Work Text:
Sigewinne had lived for many years.
She had seen prisoners come and go from the Fortress of Meropide for generations.
What she had also seen, however, was the lives of many friends.
And said friends were hopeless with their romantic prospects.
It was a strange day, with many visitors at the Fortress. With many prisoners being released that day, many friends and family members were there to greet them. Additional security was required, and among them was her friend, Clorinde, Champion Duelist of Fontaine.
Sigewinne hopped over to her, a bag of gifts in hand.
“Clorinde!” She squeaked.
“Sigewinne,” the stoic duelist nodded. She had bags under her eyes, like she hadn’t slept since the last time they had seen each other.
“You don’t look so good, Clorinde. Have you been using the skin cream I gave you?”
“I’m afraid I haven’t, apologies. I’ve been busy. Too many duels lately, you see.” Sigewinne squinted at the duelist. That clearly wasn’t the reason. She’d treated her enough times to discern work stress and personal stress.
“Here,” Sigewinne beamed. She handed a small bottle to Clorinde.
“What’s in it?”
“It’s an herbal remedy that will relieve your stress.”
“Right. I’ll drink it later.” Clorinde put it into her bag. Sigewinne would have to ask about the results later.
“So what seems to be the problem?” Sigewinne asked. She tilted her head, making a small hum. “You aren’t usually this nervous.”
“It’s nothing, Sigewinne, I can assure you.”
“Have you asked Navia for help? She usually calms you down.”
“Na-via?” Sigewinne spied the faintest bit of red on Clorinde’s face upon hearing the name. “She- we. Um.”
“It’s rare to see you speechless, Clorinde.”
“It really is nothing. Do you know where Wriothesley is? I was supposed to meet with him.”
“He should be in his office.”
“Thank you.” Clorinde left, faster than usual.
“So that’s what’s happening,” The Melusine muttered. Clorinde fancied Navia. She had honestly figured that for a while, but this was explicit confirmation. Her thoughts paused upon seeing a confused Clorinde. “Wait. The Duke isn’t in his office.”
She wandered around the prison, eventually finding him near the entrance. He was leaning against a wall, trying to play off his almost childlike grin.
“Hello, Wriothesley!” Sigewinne beamed. “Clorinde was looking for you.”
“Nurse Sigewinne, greetings,” The Duke of Meropide said. “Tell her I’ll be down soon.” He continued his waiting, looking towards where countless visitors were. He was watching one of his former inmates reuniting with his lover. His face seemed longing, like he wanted to be in their place.
“Who are you waiting for?”
“We’re expecting a lot of visitors today. Would be rude of me if the Duke wasn’t there to greet them, dontcha think?”
“Neuvillette isn’t supposed to visit today.”
“He’s not- How did you know?” He seemed flustered, like he had been caught doing something embarrassing, like when Sigewinne caught him singing along to a pop song the other day. “That obvious, huh?”
“You mumble his name in your sleep.”
“I-I do?”
“No, but your face tells me it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. If you really want to see him, I’ll let you know when he’s free.”
“Then I’ll be getting ready.” He cleared his throat, adjusted his tie, then began to return to his office.
“Everyone’s interested in someone,” Sigewinne mumbled. When she looked back up, however, she was met with an unexpected sight. Someone towered over her, but they didn’t seem to have bad intentions.
“Apologies,” The Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers began. “You are the nurse here, correct?”
“That’s me. And you are the Knave, if I’m not mistaken.”
“You would be correct. One of my children is to be released today.”
“Excellent. You can wait here. I’ll let the Duke know.”
Sigewinne turned, but the moment she did, she heard a noise leave the Knave’s throat. It was a soft hum, a song.
“Se mettre sur son trente-et-un?” Sigewinne asked.
“Sharp ears, Nurse,” The Knave chuckles. “It is a recent favorite of mine. Forgive any disturbance I have made.”
“It’s quite alright. It’s one of Lady Furina’s songs, is it not?”
“I suppose it is.”
“Are you a fan?”
“You could say that.” The soft smile on her face gave her away. It was more than just being a fan. In hindsight, Furina had let her know about the many gifts and presents she had received from an anonymous admirer of hers. The formality of them all seemed to indicate a single potential suitor.
