Chapter Text
"Oh, you handled your 'things' surprisingly quickly."
Lyney looked around sharply at Lynette's voice. She sat at the end of the hallway, methodically stirring tea in a cup. The house was quiet as usual, especially for this time of night.
"Stop it. It's already late, you shouldn't have waited for me." he tried to ignore her sarcastic comment about his 'quick returning'. He was in an exceptionally good mood after meeting Lumine, so he really didn't want to ruin it. Although he was haunted by thoughts all the way home about whether that was too direct. Maybe too much? Yes, he had natural charisma, he could speak in such a way that the audience held their breath. But it was not a performance at the Opera Epiclese. The least he wanted was for Lumin to feel uncomfortable.
"Yes, of course. But I'm waiting for you for another reason,” Lynette put the cup down on the table. "A letter has arrived from 'Father'," she showed the envelope clutched between her fingers. "As I suspected, the little birdies have already told her about the traveler. She is also interested in what kind of connection you both have.” she tried to keep a calm expression on her face, but it was clear in her eyes that she was worried.
Lini froze. A chill ran down his back. He slowly took the letter from his sister's hands and opened the envelope, running his eyes between the lines of beautifully inked letters. Everything was as Lynette told - she was interested in the traveler and their relationship. Arleccino did not like long letters too much, she always wrote little and on business. He didn't doubt Fatui's information network - in this case, he rather wondered why she hadn't been told sooner.
You may not respond to this letter,
We will discuss everything when I arrive.
This is not good.
"When does 'Father' arrive at Fontaine?"
"You know that usually, no one knows such details, she may arrive in a week. Or even tomorrow,” Lynette stood up and walked over to her brother. "In any case, you should be on guard. I hate to repeat myself and I know it annoys you, but please be careful. Especially now."
"You don't have to worry," Lyney looked sharply at her sister with a big smile. "Moreover, nothing happened, I did not betray the 'Father' and I am not going to do it. I try to be close to Lumin to know what she is doing in Fontaine. I think that on the contrary, it will help our plan to go through without any unnecessary problems if I wriggle into her favor and have the opportunity to report her actions to the 'Father'." his overly cheerful voice suddenly fell silent as he chanced upon his sister's watchful gaze.
"I know it's far from the truth, but I'd rather not say it," Lynette answered calmly and added with a smile. "I'm actually wondering what part of your dates will actually benefit the 'Father' plan."
Lyney rolled his eyes. She’s doing this again.
"Don't worry, I'll leave out unnecessary details when telling the story."
"Oh, I don't doubt you," Lynette put a hand on her brother's shoulder. "I'm going to sleep easy knowing that my brother will take care of everything, right?"
Lyney lowered his head with a smile. If the sister again uses sarcasm in the conversation, then he will definitely deal with everything.
***
More than a week has passed since that evening. Nothing out of the ordinary happened to Lumine - or so it seemed to her. Paimon took over most of the responsibilities (except for commissions, of course, it was still too early to return to them) and tried to entertain Lumin with something while she spent most of her time in her room. Fortunately, the leg no longer hurt. But instead, the heart began to perplex. And the head. Most likely, both at the same time.
Somehow it happened that her appearance in Teivat attracted a lot of attention. And the more regions she crossed, the more it grew. Even despite her rather silent nature (for obvious reasons), she has a lot of fans on both sides of the barricades. Not that she was very interested in courtship or any kind of relationship at the moment, but she could see and understand when it was happening. For example, Childe was sometimes quite ambiguous, but it looked quite comical against his constant invitations to spar every week. Lumine preferred to pretend that she did not understand anything and not to react to his reproaches. It was funny to watch him freak out. And not only him. Looks like she's already earned the title of heartthrob at this rate.
It was a little different with Lyney. He was really handsome and very talented, she had to admit. Compared to all the previous ones, he clearly knew how to keep the attention on himself, but in a way that it didn't get boring. He knew how to speak beautifully, especially what one wanted to hear. But at the same time, he did not embellish the truth with open lies. Except for the moment when he dropped the fact that they were Fatui and put her in a very awkward position.
She somehow belatedly realized that Lyney had literally sneaked into her room through the balcony. If Childe had done it, he would have already kindly flown from the same balcony upside down. No wonder how he is doing now. She had no way of contacting him, but something told her that this would definitely not lead to good.
These guys from Fatui definitely have a grudge against her.
Lumine tried not to think too much about that evening and that farewell on the balcony. If Childe likes ambiguous words, Lyney can do it himself with just a simple look. Those violet eyes still did not give her peace all this time. There was something about them that she couldn't understand. Or tried not to understand.
It seems she needs to read less love poems.
Since then they have not seen each other. Navia visited her twice, running almost as soon as she found out that Lumine had problems. She then brought so many tasty treats that it seemed that Paimon was more happy to be a traveler. Lumine also asked to bring her something to read, because that collection of love poems from Lyney had been making some strange thoughts lately. But the poems were really good, be that as it may.
