(Chapter 32 A Thorn and A Rose)
In a room in Hotel Bouffes d'ete, two children of the House of Hearth were spending their time. Peruere was seated on a chair, carefully wrapping a small book, while Clervie lay on the bed, observing her intently.
"Perrie, isn't it better to just tell him directly in a letter, rather than some weird cryptic message?"
Clervie asked Peruere.
"I'm still not convinced he's like us, Clervie. If he wants to know what his Father is planning, he'll just need to read this book."
Peruere replied as she finished wrapping the book.
"Also, I'd rather not have a king or queen rule Fontaine, but it doesn't matter in the end."
Peruere said as she put the wrapped book on the table. She then sat down on the bed where Clervie was lying, looking troubled.
"Is something wrong? Perrie?"
Clervie asked her while she sat up, though Peruere always looked so emotionless, and unreadable. Her best friend could always manage to read her.
Peruere turned her eyes, looking directly at her.
'I... I don't know what to do. I don't want to fight her. She's my only friend... my best friend.'
Peruere thought to herself, realizing that with each passing day, their duel was drawing nearer. The weight of this approaching confrontation weighed heavily on her mind, adding to her troubled expression. She lowered her head and averted her gaze from Clervie.
"I'll come with you."
Clervie said with a smile, and Peruere's eyes met hers again.
"Clervie, it's fi-"
"I can't just let you go alone, also your right thigh still hasn't fully healed yet, right?"
Clervie stopped her before she could finish her sentence, and Peruere nodded in response.
"Besides, we just have to give this to his Teacher, right? And tell him to pass it on to him."
Clervie said as she got up from the bed and grabbed the book Peruere had wrapped, showing it to her.
"Mhm."
Peruere replied.
"That's easy then! I heard from Mother that our spy from the Spina di Rosula has reported the first batch of weapons is en route to Stormwind. His Teacher will most likely be there. Do you remember what he looks like?"
Clervie asked her, and Peruere contemplated for a while before answering.
"I do. His name is Constantine. His name brings fear and awe to the hearts of many. He is well-known in other nations rather than his homeland here in Fontaine. They call him the Blademaster."
Peruere said. Clervie went back to the bed and sat beside her, listening intently.
"I know he used to be a traveler, roaming around Teyvat. But six years ago, he took on a student, and that student was Tempest Proudmoore. I don't know how, but he managed to convince him to stay."
Peruere explained to Clervie.
"Blademaster? That's a bit of a stretch, is he really that strong?"
"He is Clervie, Mother once told me he challenged the Captain to a duel."
Clervie's eyes widened at the mention of the Captain, and her mouth fell slightly open in surprise.
"The Captain...? Do you mean the-"
"Yes, Clervie. The Captain, one of the Fatui Harbingers. Just like Mother. I heard he managed to hold his ground for half a minute before losing to the Captain, who spared his life. Clervie, Tempest doesn't need to know what his Father is planning. If Tempest intends to take down his Father and is put on trial, Constantine will be sent as his champion for the trial by combat. No one among the Champion Duelists will be able to stop him."
Peruere concluded.
"Wow... That's impressive. And you're right, that's probably what Tempest will do if he's tried. He's really just like us, he wants to be free as well."
Clervie said while lowering her head, and a small sad smile crept on her face.
"Clervie, let's just kil-"
"I told you, Perrie. I can't bring myself to kill my own Mother... I'm sorry."
Clervie said to Peruere, unable to look her straight in the eye.
"I... Mm."
Peruere replied, and a heavy silence fell over the room. The two sat quietly, each avoiding eye contact, lost in their own thoughts.
"Shall... Should we get going?"
"Mm."
Clervie broke the silence between them. They both rose from the bed, and Peruere picked up the wrapped book from the table. Without another word, they left the room together.
"C-Clervie...?"
"Mm? Freminet!"
As the pair exited their room, they encountered the young child, Freminet, who was holding a small storybook tightly in his arms.
"W-Where are you going?... If it's okay to ask..."
Freminet asked Clervie timidly, his eyes fixated on the floor.
"We're going out for a while, would you like something when we get back?"
