While Themis sat in her office, watching CatCatEatsNoMedicine fail to take his meds, waiting for updates and chatting idly...
On the other side of the sea, in Sumeru, the Traveler Lumine and her best companion, Paimon, arrived at Caravan Ribat.
"Caravan Ribat—come to think of it, what did we come here for the first time?"
Looking around at the bustling scene, Paimon flew beside the Traveler, peering curiously.
"Oh, right! It seems back then, Nahida's consciousness was trapped by the doctor, so she left us hints to seek help in the desert."
Lumine nodded, confirming that it must have been around that time.
Paimon felt rather reflective, remembering their tense first visit with pursuers hot on their heels. "It's hard to believe so much time has passed since then. Now, under Nahida's governance, Sumeru is becoming better and better, isn't it?"
"I hope this peace will last; let's not add any more trouble for Nahida."
"As long as we're here, I'm sure there won't be an issue." Lumine smiled, her confidence in her strength evident.
Watching Lumine confidently pump her fist, Paimon nodded in agreement. Being by the Traveler's side indeed provided an immense sense of security.
"Uh... come to think of it, we do seem to consistently find ourselves at the center of events. Who knows what we'll attract next?"
"You think it's your constitution that causes this?"
"Lumine, could it be that you have a constitution that attracts trouble?"
"Well, I was thinking it might be you."
Lumine stood with her hands on her hips, turning to Paimon with a bit of exasperation in her voice.
They had been involved in so many strange incidents: being wanted upon entering each country, defeating evil spirits and their familiars, and eventually saving those very countries. While this had indeed made Lumine quite famous, she was still bewildered. Didn't she initially set out as a Traveler just to find her lost brother? How had she gradually ended up embarking on a path to becoming a great hero?
Paimon, unaware of Lumine's thoughts, frantically waved her hands and denied it outright, "It wasn't like this before I met you! The only weird thing that ever happened to me was being too exhausted to move and getting swept into some mysterious whirlpool at sea, then you just happened to fish me up or whatever."
As they walked, they bickered good-naturedly. But to their surprise, they kept encountering acquaintances wherever they went.
Dehya suddenly appeared, looking at them with delight in her eyes. "To bump into you two here! You still love wandering all around, I see. Hey, Lumine, and Paimon."
"Um, it's Dehya," Paimon said, surprised. Then she suddenly realized what had been implied, "We're not ones to wander around randomly! Most of the time we're doing serious stuff, even if it might not have much to do with 'travel'..."
At this point, Lumine began doubting his own existence, "Ah, never mind, never mind. Dehya, where did you just come from?"
"I was just in the desert, giving some tasks to my old clients," Dehya replied. "Nothing particularly interesting—just the usual escort job for some goods. I'm back now to report."
"When we spotted you two from afar, you were having quite an earnest chat. Can I join in?"
Lumine had no reason to hide anything from Dehya, her former comrade. "We're planning to leave Sumeru and head for Fontaine."
Hearing this, Dehya was somewhat taken aback. "Ah? That... really surprises me..., I suppose it makes sense. You are travelers after all; you can't linger in any one place for too long."
"It's strange how, in the future, even simple encounters like today will become a luxury," Dehya continued pensively. "I'll find it all rather difficult to bear."
"Well, how about it? Should I gather a few of my mercenary brothers to escort you?"
Facing Dehya's sincere advice, though touched, both Lumine and Paimon felt it was unnecessary.
Paimon replied, "That's not really needed. We appreciate your kindness, Dehya. Who knew you'd miss us so much? If we have the chance, we'll definitely come back for a visit!"
Since her suggestion was rejected, Dehya let go of the idea. "Alright, after crossing this desert, it's just a bit more travel by water to reach Fontaine territory. Given your skills, you should manage just fine."
"When do you plan to set out?"
"Once we've made a bit more preparation, we'll be on our way," Lumine answered.
After all, they were about to cross a desert region. It made sense to stock up on supplies and food. Surely they couldn't let Paimon starve to death in the wilderness, right?
Paimon pondered, "Let me think... I believe Sumeru still had a few foods I haven't tried yet. I made a list before; let me see if I can find it..."
Lumine squinted, sharing an exasperated glance with Dehya.
