Two weeks had passed since Lumine first came to the Hall of Epicles. In her short time, she had become more familiar with her employer,  her student,  and the warden. They were very kind and very welcoming people. Lumine could not have asked for a better family to work for. She had also grown quite close to the other employees of the household. They are all friendly and wonderful.

By the first week, Lumine was already quite settled in her new home. Although a part of her heart still longs for Monstadt, her friends, and her brother Aether, that longing could not move her heart to leave this new world. To some extent, she also misses Tartaglia. Even though he was quite annoying and obnoxious, simple-minded, single-brain-celled, persistent as shitstain, no class, war-mongering, ginger-haired baboon, she still considers him somewhat of a friend. Despite their disagreements, Lumine hopes that he's doing well. He's a soldier so she hopes that he doesn't die anytime soon.

Currently, Lumine is teaching Furina the basics of mathematics. This subject is not one of her strongest suits. Furina was not interested in numbers and the basics of arithmetics. She dreads the time whenever the topic comes up. Lumine did her best to make the subject relatable to the lady and even explained the importance of learning mathematics. The governess explained that once Furina is the lady of her own house, she would most likely be the one to manage the state affairs so it is important to be knowledgeable in the art of numbers.

So far, Furina is beginning to show some progress with her skills in addition. But it doesn't help that Wriotesley sometimes attends their class. To observe, he said, but she thinks it's mostly to tease the young lady. Since Furina is quite prideful she will often try to do better whenever Wriotesley teases her. Sometimes she actually ends up doing better but often, she ends up failing more. Lumine had grown comfortable enough with Wriotesley to reprimand him. Neuvillette would occasionally drop by to see if they were making progress but more so to check if Furina was not bothering Lumine too much.

By now, they finalized a system that works for them. Their classes only take 5 hours to complete. And in between each class would be 30 minutes of rest time for Furina. Since she is still quite young, her attention span is still limited so Lumine made sure to accommodate her needs.

They have already finished their lesson for today and the four residents of the house have gathered in a drawing room to spend some leisure time. Furina plays with her dog 'Macaroon', Lumine reads her book, while the two gentlemen are engaged in a heated battle of chess. It seems that Monsieur Neuvillette has been beating Mr. Wriotesley time and time again, leaving the latter quite frustrated.

"I give up. There is no winning against you. You have fully dedicated yourself to this game." Wriotesley complained.

"I wouldn't go as far to say it that way," Neuvillette replied, posing a smug smile.

"Your modesty is even worse. It's so smug I even want to punch you."

"Now now, there's no need to go that far. You have always been a sore loser, Wriotesley. Despite the years you still throw tantrums like a child when things don't go your way."

"I'm not throwing a tantrum, Neuvillette. I am merely expressing my frustration."

"That is the very definition of a tantrum, my friend."

"Please bear witness to the rare occasion that the High Imperial Chief Justice, Lord Commander, Protector of the Land, Neuvillette de Fontaine, is being an ass."

"Language, Mr. Wriotesley." Lumine reprimanded.

"My apologies, beloved governess." Wriotesley turned his attention to the governess who was casually sipping tea while her nose was buried in her book. He smiled at the delicate sight. A sudden idea suddenly popped up in his mind. "Would you care to play a game with my dear friend here? Perhaps it is you who can floor him."

"I do not think, with my meager skills in chess, that I can ever hope to best such a strong opponent. But if it would please you, then I shall try my utmost." Lumine closed her book and stood from her seat to take Wriotesley's chair.

"If you lose, then we shall both be losers and we shall comfort each other for our misfortune."

A new game was prepared and the two began to strategically move their own pieces.

🌻

"Hmm..."

"Do my very eyes deceive me? Is the high and mighty Neuvillette really defeated by our wildcard governess? And you didn't even hold back my friend... At first, the lady was constantly losing pieces in dramatic moves but I see that they are calculated sacrifices for a grander goal. No one, not in law school, not in any other event have I ever seen my friend beaten in such a ruthless manner. You first gave him the confidence of winning, that his victory was inevitable but now I see that it was a well-crafted trap to lure him into the palm of your hand and break his spirit once your pieces are in place. He fell into a continuous descent after that. Such ruthless skills. Why, even I, a mere spectator tremble. Have you ever considered being a military general?"

"Mr. Wriotesley you tease too much. It was nothing more than a simple game of chess." Lumine giggled.

"It seems that I have lost. Well done, Miss Lumine. It was a worthy victory."

