The lady of the house-Chapter 1:The new host
The swirling light of teleportation faded as Jean, Kaeya, Amber, and Lisa stepped into the Serenitea Pot. The fresh scent of the ocean breeze from the Cool Isle realm filled their senses as they looked around. It had been some time since they last visited, anand they now really were curious to see if anything changed sinve they last came Aether had given to each of his trusted friend a way to enter the pot whenever they want, and many of them came in there to rest or to use the different utilities inside this small kingdom.
"Feels like it's been a while since we last came here," Amber remarked, stretching her arms. "Aether's been so busy lately. It's nice that he left the teapot open for us." Always as curious she looked around to check for any new addition in the Tea pot, each time that Aether traveled in another nation, he always brought back new things.
Kaeya chuckled, adjusting his gloves. "True. But I wonder if he's made any changes since our last visit. Knowing him, there's always something new." He too looked around, and his eyes were fixing a large fountain coming from…Fontaine, he reconized it, it has been there for some months, but he couldn't help but feel that it was put more into the spotlight than before.
Lisa tilted her head, observing the manor in the distance. "Hmm, I have a feeling this will be an interesting visit." She couldn't help but feel that something changed, something that would please her greatly.
Jean, ever the vigilant one, looked before her and small smile made its way to her lips as she saw the Mansion based on Mondstadt style. She then took a deep breath. "Let's not forget to check in with Tubby. Aether relies on her to take care of things while he's away."The big bird has always been sympathic to the numerous visitors…at least, these who know how to act properly.
As if on cue, Tubby appeared in a swirl of light, her round form bobbing gently in the air. "Welcome, honored guests. How may I assist you today?"
"Hey, Tubby!" Amber greeted. "Everything looks great. Aether really trusts you with keeping the place in order."She smiled at their interlocutor
"Master Aether has indeed entrusted me with much, but as of recent times, there have been some adjustments," Tubby explained. "A new presence has graced this domain, taking on a role of great importance. She has helped a lot in organizing this domain."
"A new presence?" Jean questioned.
Before Tubby could elaborate, footsteps echoed from the grand estate, and a cheerful voice called out.
"Ah, so it seems that we have guest into this esteemed home!"
Descending the steps with her usual dramatic poise was Furina de Fontaine, former Hydro Archon. Dressed in an elegant yet comfortable outfit suited for leisure, she carried herself with unmistakable confidence. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the group with amusement as she placed a hand on her hip.
"Welcome, guest of the Tea pot. I am honored to greet you in this fine domain," Furina declared with a flourish.
Jean and the others exchanged glances. They all new of Fontaine's fabulous former Archon from news and Aether personally, they knew that they had become quite close and that the Traveler respected her quite a lot, but for her to welcome them like that was quite strange.
"Wait," Kaeya spoke up first, "what exactly are you doing here?"
Tubby, as composed as ever, floated forward. "Lady Furina is now the lady of the house. Master Aether has granted her full privileges over the Serenitea Pot during his travels."
That revelation took everyone by surprise. Aether had never given so much authority to anyone here—except, perhaps, Paimon.
Amber blinked. "He actually did that? That's... new."
Lisa chuckled softly. "Oh my, this just got interesting."
Jean, maintaining her diplomatic composure, nodded. "I see. Then I suppose we should take a look around and see these modifications."
Furina smiled triumphantly. "Then by all means, allow me to give you a tour. You shall soon see that everything remains in excellent condition under my supervision and has even been improved!"
As they entered the manor, subtle yet distinct changes caught their attention. Fontaine-inspired decorations adorned the walls, yet it did not feel like an outright takeover. The house was much more organized than before, and as they moved deeper; they discovered that the several rooms had been modified. The study room had been reorganized, allowing several occupants to use at the same time.
The kitchen area, at the east side of the living room had been modified too, a large grill installed, with spices coming straight from Sumeru.
A room had been transformed into a small dormitory divided into four section with a bed each separated by screens, generally coming from Inazuma or Liyue.
