Work Text:
“He’s throwing another one?”
“Oh, like you wouldn’t believe it. In fact, this one is going to be one of the largest ones yet, and he’s taking it outside of the city too, in the wild open plains, decorating it all like a madman.”
“I see, hmm. How interesting. I wonder where he gets all of that money from?”
“Hah, he wouldn’t say. Some say he has special connections, some say his business is just that good, but otherwise that’s all there is to it. Some even speculate robbery or corruption, but no proof to show for it.”
Chiori hummed in acknowledgement as she finished taking the measurements, turning to look at her crafting table again. Her customer put her arms down as the seamstress made a drawing for the design she had her eye on to make for this woman.
“Very interesting indeed.” She muttered to herself before shrugging. “So long as it does nothing to me, I guess I shouldn’t be concerned at all.”
With that, Chiori went about her business as usual, the seamstress weaving the dress for her customer back and forth before she left pleased at the end of the day.
However, a recent development, one that her customer just now explained to her, kept her mind in the mix.
“How does he afford so much from so little? Unlike that old fool, Uther, I met him a few times during fashion events and he doesn’t seem off minded. However, I can’t deny that his wealth is a tad too sudden for my liking. Oh well, as long as it doesn’t bother me, I won’t have to go out of my way to deal with it. I can probably tell Chevreuse about it and see what comes up from it.”
“Ms. Chiori.” A voice came from the front of her shop.
“Oh, what now? Yes, Eloffe?”
“A guest for you.”
Chiori huffed, looking at the clock. It’s already past six, indicating that most shops, including hers, would already be closed. She rolled her eyes, turning to the door.
“We’re closed if it's a customer. You know that.”
“Uhm, he isn’t here to buy. It’s…you know?”
Chiori paused, before sighing. Despite the sigh, the smallest of small smiles crept up her lips. “I see. Eloffe, if Aether swings by, just let him in anyways.”
“Oh, okay!”
The door opens and closes as Chiori puts stacks of cloth onto the racks of her boutique.
“You’re late today. Usually you’d be here some minutes prior. Something caught your eye?” Chiori asked, not bothering to turn to face her guest.
Besides, she knows who he is, and there’s no need to address him formally. Not when he understands her best and accepts her bluntness more so than anyone ever has.
“Not mine, Paimon’s.” Aether chuckled, closing taking a look left and right, before turning back to her. “Speaking of, I got something for you this time around.”
“Oh, you have, have you?” She turned her head slightly to look back, finding him placing a neatly made food package onto the table. She rolled her eyes. “Thanks, but do keep food off my crafting area. I’d like it not to be sticky.”
“Oh, sorry.” He chuckled, lifting it back up and looking around. Being a boutique, there isn’t much space inside of the shop to put food down and eat. Scratching his head with one hand, he turned back to Chiori just as she herself turned to him.
“It’s fine. We can have it outside, I’m just about done here. There’s one more thing I need to settle outside of the boutique with one of my suppliers and we’ll go and have an evening together, if you don’t mind.” She replied, one hand on her hip.
“Sure, sure. You want to have another bath?” Aether asked, offering Chiori to use his hot spring pool back in his teapot.
“Hmm. If all goes well, I’ll take a dip.” She nods, her smile ever so slightly wider. “Heh, I guess I’m becoming a regular there now, no?”
“Hey, it’s for everyone.” Aether replied back. “If you want one smaller one for yourself, I can always make one in a separate space and mark it for you.”
“Hmm~ I’ll hold you up on that offer. Maybe someday I’ll agree to it.” Chiori replied, before fixing her hair and going to the outside window. “Alright, Eloffe’s already gone home too. High time we went before it got too late. I hate going back late.”
“Alright. Where we headed?” Aether asked, opening the door for her.
Chiori hummed slightly as she passed by, Aether closing her shop doors behind her as he locked it for her. Call it common courtesy, but Chiori came to appreciate Aether’s subtle yet meaningful gestures for her. It shows he cared for her, and she’s one to make sure he knows she will treat him the same way.
“Down the road to the right. Oh, and dinner’s on me today.” She responded, walking ahead as Aether caught up.
“Eh? Isn’t it my turn?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, please.” She waved her arm. “We don’t need to take turns for something as simple as that. I feel like it, so it’s on me. Don’t over-complicate.” The seamstress added.
Aether paused for a bit and shrugged. “Alright then.”
“Besides, you brought that for me.” She pointed to the box of food Aether carried. “From the look of things, it’s a small snack you made. Am I right?”
“Spot on. Why does everyone read me so easily sometimes?” Aether asked, a bit confused.
Chiori shrugged. “Call it a hunch, darling. And nothing more.”
After a brief walk, the pair maintaining a comfortable silence between them, Chiori stopped them by a building that looked like a shop at the bottom with living quarters on top.
“Wait out here and give me a moment.” She turned to Aether. The traveler nodded, Chiori turning back towards the door and giving it a knock.
“Mr. Himmer? It’s Chiori.” She called out after the knock.
“Who- ah, Chiori. One moment.” Came a voice from inside, before it was followed by a mass noise of things fumbling about as the man rushed to the door.
Aether and Chiori both raised their eyebrows at the noise before the door opened to reveal an older gentleman, giving the pair a small smile.
“Ah, and the traveler is here with you this time. Good evening.”
Aether gives a nod at the greeting while Chiori just gives a small hum in response.
“About the deliveries starting tomorrow for my imported silk, is there a schedule yet? I need to be able to time my work too, you know.” She crossed her arms, sounding ever so slightly irritated.
“Ah, yes. I have some bad news to share.” He says, sighing himself.
Chiori paused before groaning. “Ugh, not another problem. Okay, spit it out. What now?” She asked, sounding slightly less happy.
“The shipments that are due to arrive at the merchant that I purchase from have been…….eradicated.” He admitted, sounding displeased as well.
