Chapter 65: Furina is already asleep...Time for kisses! Neuvillette: I'm just a bystander dragon. (4.8k Words)

Themis was captivated by Focalors' soft body, which smelled sweet like candy.

But why must Focalors keep interrupting our tender moments with her chatter?

"Focalors?"

When Themis whispered her name, Focalors mumbled something in her sleep and burrowed deeper into her embrace.

Her adorable face showed clear exhaustion, with pale arms draped around Themis' waist and head pillowed against her chest. At the sound of Themis' voice, she instinctively nuzzled closer.

After settling into a comfortable position, Themis continued sleeping. The previous day had exhausted Focalors completely.

Focalors failed to wake up, or perhaps more accurately, refused to do so.

Feeling somewhat disappointed, Themis thought that Focalors couldn't compare to Furina from her dreams. At least in her dreams, Furina recovered quickly - waking up after a short while to continue until the dream ended.

In her dreams, Furina was quite uninhibited. Perhaps it was the dream state that allowed her to shed all shame?

Regardless, Themis couldn't get handsy with Focalors now, as her lover was currently resting.

But if Focalors was resting, didn't that mean Furina was still available?

The advantage of having two lovers was that they could keep things going non-stop!

With this realization, a smile spread across Themis' face, her golden eyes sparkling.

Feeling eager, she got up and left the room.

She was going to find Furina!

Furina's adorable appearance... just thinking about her face with that innocent, pure smile made Themis' heart melt.

The blue-white kitten was indeed more charming. Focalors, that foolish woman, could be left behind.

With a glance, Themis chose to forget about last night's incident where her skirt had been pulled up.

Unlike last night, Themis didn't bother hiding her presence

Well, whatever sense of ceremony had been ruined by Focalors yesterday anyway.

Nothing beats the joy of holding the blue-white cat Furina in your arms, giving her lots of kisses, and lifting her high up.

Then you can make up for all the wonderful times you lost!

Themis didn't hide at all. Palais Mermonia was in the middle of work hours, with the lower public areas bustling with people.

The moment the white figure appeared, the entire first-floor office area fell completely silent.

In the office space where even the drop of a needle could be heard, all civil servants stared blankly as Themis approached.

When she reached them, her unchanging face and body left their minds completely empty.

"T-Themis... Themis..."

Hearing the call, Themis stopped and looked at the civil servant who called her name.

"Is there something you need? Or is there somewhere you're feeling unwell and need to take leave?"

Concern filled Themis's eyes, but the civil servant she asked would have been fine before now had a problem.

"Are you really you?! Regent!"

"You've finally woken up! Is there anywhere you're still feeling unwell?"

"According to Lady Furina, you were severely injured and unconscious!"

"What were those medical staff doing? How could they let you come out alone! What if your condition flared up again?"

"Lady Themis! We're working hard here! You could rest a few more days!"

The commotion began with an official's agitated voice. The crowd jolted awake, rushing forward to encircle Themis.

Excitement and anxiety surged through their hearts. Themis's presence served as a powerful balm to their fears.

It wasn't that they harbored any dissatisfaction with Furina, the Hydro Archon. But having worked under Themis for so long...

Five centuries had passed since Themis first ascended to power!

Habits formed over half a millennium weren't easily broken!

After all, from childhood onward, their parents and ancestors had always taught them: "Seek Themis when in need, but don't trouble her without cause."

"Themis is kind, but busy. Don't waste her time with trivial matters."

In the course of life's journey, those who never faced hardships were few.

Most Fontaine citizens had experienced Themis's benevolence firsthand.

When faced with difficult problems, people would write letters or schedule meetings with Themis. They would share their troubles and seek her guidance to find solutions.

It wasn't about solving every minor issue, but Themis would always provide advice on how to overcome challenges.

The accumulation of her prestige wasn't achieved overnight, but through five centuries of service.

One can imagine how Themis' reliable image in the hearts and minds of Fontainians likely surpassed even that of their parents.

While parents might one day depart, Lady Themis would forever remain in Fontaine!

However, after her recent critical injury and prolonged unconscious state, the people fell into panic. They began to feel lost, and the lower-ranking staff at Palais Mermonia became hesitant in their actions.

There were clear signs of morale crumbling.

It was Focalors' assumption of all Themis' responsibilities that temporarily calmed the people's fears.

Faced with the crowd's anxious concern, Themis found herself unexpectedly overwhelmed.

She could only patiently reassure them, maintaining her usual composed demeanor.