The Knave.
But Furina was terrified of her, was she not?
She had heard Furina mumble about how handsome the Harbinger was a few times, despite that.
As the Knave picked up one of her many kids and left, Sigewinne was filled with determination.
Three lovestruck suitors.
Three unaware crushes.
Sigewinne would get them all together.
* * *
Couple 1: Clorivia
Plan: The Duel
Phase 1
Navia Caspar. Leader of the Spina di Rosula. Daughter of Callas Caspar. Connoisseur of sweets and Sigewinne’s favorite skin care products.
She and Clorinde had been childhood friends turned enemies turned best friends. Sigewinne couldn’t think of a more romantic couple, if she ignored the enemies part. Getting them together would be a challenge, however. Not only was Navia dense enough to believe that Clorinde’s advances were friendly behavior, but Clorinde had the crazy notion that Navia still hadn’t completely forgiven her!
Sigewinne, unbeknownst to most, had a bit of a history with matchmaking. She counted four couples within the Fortress of Meropide that she helped get together.
Her plan was simple (it really wasn’t).
Clorinde was a duelist, and if Sigewinne had learned one thing about duels in her many years on Teyvat: They were laced with pure homoeroticism. A duel split them apart and a duel would bring them back together.
So how would she set up a duel between Navia and Clorinde?
Sigewinne stepped into Poisson, the smell of fish and damp metal all around her. She got a few curious looks, but no one actually dared interfere with her while she had that look of determination on her face. She stormed through the town, approaching the landlocked ship that acted as the Spina Di Rosula’s headquarters. Her little hands knocked on the door.
A man in a suit and sunglasses opened the door for her, scratching his head.
“Can I help you?” He asked.
“I’m here to see Navia,” Sigewinne answered. “It’s very important!”
“The boss is in a meeting right now. I’m afraid you have to wait.”
“Pleeeease?”
“I-” He tried resisting, but Sigewinne turned up the cuteness, looking at him with sparkling eyes.
“She’s my friend,” Sigewinne pouted.
“Those- Those eyes-” He relented, giving into her cute charm as he opened the door for her. “Just don’t let her know it was me.”
“Thank you!” She gave him a sticker as she skipped past.
The little Melusine wandered through the ship, marveling at all the sights. Everything in there seemed so much bigger than her. Various Spina members looked at her as she walked past, none questioning her presence.
“Excuse me?” She asked someone. She didn’t hear her, however, her little voice drowned out by Spina business. “Oh.”
“Can I help you?” Another tiny voice asked. Sigewinne turned, seeing a girl about the same size as her.
“Oh, of course,” Sigewinne beamed. “Do you know where Navia is? I have a gift for her!”
“Oh!” The girl chimed. “Come with me, I know just where she is!”
Sigewinne followed the small girl, who seemed to be wearing a miniature Spina uniform.
The two girls barged into a meeting room, all eyes on them.
Navia had wide eyes, asking, “Adele? Sigewinne? What are you two doing here?”
“Adele, darling,” a woman, presumably the girl’s mother, began. “I thought we agreed you’d wait in the lobby. Mommy has important business.”
“I made a friend!” Adele replied.
“That’s great, sweetie.”
“Navia!” Sigewinne chimed. She walked up to Navia, pulling out a blue bag. “I have a present for you!”
“Now’s not the time, Sige-“ Navia pulled a bottle of perfume out of the bag. “Oh? I thought you ran out of this one?”
“I made more!”
“Oh, what else is in here?” She then pulled out a bottle of lotion. “Ooh! I can’t wait to use this one.” Her business partners stared at her, completely confused.
“There’s more!”
“Oh?” Navia pulled out a note. “Now what does this say?”
“Read it!”
“To Navia Caspar,” She began reading. “The leader of Spina di Rosula and-“ She studied her words reading the next words. “And the woman who stole my heart? Tonight, I have reserved us a table at Hotel Debord. I believe we both deserve a break and spending it together would be for the best. It’s my treat. Love, Clorinde-“ Navia was simply in disbelief. “Antoine! Spit take for me!” One of her attendants took a sip, spitting it out in shock.
