(Chapter 127 On Her Way)
Furina let out an exaggerated sigh, waving a dismissive hand toward the assistant who struggled under the weight of an enormous stack of papers piled high in his arms.
"Augh, honestly, leave these kinds of things to Neuvillette."
Furina drawled, reclining in her chair and watching the assistant with a half-bored expression.
"He's far better suited to... whatever all of that is."
She added, gesturing vaguely at the stack.
The assistant hesitated, glancing uncertainly at the papers, then back at her, their face a mix of relief and uncertainty.
"Y-Yes, Lady Furina... I'll, uh... make sure he receives these promptly."
Furina merely nodded, a trace of a smile touching her lips as she waved them away with yet another flourish of her hand.
"Good, good. I have far more important matters to tend to, after all."
She murmured, though the gleam in her eye suggested she was more than content to escape the tedious task.
As the assistant exited, struggling to balance the towering pile, Furina relaxed into her chair, indulging in a moment of quiet satisfaction at having so effortlessly dodged the mundane work.
"Alright... let's see what we have here."
Furina murmured, reaching for a thick envelope adorned with the distinctive sigil of The Family. Her fingers traced over the familiar emblem as she opened it, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"I haven't watched one of Robin's performances in ages..."
She mused, a hint of nostalgia softening her usual sharp tone. Slowly, she slid out the contents, her mind already drifting to memories of the last time she'd seen her on stage. Perhaps this was an invitation or news of her latest masterpiece.
"Good day to you, My Lady, I hope this letter finds you in good health. If you have the time, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to converse with you over lunch in Café Lutece, of course, only if it is convenient for you.
Signed,
Robin of the Family."
"A conversation?"
Furina murmured to herself, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers.
"I wonder what this is about..."
Just as she was about to set the letter aside, a loud horn echoed through the air.
Horn!
"Hm?"
Furina muttered, her sharp gaze shifting toward the direction of the sound. Rising gracefully from her chair, she strode toward the balcony and peered into the distance.
Down at the bustling port of Fontaine, a fleet of ships was making its arrival. However, what caught her attention most was the banner they bore, each vessel flying the sigil of a blue salmon. The Sigil of House Vance
"More ships?"
Furina mused, narrowing her eyes.
"What is Tempest's uncle up to now?"
She leaned against the balcony railing, the cool breeze of the sea tousling her hair. There had been an unusual amount of movement lately, and this only deepened her growing curiosity.
"Now that I think of it…"
She mused, her fingers tapping lightly against the railing.
"Lord Gardon has been meeting with Neuvillette quite often as of late. Am I being kept in the dark about something?"
The unease in her voice lingered in the air as she continued to watch the ships dock, lost in her thoughts.
"Well, it's probably just more work if I get myself involved."
Furina sighed dramatically, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
"I already have so much on my plate, haha."
Her sarcasm dripped like honey as if she were the busiest person in Fontaine. Of course, in reality, she often found ways to avoid work rather than embrace it.
She stretched her arms lazily before checking the time.
"It's almost time for lunch, I should head to Café Lutèce right away~"
She chimed, her usual flair returning as she twirled on her heel and strolled toward the door.
Leaving her office behind, she made her way to the elevator, descending to the lowest floor of Palais Mermonia. As she stepped into the grand lobby, her gaze immediately landed on a familiar figure standing on standby.
"Clorinde! Be a dear and accompany me today, please~"
Furina called out, her voice carrying an air of expectation rather than request.
Clorinde, ever composed, simply dipped her head in silent acknowledgment before falling into step beside her.
Just as Furina and Clorinde were about to exit Palais Mermonia, voices from the corridor ahead made them slow their pace.
"I thank you for your assistance in this matter, Monsieur Neuvillette," came Gardon's deep yet courteous tone.
"Tempest will be grateful, and in the long run, this initiative will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for those less fortunate."
Furina's steps faltered slightly.
'Tempest...?'
Her eyes widened just a fraction at the mention of his name. It had been many days, too many, since she last saw him. No letters. No news. Not that she'd ever admit it, but... perhaps she did miss him. Just a little.
As the doors to Neuvillette's office opened, Gardon stepped out, flanked by two individuals. One was Tirpitz, and the other was a young woman with striking yellow eyes and soft pinkish-white hair.
"Hm?"
Furina blinked as she was abruptly pulled from her thoughts.
"Lady Furina! A pleasure to see you again."
Gardon greeted her warmly, offering a respectful bow.
"Your presence alone has made my day all the more grand."
Furina exhaled, placing a hand on her hip.
"Hah, there's no need for such over-exaggerated greetings, Lord Gardon."
She remarked though a faint smirk played on her lips.
"Haha, but I must insist."
Gardon chuckled.
"It is only proper to show the highest regard in your presence, My Lady."
Furina sighed, shaking her head.
