(Chapter 49 Invitation)
*Horn!*
The deep, resonant horn of the Dreadnought echoed across the entire deck, a powerful signal that they were drawing close to their destination. Standing at the bow of the ship, Tempest felt the vibration of the sound through the steel beneath his feet. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the silhouette of the Court of Fontaine began to emerge from the mist.
"No matter how many times I see it, the Court of Fontaine, is a sight to behold, the pinnacle of Fontaine's ingenuity and artistry."
Tempest remarked, his voice filled with admiration as he gazed at the majestic city on the horizon.
"Brother..."
Tempest heard his sister's voice from behind him. He paused for a moment, then turned around to face her.
"Penance? Is something bothering you?"
Tempest asks his sister, his tone tinged with a bit of concern.
"No, not really. Just nervous and excited at the same time."
Penance said as she joined her brother at the bow, resting her arms on the metal railing.
I won't force you, Penance, but I suggest you reconsider and turn back now. Uncle Gardon could take you back to Stormwind. There's still time."
Tempest's gaze softened as he watched her, the weight of his protective instincts evident.
"No, I don't think I will."
Penance replied to her brother with a smirk.
"Come on, brother, this is my first adventure, and the first time I'm actually away in the mansion, without the prying eyes of our Father."
Penance responded with a determined smile.
Tempest sighed in response, and shortly, a smile crept on his face.
"I suppose that makes two of us. Just promise me you'll stay in my line of sight. I need to know you're safe, no matter what happens."
Tempest placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice carrying a tone of both concern and protectiveness.
Penance looked up at her brother, her eyes filled with trust and determination.
"I promise, brother. I won't stray far. We'll face whatever comes together."
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At long last, the Dreadnought docked at the Court of Fontaine's harbor. The massive vessel eased into its berth with practiced precision, the ship's hull creaking gently as it settled against the pier.
"Do you need an escort? Your Grace?"
Rohan approached Tempest, who was with Penance.
"No need. Have the men gather only what they need for the journey ahead. We'll set sail to the Fontaine Research Institute tomorrow."
Tempest replied to Rohan, he nodded in response and shortly headed back to the knights.
"Are you coming with me? I'll be meeting with, Lady Furina."
Tempest turned to his sister.
"Hm, it's fine, tell her I said hello. Uncle has promised to buy me some things later, so I'll be busy with that."
Penance replied to her brother.
"Very well, have fun, dear sister."
Tempest said with a warm smile, giving her a gentle pat on the head. He then turned to disembarked from the Dreadnought, quite excited to meet Furina, again after a month.
"Rohan, I'm leaving you in charge of the ship and the crew while I'm away. Ensure everything runs smoothly and send a messenger hawk to me if any emergencies arise."
Tempest said, addressing Rohan, who was engaged in conversation with the other knights.
"Aye aye, Your Grace."
Rohan responded with a firm nod, curling his hand into a fist and placing it over his chest in a salute. The knights followed suit, mirroring their commander's gesture as they paid their respects to the Duke.
Tempest nodded in acknowledgment, then disembarked from the Dreadnought. He made his way directly to the elevator.
He adjusted the medal Furina had given him, ensuring it lay perfectly on his collar. His Pyro Delusion, now adorned with the sigil of Fontaine, hung prominently on his uniform. His sword, a gift from his Uncle, was sheathed securely at his belt.
"Odd... I haven't heard from Crucabena in three months. I figured she'd have sent her congratulations by now."
Tempest muttered to himself, his tone tinged with sarcasm.
Shortly, the elevator doors opened, and Tempest stepped out into the bustling streets of the Vasari Passage.
Tempest walked the streets with a sense of pride, drawing the attention of the citizens around him. Unlike before, the glances he received were not filled with contempt or hatred, but with genuine awe and respect, emotions that Tempest had truly earned.
"Mister Tempest!"
A pink Melusine spotted Tempest from a distance and, with a cheerful wave, made her way toward him.
