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

Yawning, Themis exchanged a few words with Neuvillette, after which both high-ranking officials fell silent.

After all, aside from discussions about Melusines and administrative matters, Neuvillette rarely had any common topics to discuss with others.

For Themis, Furina was the best topic of conversation. While she wouldn't shy away from other subjects if someone else initiated them, she made no guarantees about engaging in such discussions.

Neuvillette sat quietly in his seat, his mind likely lost in another philosophical conundrum.

Seeing things quiet down, Themis continued watching the livestream.

In the streamer's world, once they stopped aimlessly wandering, the main storyline progressed rapidly.

According to the streamer, it was because Fontaine's plot twists were too frequent—too many, too varied, and too hectic. In comparison, the main storyline seemed rather dull. It would be more efficient to quickly complete it and then explore the vast open world.

Themis agreed with this sentiment.

She watched as the streamer led the Traveler all the way to the opera house, culminating in a brutal scene where every last pigeon near the Court of Fontaine was mercilessly slaughtered.

CatCatEatsNoMedicine quipped, "Thanks to the Fontaine update, I've rediscovered the excitement of visiting Mondstadt's bridge for the first time as a new Genshin player."

Themis, on the other hand, felt fortunate that in the world they currently inhabited, the Traveler wouldn't do something like unleashing elemental combat techniques right in the middle of a city street.

When Elemental Combat Techniques are unleashed on city streets, it's not about shooting pigeons—it's an outright bloodbath, pure and simple murder.

-

At the bookstall, Paimon and Lumine stumbled upon an explosive issue of the Fontaine Unofficial History and devoured it eagerly together.

No one could resist the gossip of an Archon! Not even this renowned Traveler from Teyvat was an exception.

Lumine had eagerly purchased the entire collection of Fontaine Unofficial History from the bookstore owner and mentally applauded the author for the sheer audacity of their work.

As they boarded the Aquabus, Lumine couldn't resist taking out the book for another read.

"This unofficial history is quite famous in Fontaine, though no one has yet figured out who the author is."

Understanding her feelings completely, Lyney nodded. He recalled his first encounter with the book as well, which had left him with a sense of his worldview crumbling and then slowly reforming around this new information.

"Let's just say... as a child, even I used to spout these quirky, self-perceived 'cool' lines from time to time."

"I thought they were just spontaneous expressions back then, but turns out they were straight from this book."

Sipping her coffee, Lynette mercilessly shared Lyney's embarrassing past with Lumine and Paimon.

"Pfft, I can't believe Lyney had moments like that too!" Lumine chuckled. "Now that I think about it, all kids seem to go through a phase where they proudly mimic storybook characters' heroic lines, don't they?"

Recalling her childhood with her brother, Lumine realized she had indeed experienced similar moments—posing dramatically and uttering those cringingly clichéd quotes.

"Lynette, you hear that? It's a perfectly normal thing," she said, turning to her friend.

"So, can you please spare me some dignity next time?" Lyney interjected.

"That all depends on your performance, doesn't it?" Lynette replied.

Faced with his sister's words, Lyney could only helplessly scratch his head.

The Aquabus continued along the waterway, gradually drawing away from their starting point and approaching the Opera Epiclese.

"Tonight's performance will take place in this magnificent opera house," Lynette announced.

Lyney was thrilled; for a citizen of Fontaine, the Opera Epiclese held unparalleled prestige.

"Whether you're a magician or part of a troupe, performing here is the culmination of a lifetime's dream."

Paimon mused, "So does this mean Lyney is living his dream?"

Lyney replied, "I suppose it's half a dream come true."

Lumine, puzzled, asked, "Why only half?"

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Lyney explained, "Performing at the opera house is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in satisfying the entire audience."

Lynette added, "And among the audience at the opera house is even Lady Furina herself. Crafting a performance that pleases Furina is truly the greatest difficulty."

"The Hydro Archon, Furina?" Paimon's eyes widened, his enthusiasm turning to astonishment. "I must admit, she did appear quite imposing when she first arrived. But I've found her to be surprisingly approachable."

Lumine, hands on her hips, leveled a knowing gaze at Paimon. "You'd think that because she praised you, Little Paimon. Be careful you don't get too big for your britches now."

Paimon chuckled awkwardly, her smile as radiant as her easily contented spirit.

Compared to the imposing Raiden Shogun, Miss Furina was indeed much more approachable.