"You nobles and your theatrics..."
She muttered under her breath.
As the exchange unfolded, a quiet voice barely above a whisper reached her ears.
"So beautiful..."
Furina's sharp ears caught the words, and she turned her gaze toward the source. Her eyes landed on the young woman accompanying Gardon, the one with striking yellow eyes and soft pinkish-white hair.
"Hm?"
Furina arched a delicate brow.
The young woman stiffened under her gaze, her face turning a shade redder than a ripened berry.
"N-Nothing, My Lady!"
She stammered, quickly averting her gaze as if she had been caught committing a crime.
A knowing chuckle escaped Gardon's lips.
"Ah, please excuse my dear chaperone, Jeanne."
He said in an amused tone.
"She happens to be quite an admirer of yours, My Lady."
Furina's smirk returned, and she flipped a strand of her shimmering hair over her shoulder.
"No need for apologies."
She said, tilting her chin up.
"It is only natural. It is I, after all, Fontaine's biggest star."
Furina said with pride while Jeanne shyly peeked at Furina once more before lowering her head in flustered silence.
Gardon simply smiled.
"As expected of our nation's beloved idol."
Gardon mused.
Furina basked in the attention for a moment longer before shifting her focus back to the conversation, her curiosity about Tempest still lingering at the back of her mind.
Furina hesitated for a moment before speaking, a rare flicker of concern slipping through her usual confident demeanor.
"So… I overheard something about Tempest."
She began, carefully choosing her words.
"Is… is he alright? Is he coming home?"
Her cerulean eyes searched Gardon's face, awaiting his response with an anticipation she refused to fully acknowledge.
Gardon, ever composed, gave a reassuring nod.
"My nephew is doing quite well, Lady Furina."
He answered.
"The expedition to Natlan was a resounding success, largely thanks to his efforts. He requested that I handle some matters for him here in Fontaine while he remains in Natlan."
Furina's brows furrowed slightly.
"So… he's staying in Natlan?"
She asked, her voice quieter than before.
"Indeed."
Gardon confirmed.
"I myself will be departing for Natlan tomorrow to meet with him. Tempest has managed to establish a foothold there, a significant one at that. The land was granted to him personally by the Pyro Archon herself."
Furina's eyes widened in astonishment.
"Tempest did that?"
She had known him to be capable, of course, but securing land from the Pyro Archon? That was no small feat.
Gardon chuckled at her reaction.
"Yes! Quite impressive, isn't it?"
He said, pride evident in his tone. Then, after a brief pause, he tilted his head slightly and gave her a knowing smile.
"Hm… You know, My Lady, rather than hearing about it secondhand, why not see it for yourself?"
Furina blinked.
"Huh? You mean-"
"Yes."
Gardon nodded.
"Come with me to Natlan. What say you?"
Furina's heart skipped a beat at the idea.
"Can I really-"
Before she could finish her sentence, a deep, measured voice suddenly cut through the conversation.
"You are not going to Natlan, Lady Furina."
Furina turned sharply, only to find Neuvillette emerging from his office, his usual composed demeanor laced with a quiet but unmistakable authority.
The air in the room grew heavier, and Furina couldn't help but pout slightly.
"Oh? And why not, Monsieur Neuvillette?"
She asked, crossing her arms.
Neuvillette met her gaze with unwavering calm.
"Because it is neither safe nor wise."
He replied.
"Please excuse us for a moment."
Furina said with a polite smile, though there was a glint of determination in her eyes. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and strode into Neuvillette's office, expecting him to follow.
As soon as the doors closed behind them, her composed demeanor shifted. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot against the floor, fixing Neuvillette with an expectant stare.
"Alright, Neuvillette, explain yourself."
She demanded.
"Why exactly can't I go to Natlan?"
Neuvillette exhaled through his nose, already anticipating this reaction. He folded his hands neatly behind his back before speaking.
"Do I truly need to answer that question, Lady Furina?"
He asked, his tone even but firm.
Furina pouted slightly, but before she could protest, Neuvillette continued.
"You are needed here."
He stated.
"Even though you… delegate much of the paperwork to others, your presence as the Hydro Archon is still required in Fontaine." He paused briefly before adding, "And need I remind you that Natlan remains under constant threat from the Abyss? It is far too dangerous, Lady Furina. Please reconsider."
Furina scoffed, placing her hands on her hips.
"Hey! I do some work from time to time! Sometimes…"
She mumbled toward the end, averting her gaze.
Neuvillette gave her an unimpressed look.
"Still, Lady Furina."
He said.
"I would strongly prefer that you remain in Fontaine."
Furina's smirk returned, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"You do realize that you can't actually stop me, right?"
She challenged, tilting her head.
Neuvillette hesitated for the briefest of moments, his mouth opening slightly before he let out a resigned sigh.