Clervie asked Freminet, as she knelt down to his height, a bright smile etched on her face.
"Seabird's sojourn..."
Freminet said quietly, and a faint blush was forming on his cheeks.
"Mm? Can you say it again? Freminet?"
Clervie said, tilting her head slightly, as she couldn't quite hear what Freminet had just said.
"N-nothing... It's fine..."
"I know what you want Freminet, Seabird's sojourn? Got it!"
Clervie said with a bright smile as she ruffled Freminet's hair.
"Mm!"
Freminet flinched when he saw Peruere's hand reaching toward him, his eyes widening with fear. Without hesitation, Peruere withdrew her hand, having only intended to pat Freminet on the head gently.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"
Freminet apologized frantically to Peruere, he knelt down on the floor, clenching his storybook tightly.
"Freminet, it's fine, don't worry! Perrie didn't mean any harm! She was trying to pat you like I do! Right, Perrie?"
Clervie hugged and comforted the trembling Freminet, whispering soothing words to calm his fear.
"Mm, my apologies..."
Peruere apologized, and she then walked out the hallway first, leaving Clervie with Freminet.
"I-I'm sorry Clervie..."
Freminet apologized to Clervie. For being terrified at Peruere.
"Shh, it's fine, Freminet. You did nothing wrong, and Perrie didn't mean you any harm, she just wants to be friends with you, you know?"
Clervie tells Freminet.
"R-Really?"
"Mm! Perrie may not look like it, but she's actually a big sweetheart. So, Freminet, next time Perrie talks to you, please give her a chance. She's really kind once you get to know her."
Clervie reassured Freminet with a bright smile.
"Mm, I-I'll try next time..."
Freminet replied timidly.
"Thank you, Freminet. We'll see you later alright? I'll buy you that Seabird's sojourn!"
Clervie stood up and gently patted Freminet's head again. A small smile formed on Freminet's face, as Clervie was one of the few people in the House of Hearth who genuinely cared for him. Her kindness brought him a rare moment of comfort.
Clervie then ran to the hall to catch up to Peruere.
"Perrie!!!"
Clervie suddenly hugged Peruere from behind, almost toppling her over. Peruere stumbled slightly but quickly regained her balance.
"Don't leave without me!"
"I wasn't Clervie. I was waiting for you."
a small smile spreading across Peruere's face at Clervie's unexpected show of affection.
"Let's go."
"Mm! To Stormwind!"
The pair then made their way to the harbor at the Court of Fontaine. There, they caught a ride on a ship bound for the Stormwind Duchy.
"Woah! Perrie! Look at that!"
Perrie pointed to a massive ship docked in Stormwind Harbor. The ship boasted four twin guns on its deck, a testament to its formidable past. However, the walls of the ship were covered in rust, giving it an aged and neglected appearance, as if it hadn't been used for years.
"Careful, Clervie, you might fall."
Peruere walks towards Clervie, joining her in the bow of the ship.
"Those are Dreadnoughts. House Proudmoore once used them to conquer the seas. The last time they were used was when the abyss opened a portal in the ocean twenty-six years ago, marking the last time House Proudmoore fought alongside the Fontaine navy."
Peruere explained to Clervie.
"Woah... That's amazing... To think that Fontaine was once one of the most formidable and powerful nation in Teyvat second only to Khaenri'ah."
Clervie said in awe while still staring at the Dreadnought.
"During the Archon War, House Proudmoore and their Paladins were said to have slain hundreds of gods, even pursuing the fleeing ones to the Dark Sea. Their relentless pursuit and formidable strength became legendary, etching their name into the annals of history."
Peruere said.
"And that was during the Golden Age of Fontaine, the days of Egeria's rule."
Clervie said.
"Mhm, but nothing lasts forever. When Egeria died during the Cataclysm, Ra's blessing upon House Proudmoore ended with her. It is said that Focalors was the cause of Ra's blessing disappeared."
Peruere explained.
"Maybe..."
Clervie replied, and soon the ship docked at Stormwind Harbor. Clervie was the first to disembark, followed closely by Peruere.
