Chapter 3
Original story and characters set in universe by Square Enix. No for-profit ownership is claimed over any of them.
Located a quarter of a mile from Dorter Bay, the five-story Viola Hotel was originally built just over a century and a half ago for visitors prioritizing lodging near transportation than tourist sites. As trains, airships and the "iron chocobos" became the prevalent modes of transportation, the Viola Hotel responded by renovating it just enough to provide adequate lodging while still remaining the go-to for those younger professionals seeking to stay out of the limelight.
But Alessio and Rebecca were leaving to step into it, if only for the night.
The two archaeologists stepped out of the elevator, walking side-by-side toward a a slightly paunch yet homely elderly man in the casual dress outfit of a high-ranking clergy member. Several bodyguards were placed around the modest lobby, a proper detail for a man of his station.
"Ah, there you two are," he began in a rather quiet, gravelly tone as he opened his arms to his sides to welcome two friends he had known almost as a son and daughter. "I though the youth were more known to be punctual," he added jokingly, with a quiet smile.
"Cardinal Savigny," Becca responded quite formally, before bowing. "Blessings of Saint Ajora-"
"No need for formalities," the Cardinal replied, politely waving it off. "I'm just pleased that your hard work and dedication are finally being recognized at last."
Age was already starting to take its toll on Francois Cardinal Savigny of Gallionne. Already into his sixties, his hair and skin were already showing signs of his autumn years, and the rest of his body had begun to take on a sort of hunched rotundness characteristic of the elderly.
Yet these were burdens the Cardinal seemed to carry in stride. Although he certainly looked like he could blend perfectly into the College of Cardinals, this shepherd had been known for being unusually energetic and optimistic at his age where others were worried about the diminishing size of their flock.
"We couldn't have done it without your guidance," Aless said, shaking the Cardinal's hand with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.
"As well as your endorsement as a Cardinal of the Church of Glabados, no less," Becca pointed out as matter-of-factly as she'd treated virtually every matter of importance.
"It's nothing more than a signature on a paper," the Cardinal replied with a nod, Becca's hinted sarcasm having no effect, "Your work has more than spoken for itself. Now, I believe, we have an exhibit to open."
The sleek black limousine parked in the hotel's driveway flew the diplomatic flags of the Church from its front body panels, and similarly ominous black sedans were parked to the limo's front and rear.
A valet helped the three into the limo, Aless and Becca taking the back seats with the Cardinal taking the ones opposite, his back to the driver. There was a small table in the middle, which was normally used for drinks. As the cardinal abstained from alcohol, a new issue of Ivalice's most prominent art magazines took its place. The magazine's cover depicted the exhibit about to open at their destination, the Dorter Metropolitan.
Aless exhaled happily as he let himself sink into the leather. It almost felt like the limo's acceleration was gently pushing the stress out of him.
"I see all of your work has taken its toll on your brother," the Cardinal said to Becca, "Much less so on you."
"I try to keep my...obsessions with ancient history under control," Becca replied as she glanced at Aless, who had picked up the magazine.
His attention was fixated on the pictures of what each wing of the museum was featuring for this exhibit, draped in the late afternoon light filtered through the tinted limo windows. A few were books, others old swords and crude (by modern standards) firearms. His gaze nearly became fixated on what looked like a gem that served as the exhibit's centerpiece, before the conversation drew his attention back.
"Ah, but look at where your obsessions have brought," the Cardinal reassured them, "Your quest for knowledge continues to open many doors."
"Bec's right though, you opened the doors for us to make this possible," Aless added, trying to snap out of his grogginess. "It's nice to be recognized, but it all feels so...impersonal."
He emphasized the last word as he put the guide back down on the table and stared longingly out at the passing buildings that were swiftly replaced by trees.
Their route drew them further inland from the bay, through Sant-Charles Park toward the Museum, which topped a hill close to its northern edge. The park was still quite busy at this hour, with couples taking moonlight strolls and the occasional junkie looking for a place to sleep off his fix.
"Renown is renown, and it's tiring letting artifacts have all the spotlight to themselves," Becca added, almost the embodiment of 'impersonal' as she looked out the window, the red and blue of the convoy escort blinkers leaving flickering touches on the passing scenery. "At least we all still have some privacy."
"Nothing is private in the eyes of the gods," the Cardinal replied sagely.
"Or the cameras of the press," Aless added, to which Savigny smiled.
"Ah, but you have your integrity too," Savigny countered, "It is our guiding beacon in the search for the truth."
Aless gave a polite smirk before putting the magazine back on the table and shifting his gaze to just past the Cardinal's shoulder, past the driver and out the front window.
The modern glass structure of the Dorter Metropolitan was slowly wedging into their view as they approached the end of the park.
Becca was already making a few last-minute cosmetic adjustments - lipstick and makeup. But Aless took a deep breath as he made out the words on the banners that hung from the streetlights as markers on the driveway up to the museum entrance.
He cringed a little inside as he straightened his tie, ruminating on what their other mentor would have thought of all their hard work being displayed in a manner so apparently contradictory to its meaning.
Chapter 3 End