Chapter Text
A student from the Aramati branch rushed through the halls of Sumeru Academia. The halls were busy, and the voices of students echoed back and forth, as well as her loud steps. A non-stop mess of noise, indeed. The student’s focus in conversations of elemental studies and rumors about higher rank students and professors was interrupted by a sudden hand-grab on her arm.
“Cepheid, I need you for a moment”
A prestigious Herbad classmate came in close to the student’s ear and whispered to clear out all the noise around. His hair was short and a dark green tone, he was much taller than Cepheid, so he had to go a bit lower while talking to her.
“Akiva, it’s good to see you”
“It’s good to see you too! Please, come with me”
The dark-haired guy guided her to a private council room for high rank students. It had a tranquil and undisturbed aura as the breeze from the opened windows invaded the inside, as well as books and the scent of wood furniture filled every corner. The dark-haired student signaled Cepheid to sit down on the couch in front of him.
“I brought you here for private matters. Don’t worry, your studies might be affected, but it’s not something to worry about for now. It’s much more important than that”
“Enlighten me, if you may”
“The Academia volunteered to send a few students to Nellius. You’ll be a Driyoshi from now on. Have you not heard the news?”
“I knew there was a problem, regarding the supply float, I suppose?”
“You’re correct. We haven’t heard of them for a month now. You’ll find out more once you go to the Council. This is where it’ll be set up, don’t be late”
“Thank you”
Akiva left her a letter on a coffee table in front. Cepheid picked it up, before it could be rushed by the wind from outside the campus.
Teyvat’s Council, Court of Fontaine
Teyvat’s Council request the Sumeru Academia’s reputable student, Cepheid Hertz, to attend our assembly regarding Teyvat’s nations voting gathering, which will be held in Fontaine's Court in the city of Petrichor. More details will be given prior the day of the assembly, and a special instructor will be guiding your student if she cooperates.
Please let the Sumeru Academia’s directors know about your answer.
“It seems to be an optional request, rather than obligatory” Cepheid frowned.
“Some students refused out of fear. But don’t you think it will be an exciting adventure, to travel to the New World?”
“It’s reasonable to fear, given the situation and unclear reason for why the float hasn’t reported itself. I am no different; if you expected the opposite”
The man could only chuckle hearing those ruthless words.
“I assumed you would refuse, but this might also affect you. No pain, no gain. Am I right?"
That answer wasn't enough for Cepheid. In fact, she just looked at him in disappointment.
"You see, your master…”
“My master? What does she have to do with this?”
“She’s been conducting research on the New World. Since the Supply Float hasn’t reported anything back, we don’t know much about the status of Nellius’ headquarters. Fountain is our sponsor, luckily, but the situation is very serious”
“So that’s what she’s been doing all this time… Alright then, I will help”
“I’ll let the directors know about your answer right away! You just have to sign up here”
Akiva grabbed another piece of paper from his uniform’s coat.
“I see you’ve come prepared…”
“It’s all for the sake of the New World. Teyvat’s Council is desperate, but they can’t just accept anyone. You are the third member so far. They want to keep a small team, after all”
“I see… Haven’t there been people volunteering for themselves?”
“Not many have been, and the ones that did, only went home empty handed. As I said, the Council is not accepting just anyone. You’re very lucky to be in our team”
He extended the piece of paper on the coffee table and gave Cepheid his personal pen.
“Our team, you say?”
The man exposed himself, and nervously adjusted his attires.
“I’ll be conducting research along with the others. I’m not a member, though; more of an assistance to them, if that explains everything. You see, I’m not good with lying”
“It’s fine, I saw it coming. You truly are not a good liar, but that’s what I like about you”
They looked at each other for a long second. Cepheid finally signed her name on the paper and gave both the paper and pen back to him, sliding them to the other side of the table,
“I’m curious about the other members, what are they like? Have you seen them?”
“Their appearance is still strange to me, but I know them by name only. So far, we only got two. Plus you, that makes three"
"I know how to do math"
Cepheid said sarcastically while Akiva already knew the outcome. He started laughing with her,
"You’ll see them at the assembly. I’ll be there as well”
“Well, I guess I’ll need to be patient then”
“I understand, the same can be said for me”
They smiled at each other.
“The council will receive your response in about three business days, so relax for the meantime”
“I’ll be waiting then”
The prestigious Akiva left the room with the signed paper and Cepheid stayed a little longer.
