(Chapter 97 His Pride)
Furina stepped further into the balcony, her eyes falling on the table where a plate of cake and a bottle of Dandelion Wine rested. Her gaze flickered with curiosity and amusement as she turned to Tempest, a teasing grin forming on her lips.
"Oh, quite prepared are we?"
She remarked, her tone light and playful. She arched an eyebrow, clearly amused by the setting.
"Is for me?"
She asked, her voice carrying a hint of mischief. She looked back at him, waiting for his response with that signature glint in her eyes that never quite gave away whether she was serious or simply toying with him.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Tempest's lips as he watched her, his gaze softening before he responded.
"Of course, My Lady."
He said, his tone warm yet composed, the formal address laced with a touch of affection.
He gestured subtly to the table, the flicker of candlelight dancing over the polished surface.
"I thought it fitting to share a quiet moment with you... away from the crowd."
His eyes briefly flicked to the moonlit sky above them.
"After all, a Duke should know how to honor his most important guest properly."
Tempest said, his eyes locking on hers.
"Hm, so you just wanted some alone time with me, is that it?"
Furina teased, a playful glint in her eyes as she walked over to the table. She picked up a fork, eyeing the cake with interest before flashing Tempest a mischievous smile.
"Well, thank you for the cake~"
Tempest smiled softly at her playful response, watching as Furina indulged herself in the cake, clearly enjoying it. Without a word, he moved to the table, retrieving two cups and setting them down carefully. He uncorked the dandelion wine, the soft pop of the bottle opening filling the quiet air around them. He poured the wine into both cups, the golden liquid shimmering under the moonlight.
As he filled the glasses, his thoughts drifted for a moment.
'That bard... hm, I'll have to thank him properly when I see him again.'
He mused, the faintest trace of a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Hey, you're still seventeen, you know?"
Furina teased, her eyes glinting mischievously as she scooped another spoonful of cake into her mouth. She watched Tempest with a playful smirk as he picked up his cup of dandelion wine and sat back down.
Tempest gave a small chuckle, swirling the drink in his hand before responding.
"Well, this isn't our first time, no?"
Tempest remarked, a hint of playfulness in his voice as he raised the cup.
"Hmph, just because it's your birthday."
Furina replied, crossing her arms and giving him a mock pout. Despite her words, a small smile played on her lips as she indulged him for the night, letting the atmosphere between them grow lighter under the soft glow of the moon.
"Here's to the nation."
Furina declared, raising her cup high with a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"Here's to you, My Lady."
Tempest replied warmly, meeting her gaze as they clinked their glasses together. The sound of crystal against crystal echoed softly in the quiet of the balcony, and Tempest's words elicited a genuine chuckle from Furina.
"How cheeky..."
Furina remarked, her voice playful and teasing. With a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes, she brought the cup to her lips and took a generous sip of the wine.
Tempest followed suit, raising his cup to his lips and taking a hearty drink of the dandelion wine. The moment the rich, sweet liquid touched his tongue, he felt a wave of warmth wash over him.
'Hm, not bad.'
He thought to himself, appreciating the delightful complexity of flavors that lingered on his palate.
"Tempest."
Furina called out softly, her voice breaking through the ambient chatter of the party. He turned to face her, curiosity piqued and found her holding a small gift box delicately wrapped in shimmering paper. The corners of her mouth curled into a playful smile, and her eyes sparkled with mischief as she presented the package to him.
"It's for you."
She said, her tone inviting yet mysterious. Drawing Tempest's attention like a moth to a flame. He could sense the significance behind the gesture, a token of their shared moments and a symbol of the bond they were forging.
"You didn't have to do this, My Lady."
Tempest said, his voice tinged with genuine surprise as he gazed at the small gift box in her hands.
"Augh, just accept it already!"
Furina exclaimed, a playful exasperation dancing in her eyes. Her insistence was laced with warmth, and the smile on her face suggested she was eager for him to open it. She nudged the box closer to him, her enthusiasm radiating as if she were the one receiving a present.
