After Fontaine's main story concluded, players were left emotionally scarred by Themis' gentle yet heartbreaking departure.
This was the first time a major character with a model clearly superior to NPCs had died permanently in the main storyline.
And among the players were countless devoted Themis loyalists.
Their dreams were shattered, just like Themis when she fell — their hopes of pulling their "wife" from the banner crushed into pieces like shards of glass.
The Themis fans among the players cried and screamed, just short of hanging themselves outside the HoYoverse headquarters to prove the strength of their devotion.
The final dance between the Hydro Archon, Focalors, Furina, and Themis went absolutely viral on a certain fan video platform.
Cries of despair echoed everywhere — the grief was overwhelming.
Even CatCatEatsNoMedicine hadn't dared to open any video apps lately, afraid of accidentally stumbling upon a 4K ultra-HD death scene of Themis' final moments right up in her face.
Tears streaming down her face, CatCatEatsNoMedicine was devastated that her beloved Themis would never enter the banner.
It was hard enough to find a character she truly loved — and yet this one had to die in the story, and in such a tragic way.
Just like her heart — cold and broken!
After the story ended, CatCatEatsNoMedicine rage-quit, overwhelmed with sorrow.
But after brooding over it, the frustration didn't sit right with her — she couldn't let it go. So, she started a stream that very night.
Opening Furina's banner on stream, with everyone watching in stunned silence…
The hidden whale, Miss CatCatEatsNoMedicine, immediately pulled Furina to full constellations and full refinement.
[Shocking! Isn't the streamer supposed to be a Themis loyalist? Why is she suddenly pulling for Furina?!]
[Nooo! Streamer, have you lost your mind?!]
[Even if your wife is gone, you don't have to max out the rival's banner!!]
"Hmph~ My wife is dead! These primos are useless now!"
"Crying my eyes out, sobbing uncontrollably — the pain is unbearable!"
"This is all HoYoverse's fault!"
"My wife! My Themis! She's gone forever!"
"This isn't betrayal — this is just me loving Furina because of how deeply I loved Themis!"
"Besides, even though Furina didn't enter the banner as the Hydro Archon, her strength is on par with the other Archons!"
"I might not profit from this, but I'm definitely not losing anything!"
"But HoYoverse is the one profiting the most!"
"Hold on! Themis may be dead, but we can still wait for the Envoy of Celestia!"
"No! I'm already heartbroken beyond repair!" CatCatEatsNoMedicine sobbed, tears glistening in her eyes. "Do you know how hard it is for me to find someone I genuinely like?!"
"It's not that I can't wait for the Envoy of Celestia — it's just that gentle white-haired mommy-type girls have better value for the primos!"
After maxing out Furina's banner — and after who knows how many pity breaks — she ended the session with a double gold pull in the last ten-pull. With Furina fully maxed out, CatCatEatsNoMedicine logged off to sleep amidst a flood of jealous and envious "lucky pull" comments from the chat.
She had cried so much she was mentally drained.
By the next day, though, CatCatEatsNoMedicine had pulled herself together and started Furina's story quest.
It opened with the blonde traveler suffering a guilty conscience.
Walking through Fontaine and hearing the citizens mourn over the tragic ending of a five-hundred-year-old love story, the traveler was genuinely concerned about the mental state of both Furina and Focalors.
CatCatEatsNoMedicine piloted her character to Palais Mermonia, where she met Focalors.
Through Focalors' memories, she saw Furina breaking down and crying herself unconscious in Themis' room.
CatCatEatsNoMedicine sighed deeply. "Damn… in this regard, I've been completely outclassed."
[Some things are better left unlearned!]
[I don't get this 2D stuff, but a streamer crying this much over a PNG? That's just weird.]
[Idiot! That's the streamer's wife we're talking about! How could this be the same as any ordinary PNG?!]
After accepting Focalors' request, the entire chat rallied behind the mission to help Furina recover.
After all, Furina — this cute and vulnerable "historical widow" — had clearly captured a lot of hearts.
CatCatEatsNoMedicine actually kind of likes it — even if her "wife" already has someone she loves, as a ship supporter, she'll just choose to join them!
Accompanying Furina to complete the tasks Themis left behind, Furina walked through various places.