The golden hour finally arrived, and the wind became ferocious. It almost flew the books away, but there wasn't enough force. Instead, the purple curtains danced along with the breezes.
“I hope we can meet again…” She held her sapphire pendant tight.
[...]
After a couple days had already passed, Cepheid was given instructions the day prior of the assembly for her appearance, where she was going to sit; almost everything she had to do, since she was a recruited member for the Teyvat’s Investigation Team. The city of Petrichor was busy as usual, with people of high classes and representatives of every nation, from what it seemed, as well as reporters of Teyvat’s News: The Steambird, carrying Kameras, being ready to report and interview. The assembly was about to begin, and Cepheid made her way into the Court of Fontaine. It was wide and vast, with a high ceiling and pillars around a ring-shaped and wide table. Above it, a parallel, round skylight let the sun illuminate the inside, and seats were placed on each side of the courtroom, of which many were already filled with people talking with each other. Each side corresponded to other nations. On Cepheid’s side there were other diplomats from Sumeru, Natlan, and Fontaine. On the other, Mondstadt, Inazuma, and Liyue. All of them had different clothing styles, manners, and other languages being spoken.
“The assembly will begin in a short moment. I request to please take your seats”
A man of formal, dark, and defined attire and unique etiquette spoke with a loud voice inside the empty space surrounded by the ring-shaped table. It echoed through the room, even though there were lots of people with important roles and titles. Cepheid took her seat and looked with astonishment at the round table in front. The six seats scattered around the table were already filled with people much older than her, some even of a different race, in exception of a seat located in front of a window that showed the beauty of Petrichor city. Her attention, however, was distracted by a familiar figure, of a fresh aroma, sitting next to her.
“May I take a seat?”
“You are already sat”
“Good morning, Cepheid”
The Sumerian man smiled from ear to ear. It appeared that he was carrying some documents inside a folder.
“Good morning, Akiva. Will you be my guide for the day?”
“It appears I will, as always”
“Don’t get too cocky now, I know how to handle myself”
“Says the one who almost caused an eruption on her first day of class. I still remember the look on your face!”
“I was foolish, impatient… I’ve changed, don’t worry”
“I know. I’ve noticed”
His tone wasn’t very pleasant, which Cepheid didn’t care about. She was more focused on the people sitting at the round table. Some of them she knew just by name, but her attention caught someone much more important.
“Is that Ayesha?”
Cepheid didn’t even need to point out; Akiva’s attention was already on her as well.
“I was expecting Pursina instead, but it appears he sent a decoy… Guess Ayesha will represent us then”
“Pursina was meant to come? Ayesha has a tight schedule from what it’s known, then how come?”
“Ayesha is not like Pursina. You see, Pursina can live alone in the forest, not aware of what’s around unless it catches his attention. He cares more about his inventions than a new continent. Even worse, other people”
Even though there was a mutual conversation, Akiva would converse more with himself at moments.
“How do you know so much about him personally?”
“Personally? What I told you it’s just what I’ve seen”
Cepheid turned her gaze at him, clueless of the details he knew more than her. He looked back at her and realized that oblivious expression.
“I worked with him for an investigation. He was the one that sought me to do his dirty work. I cannot lie, though… He’s the reason I was able to rank up to what I am today”
“I would like to meet him someday then”
“You’re always eager for unknown things, but you’re slow to chase them. I’ll introduce you to him one day, when the chance is given”
Both ended their conversation and not a long time passed for a miniature woman to appear. Her scheme was of a dark blue color, with silverware overlapping on her clothes. Her presence, her steps, and those ocean eyes were all elegant individually. She had a powerful and lustrous essence. The assembly had already started right after she passed through the long doors, that was clear. As she kept entering, Akiva and the people were already standing from their seats. Cepheid was no exception.
Despite her short appearance, her presence couldn’t be diminished, much less dimmed by it. She stood at the side where there were no seats behind except for hers only. The seat was notorious to almost be a throne, because of how different it was from the others. It was a signature seat, indeed, just for Fontaine’s Goddess of Justice.
Everybody stood in front of their seats, welcoming the woman of great respect as she positioned herself in her designated spot. She was treated with sovereignty, even by outlanders.
“My visitors, thank you for presenting yourselves to this meeting. I will be your host for today’s assembly, as well as your sponsor. You may take your seats”
The noise of stapes and ropes moving around echoed through the quiet courtroom as everybody was taking their seats. However, no noise from anyone's mouth came out.