This was for the best. In their minds, the Regent had always been so calm and composed. Only when interacting with the Hydro Archon would she reveal a genuine, heartfelt smile.

Under Themis's soothing presence, though the crowd remained deeply concerned, they at least managed to contain their agitation.

As the Regent's dedicated guardians of her relationship with the Hydro Archon, they tactfully withdrew.

There was no need for explanation. They had initially crowded around because Themis had just awakened from unconsciousness, their worry uncontrollable.

But now that they'd confirmed Themis's physical well-being, lingering any longer would clearly disrupt her meeting with Furina!

Watching Themis's figure recede into the distance, they observed her push open the door to Furina's office—the same space where Themis herself had once worked.

As the door closed, the group of Fontainians who had been silently observing grew increasingly curious. Their fingers itched with anticipation—how they longed to witness the interaction between Themis and Furina!

Wasn't this far more thrilling than reading a novel?

They wanted to see what was happening inside!

The mood was a mix of frustration and impatience, but work still piled up. There was no time to let them continue lounging by the door, peering through the cracks.

Not that they could see anything anyway - the door had no cracks to peer through.

They pounded their chests and stomped their feet, blaming the ancestors who built Palais Mermonia's doors.

So paranoid about preventing peeping, Ancestor! Couldn't you have left a tiny crack for your descendants to use?!

The Fontainian ancestors buried deep underground: Wait, this is our fault now?!

Themis remained oblivious to their thoughts, her attention completely elsewhere.

Compared to them, Themis cared far more about Furina in the office.

Though this might make her seem cold-hearted.

You're not wrong at all, Themis would think. I am completely cold-hearted towards everyone except Furina and Focalors!

My wife matters more than anyone else. That's just how I am - double standards and all!

The office door opened, then closed.

Furina, surrounded by a mountain of documents with her head bowed, didn't think much of the sound. She assumed another staff member had brought more papers needing urgent processing.

"Just put the files on the desk. Any other issues?"

Her hands never paused, the quill dancing across paper as she wrote. After finishing one document, she neatly folded it and tossed it into the pile of completed papers.

Themis watched silently, observing Furina's intense focus. This was a completely different Furina from the one she knew - her brows slightly furrowed, expression serious and detached, every word delivered with cool efficiency.

My sweet little candy, don't you look quite the leader now? Themis mused. Almost like a corporate tycoon from those trashy novels.

But remembering how those CEO romance novels had devolved into absurd comedies, Themis quickly sealed away the mental image.

In her office, Furina was processing documents. To others, she might present an unyielding authority, but Themis never saw her little kitten act so aloof when facing her.

Standing motionless before the desk, Themis watched Furina work in silence.

The lack of sound made Furina somewhat puzzled.

"Why aren't you Z..."

Furina's voice trailed off as she looked up, her expression of impatience freezing on her face. Her azure eyes widened abruptly.

The feather pen in her hand jerked uncontrollably, leaving a long black line across the pristine white paper. With uncontrolled force, it even tore through the thin page.

"Good morning, Furina."

Themis greeted her warmly with a smile, her hand naturally reaching out to cup Furina's cheek.

A hand pressed against the table as Themis leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Furina's forehead.

"Themis..." Furina murmured, her eyes unexpectedly welling up with tears. She sniffled, her nose tingling with emotion.

"Themis!"

Furina sprang to her feet, throwing her arms around Themis' neck.

Scalding tears splattered onto the desk, soaking through the spread pages.

Caught off guard by the sudden embrace, Themis frowned slightly at the awkward position and discomfort.

She had originally planned to straighten her posture, walk over to Furina, and return the hug properly.

But when she tried to pull away, Furina's grip tightened like a vise, as if afraid Themis might vanish again.

Resigned, Themis patted Furina's back and sighed.

"My apologies, Furina. I should have returned sooner."

Themis reached across the table's obstacle, embracing Furina and pulling her entire body close. One arm wrapped around Furina's slender waist, while the other supported her legs, making Furina cling to her like a koala.

Yet compared to a koala, Themis felt Furina was more like a cat reunited with its caretaker after a long separation. The blue-white kitten clung desperately to her clothes, as if fearing she might be abandoned alone again.

Furina's tearful eyes glistened as she lay against Themis' chest, tears falling uncontrollably. Her sobs progressed from choked whimpers to soft weeping, then to tiny, kitten-like cries.

Hearing this, Themis felt utterly wretched for making Furina cry.

