I have a new story to share with you. It is situated in a modern universe of Teyvat. It is equipped with modern technology.
I hope you will find it enjoyable.
The night is slowly settling on the sea.
There was a cruise ship sailing through the waters.
On one of its decks, a young woman was resting near its border.
She had on a top hat, a dark blue suit-like outfit, and a white vest. It seemed odd that she had a black glove on her right hand and a white one on her left. Her shoes were dark leather with a heel.
Her eyes were one of the most intriguing features about her. As her right eye has a light blue iris and deep blue droplet-shaped pupil, while her left eye reverses the color scheme and has whitish-blue hair with light blue streaks.
It was proof of her incredible ascendancy.
However, it appeared that this young girl was exhausted.
"Ah, I miss home." Furina de Fontaine, the former heir to the royal crown of the court of the nation of Fontaine, sighed while watching the seagulls flying near the ship. She was slouching on the handrails of the deck. A glass of juice is in her right hand. Her gaze shifted from the flying creatures to the vehicle she was in after observing it for a moment.
Although the Teyvat was not the largest cruise ship in the world, it was still big enough to hold around 200 passengers and a third of this number as crew. And as it has been in service for only three years, it was still in prime condition.
The young woman put her drink on her lips and swallowed the rest of it. She observed the vast expanse of water right in front of her.
Furina sighed once more. "The water is causing me to long for Fontaine. Even thought that I choose to go on a long travel to forget a little about my country and its intrigue… I do hope that Neuvillette is okay."
She started playing with her empty drink when something interrupted her train of thought.
"Hey! What is this?"
A sudden exclamation caught Furina's attention and she turned her gaze to where it came from.
Numerous passengers are also close to the handrails. They were actually looking and pointing towards the sea.
"What is going on?" After inspecting the pointed area for a few seconds, she finally saw it.
"What? A whale maybe?"
What caught the attention of the crowd was a large shadow that was slowly moving towards the ship.
It kept moving forward for a few moments before disappearing. Presumably diving back into deep water.
"Well, that's strange." A lot of noise told her that the gathering was only growing bigger. Not interested in it, she chooses to walk away.
Before departing, she spotted something else.
"An island?"
The shape of an island was visible from a short distance behind the light mist.
They shouldn't have seen this island normally, but the crew has explained through the speaker that they journey would be delayed by two days as they were warned that a storm was on the initial route and that they would have to take a wide detour. In order to compensate for this, they provided each passenger with three free non-alcoholic drinks.
Furina shrugged before going back to the ship's interior.
The sun had already started to set hours ago, and the night had almost completely arrived. Furthermore, the weather began to get colder. The moment is perfect to depart from the deck.
"Well, the sightseeing time is over. I already ate. Would it be a good idea for me to go to bed right now? I don't have much to do for the rest of the evening. Unless you count reading novels from Inazuma.
"Yeah, let's rock 'n' roll's!"
Furina turned around and saw that she had wandered into the showroom, right into a concert organized by the crew. A rock concert furthermore.
On the stage. A young woman was standing and playing an electric guitar. She was wearing a black-brown tank top fastened by knots and white shorts, with a red and white vest with flared red, black, and white sleeves. And her hair was pulled back into two buns with spiked bands. She seemed very excited about her future performance. After that, she inquired of her audience.
"Are you ready to be up all night? Although there were not many passengers due to dining, she still received her answers.
"Yeah!"
"All right! Here we go! She started playing her instrument under the praise of the public.
"Well, I hope she will not prevent other people from sleeping."
She continued to walk, passing several passengers on her way to her destination. Nonetheless, some background noise began to disturb her.
It appears that many have recognized me, if those whispers are any indication. "
It's true that she has been a subject of great interest since she was born. Her pictures have been spread throughout the world for years.
"Look. It's Princess Furina de Fontaine!"
"Well, actually, now it's Miss Furina. In the end, she has abolished the monarchy and created a democratic government. "
"Yes, she is the one who managed to destroy a royal family that has ruled for over five centuries in a single day."
"It is certain that her mother, the late queen Focalors, must be rolling over in her grave."