“Due to past meetings, I have come to the conclusion that I can keep on sponsoring and lend my help on this new project, with one condition”
Everybody’s attention was on her, while she looked at every representative on their chairs.
“An investigation team needs to be organized, but I can only grant a month of my patience”
Whispers, and looks of shock and wonder filled the room. Even the diplomats were stunned by her words.
“Only a month…”
“How many members are there to be in the team?”
“The desired number was five, but it got reduced to four this week. But besides the number, what matters the most is the members’ skills and affiliations”
“I see why you say not everyone is accepted”
“Took you long enough”
Cepheid’s arm hit Akiva’s side as he finished those words. Nobody seemed to be paying attention, though.
“Miss Etiennette, may I have a word?”
Ayesha stood up from her seat as Etiennette accepted her request.
“As diplomats, we have concluded so far having three members inside this special team. However, they might not seem to be enough leaders. May I know your reason for this short span?”
“Well, of course. You see, the number of members is not important”
“See what I told you?” Akiva smirked at Cepheid.
“What matters is their role. Whether they are able to fill in their roles is all up to you, but my only goal is to not waste my resources. I have already lost a Float, risking more is not something in my favor, nor in all of Teyvat. I’m sure you yourself are familiar with this kind of responsibility, Miss Ayesha”
“I for sure am, your majesty. But a month is not enough time, even if the roles are important and not the number. I’m afraid that is not decided by only you”
The atmosphere got heavy as Ayesha said those words.
“Right where it hits her” Akiva whispered and fought to hold his laugh.
“Even I am nervous” Cepheid, on the other hand, was the opposite of feeling light.
“I would like to add something, if it’s acceptable”
A man of tanned skin and white hair, wearing Natlan formal garments and accessories, stood from his chair, lifting his hand up. His aura transmitted confidence, and his emerald irises were sharply looking at Etiennette. The audience’s eyes were now focused on him.
“Go ahead”
“Our progress has been favorable lately, but Miss Ayasha is right. A month is not enough time. You see, your majesty, making movements with desperation won’t benefit us. Based on experience, precipitating things will only make everything worse. You yourself already know of my abilities when it comes to planning. If we discuss more about organizing this team, and the next things left to do, we can guarantee a successful rescue, with good enough risk from all of us”
“Hmm…” Etiennette laughed, “I suppose you are right then. I will give you two months extra, if that’s what you might be asking for”
“That’s perfect and enough time!” Ayesha said in excitement, even though it was hard to spot.
“Well, it seems it’s settled,” Akiva said
“So that was it. I expected more, being honest”
“Don’t worry, there is more ”
Cepheid looked at him, curious for what he meant, but some part already expected what might come.
“It is settled then. Three months will be given. But aside from that, what members do we have so far?”
“We already have an alchemist. He is very well known by Rhinedottir, his master. She was sent to Nellius in the Supply Float that hasn’t been reported back”
A man originated from the City of Wine and Song, Mondstadt. He was formal and wore a distinctive uniform compared to the other five diplomats. This fact, it seemed as he didn’t have time to even change into something else.
“We also have a student from Sumeru Academia, specialized in elemental studies, and who also appears to be an alchemist,” Ayesha added.
“I assume they both qualify for this team, despite having similarities… Also, have you found any reasons the Supply Float hasn’t come back?”
“We might not know if they arrived at Nellius' harbor, unfortunately… but, we have some theories that are hard to swallow as well”
Inazuma’s diplomat, a young, yet experienced woman -according to the rumors- kept herself on her corresponding chair. Her words spoke in a mysterious manner and transmitted raw emotions of fear and curiosity to others, even Fontaine’s ruler herself.
“Where should I begin?” She appeared to hold a smirk, which was misunderstood, at times, and she finally stood up from her chair. “My detectives, yes. I have spoken to them, and most concluded with three outcomes”
The woman paused for a moment, waiting for someone to speak, or perhaps admiring the attention; but everyone’s focus was still on her.
“One: they got trapped in something, or perhaps an inconvenient event occurred while on the ocean. Two: We guess the Supply Float couldn’t come back because of an incident happening while they already arrived at the docks. And… our most credible one. Just like the second possible outcome, the Supply Float hasn’t come back and we haven’t heard from them. They could’ve sent a dove, or a migrating bird to us with a message. But since that hasn’t happened, we concluded that the problem resides inside the New World”
The Inazuman diplomat sat down on her chair, making clear she finished speaking.
