Chapter 19: Gardes Duty

Somewhere beyond the Court of Fontaine, nestled within a grand estate, a striking woman with flowing pink hair sat quietly, her eyes scanning a stack of reports.

A sly grin tugged at Crucabena's lips as she read through one particular file, profiles of children recently placed in the House of the Hearth.

"More children to have fun with… Let's hope a few show promise," she muttered, her grin widening.

Flipping to the next document, her smile faded, replaced by a deepening frown. The contents were far more troubling.

Reports indicate that he is currently residing at Hotel Debord, accompanied by his familiar.

She paused, eyes narrowing.

The last confirmed sighting of him in Fontaine was nearly 500 years ago, around the time Egeria was slain.

His presence was elusive—he vanished for long stretches, only to return, time and again, to Fontaine.

Now, this new intelligence suggested he was watching the region closely.

That would complicate everything, especially once the Tsaritsa's plans were set into motion.

If this is true… he must be ensuring Fontaine's prophecy comes to pass. Or perhaps, he has other motives entirely.

She tapped her finger against the desk, biting her tongue in thought.

To think… a being like him is walking through Fontaine in human form without a care in the world.

They would have to move carefully.

If he discovered their true intentions… 

A knock echoed through the door.

"Ms. Knave, the operation involving the Archon was a success," the agent reported.

The Knave didn't look surprised—she had anticipated the results. Placing a hand to her cheek, she exhaled softly.

"No doubt they'll suspect us," she murmured. "But they won't have any proof… the weapons we left behind aren't standard Fatui issues."

She leaned back slightly, her eyes narrowing.

"We'll deny any accusations, of course."

———————

The Gardes, with the captain's assistance, successfully managed to escort the civilians out of the Opera Epiclese.

As for Lucien, he was currently occupied—quietly having tea with Neuvillette himself.

This was exactly the kind of situation he hated most.

At least at Navia's tea parties, she did all the talking. But now, here he was, sitting one-on-one with the Chief Justice of Fontaine… and it was excruciatingly awkward.

They had been sitting in silence for the past five minutes, sipping tea without a single word exchanged since Lucien entered the office.

He wouldn't lie; he was nervous about what Neuvillette might say.

Is he planning to fire me?

No way… It's only my first day.

Maybe… a raise? He grinned inwardly at the thought, just imagining all that mora.

With one final sip, Neuvillette gently set his teacup down on the desk and spoke.

"Lucien, I thank you for protecting Lady Furina."

Lucien straightened his posture.

"It is my duty as a Garde to protect Lady Furina, Monsieur Neuvillette," he said respectfully.

"Even so, Lady Furina has expressed that you are to be properly rewarded for your actions today. Based on your performance, I believe a promotion is well deserved."

Lucien's eyes widened in surprise. 

A promotion…

On his first day?

Well, perhaps it wasn't entirely unexpected. After all, many officers lacked vision—and unlike him, they hadn't been trained from childhood.

Or more accurately, since before he could even walk.

Lucien rose to his feet and offered a salute. "Thank you, Monsieur Neuvillette."

"There's no need to thank me," Neuvillette replied, his voice steady. "As for your promotion—I believe the rank of sergeant is fitting for someone of your skill… unless you'd rather take up the title of Champion Duelist?"

Oh, hell no.

He wasn't about to get stuck listening to court cases all day.

"I'll pass on that, but I'll gladly accept the sergeant position. Is the pay good, at least?"

Neuvillette gave a faint smile. "The pay is quite reasonable. Though I'm afraid there will be fewer vacation days."

Lucien groaned inwardly, rolling his shoulders. "I knew you'd say that…"

Well, at least I'll be earning more mora. 

"Say, Monsieur Neuvillette—have there been any new leads in your investigation on my master's disappearance?"

"I'm afraid she left behind no clues about where she went," Neuvillette said softly. 

"Well, thanks for trying," Lucien sighed. "I was planning to go out and search for her myself, but… thinking it over, it'd be a massive headache just trying to find even the faintest lead."

Neuvillette listened to his words with quiet understanding. "I believe she wouldn't want you or Clorinde to go chasing after her. If anything, she likely wished for you both to live your lives freely—without her."

Lucien fell silent, Neuvillette's words echoing in his mind.

He was right.

