It was already afternoon and came with it the promised trip to the city. Contrary to Lumine's earlier assumption, traveling from the Hall of Epiclese to the city of Fontaine was rather fast. They all boarded a flying machine that could substantially rival a ship in terms of speed. Their travel time from the countryside to the city is greatly reduced thanks to the impeccable design of the Antoine Roger Aircraft. They didn't have flying vehicles like this in Monstadt so the experience was novel to the young governess. Despite her fascination, Lumine was somewhat nervous so she clung to the nearest person she could find, who was none other than Monsieur Neuvillette to calm her nerves. Her master did not judge her and kindly diverted her attention with some conversation.

Thankfully, it did not take Lumine too long to get accustomed to flying and immediately unburdened Neuvillette. She soon found herself enjoying the rushing air and the beautiful scenery sprawled beneath them. Furina enthusiastically pointed out all the places she could name and explained to her governess the sort of things that could be found there. Neuvillette filled the gaps in information his ward cannot properly describe and it was quite adorable seeing them banter a bit when one doesn't agree with the description the other provided.

After a while, they finally landed in a port meant for aircraft and Neuvillette hailed a coach to take them to the heart of the city.

🌻

Lumine, Furina, and Neuvillette walked together in the city of Fontaine perusing through shops and kiosks for things that would interest them. It was Furina doing most of the shopping while Lumine and Neuvillette followed closely behind. The governess was satisfied with sightseeing and purchasing some little trinkets here and there. Neuvillette did not purchase anything so far but served as the tour guide for his two companions. He pointed at beautiful buildings and narrated their purpose and history much to the governess's pleasure and the boredom of the little lady.

There were plenty of art exhibits and water fountains that fascinated Lumine. They were beautiful but she noted that they seemed quite wasteful which made Neuvillette chuckle. He explained how they worked and how they are powered by a strange energy source still under research.

"There seems to be quite a lot of people today," noted Lumine as she stepped aside to avoid bumping into a couple who were too busy chatting to pay attention to their surroundings.

"Ah, yes. The weekend does tend to draw a crowd. People have time in their hands and most choose to spend their leisure outdoors after being cooped up for so long."

"Of course," Lumine grunted a little when a man bumped against her shoulder. She held Furina's hand tighter to avoid losing her ward to the crowd.

"Hmm." Neuvillette stared at her face filled with discomfort, worry creasing his brows.

"Ah! Heyyyy, someone stepped on my shoes! Neuvillette, this is annoying!" complained young Furina. Her cheeks were puffed up in annoyance and pain was evident in her

"It seems that it has become too uncomfortable. Please hold onto me, Miss Lumine. I shall move us somewhere less chaotic." Lumine wrapped her hands tightly on his arm while Neuvillette carried Furina.

The Chief Justice led them through the crowd, his tall and intimidating physique allowed them to move with much ease. Despite trudging through a throng of bodies, Neuvillette proved to still be well-mannered and gentle. He would guide others to a sidestep instead of pushing or shoving. He also used his towering body to shield Lumine's and Furina's smaller forms from the passing people. In his care, no one was even able to bump into the young governess which thoroughly impressed her because it seems to be a miraculous feat in this arrangement.

Soon enough they ended up in the fashion district of Fontaine. Furina indulged in trying on different hats, dresses, and shoes. Lumine watched her with enthusiasm and complimented her taste in style. Her ward was more than happy to model the pieces she chose. Furina pushed some dresses for Lumine to try but the governess politely declined.

"Is there nothing you want among the things here? I noticed that your luggage was quite small so I guessed that you weren't able to bring much of your things." Neuvillette suggested.

"It is quite alright, Monsieur. I am satisfied with what I have now." Lumine replied putting on a smile. How can she tell him that she is not rich enough to afford the clothes sold in this establishment or that she never even had many clothes to begin with?

"How about I treat you to a few sets of clothes? Consider it as a reward for being good to my ward." offered the Chief Justice.

"Oh, no, how could I possibly... My salary is enough, Monsieur."

"Please do not refuse. I quite like you, Miss Lumine. So please take this as a token of goodwill and choose that which you find most attractive in your style. Such as that pale blue dress. I think it would most certainly bring out the best from your complexion along with that hat that matches well with the color of your blonde hair and the shape of your face."

"Ah, it seems that you are quite good at this. Your fashion sense is magnificent. But how can I accept something so expensive? And I haven't done much yet."

"As I said, consider it as a gift. It would make me most happy if you were to accept. But if my mere generosity does not move your heart, then consider it this way: the appearance of my employees is a reflection of myself. The more presentable you are, the more you add to my prestige. Should the governess of my ward look like a princess, then I the master must be an emperor."

"Well, if it is your command then I shall not refuse on the grounds that my master is an emperor."