“That only leaves us with the first and third outcome…” The Sumerian diplomat said.
The atmosphere got heavier. There was an aura of disbelief filled around the room.
“Despite these conclusions, we are still not very sure if the Supply Float hasn’t survived, or if it has. But one thing we can be sure of is to do as much as we can to uncover this dilemma.” The Natlan diplomat began to say “Mondstadt can provide military support, in case defense needs to be involved. Perhaps adventurers and the Knights of Favonius can be involved. I also recommend scholars from Sumeru, especially Daiyoshis. I’ve seen the great talent and passion for research when I traveled to Sumeru once. They left a good impression, I’ll give you that”
“Sounds good enough to me. What about you, Miss Kaede? Since you’ve talked about your detectives, I suppose you can spare some”
“You needn’t to worry, I've got someone in mind. He’s here, actually”
She didn’t take a turn to signaling who she was talking about.
“I shall meet all the members we have so far. I would like to witness their presence today. For now, this assembly will be dismissed. Thank you, everyone, for being my guests”
With no other words, every single diplomat lifted themselves from their chairs. Each of the six were guided into another room and the rest started chit chatting. Their voices echoed through the courtroom. More and more people started getting into groups, there appeared to be conversations about undiscussed matters. "What about the people of Nellius? Wouldn't they be sending messages too? It's been long enough for at least a Float to not come" All sorts of things, overwhelming to Cepheid.
Cepheid had no words. She was confused, but didn't know how to project it, or what to ask or say. Her thoughts were interrupted by a young woman.
“Miss Hertz, may I be worthy of your attention?”
A distant voice called out to Cepheid. It was none other than one of Fontaine’s ruler’s assistants. She had a very formal and educated manner, and her face transmitted full attention to Cepheid.
“I should be the one asking that, don’t you think?” Despite her uncomfortable estate, Cepheid played along.
It sounded like a dare, but the woman didn’t mind. In fact, their attitudes matched together. Cepheid was no stranger of formal manners after she met Akiva. She had to credit him for that.
“Another reunion will be held in a short time. I ask for your presence to accompany us. Your guide will be of very help, if you accept”
“Thank you very much, we'll be attending it for sure”
Cepheid sounded like a whole other person, and even though Akiva was familiar with her, he was astonished.
“I’ll inform the rest of our guests. You might wait until everybody is called. I hope you’re having a good time in Petrichor"
The woman left and headed to speak with other guests that were invited to the private reunion. Among them, a peculiar, blonde and aquamarine-colored eyes caught Cepheid's attention. His feature were gentle, an incomparable beauty, she though to herself. Those tale eyes looked back at her in less than a second. They met each other's sight and stayed like that for a brief moment. However, the man's attention was interrupted by Mondstadt's diplomat. They both seemed to have a similar uniform. He was part of the Knights of Favonius, indeed. Cepheid asked herself why he was back, speaking to someone else. She had an opportunity to overhear their conversation.
"Albedo, you need to come with me. The meeting is about to begin"
"Yes, Varka. but I still need to speak to someone else"
"You've never failed to come early to meetings, who is more important than..."
Their conversation wasn't comprehensible now, due to the suffocating atmosphere and the loud voices on Cepheid's surroundings. Even though the courtroom was very large and amply in space, more people started coming in. They were all journalists, ready to catch their prey and attack them with a nonstop wave of questions regarding Eliennette.
"Cepheid? I lost you, where are you?"
Cepheid lost Akiva for a moment, due to the lack of personal space now. His voice was recognizable, but it was hard to tell its direction. It wasn't loud enough, in fact, it dimmed every second passing. Suddenly, Cepheid felt a hand holding hers. It was warm and soft, very tender but it had a strong grip. She was pulled closer by the mysterious man's body. His hands were now on her shoulders, slowly guiding her close to the courtroom’s backroom doors, with an apology here and there to the people passing. It wasn't hard to tell it was the same man she saw speaking with the diplomat Varka. Finally they arrived close to the backroom doors. Few people crowded the area, but the man still had his hands on her shoulders. Cepheid had no choice other than to bear with it, but she felt secure.
"Are you ok? I noticed you from afar struggling" His words were soothing, and his hands released her arms.
Cepheid had a better view of the man, and started inspecting his clothes. Even though he had a uniform, his body made it justice, as well as giving it a sophisticated and practical look, and very appropriate for the occasion. It wasn’t too extravagant. He almost looked like a Fontaine resident, with a few Mondstadt patterns here and there. He had a similar odor of a freshly field of cecilias nurtured by the rain.