On the screen, black-and-white footage of Themis' gentle moments with Furina kept appearing.
As a dedicated Themis fan, CatCatEatsNoMedicine took a direct emotional hit — right in the heart!
It almost made her question life itself, turning her into a sour lemon.
[Streamer, come on — let's share a lemon together!]
-
Furina, holding back the pain in her heart, strolled through the streets of Fontaine with Lumine and Paimon by her side.
Every corner of the city was filled with memories of her and Themis. As the past and present intertwined, Furina felt as if she were caught between two worlds.
She realized that she no longer needed to play the role of the Hydro Archon or change herself for others.
It was as if she had returned to her pure and original self from five hundred years ago — modest, polite, and free from any trace of vanity or pretense.
Focalors watched from the shadows, unsure whether to feel relieved that Furina was reclaiming a part of her true self or worried about how drastically she had changed.
On the other hand, motivated by Focalors' request and their own sense of guilt, Lumine and Paimon stuck closely by Furina's side.
Though compared to Lumine, Paimon was clearly in better spirits.
For some reason, Fontaine's white-haired upper echelon seemed to have a soft spot for Paimon.
Knowing Paimon loved good food, the citizens had been spoiling her the entire way — her mouth hadn't stopped moving since they set out.
Lumine gave Paimon a sideways glance as Paimon stuffed herself to the point where she could barely float. Having no choice, Lumine reached out, picked Paimon up, and carried her in her arms while following Furina.
As they passed by a dessert shop, Furina's steps noticeably slowed.
"Furina, do you want some cake?"
"Should I buy some?"
Lumine carefully probed. When she was chatting with Sedene at a café before, Sedene had mentioned that the cakes delivered to Palais Mermonia were from this shop.
Furina's gaze drifted away from the storefront. "No need. Cake… it's not time for dessert yet."
If she didn't practice restraint, Themis would definitely worry about her.
But even as she said that, Furina's heart longed for Themis' homemade cakes.
"Let's go. We still have a lot to do today."
With Lumine and Paimon by her side, the three of them headed toward Poisson.
After the Fontaine prophecy crisis ended, Poisson had begun post-disaster reconstruction.
Callas, released by Wriothesley, was now helping Navia and the members of the Spina di Rosula rebuild their home.
Seeing the hopeful faces of the townspeople and the lively atmosphere of Poisson, Furina's sorrowful eyes finally reflected a glimmer of renewed life.
"Lady Furina!"
Navia spotted Furina from a distance and eagerly ran over.
"Ah, it's you, Navia."
Looking at the "Yellow Rose of Poisson," Furina couldn't help but feel a bit uplifted by Navia's vibrant energy.
"Lady Furina, I didn't expect you to visit."
Furina's arrival was a complete surprise.
Seeing Furina, petite and delicate, without her usual flamboyance and arrogance — so calm and composed — gave Navia an intense sense of dissonance.
"Ahem… Well, since Lady Furina is here, as the current head of the Spina di Rosula, let me give you a rundown of the reconstruction progress."
Paimon:"Great! We'll count on you, Navia!"
Lumine:"If you need any help, just let us know."
"Heh, of course. I'm not going to be shy about asking for help."
Navia led them on a tour of Poisson, where the residents' enthusiasm soared upon seeing Furina.
They were determined to present their best selves — and their best work — in front of their beloved Hydro Archon.
The whole town was buzzing with activity, so much so that a few older folks with more pride than sense ended up pulling a muscle in the process — which left Lumine and Paimon wincing awkwardly.
Furina, however, took it all in stride.
For five hundred years, while sitting on the throne of the Hydro Archon, countless believers have tried to gain her attention.
Compared to other situations, the scene in Poisson was already pretty mild — at least no one threw themselves at her feet and started reciting a heartfelt essay on the spot.
"Sigh… Furina's really changed a lot."
CatCatEatsNoMedicine watched Furina's altered personality on the screen and couldn't help but feel sentimental as she recalled the proud and spirited Furina from when she first arrived in Fontaine.
"If this were the old days, with Themis by her side, Furina would already be delivering an arrogant and confident speech."
[With Themis gone, Furina has to carry out Themis' work!]
[She's already turning into Themis herself, Furina!]
[No! My proud and confident little jellyfish—!]
