(Chapter 47 Accolade)
In the quiet hours past midnight, two individuals walked along the empty aquabus lane, their footsteps echoing in the stillness. Both sought solace in the walk, hoping to clear their minds after the tumultuous events of recent days.
"Now that you are about to become the Duke of House Proudmoore, Tempest, do you have any plans or aspirations for what you wish to achieve once you take on that role?"
Furina asked Tempest with a tone of curiosity and interest, her voice light as she carefully walked along the edge of the aquabus lane, balancing herself with graceful precision. Tempest watched her closely, his eyes tracking her every movement, ready to catch her should she slip.
"First and foremost, I want to burn down everything that serves as a reminder of what we've done over the past 500 years, the portraits of past dukes, the relics of a bygone era. And above all, I want to completely renovate the mansion."
Tempest declared, his voice resolute, his gaze never wavering from Furina as she continued to balance herself along the edge.
"I am reassured to hear that. But what comes next after that? What else is part of your plan?"
Furina smiled, satisfied by Tempest's initial response, and continued to press him for more details about his plans.
"Mm, I want to create an aquabus lane connecting Stormwind to the Court of Fontaine. I'm certain Callas would support me in this endeavor, but I need your permission to proceed, My Lady."
Tempest said to Furina, his tone respectful yet filled with quiet determination.
"Granted!"
Furina replied almost instantly, her words quick and decisive. Tempest smiled in response, appreciating her support. A brief silence then settled between them, enveloping the pair as they continued their walk. The quiet of the late night allowed them to simply enjoy the calm and each other's company as they strolled along the aquabus lane.
"Please be careful, My Lady."
Tempest reminded her, breaking the silence.
"I am, don't worry, don't be like Neuvillette, Tempest! I'm- Uwa!"
A sudden gust of strong wind hit Furina, causing her to lose her balance. Thankfully, Tempest was quick to react. He swiftly grabbed her hand with one hand while his other arm encircled her waist, steadying her and preventing her from falling.
"Eep!"
Furina jolted slightly, letting out a soft squeak, as Tempest's hand wrapped around her waist. The sudden contact caused her to momentarily tense, but his steady grip quickly reassured her, helping her regain her balance.
"M-My apologies, My Lady"
Tempest quickly apologized, his voice filled with concern as he released his hold. Once Furina had regained her balance, he took a step back, allowing her space to steady herself fully.
"No, it's fine, thank you, Tempest."
Furina spoke as she stepped away from the edge of the aquabus lane. She noticed a faint red hue on Tempest's cheeks, though his expression remained as unreadable and emotionless as ever. The contrast between his visible embarrassment and his stoic demeanor intrigued her.
'He's such a mysterious person. I want to know more about him, to understand why he always wears that expressionless face. I know he had a horrible relationship with his Father, but I can't help but wonder if he's always like this with everyone.'
Furina pondered inwardly as she observed Tempest.
Suddenly a cold breeze hit both of them, Tempest didn't react, but Furina held herself.
Suddenly, a cold breeze swept over both of them. Tempest remained unfazed, his composure unbroken, while Furina instinctively shivered and wrapped her arms around herself for warmth.
"You need this more than I do, My Lady."
Tempest said as he wrapped his dark cloak around Furina, his voice gentle and considerate. The cloak enveloped her, offering a welcome shield against the cold breeze and adding a touch of warmth to the chill of the night.
"Shall we take a break?"
Tempest asked her.
"Mm, thank you, Tempest."
Furina replied as she accepted the cloak, Tempest offered.
"How long have we been walking? I feel like we might just reach the Fontaine Research Institute if we keep going at this pace."
Furina chuckled softly as she glanced toward the distant silhouette of the Fontaine Research Institute, its imposing structure standing out against the night sky.
"About twenty minutes, My Lady. We've covered a quarter of the Callas line."
Tempest said to Furina, he then glanced at the distant silhouette of the Fontaine Research Institute in the distance.
"I actually have some unfinished business, to attend to there..."
Tempest muttered, referring to the Ghost Program the Institute built.
"Tempest..."
"Yes? My Lady?"
Tempest turned around to see, Furina yawning.
"Thank you, Tempest, for asking me for a stroll, I needed this to clear my mind."
Furina said with a smile.
"Shall we head back?"
Tempest asked her.
"Mm, ensure that you're dressed in your finest attire. The day after tomorrow."
"I will, My Lady."
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It was a very special day, as Tempest's accolade had arrived. The streets were alive with excitement, and the entrance of Hotel Debord was swarming with employees of the Steambird, all eager to get a comment from him. Meanwhile, Tempest was in his room, carefully affixing the badge Furina had given him to his collar. He also adjusted his Pyro Delusion near his chest, preparing himself for the events of the day with a meticulous touch.
"Wear it like a badge of honor..."
Tempest remembered Ra's words.
"You look great, Tempest."
Gardon entered the room and gave him a hug.
"Uncle."
"You ready for your big day? Nephew?"
Gardon said to him with a proud smile, and Tempest nodded in response.
"Here, you will give this to, Lady Furina, when she gives you your title."
Gardon said to him, passing Tempest his sword.
"Thank you, Uncle."
Tempest said with a smile, shorty His mother entered the room, with Penance pushing her wheelchair.
"Oh, my son is handsome."
Merlyn said, without hesitation, Tempest knelt down to her height and gave her a hug.
"Thank you, Mother."
Tempest said, and in response, his Mother gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"Lead our house to glory, my son."