"Yes… Thank you! What about you, sir?"
"There's no need to address each other in that manner. We look about the same age, don't you think? Please, just call me Albedo, Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius. I haven’t seen a face like yours these past meetings. Are you new?" He said in a notorious Mondstadt accent.
“Yes! I haven’t introduced myself to you. My apologies. My name is Cepheid Hertz, a Driyoshi student from the Sumeru Academia. I’m glad I can finally meet another alchemist”
"The feeling is mutual. I heard about some things, and some quite mysterious about you. Since we’re in the same team, I hope we can get along well”
“I agree. Oh! I heard you were being called, perhaps you should get back with your guide. I’m so sorry if I wasted your time rescuing me!”
“It’s fine, we both are familiar with this courtroom. I have been here for the past assemblies, and so has he. We happen to have our own meeting spot, but don’t worry, it’s not this one. But perhaps, it can be ours in the future” The blonde alchemist gave a warm smile, looking at her.
He took his white coat off and adjusted one of his sleeve garters since it was tighter than the other. His rich blue dress shirt and his black vest were now showing as he carried his white coat on his forearm. The alchemist had a blue pin, similar to Cepheid’s. She realized he was going to take part in the next meeting.
“In that case, I hope we can meet again, in this courtroom. Since you’ve been here multiple times, can you fill me in some details? I was recruited at the last moment and, judging by how people are reacting, there seems to be stuff that I missed. My guide is a very reliable person, but he has a lot on his hands. I wish to not bother him with more than what he has to handle because of his work”
Lies. She had already read the contents of the documents Akiva gave her. It was all a play to spend time with another alchemist.
“Well, of course I can. I don’t know where to start, but as you’ve heard, the Supply Float hasn’t made it back from the New World. Hmm…” he let out a sigh “also, Nellius’ sponsor doesn’t want to risk their resources. I know Fontaine has its own issues to worry about, and if the New World’s Fleets spend their time on fruitless investigation, who knows what the Tribunal will do to make them pay”
“The Tribunal?”
“Yes, it is an institution, of the many inside Fontaine’s law. In fact, the Tribunal can judge anyone, even Eliennette herself. I’m afraid I cannot fill you in if you are not familiar with some legal stuff, but I’m still willing to help with that”
“Yes. Majority of my time is focused on my studies, so when it comes to legal matters, I’m not an expert, much less knowledgeable of the basics. I had to pause my studies because I was recruited at the last minute. I only got to see why it was so important until now”
“I understand. Even though I’ve been a member, and attended Court of Fontaine’s meetings, I still have much to learn” he sighed again. “For now, let’s focus on the next meeting. Seems like it’s about to begin” The alchemist turned Cepheid towards the ring-shaped table, where a lovely lady was entering.
“Attention, members of The Steambird and visitors of the Court of Fontaine’s assembly, please leave with precaution. The next meeting for diplomats and their guests will begin in a short moment”
Said one of the maidens. Her beauty was one of the many inside the courtroom. As iridescent as the clouds on a sunny day.
“Seems like someone is looking for you,” Albedo pointed out with his hand.
A tall and dark green haired man. It was Akiva. He had a smile, which changed into a curious face when he saw the blonde man next to her.
“Cepheid! And I suppose you are Albedo” He said in a Sumerian accent. It was notorious and rough.
“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Reddy. I happened to meet our new member, I’m most certain”
“Of course! I’m sorry I haven’t introduced you both. I have been occupied these past days, and… uhh… it’s been hard focusing on many things at once. I also happened to be distracted by some diplomats. Never mind that, I suppose you have already exchanged names” Akiva looked at both of them with a happy gesture. In fact, he seemed happier than them.
“You see, Akiva, I’m good on my own after all. You can save your time worrying about me” Cepheid ended her sentence with a concerned look.
“I guess you’re right… I’m sorry I couldn’t find you any sooner” He sighed “Albedo, thanks for finding her! I owe you one”
“It’s fine, no need to worry about that. For now, let’s go to the meeting” He turned his back to them, now facing the back room's door ”We don’t wanna be late, right?”
“Yes, we’re coming!” Akiva said.
“After you” Albedo opened one of the doors.
“Thank you!” Akiva said, making his way into the backroom, with Cepheid following after.