"I have even heard that she refused the title of Regina and rejected her title of Princess."
"I attempted to reject it. But Neuvillette and the Senate asked me to keep it so that the royal family can keep on." The former future monarch kept walking through the many hallways of the ship without really bothering herself by the many whispers that followed her. Being born into royalty, she has always been subjected to rumors. Therefore, she did what she always did in this kind of situation: she kept moving forward. And after a few minutes, she managed to reach her room.
"Ah, home sweet home." Despite refusing the title of Regina of All Waters, Kindreds, Peoples and Laws, she remained the princess and sole remaining member of the royal family. Thus, she owned a significant amount of wealth.
I instructed Neuvillette to transfer all of the royal family's assets to the people. Nevertheless, he refused. He suggested that we talk about it in a more relaxed manner once I'm back from this trip. When she desired it, Furina could be quite stubborn. She was not interested in touching the royal treasury. The senate and Neuvillette voted in favor of a monthly pension to ensure that she does not have any financial issues for at least two years.
The room that she has reserved was not the biggest one of this ship. However, it was big enough so that at least two persons could be comfortable during the stay as it was equipped with a double bed, a large desk with two chairs, a counter with a teapot , a small fridge, a wardrobe where her luggage was put in. Finally, there is a large window that allows the occupant to have a nice view of the scenery.
"I don't even want a room this big, but it was one of the few that were still available. I know that people talked about me not taking the king or queen suite. They must think that I have no money left."
Immediately upon opening the door, the young woman entered her temporary sanctuary. After locking it, she disposes of her paper cup in the trash bin situated beside the desk. She took her shoes off, grabbed her hat and jacket, and put them on the wall coat rack. Now only wearing her shorts, vest, and sneakers, she jumped on the bed.
"I'm so tired that I do not even want a cup of tea." She looked around her room to see if there was anything that could entertain her. Seeing none, she could only do one thing.
"Well then, I shall read a little before going to sleep." She arose from the bed and examined her luggage. Inside the wardrobe was her travel bag. Inside were her clothes and several other objects that were stored there for her travel. She grabbed one of the few books that were lying there with her hand. Before departing from her homeland, she purchased numerous of them. It seems that they were all bestsellers.
She read the title of the book she had chosen
I have been reborn as a king in another world, but I am not interested in having a harem.
"Seem funny."
Returning to her bed, she sat and began reading the novel.
She had been reading for a few minutes before being interrupted by a loud sound.
Broooooooom
"Hmm? What is this?"
She waited for a moment before being pushed out of her bed.
"What the-! Then a loud crash sound appeared. Furina stumbled onto the floor in front of her bed. Not even a second after that, an alarm was displayed throughout the ship.
Then an audio message came through the speaker.
"This is not an exercise. Everyone must go to the deck. Prepare yourself for evacuation! Follow up the crew direction."
That caused Furina's eyes to widen.
"What! Oh no. Quick I must get out from here." She reached for her shoes and her attire. Once properly dressed, she found the small safe hidden inside the wardrobe. She composed the code and opened it. She grabbed its contents and threw them into her messenger bag, which was placed on the top back of a chair.
Once inside the bag, she put the strap around her shoulder. The young woman from Fontaine allowed herself to check out by the window, and what she saw made her freeze in place.
"The ship! it is capsizing! Fear began to creep into her voice. Because indeed, the floor seems to be spinning a little. Outside her room, she could hear screams. It seems that her feelings were being shared by many. She looked around. After securing her important documents, she was about to leave her room when she noticed something.
"In the event of a dire situation, utilize those items."
She turned around and inspected her luggage. After opening it, she threw all of its contents onto the floor. Once she saw the bottom, she took it apart. Two things were found behind. There was a small purse and a medium case. After putting the case in her bag, she opened the purse. A small object that resembles a small red flashlight that is attached to a keychain. She pressed the button on the side three times. For three seconds, a small red light was visible. Confirming that it was active. She placed it in her jacket's inner pocket and stood up again.
