"Now then, Aether. What are your thoughts on being arrested and put on trial again?" That was the first question of the interview. "This time, it's for the 'grave sin' of kidnapping our dear Lady Furina here. That's quite the step up from spoiling the ending of a novel in public, isn't it?"
Oh right, that was the cover story he told her all that time back before his mission for Neuvillette (although the actual "false" crime was eating Furina's cake). It felt so long ago now… "Frankly, I think I'm being set up." And he was, there was no doubt about it.
"Is that so? Any theories on who is behind it?" Charlotte asked next as she wrote down his words. "If there truly is some entity behind this, I'm sure Monsieur Neuvillette would get to the bottom of it."
'Not if he's the one responsible,' Aether mentally grumbled. "I'll keep my thoughts on that to myself for now if you don't mind."
Judging from the frown Charlotte had, she did mind. "If you're not comfortable telling me as a journalist, you can do so as a friend. I can keep things secret and do my own investigation if you need my help," she offered. While Aether appreciated the gesture, he didn't want to bother Charlotte with his problems or get her involved in all this. Besides, it was not like Neuvillette was malevolent in all this.
"That's not necessary, Charlotte."
"If you say so…" …She was probably going to investigate anyway; her instincts told her there was a story behind everything and she was not going to stop until she uncovered it.
'I shouldn't have said anything…'
Charlotte then turned her focus towards Furina. "Lady Furina, do you have any thoughts on this strange situation? As the 'victim' of this heinous crime, surely you have something to say about it?"
"Oho, quite so my dear truthseeker. This accusation and proceedings against the Traveler is clearly a plot to—" "She thinks it'll be fun and interesting," Aether bluntly answered, making Furina splutter at being cut off like that.
"She does seem to enjoy this more than she should," Charlotte snickered under her breath and further embarrassed her Archon.
"We–well, it's not every day that something like this happens." Furina tried to justify herself. "It is only natural for I, who has attended nearly every single trial held at the Opera Epicles, to take an interest after all the repetitive and stale cases over the years. Is it not the same for you and every other person in Teyvat? The famed Traveller being charged with the kidnapping of the Hydro Archon is something that deserves every bit of attention it's getting. Now then, let's not dwell any longer on the subject; what is the next question?"
There was not much Charlotte could do with Furina urging them to move on so she moved on towards the second question on her list. "Okay then… Aether, speaking hypothetically, say you are found guilty of the charges. What do you think will happen? This is not like your previous crime; a slight towards the divine Archon—" "Thank you." "—would not be punished with a simple one-month-long exile to the Fortress."
"…Next question."
"Oh come on, give me something to work with here!"
Aether sighed in exasperation but relented. "The house arrest I'm in is already punishment enough; they'll just keep it going."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" He ignored Furina's offended remark and added to his answer that at the very least, he'll be stuck in Fontaine for the foreseeable future.
"And you're fine with that? You tend to go to and fro for your commissions, don't you?"
"I'm sure there'll be some sort of compromise depending on my trial's outcome." The only regretful part of being kept in Fontaine was his being unable to see his friends. Sure, the people he befriended here were nice and all, but he missed seeing those he encountered on his journey through the other nations. Speaking of, he needed to see what they were up to; other than Yanfei and Kazuha, he hadn't exchanged any letters with them in some time.
Before moving on to the next question though, there was something that caught Charlotte's attention. Although she could venture a good guess from what Aether said, the journalist probed the topic a bit. "You mentioned being kept under house arrest. Normally, foreigners are detained in holding cells in the Palais Mermonia but only for a day at most before their trial. I tried visiting you but the Gardes there told me they aren't the ones holding you."
"Sorry, Charlotte, but that's confidential information."
"I figured as much… You're staying on the upper floors with Lady Furina, aren't you?"
"I cannot confirm or deny that." Judging from the barely-hidden grin he had, Charlotte was right on the money.
"If that gets out, it'll set a really bad example for everyone. I can see the headlines now: One Simple Trick to Live Like a King. Landlords Hate it!" The two shared a laugh at her joke much to Furina's irritation, prompting her to demand they move on.
'Now, that was all the trial-relevant question done…' Charlotte thought as she checked her notepad. The next set of questions made her hesitate slightly but she had already come so far. "Now then, since this relationship of yours will no doubt be a central focus in the upcoming trial…"
Just from that starting remark made Aether shrink in his seat. "Charlotte, please no…" He begged but—
"Why don't we talk about it for a bit? Our readers are simply dying to know more about the romance between the Traveller and the magnificent Hydro Archon!"
Whether it was just the topic itself or from her flattering description, Furina became livelier again. "Ah, I can provide you with all the answers you need."
'This won't end well…' That was what he was here for anyway; reigning in Furina's antics was a full-time job…
Opera Epiclese…
As the trials were not set to begin for a couple more hours, there were not many visitors yet with most waiting in the courtyard outside now that the rain had stopped. Diluc and Kaeya (who had just arrived after their aquabus ride) decided to stay inside the opera house's entrance hall. Luckily, there were some books provided to pass some time.
Well. Diluc tried to focus on reading but Kaeya was more interested in making small talk. "Now that we're alone, I think it's time we address the elephant in the room. Don't you agree?"
"What are you talking about, Kaeya?" Diluc grumbled.