Lynette also came once to give the recipe to Kleister for the Herbarium, but she didn't say a word about her brother. Lumine did not ask. Loin des yeux, loin du cœur*.
Everyday life and routine are always what distracted her and kept her in line. Today was the first day of commissions after her so-called sick leave.
"It's great that you're all right now," Navia picked up a cup of coffee. "Of course, I enjoyed cheering you up with my baking, but it's much better to see you healthy and to be able to drink coffee with you on the terrace."
They met Navia completely by chance outside the coffee shop when Lumine was making coffee for Iaune to cheer him up a bit. But she doesn't mind drinking for company. Although coffee was not her favorite drink.
"There's actually so much to do today," Navia smiled. "Some issues need to be resolved in Spina di Rosula, and it will be worth stopping by Chiori and Emilie to check orders. The ball is in a month, I can't wait!" her eyes seemed to shine with delight. "I haven't participated in such events for a long time because my father's reputation was unfairly slandered. And to be honest, I didn't have the will or strength to do that either, all I could do was keep Spina di Rosula afloat and try to get to the truth," she sighed with such visible relief as if her soul had fallen stone. "I'm really so happy that everything has worked out now."
Lumine smiled back, though she knew in her mind that this was probably just the beginning.
"I heard that Lyney and Lynette are performing again today at the Opera," Paimon took another bite of the cake. "Navia, will you keep us company?"
They weren't going to go to this performance, why did she suddenly talk about it? It wasn't that Lumine was worried and avoided meeting Lyney, but it caught her by surprise. Moreover, she is very busy, it is not known whether it will be possible to solve all cases by the end of the day. Maybe some other time?
"Gladly!"
Oh, Archons.
"After the performance, the results of the draw for invitations to the Opera Ball will also be announced. This kind of event happens only once a year, I don't want to miss it for anything," they left the cafe and walked along Vasari Passage. "I recommend you also stay as a newcomer to Fontaine, Lady Furina knows how to keep everyone on edge."
"Of course, we will stay! Right, Lumine?” Paimon looked back at the traveler, but she paid no attention, thinking deeply about something. "Lumine?"
"Oh, well, I'm not sure if we'll even be able to handle all the commissions by even-"
"Of course, we'll make it in time! There aren't many of them today, with Paimon's help we'll manage everything before dinner!"
Lumine mentally rolled her eyes. She's definitely a bigger chatterbox than I am.
"Great, so we agreed! I'll try to get us tickets nearby."
Lumine imperceptibly sighed. The evening promises to be very interesting.
And it came somehow faster than expected. They stood with Paimon near the Fountain of Lucine, waiting for Navia with the tickets. There were really many people in the square, like in a beehive, and it was obvious that most of them were more interested in the draw than in the magic show. The girls discussed the ball loudly in groups and boasted about their future outfits if they managed to win the invitation. But there were people who came just to see and learn everything firsthand. Lumine also happened to hear a very soft cry in the middle of this commotion, but she couldn't make out where the sound was coming from.
"Lumine, Paimon!"
Apparently, she just imagining things.
They looked back at Navia, who was actively waving tickets as she hurried towards them. "Believe it, I managed to get us the best tickets near the stage!"
They will also sit near the stage. Shit.
"My network is paying off," it was clear that Navia was incredibly pleased with herself. "We will see absolutely everything that will happen on the stage, can you imagine?" They entered the ground floor and headed for the first row.
Yes, and some others will see us from the stage too.
She is too self-absorbed. She and her friend came to the Opera to have a good time. This should not be taken as a hint to anything, not at all. There was nothing, it's just that some have obvious professional deformation.
Lady Furina also made her way to her box, grinning around the full hall, mentally praising herself for the wonderful raffle idea that created a great stir and attracted even more attention. She slowly blinked her eyes, silently greeting the audience. Her speech will be after the show, it will be rude to take away attention from Lyney and Lynette's show.
Clorinde came in a little later, checking all the guards once more, and walked over to the railing, scanning the hall intently. But when her eyes fell on Navia, who was waving her hand amiably, she turned her head sharply to the other side, as if she had not seen anything.
"She always pretends not to see me," Navia whispered conspiratorially to the travelers and fairies. "But I know she definitely noticed me." she leaned back in her chair with a smile, crossing her arms.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged meaningful glances. There seems to be something between these two as well.
A few strange things happened next, even though it was a magic show with a lot of unusual things going on. Lumine really liked looking at the floor of the stage, the stage curtain, and the decorations. Just don't keep your eyes on someone else for too long to be noticed. But sometimes she felt a light trace of a gaze on her but did not turn her head. To avoid getting caught. Over time, it seemed that that look began to literally burn her.
Lumine, it looks like you are paranoid.
As Lyney and Lynette took their final bows to the audience and the curtain came down to loud applause, she breathed a subtle sigh of relief. It was finally over.