[Hey, fun fact — this is exactly how Kiana changed too!]
[The time for farewells has come — like a field of flowers blooming in parting!]
[Shut up! Are you guys demons or something?!]
CatCatEatsNoMedicine completely agreed with that last viewer comment."I was too focused on pulling Furina's constellations and signature weapon."
"I forgot to pull you two troublemakers!"
"You guys only have blades on your minds — you've basically been brainwashed by Mihoyo at this point!"
After grumbling at the audience's jokes, CatCatEatsNoMedicine huffed in frustration.
"Tsk tsk tsk — always acting like ghosts!"
"Do you think the Theater of Domination is just for decoration?"
"Acting like ghosts whenever you please — you think the Theater of Domination is your backyard?"
"Don't underestimate the Herrscher of Domination, alright?"
(TL Note: Streamer chat sometimes refers to themselves as the Herrscher of domination since there are so many of them and they are chaotic.)
CatCatEatsNoMedicine switched on auto-mode, half-distracted. Even while navigating the dialogue choices, she didn't forget to flex at the "ghosts" in chat.
"Between us, there's already a thick barrier — it's my defense armor!"
After Themis' death, her heart had turned to stone — nothing could get through it anymore!
But what shocked CatCatEatsNoMedicine was seeing Idia appear in Furina's story quest!
"Hmm… now that the post-disaster reconstruction in Poisson is done, what's next?"
Paimon asked.
"Focalors gave me a list before we came," Furina said, pulling out a document from her robes. She glanced at the items and continued, "Next, we're going to Romaritime Harbor, then Tunigi Hollow."
"Tunigi Hollow?" Paimon was momentarily bewildered, struggling to connect this destination with their current mission.
"There are Oceanids led by Idyia stationed at Tunigi Hollow," Furina explained. "They were appointed as tomb guardians by Themis."
Mentioning Themis seemed to revive some of Furina's energy. "Idyia... It's been quite some time since we last saw her, hasn't it?"
"She's probably hiding in her bottle again."
Paimon waved her hand dismissively, confidently guessing Idyia's current state based on past experience.
"Huh? That Idyia — she's that kind of Oceanid?"
Furina was surprised by the way Paimon described Idyia.
In Furina's experience, Oceanids were typically gentle in temperament and graceful in bearing.
Idyia's type of toxic personality, when left unchecked, was actually quite rare.
"Idyia was one of the few powerful Oceanids from Egeria's era as the former Hydro Archon."
"In terms of strength, Idyia ranks just below the most powerful assassin, Rhodeia."
At this point, Furina said with some embarrassment, "I originally thought Miss Idyia would be as arrogant as she is in the novels."
"Uh, I think you should apply that arrogance to Rhodeia instead. Idyia is actually very approachable," Paimon whispered in Idyia's defense.
Lumine nodded in agreement nearby, indicating that Paimon's words were correct.
Traveling by airship, the group arrived at Romaritime Harbor and headed to Tunigi Hollow.
When the current Hydro Archon Furina herself came in person, Idyia nearly fainted from shock.
Although Idyia and Focalors had both been Egeria's attendants in the past, Focalors was now Fontaine's New Hydro Archon.
In Idyia's heart, she still maintained deep respect for her.
"Hydro Archon Furina... ha ha ha, this must be a dream."
"What brings the Hydro Archon of Fontaine here?"
"This is Sumeru's desert!"
Idyia's human form wavered unsteadily. Lumine and Paimon supported the shaken elder Oceanid from either side.
With the help of Lumine and the flower spirit Aramuhukunda, Idyia fought against fainting, managing to remain upright before Furina.
Observing Idyia's nervous demeanor—her darting eyes and fingers constantly tugging at her clothing—Furina felt genuine surprise.
"When I merged with Focalors, I gained access to her memories."
"Idyia... or at least according to Focalors' recollections, your name has been known for ages."
"But the image I formed..." Furina carefully chose her words, "differs greatly from reality."
At these words, Idyia's eyes darkened, as if bleaching of all color.
Under the gaze of the New Hydro Archon, Idyia wished she could retreat into a bottle and remain hidden for five centuries.
Please! This is basically a giant social death scene.
Lumine cleared her throat. "Furina, perhaps we should discuss business first?"