“Eradicated?!” Chiori asked, her eyes narrowing. “What do you mean by that? Surely a shipment that big won’t just go up and get demolished, especially since I’m sure I’m not your only customer.”
“That’s the issue. The ship delivering it was never heard off.” The man replied, sighing as he leaned onto the wall and crossed his arms. “It left Port Ormos, bound for Fontaine. The crew logged in and the port staff confirmed it, but after being 3 days late, the ship was marked as lost and it was never found.”
“Never found? Who in the fu- ugh,, this day can’t get much worse now, can it.” Chiori sighed, Aether gently holding her shoulder.
Feeling his touch, Chiori took some time to reorganize her thoughts, his touch actually providing her with some warmth for clear thinking. After a brief second, she gently tapped his hand with one of her own, resuming conversation.
“Okay, well, if that’s the case, I still need materials like those. So, I take it you can’t get me some quickly?” Chiori’s tone was still annoyed, but somewhat a lot more neutral now.
“I’m afraid so. I will have more for you when I have a shipment that actually arrives. I have reported the issue to the authorities, so we’ll see how it goes. If you want some quick silk though, this may also be an issue.” The man replied, sighing with some displeasure. “Most, if not all stores are out.”
“Excuse me? Out?” Chiori raised her eyebrows. “What do you mean? Did Fontaine suddenly ban silk from entering the nation?”
“No, but in another way, yes.” He replied, causing both Aether and Chiori to raise their eyebrows in confusion.
“Long story short, all cargo ships carrying silk and clothing materials are intercepted on the way to Fontaine. Most of them simply vanished like the one carrying my things, either sunk or hijacked. No other ports have reported them coming in to dock or signaling to the port. Not much I can do about it….” He admitted, scratching his head. “I know this from my peers in the industry, and it doesn’t seem like you’ll find one soon.”
“.....tsk.” Chiori crossed her arms. “Alright, I suppose I’ll look around for now. I’ll be back to continue the usual when you get your silk, thanks.”
With that, Chiori turned her heel, not wanting to continue the conversation. Aether sighed, waving at the supplier. The man gave a bow, understanding that Chiori may be upset before going back inside.
Aether caught up to Chiori, the seamstress walking away. “I guess I’m not going home in time today. Ugh, the nerve, whatever. I’ll go around and ask, just follow if you don’t mind.”
She paused, turning to him. “Knowing you though, you don’t mind. No?”
He chucked in response. “I don’t. Come on.”
Yet, despite their slight positivity, it's as the supplier said. Not a single ounce of silk is found in Fontaine as ni shop had it in stock; either they ran out, or the new stock that was inbound had magically vanished from the ocean’s surface on transit to Fontaine. Not a single one had managed to arrive in the ports, leading to a sudden silk shortage.
Aether knew Chiori wasn’t one to show her emotion flat out. If she’s in a good mood or a bad mood, you can only tell based on subtle signs and motions. And Aether’s the best person to be able to pick up on such small details in Chiori. Asking her won’t do as well, she never admits if she’s feeling terrible.
However, right now, anyone who passes her a glance can see that she is very very displeased.
“Can’t a seamstress get a good break in this city for once?! Urgh, everything gets thrown into my way all the fucking time.” Chiori curses as she pauses walking in the lower levels of the city. Aether sighed as he stopped beside her, confused as well at what had suddenly happened.
“Well, you're not the only one. Everyone else must be hit by this too.” Aether says, looking at her. Chiori turned to him, her eyes staring deep into his own. At first glance, you might think she’s angry at him for some reason. In truth, her eyes are looking at his; glaring, even, for solace. A fact she hasn’t admitted to anyone yet.
“.....you’re right.” She sighed, looking at him still. “Can’t just be me that is facing this issue. I need to find some silk and materials quickly. I’ll need to look around town and find some suppliers, some new ones maybe.”
“I’ll go with. That said, if everyone is hit, then who’s to say we may find one?” Aether asked, the pair walking forward again.
“True. That said- wait. What’s that?”
Aether turned to the side where Chiori pointed. The pair locked their eyes onto a large shop at the base of a building across the cafe, apparently crowded with people out in front and inside it.
Except, Aether and Chiori had never seen that store open before, nor heard of how it exploded onto the scene like this. This made the pair curious.
“What’s this on about, shall we take a look?” Chiori asked, though she already started turning there before Aether answered.
The traveler chuckled, nodding. Chiori gave a nod before she walked along with him. The pair looked at the customers, first wondering what the store sells to attract a large amount of people, especially for a new store.
But as they got closer, the pair realized that something is not as it seems out there. The customers were there to buy things, but their tones, their emotions, and the way they’re talking indicates that they aren’t glad.
Aether watches as two of them seem to be discussing something rather unpleasant, though they aren’t exactly on bad terms. In fact, it looks like they have a mutual disagreement with something.
Chiori puts one hand down, gently tapping some of Aether’s fingers with her hand. “Aether, something isn’t right.”
“I concur.” Aether nods. “Fishy. The customers here appear…..forced. Like they are being sold a bad bargain. Let’s eavesdrop.”
Chiori nods, before the pair move to the front window to finally see what the store sells.
The sight made Chiori pause.
“This is……”
Silk. Cloth. Cotton. Fine clothing materials, still in their raw and uncolored form, are neatly stacked onto the display window, lights illuminating the insides brightly so that the quality can be clearly seen from the outside. Though one may judge materials based on how they feel to the touch, having a good external look is a plus point as an expert can judge whether or not the material will suit their needs.
Aether’s eyes widened slightly. “This…….how did they get these?”
“I have the same question, but that said, let’s give a short listen.” Chiori replied.
The pair settled in beside the display glass, seemingly observing the shop’s items. Before long, a pair of customers came out of the store, stopping nearby them to talk.
Luckily, they were displeased and loud enough to beheard easily.
“This is preposterous. It is way too expensive!”