"Miss Kiara."
Tempest knelt down to her height.
"Ah! Should I be addressing you as, 'Your Grace,' from now on?"
Kiara said, placing her hand on her chin in a thoughtful gesture.
Tempest smiled in response, before speaking.
"No need, close friends of mine, can just call me, Tempest. Like you always have, Miss Kiara."
"Ah! Okay! Mister Tempest! You brought a really big ship! Are you going somewhere?"
Kiara said, raising both her hands to mirror the immense size of the Dreadnought, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Yes, I will be going to Sumeru, in the next couple of days."
"Ohhh! Mister Tempest, please remember to stay hydrated while you're traveling through the desert, okay? It's really important to drink plenty of water out there!"
Kiara said, her tone full of concern. Tempest chuckled warmly at her advice, then responded with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, Miss Kiara. I'll make sure to stay well-hydrated, I appreciate the tip. And I want to thank you as well, for being one of the few who genuinely believed in my innocence back then."
Tempest said, and Kiara smiled in response.
"The first time we met each other, and the actions you showed me. I just knew you were innocent, Mister Tempest. The things you did in Stormwind were nasty, but you did it for the nation, right?"
Kiara asked, her eyes filled with hope and sincerity as she looked up at him, waiting for his response.
"Yes, it is true, Miss Kiara, I sincerely wished there was another way..."
Tempest replied.
"Mm! I was right, to trust you! Mister Tempest!"
Kiara said enthusiastically, her smile bright and full of energy. Tempest couldn't help but smile back, feeling a sense of warmth and relief knowing that someone had believed in his innocence back then.
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After a brief detour, Tempest purchased a box filled with delicate macarons. He intended to gift them to Furina, knowing she seemed like the type of person who would appreciate sweets. Now, he found himself standing in the elevator, the box in hand, as it ascended toward her office.
Finally, the elevator slid open.
"My Lady, hm?"
Tempest stepped into Furina's office, but to his surprise, she was nowhere to be seen. Her usual spot behind the desk was empty, leaving the room eerily quiet.
"Lady Furina?"
"Ah! Tempest? Are you there?"
As Tempest stood in the quiet office, Furina's voice suddenly echoed from behind the door of her room. The sound broke the silence, drawing his attention immediately.
"Do you have time? My Lady? Should I leave?"
Tempest said turning his head to the door that leads to Furina's room.
"No no! I'm changing right now! I'll be out there shortly, just wait a moment!"
Furina's voice filled the room as she hastily called out.
"Of course, My Lady, please take your time."
Tempest said, his curiosity piqued as he heard the unmistakable sound of items crashing to the floor in Furina's room, followed by hurried footsteps scrambling around.
After a short while, Furina finally emerged from her room, dressed in her signature outfit that accentuated her elegant figure. Her iconic hat, perched perfectly atop her head, completed her unmistakable look.
"To whom do I owe the pleasure of seeing me?"
Furina's tone carried a hint of amusement as she spoke, her voice laced with a polite yet playful demeanor. A smirk danced on her lips, adding a touch of mischief to her expression.
"My apologies, for making you waste your time on this poor man, My Lady."
Tempest said with a hint of sarcasm, a playful smile etched on his face as he spoke.
Furina laughed in response before shortly a genuine smile appeared on her face.
"It's good to see you again, Tempest."
"As do I, My Lady."
Tempest replied with a polite smile and a short, respectful bow.
"Given, that we know each other, you may relax a little, and needn't act so respectfully in my presence."
Furina spoke with a tone of pride as she gracefully moved to her seat near the desk. She crossed her legs elegantly and gestured for Tempest to take a seat across from her.
"Is that for me, Tempest?"
Furina asked, her eyes lighting up as she spotted the box of macarons in his hand, clearly hoping he'd say yes.
"Of course, My Lady, please, help yourself."
