Chapter Text
"So how been you doing recently, Lumine?"
It was morning, the streets were slowly waking up from their night's rest and were once again waving with signs and merchants urging people to enter the shops and evaluate the new goods brought from distant lands. Navia invited Lumine to share breakfast with her at the Hotel Debor, which was decidedly quieter than outside but also has its established order. Here and there the sun was still breaking into the half-empty hall, where the waiters were bustling about, preparing for the soon influx of visitors.
"It's okay, thanks for your concern, Navia," Lumine smiled at her. "Lately, I've been a bit busy with new commissions, and since I've been in Fontaine for not so long, I'm trying to get used to it and study the area in more detail."
It's true. But in addition to high mountains and high-rise buildings in the city, the Fontaine area had one very big feature - an underwater area. She had not yet had such an experience in any of the previous regions, but she liked diving for the first time. Freminet was right - it is incredibly calm and cozy underwater. If you are lucky, you can listen to a whale singing. But so far she could hear him only from afar.
“My partner seems incredibly busy these days! I hope I didn't disturb you with my request to have breakfast with me, but to be honest, we haven't seen each other in a long time and I wanted to check if you were all right and if I could be of any help."
"No, no, everything is fine. On the contrary, I am grateful to you for the invitation. I usually have breakfast with Paimon, but knowing her appetite, you won't chat too much with her at breakfast."
Navia burst out laughing.
"Understandable, I still remember how she drank my Fonta. Today you are without her, is everything okay?
"Yes, she is still resting after our swimming commission yesterday. She can't fly underwater, so she's more tired than usual," Lumin ate a piece of fish. So tasty. "By the time we're done, I think she'll wake up, it's worth ordering some food to go, they cook delicious here."
"I agree. Since then, I often take my colleagues from the organization here. Although the price hurts, it's worth it." Navia carefully wiped her lips with a handkerchief. "So you don't have any free time right now? I was also thinking of inviting you to go shopping and showing you my favorite places, or inviting you to my place and treating you to some homemade pastries. I recently tried the new blueberry filling and it's so delicious!"
“There is, but it's usually late at night. Unfortunately, most commissions need to be completed during the day. But it seems that soon my schedule will decrease a little and I will be able to have free time for additional walks more often. Lately, I've been walking around the city a lot with Lyney at this time, his shows are usually in the evening, so we both have time to see the city before and after his performance.
She enjoyed going on walks with Lyney. Regardless of the weather or mood, he always found a way to have a good time and distract her from the constant grind of the Adventurer's Guild commissions. Recently, she became interested in the language and culture of Fontaine, so she asked him for some literature to familiarize herself with the trends there. The next day he lent her the book, saying that it would be easy to read even for a novice. However, she has not yet had the opportunity to sit down to read it. It will be worth doing this before Lyney's next show to share the impressions after.
At the same time, the idea of going shopping with Navia was very tempting. Fontaine's fashion is another aspect of life here that she was incredibly interested in.
"Maybe you want to keep us company too?"
"I would love to go to a show at the opera, I haven't been there since the trial," Navia sighed thoughtfully, putting her palm under her chin, and then smiling mysteriously. "But I'm not sure about your walks around the city with Lyney, I wouldn't want to tenir la chandelle*."
Oh?
“What do you mean?” Lumine asked.
"Ahahahahaha, don't pay attention to my words, lately, I don't think about what I'm saying," Navia giggled uncontrollably, accidentally attracting the attention of people from the nearest tables. "At the same time, I would like to warn you. He is of course a well-known magician in Fontaine with a good reputation, but don't forget that he is also one of the Fatui".
In fact, all Lumine has been thinking about lately is Fatui.
Childe ended up in prison. His vision remained with her. "Father" or rather Arlecchino will soon arrive at Fontaine. Lyney, Lynett, and Freminet also appear from the House of Hearth, they believe that the Fatui will help save Fontaine from the effects of the prophecy through gnosis. Should she prepare for Fatui’s imminent visit to her to grab Childe’s vision? Will she again have to protect the archon from them? She wasn't sure if Furina even realized the extent of the problem or if she was just putting on a mask of fun and insouciance. But something suggested that with Furina, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. What was Arlecchino really up to? It is unlikely that Fatui can have only the salvation of the region in mind, without any selfish goals. Can they be trusted at all?
These thoughts gave her a terrible headache.
“I know, thanks for the warning. Even if something happens, I am sure that I will be able to repel the attack."
"That's what should be expected from my reliable partner! But remember, in case of this Spina di Rosula is always ready to come to your aid! And do not forget to visit me when you have a free time. And take Paimon with you too. I'll make sure to cook something delicious for you both!”
Lumine said goodbye to Navia on the way out of the hotel, still planning to stop by Paimon to bring her breakfast. The sun was already high, reflecting off the huge stained-glass windows of the Opera Epiclese. People were in a hurry to catch the aquabus and buy the new issue of Steambird, while simultaneously discussing the news in it.
Sooner or later every question will be answered.
Now she just has to patiently wait.