“I know, but what choice do we have? We can’t get materials from anywhere else, and any longer we wait, we’d be losing customers. I have orders to tailor!”
“Seriously, how much do we have to raise the price to earn a profit?! All my customers will be going away if I follow suit!”
“That’s true….three hundred thousand mora for a roll is too much!”
Chiori’s eyes narrowed, and her facial expressions shifted immediately to disgust. Aether noticed, taking a look aside before looking back at her.
“That is daylight robbery if I ever heard of one. Some bullshit, that is, to sell a roll of clothing for that much. That is so inflated, if it were a balloon, it’d surpass Celestia.” Chiori scoffed, her tone showing her clear disgust at the premise.
Aether nodded. “I don’t know the prices, but judging from how much clothes cost, it shouldn't be THAT exorbitantly expensive. This makes no sense, no sense at all Chiori.”
“Agreed. Huh, he must be pulling the price tag out of his own selfish wants and not the market value. Ugh, another one of those idiotic businessmen just waiting to fall.” Chiori rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in front of her. “Seems like someone didn’t get the memo that challenging the normal price range with an increase wouldn’t end well for them.”
“Then again, there are morons who think they’re different from the world and…what was it again? Oh yeah, that they can change the market into a more economical one- or something, I don’t follow those hilariously childish terms.” Chiori adds, her tone mocking as she said the middle part.
“Alright, let’s go in and see what’s up.” Te seamstress finishes, turning twards the store doors.
“As you do.” Aether nods, following and opening the door.
“Hmm. Chivalric. Unnecessary, but I’ll thank you for that.” She says, strutting into the store as Aether closes the door behind him as he goes in.
Chiori takes a good look around the inside of the store. Dozens of sewing materials line the racks, with one side containing silk, cloth, and raw materials while the other rack has equipment like sewing pins, clothing racks and stands. Customers line the place, checking the items out, yet one thing stands out.
Everytime someone looks at the price tag, they wince. They grimace. They look in disgust.
And as Chiori and Aether walk over to one of the center racks containing materials, they can see why.
“What in tarnation are these prices? Merde, I’ve never seen silk go past 5 zeroes. Why are they so high?” Chiori asks, confusion rattling her mind as she looks at how inflated the prices are. Some of them might even be more expensive than the high end clothes she produces from her boutique.
“This feels wrong.” Aether says, taking a good look and feel of one roll of cotton. “This is good material but it isn’t supposed to be so expensive.”
“That’s because this is made of the top quality material.” A man suddenly appeared before them. “Good evening, I’m the shopkeeper. A pleasure to serve, how may I help you?”
“Uhm, yeah? Like, reduce the number of zeroes so that the price makes sense? Are we buying literally one in a million silk or something here, because if it is, then I don’t see what’s special about it.” Chiori responded in a rather condescending tone.
“Ah, but these are very very fine silk that match the price. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be charged extra for it. Any decent tailor should know, such as you if you’re one.” He replied quite quickly.
Aether gently held one of Chiori’s arm, a measure to keep her from going too far.
You could just see one of her eyes twitch at the response though.
“Any decent tailor? I own a boutique that has stood the test of time and hardships for a while. I know what is what in this world, and this shouldn’t even sell for this ridiculous price.” Chiori replied, crossing her arms.
“Ah, but it does. Sadly enough, the economy can be harsh to some when the demand is high but the stock is low.” He responded, a smile on her face that showed him ignoring Chiori’s remark.
Aether raised an eyebrow. The man’s smugness is out of order here. Perhaps, in a way, he’s too happy about what Chiori said. Peeking around, it is true that customers are buying items, though it seems like they are forced to.
‘Something doesn’t add up.’ Aether thinks, his brain cranking up in thought. ‘This is the only place that sells silk, and they’re selling it with an exorbitantly high price tag. This isn’t normal.’
Aether paused when he felt Chiori’s arm start to shake in displeasure. Aether slowly tightened his arm around hers, slowly reminding her of their situation.
Chiori took a second, but without looking at him, her arm gradually went still as her mind cleared again. After closing her eyes, inhaling and exhaling, she looked back at the sales person.
“Alright, I suppose you can say that, though in this case this isn’t so much taking advantage as it is daylight robbery.” Chiori responds, her tone going back to her usual one. “So you intend to basically provide an open scam?”
“Scam? Where are these accusations coming from? Preposterous, and you call yourself a seamstress?” The shopkeeper scoffed back. “I’ll have you know, our materials are worth every penny, and if you can’t see it, you’re just terrible. Besides, we have many customers who do buy our wares, and when the market does not provide, we’re here to do so.”
“And you do that by destroying the market. There won’t be a future if you decide up your butts in the air to hang the market like this with some prices that make as much sense as you lot have to be the next archon.” The seamstress replied.
“Haha, but this is modern economy. Monopoly is the game here, as Mr. Devin has pointed out. Our owner too.” The shopkeeper says proudly.
Chiori took a pause, gears clicking in her head when she heard the name. “....makes sense now, to some degree.” She murmured to herself, before she looked back at the shopkeeper. “Alright, you can play your game. I’m not falling for a monopoly that causes the buyers to lose.”
“Not to worry for me, heh. We have a large market either way.”
“Market? Heh, since when is there a market for shameless robbery? I’d rather not fall for it, thanks. Va te faire foutre.” Chiori, finally realizing where this is headed, pulled out of the conversation, turning away and heading for the door. “Come on, mon cheri. Nothing else to see here and nothing worth me spending my energy on anymore.”
Aether took a look round, before he joined her on the way out. The pair passed by some more distressed customers as they considered the price.
As Chiori got out of the store though, her pent up frustrations seeped slowly out of her body. Aether could feel it from her before Chiori let out a long exhale.
“Usual spot. You brought some snacks, right?” Chiori says, not turning to him.
“Yeah. You need some time?” Aether asks, letting her go as Chiori fixes her hairpins.