His master likely didn't want them to go searching for her. Maybe she didn't have the strength to say goodbye. Still, that didn't excuse her sudden disappearance.

Not after the heartbreak she left behind. 

Especially for Clorinde, who, even if she didn't show it, was devastated.

"You may be right," Lucien said, crossing his arms, "but the way she left—abandoning two ten-year-olds—wasn't exactly responsible."

"That much is understandable," Neuvillette replied. "But knowing the kind of person she is, I can't say it comes as a surprise."

"True. Did I mention she once threw me and my sister into a body of water when we were infants?"

Neuvillette nearly choked on his tea. "I beg your pardon? She threw you into the water?"

"Yes. Not one of my fondest memories, I'll tell you that much. Thanks to the Archons, my sister barely remembers it. I, unfortunately, do. It was… traumatizing."

"I'm assuming you two didn't have much of a childhood?" Neuvillette asked.

"Nope," Lucien replied with a faint smile. "But it turned out okay. Clorinde and I made it through, and now we're both serving our nation with pride."

Neuvillette gave a thoughtful nod. "Indeed, you are."

He paused briefly, then shifted the tone of the conversation.

"As the newly appointed sergeant, I've requested that you keep a close eye out for any suspicious activity. While the assailants who targeted Lady Furina claim to have acted alone, I find that difficult to believe. However, without solid evidence, I cannot press the matter further."

Acting alone?

They didn't act alone.

He couldn't quite piece together what their goal had been—weak individuals attempting to harm a god? That made no sense.

So, they must've been after something else.

A distraction?

A bait?

That was the only logical conclusion he could reach. But if this was a bait… who was the real target? Lady Furina?

Or… someone else?

He glanced at Neuvillette, then spoke.

"Monsieur Neuvillette… I believe this may have been a bait."

"Oh?" Neuvillette raised a brow, intrigued. "That's an interesting theory. Please, continue."

"If the Fatui were responsible, I doubt they'd send such weak forces just to attack Lady Furina. If anything, this felt more like a diversion—meant to draw someone out."

Neuvillette folded his hands, deep in thought. "Taking your theory into account… It's certainly possible. But that raises the question—who was the bait meant for?"

"That… I'm not sure," Lucien admitted. "I don't know much about Fontaine's deeper history, or if there's anything specifically tied to Lady Furina herself."

He hesitated, thinking.

Why go after an Archon? The Gnosis came to mind, but from what he remembered, the Fatui used Harbingers for that, like they had with Venti.

Still, he didn't want to mention the Gnosis or go too far with his suspicions. Not yet. Neuvillette's expression was unreadable, and Lucien didn't want to plant dangerous ideas if he couldn't be sure. The future was already uncertain.

"Nevertheless, Lady Furina must remain under heavy guard," Neuvillette said firmly. "And I want you and your sister to serve as her guard. Your swordsmanship and marksmanship are among the finest in all of Fontaine."

At that moment, the doors opened.

"Monsieur Neuvillette, you called for me?" Clorinde asked as she stepped inside.

"Ah, perfect timing," Neuvillette replied. "I was just explaining that both you and your brother will be assigned to protect Lady Furina. In addition, I would like to formally extend an offer for you to become Fontaine's next Champion Duelist. 

"I accept the position with honor, Monsieur Neuvillette," Clorinde said, bowing her head slightly.

Neuvillette nodded, pleased with her response, and continued.

"Clorinde, as it stands, court proceedings are currently suspended. For the time being, I'd like you to stay by Lady Furina's side. She can be rather dramatic at times, but offer her a dessert and she transforms into an entirely different person."

"I understand. I'll offer her my favorite dessert, she may find comfort in it." Clorinde said, her expression composed.

Neuvillette gave a thoughtful nod. "One more thing I'd like to add—I knew your master well. Despite the trouble she sometimes caused, she trained you both exceptionally. You and your sister are clear successors to the Marechaussee Hunters of old."

He paused, then continued, "I do intend to invite you both to join the Marechaussee Phantom in time, but now is not the moment. Still, seeing how sharp your instincts are, perhaps I'm mistaken in waiting. A few more years, and I expect I'll see you both among their ranks."

He would be lying if he said he wasn't at least a little interested in investigative work. Still, he could already imagine the misery of all the paperwork. 

Lucien cast a glance at his sister.

Even so, the thought of working a case alongside her someday… 

Didn't seem so bad after all.