Paimon chimed in, "If we don't get to the point soon, Idyia might pass out first."
"That's not entirely true," Idyia protested softly. "At worst, I'd just hide in my bottle and refuse to come out!"
Furina nodded understandingly. "Retreating to a quiet place to sort one's thoughts can indeed be helpful."
"Right? Right? Ah-heehee, I always thought so! Even the Hydro Archon agrees! This is fantastic!"
Paimon watched Idyia's goofy grin and decided not to point out that this wasn't actually praise.
"Oh, speaking of business, might I ask why you've come here, Lady Furina?"
"My work here has been progressing smoothly. I oversee many of our kind with spiritual intelligence below normal human levels, guarding the Tunigi Hollow. We occasionally encounter pilgrim members of our species."
"Some choose to stay, while others seek rest in other nations' waters."
When it came to her work, Idyia was incredibly responsible. Her animated discussion completely hid her earlier social anxiety.
Furina listened attentively, nodding and offering verbal praise in response.
Being praised by Furina, who stood half a head shorter than her, left Idyia feeling unexpectedly flattered.
"Right now, Furina..." Paimon whispered to Lumine, observing the composed yet gentle Furina before Idyia. "She looks just like Themis did when she wasn't harboring any mischief."
"When Themis isn't scheming, she's exactly like Furina is now," Lumine agreed.
After discussing the Oceanids with insufficient spiritual intelligence in Tunigi Hollow, Idyia's hesitant demeanor caught Furina's attention.
"What's wrong, Idyia? Do you have a question? Or need assistance?"
In response to Furina's inquiry, Idyia simply shook her head.
"Lady Furina, though I couldn't return to Fontaine due to its water quality issues..."
"...I've heard from the Fontainians about the crisis surrounding the Fontaine Prophecy."
"...I share your sorrow and regret over Lady Themis's departure."
Furina's prolonged silence made Idyia increasingly anxious. She had mustered the courage to speak these words, not to cause Furina distress.
Hastily retrieving an object from her bottle, Idyia presented it to Furina. The item in her palm now lay exposed before the assembled crowd.
"What is this...?"
Paimon darted to Idyia's side, scrutinizing the object with intense focus before exclaiming, "Why is it a seed?!"
A question mark materialized above Furina's head as she looked at Idyia, perplexed. "A seed? For me?"
Idyia placed the seed in Furina's hand and sighed in relief. "To be precise, it's a relic left with me by Lady Themis."
Noticing the confusion in their eyes, Idyia began to explain the story behind the seed.
"When Lady Themis brought me to Tunigi Hollow as a gravekeeper, she entrusted me with this seed."
Paimon asked, "But why did Lady Themis give you this seed?"
Lumine added, "Could it be that this seed has some special purpose?"
In response to Paimon and Lumine's questions, Idyia had no answers to offer.
"I do not know the deeper meaning behind Lady Themis' actions."
"However, after receiving this seed, I followed her instructions daily, immersing it in the Tunigi Hollow as she commanded."
Furina gazed at the golden seed in her hand, its surface shimmering with a faint blue aura.
The golden seed inexplicably evoked a sense of familiarity in Furina, as if she were looking into Themis' golden eyes. The same warm hue made Furina's heart skip a beat in sudden recognition.
"Thus far, this seed has shown no signs of change."
"Even Aramuhukunda himself couldn't discern anything extraordinary about it."
"So, I thought, if even my eyes couldn't determine the nature of this seed..."
"Since it's a relic of Lady Themis, perhaps returning it to you might reveal some clues."
"After all, as the Hydro Archon, you possess powers beyond those of mere Oceanids."
"It's possible this seed might undergo transformation in your hands."
Furina gazed at the seed for a long moment before carefully grasping it.
"Thank you, Idyia, for informing me of this matter."
"I will thoroughly investigate the secrets of this seed. When I have answers, I will provide you with a proper response."
The item Themis had specifically preserved must hold significance for her own purposes.
"The Tunigi Hollow is the physical manifestation of Lady Egeria's divine body. Within it lies only residual traces of her power."
"The seed is likely just absorbing nutrients from the liquid. Since that's the case, if you personally provide the energy it needs to grow, there shouldn't be any further complications."