She kissed the corner of Furina's tear-streaked eyes, wondering why Focalors' tears made her want to tease and tease some more, while Furina's tears only deepened her affection and gentleness. She feared scaring Furina or giving her the wrong impression, wanting nothing more than to kiss and hold her, without any strange or exhausting thoughts of greater intimacy.

The cat was so upset it was about to cry—no, wait, it had already started crying.

Clearly, comfort was more important now. Themis wasn't some lecherous fool with a head full of lustful insects.

She pulled out a tissue from the nearby table and gently wiped Furina's cheeks, removing the excess tears. Then she kissed her cheek.

After the crying, Furina's body still trembled slightly as she quietly rested against Themis' chest.

Her arms wrapped tightly around Themis' back, clutching as if afraid she might lose her beloved at any moment.

Though Focalors was also important to Furina, it was clear that Themis held a higher place in her heart.

"Themis..."

Through tear-filled eyes, Themis carefully wiped away Furina's tears with a tissue.

Holding Furina's delicate body, Themis settled them both onto the sofa.

Themis sat on the sofa, with Furina perched on her lap, her pink face flushed with embarrassment.

Furina affectionately nuzzled her head against Themis' chest, lingering in the moment.

Furina and Focalors were indeed fundamentally the same person, their expressions of affection strikingly similar.

Yet the same action performed by different individuals could yield entirely different results.

Under normal circumstances, Focalors' actions would only make Themis think she might have lost her mind that day.

But when these cat-like affectionate movements came from Furina, they felt completely natural and utterly appropriate.

Themis stroked Furina's fluffy head, gently biting her slightly flushed earlobe. Holding Furina close, Themis turned her face to nuzzle against hers.

"Furina, I'm back~"

"How happy are you now?~" Themis asked, though she already knew the answer.

Arching an eyebrow, she kissed Furina's neck and bit down twice more.

The blue-white cat's body trembled, a startled gasp escaping her throat that she quickly swallowed.

This only made the sound clearer to Themis, who found it amusing as she bit Furina's chin.

Under Furina's bashful, tender gaze, Themis kissed her lips.

They had shared countless dream kisses like this, and before Themis left, they'd kissed intimately just as they were now.

Furina's glistening eyes fixed on Themis' face, her arms around Themis' neck unconsciously curling into a tight grip, fingers tangling in Themis' hair.

Their first kiss after being reunited was gentle and lingering, lacking the fervor of their dream encounters.

After the prolonged, tender kiss, Furina collapsed into Themis's embrace.

Her breathing was slightly hurried, but not too much - just a momentary lapse in catching her breath.

The resulting dizziness made Furina appear foolishly endearing, further intensifying Themis's protective affection.

"Shall we continue?"

"Kisses... or something else?"

Themis laid Furina on the sofa. In the sunlight, Furina glowed, her snow-white skin under the halo effect captivating Themis.

She wanted to leave her mark on this ethereal Furina.

Lowering her head before Furina could fully comprehend "something else," Themis grasped her wrist.

Under Furina's watchful gaze, Themis bit on the thin glove, gently pulling it off.

Spitting the glove onto Furina's belly, Themis took hold of her hand.

The hypnotic golden eyes made Furina feel dizzy just looking at them.

Long white hair cascaded behind her, some strands brushing against her ears.

Bathed in sunlight, Themis resembled a fallen goddess descending upon the mortal realm.

"Furina~"

Themis called her name softly, and a blush of shy happiness bloomed in Furina's heart.

"Mmm~"

Themis's eyes narrowed as she watched the now-flustered Furina, whose gaze kept darting away.

A faint smile played on Themis's lips as she hooked a finger under Furina's collar, pressing kisses to the pale skin revealed. Each kiss was accompanied by a gentle bite.

The marks left behind were pale pink - visible enough to remain, yet hidden from prying eyes.

Furina's eyes seemed to spin with circles of pleasure. Though their dream encounters had been more heated, this was reality!

For Furina, dreams and reality were entirely different realms!

In dreams, they could share more intimate moments, known only to the two of them.

But in reality, such suggestive marks would inevitably draw attention.

Yet Themis didn't care. What difference did it make if others knew? Furina remained hers, not belonging to anyone else.

This was her lover, her Furina.

With her possessive desires satisfied, Themis felt utterly fulfilled.

"Themis... I, you..."

"We..."

Ah...

So many questions in my heart, leaving me bewildered and helpless.

When did Themis recover? When did she return?

Where did she go after death? How did she come back?

Could there be hidden risks? But having lost her physical body, how can the current Themis still face-hug me with unchanged sensations?