Sigewinne began to skip off, chuckling. She was long gone before Navia could say anything else to her.
Phase 2
Clorinde wiped blood off her sword, the result of her latest duel. As always, it was a victory. Sometimes, she wondered if she still had her humanity. If ending so many duels in bloodshed had torn away her morality. At what point was she desensitized enough to no longer be-
“Cloridne!” Sigewinne’s voice beamed. She approached Clorinde, holding a yellow bag. “I have a gift for you!”
“Sigewinne?” The duelist asked. “How did you get in here?”
“Don’t worry about that! I have a present for you!” Sigewinne handed her the bag.
“Oh?” She took the bag, pulling out several bottles of skin care products. “Did you make these for me?”
“I did! They were- oops,” Sigewinne stepped out of the way as guards carried Clorinde’s opponent away. “Is he okay?”
“Don’t worry about it. What’s the occasion?”
“Check the note!”
“Oh?” Clorinde pulled out a note, reading it silently. After she was done, she mumbled, “Navia’s invited me to Hotel Debord.” She squinted, continuing, “Her treat.”
“Something wrong?” Sigewinne asked as if she didn’t already know.
“She told me I stole her heart.” Clorinde looked up from the letter. Sigewinne was already gone. “What?” The duelist looked back and forth. “Where did she-“ She walked away. The moment she was gone, Sigewinne crawled out from underneath a chair. Her plan was in motion.
Phase 3
Sigewinne sat at a side table, watching as Navia and Clorinde took their seats. The two seemed to be apprehensive, both unsure what to say. Sigewinne hid behind a menu. Neither woman said anything about the romantic nature of their respective letters, not even bringing either up. They acted as friends first and foremost.
Both women were bright red the entire time, but they stopped there. Sigewinne knew that, left to their own devices, neither would ever make the first actual move. That was where the duel would come in.
Their meal was done, and a waiter brought them their bill.
“Oh, allow me,” Clorinde began.
“Oh no, I insist,” Navia replied. “I’ll pay for the bill.”
“It would be uncivilized if I let you pay. Please, let me.”
“No, It’s my bill.”
“It shouldn’t have to be.” Both of them were reaching for their purses.
“I will pay, Clorinde,” Navia threatened.
“I disagree,” Clorinde uttered.
The waiter looked between the two of them. He knew what was about to happen.
“SAVANNA!” He yelled. “WE HAVE A CODE YELLOW!” He ran and took cover as the two women stood up. Navia grabbed her umbrella from behind her chair while Clorinde drew her rapier (with the scabbard still on).
The two readied their weapons as the restaurant’s staff fled. Sigewinne watched the entire time. She knew the outcome.
Everything was going according to her plan.
Navia’s umbrella was loaded with blanks, but it was still a blunt weapon stronger than a talking stick. Clorinde’s trained hands held her rapier with just the right pressure, poised for a perfect strike.
The moment Hotel Debord was empty, the two struck.
And both screamed at once, “LET ME PAY THE BILL!”
Clorinde’s blade struck the armored plating of Navia’s umbrella, bouncing off as Navia went on the defensive. The duelist’s sword was as fast as the lightning her Vision made, striking several times every second. It was raw defense versus raw power.
Sigewinne remained in the corner, sipping her drink as she watched nonchalantly.
“Let me do this for you!” Navia yelled. As she blocked an electric slash, Crystalize shards scattered around the restaurant. She dove for them, loading them into her umbrella while dodging the duelist’s strikes.
Non-lethal Geo shards blasted forth, each shell shattering against Clorinde’s lightning-fast sword.
“I should treat you, too,” Clorinde replied. “It’s been like this since we were kids!” She thrust forth, her sword bouncing off Navia’s shielded umbrella.
“What do you mean since we were kids?” Navia used the recoil from her shotgun to launch her out of the way or Clorinde’s next flurry of blows.
“You were so kind to me all the time. I never felt like I returned the favor.” Clorinde leaped forth, Navia’s opened umbrella shielding her. It was exactly what the Champion Duelist wanted, though. Her pistol (unloaded) swept around, hooking against the end of the improvised weapon. With a pull, Navia was disarmed.
