After waiting for the download to complete, CatCat couldn't resist taking control of the Traveler to dive straight into the main quest.
"Oh, it's Dehya. I didn't expect there would be a farewell scene this time; previously, we'd just wrap up conversations and head off to different countries."
"The only time I had a slightly longer chat was when I got lost in Inazuma."
Following the conversation with Dehya, CatCat opened the map and immediately teleported to the nearest teleport point.
[Ay, ay, ay! Wait, don't rush off yet, broadcaster! You still haven't activated that teleport point in the desert!]
[Slow down, slow down! Teleport point, remember the teleport point!]
[Teleport point: I'm practically furious! Once essential to your every move, now you treat me like I'm invisible!]
[I know you're eager, but hold on—let me be the one in a rush for a change!]
[On this quest to reach my wife's homeland, my heart's racing, hands trembling. Host, where exactly is your focus?!]
"My focus is, of course, on my beloved wife, Themis! My entire being is consumed by thoughts of her—how could I possibly spare attention for a mere teleport point!"
[You think you're so special, Miss. Big Shot!]
[It gives me the hypertension just watching, so go back and activate that teleport point—now!]
The chat erupted with comments, leaving the poor CatCatEatsNoMedicine feeling helpless.
"Don't panic!" one message stood out, "It's just an teleport point, watch me teleport back!"
The Traveler opened the map, heading for the nearest teleport point, only to end up right back where they started.
Under the barrage of ridicule, CatCatEatsNoMedicine hastily set the teleport point and eagerly made her way back to Themis.
"My family! I'm almost there to see my wife. Let's hope she doesn't make me walk home!"
[Themis: I've never said yes!]
[Streamer, it's still daytime. Can't you wait till night for your daydreams?]
"What do you know? Isn't that what daydreams are for?!" CatCatEatsNoMedicine retorted to one of the commentators!
[So you admit this is just wishful thinking now, huh?]
[Which means, Themis isn't your wife at all. She's definitely mine!]
[Here we go again! Another guy dreaming about her!]
"Alright, watch me show off my skills!"
The Traveler charged forward, leaped, unfurled her Wind Glider, and soared towards the Four-Leaf Seal. With a single press of F, she instantly appeared on the boat adrift at sea.
(TL Note: Four-Leaf Seal=Quest Marker)
"I'll grant you, your aerial maneuvers were impressive. But when you hit the sea and drowned from exhaustion, you were a pitiful sight!"
"You're right, but I've got the Wanderer for a swift takeoff! How would Your Excellency counter that?"
"At worst, summon the Glacial Sea-Crossing True Monarch, General Kaeya!"
"Pair him with Eula. What then, pray tell?" CatCatEatsNoMedicine boasted, swiftly changing the pairing.
"No match for this! I'm outta here!"
"Halt, who goes there!" the voice commanded.
"It is Kaeya, Mondstadt's Sea-Crossing True Monarch!"
"Kamisato Ayaka, the newly appointed Glacial Sea-Crossing True Monarch!"
"What's with all the condescension toward Mona?! Watch out, the gacha pool will come for you!"
"What a venomous curse! Mona, don't come!"
"It's Qi Qi, a jiangshi, how amusing!"
"Behold my Wanderer, takeoff!~"
"I'd still go with Chongyun. Let Wanderer and Mona handle traversal. Spare them some mercy."
The comment section exploded with creativity, each viewer showcasing their unique style like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea.
CatCatEatsNoMedicine shook her head at the sight, her virtual jaw dropping.
She maneuvered the character to Romaritime Harbor's port, following the golden icon and camera angle to the mission location.
-
[Traveler's Passive Skill: Eavesdropping]
[With just an orb and an exclamation point in hand, a golden Traveler will materialize to solve all your troubles!]
[In hopes the new nation won't issue arrest warrants on us! Broadcaster, aren't there an awful lot of uniformed personnel around? Man, we've got secret admirers, eh?]
"Aiya, it's just a few peeping toms! I've faced them even when chatting with Dehya."
"Try not to fret. We're traveling heroes, renowned across four nations! Whenever we step into a new country, their curiosity leads them to discreetly observe and investigate us—it's only natural, no?"
"You mean to say all those years spent game playing were in vain? Or were those novels read for nothing too?"
Cat Cat Eats No Medicine waved her hand dismissively; these amateur sleuths are making a mountain out of a molehill.
To her, this situation was hardly anything worth concern.
Activating her passive listening skill, Cat Cat Eavesdropper quietly become a third-party observer as his companions—the Traveler and her good friend, Paimon—joined the conversation between these newcomers, bathing in the light of their shared interests.
Cat Cat thought to herself, Let me see what these two are really discussing.
With a mix of curiosity and innocent bystander's interest, she clicked 'play' and found herself blending with the silent yet growing audience.