Tempest smiled and placed the box of macarons on Furina's desk. Without a moment's hesitation, Furina eagerly grabbed a macaron, her face lighting up with a bright smile as she took her first bite.
"Mmm! So good!"
Furina happily munched on the macarons, savoring each bite with a contented expression. Meanwhile, Tempest stood by, watching her enjoy the treat. A smile gradually crept onto his face as he observed her delight.
'Adorable...'
Tempest thought to himself.
After taking one final bite, Furina finished her macaron. With a delicate gesture, she used her finger to swipe the remaining cream from the corner of her mouth, savoring every last bit.
"Delicious! You truly know how to catch my attention, Tempest... You could be my personal butler if you'd like."
"It would be an honor, My Lady."
Tempest responded to Furina's offer without hesitation, catching her off guard. She was momentarily surprised, then let out a soft sigh.
"I was joking, Tempest, you're a Duke, and I wouldn't want your talents to go to waste as my butler. I appreciate it, though."
Furina chuckled softly and shook her head, her voice filled with a mixture of amusement and respect as she clarified that she was only joking.
"Oh... Right."
Tempest replied, almost forgetting he was now the Duke of House Proudmoore.
"Anyways, I spotted one of your ships on my balcony earlier... Are you going somewhere?"
Furina's tone was tinged with curiosity.
"Yes, I will be heading to the Fontaine Research Institute, tomorrow, and from there I will be proceeding to Sumeru, please take a look at this, My Lady."
Tempest said as he passed an envelope to Furina.
"Your Grace, it is with great respect that I write to you. I regret to inform you that the Fatui still insists on acquiring the Ghost Program, and your presence is required here to formally cancel the deal. Furthermore, we have exhausted our supply of Primal Constructs necessary for producing additional Ghost suits. The current Ghost Suit prototype, which your Father initially took, remains plagued with numerous flaws. If possible, we request more Primal Constructs to aid in resolving these issues, there are numerous of them in the ruins of the deserts of Sumeru. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss these matters with you in greater detail. Please visit the Fontaine Research Institute at your earliest convenience."
The letter stated.
"Fatui? Ghost Program?"
Furina said in confusion.
"The Ghost Program is a remarkable achievement by the Fontaine Research Institute, My Lady. My Father was the main sponsor of this project, with the intention of selling it to the Fatui. As you're aware, the Fatui have denied any involvement with my Father, successfully distancing themselves from any accusations, and escaping unscathed. My goal in visiting the Research Institute is to cancel the deal and provide them with the resources they need. This technology rightfully belongs to Fontaine, My Lady, not to a faction infamous for betraying their allies once they've outlived their usefulness."
Tempest said with a serious tone.
"Hmm... You're right, the Fatui are indeed quite cunning in their words. It's impressive, really. However, I can't help but wonder, Tempest, why are you still here? Shouldn't you have already headed straight to the Fontaine Research Institute?"
Furina's voice held a note of contemplation as she acknowledged the Fatui's cunning words, her mind processing the information. Her curiosity then shifted towards Tempest, and she questioned his presence in her company.
"I still have time, My Lady, my captain is already stationed at the Research Institute and will send a messenger hawk if the Fatui make an appearance. I've come here to seek your permission, as I anticipate being away for about a month. I wanted to ensure that all is in order before I depart."
Tempest said to Furina, his gaze steady as he awaited her response.
Furina was momentarily taken aback when Tempest mentioned that he would be gone for a month, especially since they had just met after his previous absence of the same duration. The news caught her off guard, and her expression shifted to one of mild surprise as she processed the implications of his extended departure.
"You have my permission, Tempest, and in fact, you do not need to ask for my permission. You are a Duke, and your authority is just below mine and Neuvillette's."
Furina spoke with a regal and authoritative tone.
"Thank you, My Lady, I actually have one more reason why I came here in the court..."
"Hm?"
Tempest took the VIP tickets in his pockets, The Family gave him in their letter.
"Lady Furina, I'd like to invite you to an opera with me."