“But I loved treating you, even as kids!” Clorinde’s sheathed blade pressed against Navia’s chin. “It was my way of showing you I cared.”
“And I care about you too, Navia. More than you’d ever know.”
“You protected me after my father died.”
“It was his last request for me. I would have done so even if he didn’t ask me.”
“But why?” Navia’s lip quivered, eyes wavering away from her opponent.
“Because I-“ Clorinde’s words were stifled.
“You?”
“I… I love-“
“I love you too, Clorinde.” The two of them fell into a lull, broken by Navia’s laughter. “Sorry, I got impatient.”
“No, it’s alright.” It was the most flustered Clorinde had ever looked. “If I may ask. When did you realize?”
“When we were 9. I slipped and fell outside the Spina’s headquarters. Papa was busy at the time. You bandaged my scrapes without questions.” She blushed as she finished, “I remember thinking: ‘I want her to kiss it better.’”
“I was 10. When I fell for you, that is.” Navia listened intently as Clorinde told her side. “It was after Petronilla left. I was distraught, of course. You gave me the only comfort I needed to get better.”
With a giggle, Navia began, “We’ve both been waiting on this for a while, then.”
“Yes. We have.”
“Clori?”
“Yes, Navia?”
“I want to kiss you.”
Clorinde’s face became a bright red. Navia chuckled at the sight. She was the only one who could see the Champion Duelist flustered.
Years upon years of pent-up emotions dissolved between their lips. The contrast of Clorinde’s cracked lips to Navia’s smooth lipstick felt like heaven to both of them.
It was perfect.
At last, Sigewinne stood up. The door had finally opened.
The new lovers barely even registered the bubbles hitting the two of them.
The icy blast of custard, they definitely noticed, though.
Escoffier stood in the doorway, terrified restaurant staff behind her. Her fury was obvious.
Sigewinne wheeled Navia and Clorinde outside, a Frozen statue of their love. She left them in the sun but not before putting a pair of stickers onto their frozen forms. They were of their hats, Clorinde’s placed on Navia and Navia’s placed on Clorinde.
She left them to thaw as she walked away, a confident smile on her face.
Matchmade.
* * *
Couple 2: Wriolette
Plan: The Visit
Phase 1
If there was one thing Neuvilette loved, it was water. Melusines were a close second.
They were Fontaine’s pride and joy. The cutest little pals that ever roamed Teyvat. To them, the Iudex was like a father.
And what would be better than a father?
Two fathers.
Sigewinne’s plan was very simple. Neuvilette has plans to visit Merusea Village later this week. She already planned on joining him as a +1, but who said that she couldn’t also bring a +1?
She walked into Wriothesley’s office, just in time for his third afternoon tea.
“Sigewinne,” he began. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I’m going to speak frankly,” she said. “Do you want to kiss Monsieur Neuvilette?”
“Pfft-“ Wriothesley spat out his tea. “That’s- awfully forward of you to ask.”
“It’s a yes or no question.”
“Yes. I do.”
“Good! You’re coming with me to Merusea Village tomorrow!”
“What? Sigewinne, I have important business.”
“Like?”
“My monthly tea shipment.” The two stared at each other, a standoff fought with eyes. Inevitably, he lost. “Fine, I’ll go with you. What’s the occasion?”
“Oh, you’ll see!” She finished their conversation by putting a sticker on his cheek (a lil sharkie), skipping away before he could react.
Phase 2
“Sigewinne!”
The little nurse stepped into Merusea Village, greeted by all her little friends. A Melusine group hug took her in, tender love all around.
“Why are you alone?” One of them, Flo, asked. “Isn’t Neuvilette coming today?”
“He is!” Sigewinne began to explain. “But I have a plan.”
“A plan?”
“We all love Neuvilette, right?” Sigewinne asked. The Melusines of Merusea Village all grew excited hearing his name.
“He’s like our dad!” one Melusine said.
“Well, I have an idea to repay him! What’s the one thing that will make him happier than anything else?”