-
—The world of Teyvat in Genshin Impact: Romaritime Harbor—
The Traveler and her trusty companion Paimon approached one after another, inquiring about their way. However, upon encountering an official clad in blue attire, he simply regarded them with a silent, inscrutable stare. This unnerved Paimon so much that she grabbed Lumine and swiftly made their escape.
Lumine and Paimon reached the opposite side of the port just in time to overhear two Fontainians engaged in a loud discussion. They exchanged glances,then stealthily drew closer, pricking up their ears to eavesdrop.
Etienne: "If you ask me, his end was truly tragic. You could tell he was essentially a decent fellow."
Rena: "Indeed, what a surprising way to 'exit stage left'! I thought he might put up more of a struggle for his family, at least."
Rena continued, "It's a shame the 'twist' didn't unfold as I anticipated, but his story is still quite moving." Here, a hint of regret colored Vina's voice. Failing to witness such amusement was truly disappointing.
Rena and Etienne continued their conversation, words flowing back and forth. Their gazes shifted unconsciously, when suddenly, out of the corner of their eyes, they noticed two unfamiliar figures had appeared nearby.
Etienne sized up the strangers with some wariness. After all, the Maison Gardiennage presence in Romaritime Harbor had tripled today, so he couldn't afford to encounter any criminals.
After a prolonged silence, Etienne hesitantly broke the ice, "Um, excuse me, is there something you need? We've noticed you've been standing here without saying anything..."
Realizing they had been caught, Paimon hastily introduced herself, "Ah, we're new travelers to Fontaine. We were about to ask you both some questions, but you seemed engrossed in discussing 'drama'... so we didn't want to interrupt."
Paimon's untimely explanation caught the Traveler Lumine's attention, who had her lines stolen once again. However, she remained silent, merely nodding while gazing at them with her innocent, clear eyes.
Instead of focusing on Lumine's stare, the pair's attention was drawn to Paimon's unexpected words.
"'Drama'?" Etienne frowned, looking rather puzzled. However, noticing Lumine and Paimon were visitors from out of town, he kindly explained, "Oh... no, we're talking about real people and actual events—the case was tried just days ago."
Paimon was surprised. "Everything really happened? But when you were telling the story earlier, it sounded more like fiction."
Rena let out a soft laugh, spreading her hands. "Stories are often based on real events, and what we witness in life might be a carefully crafted performance designed to impress us..."
"The truth isn't so important anyway," she continued. "What matters most is if the tale unfolding on stage is captivating enough."
As if remembering something, Rena added, "Oh, I suppose you might not know since you're travelers here: The Fountan Trial Court is actually called the 'Opera Epiclese'—we just call it the 'Opera House' for short."
"Viewing a 'trial' as a kind of 'opera'..."
Lumine frowned at Rena's words, feeling somewhat bewildered.
Paimon shared Lumine's sentiment, sensing something amiss. "Um... wouldn't this approach seem a bit too flippant? I'm not doubting Fontaine's customs, but in my understanding, judging sinners is supposed to be a profoundly serious matter..."
Rena was incredibly gracious towards their concerns. "Heh, don't worry about it; many outsiders have similar impressions. In truth, we simply refuse to let the moving stories behind those cases go untold."
"As for your worry about the gravity and fairness of our trials, we have Mr. Neuvillette, an absolutely impartial Chief Justice, along with Lady Themis, the Regent overseeing justice."
"Lastly, there's the 'Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale', a judicial body created by our Archon. With these three layers of safeguarding—what wrongful convictions? In Fontaine, they've all but vanished."
"A judicial body created by an archon..." Lumine murmured, perplexed. Truth be told, she found prospect of such a creation more than a bit unnerving.
Their recent encounters with Archons had been anything but fortunate. The Raiden Shogun had come dangerously close to cleaving Lumine in half with a single, merciless strike. Then, in Sumeru, she had been trapped in an endless nightmare, forced to relive the Sabzeruz Festival a staggering 168 times.
Lumine unconsciously tensed up. Could this Fontaine region be holding some more shenanigans that screw me over again?!
Paimon, on the other hand, had no such reservations. She found the name grand and impressive. "And there's even something called the 'Oratrice.' Could it be another type of machine? How intriguing... I must see it for myself if I have the chance."
"Right, I forgot to ask about the serious stuff," Paimon continued. "If we want to meet the Hydro Archon, what should we do?"
"That's easy enough. Just go to the opera house. Lady Furina spends her days there, you see—it's her greatest indulgence." Etienne answered with a matter-of-fact look on his face. The simplicity of his directions made Lumine's eyes go wide; she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Rena chimed in, "Well, I suppose it depends on what you mean by 'meet.' If you just want to catch a glimpse of her at the opera..."
"Meeting with the Hydro Archon in person is a different matter entirely. It requires making an appointment far in advance, and it all hinges upon whether Lady Furina's schedule permits it..."
