(Chapter 94 Preparations)
A month later, Tempest found himself standing in the center of the mansion's grand ballroom, silently observing as the staff bustled around him. They were hard at work, setting up decorations and arranging tables with precision, each detail carefully prepared. In just two days, the mansion would be filled with guests for his birthday celebration. Though the room was empty of festivities now, he could already imagine the lively energy that would soon fill the space.
"Looks good, hmph."
Constantine remarked as he walked toward Tempest, surveying the preparations.
"Mm, this might be the biggest party in the nation."
Tempest responded thoughtfully. He had already sent invitations to every noble in Fontaine, arranged for renowned bards from Mondstadt to perform, and even extended an invitation to the Dawn Winery, ensuring that their famous wines would fill the guests' cups.
"You don't look excited though, Your Grace."
Constantine observed, noticing Tempest's subdued demeanor.
"Well, it's the first birthday where I'm not just sitting in a corner, watching my Father entertain the guests while I'm forgotten. It still feels... strange to have all this attention focused on me for a change."
Tempest sighed softly as he replied.
"Hmph, well, better make it memorable. You should practice a speech for the official opening. You'll want to impress the crowd."
Constantine said, placing a firm hand on Tempest's shoulder.
"I guess that's necessary."
Tempest replied with a small smile.
Tempest pulled out a neatly folded note from his uniform, scanning the list of distinguished guests set to attend.
Gardon Vance, his uncle; Callas and Navia Caspar; Robin, set to perform; Sunday; Crepus Ragnvindr along with Diluc and Kaeya Ragnvindr; and, most importantly, Lady Furina herself.
"Good, everything is set."
Tempest said with a satisfied smile as he tucked the note back into his uniform pocket.
"I need to check on someone. Can you hold things down for me in the meantime?
He asked, glancing at Constantine.
"No problemo, Your Grace."
Constantine nodded, placing a hand over his chest.
"Appreciate it."
Tempest replied before turning to leave, his mind already on his next destination.
Soon, Tempest arrived at his office. There, he found his mother seated in her wheelchair, sipping a cup of coffee. On the couch beside her was Nahida, the two engaged in a lively conversation, their voices warm and light as they exchanged stories. Tempest paused for a moment, watching the scene unfold before him, a soft smile forming on his face.
"Am I interrupting?"
Tempest asked softly as he stepped further into the room, his voice carrying a gentle warmth.
Both women turned their heads toward him, Nahida offering a bright smile while his Mother chuckled softly.
"Not at all, dear. Come, join us. We were just talking about you."
His Mother replied, setting her cup down.
"Hopefully, all good things?"
Tempest raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
"Like that, yes, but we were just discussing how my little boy is finally growing into an adult."
Merlyn replied with a warm smile.
Tempest felt a slight blush creep onto his cheeks at the mention of being called "little."
"Well, there's still one more year ahead before he officially reaches adulthood."
Nahida chimed in with a playful chuckle, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
"Ah, but I can assure you, I feel quite mature already. Though I suppose there's always room for growth."
Tempest responded, trying to maintain his composure while a grin spread across his face.
After spending a month in the Proudmoore mansion, Nahida had completely acclimated to her new surroundings. She wandered the halls like a child exploring a playground, her curiosity leading her from room to room, each corner filled with new wonders. The staff adored her cheerful spirit, often showering her with treats and cookies, though, unfortunately, her vessel didn't allow her to indulge in such earthly delights. Instead, she accepted their kindness with a radiant smile, making the mansion feel even more alive.
Only Tempest's inner circle knew her true identity as the God of Wisdom. To everyone else, she was known as the illegitimate child of Mengsk Proudmoore, a mere sister to Tempest, and they treated her with a mix of respect and curiosity. Despite the misunderstandings, Nahida embraced her role, cherishing the bonds she was forming and the warmth of the home she had come to love.
"Well, you both continue your conversation. I have to see Hatsume and Faruzan."
Tempest said, a hint of determination in his voice. He reached for a small device tucked away in his drawer, the very one designed to control the Ghost Operatives.