The pleasant fragrance on her body too - just a light sniff brings a sense of security.

Furina couldn't resist taking a few more breaths, but suddenly realizing what she was doing, she began to feel conflicted again.

The blue-white Cat was so adorable, and Themis had no malicious intentions.

She simply held Furina, lying on the sofa.

Thank goodness, the sofa's final width and length, when lying sideways, just managed to accommodate two people sleeping together.

To be honest, when they first got this sofa, Themis only thought it could serve as a bed for better rest.

Themis never thought the sofa would come in handy at a time like this.

She wrapped her arms around Furina's waist and settled her onto the cushions.

The two lay facing each other, side by side on the couch.

Themis pressed Furina's head closer, resting her chin atop the girl's hair as she closed her eyes in contentment.

So this is what it means to be addicted to petting cats, Themis mused.

She was already restraining herself—otherwise, she might have already pounced.

Furina, cradled in the warm embrace, found herself helplessly sinking into its comfort.

As Themis held Furina's petite frame, memories of last night's Focalors surfaced.

Sinful, sinful—I shouldn't think of Focalors at a time like this.

Though Furina had abundant experience in dreams, not every playful act could translate to reality.

While Focalors possessed high tolerance and initiative, anyone could predict that Furina would turn scarlet—steam practically rising from her cheeks—and faint before any mutual participation could begin.

For Furina's physical and mental well-being, such matters were best approached gradually.

Holding Furina in her arms, Themis felt she was soft and fragrant like a freshly baked blueberry bun.

The quiet, adorable Furina, now settled and utterly charming.

Themis kissed her face occasionally, adding a few more pecks as bonuses.

Seeing Furina's dilemma—wanting to kiss back yet too shy to do so—Themis took the initiative, stealing kisses before Furina could react.

After being caught off guard by this sudden kiss, Furina's inner Cat competitiveness flared.

The two began playing a game lovers often share: you kiss me, then I sneak a kiss on your cheek when you're not looking, just for retaliation.

How utterly adorable you are, Furina.

With eyes brimming with amusement, Themis playfully pinched Furina's cheeks.

But even the most delightful moments must end. When staff members entered carrying stacks of documents, Furina reluctantly rose from Themis' embrace.

Themis watched, blinking slowly, as Furina settled into her Regent's chair. The once playful girl now addressed the staff with serious authority.

The pile of documents had grown significantly. Furina's joy at Themis's return had diminished slightly, but compared to her previous forced cheerfulness, she now felt brimming with determination!

Themis is still watching me! I should finish these documents quickly and spend the rest of my time properly with Themis!

Furina wielded her pen with vigor, her determination palpable as she rapidly scrawled across the papers.

Themis rested her chin in her hand, observing Furina's practiced motions. She could guess that these days' administrative affairs had been handled by Furina and Focalors.

How hardworking you've been, Furina.

She mentally applauded the two Hydro Archons for their diligent service.

But if my return hasn't freed the Hydro Archon from her busy duties, and instead extended the time and effort needed to process these documents, that would be counterproductive.

With an inward sigh, Themis resignedly bid farewell to her Phosphorus City retirement-like vacation.

Seating herself beside Furina, Themis took two-thirds of the document stack nearly as tall as her head.

Now fully returned as Regent, Furina watched in astonishment as Themis's pen moved with blurring speed across the papers.

Is this even normal speed?

Despite having worked with Focalors on documents for so long, she'd never seen Focalors move this fast!

Furina: Completely shaken!

The Cat's wide-eyed self-doubt expression was undeniably adorable.

But these documents and official duties were truly a nuisance, severely disrupting her precious time with Furina.

Themis remained expressionless, her eyes devoid of any emotion. As she processed the documents, not a single ripple of disturbance surfaced in her mind; instead, she felt a faint urge to laugh.

What's the big deal? It's not that impressive after all.

To be honest, she'd been worrying for nothing.

Just look at these few days of vacation in Phosphorus City. It hadn't even managed to shake off her ingrained workaholic habits.

Still, if she had the choice, she wouldn't want these habits at all.

It's utterly miserable. At a time like this, I have to sacrifice my precious reunion with my wife to correct these documents.

Feeling somewhat depressed, her mood turned sour.

Yet while handling the documents, she didn't show the slightest hint of carelessness.

After all, these were documents passing through her hands.

If mistakes occurred, it would mean double the work - truly not worth the risk. Better to get it right the first time and provide thorough solutions.

The greatest advantage of working under the Regent was the blissful ignorance one could enjoy.

