Chapter 001: Themis, Fontaine's Chief Advisor, and Furina's Number One Fan

Genshin Impact is an open-world adventure game developed and published by miHoYo.

The game is set in the fantastical world of Teyvat, where those chosen by the gods are granted a "Vision," allowing them to wield elemental powers.

Players assume the role of a mysterious character known as the "Traveler," embarking on a journey to meet companions with unique personalities and abilities. Together, they defeat powerful foes, reunite with lost loved ones, and gradually uncover the truth behind the "Genshin."

"Sigh, if only that were true."

"Unfortunately, I'm not a player, nor am I the Traveler."

The white-haired, golden-eyed girl extended her hand, catching the falling raindrops. Her flawless features remained expressionless, but a closer look revealed a trace of melancholy in her eyes.

The girl's name was Themis, an ordinary transmigrator.

Well, perhaps not so ordinary.

After all, she had lived for several centuries. How ordinary could she really be?

When she first transmigrated, Themis was just a naive and foolish college student.

Centuries of experience had turned her into a seasoned veteran of the workplace.

However, her years of hard work had finally paid off.

Through her eloquence and achievements, she had become the chief advisor to Furina, the Hydro Archon.

Now, she could not only get close to Furina but also catch glimpses of the Archon's adorable, flustered expressions.

Every morning, she would help Furina dress, wrapping her arms around the Archon's soft body, meticulously adjusting each piece of clothing. She followed Furina everywhere, observing her every move.

Themis felt incredibly happy. Truly, every time she woke Furina up, seeing those drowsy, adorable eyes and hearing her soft, sleepy voice calling her name, she felt like she might faint from sheer bliss.

Ah, the Church of Furina—!

No one could resist Furina's divine beauty!

Not even someone who was no longer human!

Furina, the epitome of beauty.

Furina, she is truly magnificent!

"Themis, why are you standing in the rain?"

A soft, elegant voice tinged with a hint of girlish charm rang out.

Themis turned toward the sound and saw the adorable Archon looking at her with concern.

It was none other than the Lady of All Waters, Peoples, and Laws, the ruler of Fontaine, the Hydro Archon Furina, also known as Focalors.

Her smooth, silky hair shimmered under the light, her perfect, dreamlike features seemingly carved by the hands of God. Her heterochromatic eyes, resembling droplets of water, were filled with worry, and every movement she made exuded grace and elegance.

Truly, she was Fontaine's most renowned artist of the past five centuries, every gesture meticulously crafted, every expression perfectly timed.

Yet, her genuine kindness and love remained unchanged.

From the moment Furina appeared, Themis's gaze never left her, as if she naturally commanded all attention.

Only when Furina stood before her did Themis snap out of her reverie.

"My apologies, Lady Furina. I forgot my umbrella."

Lowering her eyes, Themis concealed her emotions, her face betraying no expression, lest her true nature scare her superior.

Furina looked at Themis with surprise.

"I never thought you'd be the type to forget something like an umbrella."

With that, Furina opened her umbrella and raised it high, shielding Themis from the rain.

"Even if you forgot your umbrella, you didn't have to stand in the rain like that."

"My dear advisor, as my right-hand woman, if you fall ill, I'll be in quite a predicament."

Themis replied, "My apologies, Lady Furina. I'll remember to bring an umbrella next time. I won't let it affect your duties."

Furina was momentarily taken aback. That wasn't what she meant!

But seeing Themis's serious expression, Furina didn't elaborate. Instead, she subtly tilted the umbrella toward Themis to ensure she wouldn't get wet and catch a cold.

"The Hydro Archon herself is holding an umbrella for you! This is an unparalleled honor! Aren't you moved to tears? But don't expect this to happen again!"

The petite Archon blinked her eyes triumphantly, as if seeking praise.

"Thank you for your grace, Lady Furina. I am truly humbled."

Themis didn't say much, though she doubted Furina's "no next time" promise. Really? She wasn't so sure.

As they walked, Themis remained silent.

Furina puffed out her cheeks in disbelief. How could Themis be so cold and indifferent? She was Furina, the beloved Goddess of Justice, Focalors!

The line of citizens waiting to see her stretched three years into the future!

And here she was, personally holding an umbrella for Themis, only to receive such a lukewarm response!

"Maybe because we see each other every day, she doesn't realize how sought-after I am!"

Furina grumbled inwardly.

Come to think of it, Themis had been working in Fontaine for five hundred years.

Just like Neuvillette, she showed no mercy in her dealings with Furina. How infuriating! She was their boss, after all!

"Unless she gives me two extra cakes tonight, I won't forgive her!"

After much internal debate, Furina concluded that she was still Themis's favorite.

Could anyone else enjoy Themis's homemade cakes?

No!

Themis only made them for her!

The thought made Furina unbearably happy.

(Themis, who had secretly opened a dessert shop to save for Furina's retirement: "...Better not mention that.")