"Oh, please do not tease me, Miss." Neuvillette chuckled, the sound deep and velvety.

"Then I shall take three new sets of clothes. These should be enough to bolster your dignity, Monsieur."

"Of course, if you find it sufficient then I shall find it so as well."

"Oh! Finally! Miss Lumine put on this dress! It will look quite fabulous on you! It will surely make you look like a princess. It's also good for opera nights. Do you know that Fontaine has the best operas? Neuvillette we should bring Miss Lumine along to the opera soon as well. She would love it!" Furina exclaimed with much excitement.

Furina led her governess to an assortment of designs that were quite mature, highlighting a woman's physical assets very well. Lumine told Furina the kind of design that she likes as well as her favorite color and her ward immediately ran off to find dresses that matched her description. Lumine modeled most of the things Furina brought for her and selected the ones she liked best. Neuvillette gave his own comments which were all nice to hear. His words are not cheap and are filled with sincerity and good taste. He said that she was "fair as a lily and a delight to the eyes" and that she seemed to "wear white the best in all of Fontaine like the blooming brides of June." He said them all not in a flirtatious manner but in a formal serious way which made Lumine quite flustered.

The owner of the establishment approached them soon enough to finalize their order. Furina had amassed quite an impressive pile which made Neuvillette frown a bit. Lumine gave her order to the madame who instructed her staff to wrap up the clothes in individual boxes.

While waiting for their order the madame engaged them in conversation like a long-time friend. She was a beautiful and intellectual lady who was a delight to be around.

"I must say, Monsieur, you and your wife have raised a lovely daughter. Her manners and her poise are all so charming. Kudos to you, madame." said the shop owner.

Neuvillette seemed astonished by her comment but collected his composure immediately. Seconds passed but he didn't deny her claims. Despite his usual eloquence, he seems to be having a hard time formulating a sensible reply. Lumine had a huge blush on her cheeks but immediately corrected the madame in her master's stead.

"Oh, ah... I'm not really her mother. I am her governess and the Monsieur here is her caretaker."

"Is that so? I wouldn't have thought! You look like such a lovely couple. My apologies for the misunderstanding."

"It is quite alright," replied Neuvillette. Lumine could have sworn that she saw a slight shade of pink blooming from her master's cheeks but she dared not point it out.

Their order was finally prepared so Neuvillette excused himself to take care of the loading of their parcels. The shop owner intertwined arms with Lumine and slowly walked with her to the exit. She began to whisper in her ear, her voice so lovely and persuasive that the young governess couldn't help but lean in.

"Although my dear, it wouldn't be too bad to marry into the family. Monsieur Neuvillette has a reputable reputation and an unrivaled power in the Court of Fontaine. Should you be his wife then I can assure you that you will become the queen of high society."

"That is a bit..." Lumine trailed, unsure of how to correct the woman.

"Oh, you can wear my gowns to attend all the fancy events! I will make sure to doll you up so well that every dame in Fontaine will envy you. Oh, the business that will come with it! I can finally make more shops around the city. Maybe even around the world." The shop owner had an ambitious look on her face already plotting her future business venture which made the governess smile nervously.

"As much as possible I want to keep our relationship strictly professional," answered Lumine.

"Professional is boring, darling. A little debauchery and pleasure is never illegal in Fontaine. It should even help the Monsieur manage the stress of his daily responsibilities. Your figure is already superb. You have gorgeous assets that could enchant any man. Though a little young, I think you would be a better match for him than a life of a perpetual bachelor. Plus, a little romance is always a good thing." encouraged the owner, a wide smile stretching across her face.

"Well, if I find myself falling for the Monsieur and if he feels the same then we'll see how the future will lead."

"Splendid! Splendid, my dear! I will be sure to design you the perfect wedding dress then! Contact me immediately when a ring is around your finger. I shall make you into the finest bride Fontaine has ever laid eyes on!"

After a day of fruitful leisure, the three finally called it a day and decided to return to the Hall of Epicles.

🌻

In the following days, they would see very little of Neuvillette due to important matters he needed to attend to. His long absence from his land had caused a build-up of problems with the tenants who didn't have a leader they could consult.

Lumine browsed through the library for learning materials she could use with Furina. So far she had found a few useful textbooks and several picture books for children. Her pupil prefers stories with colorful illustrations so Lumine is trying to find materials along that line. Neuvillette had given her permission to freely roam his library and use anything she wanted. He even allowed her to borrow some for her own pleasure.

As she was perusing through titles, a specific name finally caught her eye. It was "The Little Prince," a story she had read many times and it had become dear to her heart. She learned a lot of valuable lessons from that book and so she wanted to share the experience with Furina. She tried reaching for the book but found her lack of vertical measurements to be a worthy obstacle. She stood on her toes and jumped a bit to reach the book but it still wasn't enough. She kept trying, stretching her body to its limit. She would have used a ladder but she knew that there was none and she didn't want to stand on the stools since they were probably precious antiques.