All they needed to do was follow Themis' instructions.

Though this might make them lose some ability to handle situations independently, it wasn't like Themis would spell out every step for every task.

Only particularly troublesome major issues would receive her detailed guidance.

After fully realizing the abnormal speed at which Themis processed documents, Furina extinguished the competitive spirit that had flared up within her. Instead, she focused on tackling the remaining documents.

"Palais Mermonia seems quite lively today. It's completely different from its usual atmosphere."

"Could it be that some festival is coming up?"

Paimon and the golden-haired Traveler had received a commission and arrived at Palais Mermonia. They observed staff members standing in small groups, heads bowed as they whispered to each other.

Paimon and Lumine exchanged glances, both curiosity shining in their eyes.

The bewildered pair approached with their curiosity, beginning to eavesdrop.

At this moment, Lumine and Paimon embodied the beauty of being background characters.

"A festival?" Paimon asked.

The person being questioned blinked, then nodded. "Yes, that's right. There is a festival coming up soon."

Paimon: "What festival is it? Can you tell us?"

Lumine: "We're a bit curious."

"It's Fontaine's Fontinalia Film Festival. But it's still some time away. Why are you asking about this?"

A passing staff member cast a puzzled glance at Paimon and Lumine.

"Huh?" Paimon asked, confused. "You're all so lively. Isn't this because of the Fontinalia Film Festival?"

Hearing Paimon's question, the staff member hastily shook their head. "Ah, of course not!"

"We were just discussing Lady Themis," he said, his entire being trembling with excitement at the mention of her name.

"Only moments ago, Lady Themis awakened from her severe injuries and came to Palais Mermonia."

"Now she should be in her office with Lady Furina."

The man continued chattering, but Lumine and Paimon's attention had already wandered. The news that Themis had awakened and managed to find her way to Palais Mermonia had completely captured their minds.

After exchanging polite farewells, the two retreated to a secluded corner.

"They said Themis woke up. When did that happen?"

"Ah, I meant when she regained consciousness, not when she arrived at Palais Mermonia."

"It can't be that she woke up and immediately found her way here, can it? That's too fast."

While Paimon appeared genuinely surprised, Lumine remained unfazed. "Look, Furina and Themis are lovers. When Themis woke up, she had two options: see Furina or see Focalors."

"Since everyone mentioned Furina was handling documents in her office today, Themis must have seen Focalors first."

After the events prior, the existence of the two Hydro Archons Furina and Focalors was known to few, though some at Palais Mermonia were aware of it.

Unfortunately, the person they asked happened to be someone who knew the difference between Furina and Focalors.

"Hmm, Themis and Furina probably have a lot to discuss now. We shouldn't disturb their reunion after such a long separation."

"Though Themis is usually gentle, I always get the feeling that when she's angry, she's terrifying," Paimon said, crossing her arms with a serious expression.

Lumine nodded in agreement. Themis could indeed be frightening when angry.

However, Lumine agreed with Paimon's view because she didn't want to become a background prop or a third wheel.

Knowing that this was a reunion after a death-defying separation, on the very first day of their meeting...

For someone to barge in so rudely, Lumine felt like she'd be asking Themis to pierce her with her gaze.

Not to mention Themis might throw her out directly.

"Let's wait a few days and see if Themis has time then."

By then, Themis, Furina, and Focalors' daily routine should have settled back into normalcy.

When they visited then, they might still get fed "relationship goals" until they were stuffed.

Still, this was infinitely better than entering now!

Lumine and Paimon headed toward another office—Neuvillette's domain.

Unlike the bustling activity outside Themis's office, Neuvillette's quarters stood conspicuously quiet.

Paimon pushed open the door with a casual slap of her palm and fluttered inside first. Her face radiated uncontainable glee as she shouted, drawing Neuvillette's attention from his mountain of documents.

The administrator looked up with a mixture of confusion and bewilderment, his gaze shifting between Paimon and the Traveler.

After glancing at the papers in his hands, Neuvillette offered an apologetic smile. "My apologies. This document requires just a few more final touches. Please wait a moment."

"Heh heh, no problem! We can wait," Paimon replied cheerfully.

Nodding, Lumine pulled Paimon to sit in the nearby chairs. The two companions settled in, their eyes roaming over Neuvillette's office.

Truth be told, they'd visited Themis's office multiple times before. Comparing the two spaces revealed numerous differences between Neuvillette's and Themis's domains.

The most striking contrast lay in the atmosphere. While both offices maintained their characteristic blend of opulence and minimalism in decor, the overall ambiance proved distinctly different.

