A new day began after the rain subsided.
Looking at the brightening weather outside the window, Themis let out a sigh of relief.
Seriously, she hated rainy days the most.
Rainy days always seemed somewhat sad, perfect for being down in the dumps.
If given a choice, she would undoubtedly choose brilliant sunny weather over gloomy rain.
Although not carrying an umbrella wouldn't get her rained on either, walking in the rain without one still looked very peculiar.
"It's time to get up. A new day starts with cooking."
Stretching lazily, she smoothed out her messy white hair. The ponytail, though untouched since morning, had become slightly disheveled by now.
After finishing her morning routine, Themis reached back to gather her hair, which was indeed remarkably abundant.
The daily hairstyle she created using her own hair was incredibly intricate, but fortunately, Themis had long since grown accustomed to it.
She wove the strands swiftly and beautifully, her slender, fair fingers intermingling with snow-white locks. Her dexterous hands, with well-defined knuckles, were a sight to behold—a true blessing for those with a penchant for admiring hands.
Grooming Themis's hair daily was seen as the most challenging exercise for improving hand dexterity among the Melusines.
"This feels impossible! Every time I try to help Themis with her hair, I can't seem to grasp it right."
"Wahh, I just want to assist, but no matter what I do, it won't hold!"
"Please, Lady Furina give me hope that Lady Themis chooses a simpler hairstyle next time."
The Melusines of the Marechaussee Phantoms, eager to enhance their hand dexterity, had incorporated grooming Themis's daily hairstyle into their training regimen.
At a tender age, these young Melusines were subjected to the torturous practice of attempting Themis's complex hairdo.
Themis herself was aware of this, yet she paid it little mind.
After all, Melusines' hands differed from humans', rendering the exercise akin to torture for them.
Just as Themis thought this matter would quickly blow over, she didn't anticipate that among the Melusines, there was one keen to impress—pushing the situation forward with relentless determination.
Several other Melusines found themselves on edge, slipping into self-doubt and melancholy, even shedding their small pearls of frustration. Neuvillette, ever attentive, offered them solace one after another.
Moreover, this confident Dragon frequently whispered subtle hints to Themis, suggesting she might consider simplifying her daily hairstyles.
Understanding Neuvillette's implication, Themis felt conflicted. "Is there a chance that Melusines' limbs are simply unsuited for such intense training? Perhaps your low ponytail and butterfly knots are already pushing the limit."
In the end, the matter had to be set aside, unanswered.
Time alone will tell when these Melusines will finally abandon this pursuit, Themis mused.
After neatly coiling her hair behind her and donning her garments, Themis began preparations for Lady Furina's morning meal.
Lady Furina had a penchant for sweets, shunning bitter flavors and avoiding creative dishes like the plague.
Unfortunately, in Fontaine, developing new recipes entailed a risk: without specialized reviewers checking each dish before it was served, bizarre concoctions—even those that could be deemed biochemical warfare—sometimes found their way onto Lady Furina's plate.
Upon her ascension to the throne, the young and inexperienced Furina, unwilling to disappoint or sadden her subjects, would force down her repulsion and take a sip of their offerings.
And then...
"The Hydro Archon has been poisoned! Seal the area immediately—!"
It wasn't until Themis officially became Furina's Regent and began overseeing her daily affairs that this process was fully institutionalized.
"According to Section 25 of the Furina Protection Act, contributions of innovative foods to Lady Furina must be strictly quality tested."
"According to Article 36 of the Furina Protection Act, it is forbidden to feed Lady Furina without permission. Violators will be sentenced to a one-week visit to the Fortress of Meropide."
"According to Article 43 of the Furina Protection Act, it is forbidden to name your pets Furina, whether domestic or wild!."
"According to Article 46 of the Furina Protection Act, it is forbidden for anyone to stalk or spy on Lady Furina at night. Violators will be given a permanent lifetime stay to the Fortress of Meropide to allow them to have a new life."
Neuvillette had advanced the Melusines Protection Act, while Themis, as Furina's sole supporter, had advanced the Furina Protection Act.
When Furina herself heard about this, the expression on her face was as rich as it could get.
Although Furina had protested, Themis had shut her up with the argument that since Furina was a citizen of Fontaine as well as the Hydro Archon, it was necessary to clearly define not only her duties but also the privileges she enjoyed under the law.
The little cakes promised last night, although somewhat time-consuming and laborious to make, were by now a routine for Themis.
She baked them quickly and deliciously; once the cakes were ready, she cut them into four portions.
One portion had been given to Sedene, with instructions for her to deliver the rest to Neuvillette.
One portion was for Themis's own sustenance, and the last was intended as Furina's breakfast.
In this matter, Themis could only say that cake shouldn't be a meal in itself.
However, as a morning repast to stave off hunger, it should suffice for a god.
Primarily, Themis couldn't resist Furina's insistent suggestion; she simply couldn't bear the idea of eating just one piece of cake all day.
Pushing open Furina's bedroom door, Themis carried in the cake and prepared tea, setting them on the table.
Hearing the commotion, Furina rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up from bed.
"Good morning, my dear Themis."
"Morning, Lady Furina," Themis replied. "It's another lovely day outside. Let's hope it brings you good cheer as well."
With practiced ease, Themis forced her gaze away from the tantalizing sight of Furina's fair, smooth, and alluring body peeking from beneath her nightgown. She turned to carefully select an outfit from Furina's wardrobe, skillfully coordinating the pieces.
Furina, accustomed to Themis's attentive care over these five centuries, noticed nothing amiss with this routine.
After brushing her teeth and washing her face, Furina stretched out her arms, and in a state of pleasant drowsiness, allowed Themis to help her dress for the day.
After the drowsiness had dissipated, Themis found before her a Furina as full of life and youthful vigor as ever.
"Sweet replenishment complete. What's on the agenda for today?" Furina asked, sipping her tea as she turned to look at Themis.
Recalling the day's events, Themis replied, "There are a few tricky cases at the Opera Epiclese that require your personal judgment, Lady Furina."
"Huh?" Furina's bangs curved into a question mark, her expression clearly stating, You've got to be kidding me! "Isn't Neuvillette handling the trials? Why would I need to come in?"
"You're not serious, right?"
Themis and Furina locked eyes, and from Themis's expression, it was clear she was dead serious. This revelation piqued Furina's curiosity.
"Well, these cases have proven particularly thorny. Neuvillette isn't well-versed in such matters. Your guidance and insights are needed."
One could only say that the cases were truly explosive. As a Dragon King incapable of understanding emotions, these cases involving legal reasoning, human sentiments, and unexpected incidents had utterly stumped him.
"So it's not a joke after all," Furina said, her voice betraying her anxiety. "If even Neuvillette can't handle them, what am I supposed to do?"
"I'll explain these cases in detail on our way to the courtroom."
"Don't worry, it's not impossible, just a bit troublesome."
"Huh?" Furina looked lost.
After breakfast, they boarded the express train to Fortress of Meropide, where Furina received the detailed case files.
O_O???
o((⊙ _⊙))o.
(° - ° 〃)
Σ(°△°|||)
These were the expressions that crossed Furina's face,reflecting her mounting skepticism.
Before reading the files, Furina had boasted, "I've seen every kind of case imaginable in my five hundred years!"
After reading the files, she was forced to admit, "Well, I've certainly never seen this kind of case before."
The documents utterly shook her worldview and understanding of reality.