The night was 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 physically and mentally.

"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 and started to observe 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 cup on her lips and swallowed the rest of its content. She then looked at the vast expanse of water right in front of her under the setting sun.

She 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 doing 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 were going closer 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?Is it a whale?"

What caught the attention of the crowd was a large bluish shadow that was slowly moving towards the ship.

It kept getting closer for a few moments before disappearing. Presumably diving back into deep water.

"Well, that's was very strange." A lot of noise told her that the gathering was only growing many passenger wanting to see the sea creature. Not interested any longer in it, Furina chooses to walk away and get back inside the sheltered part of the ship.

But, just before departing, she spotted something else on the sea.

"An island?"

The shape of an island was visible from a short distance. Although it was obscured by a light mist, it had the appearance of an island.

They shouldn't have seen this island normally, but the crew has explained through the many speakers that they journey would be delayed by two days as they were warned that a large storm was on the initial route and that they would have to take a large detour. In order to compensate for this, they provided each passenger with three free non-alcoholic drinks of their choice.

Furina shrugged before going back to the ship's interior.

The sun had already started to set a few hours ago, and the night had almost completely arrived. Furthermore, the weather has started to get colder. The moment is perfect to depart from the deck and to go for her a quiet evening and an even quieter night would be waiting for her.

"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."The young lady has already started to walk back toward her cabin when a very loud sound startled her.

"Yeah, let's rock 'n' roll's!"

She turned and realized that she had walked straight into the showroom. Showroom where a concert organized by the crew has just started. 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 the fact that many were still in the dining area, she still received her answer.

"Yeah!"

"All right! Here we go! She started playing her instrument under the praise of the public. Soon enough, the crowd cheered her again, while Furina watched with puzzled eyes.

" Well, I hope she won't interfere with other people's sleep. She seems quite energetic thought."

She resumed her walk, passing by several other passengers on her way to her to it. However, some background noise around her began to disturb her.

" If those whispers are any indication, it seems that many have recognized me. " It's true that she has been a subject of great interest since the day 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."This last comment managed to irk her.

"I did try to reject my actual title. But Neuvillette and the Senate asked me to keep it so that the royal family De Fontaine can keep on." The former future monarch kept walking through the many hallways of the ship without really bothering herself with the many whispers that followed her passage. Being born into royalty, she has always been subjected to numerous rumors. Therefore, she did what she always did in this kind of situation: she kept moving forward. And finally, after a few minutes of walking, she managed to reach the comfort of her room.

"Ah, home sweet home." Despite refusing the title of Regina of All Waters, Kindreds, Peoples and Laws, she still 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 senate so that it could be distributed to the people of Fontaine. Nevertheless, he refused. He suggested that we talk about it in a more relaxed manner once I'm back from my trip." When she desired it, Furina could be quite stubborn. She was not interested in touching the royal treasury. And with her resisting their attempt to use at least a part of it, the Senate and Neuvillette voted in favor of a monthly pension to ensure that she did not have to face 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 their 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 threw away her paper cup into 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 socks, she jumped onto the soft bed.

"I'm so tired that I do not even want to make myself a cup of tea." She looked around her room to see if there was anything that could entertain her. Seeing none, she could eventually 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, there were her spare clothes and several other objects that were stored there for her journey. She grabbed one of the few books that were lying in there with her graceful 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 at the random.

I have been reborn as a king in another world, but I am not interested in having a harem .

"Seem funny. This will do enough."

Returning to her bed, she sat and began reading the novel.

She had been reading for a few minutes, and had not even finished to read the introduction before being interrupted by a loud sound.

Broooooooom

"Hmm? What is this?"

She waited a moment before being violently pushed out of her bed and onto the floor.

"What the-!" A loud crash sound interrupted her. At the same time, she stumbles right onto the floor in front of her bed and makes contact with her head first. An alarm was displayed throughout the ship without delay.

An audio message was transmitted through the speakers.

"This is not an exercise. Everyone must go to the deck. Prepare yourself for evacuation! Follow up the crew direction."

Furina, who was more shocked than hurt started to get back up when she finally understood the meaning of the message which caused her eyes to widen.

"What! Oh no. Quick I must get out from here." She reached for her shoes and her attire. Once somewhat properly dressed, she reached for the small safe hidden inside the wardrobe. She quickly 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 secured 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 of her room, she could hear screams. A lot of them. It seemed that many were sharing her feelings. She looked around one more time. She managed to secure her important documents, so as she was about to leave her room she remembered something that Neuvillette told here just before leaving Fontaine.

"In the event of a dire situation, utilize those items. No matter what, we shall come to your help."