“Water?” One asked.
“Water?” Another guessed.
“Water-“
“It’s not water,” Sigewinne groaned.
“I’m out of ideas.”
“A lover!”
“Ooh!”
“We can have two dads!”
“Yay!”
Sedile, a Melusine from the Marachausee Phantom, raised her hand.
When Sigewinne called on her, she asked, "Is it Wriothesley?”
“It is!” Sigewinne clapped. There were cheers all around. One of them even brought out a painting made by the artist Mamere before she left with her robot dog. It was a poorly made (but adorable) rendition of the Iudex and Duke holding hands.
“What’s your plan, Sigewinne?” Flo asked.
“Well, I’m glad you asked!”
Phase 3
Sigewinne found Neuvilette standing outside the village entrance, gazing into the water. The little Melusine ran towards him, tugging his coat.
“Ah, Sigewinne, you’re already here,” he said. “It is good to see you.” The dragon had a gentle smile on his face, not that he could have any other. “Well then, shall we?”
“Not yet,” She told him. “I need to tie my shoes.”
“Your shoes don’t have laces.”
Footsteps approached, a gruff voice calling out, “Hey, Nurse, you still haven’t explained-” The moment Wriothesley saw Neuvilette, he cleared his throat, standing tall as he leaned on a nearby tree. “Hey.”
“Ah, Wriothesley. Hello.” Sigewinne took note of the smile on the Iudex’s face. It was different from the one he gave Melusines. It was more tender. More warm. It was like his reaction to seeing a tank of water compared to a glass-
He liked more things than just water, Sigewinne had to remember.
“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Neuvilette asked in his typical polite tone.
“Well, Sigewinne-” Wriothesley tried to say, only for Sigewinne to pinch him.
“Oh! Wriothesley!” The Melusine began. “When I told you they were having problems in the village, I didn’t know you were actually coming!”
“What?”
“You offered to help Merusea Village?” Neuvilette asked.
“Um. When did I…” Sigewinne glared at him. Was this her plan? “It, uh. It was yesterday.”
“How kind of you.” The adoration in his eyes was clear to see. Wriothesley clearly saw it too, although lying to his crush had the sting one would expect it to have. “Say, Sigewinne. Remind me what the problem is?”
“Oh, you know.” She offered no explanation other than that.
“Haha! Of course I do!” The moment Neuvilette turned away, Wriothesley leaned down, whispering to her, “Sigewinne, what in the world is this?”
“Trust me,” She whispered back. “Thank you again, Wriothesley! You’re the best!” She stuck a sticker onto his cheek, patting it twice. Of course, it was a shark that resembled him. The Duke stood back up, trying to hide his confusion as best as he could.
“Oh, Wriothesley,” Neuvilette began. “That is a cute sticker. It looks like you.”
“Y-Yeah,” He replied, hiding his flustered face. “Shall we?”
The three of them dove into the water, swimming to the village of the Melusines. The little, sea slug-like fairies were all waiting for them, waving joyfully.
“Neuvilette!” They beamed.
“Greetings, everyone,” He answered. “It’s good to see all of you again.” They ran up, hugging his legs. The smile on Wriothesley’s face seeing this was noted by all. The Melusines all smiled between themselves, as well. The plan was underway.
Neuvilette reached behind himself, taking out a small pouch. Inside were treats of all sorts.
“I brought a gift for you all,” he said with a smile. He began distributing little trinkets and snacks between all of his Melusine children.
“N-Neuvillette!” One eventually called out. “We need help!”
“What is it?”She held his hand as she led him to a house.
“My roof got damaged last night.” Sure enough, there was a big hole in it.
“Oh dear. I’m afraid I don’t know much about construction.”
“I could take a crack at it,” Wriothesley blurted out.
“Oh, Duke, you would really do that?”
“Of course!” Wriothesley got to work, patching up the hole with whatever spare material he could find. It was a bit noticeable that it wasn’t part of the original home, but its owner didn’t mind at all.
“How kind,” Neuvilette said with a wide smile.
“Ha,” Wriothesley nervously chuckled. “It’s the least I can do, really.”