“Yes, but you’re coming with. Come on, a little sightseeing can give me some ideas. I have a few things that I found out in that short conversation.” Chiori says, turning to him again. “And you aren’t going to deny me, right dear?”
“How can I?” He chuckled slightly. “Come on, let’s hear it.”
Minutes Later, the pair were perched atop the cliffside overlooking Fontaine’s waters, food pack open between them with some lovely toast in their hands, added with berry jams and a good mix of milky syrup to make a nice sweet snack. Chiori was silent as she ate, Aether following her silence as well while the pair watched the ocean beyond. 2 glasses of coffee line the mats as well, one for each.
It was almost night, but Chiori had stopped to get a glass for her and him. It seems she has plans for the night after all.
“Cruel, isn’t it? All people want to do is to make a living and yet, there are others who seem to always make it harder.” Chiori commented after a while.
Aether gave a sigh as he listened. Chiori finished the piece she was eating before putting her hands beside her as she looked out to the shiny sea below, glistening in the sunset.
“I won’t have to repeat but you know the hardships I endured to get where I am, so I don’t really have much to say. Regardless, I think it’s not really right for something so ridiculous to go on. Ugh, I am already running out of things to use for my designs and I have deadlines coming up. The last thing I need is the raw material cost going up a whole ten times.” She ranted slightly, though her tone remained somewhat neutral.
“Sometimes when things get ugly, many people follow the trend into disaster just to avoid an even bigger disaster. Like this one, though maybe calling it a disaster is a bit o a stretch. They have no materials, and are forced to buy goods at an excruciatingly high price, hurting their business and their economy.” Chiori says, flapping the grass beside her with one arm as she talks. “Me however, I ain’t falling for that cheap trick. As much as it will do good in the short term, it will be very terrible for long term business. As such, it’d be better if I steer clear of baits like those and get my own solution to those problems. Sadly not everyone sees eye to eye with me. In fact, you’re probably the only one who does.”
“Alas, it is what it is.” She took another piece of bread, taking a bite and drinking coffee to clear her mouth before continuing. “Thanks for being there by the way darling. I was honestly going to send him out the balcony, but you actually kept me a bit back. He was asking to be turned into sewage, really.”
“I concur. Honestly, I really wanted to just turn him inside out, but we can’t do that.” He replied, turning to look at her. “Still, least you held back well enough. That was quite infuriating.”
“You too? Heh, we are more alike than I thought.” Chiori gave a chuckle, her deep red eyes looking into his bright golden eyes. “In any case, I don’t intend to fall into his trap. It’s a joke, really. Anyone falling for it is either desperate, or stupid. Or both, who knows.”
“Yeah, who knows.” Aether looks on ahead into the water, taking a bite. “That being said, how come that’s the only shop that owns a large amount of clothes-making materials?”
“Honestly, not a clue. But when he mentioned the owner of the store, I got an idea that something is behind this.” Chiori looks ahead as well. “Devin, the guy he mentioned? He’s a business owner in Fontaine. He isn’t particularly high class, but quite recently he got a massive boost of wealth to the point he can throw parties and galas and whatnot as he pleases, inviting anyone he wants.”
“Rumors passed by my shop about him almost daily now, and with his name being brought up like this by that very suspicious store, I think there may be a connection. He’s been tied to rumors of corruption, robbery, and illegal trade, but no proof is brought forward.”
“Originally I didn’t care since it didn’t affect me, but now?” Chiori gave a chuckle. “Now is a different story. I have a feeling that there’s a connection, and so I think there’s something worth looking into.”
“Hmm. I see where that comes from.” Aether put a hand on his chin in thought. “Sudden disappearances of clothing materials except for his store. An inflated price that is abnormally high. Last but not least, a store owner that suddenly got rich. Sounds like something we can study a lot closer to see.”
“Yep. And just tomorrow actually, he’s hosting a banquet outside of Fontaine, on a shore near the city. Very expensive too from the looks of it, and how patrons have been going on and on about how they need to look oh-so special or what not. Blegh, makes me sick. Everything coming out of my boutique will make one look special, there’s no need to state the plain obvious.” Chiori rolled her eyes, finishing her snack.
“Huh. That’s a little odd. If what you say is true, he must’ve gotten all that money from somewhere down under without anyone knowing. Otherwise, the talk of the town won’t be so surprised.” Aether pointed out.
“Correct, and that’s what I’m going to be looking into.” She paid, turning to him. “Oh, right. We are going to be looking into it, eh?”
“Yep. Not going to let this sit by.” Aether finished his snacks, looking out at the sun as it disappeared. “That said, do we have a plan?”
“I do. He owns a few ships that operate out of Fontaine’s harbors, but up top and down low to travel to other nations.” Chiori replied, looking at Romaritime harbor in the distance. “I say we take a look, see if we can find anything fishy on board.”
“On board? Isn’t getting on a ship illegally a crime?” Aether raises an eyebrow.
“Psh, it is, but he does open passenger lines for some of his ships. All we need to do is to sign up for one and see where it goes from there. Not something too hard for us, I figure.” Chiori says, stretching her arms and getting up. “Alright. That’s enough sightseeing for now. Time to find a way out of this hole and see if we can help others while we’re at it.”
“Have Chevreuse on speed dial if we find something?” Aether asks, getting up with her.
“Oh, honey, trust me. If we do find danger, she’ll find us before we need to find her.” Chiori gave a chuckle, taking her two swords out. “Still sharp, alright. We’re good.”
“Romaritime harbor?” Aether stretches his arms out, taking a look at the aquabus line heading there.
“Yep. We should be able to find a seat on that ship for a trip at this hour, since the evening-night service is just going to start.” She says, taking another second to fix her hairpins. “We should be allowed a look on board, and we can find what’s up from there.”
“Also, Aether.” She paused, turning around to face him. “Thank you, again. I mean it, for keeping up with me amidst all this. It seems that by having you with me, all I do is bring you into trouble one after the other endlessly.”
