A Drop of Justice 7 - Or 'Playing Ace Attorney has never been so French!' (Genshin Impact AU, Lawyer!SI)

I can tell Neuvillette didn't appreciate me visiting unannounced. Trust me, I was even madder since I got a message that urged this kind of unwarranted check.

"I-"

"Why?!"

He paused, then closed his eyes and sighed as I held on the letter that pretty much ruined my plans for the week. Normally, a work opportunity was good, and one that would also allow Maeve and I to be tourists sounded like a dream- but it kind of get muddy when it comes to the idea that I had to go to a country that had just recently ceased a civil war.

Liyue and Mondstadt were fine- hell, I would have taken Sumeru despite the recent attempted takeover from some of their Sages but... fuck, it was insane to imagine going to Inazuma. The place was full of ronin, demons, and even Yokai that tended to be rather 'antagonistic' towards unusual humans.

"I can't say much, but the official reason is tied to the importance of the case. It is the first time in a century that a Fontainian merchant is going to be potentially put through trial which may lead to an execution. I require you to be sent there not to free him, but to extradite him so he can be judge back home."

"I know that," I growled at the repetition of the lines of the message. "And you know better than me that this should demand some forewarning."

"Not if there is a chance you may lose your life in the next few days, Monsieur."

Neuvillette's interjection caught me off-guard. The Gardes were planning to have me killed? A bit of a ballsy move considering the air of suspicion that was aimed at them, but maybe they recognized I was dangerous. Not only I survived rumors, but I could potentially be 'used' to kill the corruption.

I could understand the logic of sending me away but-

"Why Inazuma? It was just stuck in a civil war, the place is tense and-"

"I need someone of value to work on this," The Iudex interrupted once more. "I know, it could have been a simpler case in Liyue, but their laws are far too complex, and Mondstadt's laws are quite a joke- no, I needed you to have reason to actually go out of Fontaine for a few weeks."

"What about Maeve? I thought there was a ban for Melusines to leave the Court."

He smiled at this, producing a paper with a... passport. For Maeve.

"Not if they are essential and granted permission by the Hydro Archon to obtain legal paperwork for their potential departure."

"That's risky-"

"It's a loophole and quite legal."

I could believe that, I just... Fuck. I didn't speak any further- any sense of rage dulled by the reasoning and then squashed when it became clear I was actually needed for this case. To summarize the case itself: a moron trying to sell explosive toys may have come close to become the first Fontainian terrorist in Inazuman History.

Not exactly a big achievement considering the whole mess could have killed kids and stained the relations between the Court and the Shogunate.

I guess we are going in magical Japan for a month...

As I got back home, I found Maeve sitting on her desk, expecting me to come back and bring her the news we were going to stay. Her smile faltered as she saw the look on my face, and then the Melusine gasped in surprise when I handed her the passport.

It would be the first time a Melusine could leave Fontaine and visit other countries. It was going to be huge once the news broke out, but by the time it would be spread out, we would be out of sight and hopefully out of reach for trouble. The trip was meant to start the next day, but there was still much to prepare and do before we were either swamped by new cases or have trouble with our luggage.

I had to help Maeve with her own since she was utterly clueless (and very giddy) about what to prepare for this sort of trip out of home. It was like trying to help a little kid get ready for her first journey in another country- except the kid had a mature edge to herself.

A few hours later, I was preparing letters I had to send out to the administration to temporarily close my office. I knew Neuvillette was going to have it properly certified before we were out of the country but... it was best to be safe than sorry and just have it sent a hour before the office closed for the night.

I barely had the chance to sleep as Maeve was too excited. Poor girl tried to make it look as if it wasn't that, but she was clearly so gassed up by the entire deal that she couldn't close her eyes even if she wanted.

So, that's why, as the morning started, an early morning passersby could see me carry a sleepy Maeve on my right arm, while I dragged our luggages with my other. The sight had to have been definitely amusing, but I was glad that only a rare few early birds could get a glimpse of that inglorious scene.

As we boarded the ferry that took off for Qiaoying Village and prepared for the ensuing carriage ride to Liyue Harbor, I failed to realize that we were being tailed. After all, a quick glance around may not show anyone that may appear to be part of the Gardes...

But someone was indeed chasing us through the trip, her mission being one of 'scouting'.

-d-d-d-d-

A few minutes earlier...

Lyney was nervous. After all, the news he received yesterday were unnerving.

Father's arrival to Fontaine had been surprising, especially since things had been relatively calm and lacking of opportunities to claim the Gnosis of Lady Furina. Yet, while he and Lynette were busy with their upcoming show, Father had made her current interest behind her visit clear.

"Freminet shall be your assistant for this show, child," The Knave had proclaimed, making it clear this was not a choice open for protests. "Lynette shall have a relatively simple mission."

"How simple?" Lyney had asked swiftly if not bluntly. He couldn't contest his 'father' and her decision, but he could still inquire about the parameters.

"She will tail an individual and make sure that he is not being hunted by the Gardes. This individual I have learned will leave for Inazuma."

Perplexing, but the magician nodded and-

"And he will be in charge of a major case there. Which is why I chose Lynette to not make things 'complicated' with the locals."

While also not casting suspicions on them if Lyney had left for the job too. Freminet had helped him from time to time when Lynette had other chores to entertain, so it wouldn't be too surprising. Yet, the concern didn't stop bubbling in his chest from time to time.

His sister was an exceptional young woman, but Lynette had never been to Inazuma and-

"I asked for the job."

This actually made Lyney very perplexed, and then annoyed as he realized why she was going to this extent to 'prove her worth'.

"I thought we agreed Monsieur Bukharin was fine with 'us being away from causing trouble'."

"That was the deal, yes."

"...And?" He pressed her, baffled by her nonchalance about this. Lyney knew how 'lazy' his sister tended to be, but it was the first time she was actively 'rebellious' about this sort of siblings' deals.

"And I thought it would be fascinating to try the Inazuman Fish."

"Sister-"

"I am capable, and it's only reconnaissance," She assured calmly. "You have nothing to worry about."

For her? Definitely, but the magician was reasonably worried more for Monsieur John once he comes to realize how 'intense' Lynette's behavior could get when she was crushing on someone.

"You're going to stalk him?"

Lynette rolled her eyes in a rare display of emotions. "Of course not. It's just a coincidence that I will find myself following him, finding where he lives and then stumble upon him once he is enjoying a nice solo walk."

...

Lyney was glad that her sister was not that insane. He loved her a lot, but she truly had a special way to show how affectionate she can be due to how difficult it was for her to manifest expressions through her face. It was saddening really, both for her sister...

And the unlucky lawyer that got her intrigued to the point of stalking.


AN

She just wants to 'show her gratitude'. Nothing else. It's not like she has a type or anything. Or may be quite distressed and 'aggressive' if someone else tries to get her fish without her consent.