Raising a little sprite with such an appetite always meant keeping a close eye on one's purse.
Little did they know, near a nearby vendor's stall, a man donning Fontaine attire was secretly watching them.
The fact that this stranger could observe the Flame-Mane and Lumine the Traveler without being detected showed how formidable he must be.
But honestly, wasn't it risky to openly spy on them wearing Fontaine's uniform?
"Well then, let us part ways here," Dehya said. "Lumine, Paimon, whether as clients or friends, you are always welcome to visit me again."
"See you later," said Lumine.
"Bye, Dehya!" Paimon chimed.
With a wave goodbye to Dehya, Lumine the Traveler and Paimon were about to set off for Fontaine.
Before they left though, they decided to replenish their supplies and let Paimon taste all the delicious foods on her list.
The road to Fontaine was rough, cutting straight through a dry desert.
Under the scorching sun, each step was pure torture.
Lumine awkwardly removed her long boots once more, dumping out the sand that had seeped inside.
"Sometimes I really envy you not having to walk on the ground."
"Hmph! Flying up here gets tiring too, you know!"
Paimon stomped her feet, hovering in the sky, sweat beading on her forehead—a clear testament to her words.
-
Fontaine, Palais Mermonia: Inside Themis's office.
"Themis—!"
Voice preceding its owner, the sound of a door being flung open echoed throughout the office as the Hydro Archon rushed headfirst towards Themis.
Grasping Themis's hands, Furina gazed at her with an expression of thrill and anticipation.
Themis met the face now mere inches from hers, so close that she could kiss Furina's beautiful mouth if she simply leaned forward.
But now wasn't yet time.
Any attempt at this kiss would cause Furina to flee. Once she bolted, coaxing her back would be difficult, and worse still, it would heighten her wariness.
After all, Furina wasn't merely a dainty cream-blueberry pastry in a display window; she was also a vigilant blue-gray kitten.
Suppressing the urge within her, Themis gently took control, standing up with Furina still in hand.
She guided Furina back onto the sofa, then closed her office door, shutting out the curious eyes beyond.
"Furina, what's troubling you?"
Themis brushed her fingers through Furina's hair, taming the messy strands as she asked a question to which she already knew the answer.
Not long ago, when the Traveler had reached the desert, the intelligence gathered by the Oceanids was promptly reported to her. Their information arrived more swiftly than Furina's, so Themis could already guess why Furina had come to her office at this hour.
"Themis, that very same Traveler who's stirred up such bloody storms in four different countries is about to arrive in Fontaine!"
"Do you think we should go welcome her? Or should we just let her wander about Fontaine on her own?"
Furina seemed restless. Based solely on the reports of chaos following the Traveler's path, she suspected that by the time she reached Fontaine, the city might already be prophesied for destruction.
No, she thought, is this girl some sort of walking disaster? It's like no matter where she goes, whether it's a centuries-old suppressed evil spirit or a minor calamity, everything always erupts within days of her arrival only for her to clean up the mess.
It was as if some invisible hand had written a script for this Traveler, guiding her along a carefully planned narrative.
As one of Fontaine's renowned artists for over five centuries, Furina felt increasingly alarmed.
"Furina, you seem quite fixated on that Traveler."
"Is it not obvious? She's the one who has cross paths with multiple gods!"
"Then why not simply meet her directly? Surely, with a single glance, one as discerning as you, Furina, could instantly tell if she's virtue or vice, right?"
"Of course!" Furina retorted indignantly. "I am the embodiment of justice, Focalors! No matter what sins she may harbor, they cannot escape my gaze!"
"Hmph, just a mere traveler. In Fontaine, anyone who dares to break our laws, even if they claim divine status, shall face my judgment!"
Themis remained silent, her golden eyes shimmering as she fixed her gaze upon Furina.
"Yes, that's right." Furina seemed to reassure herself by repeating inwardly that she was indeed the goddess of justice, and thus should fear no mortal who dared to challenge even the mighty Raiden Shogun.
"So then, Furina, when is this Traveler expected to arrive? Should I arrange for a ceremonial escort to accompany your journey?"
"Or perhaps..." Themis began.
Holding Furina's hand, she leaned in close as Furina fidgeted uneasily.