“It’s alright. It’s fun, and it keeps us both on the good side of the majority of people.” He responded, turning to her to face Chiori as well. “You’re very welcome, and so long as it is for the better of us, I won’t say no.”
“Huh, a man of many words, I see.” Chiori chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to show my appreciation for you, darling. Now, come on. Let’s make haste and see what’s up with this, before it gets any worse for the Court of Fontaine.”
With that, the pair set off towards the docks, heading for the city to pick up a quick aquabus trip to the harbor.
—-------------------------------------------------------------
“Excuse me, you got any transports heading out tonight? Me and my friend here would like a ride out.”
“Hmm? Ah, yes miss. Sorry, I was reading the bulletin papers.”
Chiori rolled her eyes, looking back at the staff behind the counter as he checked the time tables. Aether stood slightly behind her, watching carefully and observing the ships around the port. After a while, he turned back to look at the staff.
Chiori tapped her fingers, her eyes making a quick scan of the otherwise quite slow staff as he tried to get the list of ships. “Ugh, come on. I don’t have all day.”
“Right, sorry, sorry! I have the list here.” The man finally comes up, fixing his glasses as he places a schedule on a wooden pad in front of her. Chiori blew an exhale, lifting some of the hair off her face as Aether and her leaned in to read the schedule.
“.....only one?” Chiori raised her eyebrows, looking up in a feigned confusion. Not that they’re really confused, Devin’s line of ships are the only ones serving sudden additional passengers and late into the night after all.
“Yes, I’m sorry. For bookings directly at the eve of departure, and at this hour, this service is the only one willing to provide. The ships however are of satisfactory nature and are quite suited for all classes, being economical yet not too uncomfortable for the journey.” The man replied, showing them an advertisement for the ship.
“Splendid. No fuss then, that’ll do.” Chiori says, pointing at the ship. “How much for one trip to….Sumeru?”
“Ah, simple. 10 000 mora for 2, including round trip back with accommodations and refreshments. Food is carried per passenger.” The man explains, showing the couple the payment details.
Chiori gave a low scoff. “Quite expensive. Can’t this be lowered or something? I dunno, make it a bit more appealing for those who are looking fo a quick trip and nothing else?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am. This is all I got from them. If you want, you’d have to talk to the supervisor.” The staff replied.
“Ugh, fine. Whatever I guess. I’ll take it.” Chiori casually waved off, slapping the required amount of mora on the table.
The man nods, taking it in and giving her two passes for the ship.
“Which one is it? I want to take a look and perhaps buy a thing or two here before the trip depending on what I see.” Chiori says, taking the pass and giving the second one to Aether. Aether nods as thanks, taking the pass and looking at the staff as to affirm Chiori’s request.
“Of course! Since you’re passengers, they have permits to board before departure if the boarding gates are open. It’s that one over there at dock 2.” The staff says, pointing to a rather standard looking ship with its sails folded and engines only just warming up. The sails seem to be there in case of a breakdown so the ship can still move.
“Perfect. Thank you.” A small smirk goes up to Chiori’s face,the seamstress’s clothes swaying with the wind as she makes a u-turn to head for the ship. Aether turns as well, his braid going along as he turns to head for the ship with her.
The wind was quite high that night, making their clothes flap slightly and Aether’s braid to be flailing with the wind. Chiori took notice, looking at his braid and humming as they walked.
“You ever thought of changing hairstyles? With long hair, you can do many things.” Chiori casually says, looking at his golden locks. To the naked eye, they may seem like just some other ordinary blond hair, but to someone who looks at the details like Chiori, she can tell that the traveler’s hair is extremely good. Enviable, almost.
“Not really.” He shook his head. “I’m not one for too much style, as you know. I mean, come to think of it, I never really go for a change in looks anyway.”
“Well, when we’re done with this fiasco, come back and I’ll get you a redo. I think you’d look fabulous in many things anyway. Part of the reason why I said you’re my favorite model in the first place.” Chiori admitted, taking a hand to gently tug and tighten his braid.
“You sure that’s not down to me not being picky?” Aether lightly teased back.
Chiori rolled her eyes. “A mix of many things, mon amor. Now, let’s not push further than that. We’re here.”
The pair stopped by the large ship. Crew could be seen preparing the ship whilst some passengers are walking by the decks and lower levels, visible through the windows. At first glance, the ship was unarmed, but Chiori and Aether knew not to take anything at first glance. When dealing with someone who does dirty work, you can never be too certain about first looks and impressions after all.
A crewman is standing by the boarding plank, looking out and around as people go to and fro around him. Aether motions to him, Chiori nodding in response as she took the passes and walked on with him.
“Excuse me, the Chevalier?” Chiori asked the crewmate as she stopped in front of him with Aether beside her.
“Ah, yes. That’d be us. You have passes?” He turned to them, his gesture showing some respect, but not a lot like you’d find in restaurants. Seems like he is still a seaman after all.
“Hmm.” Chiori hands him the pair of passes she held. The man takes a good look for several seconds before his lips curve into a small smile.
“Ah, very well. Welcome aboard. We lift anchor in about 30 minutes, so do find yourself comfortable.” The man gives them a nod of approval, handing their passes back and stepping aside for them. “Do watch your step and don’t forget to get any meals you want for the trip ahead.”
“Thanks.” Chiori replied, stepping onto the ship.
Now on board, the pair gave a look around before Aether spoke first. “I think we should hunker down and wait while looking around the ship. Maybe we’ll find or hear something interesting.”
“Agreed.” Chiori replied, taking a look around before turning back to Aether. “Let’s take a walk around the ship’s deck. The crew seem to be at work and maybe we can run around and find something.”
“Alright.” Aether nods, the pair turn towards the front of the ship and walk together.
Chiori hummed as she kept an eye out around, taking his hand and locking it with hers ever so casually without any second thoughts, casually moving on.