Merlyn said with a proud smile.
"Good luck, Brother."
Penance said.
"Thank you, Penance, you have nothing to worry about anymore."
Tempest assured her with a hug, and a small smile crept on Penance's face.
"Let's get going then, Tempest."
Gardon said to Tempest, gesturing for them it's time to go.
"We'll be back, Mother."
"Show them, my little morning star."
Merlyn said to Tempest with a tender smile. Penance chuckled softly in response, while Tempest simply smiled at his Mother, his eyes filled with affection and pride.
Tempest and Gardon then left the room together. As Tempest stepped out to the entrance of the hotel, he was immediately bombarded by flashes from kameras. Reporters swarmed the area, clamoring for his attention. Fortunately, Gardon's knights were there to keep the crowd at bay, preventing them from getting too close.
"Looks like you're famous now, gonna answer a few questions?"
Gardon said with a smile.
"Sure."
Tempest responded briefly to the barrage of questions, his demeanor calm and composed. Gardon then stepped forward, selecting three random reporters at random for Tempest to address. Each reporter was given a chance to ask their questions, while the rest of the crowd watched eagerly.
"What is your biggest priority once you become Duke, Tempest Proudmoore?"
A reporter asked, his voice cutting through the clamor. As he spoke, all the cameras were focused on Tempest, their lenses capturing every moment of his response.
"I will focus on building a formidable fleet to ensure Fontaine's safety. Additionally, I plan to restore the original purpose of House Proudmoore, as I have promised the god of the sun. I invite many of you to join the Golden Armada, as we aspire to become Teyvat's greatest fleet in the future."
Tempest responded to the reporter, his words met with a flurry of camera flashes that lit up the scene. As the kameras continued to flicker, the next reporter stepped forward, eager to ask their question.
"There are many theories about how House Proudmoore lost its blessing, with the most popular one being tied to Egeria's death. Since you're the first in 500 years to wield Ra's power, what do you believe caused your clan to lose its power?"
The reporter asked, his voice filled with curiosity as the cameras zoomed in, capturing every detail of Tempest's reaction.
"It's simple, my ancestors refused to serve the Hydro Archon."
Tempest answered, his voice calm and direct. The crowd waited in anticipation, expecting him to elaborate, but that was it. That single statement carried the full weight of the truth, leaving the gathered reporters in a brief, stunned silence.
The knights gestured for the reporter to step aside, clearing the way for the final one to approach.
"During your trial, every corner of Teyvat witnessed the phenomenon of the golden skies. What message do you want to send to the entire world?"
The final reporter asked Tempest, his question hanging in the air as all eyes and kameras focused on Tempest, waiting for his words.
"Praise the sun."
Tempest answered the reporter, his voice firm yet enigmatic. Without waiting for further questions, he turned and made his way to the waiting carriage, Gardon close behind him. The knights stepped in to clear a path, holding back the eager reporters who were still clamoring to ask more questions.
"You did well, Tempest."
Gardon said to Tempest as the carriage made its way to the Waterway Hub.
"Hm, where is Teacher?"
Tempest asked, glancing out the window of the carriage. The city was adorned with banners featuring a sun at their center, hanging from every corner. The streets were alive with celebration, as citizens filled the roads, rejoicing in the day's events.
"He's already at the Palais Mermonia, nephew."
"Mhm."
Tempest took a deep breath to compose himself as the carriage drew closer to its destination. After a brief ride, they arrived at the Waterway Hub. Gardon, along with his knights, remained stationed there while Tempest entered the elevator alone.
Moments later, the elevator doors slid open, revealing a waiting crowd. Standing prominently at the entrance of the Palais Mermonia was Furina, with Neuvillette positioned just behind her.
"Praise the sun! Praise the sun! Praise the sun!"
The crowd chanted in unison, their voices echoing with enthusiasm. Tempest made his way slowly towards the Palais Mermonia, the sound of the chant accompanying his deliberate steps as he moved closer to Furina.
Tempest knelt down and presented his sword to Furina with a respectful bow. She accepted the sword, unsheathing it with a practiced hand. Using the blade's edge, she gently tapped both of Tempest's shoulders.
"With this as proof, I hereby grant you the title, Tempest Proudmoore, Duke of House Proudmoore, and Lord of Stormwind."
Furina spoke in a ceremonious tone, her words carrying a sense of formality and weight as she bestowed the title upon Tempest.
"Rise, Tempest."
Furina said with a smile as she returned Tempest's sword to him. He rose from the floor and, with a gentle and respectful gesture, took Furina's hand and kissed it softly.
Furina chuckled softly before she spoke.
"Applause, my dear subjects! We celebrate today, as House Proudmoore once more serves Fontaine!"
Furina gazed out at the crowd, her voice filling the air with a mix of pride and determination as she addressed the gathered citizens
"Praise the sun! Praise the Hydro Archon!"
The crowd erupted into jubilant cheers, their voices blending in a chorus of celebration. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, the cheers echoing through the grand space as the people expressed their admiration and joy.
"I look forward to your endeavors, Tempest."
Furina looked at Tempest.
"I won't let you down, My Lady."
Tempest said to Furina, his voice steady and resolute. He then unsheathed his sword and raised it high into the sky. Moments later, the blade was enveloped in a brilliant golden flame, casting a warm, radiant glow.
"My life for Fontaine."
END OF VOLUME 1
next Volume, Sumeru Expedition.