Themis's window was transparent, a large one that took up half the wall.

On sunny days, sunlight poured in, filling the space with abundant light that was both bright and warm.

It gave a sense of gentle warmth, making people feel relaxed.

However, Neuvillette's office had a somewhat stuffy atmosphere. Sunlight passing through the office windows cast a deep sea-blue hue, giving people the feeling of being submerged underwater.

This made them unconsciously become serious. Instead of the comforting, bright, and warm feeling that came from all directions, there was a sense of extreme solemnity pressing down.

You haven't noticed how completely silent Paimon became after sitting down in the chair, have you?

Paimon's big eyes darted around, while Lumine's golden eyes drifted aimlessly.

The two sat together, occasionally exchanging glances but not daring to speak, afraid of disturbing Neuvillette's speed in processing documents.

Just as Paimon was about to reach her limit, wanting to fly up and whisper in Lumine's ear, Neuvillette finally finished.

"Apologies for making you wait."

"Ah, no, it wasn't too long," Paimon said.

"Though it wasn't exactly short either," Lumine continued Paimon's sentence.

This made Neuvillette feel even more guilty.

"I'm very sorry."

"Then I'll accept your apology, though you don't need to keep apologizing."

Paimon scratched her head. Neuvillette's apologetic demeanor with his lowered gaze gave the impression they were bullying him.

Yet Neuvillette was both Fontaine's Chief Justice and the complete Hydro Dragon Sovereign. It was impossible for them to truly bully him.

"Alright, I understand. I'll do better."

Neuvillette nodded earnestly, his serious expression making one want to sigh inwardly.

One couldn't help but wonder if he truly grasped the meaning behind their words.

The Chief Justice was indeed fair and impartial during trials.

But his social skills and daily interactions were utterly disastrous.

If not for their frequent visits to Fontaine and numerous trips to Palais Mermonia, they would never have realized the Melusines needed to praise him daily just to maintain his good mood.

Of course, they'd never reveal how the Chief Justice Neuvillette clung to a pillow like a child at night, burying his face in it before falling asleep.

Otherwise, his judicial dignity would plummet to the ground, utterly destroyed.

Though perhaps, considering Neuvillette's mere five hundred years of age, even for a Dragon Sovereign, he might indeed seem childish to someone like Apep.

But clearly, the people of Fontaine wouldn't think that way.

"So why did Neuvillette leave a message for us at Katheryne's place?"

"Is there some troublesome quest keeping him occupied?"

"No problem! Just hand everything over to me and the Traveler. As long as the payment's good, we'll handle anything!"

Paimon puffed out her chest, her face brimming with confidence as she made the offer.

Lumine stood to the side, her eyes subtly measuring Paimon's petite frame.

One day I'll boil you down as emergency rations!

Don't just ignore my opinions because I don't talk much!

Though these thoughts crossed her mind, Paimon's words weren't entirely wrong.

As long as the compensation was generous - like Themis' transparent and generous deals - Lumine might even consider taking another adoptive parent.

"We contacted you because of a case involving the Melusines."

"Melusines is so adorable! Who would threaten them?!"

Especially Sedene, who had met them numerous times. The kind-hearted girl would queue early every morning to buy small cakes that tasted just like Themis's creations, all for Lady Furina's enjoyment.

Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances. Perfect - they were angry now. This quest was no longer optional.

"But shouldn't we tell Themis about this?" Paimon suggested. "She might have a better and faster solution!"

"You're right," Lumine agreed. "The threat letter only appeared after Themis left. But she's back now, isn't she? If Themis steps forward, all threats will be resolved!"

Neuvillette watched the increasingly excited Lumine and Paimon with a bewildered expression. The innocent Hydro Dragon Sovereign was utterly lost.

"What do you mean? Tell Themis? What do you mean she's back and needs to step forward?"

"You two... What are you talking about? Has Themis really returned?"

Neuvillette stood bewildered and helpless, feeling somewhat wronged.

Paimon and Lumine turned simultaneously, their eyes meeting in mutual confusion.

What's going on? Why doesn't Neuvillette know about this?

Though they remained silent, their shared expression said it all.

Excluded from the loop, Neuvillette's heart swelled with bitter resentment.

Outside, the sun-kissed sky gradually darkened as storm clouds gathered.

In Themis' office—

Themis gazed up at the suddenly overcast sky, her expression blank.

What's happening? Why did it cloud over so quickly? And what's making Neuvillette cry now?

-

Made a discord if anyone is interested

https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS