(Chapter 66 A Proposal)
"Your Grace?!"
A voice called urgently from outside, accompanied by a fierce knock at the door. Tempest's shout echoed through the night, drawing immediate concern from those standing guard outside his quarters.
Tempest opened the door, his expression dark and brooding, the remnants of the recent ordeal still etched across his face. Standing outside were three of his knights, their postures tense as they quickly realized the gravity of the situation. They could see the storm brewing in his eyes, and it was clear that the unexpected intrusion had left him in a foul mood. The knights exchanged uneasy glances, knowing they had failed in their duty to protect his privacy.
"Your Gra-
"What in the seven hells were you three doing? Can any of you even do your job properly?"
Tempest's voice cut through the silence like a blade, laced with seething disappointment and anger. His piercing gaze bore into them, each word dripping with frustration. The knights flinched under the weight of his ire, their heads bowed in shame.
"I swear I'll... I'll strip all of you of your titles as knights if this happens again... Do I make myself clear?"
Tempest's voice, though slightly calmer, still carried the weight of his earlier fury. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was not his Father, he was Tempest, a leader who believed in forgiveness and second chances.
"Yes, Your Grace, thank you, Your Grace."
The three knights responded in unison, their voices filled with a mix of relief and guilt. They bowed their heads deeply, showing their respect and remorse for their failure.
"Good."
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Tempest decided to take a midnight stroll, unable to find rest. He hoped that walking through the quiet night air would help clear his mind and provide some relief from the turmoil of what had just happened.
"A certain man, in Snezhnaya long go~"
"Huh?"
As Tempest strolled through the quiet night, he passed by one of Hatsume's Siege Engines. From within, he could hear the faint strains of music playing.
Tempest climbed up the Siege Engine and opened the hatch, peering inside to see Hatsume engrossed in her tinkering with various gadgets scattered around. Meanwhile, Penance sat in the driver's seat, deeply absorbed in reading a novel. The soft hum of music filled the air, emanating from an old record player that Hatsume had set up. The unexpected scene inside the Siege Engine offered a strange but comforting contrast to the unsettling events of the night.
"Chief?"
"Brother?"
Hatsume and Penance looked up simultaneously, their voices overlapping as they noticed Tempest peering down through the hatch.
"Don't stay up late you two." Penance, are you sleeping here?"
Tempest advised his tone both gentle and firm. His gaze shifted to his sister
"Penance, are you sleeping here?"
"No, I'll return to my room later. Why do you ask?"
Penance replied.
"I don't trust the Eremites here one bit. Hatsume, please make sure Penance gets safely back to her room later."
Tempest said as he turned to Hatsume.
"Got it, chief."
Hatsume responded with a thumbs-up before turning her attention back to tinkering with her devices.
"Lock the hatch, see you both tomorrow."
Tempest said, giving a final nod before stepping away from the Siege Engine.
He then made his way to the carriages parked outside the Tanit Camps. As he walked, the knights stationed on patrol duty gave him a respectful bow, acknowledging his presence with brief nods of their heads.
"Where is she?"
Tempest muttered to himself as he opened the carriage door where Faruzan was supposed to be resting.
Inside the carriage was just unopened steelware of food, and blankets signaling she got out earlier.
'She's unstable... I need to find her quick...'
Tempest thought urgently, realizing the need to locate her before things worsened.
"Are you looking for someone, Your Grace?"
A knight approached Tempest, his tone respectful but tinged with curiosity.
"Where is the woman who was staying here? She has turquoise twin tails and an Anemo Vision on her dress."
Tempest asked the knight, his voice urgent.
"Ah, you must be referring to her. She mentioned she needed some fresh air, Your Grace. I saw her heading towards that cliff over there."
The knight said, gesturing towards a distant cliff with a pointed finger.
"Thank you."
Tempest said quickly, his voice tinged with urgency. As he took off towards the cliff, a gnawing feeling in his gut made him uneasy. Something didn't sit right with him, and his instincts urged him to hurry.
"Don't tell me she's honestly thinking about it..."
Tempest muttered to himself, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and concern.
Tempest arrived at the cliff and saw Faruzan standing dangerously close to the edge. The moonlight bathed her in a ghostly glow, casting eerie shadows that danced with the wind.
Faruzan took a hesitant step forward, her expression a blend of exhaustion and despair. Her once indomitable pride was gone, replaced by the weight of loss and the realization that everything she had once cherished was now gone. In her troubled thoughts, she grappled with the belief that she was no longer needed in this generation.
"I'll be joining you all soon..."
"What are you doing?"
Tempest's voice was firm but laced with concern as he swiftly grasped Faruzan's wrist, halting her from taking another precarious step forward.
Faruzan turned around, her eyes widening in shock as she saw Tempest standing before her. His face was as emotionless and unreadable as ever.
"Ah, you know, just... Contemplating a leap of faith, if you will. Hoping that my next life... Might offer a bit more excitement and purpose."
Faruzan said with a wry chuckle, her voice tinged with both resignation and a faint glimmer of hope.
"Do you want to though?"
Tempest asked, his voice steady as he released his grip on her wrist. His gaze remained unwavering as if trying to pierce through the layers of her melancholy.
"You know, I considered taking my own life multiple times when I was just a child. The difference between us is that no one stopped me when I was so close to slitting my own throat but myself. It was my own resolve that kept me going."
Tempest said, his voice carrying a note of reflection.
"What exactly do I have left in this world? My family is no more, my friends are gone, and my once-cherished research has been reduced to little more than an antiquarian relic... I am nothing more than a leftover remnant of the past... a shadow of what I used to be."
Faruzan said, her voice tinged with despair as she lowered her head.
"You haven't even gone back to the Akademiya, to confirm what I said earlier."
Tempest said, his tone calm yet firm.
"There might still be something left for you there, something that could reignite your passion or give you a new purpose. You haven't given yourself the chance to explore those possibilities yet."
"What kind of endeavor could possibly reawaken the flame of my passion? What could possibly fill the void left by my lost purpose...?"
Faruzan asked, her gaze lingering on Tempest with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
"Archons, you're being so dramatic, I thought you were this brilliant scholar, capable of finding your own answers. Perhaps you could consider becoming a teacher, or a sage, as they call it. Maybe even reframe yourself as a Madam, given you're technically a century old."
Tempest said as he walked past Faruzan and took a seat on the edge of the cliff, gazing up at the moon.
"Madam... Madam Faruzan, I can get used to that..."
Faruzan said, a small, wistful smile beginning to tug at the corners of her lips.
"Just go see for yourself first at the Akademiya, before resorting to that..."
Tempest said, his tone firm yet gentle. Faruzan, after a moment of contemplation, joined him on the edge of the cliff, sitting beside him as they both gazed out at the moonlit desert.
"You can also come to Fontaine with me if you'd like, once I got what I need here in the desert."
Tempest said, his gaze fixed firmly on the moon.
"Fontaine, you say? What on Teyvat could the Land of Justice possibly offer someone like me, a relic from a bygone era?"
Faruzan replied, her voice a blend of curiosity and skepticism.
"You're smart, very smart. Cyrus mentioned to me, that you are very knowledgeable about the ancient machines of the desert, especially the Primal Constructs, and you are also very knowledgeable about its ancient language... That's why I will offer you a proposal."
Tempest's gaze remained fixed on the moon, his tone both earnest and contemplative.
"And what's that?"
Faruzan asks.
"Acquaintances of mine at the Fontaine Research Institute are working on a project that harnesses the power of the Primal Constructs. I'd like to extend an offer to you, a private lab to continue your research, a comfortable room, three-course meals each day, and the freedom to work at your own pace. Additionally, I'll ensure you receive payment every weekend for your contributions."
Tempest finally turned to face Faruzan.
"Ultimately, the choice is yours to make, Faruzan. Sumeru is your homeland, and I would never force you to leave it if you don't wish to. You are free to decide your path. Just know that the offer stands, and if you choose to accept, a new opportunity awaits you in Fontaine."
Tempest said.
"But, why? Why me though?"
Faruzan asks Tempest.
"Why you?"
Tempest said, turning to face Faruzan fully.
"Because, despite your doubts and the trials you've faced, you are an invaluable asset. Your knowledge of the ancient machines and the Primal Constructs is unparalleled. Few understand the ancient language and technology as you do. It's not just about offering you a place to continue your research, it's about recognizing the potential you still have to contribute something extraordinary. I believe you could be instrumental in a significant advancement, and I want to give you the opportunity to realize that potential. It's a chance for you to redefine your place in this world, not as a relic of the past, but as a pioneer shaping the future."
"Am I just a mere tool for you to use? Is this offer intended merely to exploit my knowledge and abilities for your own gain? Do you see me as nothing more than a useful tool to discard when my utility runs dry?"
Faruzan asked, her voice tinged with disappointment as she turned to Tempest.
"No, Faruzan, it's not about using you as a tool. It's about recognizing your worth and giving you the opportunity to shine once more. You're not just a means to an end, you're someone with immense potential, and I want to support you in realizing that. It's about mutual benefit. I need your expertise, but I also want you to find renewed purpose and value in what you do. It's about finding a place where you can thrive and be appreciated for your true capabilities."
Tempest's words lingered in the cool night air, and Faruzan found herself lost in thought. Her gaze fell to the ground, her mind swirling with the weight of Tempest's offer. The idea of a new beginning, the promise of a place where her knowledge and skills would be valued.
"However, before you make any decisions about my offer, I suggest you visit the Akademiya yourself. See what remains of your past work and how it is regarded now. Take the time to see for yourself, think of my offer as a backup plan, a 'Plan B,' if you will. I want you to make the choice that feels right for you, without any pressure or haste."
Tempest said.
"I'll... I'll have to give it some thought. Making a decision like this is not something to be taken lightly. I'll need some time to consider your proposal."