"The Hydro Archon's schedule is already booked up three years in advance," said Etienne.
At that moment, he recalled a case from two days ago and couldn't help but chuckle.
"What's so funny?" asked Paimon.
Rena glanced at Etienne and, with a smile, explained, "I suspect he's thinking of that incident from two days ago where someone tried to hire a hitman because they couldn't get an appointment in time. The assassination attempt was a total failure."
Mentioning this case made Rena burst out laughing; the people of Fontaine found it to be quite amusing.
However, this inexplicable laughter left Lumine and Paimon utterly bewildered.
Trying to hire someone for an assassination? No matter how you spin it, that's a serious matter, isn't it? they thought. How can they possibly laugh about it?
"It's nothing really," Etienne continued. "As outsiders, you wouldn't understand, and it's difficult to explain with words alone. Just read The Steam Bird once you're in Fontaine, and you'll catch on."
This piqued the curiosity of Lumine and Paimon. They exchanged glances and decided to buy a copy of The Steam Bird upon entering Fontaine.
"Um, let's get back to the topic at hand," suggested Paimon. "Is the Hydro Archon that busy with official duties? But you also mentioned she spends all day at the opera..."
Etienne shook his head, "No, no. Lady Furina rarely involves herself in state affairs these days. The reason it's hard to get an appointment with her is simply because she's 'so popular', isn't it?"
At this point, Rena couldn't help but nod with pride. "Yes, after all, she's our archon. Even though sometimes her words and actions can be a bit much, she's still very... charming."
"Pfft—this is the first time I've heard that the public's impression of a goddess is to find her charming." Paimon couldn't suppress a laugh at how Etienne and Rena described the Hydro Archon.
"Hmm... wait, I think I'm starting to understand. So the Hydro Archon in Fontaine is like a kind of... superstar?"
"Putting it that way doesn't seem too far off... Or perhaps more like a... mascot?" Rena flicked Etienne's arm from where she stood nearby, as if struck by a realization, causing his face to turn pale for a moment.
"Uh, it looks like the eyes of those blue-uniformed fellows suddenly became much sharper."
Paimon looked around and pointed out, "In Fontaine, calling the Hydro Archon a mascot seems to have quite serious consequences too?"
"Uh, this, I think there probably should be no consequences."
Scratching his head, Etienne was relieved when the members of the Maison Gardiennage didn't make an arrest and bring them before the Trial Court. "It's all because of the Furina protection act!"
When Etienne mentioned the Furina Protection Act, a trace of wariness flickered in his eyes.
"What's this Furina Protection Act?" Paimon inquired.
"Madam Furina is our region's Hydro Archon, and indeed, the Archon of Justice for Fontaine," answered Etienne. "The Furina Protection Act was proposed long ago by Madam Themis, the Regent, and subsequently enacted into law by all of Fontaine. Its formal name is indeed 'The Furina Protection Act'."
Rena explained further, "Since the Hydro Archon, Madam Furina, is also a part of Fontaine, we decided to create a specific law to honor her contributions over the past five centuries. This law aims to keep certain overly zealous followers of Madam Furina in check, ensuring they behave appropriately."
"Yes, indeed," Etienne agreed. "Some fans can be truly too enthusiastic, and as Madam Furina is a gentle and kind Archon, it's our duty as citizens of Fontaine to protect her."
Lumine and Paimon exchanged puzzled glances. Do archons truly need humans to protect them?
This Fontaine seems to be getting stranger by the minute. We'll have to investigate thoroughly.
Unaware of Lumine and Paimon's thoughts, Etienne scratched his head, as if struck by a sudden realization. "Oh, now that I think about it, shouldn't we also consider creating a 'Regent Protection Act'?"
Rena gave an approving nod. "I think that makes perfect sense. After all, just think about what Cabell did a few days ago—hiring assassins for ten million mora, all so he could meet with the Regent in person at the opera house."
"Wait, what? Hold on! People are paying for assassinations just to meet the Regent? How popular is this Themis person?"
Paimon couldn't grasp it, even as the shocked Traveler standing beside her widened her eyes.
"Of course! Themis is my Regent! The most beloved lady in all of Fontaine—I'd say—with the exception of myself!"
The voice suddenly came from all directions. Lumine and Paimon instinctively looked around but couldn't see anyone.
Etienne and Rena, however, seemed incredibly excited, almost like conditioned responses. They followed the direction of the Maison Gardiennage members' salutes, raising their heads to gaze toward the sky.
"Wow, Traveler, look! Something's flying overhead!"
The sunlight above was obstructed, casting a shadow down below.
When they looked up, they saw a fleet of airships had somehow appeared and was now hovering in midair.
A massive, rectangular screen unfolded, ensuring everyone in Romaritime Harbor could see.