She turned back and went for her luggage that was still lying inside the wardrobe. Once she opened it, she threw all of its contents onto the floor. After reaching the bottom, she disassembled it. Two things were uncovered behind it. A small purse and a medium-sized case. Quickly, she grabbed the case and put it in her bag. Following that, she opened the purse. Inside it, there was a small object that resembled a small red flashlight attached to a keychain. She pressed the button on the side three times. And for three seconds, a small red light was visible. After confirming that it was active and properly functioning, she placed it in her jacket's inner pocket and stood up again.

After making sure her bag was secure, she began to walk towards her room's door. However, before she could reach for the lock, she saw the book she was reading lying on the floor. She grabbed it, placed it in her bag, and fled out of her room towards the evacuation zone. Hoping that she was not too late.

Three days later

Court of Fontaine

Palais Mermonia

Even though the sun had only been out for a few hours, many concerned citizens were already in the vicinity of the palace. They had been patiently waiting for a particular man, and as soon as they saw him exit the elevator, they rushed to meet him.

"Iudex Neuvillette, has the Palais received any updates on the cruise ship that was wrecked three days ago?"

"Do you have any information about Lady Furina? Or any of the others twenty-nine citizens from Fontaine that were in this ship?"

"Will Fontaine or any other nations finally send rescue teams?"

The Iudex,he 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 assured steps until he reached the entrance of the palace.

He turned around to confront the numerous reporters. They stopped as soon as they saw him face them.

"There will be no comment for the moment." Upon hearing the answer of 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 remaining behind to deter the numerous truth-seekers from entering the government's siege.

"This is going to be a very long day." The tall man managed to reach his office in a record time. He typically wouldn't try to walk away from his subordinates as quickly as he did, but he was motivated by the many worried gazes that the employees were giving him. They were afraid of what had happened to their fellow citizens and the rest of the passengers and were seeking answers that he might have.

As soon as he entered the office, he tossed his personal belongings onto the couch on his left. He then sat down in his chair and picked up the files on the right side of his desk. He looked at them for a brief moment before hearing fast footsteps coming towards him.

"A very, very, long day indeed." Just after having 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 was. In her opinion, staying all day inside an office to look at documents and going out only to go to the Opera Epiclese to judge on trials was a sure way to get into depression. Therefore, it was the beloved Queen of Fontaine's duty to make sure that he was not bored. Her daughter, Furina, carried out this task as well. Well, up until recently, that was the case.

Nevertheless, the individual who just go in was not a part of the royal family of Fontaine. She was 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.

Her name was Clorinde. And she was the person who used to be Furina's bodyguard.

And it looked like that she was very angry.

"Neuvillette!" She started. Her voice, which was usually calm, was full of impatience and anger.

"Clorinde. How can I help you?"

She stood right 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 where it 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 even 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 various governments maintained a passive relationship with them. Both parties are attempting to prevent themselves from going too far on the other side. Trying to maintain a status quo to avoid a war.

However, a problem came up. A problem that was actually eroding the fragile truce.

Some time ago, they purchased this particular island. Despite leaving their operations there a while ago, it doesn't mean 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 were allowed to carry out their missions.

Many people believed that the survivors 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 are asking for two more weeks before resuming conversation."

"Two weeks. However, we do not even know how many thery are on the island. 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. But 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 clearly audible to both Neuvillette and Chevreuse. Even though she wasn't really 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 had left. Ten months ago, there was the disappearance of Wriothesley, the Duke of the Fortress of Meropide, the underground prison of Fontaine. He was a man of great trust and importance for the Court of Fontaine, and a very close friend to Clorinde. He has been entrusted with the role of intermediary agent multiple times.

Nevertheless, he disappeared without any trace one night. Many thought that he had gotten away and fled the country. But many of those who knew him well knew that he had too much at stake to betray the Fortress 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, had also 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, wanting to start a new life away from their city of birth. The thought of two of her closest friends being involved in such potential betrayal was too much for Clorinde, so she asked for sick leave.

It lasted several 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 long amount of time until she got better that 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…Something that he had always done.

"Sending official troops or rescue teams over there would put Fontaine in a precarious situation. The slightest problem and we could have an international incident." Clorinde didn't really know how to respond. But both of them 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 anyone connected to the Court goes there, it will be discovered. And 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, a large map of the area where the shipwreck took place was lying. 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 right in the middle .

Khaenri'ah

"Please stay safe my lady."

She exited the office without delay and run to catch up with her colleagues.

End of the first chapter.

I hope you like it.

This chapter has been rewritten the 24/04/2024. I don't know whu but i see the mistake only when it got posted...It's annoying.