Chapter Text
“You need to leave Freminet.” His brother’s voice called out in a cold, unapologetic tone.
He did not respond, nor did he budge from his spot.
“Leave before we must force you.” His sister’s voice stated in the same tone.
Freminet then finally picked up his bag and walked towards the door. He knew this was going to happen since he had woken up in the Fortress of Meropide’s infirmary. Upon learning he had almost died, his only worry was of what he was going to do. Father, no that wasn’t right anymore, The Knave would learn of this mistake on his part. Especially due to the fact he messed up the mission. The blame was on him. Not to mention he could barely look at the water now! That meant he could no longer dive, which made him even more useless to the hearth.
As Freminet exited the building, it was his home no longer, he did not look back. Why would he want to see the ice cold expressions on his… No, that was not allowed anymore. If The Knave was no longer his father, then Lyney and Lynette were no longer his… siblings. Everyone knew this!
Once Lyney and Lynette had realized he was going to live, they quite quickly started to slowly distance themselves away from him. Freminet guessed they were only trying to protect themselves from what they all knew was coming. Still, it did help him in the end. It only made it easier on his side of things too! Although the harshness Lyney had used to tell him to leave was most likely genuine. His… Former brother hated how he started to cling to the person who, in Lyney’s eyes, started this mess…
After work in the fortress, Lyney and Lynette did not talk to him. This caused Freminet to explore, most often skipping dinner to get lunch the next day instead of using his credit coupons. While Freminet explored, he ran into the warden a number of times. While he was obviously suspicious of this, Wriothesley quickly explained his reasoning.
The duke of the fortress knew Freminet’s fate, apparently the prison’s nurse had overheard Lyney and Lynette discussing it while he was still unconscious. Still, instead of trying to warn him, most likely having assumed correctly he already knew his future, Wriothesley told him that there was a place he could go for safety. It was obvious that Freminet was not at the bottom of the chain in the house. While maybe not at the top like his siblings, the knave wasn’t going to let him go so easily. Even if he had officially left the hearth unwillingly.
Freminet decided to hear the man out and after hearing the plan, made the decision to trust him. He would not be able to just live his life after leaving the house. If anything he was going to be killed. Not necessarily out of malice, but out of necessity. Like Wriothesley correctly claimed, he knew things others did not. Things that if he told others, could put those left at risk. While Freminet did understand this logic, it didn’t mean he wanted to be murdered.
The former diver continued to make turns, going from one street to another in order to get to the location Wriothesley told him about. The older man had also said that the person there would not ask questions, if anything they would help Freminet hide his identity. He didn’t understand what Wriothesley meant by that, but the sad look in his eyes worried him. Still, it wasn’t like he had a choice at this point. While there was a chance Freminet would not be killed, it wasn’t like he was Lyney… He was still scared of what was going to happen to him. It wasn’t like he could dive to earn money! Diving almost killed him…
Soon enough, Freminet had arrived at the location. It was a perfectly ordinary building by all matters of appearance. Then again, looks could be deceiving. He knocked on the door, there was no response at first. Until the door unlocked. When nobody opened the door, Freminet nervously opened it himself and walked in. Once he was inside he realized the house was dimly lit. Most likely to make it harder to see for those who had just entered… He shut the door behind him. Almost instantly he felt as if someone was watching him.
“I see you listened to the intel!” A cheerful voice exclaimed from behind him.
Freminet turned around instantly and saw a melusine. She had a knowing smile on her face which confirmed he was indeed at the right location. Although he wasn’t sure what she could do for him. Did he even want to do this? Sure it would most likely get him away from the house, whether or not they might want him dead it was still for the best… So it was probably a good idea to listen to what she had to say…
“Helllo~ Are you there?” The melusine’s voice rang out in a playful tone.
He snapped out of his thoughts to realize she was waving her hand in front of his face, most likely realizing he was not paying attention.
“Sorry I-” He tried to begin, but she interrupted him.
“It’s fine! Mister Wriothesley explained the situation already so I understand a bit of what’s going on here. Now, as I was saying… I do have a way to get you out of Fontaine, but it is risky.”
“What… Do you mean?”
“Well, based on the situation, I believe you would do well in Mondstadt! It’s peaceful from what I’ve heard. Especially since the traveler helped there too! Which is exactly why we need to get the traveler on board…”
“...”
“Basically, a diplomat position has opened up for Fontaine in Mondstadt. Monsieur Neuvillette has offered to give it to you.”
“I’m… Not good at talking.”
“Then simply provide them with only the information we send to you. I’m sure you’ll figure it out!”
“...How does the traveler tie into this?”
Before he could get a response, there was a knock on the door. Quickly after, Aether and Paimon walked in. Both looked around and then gained a surprised expression on their faces when they saw him.
“You’re the one Neuvillette wanted us to help?” Paimon questioned loudly.
Freminet could only nod.
“He has left the House of the Hearth and all parties trying to help him think it would be best if he left Fontaine. Mainly due many correlating him as an outcast of the house Rumors spread around. Especially when they are true.” The melusine, which he still needed the name of, spoke before explaining further.
By the end of the explanation, both Aether and Paimon seemed to be on board with the idea of Freminet becoming Fontaine’s diplomat to Mondstadt.
“It’s a nice city! People are quite friendly and understanding there. I’m sure if you went, it would be a good experience.” Aether offered.
“I see…” Was all Freminet said in response.
“So why do you need our help Miss- uh…” Paimon started.
“Oh! Please call me Miss A!” The melusine answered before continuing.
“I would like you to take Freminet to Mondstadt and explain the situation to the Knights of Favonius!”
“I guess we could do that… It’d be nice to see everyone again! But has Freminet agreed yet?” Aether said.
“I…” Freminet began before pausing.
Did he want to do this? He would be leaving everyone behind! Then again, it wasn’t like they would or could talk to him right now. It would also be hard to get a job anywhere considering people most likely didn’t want to risk losing out on a business deal with the house.
“I’ll go.” He finally stated.
“Okay! The paperwork should be ready in two days or so. Then you all can head out to Mondstadt. I can get a boat and cart to take you all, but I do believe you have a faster way to get there traveler?” Miss A spoke.
Aether gained a startled expression on his face.
“I… do. A bit surprised you are the first one to mention it, but yes, I can try to use that method to get him there quicker.” He answered.
“Excellent! Well I’m going to go get started on the paperwork, as well as inform Monsieur Neuvillette that Fontaine has a new diplomat!” Miss A told the three before leaving.
“I suppose I’ll stay here.” Freminet muttered underneath his breath.
“We will too if you’d like?” Paimon offered in a surprisingly soft tone of voice.
“I would like that,” he replied.