Chapter 64: Back Home

(Chapter 64 Back Home)

"Augh, leave these things to Neuvillette."

Furina grumbled, waving her hand dismissively at the man standing before her desk, burdened with a stack of documents.

"Yes, Lady Furina..."

The man responded, bowing respectfully before quickly exiting her office.

"It's been a week already."

Furina muttered to herself, stretching her body as she leaned back in her chair. With a sigh, she reached into one of the drawers on her desk, pulling out a sealed envelope. The envelope bore the distinct sigil of the Proudmoores.

"Hmph."

Furina placed the letter on her desk with a huff, still fuming over the photograph that had caused such a stir across the nation. Robin, gracefully holding Tempest's arm, a sight that had ignited a storm of envy within her. The image taunted her, for Robin represented everything Furina longed to be but could never attain. The thought gnawed at her, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth as she stared at the letter in front of her.

"Ahh! Fine!"

Furina groaned, pressing her hands against her temples in frustration. After a moment of internal debate, she finally relented, bobbing her head slightly before reaching for the letter. With a resigned sigh, she decided to open it, curiosity getting the better of her despite her irritation.

"Good day to you, Lady Furina,

I trust this letter finds you in both good health and high spirits. It is with great pleasure that I report the commencement of the aquabus station's construction, which will soon connect Stormwind to the Court of Fontaine. This marks a significant first step in my family's path to redemption, and I am honored to oversee this pivotal moment.

If you find yourself free this noon, I would be delighted to meet with you and have a tea party, Lady Furina. I have heard that Hotel Deboard serves the finest sweets, and I must admit, I have developed a particular craving for them, especially since it has been quite some time since I last set foot in the Court of Fontaine.

Sincerely, Merlyn Proudmoore"

"Wait... This isn't from Tempest himself? It's from his Mother? Interesting..."

Furina spoke with a hint of surprise in her voice, her words tinged with a touch of disbelief as she examined the letter

Furina glanced at the small clock on her desk, her eyes widening in surprise when she realized that it was already fifteen minutes before noon. Her gaze flicked back to the letter, noting that the designated meeting time was indeed noon.

"Oh my me!"

Furina exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic. She swiftly grabbed her signature hat and hurriedly made her way to the elevator.

"Sedene! I'll be back!"

Furina called out as she dashed out of the elevator. She raced toward the entrance of Palais Mermonia, eager to reach her destination. Just as she was about to push open the door...

"Lady Furina!"

Neuvillette, the High Judge, called out, his voice echoing through the corridor. The sudden shout halted her in her tracks.

"Tsk... Augh."

Furina spun around to face Neuvillette, his expression as stoic and unyielding as ever.

"May I ask where you're going, Lady Furina? I suggest that you take an escort with you."

Neuvillette speaks calmly but seriously, looking at Furina with a slight sternness.

"Augh! I can't wait for another ten minutes! I have to go meet someone very important. You know what? Forget it, just come with me! You'll suffice as my bodyguard. Let's go!"

Furina exclaimed in frustration, her voice tinged with a hint of impatience. Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Neuvillette's hand and dragged him toward the exit door of Palais Mermonia, her steps quick and determined.

"Lady Furina, I urge you to slow down. Who is the person you're going to meet, and why can't they come directly to your office?"

Neuvillette speaks firmly and calmly, though a hint of annoyance can be heard in his voice. He looks very discontent with Furina's behavior.

"Lady Proudmoore, Merlyn Proudmoore, Tempest's mother! She sent me a letter this morning. I assumed it was from Tempest at first, so I was hesitant to open it, but I did open it earlier and realized it was from his mother. She invited me to a tea party, and I should've replied sooner, but I delayed. She's probably waiting at Hotel Debord now, and I need to hurry."

Furina spoke urgently, her words spilling out in a hurried rush as she explained the situation. She pulled Neuvillette toward the elevator of the Waterway Hub, her impatience palpable. As they made their way, passersby couldn't help but stop and stare, intrigued by the unusual sight of the High Judge being towed along by Furina. The scene was a stark contrast to the usually composed and dignified demeanor of both individuals.

"Alright, here's the plan. Just let me do the talking, and you just sit next to me and sip your water, alright? Easy enough, right?"

Furina spoke with a hint of confidence, her words tinged with a commanding tone.

Neuvillette sighed before he spoke.

"Am I merely a prop to you, Lady Furina? Why did you even drag me with you in the first place?"