• TL/N: Awwww ❤️

Themis glanced at Furina's expression out of the corner of her eye. Even in the dimly lit street, her sharp vision allowed her to see the myriad emotions playing across Furina's face.

But now that she looked happy, it probably wasn't anything serious.

Forgive Themis for not being able to decipher Furina's thoughts in detail. Unlike Nahida next door, she didn't possess the ability to read minds.

She envied Nahida's telepathy. If she had it, she could make Furina even happier.

She would spoil Furina rotten, making her feel utterly cherished.

Compared to Furina's petite, middle-schooler-like frame, Themis, with her college-student build, was slightly taller.

Her height advantage made it somewhat difficult for Furina to hold the umbrella properly.

Themis reached over, took the umbrella from Furina, and moved closer. To fit both of them under the small umbrella, some physical contact was inevitable.

Furina wasn't used to such close proximity. At this distance, she could even feel Themis's warm breath.

But the physical contact brought a sense of warmth, making the chilly rainy night feel unexpectedly cozy.

As Furina's chief advisor, Themis's quarters were right next to the Archon's bedroom.

After returning from the opera house to the top floor of the Palais Mermonia, Furina reluctantly took her leave, glancing back every few steps.

Her eyes were filled with longing, as it was now snack time, and every night, Themis would bring her cakes.

Watching Furina's reluctant retreat, Themis calmly folded the umbrella and returned to her room.

She retrieved the freshly baked cake from the cupboard and brought it to Furina.

Knocking lightly on the door, she heard hurried footsteps from inside.

Furina peeked out, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the cake.

"Can I have an extra one today?"

"No."

Themis firmly refused, though Furina's pitiful expression made her feel like a monster.

Cakes were fine as a daily treat, but they couldn't replace meals!

"We'll see tomorrow morning."

Hearing Themis's compromise, Furina nodded eagerly, afraid she might change her mind.

Themis pushed the door open and entered. Furina's room was surprisingly simple.

She placed the cake on the table, tidying up some intelligence reports about the Traveler that were scattered nearby.

The sweet treat would surely lift Furina's spirits. She must have been worrying about the Traveler earlier.

Looking at the reports, Themis figured Furina was already rehearsing her lines for her grand entrance.

Though it was unclear exactly when the Traveler would arrive in Fontaine, they had already resolved the crisis in Sumeru.

Their arrival in Fontaine was imminent.

So it was understandable that Furina was so anxious.

But still...

Themis recalled Furina's in-game portrayal and the antics of the other Archons.

Venti, the wine-loving bard; Zhongli, the tea-sipping, bird-watching old man; Ei, who confined herself; and Nahida, who enjoyed bathroom breaks to relax.

• TL/N: is Nahida truly like that? I'm kinda forgor

After several versions of buildup, when Furina first appeared with her exaggerated yet vulnerable demeanor, it was no wonder players thought she was just a powerless mascot.

No one suspected anything unusual about Furina or doubted her status as an Archon.

After all, every Archon had their quirks.

Initially, all players were deceived by the Fontaine NPCs' descriptions of Furina as a mascot.

This led them to believe that Furina was a weakling, with Neuvillette as her regent.

Little did they know that Furina was a "wallfacer," and the Traveler and their companions were the "wallbreakers."

In the end, they failed to break through the wall, uncovering the truth of the prophecy from Furina herself.

Because Focalors was truly ruthless—she didn't hesitate to deceive even herself.

• TL/N: Gosh.. its remind me again at those.. Execution

Furina Knows Nothing, Yet She Held On for Five Hundred Years with Just a Promise

Thinking of this, Themis couldn't help but feel even more affection for Furina, who was currently battling with her little cake.

In Themis's eyes, Furina was pitiful, weak, and helpless.

The thought of her beloved Furina being forced to reveal her secrets, though understandable given the circumstances—language being the foundation of communication, and the Hydro Archon's knowledge being crucial to solving the prophecy—still pained her.

With the prophecy looming, it was natural to want the Hydro Archon to share her secrets, and the insistence on it wasn't entirely unreasonable.

After all, the Traveler was close to Neuvillette, not Furina, who had deliberately avoided all interpersonal relationships, living almost like a recluse.

But after witnessing the entire Fontaine storyline, who could bear to see Furina being pushed to tears?

This led many players to condemn the Traveler and Neuvillette.

• TL/N: I'm one of them and I Never regret!

After all, the frustration and anger in their hearts needed an outlet to alleviate their sense of helplessness.

"I will protect the best Lady Furina!"

This was the vow Themis had been determined to fulfill since her transmigration, a promise she upheld every single day.

She would spoil Furina rotten, turning her into a little fool who couldn't live without her.

Leaving Furina's room and returning to her own, Themis made sure to never leave today's work for tomorrow.

With the Traveler soon arriving in Fontaine, she thought, "I still need to make some preparations."

Scribbling on a piece of paper, Themis aimed to preserve her beloved Furina's image.

Perhaps she could quietly patch up any gaps in Furina's plans and knowledge.

After all, as a transmigrator, she had the advantage of foresight.