“M-Mister Wriothesley!” Another Melusine called out. “My laundry dropped off the line and I can’t find it!”
“Am I just the village’s helper now?” Sigewinne subtly gave him a thumbs up. “I suppose I am.”
Wriothesley climbed down into the water, reaching deep inside. Eventually, he pulled out a small, child sized shirt.
“Yay!”
“Okay then. Anyone else?” The smile on Wriothesley’s face was a genuine one by this point. The little Melisines crowding around him were all so excited!
The entire time, Neuvilette watched from a careful distance. When Wriothesley fixed a fence. When he fished up mechanical components. When he helped grab something off the top shelf. The Iudex saw all of it.
Wriothesley carried multiple Melusines in his arms, some climbing his strong frame. He laughed the entire time. Sigewinne made sure to check on Neuvilette’s reactions constantly.
He was happy. Truly happy. As happy as he was when he saw…
WHAT DID HE LIKE BESIDES WATER?
When he saw a Melusine?
When he agreed with the outcome of a trial? Sure.
He was as happy as when he agreed with a trial’s outcome.
As night came, Wriothesley put the Melusines to bed, tucking them all in. Sigewinne was the one exception. She just remained watching him from a distance.
And then, once they were alone…
“Wriothesley,” Neuvilette began. He approached the Duke, a tender smile plastered onto his face. “The way you took care of them…”
“What about it?” Wriothesley’s face was red, a fading blush that was unbefitting for the Duke of Meropede.
“I appreciate it. More than you think.”
“They’re like you’re kids. I should treat them well, right?”
“It wasn’t just for me. I could tell.”
“I suppose I do like kids.” He chuckled nervously. “They’re cute.”
“Yes. You all were quite cute.”
“Y-yeah- wait.”
“Yes, I find you cute, Wriothesley.”
“W-wow. Okay. Um.” Sigewinne had never seen him so flustered. It was quite funny to see the large, intimidating man reduced to a blushing school kid. “Y-you know. I came here trying to impress you.”
“And clearly, you did more than that. You know you don’t need to impress me. I already like the way you are.”
“Yeah, but that’s the thing. I want you to like me in a different way.”
“What kind?”
“D-do I really have to spell it out?” Sigewinne gave him a thumbs up. “Ugh. Fine. I like you, Neuvilette. Romantically.”
“Oh my.”
“I have for a while.”
“Well, Wriothesley. I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to like me back-“
“I was under the impression that we were already courting.”
“It’s okay if you- say what now?”
“I thought we have been in a relationship for quite some time now.”
“I-“ The Duke was completely speechless. It was a first for Sigewinne, too. Never before had she seen a situation like this in all her time of matchmaking!
“I would be a fool not to fall in love with you,” Neuvilette began. He placed a gentle hand on Wriothesley’s cheek.
“How could you, though?” Wriothesley mumbled. “You’ve been around for so long. You’ll outlive me. You deserve someone else.”
“Yes, it is true that I will outlive you, but in my many years of life, nobody has made me feel the way you have. It just means that I will cherish every day we spend together. When you’re gone, it will be my duty to honor your memory at every moment.”
“I- I don’t know what to say. Especially not after that, what? How can I top that?”
“You don’t have to. You’re perfect already. No fancy words are needed.”
“Then let’s not use words.” Wriothesley’s hand wrapped around Neuvilette’s. It was a perfect fit, like they were made for each other.
Sigewinne hopped past them, stealthily placing a sticker on each of them. On Wriothesley, an otter. In Neuvilette, a shark.
What could she say?
It was another
Matchmade.
* * *
Couple 3: Arlefuri
Plan: The Room
Phase 1
This would be the hardest mission Sigewinne would ever do.
Furina, as she was currently, was terrified of Arlecchino. Before she stepped down as Archon, Furina had confided in Sigewinne that the Harbinger was handsome. That she took care of her children. That she could <REDACTED>.
Now?
Arlecchino made an attempt to steal Furina’s Gnosis. While she had zero intent to kill her, Furina had no way to know that.
The former Archon cried herself to sleep for several nights.
So how exactly would Sigewinne make this work?