Before lying down, her eyes spotted the book she was reading. She grabbed it, put it in her bag, and ran out of her room towards the evacuation zone.
Three days later
Court of Fontaine
Palais Mermonia
The sun has only been off for a few hours, but the surroundings of the palace were already filled with concerned citizens. They had been waiting for a specific man, and as soon as he exited the elevator, they rushed to meet him.
"Iudex Neuvillette, has the Palais received any news regarding the cruise ship that was shipwrecked three days ago?"
"Do you have any information on Lady Furina? Or any of the twenty-nine others citizen from Fontaine that were in this ship?"
"Will Fontaine or any other nations finally send rescue teams?"
The Iudex, a tall man wearing a navy-blue jacket and white hair that is waist-length. In his right hand, he had a cane. He was walking with an assured step until he reached the entrance of the palace.
He turned around to confront the many reporters.
"There will be no comment for the moment." Upon hearing the new head of state of Fontaine, the dozens of journalists roared, trying to gain his attention. He merely walked through the doors with two guards staying behind to deter the numerous truth-seekers.
"This is going to be a very long day." In a record amount of time; the tall man reached his office. He was motivated by the many worried gazes that the employees were sending him. They too were scared of what happened to their fellow citizens and the rest of the passengers and were craving answers that he might have.
Once he entered his office, he picked up the files on the right side of his desk. He inspected them when he heard rapid footsteps approaching him.
"A very, very, long day indeed." Just after this thought, the doors were violently opened. Even before becoming the new head of state, there were few who would dare to do this to the Iudex. One of those people was the late Regina, Focalors herself, even if it was more for fun than anything else. Her daughter, Furina, carried out the task as well. Up until recently, that was the case.
Nevertheless, this individual is not a part of the royal family of Fontaine. She is a tall female with long dark blue hair made into a ponytail. She was wearing a white dress shirt, black corset-like piece, and a high-waisted pencil skirt. Her blue cape was in contrast to her white gloves.
Clorinde was the person who used to be Furina's bodyguard.
It seemed like she was very angry.
"Neuvillette!" She started. Her voice, which is usually calm, is full of impatience and anger.
"Clorinde. How can I help you?"
She stood in front of him and placed her hands on his desk.
"Neuvillette, please refrain from playing this game with me. Why haven't we sent a team to rescue the survivors yet? We are already aware of the location of the wreckage. In addition, we uncovered the island that is believed to be the location of the castaways. What's the reason for not sending us there? It has already been three days. The longer we wait, the more likely they will be hurt. And… - "She retired her hands from the desk but still looked back at Neuvillette- "I don't think that she can last very long in those conditions… If she managed to reach the island."
The sound of the doors opening again resurfaced. This time it was a woman with a tall black shako. She had a rifle on her back. A brown uniform was what she was wearing. Behind Clorinde, she stood ready. This was Chevreuse. She is responsible for leading the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol at Maison Gardiennage.
Neuvillette sighed. He placed his pen on the desk and responded to Clorinde.
"You are aware of why I haven't dispatched a rescue team yet."
The former bodyguard resisted the temptation to meet his piercing stare. After waiting for a few minutes, she finally answered.
"Its Celestia isn't in it."
Celestia was a mysterious and powerful group under the command of an unknown leader called the First. With the money, power, and support they had, they could do anything they wanted without any consequences. Many who opposed them simply disappeared. If they were not simply used as an example.
The different governments had a passive relationship with them.
And this particular island was bought by them some time ago. Although they left their operations there some time ago, it doesn't mean that they lost their ownership of the island.
On the contrary.
Envoys from multiple nations requested permission to enter that water area to search for any survivors. Celestia purposefully postponed the conversation.
At this rate, it could take weeks before the search parties are allowed to carry out their missions.
Many people believed that the survivor would not be able to wait for that long.
"Yes, we are being asked to wait. Again… Their reason is that there is a secret project near the island, they ask for two weeks before resuming conversation."
"Two weeks. However, we do not know how many there are. The liferafts likely have enough food, water and equipment to last for so much time. Of course, as long as it was not damaged during the crossing. What about those who have been injured? It is probable that many will not last a week, so two?"