Just as Tempest was about to step out the door, Merlyn called out to him, her voice warm and inviting.
"Aren't you forgetting something, dear?"
She extended her hands toward him, her expression filled with maternal affection. A small smile blossomed on Tempest's face as he approached her, wrapping his arms around her in a heartfelt embrace.
"Happy birthday, my dear."
She said softly, her words enveloping him like a comforting blanket.
"Thank you, Mother."
Tempest said, his voice filled with gratitude as he released her from the warm embrace. As he turned to Nahida, a fond smile crossed his face. He reached out and gently patted her head, a gesture that conveyed both affection and reassurance.
"Keep the conversation going."
With a final nod to both women, Tempest stepped out of the room, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the preparations ahead.
Shortly after, Tempest arrived at the workshop, where he found Hatsume and Faruzan deeply engrossed in their tasks. In the center of the room stood Tirpitz, clad in the newly designed Ghost suit, expertly tailored to accommodate a Melusine. The sleek, intimidating design of the suit transformed her innocent appearance, giving her an aura that resembled a predator poised for action.
"Almost there, almost done. Hold still for a moment while I add the final touch, Tirpitz."
Faruzan instructed, her voice steady as she focused intently on her task. She carefully took out the collar, a sleek piece of technology designed to fit seamlessly around Tirpitz's neck. With precision, she applied it, ensuring it sat snugly but comfortably.
"What does this thing do, exactly?"
Tirpitz asked, her curiosity evident as she glanced down at the collar now wrapped around her neck.
Hatsume, ever the energetic inventor, gave a playful grin.
"It's a fail-safe device."
She said, her tone light but with an underlying seriousness.
"Every Ghost Operative has to wear one. That suit you're wearing gives you an insane amount of power, ya know? So, just in case one of the Ghosts goes rogue, this little gadget makes sure they don't step out of line."
Tirpitz blinked, intrigued but slightly wary.
"If things go south, the device can send a shock to the wearer,"
Hatsume continued, miming an electric jolt for dramatic effect.
"And if they really decide to betray us, well... boom! It'll take care of the problem for good."
She winked, though the gravity of her words was unmistakable.
"Get what I mean?"
Hatsume added, her voice still playful but laced with an unmistakable warning.
"I have no doubts in your loyalty, Tirpitz. But I need you to understand the immense risk a Ghost operative poses if they ever go rogue. A single Ghost has the power to sabotage an entire army, cripple defenses, or worse. It's a danger I'm not willing to take lightly. So, this fail-safe isn't about mistrust, it's about ensuring we safeguard everything we've built."
Tempest said, his voice calm yet firm. He looked her directly in the eyes, his expression serious.
"Do you understand?"
"I understand, Your Grace."
Tirpitz said with a firm nod, her voice steady despite the weight of Tempest's words.
She straightened her posture, the new Ghost suit gleaming under the workshop lights, a symbol of both power and responsibility.
"I won't let you down."
Tempest nodded approvingly in response to her answer.
"Good, well then, why don't we put it to the test? Let's see just how well that suit performs in action."
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On the testing grounds, Tempest, Hatsume, and Faruzan stood at a safe distance, watching intently. In the center of the field stood Tirpitz, her new Ghost suit gleaming under the sun. Her task was simple yet challenging: defeat six Recon Log Mekas, each known for their agility and precision.
"Begin."
Tempest commanded, his voice steady. At his signal, Hatsume eagerly pressed a button, sending the Mekas into motion. In an instant, the machines activated, their mechanical limbs whirring to life as they locked onto Tirpitz and charged at her with relentless speed.
Tirpitz moved like a shadow across the battlefield, her figure vanishing in an instant as she activated the Ghost suit's cloaking ability. The Mekas, now confused, scanned the area, unable to locate their target. The only sound was the faint hum of their gears, whirring in frustration.