"Or perhaps, Furina, have you been here all this time... just to keep me company?"
Themis' voice was gentle, but Furina couldn't process the rare softness.
The distance between us is too intimate, Furina thought.
Gah! Her face! It's so close! Furina mentally shrieked.
Moments ago, when she had been holding Themis' hand and pulling her closer, it hadn't felt quite as intrusive. But now, with roles reversed and Furina's attention shifted away from the Traveler's business, she found this closeness intensely embarrassing.
She tried to wiggle her fingers, but Themis gripped them tightly.
The tips of her ears, hidden beneath her hair, tinged pink. Embarrassed, Furina pulled back slightly.
"N-no, don't look at me like that. You're too close."
Joy suffused Themis' heart.
Sunlight streamed through the office window, casting its rays upon Furina. Her skin, already as smooth as cream, glowed with a soft radiance. Her ivory tresses shimmered like threads of purest silver, each hair seemingly infused with starlight itself.
In that moment, Themis felt as though she were gazing upon a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
The faint blush rising on her cheeks made Furina even more irresistible, like a sweet cream-and-blueberry Cupcake.
Just as I expected from my dear lady Furina—always adorable no matter the situation.
Complying with Furina's wish, she released her tightly clasped hand.
As the warmth enveloping her palm disappeared, Furina mentally sighed in relief, yet also felt a touch of melancholy.
How strange. Why is she looking at me like that? So close... we're almost about to kiss.
Furina inwardly grumbled that Themis was really going overboard. Wasn't her earlier behavior just a bit rough? Did she deserve such a harsh reprisal?
Staring at Themis's impassive face, somehow Furina couldn't shake off the feeling that those eyes were filled with hidden amusement.
The blue-and-white spotted cat glared at Themis, but to her own surprise, she found the human even more charming.
"Lady Furina," I prompted, "you still haven't answered my question from earlier."
"Umm, well... tomorrow night, the travelers from afar will finally reach Fontaine. Based on their planned route, they'll directly cross the desert of Sumeru and arrive at Romaritime Harbor."
Furina secretly glanced at Themis before hastily shifting her gaze away when she seemed about to meet it.
What's going on? Shouldn't she be questioning how I know? Furina seethed with frustration, her meticulously prepared dialogue rendered useless.
She had envisioned impressing Themis, captivating her with admiration and devotion, so that she might willingly offer up those delectable little cakes!
Naturally, if Themis wished to praise the Hydro Archon, Furina wouldn't mind receiving such compliments either!
Themis blinked, inwardly wondering if Furina actually thought her stealthy glance went unnoticed.
Seeing Themis's prolonged silence and unyielding stare, Furina began to feel restless.
"Anyway," she blurted out, "tomorrow, you'll accompany me to Romaritime Harbor to see this traveler. No tardiness allowed. If you're late, this archon won't wait for you."
With those words hanging in the air, Furina stood up, leaving Themis's scrutiny behind as she swiftly exited the office.
Tilting her head in confusion, Themis couldn't discern what thoughts had propelled Furina to depart so hastily.
"Not arriving until tomorrow morning? How can it be so slow?" Themis expressed her dissatisfaction with the Traveler's pace.
Then, upon careful consideration, she realized reality doesn't mirror the game world.
Even within the confines of the game narrative, she had never encountered travelers casually using teleportation anchors to zip around. Instead, they were often trapped in remote locations, forced to traverse vast terrains on foot.
This thought brought solace to Themis.
Furina herself showed little interest in the logistics of the procession; such matters were left to Themis' meticulous planning.
Initially, Furina failed to grasp the necessity of forming a proper escort.
That is, until one day when a crowd of awestruck admirers swarmed the streets, transforming Fontaine's thoroughfares into a sea of humans and causing gridlock.
From both the perspective of safeguarding Furina and maintaining traffic flow, as well as curbing the fervent Hydro Archon fans, the establishment of an official procession proved its worth. Thus, the concept of a formal cortège ultimately took root and became a reality.
After setting the time and outlining the protocol for the procession, Themis had Sedene relay the instructions.
With all preparations complete, Themis took out the speech she had drafted for Furina. Scribbling corrections, she removed any implausible sections and revised them accordingly.