"Thanks for the ride! Monsieur!"
Clervie said to the helmsman of the ship with a bow.
"No problemo lassy! You girls watch out for pickpockets!"
"Will do!"
Clervie replied to the helmsman with a smile. The pair then made their way to the bustling streets of Stormwind Harbor.
"Ah! The smell of the sea!"
Clervie said with a deep breath, while putting both her hands on her hips, taking in the fresh air of Stormwind Harbor.
"Let's go get some snacks, Perrie!"
Clervie said, then grabbed Peruere's wrist and eagerly led her through the bustling streets of Stormwind Harbor. She dragged her toward the many stalls that lined the harbor, each offering a variety of goods and wares.
"Ah! This one looks so good on you Perrie!"
"Mm! This calamari is the best!"
"Perrie! Let's buy this one also!"
For thirty straight minutes, Clervie dragged Peruere on a whirlwind adventure through the bustling harbor. They sampled a variety of foods, tried on new clothes, and bought numerous items that would likely prove useless for their missions. Peruere didn't mind the diversion; she was content to see her best friend enjoying herself. Clervie's joy and excitement were contagious, and Peruere found herself having fun as well.
"Ah! That was fun!"
Clervie said as they both sat on a bench.
"Aren't we forgetting why we're here?"
Peruere said while eating a fried octopus on a stick.
"Haha! Perrie, you look so silly! Ah! I wish we had a Kamera to save moments like these!"
Clervie chuckled as she watched Peruere eat a fried octopus, finding the sight amusing. However, her smile quickly faded as she lowered her head, a somber expression taking its place.
'I wish moments like these last forever... This a fun last adventure with you Perrie...'
Clervie thought to herself.
"Clervie?"
Peruere noticed Clervie's smile disappeared, and couldn't help but be worried.
"Nothing! Yosh!"
Clervie lifted up her head, her smile returning, she slapped herself with both her hands on her cheeks to get rid of the sad thoughts.
"The Spina di Rosula ship should be arriving any minute now! Let's get this over with and buy Freminet, Seabird's sojourn!"
Clervie rose up from the bench and stretched her body.
"Let's go, Perrie!"
"Mm."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
After twenty minutes had passed, they spotted a ship on the horizon. Though it flew no flag, they recognized it as the vessel of the Spina di Rosula, transporting weapons and Meka.
"That's him over there, Clervie. That's Constantine."
Peruere pointed to a middle-aged man standing at a distance, who was gazing intently at the horizon. His belt was adorned with four distinct swords from various nations.
"You sure?"
"Mhm."
Peruere replied.
"Alright! Let's go talk to him!"
Clervie walked towards Constantine.
"Clervie, wait."
Peruere grabbed Clervie's wrist, stopping her in her tracks.
"It's fine, Perrie! What's he going to do, attack us in the open? Don't worry. We'll just give him the book and ask him to pass it on to Tempest!"
Clervie said in a bubbly tone, Peruere simply sighed in response, hiding a small dagger in her hands, and then followed her.
"Hey, Mister!"
"Hm?"
Constantine's eyes immediately widened when he spotted both Clervie and Peruere. Tempest had mentioned their appearances a few days ago, and the two girls matched the description precisely. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on one of his sword handles, readying himself in case the situation took an unexpected turn.
"Don't worry! We're not here to fight or to ask Tempest to come with us again. Mother has promised that the House of Hearth will not interfere with your plans. We just want to talk, that's all."
Clervie tells Constantine.
"What do you want?"
Constantine said, his face set in a threatening scowl.
"We just want you to pass this to Tempest."
Clervie gestured to Peruere to give her the book.
"Just let him read it, and I promise you it will help him greatly."
Clervie passed the book to Constantine, he accepted it with his hand, as his other hand was gripping the handle of his sword.
"Well then! We'll get going! See ya around Mister!"
Clervie turned around and walked away. Peruere on the other hand, made eye contact with Constantine for a brief moment, before following Clervie.
"Wanna have some fun a little more? Perrie?"
Clervie said with a smile towards her best friend.
"I'm right behind you, Clervie."