Furina accepted the seed with a sense of relief. Idyia hoped this remnant left by Themis might bring some comfort to her.
Even as an Oceanid, Idyia had long heard of the deep bond between the Hydro Archon Furina and the Regent Themis.
Seeing Furina's dazed expression, Idyia silently offered her blessings.
"Thank you for sharing this information, Miss Idyia," Furina said. "I will find a way to make this seed grow."
After expressing her sincere gratitude, Furina clutched the seed, a faint sense of anticipation rising in her chest - though she couldn't quite articulate what this hope represented.
However, Lumine and Paimon, who stood beside Furina, could clearly perceive how the sorrow that had enveloped her had dissipated, replaced by a sprouting hope...
[Seed! Seed! Seed! Streamer!]
[Quick! It's one of Themis's relics!]
[I see it! My eyes aren't blind!]
CatCatEatsNoMedicine felt an unusual excitement upon seeing the seed.
"Viewers! The moment to witness a miracle has arrived!"
"The last time I saw a seed was when Shadow's elder sister truly appeared!"
"Do you think there's a possibility that part of my wife Themis's soul is contained within this seed?!"
"Once the seed takes root and grows, my wife could return!"
[Correction: This is Furina and Focalors's wife.]
[Are you a demon? Can't you stop attacking the streamer even at this moment? Where did you come from, anti-fan?]
[No, I'm just a passing Masked Rider. But to be honest, the streamer's speculation isn't baseless. Given existing cases, it's possible Themis left a fragment of consciousness to accompany Furina through another five centuries!]
"Exactly! That's exactly what I was thinking!"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine automatically ignored the part about Themis not being her wife, fully agreeing with the latter statement.
She was filled with hope regarding the idea that Themis had left a piece of consciousness in Furina's legendary quest, to accompany her through the long years.
The trio returned to the Court of Fontaine aboard an airship. Holding the seed in her hand, Furina knew without needing to be told that she would care for it diligently.
As she clutched the golden seed, Furina couldn't shake the feeling that it offered her a sense of comfort, as if Themis were still by her side.
"This is the greatest gain from my journey today," Furina mused, gazing at the seed in her palm.
Had she not mustered the resolve to complete the tasks with Focalors' support, she would never have learned of this seed's existence from Idyia. Nor would she have obtained this relic left behind by Themis.
The thought brought a wave of relief, tempered by lingering fear at how narrowly she'd avoided missing this precious gift.
Upon returning to Palais Mermonia, Furina found Focalors waiting anxiously. Though her divine authority allowed her to monitor events in Fontaine, once Furina left the realm's borders, her knowledge of Sumeru affairs had been limited.
Seeing Furina's previous gloom replaced by genuine joy, Focalors realized the Tunigi Hollow expedition had borne remarkable fruit.
It must have been news about Themis.
There could be no other reason that would make Furina so happy so quickly.
Furina told Focalors about what happened during their trip to the Tunigi Hollow in Sumeru.
When she mentioned the unexpected golden seed, Focalors was clearly surprised.
"Themis never does anything without purpose."
"If she left this seed behind, it must be after careful consideration."
Focalors held out her hand, gesturing for Furina to place the seed in her palm.
Furina carefully placed the seed in Focalors' hand, gazing at her with hopeful eyes.
"Though my power cannot compare to Egeria's, and the Hydro Archon's Divine Throne has been shattered..."
"...my current divine core is supplemented by Themis' essence. If anything can connect to this seed, it would likely be this body and the divine core she bestowed upon me."
Paimon: "So, if we want the seed to grow, Focalors, your power might be essential?"
Focalors: "To be precise, there is a possibility."
"The seed is here, but how to make it sprout and bloom involves other challenges."
Lumine nodded. "Right, but we shouldn't worry too much. We have connections with Sumeru's Dendro Archon."
"Oh, that's true!" Paimon's small fist pounded against her palm. "If that doesn't work, we can always ask Nahida!"
"As the God of Wisdom, the Great Benefactor of Wisdom is connected to the World Tree. If anyone in Teyvat knows how to make seeds sprout, she's probably the one."
"Still, I'll have to try first to know for sure."
"We should at least give it our best effort."
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Focalors gathered her strength.