With a resigned smile, Tempest reached for the box, recognizing that sometimes it was best to simply embrace the kindness of others, especially from her.
"Alright, alright. I'll open it."
He replied, his curiosity ignited.
Tempest carefully opened the small gift box, and his eyes widened with surprise as he revealed its contents. Nestled inside was an intricately crafted crochet figure resembling Furina, a charming miniature version of the Archon herself.
"Ta-da! Now, whenever you're away, you won't just think of your Archon, you can do it with this mini-me! Be honored!"
Furina declared with an infectious pride, her eyes sparkling with delight at her creation. The crochet doll was adorned with the same details as her usual attire, capturing her essence in a playful and affectionate manner.
Tempest was momentarily speechless, captivated by the crochet Furina in his hands and the real Furina standing before him. A smile slowly spread across his face as he brought the tiny figure closer, gently placing it against his cheek.
"H-Hey! What are you doing?!"
Furina exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with surprise and a hint of fluster. She watched, wide-eyed, as Tempest held the miniature version of her, clearly amused yet slightly bewildered by his gesture.
Tempest chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Just enjoying the company of two wonderful, Lady Furinas."
He replied, his tone teasing yet sincere. The moment was lighthearted, filled with warmth and laughter.
Furina sighed softly, her earlier fluster fading as a tender smile appeared on her face. She glanced at the crochet version of herself in Tempest's hands before her gaze met his.
"It's not much."
She began, her voice carrying a warmth that contrasted her usual playful tone.
"But I put my heart into making it. Happy birthday again, Tempest."
Her words held sincerity, and the smile that lingered on her lips showed the care she'd put into the gift. Tempest's eyes softened at her sentiment, the moment between them now filled with a quiet intimacy beyond their usual banter.
"I'll carry it with me wherever I go."
Tempest said with a soft smile, holding the crochet close.
Furina's eyes widened in mock alarm.
"Don't do that!"
She exclaimed, crossing her arms.
"It'll get dirty, and then it won't look as perfect as it does now. Just put it in your office where it can stay pristine."
Tempest chuckled, amused by her concern.
"As you wish, My Lady. I'll make sure it has a place of honor."
Furina huffed playfully, though the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her fondness.
'I'll definitely carry it everywhere I go...'
Tempest thought to himself, glancing down at the little crochet figure in his hand, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Furina gracefully moved to the railings of the balcony, her gown gently swaying with the night breeze as she gazed out at the moonlit sky. The soft glow of the moon bathed her in a silvery light, enhancing her elegance. Tempest watched her silently from behind, captivated by the serene beauty of the moment.
'So beautiful...'
He thought to himself, unable to tear his eyes away from her.
After a moment, he stepped forward and quietly joined her at the railing, standing by her side, the moonlight casting a calm stillness over them both. Neither spoke, but the unspoken connection between them felt stronger than any words could convey.
"So, what's next for you? Are you... planning to go somewhere?"
Furina asked, her voice soft as she continued to gaze at the moonlit horizon.
Tempest remained silent for a moment before responding, his tone resolute.
"For now, my focus is on expanding the Golden Armada. Soon, they will patrol the waters of Fontaine, serving as both our sword and shield. With their strength, no one will dare to invade or challenge our homeland."
He turned to her, his gaze unwavering.
"I swear this to you, My Lady. Fontaine will stand strong, and I will ensure its protection."
Furina looked at him, her expression unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes, pride, perhaps.
Shortly, Furina's expressionless face transformed into a warm smile, illuminating her features in the moonlight.
"Then, I have no doubts that this nation is safe under your watch, my dear Admiral."
She said, her voice filled with a mixture of confidence and admiration.
Tempest's eyes widened in surprise as Furina referred to him as "dear Admiral." His heart raced, a flutter of emotions igniting within him.