"Simple. After the trial, assuming the worst-case scenario happens, negotiations for what'll happen with Aether will open. If that happens, our little alliance with the other nations will break down. All of us are in it to help him as friends but also in our nation's capacity," Kaeya hummed. "If we convince them to transfer custody to another nation, we'll be arguing over who gets Aether."
"You say that like we're all divorcing parents and Aether's the child."
Kaeya chuckled at the rather apt comparison. "But am I wrong?"
His adoptive brother's grin just made Diluc sigh and mumble under his breath. "Let's just hope diplomatic relations won't completely break down." But if it does, Mondstat will come out on top.
"How did you first meet?"
"As you may have heard, I was anticipating the Traveller's arrival to my nation and prepared a welcoming party for him." "In other words, she was already stalking me before we even met."
"What were your initial impressions of the other?"
"A brave fool who doesn't know what it means to challenge a divine." "…I'll abstain from commenting."
"How did your relationship start?"
"…" "…I may have broken a couple of laws. I blame Navia for her suggestion."
"I… see." Something told Charlotte going down that route would bump up the Steambird's age rating. At the very least, they were forthcoming with her questions enough. "So… are there any plans for a wedding?"
"Ah, that… hehe…" In complete contrast with her earlier eagerness, Furina was quiet and her face red from embarrassment.
Seeing her like that, Aether answered for both, face equally as red as hers. "That's a discussion for another day. Besides, if it does happen, all of Fontaine will know by the end of the day."
"That's true enough… but can I get the first interview? You know, since we're friends?"
"Of course, Charlotte."
"Thanks~" She giggled maniacally. Having good connections was paying off again.
"In any case—" Furina interrupted after glancing at the nearby clock. "It saddens me to say that it is almost time for us to depart. The preparations for today's scheduled trials are to begin at the Opera Epiclese and as the Archon, I should be there to oversee them." And by oversee, she meant in the literal sense of watching from above. Maybe she could sneak in a quick snack in the backroom too… "I also have to drop him off at the Palais so do excuse us."
"Of course, thank you for taking the time to come down to our office," Charlotte bowed before escorting them out, satisfied enough with the interview. Now to start actually writing the article before her deadline at the day's end… along with her other stories… She loved her job dearly but if it didn't beat her to the ground some of the time…
Palais Mermonia…
Ayaka took her time walking to the central governmental office of Fontaine, taking in the sights and sounds of the city in the morning. It was rather different than in Inazuma, but that was to be expected. The Melusines walking around were also adorable and made her wish there was something similar back home.
Well, there were the odd yokais here and there but most stayed out of the city or were not nearly as cuddly as the Melusines.
In any case, she soon reached her destination and stood before the massive doors. "If my information is correct, Iudex Neuvillete's office is here." And on the upper floors was the Hydro Archon's residence. Ayaka wondered if she'd be open to speaking with her; according to Aether in his letters from a while back, Lady Focalors was quite the character. 'They might be keeping him here too…' There were holding cells for accused foreigners which would include Aether.
After taking a deep breath to prepare herself, Ayaka went in when— "Ah! I'm sorry, sir." —she nearly swung the door into a tall gentleman in blue's face.
She apologised profusely only for the man to say it was not an issue. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before," the sharply dressed man with long white hair said as he took in Ayaka's appearance. "From your attire, I assume you are a delegate from Inazuma here to speak to the Iudex regarding the Traveller's trial."
"That's… correct." From that deduction as well as his general appearance, Ayaka could make a good guess as to the gentleman's identity. "Am I correct in assuming you are Monsieur Neuvillette, Fontaine's Iudex?
"You are," he nodded slowly.
Despite his stoic expression, Ayaka sensed an underlying emotion of… exhaustion? In any case, she should introduce herself. "I am Kamisato Ayaka of Inazuma's Yashiro Commission. It is an honour to make your acquaintance."
"Likewise. Unfortunately, if you wish to speak in private now, I'm unable to fulfil that request," Neuvillette apologetically told her. "I am needed at the Opera Epiclese, but you are free to come along if you wish. We may talk along the way."
Well, she had already come all the way; what's a little more? Besides, they'll be riding the aquarail for more than half the way. It would also give her the opportunity to look around the opera house without drawing much suspicion if she were accompanying Neuvillette. Taking him up on the offer, Ayaka followed him as they walked back towards the elevator down to the Navia line.
However, five minutes later—
"Now then, my dear Aether. Be a good boy and don't cause any trouble for the Gardes."
"Don't cause any trouble for Clorinde."
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Lady Furina, let's not dally any longer," the champion duelist interrupted with the slightest hint of a grin. "The aquabus to Marcotte Station will depart soon."
Furina pouted at her personal bodyguard's reminder before calling the Gardes to escort the cloaked Aether back to the upper floors and leaving with Clorinde again. 'Back into house arrest, I go…' At least he knew what to do to pass the time today; Ayaka must be getting impatient waiting for his next letter.
"…" "…I may have broken a couple of laws. I blame Navia for her suggestion."
If you know, you know.
In any case, finally got enough time to finish up this chapter. And since the last chapter, some Furina leaks dropped and I won't say much about it but her lines were way more than I expected. Just hope my rolls are good cause getting Homa took everything from me. Damn you, Hu Tao. Why must you tick all my boxes like her… I've recovered nearly 60 rolls now which is nowhere near close enough for C0R1 cries.
Anyway, Ayaka just barely misses Aether this chapter and in the next we'll probably pick up on what Scara is up to. It's been a while since we last saw him, hasn't it?