The final preparations were underway for the announcement of the draw results, the hall hummed again like a beehive.
"Oh, no, it's t-totally okay! It's just so hot here, d-don't you think?" Lumin giggled nervously, waving her arm around her face. It's dark in the hall, did she blush so much?
"And it's true, it became a bit stuffy here," Navia looked around the hall. "Can I get you some water?"
"No, no, I feel fine. Especially since the raffle is about to start, I wouldn't want you to miss it."
"Okay, but we'll definitely find you water later."
"We can also go to the cafe and buy some Fonta, it's always so refreshing!" replied Paimon.
If so, she'll need a lot of Fonta to refresh herself. Definitely a lot.
Suddenly loud applause from somewhere above interrupted the noise in the hall, forcing the audience to fall silent.
"Oh, dear people of Fontaine!" Furina rose gracefully from her seat and began her opening speech. "The magic show was really spectacular, but the night is still young. I, Folcalor, am always ready to show my love, respect, and support to all my subjects - whether they are poor or rich, regardless of status and occupation. The Opera Ball that is held every year in my honor as a full-right Hydro Archon has always been considered something out of reach and closed, but this year I am giving the chance to anyone to get an invitation to get there and see this majesty for themselves. Are there people in the room wishing to get such a blessing and opportunity?
The hall buzzed with cheers, more and more waiting for the draw. Lumine began to wonder. The Opera Ball in honor of Hydro Archon sounds like a celebration for the people, but only the most respected residents and guests of the region have access. The privacy is due to the banal issue of the security of both the aristocrats and the Archon herself: firstly, it is unheard of for ordinary people to go to such events, and secondly, there was a feeling that Furina was also so closely guarded for a reason. But one random person lucky enough to get an invite isn't going to spoil the weather for the ball, is it?
"If you are so anxious to know the result, I will be merciful and not delay the drawing," Furina motioned to the stage, where the raffle drum stood under the spotlight. "This year, I instructed Monsieur Neuvillette to choose a lucky number from a large number of applications. He will hand me the envelope so that I can announce the winner. Please, monsieur, I give you my word."
“Thank you very much for this honor, Lady Furina. This year, despite all the events that alarmed us, the Opera Ball will still take place and we will definitely be happy for our new guests. Now I will pick one number from the drum and put it in the envelope so that Lady Focalor can announce the winner.”
"My God, poor Monsieur Neuvillette, even he was dragged into this," Navia whispered cheerfully to herself, resting her hand on the arm of the chair. Lumine chuckled. It's really a bit unusual to see him in this setting.
Neuvillette reached for the drum and took out a piece of paper, carefully folding it into an envelope. There was such tension in the hall that it seemed as if it could be cut with a knife. Someone even stood up from their seats, trying to see the number on the piece of paper. One of the Gardes entered the stage and bowed to accept the envelope from the hands of the Chief of Justice and hurried backstage to go up to the Hydro Archon's box.
While Furina accepted the envelope, the hall was once again filled with low whispers.
"So!" everyone fell silent again, turning their attention back to Folcalor. "In this envelope," the silver paper flashed in her hand. “The same number that belongs to the winner, who could be anyone in the audience here,” she took out the piece of paper with a smile without looking at it. "Do we want to know his name?"
The audience shouted "Yes!" in one voice. Navia and Lumine looked at each other, laughing. It is more fun than it seems. But she still did not understand the meaning of all this. If the gap between classes is so deep, how will a common man feel among a bunch of snobbish aristocrats? Of course, you shouldn't compare everyone, for example, Navia can definitely be a wonderful companion with whom you can spend a wonderful evening. Apparently, the very fact of what happened at the ball did not worry people much at the moment, when they had almost the only opportunity in their lives to get to such a magnificent event. What a waste.
"Oh my," Furina glanced at the piece of paper out of the corner of her eye and gasped in surprise. "I see really lucky numbers here. Luck is definitely on this person's side."
"Say it already, for God's sake!" Paimon exclaimed impatiently.
"The winning number is..."
It seems that the whole hall held its breath.
"Number 731317!"
The hall fell silent for a moment as they checked their numbers, the others let out a disappointed sigh when they didn't hear their number.
"Yes! We won! Hooray!”
The entire audience looked sharply at the exclamation, and Lumine did not immediately understand that this voice belonged to Paimon, who was happily waving a piece of paper in her hand. Wait, where did she get her ticket from?
"I can hear someone's joyful voice! Show yourself to us, the winner!" Furina leaned impatiently against the railing, trying to find a voice in the crowd.
"This is us!" Paimon shouted once more, pushing the traveler. Lumine was still in a state of frustration, hearing the fairy's words as if through a layer of water. What is going on?
"Is this well-known traveler, who is so lucky to visit our Opera Ball this year?
Lumine looked up, meeting Furina's gaze.
It seems that accidentally being in the center of attention is already her highlight.