'My pride is so damn beautiful... I... I just want to stay with her forever... I swear to everyone, no, to the entire world: if anyone dares to hurt her, they will receive no mercy from me. If everyone chooses to turn against her, then the world be damned, for I will be the one to stand by her side. I would conquer nations for her, burn down Celestia for her, cleanse the Abyss for her, I'd do anything to protect her. Nothing would stand in my way, her safety and happiness are all that matters to me.'
At that moment, Tempest felt an unwavering resolve solidify within him, his devotion to Furina stronger than ever.
"Tempest? Tempest!"
Furina called out, her voice breaking through the haze of his thoughts.
Startled, he turned to her, only to see her pointing toward a glowing orb on the balcony. As he followed her gesture, he noticed the orb shimmering with an ethereal light, slowly morphing into a Hydro Vision, its luminous surface radiating a gentle blue hue.
"Look."
She said, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. The orbs pulsated softly, reflecting the moonlight and casting a delicate glow around them.
"I believe that's yours."
Furina said, her voice filled with a playful note as she gestured toward the Hydro Vision. Tempest reached out and carefully grasped the shimmering orb, feeling its warmth against his palm.
"Ah, how ironic..."
He mused, a hint of a wry smile crossing his lips.
"I used to pity those who received Visions, thinking that it was just Celestia's way of showing mercy to the weak as if it were nothing more than a consolation prize. I never thought I would be one of them."
He looked over at Furina, his gaze filled with determination.
"But I won't use it in their name. I will wield this power to protect our nation, and I will use it in your name, My Lady."
Tempest declared, his voice steady and filled with conviction.
Furina's eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn't help but smile at his earnestness.
"Hah, I expected those words..."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"Are you sure you don't want me to see you off at the harbor, My Lady?"
Tempest asked, standing beside the elegant carriage where Furina was seated, preparing to depart. His gaze lingered on her, reluctant to see her leave so soon.
"It's quite alright, Tempest. The party still needs its Duke, after all, it is your birthday."
She replied with a light chuckle.
"I didn't want to leave this early, but you know how it is. If I arrive too late, or Celestia forbids, tomorrow, Neuvillette will have quite a mouthful ready for me. I'd rather not face his lectures today."
Tempest couldn't help but smile at her playful tone, but the thought of her departure left a slight ache in his chest.
"I understand, My Lady, but your presence will be missed."
He stepped back as the carriage's door closed, watching her through the window as she adjusted herself inside.
Furina gave him a last, fleeting smile.
"Try not to miss me too much, Tempest. And enjoy the rest of your night. It's not every day the Duke of Stormwind turns a year older."
She teased before the carriage began to roll forward.
Tempest bowed slightly as it drove off, his eyes following it until it exited the mansion's gates.
"Safe travels, My Lady."
He murmured under his breath.
Shortly after Furina's departure, Tempest returned to the ballroom, where the festivities were still in full swing. The air was filled with laughter and lively conversation, music resonating through the grand hall. He couldn't help but feel a sense of renewed energy as he stepped back into the vibrant atmosphere.
His Hydro Vision now hung proudly beside his Pyro Delusion on his uniform, a symbol of his commitment to protect Fontaine and its people in Furina's name. The cool glow of the Hydro Vision contrasted beautifully with the fiery hue of the Pyro Delusion, reminding him of the balance he sought to achieve in his role as Duke and Admiral.
"Mmpf."
Suddenly, someone bumped into Tempest from behind, causing him to turn around in surprise. He found himself face-to-face with Lyney, his expression one of panic and urgency.
"Lyney? Is something wrong?"
Tempest asked, concern evident in his voice as he observed the distress etched on the young magician's face.
"My sister! I can't find my sister!"
Lyney exclaimed, his voice trembling with anxiety. He glanced around the bustling ballroom as if hoping to catch a glimpse of her among the crowd. The merriment that filled the air now seemed distant, overshadowed by his mounting worry.
"I was just speaking with her a while ago, and now she's gone! What if something happened?!"
"I'll-"
Before Tempest could finish his sentence, Lyney interrupted him, urgency in his tone.