Then, she added contingency plans for various scenarios the unfamiliar traveler might encounter, as well as emergency responses for unforeseen circumstances.
In any case, Themis was only responsible for the general direction. The specific lines and on-the-spot reactions would be left to Furina, the renowned Fontaine actress, to improvise.
As night fell, the Traveler, cradling Paimon in her arms, remained blissfully unaware inside the Serenitea Pot. Little did she know that across the sea in Fontaine, Hydro Archon Furina was bustling about, anxiously preparing for her impending arrival. Unable to rest, anxiety gnawed at her.
It was only when Themis gently guided her to the bed, insisting she needed a good night's rest to put her best foot forward, that Furina reluctantly drifted off to sleep.
With the first light of dawn breaking the horizon, a new day was upon them. The Traveler, ever punctual, had already tidied everything up and was eagerly setting off with Paimon in tow.
Meanwhile, Themis had already pulled Furina out from under her blankets, giving her a proper makeover and changing her into attire inspired by game concept art.
Following the plan and protocol, at a fixed time, they boarded a flying ship bound for Romaritime Harbor.
There was no rush; in fact, there was even time to prepare breakfast, allowing Furina to enjoy it leisurely on the ship, ensuring she wouldn't meet the traveler with an empty stomach.
Since Lady Furina was arriving at Romaritime Harbor today, the harbor's security force had been tripled compared to usual.
This caused some concern among the citizens of Romaritime; were there bandits in the vicinity that needed apprehending?
Traveler Lumine brought Paimon to the edge of the desert. From there, they could see the distant Fontaine Court rising above the horizon.
After traversing the desert for quite some time, seen the sight of the grand waterfall lifted Lumine and Paimon's spirits, bringing them joy.
Unfurling their wind glider, they flew from the desert's edge down below, then boarded a ship that took them to Romaritime's harbor fortress.
"Finally, we've arrived. What a journey through sand and water, but here we are at the only seaport within Fontaine."
As soon as Paimon stepped off the ship, she couldn't resist her initial thoughts.
Recalling the various intriguing objects she had seen on board, she felt truly amazed. "Fontaine... it gives off an impression of being incredibly advanced. I heard their industry is quite developed, with all sorts of peculiar and interesting machinery."
Having traveled through multiple worlds, Lumine found Fontaine's scenery relatively unimpressive; after seeing so much, she was no longer easily astounded. "I've heard about this place before, it's just as I imagined."
Paimon suggested, "While simply sightseeing isn't bad... wouldn't it be better to have a specific goal first? What do you think, Lumine?"
Lumine responded, "Let's go meet the Hydro Archon first."
Paimon agreed, "That makes sense. Thinking back, Nahida did provide us with a wealth of useful information... The 'Seven archons' must be our best sources of information for now."
Lumine added, "We travel to find my brother..."
Paimon nodded, "Right, the more we understand, the better..."
After all, seeking her brother was paramount. That mysterious deity remained an unsettling shadow for Lumine, difficult to shake off.
Now knowing her brother was with the Abyss Order, the next step was to discern the true identity of that enigmatic god.
"I wonder if the Hydro Archon will be someone we can get along with. Nahida only mentioned that she's a 'strong-willed' character..."
Lumine shrugged. "Every nation's god, including Nahida, has a unique personality. Which one are you specifically asking about?"
Paimon briefly recalled the four deities she had met, and instantly lost interest in discussing their personalities further.
After all, if the true nature of these gods were revealed to their believers, it would surely shatter their worldview.
Who could have imagined that the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, spent his days singing at taverns but couldn't buy drinks because he was broke, so he had to mooch off others?
Morax, the God of Wealth, had not a single mora to his name and relied on the Funeral Parlor to foot his bills for everything he bought.
The Raiden Shogun was a couch potato with a sweet tooth, while the Dendro Archon, Nahida, recommended taking a pee as a way to relax.
Ahhh, just thinking back to our interactions with these gods is exhausting.
They have human common sense, but not much.
"To understand a country's god, it's best to start by observing the country's people," Lumine suggested. "Looks like some folks over there are chatting; should we join in on the fun?"
While the subjects of these gods might not fully comprehend their deities' true intentions, they could at least reflect the general traits of their rulers' governance and shed light on the nation's overall atmosphere.