The plan she chose was her most devious plan. It was one that was saved for a last resort.
It was the only one that would work.
Luring the two prospective partners to the location was the hard part.
For Arlecchino, at least. All she had to do to convince Furina was that the location she chose had a sale on macaroni. And cake. Macaroni and cake could convince Furina of anything.
Love would win, however.
She knew just how to do it, too.
Phase 2
“You want us to do what?”
Sigewinne’s attempt to convince Lyney and Lynette to help her was going poorly.
Sigewinne had heard from Lumine how they managed to transport Furina to the Opera Epiclese. Was it really so hard to convince them to do that to their Father?
“We’re not letting you kidnap our Father,” Lyney sighed.
“It’ll make her happy!” Sigewinne retorted.
“You still haven’t explained why to us!”
“It’s a surprise! Like magic!”
“Magic is for fun and games-“
“And crime,” Lynette deadpanned.
“Okay, and crime. Kidnapping our Father for potentially nefarious purposes is neither of those.”
“Wouldn’t it fall under crime?” Sigewinne asked.
“That’s besides the point!”
“No, it matters,” Lynette deadpanned.
“Sister, please. At least explain to us how this will make Father happy.”
“There’s a surprise for her!” Sigewinne chimed. “How can I explain this without spoiling the surprise? Do you two want a Mother?”
“What? What do you mean?”
“I believe she means a blind date,” Lynette deadpanned. She really didn’t speak in any way other than deadpan.
“You mean to set Father up with someone?”
“Yes, that’s what this is,” Sigewinne said.
“I don’t know. She gets really touchy about romance.”
“She needs something to look forward to in life,” Lynette deadpanned. “I think a new love could do her some good.”
“Do you really think so?”
“She has been exceptionally stressed lately. She doesn’t spend time with others. It’ll be good for her.”
“I suppose maybe. Fine. We’ll help you, Sigewinne.”
“Yay!” Sigewinne cheered. “Trust me, she’ll love this!”
Phase 3
The moving room trick that Lyney and Lynette had performed worked wonders, transporting their Father to an undisclosed location. Sigewinne led Furina into said place, bringing her into a fancy little room. It had furniture, a tea set, snack, and doors that locked from the outside.
The last one was nefarious in any other context.
Okay, it was still nefarious in this one.
“So there’s a macaroni sale here?” Furina asked.
“Yep!” Sigewinne chimed. “Right in here!” Sigewinne shoved her inside, closing the door and locking it shut.
“Hey, what gives!”
“Lady Furina?”
Sigewinne pressed an ear against the door, listening as best as she could.
Inside, Furina’s heart stopped. That voice. That sweet, soothing, sinister voice. She turned around, shaking.
“K-Knave,” she stammered, falling into a chair. “A-are you here to kill me? I know I can’t survive a fight with you…”
“Kill you?” Arlecchino asked. “I intend no such thing. My children simply wished to show me a new magic trick of theirs.”
“H-how am I supposed to believe you!?! Sigewinne! Sigewinne, help me!”
“Not until you confront your feelings!” The little Melusine yelled.
After a deep breath, the ex-Archon composed herself, mumbling, “O-okay. Furina, you can do this.” She turned to the Harbinger, immediately freezing up.
“I genuinely mean you no harm, Lady Furina,” Arlecchino began. “How about we have a simple tea party. Like old times.”
“O-old times.” There was a small period of time after Arlecchino took over the House of the Hearth where there was no conflict between them. They had tea parties for diplomatic reasons, not for confrontations or interrogations. “F-fine.” Furina sat at the table, watching as the Harbinger poured her a drink.
“I owe you an apology and an explanation,” the Knave began. “For what I did to you that night.”
“Knave,” Furina began. “You traumatized me that day.”
“I know. And I regret it.”
“That doesn’t change a thing.”
“It doesn’t. I had no intention of harming you. I simply needed the Gnosis. Had I known of your plan to save Fontaine…”
“Yes?”
“I would have supported you more closely.”
“It doesn’t matter now. It’s in the past. Just like any hope I had at the two of us…”
“What do you mean?”