Hydro-element power flowed through her hands. Though her Divine Throne had shattered, her ability to manipulate water elements remained intact.
After Themis gifted her divine essence, Focalors' power had even grown stronger.
The luminous, flowing element power enveloped the golden seed.
The moment they touched, the seed absorbed Focalors' energy. It slowly floated in mid-air, its radiance growing brighter.
However, this intense light dissipated quickly, requiring Focalors to continuously pour her strength into the seed.
Focalors felt the elemental energy being rapidly drained from her body, and surprise showed on her face.
The seed was like an insatiable glutton—no matter how much energy she poured into it, it would take it all without hesitation.
Focalors swore she was truly trying her best to infuse the seed with her elemental energy and power.
But no matter how much she poured in, the seed showed no signs of sprouting or growing.
Her face pale, Focalors withdrew her hand under everyone's worried gazes.
The seed lost its floating state in mid-air and dropped back into Focalors' hand.
"It's no use," Focalors shook her head, her face showing weakness and pallor—the signs of over-exerting her elemental energy.
"There's something wrong with this seed."
"Even my power can't make it grow in one go."
Clutching the seed in her hand, Focalors sighed softly before returning it to Furina.
Watching Furina carefully cradle the seed, Focalors turned to look at Lumine and Paimon.
"Though my power has some effect, it's like the difference between a drop of water and the sea to this seed."
"With just my power, who knows how long it would take?"
As she spoke, Focalors felt powerless—her strength was simply too weak.
Back then, she hadn't been able to save Themis, and now, even facing a single seed left behind by Themis, she felt utterly powerless.
Focalors' fingers involuntarily clenched into fists, her heart aching with bitterness.
But when facing Lumine, Paimon, and the hopeful Furina, Focalors maintained her composure, her expression betraying no trace of her inner turmoil.
"My apologies, Traveler. It seems we'll need your assistance once more. Please journey to Sumeru to seek the Great Wisdom Archon. Inquire if there might be another way."
"No problem," Lumine replied. "Leave it to me and Paimon."
Lumine patted her chest and readily agreed.
As long as I can help them, it's worth it. This is Themis's final legacy—whatever the reason she left this seed, I'll do everything to make it grow for Furina and Focalors.
Though she didn't know why Themis had left this seed, it didn't matter. The important thing was lifting Furina and Focalors out of their grief, even if just for a moment.
After bidding farewell to Furina and Focalors, Lumine and Paimon boarded an airship bound for Sumeru.
Nahida rarely left the Sanctuary of Surasthana, so finding her was a simple matter. The two quickly located her and began recounting the events in Fontaine, their words flowing back and forth in a rapid exchange.
Though Nahida might have already known about Fontaine's events through her connection to the Irminsul, their account still reached her ears.
To their surprise, Nahida's expression turned troubled when they presented their request.
"My apologies, Lumine, Paimon."
"It's not that I refuse to help. But I'm afraid the Irminsul contains no records of Themis."
Nahida's words left Lumine and Paimon gaping in disbelief.
Nahida explained to the two of them, "As an envoy of Celestia, Themis's status surpasses that of the Irminsul. Information about her is beyond what the Irminsul can discern."
"Moreover, from my previous correspondence with Themis, I've learned that she is likely not a native being of Teyvat."
"She is a Descender, like Celestia."
"A Descender?!" Lumine exclaimed, shocked.
Paimon was equally stunned by this revelation.
At that moment, both girls simultaneously recalled what Witch N had mentioned earlier about the hidden Descender in Fontaine.
It came with shocking abruptness.
With Nahida's explanation, Themis's identity as a Descender had been exposed, and it seemed to connect many scattered threads together.
However, this raised more - and greater - questions in Lumine's mind.
It must be understood that the title of Descender wasn't one anyone could claim. Only those from beyond a world, equivalent in status to a world itself, could be granted such a designation.
"Come to think of it, if Celestia is a Descender, and Themis, as an envoy of the heavens, is also a Descender, perhaps there's nothing surprising about that?"
Lumine tried to convince herself, but the impact of the word "Descender" left her dizzy and unable to regain her composure for a long time.
She'd never heard of a Descender serving as another Descender's subordinate before!
What exactly had Themis experienced to be chosen as Celestia's envoy? Why was she sent to Fontaine as both the catalyst and guardian of the Fontaine Prophecy?