Aether took a second to look down at their locked arms before looking back at her.
Chiori noticed his gaze, looking back at him. She raised an eyebrow, as if saying that there’s nothing odd with their posture before looking away again.
Aether just gave a chuckle after a second or two before looking ahead again, the pair casually strolling around the front portion of the ship. With nothing odd and out of position, they walked around the front and off to the back of the ship, where the main living area and lounge area on the ship.
“Hmm. If not here, we’d have to look elsewhere.” Aether says, Chiori not really reacting and looking around.
“Well, we haven’t finished yet. And- hold up.” Chiori paused, her ears on alert as she picked up some discussion ahead.
Aether paused as well, before noticing what Chiori was hearing. “Sounds like some hushed discussion ahead.” He whispered.
Chiori nods, looking back at him as the pair hunker up to the wall quietly. “No noise, let’s see what this is about.”
Aether nods, the pair sneaking ahead. There were several rooms in their right side, on the other side of the wall they’re creeping up on. The one at the far end appeared to be the source of the noise, at least 2 people discussing something within the walls.
Aether and Chiori tiptoed their way, slowly making sure that even their clothes did not make any noise as they crept up and stopped right by the closed door.
“So we have no raids for tonight? We’re the spotters then?” A male voice came through the door.
“Yep. Ships 3, 4 and 6 will be on the hunt while we and ship 2 will act as spotters. We spot for them and signal with our top mast lights if we found anything significant for them. Then, they swoop in while we sail on.” Another male voice spoke.
“But the passengers? Are you sure they won’t raise suspicion?” A female voice asked.
“Ha, if anything, they’d be thankful we’re avoiding the so-called pirates of the sea, as much as that’s some nonsense.”
Aether’s fist tightened slightly while Chiori brought a knife out slowly, in case it gets ugly. It seems like they found their culprit.
“Alright, well I’ll be going into the lower decks to make sure we have the correct elemental energy fuel for our lights on the top of the mast. Amazing how we can borrow technology from a lighthouse so easily.” One male voice said.
“Right, we’ll be heading up, make sure everything is set for the trip.” The female voice replied, footsteps heading for the door.
Aether and Chiori’s eyes widened before the pair sneakily backed away as quickly s they could without making a noise. The hallway was a bit too long however for them to make a turn, and they’d be spotted.
That was until Chiori’s hand managed to find a door to the side, opening it to reveal a passenger cabin for the ship’s passengers.
“In here.” She says, pulling Aether inside with her and closing the door. The traveler only just fumbled into the room from the sudden pull, the door closing behind them right as the door on the other side opened, the crew of the ship heading to their respective destination.
“Hush.” Chiori says, herself and Aether leaning by the wall of the room they’re hiding in as the sole crewman heading for the lower decks passes by. The sounds of the harbor and the other people on the ship seems to have masked them well, judging by how he didn’t notice Aether and Chiori’s escapade.
After a few seconds, the pair breathed a sigh of relief.
“Okay, we’re good.” Chiori fixed her outfit again. “Right, let’s go. We need photos as evidence of their wrong doings so we can bring them to court. If we can find a corporation name or even a signature of that devil Devin himself, we can make it a full house in prison.”
“Alright.” Aether brings out his Kamera. “Ready whenever, madame.”
“Ugh, don’t call me that.” Chiori rolled her eyes as they exited the room, taking a peek left and right before stepping out and heading for the room where the bad guys came from.
Several doors down, they found the room unlocked. Aether stood watch while Chiori carefully opened it, making sure no one was inside before stepping in fully. Aether followed her shortly thereafter.
True to what they heard, inside were many papers and plans that indicated what these pirates were after. Multiple profiles of ships that contained cargo, photographs of schedules from other ships and delivery companies, as well as details on the ships themselves such as estimated size, cargo details, and crew profiles of major positions on the ships like the captain or first mate.
And most of the ships marked on the map are cargo ships carrying various loots into Fontaine. On the side tables are various more papers and books, all of them containing plans or previous encounters.
Aether went busy with recording the evil deeds; especially because they are hand written with signatures on some of the papers that indicate approval. Chiori meanwhile opened a book.
“Oh, a diary. Look at this.” She says, Aether peeking over her shoulder as he passes by to take a look.
“Attacked a ship…you’re right. It seems they kept switching ships between spotters and attackers to confuse anyone suspicious.” Aether hummed, Chiori nodding in response as she read the entry.
“And look.” She says, flipping the pages. A quick skim of the last 10 entries shows that, indeed, they had been very busy the past week ensuring that no clothing materials get inside Fontaine. Chiori frowned, but kept her cool as she read.
“It seems they’re targeting one type of goods as a test before launching a more all out raid, they have marks on the board there.” Aether points to a writing board. True to his words, there is a picture of a shirt that is scratched out. Underneath it are pictures of food and building materials, likely their next catch.
Aether hissed as he finished taking photos. “How despicable.”
Chiori nodded, her eyebrows furrowing in displeasure. “Alright, this needs some explanation to the authorities. Let’s go- wait.”
Chiori paused as she was about to go, looking at a spot on the map pinned to the wall. An area by the beach that has a red circle on it. “Aether, look. I think that might be worth checking out.”
Aether took a second to take a look before humming in agreement. “Good idea. Maybe its a drop point or a meet point. We need to see what it is, and who knows?”
“Indeed. Come on.” Chiori and Aether quickly returned everything spotless and darted out of the room quietly, making sure no one is around. Silently the pair hopped off the ship through the side. With it being night now, the port is rather quiet and it didn’t take long for them to be able to hop out without anyone seeing them, not even the crewman watching the ship’s entrance.
With the pair out, they gave each other a look and nodded, before making a quick beeline back up from the base of the harbor to Fontaine’s level. From there, it was a question of taking Aether’s waverider towards the destination.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------
The pair were walking by the beach a few minutes later, having parked their waverider quite far back so that they won’t get spotted as they came in close. Chiori and Aether both jogged ahead at quite a quick pace heading up to the circled area.