She was about to give up when another gloved hand reached out for the book and pulled it out of the shelf. She felt a presence behind her back which immediately made her look up. He was much taller than her so she was practically a dwarf beside him. At this distance, she could faintly feel his warmth and smell the alluring scent of his cologne.

Dear reader, do you know what it feels like to feel your heart pause? It would then beat steadily to a rising rhythm. You feel that it would betray you with how loud it screams in your chest. Perhaps you've had a crush before and I can attest to you that this would be quite similar to that. A dancing of butterflies, a waltz of emotions. Being near someone so admirable... Lumine would not say that she has a crush, that would be too childish and immature. She prefers to call it "professional admiration". Yes, that is the perfect phrase.

A small blush began to dust her cheeks so she avoided eye contact to prevent him from seeing how she unraveled. "My apologies. The ladder broke a couple of weeks ago and I am still in the process of having it repaired. Allow me to collect anything you need in the meantime." he said.

"Monsieur Neuvillette, I did not expect to see you here." Neuvillette pulled away by a few steps and smiled at her amicably. She noticed that he was wearing a pair of reading glasses which made him look even more handsome for some reason. There seems to be a certain appeal to academic-looking men which she finds most captivating.

"You didn't expect to see me in my own library? I must not look as intellectual as I thought I was." Neuvillette replied with a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. It seems that he has become comfortable enough with her to share some jokes much like his friend.

"Oh, I did not mean to offend you. I simply thought that you were too busy to come here." Her face turned redder. She had to feign a cough to hide her blush with her hand. Neuvillette found this charming.

"I was truly busy. Some issues with the water supply and the land. Thankfully I managed to sort it out despite my lack of knowledge regarding agriculture and the sort. If I had known that the tenants were suffering, I could have done something much sooner." Neuvillette passed her the book which she graciously accepted.

"So everything is well and sorted out?"

"For now, I will see where it will lead in the future."

"You should rest more, Monsieur. Furina and I had grown worried about you. You no longer join us for meals and your candle blaze throughout the night. I fear that your health will suffer due to your diligence."

"I appreciate your concern but I can handle myself. I have grown accustomed to working hard. The issues of the estate are not too burdensome. How about you, Miss Lumine? Have you been faring well these days? I hope that you do not find the house too stifling as I sometimes find it. Please pardon my ancestors' taste in design. They seem to like their solitude the most."

"I must admit it does tend to avoid light from passing through but the interior design is undeniably superb. It has its charms."

"I noticed the room you have was quite small and plain. Do you want a bigger one? I would be most happy to provide you with better accommodations. The room between Wriotesley's and mine is free. It is quite spacious. Do you want it?"

"There is no need, Monsieur. I am already quite settled and comfortable with my room. I don't need to take up much space. I am just a governess after all."

"Always so humble. Very well. Do inform me if you change your mind. I would be happy to help you."

"You are much too kind. I will keep your offer in mind."

"Now, I believe that we both have some free time on our hands. Would you care to aid me in a musical endeavor? You said you know how to play the piano. I need an accompanying melody to a certain piece in mind. You see, I recently acquired a music score for Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I heard it is the most recent rage in the opera house so I want to try it for myself with my violin. Can you do me the honor of being my accompaniment?"

"It would be my greatest pleasure, Monsieur."

🌻

Neuvillette brought her to a music room where a grand piano lies on a raised platform. Neuvillette gave her the music score and Lumine began to read through the notes. There were four concertos of three movements each. Every set has its own complexity and levels of difficulty. Lumine began to wonder whether she could do this right or not. She started testing some melodies with the piano to get a good feel of how it sings. Neuvillette himself took a bit of time to prepare his violin and test his own notes. His tunes were better, contrary to what Wriotesley described them to be.

"Are you ready, Miss Lumine?" Neuvillette asked after satisfying himself with his practice.

"Yes. Which season do you want to start with?"

"Hmm. Although the composition has its own order it would be quite entertaining to choose for our pleasure. How about autumn? Autumn is a festive season when farmers begin to harvest their crops. Although red is a popular color attributed to autumn, I think your hair and eyes remind me more of wheat. What are vibrant leaves compared to golden wheat, an important commodity in Fontaine?" Lumine gave a joyful laugh. His comment reminded her of her friend Kaeya who told her a similar thing. It was mostly a jab at his brother Diluc but the comparison still made her laugh.

"You have a way with words, Monsieur. Then, if you are ready, let us begin."