Another room, smaller was now the home of a large aquarium who housed several exotic fishes. And a Kotatsu was even installed in there to allow someone to rest with a view on the fishes. And there were even bookshelves…And cats that were roaming around. They were stray that Aether saved from his travels and now were staying in this mansion.
Then finally, there was a large reading-resting room.
Lisa's eyes lit up as she entered. Plush chairs surrounded a fireplace, bookshelves lined with an array of tomes, and a delicate Fontaine-style tea set rested on a side table. The room exuded warmth and sophistication.
"Now this," Lisa murmured as she traced a finger along a book spine, "is a lovely addition. Aether certainly knows how to pick his company."
Jean, meanwhile, observed everything carefully. Mondstadt was the first nation to welcome Aether, and she knew it held a special place in his heart. Seeing someone else establish such a strong presence here left her uneasy. Was there now a challenger to that connection?
Kaeya wandered off on his own, always one to investigate the finer details. His sharp eyes caught sight of the kitchen area, where bottles of wine lined the shelves. There was something noticeably different—Fontaine's finest labels had taken prominence, while Mondstadt's selections had been pushed aside. He still could see the products of the nation of freedom, but they were a lot less in numbers than before…
"Interesting," Kaeya mused. "I suppose I'll have to mention this to Diluc. He'll want to know how his competition is doing." He grabbed one bottle of cider and opened it to pour himself a drink.
Amber, ever the curious one, soon found herself in another room, where her eyes landed on a large map hanging on the wall. It was a stunningly detailed map of Fontaine, occupying a central space. Surrounding it were maps of other nations—Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, and even Mondstadt—but they were noticeably smaller in comparison.
Jean entered the room and saw the same thing. Her expression tightened slightly. "Hmm… quite the decoration choice."
Amber, still taking it in, said, "It's really well-detailed, though. I bet a lot of people in Mondstadt would find this interesting."
Jean remained quiet, filing this observation away as yet another piece in the growing puzzle.
Meanwhile, Lisa and Furina sat together in the reading salon, sipping tea. Lisa regarded the former Archon with a teasing smile.
"You know," Lisa said, twirling her cup gently, "Aether has always been rather popular, but you're quite the bold one, Furina. Moving in so soon?"
Furina nearly choked on her tea but quickly composed herself. "I-I am simply ensuring that the estate remains properly managed! It is only natural that someone of my caliber oversees such affairs!"
Lisa chuckled knowingly. "Oh, of course. "The librarian smiled, it seemed that Aether found himself someone very special. She gazed a little at the former Archon who fled her eyes before drinking some of her tea.
After nearly an hour, the time had come for the guests to leave. Furina escorted them outside, her usual confidence slightly dimmed from the effort of playing host. As they bid farewell, she watched them go, exhaling softly once they disappeared.
She turned back, stretching her arms before walking toward a particular door. Taking out a small key, she unlocked it and stepped inside. The room was filled with familiar traces of its owner—Aether's belongings, his scent lingering in the air. Without hesitation, Furina moved toward the bed, letting herself sink into the warmth he had left behind.
A peaceful smile crossed her lips. "Hah… tiring work, but worth it." And she decided to take a small nap in their shared room.
Epilogue
Later that evening, Kaeya sat across from Diluc at the tavern, casually swirling a glass of wine.
"So, you'll never guess what I saw today," Kaeya said, smirking. "Fontaine's wine selection seems to be growing in unexpected places."
Elsewhere, in a quieter part of Mondstadt, Amber excitedly relayed the day's events to Eula and Noelle.
"It was surprising, really! I mean, I knew Aether had a lot of connections, but this is something else."
And finally, under the warm hues of the setting sun, Jean, Lisa, and Barbara shared a quiet tea together. Barbara seemed very interested in this new guest turned host and asked several questions about her.
Lisa set down her cup and smiled. "Well, if nothing else, it seems Aether's home has become quite lively."
Jean sighed, gazing at the horizon. "Yes… but I wonder what this means for Mondstadt's place in his heart."
The evening air carried their quiet thoughts away, as the city of freedom got ready to have its citizens have a good night.
End of the first chapter