Chapter Text
In perfume, there are three notes.
No.1 The base, also called the soul note, holds the perfume and other notes together.
No.2 The middle, also called the heart note, masks the base. Often more mellow, easier to swallow.
No.3 The top, also called the head note. It is the most assertive note, immediately noticed the minute anyone uses the bottle.
This system, which she uses almost every day for perfume, was also a good formula for Emilie to separate and process her thoughts.
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No.1 Base Note: She liked being alone.
It was rare for Emilie to take morning walks out to the opera house. Sometimes she'd reach the fountains and admire the flowing water and the smell of mist in the air. On days with more intense thoughts, she found herself passing it by a mile or two, lost in thought.
Either way, she always appreciated the morning dew and fresh scents of all the plants she came across. It was a nice ritual, a way to process before committing herself to her work for the rest of the day. It also came with the benefit of exploring new scents and scenery. Inspiration for another time.
As the sun crested over the peaks in the north, more people found their way down the opera house path. Young families, friends, and couples, instead of workers heading to their morning shifts. She'd wave to others with a soft smile; she didn't know why. It was common courtesy, she guessed. But the truth was that she was walking alone. No matter how many people she passed, none of them were walking with her; they were only walking around her.
No.2 Middle Note: She didn't have real friends.
Most assumed Chevreuse or Chiori was the closest to her. But if you listened in, their conversations started and ended with work. No matter how off-topic they became. Chevreuse had a tendency to monologue about crime novels she had read, which Emilie never understood. As for Chiori, when they did speak, it was small talk about recent sales. Luckily, both conversations came with the occasional tea, coffee, and cakes.
The true closest companion she had, she'd only met a few times. Emilie never admitted they were friends...but only because others wouldn't consider pen pals "real friends." But writing letters was a much more convenient form for her relationships. She could sit and write back whenever she had spare time. She didn't have to stop at coffee shops to meet him and waste time with small talk.
He was a Sumerian scholar by the name of Tighnari. He was busy too, so the connection they had was convenient for both. He wrote to the perfume shop first. Calcagni had passed the letter along to her when she stopped by to drop off more perfume supply. Tighnari wrote that he had an interest in her knowledge about Fontanian herbs and botany. They began to write back and forth, sharing spare knowledge about each of their local specialties. As a result, she'd been able to incorporate types of Sumerian root herbs as bases for some of her newer perfumes.
Sometimes they were both invited to botany-based events. Her parents had warned her to be "wary" of Sumerians the first time they met. Even though she was in her mid-20s at the time. Having a hardened Marechaussee Phantom officer as your father proved a challenge. Especially as she grew older and more independent. Despite their assumption, Tighnari was kind, intellectual, and a great listener.
What should have had her parents concern was the Sumerian apprenticeship she had when she was younger. Thanks to a certain blond-haired traveler, her teacher is now jailed as a murderer. Emilie supposed that, despite the context, the incident was the most fun she'd had in a while.
No.3 Top Note: She never considered herself a romantic.
Last week at a botany convention in Fontaine, Tighnari used the word "boyfriend." Emilie was not aware that Tighnari was dating, but thinking back on their letters, it made sense. He had a student named Collei and a man who would often come over for dinner. Tighnari always credited his knowledge of desert specialties to that "friend." At first, Emilie wasn't sure why his identity was more secret, but with this new information, it all made sense. Tighnari always said he was out in the desert on patrols or tracking sand through his kitchen. This was the extent of her knowledge, so she inquired further.
She found out his name was Cyno, a general for the Sumeru Akademia. But also that Tighnari didn't like to bring it up. He told Emilie his status wasn't important to their way of life.
The new information didn't change their dynamic, but it did find a place deep in Emilie's mind. The thoughts she had were never jealous ones. They were roughly the same age, late 20s, early 30s; she never asked. If her mother ever met him, she'd poke and prod at the idea of them being together. She'd always go out of her way to ask if Emilie had a boyfriend.
Is that what the feeling is? The guilt of not achieving a made-up goal?
Emilie revered her parents and respected their professions. Her mother's love of perfume and background in forensic pathology had inspired her; even if they don't talk as much now. It all led her to where she is now. Living on her own, working on her own.
Do I really like being alone?
Emilie stopped in her tracks. She'd made it about a mile past the opera house onto a dirt path leading into the hills. But the thought caught her mind's full attention.
The notes I have piled up on top of each other can't exist without the base note!
It was convenient to be alone, with no extra worries or cares. She lived outside the city and came by every once in a while to stock the perfume shop in town. The countryside was free of lofty smells and provided a clearer mind. That, and her forensic cleaning work, which leads her to every corner of Fontaine. But she couldn't deny that living in the city makes it easier to maintain connections.
Chevreuse and Chiori—do I want to be closer to them?
Emilie supposed it was helpful for her position to make relationships in her work field. But they both seemed as busy with work as she was, with no time for get-togethers.
But if I had the time, would I? And what if Tighnari lived closer?
If she could attend the lovely family dinners he always talks about. He always spoke with such care for the two in his life; it was hard not to interpret them as a family.
What about my own family?
They had dinners together sometimes, but the length of time between varied. They had disagreements in recent years she didn't always want to battle them over. That and she'd always be in her perfume lab, or a recent murder scene cleanup would spring up on her. She has every right to deny. But knowing the possibility of someone sleeping in a house with remnants of a deceased loved one, she'd always end up going. She didn't want them to feel alone or helpless. Being left to clean up the remnants of something that should never have happened. With all that in mind, Emilie changed her formula.
No.1 Base Note: She doesn't want others to be alone.
And given the choice, she'd choose others every time. Over her family, over friends, over relationships. She derives great joy from her work, despite the circumstances others might see from the outside. Her job was grim, but the outcome was always worth it.
No.2 Middle Note: She wants to spend time with others.
She'd love to attend one of Tighnari's dinners. And she'll ask Chevreuse if she has time for coffee instead of it always being the other way around. She figured Chiori might have the same problems with her schedule. They could tackle that together. And that blond-haired traveler she met deserves a letter every once in a while, something to remind them they're not alone. Making time for others would help and enrich her daily life. Even the simple water-tasting event she attended, hosted by Monsieur Neuvillette. She should consider it as stepping outside her comfort zone, creating a new relationship. It wasn't just knowledge for her perfumes.
No.3 Top Note: She has an open mind and heart.
She appreciates every bit of knowledge, inspiration, and scenery. Mulls over every thought and feeling that others may feel. It's ingrained in her soul. She can't ever disconnect from it. Always thinking about random strangers and victims of violent crimes. Even in perfume making her ability to pair familiar scents and feelings goes hand in hand. The more she sat with it, the more she realized that even the walk to the opera house was an example of it. She waved and smiled at others because she cherished the moment. An opportunity to observe others going about their daily lives and rituals, too. It encouraged her to make the most of her day.
With this realization, Emilie took a sharp turn towards the opera house. Placing her feet a little firmer and her hands steady, she made her way back.