Furina let out a deep breath, placing her hat on the table.
“I will be fully transparent with you, Knave,” she began. “I had feelings for you. Before all of this happened. Before the prophecy came close to passing.”
Arlecchino said nothing. She simply listened as closely as she could.
“I thought we had something, but then you started pressuring me. You tormented me, and yes, I know you had good intentions, but it still broke my heart. I wanted to tell you my plan so many times. I really did. That night was the breaking point.”
“I… No apologies can mend what I have done.”
“It can’t.”
Arlecchino sipped her tea, deep in thought.
“Can I tell you my side?” She eventually asked.
“Nothing’s stopping you,” Furina replied.
“I had… a partner, let’s call her. Growing up in the old House of the Hearth, we were inseparable. She was my first friend. My first love. I still remember our first kiss. The first time we held hands.”
“She sounds lovely.”
“And she was. She chose to end her own life by my hands. She thought it was the only escape from her Mother.”
“O-oh. My condolences.”
“She was sweet. She liked cake. She liked plushies. Picture books. Theater. Music.”
“She sounds like…” Furina didn’t finish the thought. The resemblance was already apparent.
“When we first met, you were a stark reminder of everything she was to me.”
“So my feelings were requited, weren’t they?”
“They were. When the threat of the prophecy came closer and closer… I don’t know. I could not handle the constant reminder of her and our love. I pushed you away. I pushed her away.”
“I… you don’t deserve that.”
“But even more, you didn’t deserve anything I did to you. I’ve tried apologizing in my own way. I thought you wouldn’t want to see me ever again. I still send you gifts, albeit anonymously-“
“That’s you?” Furina blurted out. “I-I thought I had a secret admirer. I suppose I actually do. You always sign them ‘P.’”
“Peruere. My name.”
“Peruere. I like it.”
Arlecchino, strangely calm, continued, “I understand if you no longer reciprocate my feelings.”
“I…” Furina thought long and hard. “It’s not a no. It’s a not yet.”
“A not yet…”
“You’ve hurt me, yes, but you are trying to atone for what you’ve done. I suppose… I want to give you another chance.”
“Not as partners, I presume?”
“I think it would be for the best. I want to rebuild our connection. Starting over as friends? I think that’s the best way to do that.”
“Then we can restart our rapport.”
“Maybe, in the future, we can see where I stand on a romance between us.”
“I can accept that outcome.”
A pair of gentle smiles met.
Furina then shot up, screaming, “NOW OPEN THE DOOR, SIGEWINNE!”
The Melusine gingerly unlocked the door, opening it slowly. Furina peaked her head out, scanning the area for any sign of the nurse. When none was seen, she stepped out. Arlecchino followed her, staying at a comfortable distance, not too close and not too far.
“I understand if you would decline,” she began. “But might I walk you home?”
Furina let out a soft chuckle, answering, “I suppose I shall accept.”
As the two walked away, a little Melusine hopped down from her hiding spot (hanging off the other side of the door). Stealthily, she put a pair of stickers onto the two of them.
Arlecchino’s sticker was a fancy cane.
Furina’s was an intimidating scythe.
Could she call this a match made?
She’d call it a start. The Melusine was absolutely certain that they would enter a romantic relationship given time.
For now, though?
Matchmade?
* * *
Three couples united. Sigewinne would call that a win.
She walked down the streets of Fontaine, sipping a Fonta that she considered as a victory treat.
Fontaine was very much a city of love. Sigewinne saw love all around her, much like what she felt with everything she did. It was a pure love for those around her and the world she lived in. The love a child has for their family.
Helping others find their love was simply her way of spreading her joy.
“You can’t keep doing this, Chiori!”
Sigewinne passed by Chioria Boutique, where a rude customer had been thrown out the window.
“He started it,” the ever-sassy Chiori said, paying them no mind.
“Every single time you do this,” Chevreuse, captain of the Special Patrol, began, “Do you know how much paperwork I need to do to protect you?”
“You still do it anyway. Nothing’s making you.”
“Why you- ugh.”
Sigewinne watched the two bicker and sighed. The work of a matchmaker was never done, was it?