Genshin Impact is an open-world adventure game developed and published by Mihoyo.
The game unfolds in a large fantasy world called "Teyvat," where those chosen by the gods are granted "Visions" that channel elemental powers.
The player would take on the role of a mysterious figure known as "The Traveler," embarking on a journey of discovery. Along the way, they would encounter a diverse cast of companions, each with unique personalities and abilities. Together, they would face formidable enemies and search for lost loved ones—while gradually unraveling the truths behind the world of Genshin Impact.
Ah, if only things were that simple.
Unfortunately, I'm neither a player nor a Traveler.
She extended her hand, catching drops of rain. The white-haired girl with golden eyes, her flawless features devoid of expression—yet upon closer inspection, one could discern a hint of melancholy flickering in her gaze.
This young woman was named Themis, a seemingly ordinary transmigrator from another world.
Well, perhaps not entirely ordinary.
After all, having lived for several hundred years, how could she be considered quite unremarkable?
When first thrust into this new reality, Themis had been no more than a naive and somewhat foolish college student.
Over these centuries, her experiences had honed her into a seasoned professional—a true veteran of the workplace.
However, all those years of hard work had ultimately paid off.
Through a combination of eloquence and her many various achievements, she had managed to become the Regent of her lord and master, the Hydro Archon Furina.
Now, not only could she be in close proximity to Furina, but she also had the unique opportunity to witness some of the Archon's adorably frustrated expressions—a privilege few others were privy to.
Every morning, Themis cherishes the opportunity to gently wrap her arms around Lady Furina's soft figure, meticulously helping her dress, and openly following behind, observing her every move with utmost devotion.
Themis feels incredibly blessed—truly, each day when she rouses Furina awake, the goddess greets her with drowsy, endearing eyes. Furina affectionately calls out her name, playfully lingering in bed, and it's a happiness that almost makes Themis swoon.
Oh, Furina—!
No one could resist Lady Furina's magnificent beauty!
Not even myself, despite no longer being human!
Furina, a vision of unparalleled loveliness.
Furina, oh how truly divine you are!
"Themis, what are you standing in the rain for?"
A voice, soft, elegant, and tinged with a hint of youthful innocence, spoke out.
Themis turned towards the sound, beholding the adorable goddess looking at her with genuine concern.
There she stood, the Lady of all Waters, Peoples, and Laws, the Ruler of Fontaine, the Just Hydro Archon—Lady Furina, also known as Focalors.
Under the lamplight, her smooth, glossy hair shimmered, while her face was a masterpiece of ethereal beauty, sculpted divinely. Her heterochromatic eyes, one like a drop of water, brimmed with worry, and every gesture exuded perfection and grace.
True to her reputation as one of Fontaine's renowned artists over the past five centuries, every movement she made was meticulously crafted, and each expression perfectly calibrated.
Yet amidst this facade, her genuine kindness and love remained unwavering.
From the moment Themis entered, Furina's gaze never wavered, a testament to her innate ability to captivate an audience.
Only when Themis stood directly before her did Furina come back to her senses.
"I apologize, Lady Furina. I forgot to bring my umbrella," Themis said, her eyes downcast, carefully suppressing her emotions. Her face remained expressionless, fearful that any slip might shock her superior into unconsciousness.
Furina found herself slightly taken aback upon seeing Themis.
"I never thought the day would come when you'd forget something as simple as bringing an umbrella."
As she spoke, Furina unfurled the umbrella, then lifted it high enough to shelter both herself and Themis beneath its canopy.
"Even without an umbrella, there's no need to stand in the rain like this."
"My dear consul, as my trusted right-hand, I'd be in quite a predicament if you fell ill."
"Apologies, Lady Furina," Themis replied. "In the future, I'll be more mindful about bringing my umbrella. I won't let it interfere with your work."
Furina was taken aback; that wasn't what she wanted to discuss! However, seeing Themis's serious expression, she decided against further explanation. Instead, she silently tilted the umbrella towards Themis to shield her from the rain and prevent illness.
"The mighty Hydro Archon personally holding an umbrella for you! This is an unparalleled blessing! How does it feel? Ready to burst into tears of gratitude? But remember, this is an exception, not a precedent!"
The petite goddess, holding the umbrella, blinked smugly, almost as if seeking praise for her gesture.
"I humbly accept the Great Furina's gracious gift, feeling both honored and apprehensive," Themis responded curtly, remaining skeptical about the statement "this is an exception, not a precedent." Is it truly just an exception? Somehow, I struggle to believe that.
Throughout their walk, Themis kept silent, offering little comment.
Furina puffed out her cheeks, inwardly fuming. I can't believe Themis is being so ungrateful! I'm Focalors, the beloved Justice Goddess of Fontaine!
My devotees have been lining up for three years to meet with me!
And this is how she reacts when I personally hold an umbrella over her?!
Could it be because we see each other every day that she doesn't realize how highly sought after I am? Furina grumbled to herself.
Come to think of it, it had been five hundred years since Themis first came to work in Fontaine.
Just like Neuvillette, they were always so harsh on themselves—how infuriating! After all, I'm their superior in charge!
Unless she gives me two mini cakes tonight, I won't forgive her! Furina grumbled internally.
After much deliberation, Furina concluded that she was still quite favored in Themis's eyes.
Can anyone else even dream of tasting Themis's handmade mini cakes?
Absolutely not!
Themis only makes them for me!
At this thought, Furina couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness.