Neuvillette asked, his expression as stoic as ever, though a hint of frustration lingered in his voice.

"Hey, I didn't say that! You're the one who suggested bringing an escort. But I can't wait around for another ten minutes!"

Furina retorted defensively, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance and a touch of frustration.

"I apologize if my words struck a chord with you. I didn't mean to be rude. I'm just in a hurry and a bit flustered, that's all."

Furina quickly apologized, her voice tinged with a hint of remorse, her tone sincere, genuinely feeling bad for possibly upsetting Neuvillette.

Neuvillette let out a long sigh before responding, his voice carrying a note of reluctant concession.

"Very well, Lady Furina. Just this once, I will accompany you."

"Thank you, my dear Neuvillette! I appreciate your companionship and assistance!"

Furina exclaimed with genuine gratitude and appreciation.

Shortly, the elevator opened, and Furina was the first to come out she was followed closely by Neuvillette, acting as her bodyguard for today, little did Furina know, they were secretly being tailed by Marechaussee Phantom, adding another layer of security.

Soon, they arrived at Hotel Debord, and the moment they stepped inside, all eyes turned toward them. It was a rare and unexpected sight to see both Lady Furina and High Judge Neuvillette together in such a setting, their presence commanding immediate attention from everyone in the room.

"Lady Furina and Monsieur Neuvillette! What a rare honor to have you both grace our establishment!"

The hotel owner exclaimed, greeting them with a respectful bow.

"A table for two, I presume? Please, allow us the pleasure of serving you today, everything is on the house, of course."

His voice was filled with excitement, reflecting the significance of their visit.

"No no, dear citizen. We're looking for Merlyn Proudmoore. Do you know if she's here by chance? We have a tea party scheduled with her."

Furina spoke with a friendly and polite tone, her words tinged with a hint of curiosity and inquiry.

"Merlyn Proudmoore? Ah yes! She's on the second floor, My Lady!"

The hotel owner responded with a polite smile. Furina acknowledged with a nod, then turned to Neuvillette, motioning for him to follow her as she headed toward the stairs.

As Furina reached the second floor, her eyes fell upon a small group seated at a private table. Constantine stood watch, ever vigilant as Merlyn's guard. Beside him was Melissa, poised and ready to assist. Seated in a wheelchair, at the center of their attention, was none other than Merlyn Proudmoore, Tempest's mother, her presence commanding yet serene.

"Ah, Lady Furina!"

Merlyn exclaimed with a warm smile as she saw the Hydro Archon approaching. She inclined her head in a graceful bow, a gesture of respect.

"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Proudmoore. I'd like to thank you for inviting me to this delightful tea party. And I would like to apologize for not sending a reply letter earlier. My sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Furina spoke with a polite and respectful tone, her voice laced with a hint of sincerity and gratitude.

"No, no, please don't apologize, My Lady. It's truly an honor to have you accept my invitation. I am in no position to complain. Your presence here is more than enough, Lady Furina."

Merlyn replied with a gracious smile.

Oh! And Monsieur Neuvillette is here as well! How delightful. Please, join us, High Judge. Your presence adds a touch of elegance to our tea party."

Merlyn said warmly as Neuvillette approached from the stairs.

Constantine, who was seated on the opposite side of the table, coughed slightly into his tea as Neuvillette entered the room. The unexpected presence of the High Judge clearly caught him off guard.

"I, um, forgot something in the carriage, Matriarch. I'll return shortly."

Constantine said, rising from his seat. Merlyn gave a polite nod in acknowledgment of his request. He quickly exited the room, eager to avoid any further interaction with the High Judge. Constantine's departure was motivated by his desire to steer clear of Neuvillette, given his precarious status as a wanted criminal in other nations.

"Please, sit down, both of you."

Merlyn said warmly, gesturing to the empty seats.

"Melissa, could you kindly order the finest sweets this establishment has to offer for our guests?"

Melissa nodded in agreement.

The tea party unfolded with Furina and Merlyn engaging in animated conversation, exchanging pleasantries, and savoring an array of exquisite sweets and fine tea. Merlyn made several attempts to draw Neuvillette into the conversation, but his responses remained brief and to the point. Despite this, Neuvillette observed with a hint of satisfaction as Furina thoroughly enjoyed her time with Merlyn. The high spirits and lively exchange between the two women created a pleasant atmosphere, making the tea party a success in its own right.