“Sorry the evening had to go like this. It was supposed to be relaxing, but I guess we’re far from it now.” Chiori says, looking over her shoulder to Aether beside her as the pair went ahead.
“No worries. Besides, we still have some time after this.” Aether gave her a smile as he went beside her.
The pair stopped abruptly as they heard noises up the beach ahead, covered by rocks. Aether and Chiori hunkered down, Aether’s singular blade and Chiori’s dual wield coming out to play as the pair ducked behind the rocks and looked around.
“Bingo.” Chiori replied.
Up ahead, several pirates were seen seemingly unloading and managing cargo crates. One look at the crates however and one can tell they aren’t meant to be there. There are several stacks and each stack has different overall crate structures, varying wood types, and more obviously different seals. The different seals meant that the cargo was supposed to be on different shipments, not put together. With this in mind, it was clear that this indeed is the staging area of these high seas robbers.
And what makes things interesting are the fact there are energy cannons found surrounding the area with active energy providers attached to each weapon. 3 cannons, all placed line abreast as they are apparently supposed to be on one of the ships that act as a pirate battleship to raid targets.
Chiori narrowed her eyes, Aether’s elemental resonance lighting up.
“Disable?” He asked, Geo infusion ready on one hand.
“Better that than getting rid of them. That’d be too good a fate for these losers.” Chiori replied, her sword lighting up.
“With pleasure.”
A sudden release of Geo energy at the center of the thugs erupted, causing them to be pushed away from the center point and knocked down. A small geo construct in the form of a pillar was suddenly erected from the ground before.
And before the thugs can get up and find who is onto them, a bright slash of even more geo energy pushd the ones still standing down, a swordswoman clad in her dress suddenly appearing with a doll beside her, emanating waves of energy.
“Let’s go, Tamoto.”
“Leave the canons alone, I think we can use those for good later.” Aether commented, moving in quickly and disarming some more of the thugs, knocking some out flat with a few knocks and hits.
“Gladly. Scraps of color!” Her swords lit up as she looked at the thugs scrambling to get her.
“Scatter!”
A slash of geo quickly felled several of the thieves around her. Some potioneers tried to toss their weapons at her, but the dual wielder was able to effectively block the potions and dodge those she couldn’t destroy.
And before long, a sudden splash of water exploded from Aether’s blade, covering the thugs in water while knocking them back. One who was a bit too close to him got the blunt end of his blade, knocking him out flat.
Chiori blocked another crossbow shot before blinking right into the face of the one who tried to shoot her, slicing upwards and sending the man several feet into the air, crashing down onto hard rocks.
“Next customer!”
Aether chuckled as he decked underneath the sword of one of the thugs, swiping back twice. Once with hydro and once with electro, zapping the man into shock before kicking him away.
“Alright, this has gone long enough.” Chiori swats another potion away, “Darling, let’s clean this.”
“Right.” Aether looks around, noticing that everyone was still hit by his earlier hydro attack. “I learned this from a good friend of mine.”
He switched to electro in an instant. Without missing a beat, Chiori shrugged before she ducked down. Aether’s blade immediately enlarged into a large oversized claymore of electro; one that he used to try to befall the Raiden Shogun many months ago. Gripping with both arms, he swung the intense energy weapon around him and Chiori.
The results were immediate as everyone was left zapped handout cold before they can do much.
Chiori hummed as she got up from her ducked position, pushing dust and water off her clothes as the battlefield ran quiet, the thugs all snuffed out. Aether’s elemental glow receded, the couple placing their weapons away.
“You alright?” Aether asked Chiori, walking up to her.
Chiori nodded at him, fixing the bottom part of her dress. “Immaculate as always. Well done, I certainly am more than pleased to have someone as capable as you watching my back.”
“Heh, let’s pack these guys up first before we really fix ourselves.” Aether looks around, noticing the thugs all strewn about them, knocked out flat.
Chiori sighed, taking a shovel nearby. “Alright. Let’s see to it then.”
Aether raised an eyebrow, before he realized what she was going to do when she started digging the sand up. He chuckled, going along as her too took a shovel and started work. This was going to be unpleasant for the thugs to make up in.
“Tie them down too. That way they absolutely can’t escape.” The seamstress added, motioning to the ropes.
“On it.”
A few minutes later, all the 15-ish thugs are tied up and buried, only their heads out above the ground on sand as Aether and Chiori clean their hands from a job well done.
“Thank you. I think this is good enough, all we need to do is to pinpoint the gardes here and they’d take are of it.” Chiori says, taking a look at the cargo crates. She paused, tilting her head slightly before walking over to one. “Aether, help me open one of these please?”
Aether obliged, using his blade to crack the crate open. As Chiori looked inside, a small smile graced her lips.
“Bingo. That’s where you went, hmm?” Chiori says, looking at the contents of the crate.
“It’s them alright.” Aether added, chuckling as he also looked at the contents of the crate. “Should we bring this back? I think one crate would be fine, I guess?”
“More than fine darling, this should hold me up until the next batch comes in, then I can resume my usual work. Consider it a payment for a job well done. Besides, I have my own life to pay for, and a lot of work to be done as well.” Chiori replied, closing the crate. “Let’s bring the waverider here, load it up and leave.”
“One second. Chiori, look away for a bit.” Aether suddenly asks, standing beside her.
Chiori raises her eyebrows before doing so anyway, looking out to the sea as Aether stands behind her. She trusts him well, so she has no reason to doubt if he’s doing anything malicious. He’s not the type anyway.
She paused when she felt his hands softly and carefully fix the pins on her hair tie. “Got loose in our manual labor. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, I don’t.” She replies after a brief moment. “Go ahead.”
Aether chuckled as he took the pins out before carefully tightening the locks of her hair, making sure the ornaments are in place. One he’s not sure it’s good and none of them are pulling uncomfortably at one another, he slides the pin in place and pulls his finger out. He tapped it a few times to make sure its perfect before standing back to admire his handiwork.