(Meanwhile, Themis, secretly running a pastry shop to fund Furina's retirement pension... probably should keep quiet about that...)
Themis observed Furina's facial expressions from the corner of her eye. Even in the dimly lit street, with her keen eyesight, she could clearly see the myriad emotions crossing Furina's face.
But now she seems happy again, which means it probably wasn't anything serious.
Forgive Themis for not being able to guess Furina's thoughts more accurately; after all, she wasn't Nahida from next door, equipped with mind-reading abilities.
How I sometimes envy Nahida's mind-reading, Themis mused. If only I had such a power, I'm sure I could make Furina even happier.
She doted on Furina, showering her with affection and making her feel the warmth of being cherished.
Unlike Furina's middle-school physique, Themis, with her college-student build, was noticeably taller—a full half-head above Furina—which made holding the umbrella somewhat challenging for her.
Taking the umbrella from Furina, Themis drew closer. Under the small canopy, two bodies were inevitably brought into contact as it strained to cover them both.
Furina wasn't accustomed to such close proximity, feeling Themis's warm breath even at this intimate distance.
Yet, the physical contact felt comforting. On this slightly chilly rainy night, it brought an unexpected warmth.
As her regent, Themis's quarters were right next door to Furina's bedroom in the Palais Mermonia.
After returning from the opera house to the palace rooftop, Furina departed reluctantly, glancing back three times for every step she took.
Her eyes were filled with eagerness—it was the evening snack time when Themis always brought her a little cake.
Watching Furina trudge back to her room with longing, Themis calmly put away the umbrella. Then, she turned and went to her own room.
Themis picked up the cake she had just made from the kitchen cabinet and headed to Furina's room.
She lightly knocked on the door, and almost instantly, she heard eager footsteps approaching from inside.
The door swung open to reveal Furina, whose eyes lit up the moment she saw the small cake.
"Can I have an extra one today?"
"No," Themis replied firmly, though Furina's pitiful expression made her feel rather guilty.
Daily cake was one thing, but it couldn't be a substitute for proper meals!
"Let's talk about it tomorrow morning," Themis added, slightly relenting.
Hearing this compromise, Furina nodded eagerly, afraid that Themis might change her mind.
Themis pushed open the door and stepped into Furina's room, which was surprisingly simple and unadorned.
She placed the cake on the table, taking a moment to organize the intelligence-laden papers that had been strewn across it. These papers were all about the Traveler.
Sweet treats are known to lift one's mood; surely Furina had been fretting over the Traveler just now, Themis thought.
Glancing at the information on the table, Themis realized that Furina must have been rehearsing her lines in anticipation of his arrival.
Though they couldn't pinpoint exactly when the Traveler would come to Fontaine, he had already resolved matters in Sumeru.
Their arrival to Fontaine was imminent.
So Themis understood why Furina was so anxious.
It's just... how to put it...
Themis recalled Furina's behavior from the plot, along with the actions of the gods from the previous countries.
There was the drunken bard Venti, the old man Zhongli who enjoyed tea and bird-watching, Raiden Ei who locked herself in seclusion, and Nahida, who preferred to use the restroom as a way to flush her anxiety dookie away.
After experiencing the setup across several patches, when Furina first appeared with her exaggerated yet weak demeanor, it was no wonder that all players thought she was truly just a powerless mascot.
No one suspected anything strange about Furina, nor did they doubt that she was a god.
After all, every deity introduced himself with some flourish.
At first, all players were deceived by the NPC's description of Furina as a mascot in Fontaine.
This only reinforced their belief that the Hydro Archon Furina was a fool, and Neuvillette was her chief advisor.
But they never expected Furina to be the one facing the wall, and the Travelers group would take on the role of breaking through the barrier.
In the end, they still failed to break through completely, only learning the truth of the prophecy through Furina's words.
Because Focalors was truly ruthless, she didn't hesitate to deceive even herself.
Furina truly knew nothing of the world around her. She had only been holding fast to that one promise for five hundred years.
At this thought, Themis gazed upon Furina, who was currently battling the little cakes, with even more golden-eyed affection.
In Themis's eyes, Furina was nothing but tiny, pitiful, and helpless.
One could understand why her adorable Furina had been forced to reveal secrets. Though there were their own considerations, language was the foundation of communication, and the Hydro Archon's intelligence was crucial to resolving the prophecy.
With the prophecy's arrival imminent, it was only natural to demand the water god's secrets. Even the firm attitude wasn't entirely without merit.
After all, the one with a close relationship with the Traveler was Neuvillette. What did it matter to Furina, who deliberately avoided all interpersonal connections and lived as a complete recluse?
But anyone who had watched the entire story of Fontaine would surely not wish for Furina to be driven to tears.
This led many players to want to denounce the blonde-haired Traveler and Neuvillette.
After all, to relieve one's own sense of powerlessness, it was only human to vent frustration and anger.
I must protect my dear Furina!
This was the vow Themis made to herself ever since his rebirth, something she sought to achieve at every moment of his existence.
I showered Furina with affection, determined to turn her into a lovesick fool who could not do without me.
Leaving Furina's room, I returned to my own bedroom.
I never left today's work for tomorrow.
As her mind wandered to the approaching travelers,
I'll need to do some preparation after all.
Doodling on paper, Themis only wanted to protect the image of her dear Furina.
For instance, discreetly patching up all the gaps and confusion in her plans.
After all, as a transmigrator, she still had an information advantage.