"I need to go now, Lady Furina. I still have work to do, and the Marechaussee Phantom will see you safely back to the Palais Mermonia when you are finished. Please take your time and enjoy the rest of your tea party."

Neuvillette whispered to her, his tone both respectful and urgent.

"Alright, got it, and Neuvillette... Thank you for accompanying me today. Your presence is greatly appreciated."

Furina smiled and thanked Neuvillette with a hint of appreciation and gratitude in her voice. Neuvillette nodded in response.

"Lady Proudmoore, I thank you for your hospitality, but I must unfortunately cut the tea party short. There are some papers on my desk that require my immediate attention."

Neuvillette stands up, addressing Merlyn with a slight nod. He speaks politely and respectfully, but a sense of urgency is noticeable in his voice.

"Ah, it's no trouble at all, Monsieur Neuvillette. I am grateful for your presence, and I appreciate you taking some time out of your busy schedule to join us."

Merlyn said warmly. Neuvillette nodded in acknowledgment before he quietly excused himself from the table. As he departed, Furina found herself alone with Merlyn, the atmosphere now more relaxed.

"Lady Furina, I want to express my deepest gratitude from the bottom of my heart for saving my son."

Merlyn said, her voice filled with sincere emotion. Her eyes, though weary, shone with a profound appreciation.

"A normal and sane person would do the same, I suppose it was just a matter of being at the right place at the right time. Seeing him barely conscious, clinging to life, that image still haunts me. But because I was the one who saved him, I gained a new friend in the process."

Furina said, raising her tea cup and letting her smile gently spread across her face.

"He was so foolish to think that he could just walk all the way to Poisson from the court. Reckless and careless, how could he think that was a good idea?"

Furina said, a hint of exasperation in her voice, and Merlyn chuckled at Furina's words.

"Indeed, my son can be quite daring..."

Merlyn said, her voice tinged with a trace of sadness. She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing.

"He's no stranger to pain, after all. His mindset has always been that if he can endure it, he can survive it..."

"Can you tell me more about, Tempest?"

Furina asked Merlyn.

"Of course, Lady Furina. The truth is, Tempest wasn't always the way he is now, he was shaped into the person he has become. He mentioned to the Steambird that his relationship with his Father was strained, but that barely scratches the surface. It was far worse..."

Merlyn said, and Furina couldn't help but listen intently.

"Abused, both physically and mentally, my son endured a tremendous amount of pain throughout his childhood. I often wished I could have done more to help him, but I was paralyzed by my own fear of my husband. Despite everything, Tempest never held me responsible. There were times when he would quietly sneak into my room, his body covered in bruises. He would lie down on my lap, seeking solace. The least I could do was caress his hair and sing him lullabies, trying to provide some semblance of comfort and stability. It was a small gesture, but I hoped it was enough to help him keep his sanity in the midst of such torment."

"He had no friends his own age, and no hobbies beyond his exceptional swordsmanship. His Father instilled ideas and ambitions in him from a young age, and Tempest has adopted many of these traits. He is disciplined, remarkably mature for his age, and maintains a calm demeanor in every situation. However, this comes at a cost. His emotions slip away and he rarely shows it now, other than his family."

Merlyn said, a slight tear coming out of her eye, she used her handkerchief to wipe it off.

"Why didn't Tempest harbor any hatred for me? Most of the Proudmoores I've encountered these past 500 years have shown nothing but disdain and disgust towards me. Yet, the very first time we met, he was different, why...?"

Furina pondered, her voice tinged with a hint of wonder and a touch of lingering confusion.

"Ah, I suppose some of that is due to my influence. unlike my husband, I hold no ill will towards you, Lady Furina. My origins in House Vance shaped much of what I imparted to Tempest. Yet, I realize now that he did not truly need it. Everything Tempest does and his interests stand in stark contrast to those of his Father."

Merlyn said with pride.

"And it is precisely because of his willingness to serve you, Lady Furina, that Ra granted him his blessing. You should be very cautious though, Lady Furina."

Merlyn said with a knowing smirk. Furina couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, intrigued by the implication of Merlyn's words.

"It is my son's duty to serve you, Lady Furina, and I am profoundly grateful that you consider him a friend. However, I must caution you not to spoil him too much. His loyalty, while currently unwavering, might evolve into blind loyalty if not tempered. Tempest possesses a power that could challenge even the Archons one day, and it grows stronger with each passing day. Should you ever request something as monumental as conquering the world, he might comply without a moment's hesitation."