alone try to slip away with a cheeky grin.
And if even Venti felt this way, how much more would Zhongli—someone who had faked his death and retired—want to avoid it?
If the two gods were to stand before the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, both lacking their Gnosis, it would be stranger still if she failed to notice.
But then again, if the Sustainer had personally come to Fontaine, could the Cryo Archon's plans and their own little schemes possibly remain hidden from her?
Considering she's completely captured the Hydro Archon's heart and secured her absolute loyalty...
Venti: Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, you've become truly despicable!
"Let's go meet her," Zhongli said after careful consideration.
"The Traveler and the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles are already acquainted. In the letter we received, there was only mention of the Hydro Archon's romance with the Regent and their upcoming wedding. I suspect in the Traveler's eyes, she doesn't consider this Regent to be the true one."
"Right." Venti recovered from his shock at seeing Themis' face. "Then let's continue and observe."
"Even if the Traveler was deceived into coming here, our visit might help us uncover the true purpose behind her descent. We could prepare accordingly."
The inability to manipulate Fontaine's Anemo elements suddenly made sense upon seeing that face.
Yet even if the divine presence appeared here, Venti reasoned that if this face truly belonged to the God, their authority should preclude any control over Anemo elements.
"This is such a headache. Ever since arriving in Fontaine, things have started spiraling out of control."
Venti paced anxiously, his face etched with worry.
In truth, Themis was completely unaware of Venti and Zhongli's arrival.
Neuvillette had taken charge of this matter, so it was only natural that Themis remained uninformed.
Neuvillette had informed Themis that in the coming days, representatives from Liyue would visit Fontaine for cultural exchanges to reestablish good diplomatic relations.
Themis had never been particularly interested in such affairs, and now she cared even less.
She simply instructed the staff at Palais Mermonia to exercise proper decorum and avoid embarrassing themselves before distinguished guests from afar.
When the Regent speaks, who would dare disobey?
Anyone who might resist would likely be swiftly and thoroughly mollified by others.
Zhongli and Venti spent several days touring Fontaine City, committing its scenic beauty and customs to memory. As they learned more about Regent Themis, they began to feel somewhat prepared for what lay ahead.
After tidying their attire and sending a visitation letter to Palais Mermonia, Zhongli and Venti set out for the palace. They began discussions regarding diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges.
Upon entering the office and seeing Neuvillette, both gods were momentarily taken aback.
The Traveler's journey in Fontaine has been remarkably eventful, they thought.
Having received no prior notice, these two deities who'd only heard unofficial accounts now pondered how many more hidden figures and secrets remained in Fontaine.
Seated before Neuvillette, the gods could sense the overwhelming authority of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign's absolute control over water elements. At this close proximity, one might mistake him for the true Hydro Archon.
But having lived long and witnessed much, Zhongli and Venti recognized Neuvillette as a complete Hydro Dragon Sovereign - a being wielding full authority over his domain.
The Hydro Archon's influence ran deep. Suddenly, they understood why the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles had descended to investigate.
Celestia wasn't merely asleep - she was deeply slumbering.
They've actually blown up the Hydro Archon's Divine Throne! Isn't it only natural for the Sustainer of Celestia to come down and investigate?
Absolutely! It's perfectly reasonable!
"Greetings, gentlemen. I am Neuvillette, Chief Justice of Fontaine."
"I've long been aware of Liyue's efforts to establish new diplomatic relations with our nation."
"But might this gentleman be here to represent Mondstadt in establishing diplomatic ties?" Neuvillette inquired, his gaze shifting to Venti standing somewhat incongruously beside Zhongli.
"Huh? Hee hee~"
Venti tilted his head and stuck out his tongue, employing his signature charm.
Neuvillette stared unblinkingly at him, the upright and honest dragonling utterly perplexed by this behavior.
Unable to bear it any longer, Zhongli stepped forward. "This is my companion, a wandering bard from Mondstadt."
"My name is Zhongli. This is Venti."
"Understood. On behalf of myself and Fontaine, I welcome both of you to our nation."
"Another thing, if you'll allow me to remind you both, since you've come to Fontaine, you should abide by Fontaine's laws."
"In Fontaine, if you suffer any injustice or unfair treatment, you can seek help from the opera house and the Maison Gardiennage."
Zhongli observed, "It seems Fontaine truly lives up to what the Fontainians say - they measure everything by law. This unwavering commitment mirrors Liyue's people's extreme emphasis on contracts."
"Fontaine is indeed a realm of laws and justice. The establishment of these laws ensures fairness for the majority."
"In this regard, it has every reason to be enforced to the letter."
Neuvillette sat before the two men. The upright and fair Hydro Dragon Sovereign, while perhaps excessively fair, had no other flaws.
Even his attitude toward the Regent Themis and the Hydro Archon showed unexpected friendliness, which surprised both Zhongli and Venti.
Zhongli & Venti: Back in the day, when my dragon interacted with me, it was totally just as harmonious and friendly.
Neuvillette's attitude was somewhat favorable toward the Hydro Archon, but not excessively so.
However, his demeanor toward Themis—the Regent whose true identity remained uncertain—seemed overly intimate and trusting! How could this be?!
Zhongli and Venti were utterly perplexed. How had this come to pass? What methods had been employed?
Could it be that the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles had deceived both the newly born Dragon Sovereign and the Hydro Archon simultaneously?
Holy crap, what a two-timing bitch!
Neither Devalin nor Azhdaha ever interacted with us like this, Venti thought, feeling inexplicable pangs of envy.