Reference Music:
https://youtu.be/Z21_VpNipfg?si=Fuyrf9_iuZSMurZo

Their musical endeavor was able to weave a melody that paints vibrant scenes from each season. They created a world of bountiful celebration in autumn where people would wear flower crowns, dancing around bonfires, and drink wine till they fell asleep. In spring, they made flowers bloom and wild birds sing. The melody that came out was more fitting for a soiree of fae folk. With summer they conjured a powerful storm that sent the shepherds running with their flock. You can almost feel the gale as the exciting sound floats in the air. With winter, they manifested the freezing desolation of snow and ice. How your teeth would chatter and shiver as the cold envelops your body. Neuvillette's skills were tested by this piece. It was dramatic and glorious like a call to awaken one's soul. He proved that he could rise to the challenge and impressed his accompanist with an electrifying performance. Their first rendition of the entire concerto ended with a satisfying finale from Neuvillette.

They paused to take a break and began chatting about the piece. "I quite like all four. They are so magnificent! Vivaldi is a genius! I feel like I am dancing in a celebration of life as we play the first movement of spring."

"Yes, the third movement of autumn was quite enjoyable as well. It was valiant and rich with the experience of the hunt. I can almost hear the beasts running through the forest."

"Shall we practice the entire thing again?" asked Lumine.

The master and the governess spent hours playing the composition and fine-tuning their skills. For once the solemn hall of Epiclese was filled with music and joy that even the servants sigh with pleasure. A crowd has even gathered outside the door listening to their master's symphony.

"Oh, such a wonderful melody! The governess and the master are musical geniuses."

"It's enchanting. Why, I feel like I'm in a fancy soiree."

"Miss Lumine's playing is so graceful while the master looks so dashing!"

"My my, what do we have here? I thought you threw a party and didn't even invite me." Wriotesley emerged from the throng of servants and entered the room making the two musicians pause.

"Master Wriothesley, you are back? How was your travel?" Lumine stood from her seat and approached him slowly. Little Furina who was already in the room listening to the concert threw herself at Wriotesley who caught her without fail.

"Uncle Wriothesley! Your back! Did you bring me gifts? Did you bring me chocolates? Did you bring back flowers?" asked Furina with much enthusiasm.

"Of course, how can I forget? I brought you a new bracelet. It has charms of all your favorite animals." Furina cheered as she accepted the small box. She immediately tore through the ribbon and opened it to take her present.

"Neuvillette, I finally found a board for Tafl which you've always wanted. It should be a good addition to your collection of board games."

"Thank you. I will cherish it."

"And for our dear governess," Wriotesley turned to her. Lumine had a look of discomfort expecting something mischievous from the warden. "I found a music box that sings the recent craze of Fontaine, Vivaldi's Spring. It immediately reminded me of you and how you smile, like the blooming flowers of spring. Here, take it."

"Oh, that was thoughtful of you, sir. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"It's funny. Monsieur Neuvillette, described me as autumn earlier, specifically the time for harvest where the wheat resembles my hair and now you say that I remind you of spring because of my smile. You both are so creative with your descriptions. Law students seem to be so eloquent."

"Is that so?" Wriotesley had a smile on his face as his gaze turned from Lumine to meet Neuvillette who was watching their exchange with a blank look on his face. His eyes held something enigmatic. Perhaps it was a challenge, a warning, or even a question.

"It is almost time for dinner. Why don't we all prepare for our supper? Miss Lumine, why don't you take Furina upstairs?"

"Of course, Monsieur." Lumine turned to her student. "Come, Furina. Let's get ready for dinner." Furina grabbed her governess' hand and led her upstairs.

🌻

"It seems that you and our governess are getting comfortable. She seems to be settling well in your house," commented Wriotesley once they were alone. They have relocated to Neuvillette's office, the only place in the house with proper soundproof walls.

Wriotesley poured himself a glass of whiskey and handed another to Neuvillette who accepted it. "How was your trip? Did you get to do what you needed to do?" Neuvillette asked, avoiding his question which made Wriotesley's eyes narrow.

"Yes, and I've met old friends as well like Miss Navia and her companions. They were asking about you and I told them that you are here in Epiclese. They would like to visit you in the near future."

"If they come then I would welcome them."

"That is not all. There is a new mansion thirty minutes away, the one we saw under construction earlier is finally finished. I saw the residents moving in. I think you would find our new neighbors to be quite interesting."

"Who might they be?"

"They bear the logo of the Fatui in their crest. I asked around and heard that the name of the house owner was Arlecchino. She came with three others, three people the same age as Lumine and some people employed by the Fatui."

"And I should know this because?"

"I don't know. It might come in handy one day. I know from experience those cunts are never up to any good." Neuvillette gave him a sharp look for his coarse language. Wriotesley shrugged with an aloof expression on his face.

"Get some rest, Wriotesley. We'll speak more tomorrow."

"Sure. I'll just visit dear Furina and bid our sweet governess a good night's rest.”