The tension in her voice was audible to Neuvillette and Chevreuse. Even though she wasn't willing to admit it, she cared greatly about Furina. For more than ten years, she has been by her side. Even though she wasn't officially her bodyguard anymore, she would never allow anyone to hurt her.
Moreover, Furina is among the few relatives she still has left. Ten months ago, there was a disappearance of Wriothesley, the Duke of the Fortress of Meropide. He was a man of great trust and importance in the Court of Fontaine, and a close friend of Clorinde. He has been sent as an intermediary agent numerous times.
Nevertheless, he had simply vanished overnight. Many thought that he had gotten away, but those who knew him well knew that he had too much at stake to betray the prison and the court. Sigewinne, his close friend and associate, made it clear that he would never make that decision.
During the exact, same time period. Navia, the head of Spina di Rosula and the master of Fontaine underground, has gone missing in the same manner.
She also had a close relationship with Clorinde.
Clorinde has been very hurt by the disappearance of two of her closest friends.
Some rumors even appeared to suggest that they eloped together. The thought of two of her closest friends being involved in a potential betrayal was too much for Clorinde, so she asked for sick leave.
It lasted some weeks, and the one who helped her the most to come out of this depressive hole was none other than her protégé.
She stayed by her side for a sufficient amount of time until she could return to her duties.
Neuvillette fully comprehended her desire to save the princess, but as the new head of the government, he required a methodical approach.
"Sending official troops or rescue team over there would be a dangerous proposition for Fontaine. The slightest problem and we could have an international incident."
They were caught off guard by an abrupt noise. Chevreuse snapped her boots.
"Sir, one word from you and all members of the Maison Gardiennage's Special Security and Surveillance Patrol are ready to go over there. Regardless of the risk. The lives of our citizens must be treated with the highest priority."
Both seniors smiled at her enthusiast, but the reality of the situation caught up.
"No, we must not take any risks. If a single person is linked to the Court, it will be found out. It could come back to bite us."
Clorinde's eyes pierced Neuvillette as she turned back towards him.
"Do not tell me that you will let them there alone and not act." The edge in her voice sounded more dangerous than before.
"I did not make that statement. On the contrary. I have already worked on a solution." He took out a large file after opening a locked drawer. He placed it on his desk and invited the two women to inspect it.
Clorinde grabbed the file and started reading it. Chevreuse too. Quickly, a frown appeared on their faces.
"Adventurers? Really?"
"Yes. Sixteen confirmed adventurers and mercenaries. Three teams. The main aim of sending them over is to find survivors from any nationality and bring them back home. A bonus will be sent for each survivor retrieved."
The youngest person in the room shook her head. " Have we truly no others choice than to count on them?"
It's possible for us to do it, but it would take some time. Time as it has been mentioned, we have not. So no, I do not think so. Furthermore, even if Celestia learns about that, we could always play the fools there. " Responded the Iudex.
Clorinde continued to read for a moment before asking.
I want to be a part of this operation.
"Denied."
"But-"
"You both will be on the carrier that will send the helicopters there and bring them back. Once the survivors are aboard the ship, you have a responsibility to protect them. The mission's duration should not exceed two days. Furthermore we-" Neuvillette was interrupted by a polite knock on the door of his office.
"Yes?"
"Monsieur Neuvillette?" He recognized this voice.
"Enter. His order resulted in a young man entering his office.
"Excuse me to disturb you Sir but yours private meeting has arrived. The information was received with a smile from the white-haired man.
I would appreciate it if you could bring me to them. You both. Come with me to meet our saviors."
The Iudex exited his office, being closely followed by the young captain. Clorinde was prepared to pursue them, but she turned her attention to the desk. There is a large map of the area where the shipwreck took place. She gazed at the printed island. The island was quite large; it could take days to find a missing person there. She spotted the name of the island printed in the middle with her eyes.
Khaenri'ah
"Please stay safe."
She exited the office without delay.
End of the first chapter.
I hope you like it. Any reviews are welcome.