The head of a serene white jellyfish girl, adorned in a blue beret and exquisite attire, appeared levitating in the air. She sat upon a red leather chair, her flawless countenance bearing an air of arrogance, yet every gesture exuded an ineffable grace.
Her heterochromatic eyes, shaped like dewdrops of water, narrowed slightly as she looked down upon the scene with an imperious demeanor. Yet to others gazing upon her, there was no hint of discomfort or offense.
As Themis had meticulously planned, a procession of honor guards in white uniforms emerged from the steps on either side of Romaritime Harbor. Each guard carried a tray laden with cups of fine wine, which they bestowed upon every person in the harbor.
"Huh? I get one too?" Paimon, beaming with delight, eagerly accepted the small wine glass presented to her. "Why is mine raspberry mint juice, though?"
Lumine, too, received her portion.
"My cup holds apple juice." Lumine scrutinized the liquid within her cup, her small feline-like face drooping. I surely seem like enough of an adult...right? she realized, feeling a hint of disappointment in her immaturity.
["The rich! The poor! Ye people, with goblets or with nothing at all! Lift your cups! If you have none, then raise your arms!"]
The citizens eagerly raised their drinking vessels, offering a toast to the mighty Water God, their esteemed Furina!
Lumine mimicked the gesture, her heart quietly marveling at the overwhelming popularity of the Hydro Archon Furina in Fontaine.
"Although the Hydro Archon provides us with such delicious drinks, it's really tiring to look up all the time," noted Paimon, observing the Hydro Archon on the screen with some curiosity. "Seeing the Hydro Archon in that little square reminds me somewhat of Sumeru's Void Terminal when it's worn—just a small rectangle appearing before your eyes."
"Could it be that Fontaine also has its own version of the Void Terminal?" she mused.
"It's possible," Lumine replied.
"But speaking of the Hydro Archon—your grace," Paimon inquired, "why have you come to this place?"
Seated on the red leather seat of the airship, Furina rested her head in one hand and shifted into a more comfortable position.
["Is it not obvious? A stranger has ventured into my domain."]
"As the Archon of the Nation of Hydro, I am naturally curious about your presence here."
"Your renowned names have certainly been well-known to me."
"As they say, seeing is believing. Now able to witness you both, I can confidently say that you indeed live up to your reputation as souls of noble character."
Standing from the wings, Themis observed Furina's impromptu performance. She couldn't help but admire how well Furina had executed the lines they had crafted together on the fly.
It was surprising, however, how easily Little Paimon was pleased; just a few kind words from Furina had the creature happily spinning in circles.
Seeing the scene unfold exactly as Themis had written it, Furina also breathed a sigh of relief.
Though I'm reluctant to admit it, Themis's plan certainly surpasses mine, Furina mused internally.
At least not having to engage in face-to-face conversation is a blessing. It significantly reduces the risk of exposure.
This Traveler is truly formidable. Had Themis not hastily provided this intelligence, I would never have suspected that this seemingly fragile girl had actually clashed with the Raiden Shogun, Devalin, the Overlord of the Vortex Osial, and even the artificial God created by Sumeru.
Though various gods had been secretly aiding them, Furina couldn't deny that this newcomer possessed vastly superior strength.
Moreover, having interacted with numerous deities before, Furina was deeply concerned they might uncover her secret upon direct confrontation.
Fortunately, the latest research from the Fontaine Research Institute allowed her to avoid face-to-face communication with the Traveler.
How convenient, she thought. The chances of my secret being exposed have significantly decreased.
As she listened to the praises of the citizens below, Furina graciously accepted their admiration.
After delivering another speech, she instructed the airship to take her away, heading towards the Opera Epiclese.
"It seems the people of Fontaine truly love their gods," Lumine observed, noting the genuine expressions of reverence and affection on the faces of the excited crowd around them.
"Oh, I completely agree," Paimon chimed in. "The Hydro Archon is such an interesting deity. And did you hear how she praised us earlier? She even said we can go directly to the Palais Mermonia to seek help from the Regent if we encounter any issues."
Paimon couldn't help but feel elated, recalling Furina's generous public commendation moments ago.
This was praise straight from the mouth of an Archon—its worth was self-evident even without elaboration.
"Oh, Little Paimon, you've been completely won over by the Hydro Archon now," Lumine said with a smirk, hands on her hips.
"What?! You were just as delighted by her compliment earlier!"
Lumine tilted her head confidently, adopting a self-satisfied tone. "It's only natural she praised me. After all, I'm the famous Traveler, renowned far and wide."
"And me! Don't forget me—the equally renowned paragon of virtue, Paimon!" The floating companion struck the same pose, repeating Furina's exact words.
The Fontaine folk around them watched with palpable envy. Those personally praised by Lady Furina were few enough to count on one hand.
Naturally, Moldel didn't count—her kind words about him had been nothing but benevolent deception.