"Lumine, I've already arranged for our tickets with the staff," Lyney said. "Next, Lynette and I need to check the stage and props. We won't be able to stay with you two."

Facing Lyney and Lynette's apologetic gazes, Lumine, ever the understanding Traveler, empathized with their dilemma.

"Don't worry about us too much. Paimon and I can explore on our own."

"Thank you for your kindness throughout this journey. You can go ahead and attend to your duties."

As they watched Lyney and Lynette depart, Lumine and Paimon, curiosity piqued, began strolling around the Opera Epiclese.

The area was bustling with people who had come to watch the magic show.

Seeing the lively crowd, Lumine gained a new perspective on Lyney's popularity.

After meandering through the surroundings, Lumine entered the interior of the Opera Epiclese.

As an opera house, it undoubtedly excelled, Lumine thought, but as a courtroom, is this truly appropriate?

Lumine's heart brimmed with doubt.

"Lumine! Hurry up! Our seats are right over here!"

Paimon's enthusiastic voice interrupted Lumine's contemplation. Seeing Paimon waving her arms incessantly, as if afraid Lumine wouldn't notice her, Lumine smiled and walked over.

Their seats were in the center of the first row at the Opera Epiclese.

Lyney, the star of the magic show, had specially chosen these prime spots for his friends.

If you asked Lumine if she was touched, she would undoubtedly say yes—it was a considerate gesture from a friend.

But as they reached the first row and took their seats, Lumine spotted two white-haired figures nearby. Now, do you think I'm still touched?

At first, when Lumine approached, she only thought, Oh, just two white-haired people. Though unusual, it wasn't something she'd never seen before.

Once settled, she turned to greet them. Just as she was about to speak, she caught sight of the face of the girl next to her.

Lumine froze, paralyzed. "Oh no, this is insane! The very enemy I've been searching for across four countries is sitting right beside me!"

She remained stiff in her seat, fighting the urge to flee in terror, desperately trying to ignore the white-haired woman next to her.

If I make even a sound and draw her attention, Lumine thought, I might end up sleeping for another few hundred years, only to start all over again.

"Huh? Lumine, what's wrong? Your face is pale, and you're sweating cold drops on your forehead. Are you feeling ill?"

Paimon's expression of genuine concern only made Lumine's head spin further.

Her mind raced with one thought: Oh no, this is it! I'm doomed!

Themis, too engrossed in streaming to notice anything amiss, finally lifted her head at the sound of conversation beside her.

As she looked up, she saw a blonde traveler sitting next to her, along with some white floating object in the air—ahem—. Cough cough, they were the traveler's closest companion, the best tour guide in all of Teyvat: the ever-present Little Paimon.

But why did this traveler seem to be in such a poor state of mind?

"Are you feeling sick?"

Themis thought her tone was perfectly normal, but why was Lumine's face growing even paler, and more beads of sweat forming on her forehead?

"Yeah, Lumine, are you sick? If you're feeling unwell, you should go get treated right away."

Neuvillette, seated on the other side of Themis, couldn't help but turn and glance at the blonde traveler upon hearing this exchange. The traveler's identity was quite evident.

"No need to worry, she's not sick," Neuvillette said in his steady voice, which managed to ease some of Paimon's concerns, though worry still lingered in her eyes.

"It's alright, Paimon, I just feel a bit chilly," Lumine reassured her, forcing a composed demeanor to ease Paimon's concerns.

Themis, ever perceptive, cast an odd glance at Lumine. For some reason, she sensed this renowned Traveler was petrified of her as if confronting a natural predator. Her muscles were visibly tensed, her posture exuding vigilance.

But this was perplexing; what could possibly be causing such extreme fear?

Themis had always been indifferent to her appearance, rarely bothering with grooming or using mirrors. Even upon noticing her similarity to the Sustainer in the promotional video, she had dismissed it as a common trait in the 2D aesthetic.

Now, witnessing Lumine's reaction left Themis bewildered. *Could it be that in reality's Teyvat, I also resemble the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles?*

Her mind raced with countless thoughts, yet her expression remained composed.

"As a Traveler, it's wise to prioritize your physical health," Themis advised.

Under Lumine's horrified gaze, Themis extended her hand with utmost seriousness, placing it on Lumine's forehead and gently feeling around.

"No fever, just seems quite fatigued. Rest well when you return home. It should be fine."

Paimon earnestly expressed her gratitude; for Lumine, it was as if she were dreaming.

"Ah, so I'm still alive after all."