“There. How’s that?”
Chiori nodded, taking out a small mirror. She took a look at one side of her head, her idle hand gently tip-tapping her hair before looking the other way. A pleased small smile made its way to her face before she put the mirror away. “Perfect as I would have done. Thanks, you’re getting better at this.”
“Just a side effect of being with you.” He chuckled before looking at the canons. “Alright, how do we let authorities know these are here with these thugs?”
Chiori takes a pause before looking at the energy storage for the canons.
And smiling. “I think we have our way.”
—----------------------------------------------------------
An hour later and the pair were found in Chioriya Boutique once more, Aether helping Chiori store the materials away in her back storage room. As they finished, the couple stepped back out into the front part of the store, Chiori closing up the backrooms and locking it safe.
“A job well done, I suppose. A shame it ruined the night quite far. It’s already very late now.” Chiori gave a sigh. “And thank you, Aether. Truly, not everyone would go so far as you did to help me out there. I appreciate it.”
“Think nothing of it. Someone had to solve it in the end, it happened to be us.” He smiled, looking at the dark skies outside as people went about outside the store in nightlife. “That said, I think we still have some time left. Do you want to perhaps get dinner?”
“My treat, not yours.” Chiori butted quickly “And after that, I think that bath is still a solid option. Do you mind if I hop in later?”
“Sure. It’s always open for you.” He smiled. “And, for once, I guess I can take your offer for dinner.”
“Good. Also, that room you allowed me to stay in back then. It’s still there? If I’m feeling tired, I would probably crash there for a quick night and get back.” Chiori says, heading towards the exit to her store.
“It’s always there.” He replied, smiling. “As I said, once I marked it for you, it isn’t going away, Chiori.”
“Good. Then perhaps, after all this mess, I still have something to look forward to at the end of the day.” She gave him a smile; an abnormally wide one from Chiori, sincerely showing him her emotions towards him. “Thank you. Now come on, I said dinner’s on me, and I wouldn’t wait too long before places run out of food.”
“Yes, dearest.” Aether chuckled, walking out with her as his scarf flowed behind him.
“Also, there’s one more thing that I’d like for us to enjoy to make the end of this day quite perfect.” She says, pausing as Aether raises his eyebrows at her.
“And that is?”
“Join me for that bath later, m’kay? It’s good for your bones and keeps the body refreshed.”
“A-ah…but I haven’t installed the second pool in that island yet…..”
“Is that an issue? It isn’t for me.”
“It….okay, I suppose if you’re….fine.” Aether was clearly embarrassed.
“Oh come on. It’s not that bad.” Chiori chuckled a bit at him. “Besides, we’re going to see each other like that more often if this keeps up, no?”
“.....u-uhm….what?”
—------------------------------------------------------------------------
“So let me get this straight, Chiori.”
“Go ahead, Chevreuse.”
“You had nothing to do with the arrest of Mr. Devin’s whole corporation group last night, despite it being clear that someone had tipped us off and helped with the arrest.”
“Mhm.”
“And that there are remains of energy and sword slashes in the beaches yesterday where we seized illegal weapons from their hands and found the stolen goods?”
“Yes.”
“And that all the bandits are knocked out cold and said that they got attacked by a couple; a man and a woman, yielding multiple, yes multiple elements.” Chevreuse crossed her arms, looking at Aether across the room as the traveler looked away, whistling.
“Yes. Quite funny, I wonder who the vigilantes can be?” Chiori asked, continuing to work on the suit.
Chevreuse sighed, shaking her head. “Alright, I suppose it is just a mere coincidence then. Where;d you get the silk though? I heard stores all ran out and the ones in Devin’s store are confiscated.”
“I’m resourceful, Chevreuse. I have my ways.” She replied, not bothering to turn to the captain. “How else did I get to where I am?”
“.......” She shook her head again, unable to refute Chiori’s claims. “Alright, I guess. That should be that. I’ll be taking my leave then. Take care, you two.”
With that, the captain left the store, Aether breathing a sigh of relief while Chiori shrugged.
“Why are you worried darling? We didn’t have anything to do with that.” Chiori casually replied, still making the suit as she talked.
“Yes, but still……I can’t help but wonder…..” He replied, pausing before shaking his head. “No, nevermind…speaking of Chiori, I’ve seen you working on that piece. A wedding suit for a groom, I think?”
“Yep.” Chiori turned to him. “I used you as a size reference after all. Do model for me a bit later, sweetheart. I think this would look good on you.” She smiled at the end.
He chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Your favorite model is here to save the day as always. I suppose why not. Though…..I have a question.”
“Ask away.” She turned back to the suit.
“Wouldn’t it be the best if you have a bridal dress to go with it? To complete the look, since I know you like to match suits and dresses now.” Aether asks her.
Chiori chuckled in reply. “Of course. I have tons of designs in mind and I will be getting to that quite soon.”
“Oh. Sweet.” Aether replied, going back silent so Chiori can finish her work.
It was a few seconds later that he raised an eyebrow, before looking at Chiori again from the store windows. “Wait, that means that there will be a female model wearing that dress to go along with me?”
“Yes, obviously.” Chiori rolled her eyes. “I mean, that’s logical.”
“But……who’ll be the model?”
Chiori smiled a little wider than she normally would as she turned to him, her eyes looking into his deeply. “I have someone in mind, and though she doesn’t usually model, she decided to take one exception after all. I even already made a base for the dress with the waist and neck sizes done over there, on that stand beside you.”
Aether raised an eyebrow as he turned, observing the neckline of the dress.
Only to pause when he found the Cisoria constellation sewn onto the white layer of the dress using shiny golden string.
“Besides, for her, this may just be a fitting for a future reference for herself too, should it ever become her dream dress. Hehe, I think you get my point?”