Suddenly, with a swift flicker, Tirpitz reappeared behind one of the Mekas, her left claw glowing with an azure light, infused with Cryo. In a fluid motion, she slashed through the back of the machine, freezing its core and rendering it immobile. The Meka's movements slowed as frost spread across its joints, locking it in place.
Before the other Mekas could react, she vanished again, this time reappearing in the air above them. Her right claw, now glowing a fierce purple with Electro energy, crackled with power. She plunged downward, slashing through two Mekas at once, sending an electric shockwave that short-circuited their systems. Sparks flew as the machines collapsed to the ground, their bodies convulsing from the overload.
The remaining Mekas recalibrated, adjusting to the unpredictable threat. They regrouped, forming a defensive perimeter and deploying rapid-fire projectiles in every direction. Tirpitz, however, was already two steps ahead. She danced between the shots, her agility heightened by the Ghost suit, each of her steps barely leaving a trace.
As she closed in on the next Meka, her left claw shimmered with Cryo energy once more. She leaped into the fray, freezing its weapon system before delivering a devastating Electro-charged blow with her right claw. The impact shattered the Meka's frame, causing it to collapse into a heap of metal.
With only two Mekas left, they attempted to flank her, but Tirpitz anticipated their strategy. Turning invisible again, she repositioned herself, waiting for the perfect moment. The Mekas converged on the last location they detected her, but by the time they reached it, she had already struck from behind. Cryo energy coursed through one machine as her claw sliced cleanly through its head, instantly freezing its circuits.
The final Meka, now aware of its imminent defeat, unleashed a barrage of rapid strikes, desperate to take her down. But Tirpitz, empowered by both Cryo and Electro, moved like a blur, dodging each attack with precision. With a final powerful surge of Electro energy, she charged her right claw and delivered a lethal slash, cleaving through the Meka's core in one clean strike. The last machine collapsed, sparking and smoking as it hit the ground.
Breathing steadily, Tirpitz stood victorious in the center of the battlefield, surrounded by the shattered remains of the Mekas. Her claws slowly dimmed, the elemental energy dispersing as she deactivated the suit's enhancements.
From a distance, Tempest, Hatsume, and Faruzan watched with keen interest.
"Impressive, she handled them like a predator hunting for its prey."
Tempest said softly, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
"Just as I predicted! I told you the suit would make her unstoppable!"
Hatsume exclaimed, her voice full of pride.
"The combination of agility and elemental prowess... it's terrifyingly effective. Tirpitz is ready."
Faruzan, arms crossed, nodded in approval.
"Good job, I knew you were the right person. It seems I made the right choice in keeping you here instead of sending you back to Monsieur Neuvillette."
Tempest praised, walking closer to her as the remnants of the Mekas smoldered around them. His expression was one of genuine admiration, a rare sight that made Tirpitz stand a little taller.
Tirpitz looked up at him, a mixture of pride and relief washing over her.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I appreciate your faith in me."
She replied, her voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.
Tempest nodded, his eyes scanning the battlefield, satisfied with the outcome.
"You not only showcased the suit's capabilities but also your own potential, Tirpitz. With your skills, you'll make an exceptional leader for my squad of Ghosts."
Tempest declared his tone firm yet encouraging.
"It's an honor, Your Grace. I promise I won't let you down."
Tirpitz replied, her voice filled with determination.
"Good. For now, your mission will be to ensure that no one from the Fatui interferes with my birthday celebrations. I want you to capture them if possible, but... actually, let's skip the capture. Just eliminate any threats that dare to disrupt the festivities."
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Perched high up in the branches of a sturdy tree, a bard casually munched on an apple, his eyes glimmering with mischief.
"Oh? One of the largest parties in Fontaine is about to begin, and I haven't been invited? Now that's a shame. I do so enjoy a good celebration, and they're denying me a chance to join in the revelry! It's like they're saying 'Don't come anywhere near us, we don't want your playful charm around!'"
He chuckled to himself, the sound echoing softly through the night air.
"Haha, as if a lack of invitation will stop me! I'll just have to show up unannounced and add a bit of excitement to their fancy gathering, ehe!"