How did she manage it?!
How did she dare?!
What did she endure?!
A flood of questions swelled in Lumine's chest, leaving no outlet for expression. After all, the central figure in this mystery had already passed away.
Though countless secrets remained, they would now be buried alongside her in the river of time.
Lumine took two deep breaths to steady herself.
With her mind clearer, new doubts surfaced - ones Nahida could certainly answer this time.
"Nahida, how did you get in contact with Themis?"
"Wait, letters? Themis wrote you letters?"
"When did this happen? You never mentioned this before!"
Nahida nodded. "Traveler, I know you're anxious, but don't rush. I'll explain everything."
After Lumine regained some composure, Nahida recounted her interactions with Themis.
The story began with an unexpected letter from Themis. While Lumine and Paimon were departing for Fontaine, the missive reached her.
The letter inquired about the Fontaine Prophecy.
Nahida had heard rumors about the Fontaine Prophecy, but receiving an official inquiry from Fontaine's authorities was unprecedented.
Driven by concern for Fontaine and the innate loving nature of a God, Nahida shared her observations regarding the Fontaine Prophecy and various potential paths to its fulfillment with Themis.
Upon receiving this information, Themis expressed profound gratitude, promising to answer some of Nahida's questions in return.
For instance, when asked about governing Sumeru's populace, Themis proposed wildly imaginative solutions. Even Nahida, the Wisdom Archon herself, found herself humbled by some of these suggestions.
Through this ongoing exchange of letters, the two gradually grew more familiar with each other.
As Nahida delved deeper into Themis' correspondence, her curiosity about Fontaine and its people intensified.
In her quest for knowledge, Nahida searched the Irminsul's records, only to find no information whatsoever about Themis.
"I had some suspicions about her being a Descender," Nahida mused.
"But I never imagined that to resolve Fontaine's Prophecy and protect the Hydro Archon, Themis would go to such lengths."
She had sacrificed herself, trading her life to preserve another's existence.
Nahida's appearance undoubtedly delighted all fans of the Dendro Archon, whether they were "moms" or "dads." However, as Themis' sole supporter, CatCatEatsNoMedicine felt particularly pleased that her wife had met another deity who could remember her.
After carefully analyzing Nahida's words and the behavior of that seed in Focalors' possession earlier, CatCatEatsNoMedicine declared, "I've come up with a bold hypothesis!"
"If Themis is indeed the hidden Descender in Fontaine, then..."
"Could it be possible that..."
"Let me put it this way—could it be that..."
"The Gnosis, created from the bones of a Descender, actually came from Themis herself?!"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine's theory sent the live stream chat into a frenzy, with messages flying across the screen.
The more people considered this possibility, the more plausible it seemed!
[Hisss~ Could she actually be a genius?!]
CatCatEatsNoMedicine spoke with confidence, "Mihoyo's schemes are truly devious! But I've got eagle eyes, you know!"
[Ah, right, right! Let me help you remember—could it be that The Knave's actions hold some deeper meaning?]
[Ha ha ha ha, are we about to start a roast session and dig up her dark history?]
Seeing these comments, CatCatEatsNoMedicine's face darkened. "Will you people stop being so annoying?! No one is perfect—everyone makes mistakes!"
"Guessing wrong once is completely normal!"
"Besides, this time I have solid evidence. I absolutely won't guess wrong again! The Gnosis was made from Themis's bones!"
"That's the only explanation for why Themis's body serves as the direct connection to Celestia!"
"Since they stripped her of skin and bones, Celestia had to create a new body for her!"
"Wahh, poor Themis! Even in death, you're still being treated this way!"
"It must feel like being torn between life and death—how agonizing!"
"Now that you're free from Celestia's slavery, may your spirit rest in peace!"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine prayed sincerely for Themis.
[Themis: Thanks, I guess! You're such a kind streamer. But could you say something more auspicious?]
(TL Note: Eh?∘ ∘ ∘ ( °ヮ° ) ?)
"So... you're entrusting Furina to my care? Do I look like Cao Cao?"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine tilted her head halfway, her mouth struggling to catch up as she blurted out the answer.
[Themis: Thank you! I think I can still be saved! You thief!]