"No… I cannot."
He admitted.
Furina's smirk widened, but before she could gloat, Neuvillette's tone hardened.
"But make no mistake, Lady Furina,"
He continued, his eyes locking onto hers.
"If something were to happen to you, you would not only be putting yourself at risk, you would be dragging the entire nation of Fontaine down with you."
Furina's confident expression wavered.
"I am not forbidding you out of personal preference."
Neuvillette went on, his voice quieter now, yet filled with undeniable sincerity.
"I am doing this because I am concerned for your safety."
Furina's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the rare moment of earnestness. She stared at him for a long moment, searching his face for any sign of deception, but found none.
Her shoulders slumped ever so slightly as she let out a small sigh.
"…Fine."
She muttered, her voice softer than before.
"I… I won't go, then."
Though there was clear reluctance in her tone, she understood the weight of Neuvillette's words. As much as she longed to see Tempest and witness his accomplishments firsthand, she knew deep down that Fontaine was where she was needed most.
Still, that didn't mean she had to like it.
Just as Furina was about to leave the room, a sudden knock echoed against the wooden door.
*Knock Knock*
Neuvillette glanced toward the entrance before responding.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Tirpitz stepped inside with her usual composed demeanor. She approached Neuvillette's desk with a crisp bow before delivering her message.
"Monsieur Neuvillette, His Grace has given permission for Lady Furina to travel to Natlan."
Neuvillette's expression remained neutral, though he arched a single eyebrow at the unexpected development.
"Is that so?"
Tirpitz nodded.
"Additionally, he stated that should anything happen to Lady Furina, he would take full responsibility and would step down as Duke of Stormwind."
A brief silence followed.
"Heh?"
Furina blinked, taken aback by the declaration. She turned toward Tirpitz, a mixture of shock and intrigue flashing across her face.
"W-Wait, wait! How did Tempest even learn about this so quickly?!"
She exclaimed, throwing up her hands.
"Is he a telepath or something?!"
Tirpitz maintained her professionalism, though there was the faintest glint of amusement in her eyes.
"No, Lady Furina."
She replied smoothly.
"We have more conventional methods of communication."
As she spoke, she reached into her coat and retrieved a sleek, polished contact stone. With a swift tap, a holographic screen emerged, glowing faintly with shifting symbols.
Furina squinted at the unfamiliar script.
"Um… what exactly am I looking at?"
She asked, tilting her head.
"It is Morse Code, My Lady."
Tirpitz explained patiently.
"Madame Faruzan developed this technology by integrating Automatons from Sumeru into an advanced messaging system. By interpreting the runes, one can decipher the message almost instantly."
She tapped the stone again, and the projection faded. Furina, still processing this revelation, turned to Neuvillette with a triumphant grin.
Neuvillette inhaled deeply through his nose, already resigning himself to the inevitable.
"...Fine."
He said, at last, rubbing his temples.
"I will take Duke Tempest's word for it. If something were to happen, he will bear full responsibility."
Furina beamed, clapping her hands together.
"Wonderful! I should start packing right away~!"
Neuvillette sighed once more, though a faint trace of amusement flickered in his usually solemn expression.
Furina, brimming with excitement, approached Neuvillette with an enthusiastic grin plastered across her face. Without warning, she grabbed his hand and shook it rapidly, her energy practically radiating through the room.
"I'll bring you the freshest and purest water Natlan has to offer!"
She declared with dramatic pride, her voice echoing slightly against the office walls.
Neuvillette blinked, clearly unprepared for the sudden burst of enthusiasm, but he allowed the handshake to continue without protest. His expression remained stoic, though a faint flicker of amusement betrayed his otherwise impassive demeanor.
Releasing his hand, Furina spun on her heel and dashed over to Tirpitz. Dropping to one knee to meet the Melusine at eye level, she leaned in close, her voice softening to a grateful whisper.
"Thank you."
She murmured sincerely, her usual flamboyance replaced by a rare, heartfelt tone.
Tirpitz's stoic expression softened ever so slightly, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"You're welcome, Lady Furina"
She replied with quiet warmth, her long ears twitching faintly at the whispered words.
Without wasting another moment, Furina shot back to her feet, her bright smile returning as she practically floated out of Neuvillette's office, her footsteps light with excitement. The door clicked softly behind her, leaving only Neuvillette and Tirpitz in the room.
A heavy silence settled for a brief moment before Neuvillette let out a quiet sigh, his gaze lingering on the closed door. His usual composed demeanor gave way to a flicker of concern.
"...Please look after her, Tirpitz."
He murmured, his voice low, carrying an undercurrent of quiet resignation.
Tirpitz turned her head slightly, her sharp, perceptive eyes meeting his.
"Don't worry."
She replied calmly, her tone firm with reassurance.
"She's not alone. I have my Ghosts always watching."