"I'm sorry! But I have to find her!"
Without waiting for a response, Lyney dashed away, weaving through the throngs of guests with a sense of desperation. His eyes darted from one face to another, searching for any sign of his sister. The vibrant atmosphere of the party faded into the background as he focused solely on his quest to locate her.
'Mm?!'
Tempest felt a sudden shift in the air around him. He glanced at a woman who had just passed by, and a chill ran down his spine as he sensed a familiar yet malevolent aura radiating from her.
"Tirpitz, follow her."
Tempest instructed, his voice low but urgent.
"On it."
Tirpitz replied, her voice barely a whisper, thanks to her Ghost suit, she was invisible and no one noticed her since the beginning of the party. She swiftly took off in pursuit of the mysterious woman, her senses heightened as she moved silently through the crowd.
"Maybe it's just my imagination... but I can't take any chances."
Tempest muttered under his breath, the lingering aura reminding him all too much of Peruere, the woman he had once faced off against in a dangerous game of Snezhnayan Roulette. The familiarity of that energy made his skin crawl, but he quickly shook his head, trying to focus on the present. He couldn't afford to dwell on the past right now.
As his gaze shifted to the center of the ballroom, the lively dance continued with elegance and grace. The guests twirled and laughed, completely unaware of the undercurrent of tension running through him. His eyes fell upon Robin, seated alone at a table, calmly declining invitations to dance from a few persistent guests with polite nods. She seemed content watching the others, but her quiet solitude stood out amid the revelry.
Tempest sighed, his mind divided between the strange woman, Lyney's distress, and the serene yet solitary figure of Robin. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, but it seemed the weight of responsibility was never far behind.
Tempest approached Robin, his presence commanding yet gentle amidst the bustling ballroom. He extended his hand toward her, his eyes meeting hers with quiet determination.
"Your Grace?"
Robin's eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected gesture, momentarily caught off guard.
"I didn't invite you here to just sit, would you like to have a dance?"
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Outside the mansion, under the cover of night, two guards marched steadily, carrying a large, heavy baggage as they trailed behind a well-dressed noble. The atmosphere was tense, and the sounds of the distant party inside seemed a world away.
"Let me out! Please, I just want to go home!"
A desperate voice cried from inside the baggage, Lynette's. She pounded against the sides, her voice filled with fear and urgency.
But the guards ignored her pleas, their faces expressionless as they continued their grim task, carrying her towards the noble's waiting carriage. The noble cast a glance over his shoulder, a sinister gleam in his eyes as the carriage door creaked open, ready to take her away into the night.
"Mmpf!"
"Gargf!"
The two guards collapsed to the ground, lifeless, their throats cut in an instant. The heavy baggage they carried hit the dirt with a dull thud. Inside, Lynette gasped, still trapped but now sensing the shift in the air.
"Huh?! Who's there?"
The noble's voice trembled, panic spreading across his face as he whipped around to find his guards lying in a pool of blood. Fear widened his eyes as the shadows seemed to move, swirling unnaturally.
Emerging from the darkness was an imposing figure, her presence suffocating. She stepped forward with an eerie grace, revealing herself in the moonlight, Peruere, now calling herself by a more sinister name, "Arlecchino", one of the newly appointed Fatui Harbingers, replacing Crucabena's position.
"You... What do you want?!"
The noble stammered, taking a step back, his bravado quickly evaporating.
Arlecchino tilted her head, her eyes cold and calculating.
"Your life."
Arlecchino said coldly, her voice dripping with menace. In one fluid motion, she swung her rapier at the noble with deadly precision, aiming to end him in a single strike.
But just as the blade was about to land, it was suddenly deflected, knocked aside as if by an invisible force. The rapier flew from her grasp, clattering onto the ground.
"Intruder."
A voice called out, calm yet authoritative.
Tirpitz stood between Arlecchino and the noble, her Ghost suit now deactivated, shimmering back into visibility. She leveled her gaze at Arlecchino, her stance firm and unyielding, ready to defend.