"Thank you, Monsieur."

"Now, Mister Wriothesley. I think you owe me your finest cup of tea for avenging your dignity." Lumine teased which made Wriothesley chuckle. His laugh was deep but filled with mirth.

"A tea party between the two of us? How can I ever dare to refuse? It is a date then." Wriotesley took her small hand and placed a chaste kiss upon it earning a distasteful glare from Neuvillette.

Lumine checked her pocket watch and saw that it was nearly tea time. "Miss Furina, shall we go now to prepare for tea time? I heard that they prepared macaroons and pain au chocolat."

"That would be most lovely, Miss Lumine."

Furina got up, excitement brimming with each step, and held her hand. They excused themselves and went away to prepare for their little tea time. It was not only a simple afternoon snack but also a kind of practice for how the little lady would behave once invited to a more lavish tea party.

Lumine saw it fit to integrate etiquette lessons in an enjoyable manner. Furina seems to already be well versed in the proper procedures of polite society so Lumine only has to teach her a few things.

"Is our lovely young governess not truly magnificent?" Wriotesley commented.

"She is. She is both kind and intelligent. A truly well-bred lady." Neuvillette's gaze pierced through his friend like a hawk circling its prey. His eyes were calculating, dissecting every smile, every word, and every gesture Wriotesley made that revealed his true feelings. His intentions were too obvious, his desires were plain to see.

"Hmm. I cannot agree more. Her mere smile is a delight to my eyes and the way she laughs is like a symphony. It is captivating."

"Good heavens, Wriotesley. Please don't tell me that you've fallen for my employee." Neuvillette turned to him with a critical look in his eyes.

"I...I have not. As a man, I simply admire a proper woman when I find one."

"She is young."

"She is not a child though we can both agree on that." Wriothesley seems to bear his fangs like a taunted beast. He seemed provoked like a wolf whose territory is being threatened by another male.

"It is improper. All this time, going to her classes to tease Furina was an excuse to see her, wasn't it? And accompanying her to post-luncheon walks was your way to spend more time with her." Neuvillette pointed out, seeing clearly what his friend was trying to do.

"My friend, I do not know what you speak of. I am merely being amicable to our little governess." Wriotesley tried to put on an aloof smile, a pretentious curve of his lips to avoid facing the truth. Even he himself does not want to admit his feelings for the governess.

"That better be the case, Wriotesley. I do not want you to break her heart. She is delicate, should you harm her in any way then I shall be the one to condemn you into a punishment you deserve." The weight of his threat was palpable. He can see it in his eyes, a truth he is also trying to hide. Wriotesley smirked, seeing the truth for himself.

"A chilling threat. I have never heard you threaten me in this manner ever in my entire life. Perhaps it is not only I who hold some fancy for our governess."

"I..." Neuvillette was about to answer in opposition however he paused. He is never a man who ever lies. He has no words. "There are more important matters to attend to. I shall take my leave. Let us speak no more of this."

"Now you evade me. Look who's being dishonest. This matter, we need to sort this out or it shall wedge our friendship."

"There is nothing to discuss. I simply had a moment of confusion. I bear nothing but cordial feelings for Miss Lumine. With that, you can have my word."

"I thought you could not lie. Or is it that you don't understand how you feel?" Wriotesley said persistently.

"Do not provoke me, Wriotesley! This matter is done and settled. We shall not speak of this again. Do you understand me?" Neuvillette said firmly, his voice stern and booming. It was almost like the thunder behind the clouds. It commands the very atmosphere and shakes every living being. Yet it seems that the receiver is a mountain, for no matter how loud the thunder roars the mountain is never moved.

"Oh, I understand you alright." There was spite in his eyes and venom in his words. The bonds of their friendship seem to form cracks in that very moment, deep glowing fissures that run its terrible hands like greedy tendrils.

Neuvillette's gaze softened realizing what was happening. "My friend, we must not fight like this. Miss Lumine would be quite upset if she were ever to find out about our disagreement."

Wriothesley seems to snap out of his fury. His features became less hostile and more worried. He almost seemed guilty, ashamed. He ran a hand through his hair. "I... I was going out of line. I shouldn't have badgered you like that. I apologize."

"Likewise. I apologize for raising my voice. I have other matters to attend to. I bid you leave."

Wriotesley did not respond and simply nodded to him goodbye. Neuvillette left soon after, leaving him to his solitude. His gaze turned to the window. Two weeks ago he rode through that weather-beaten path with a young governess walking not too far behind. What he did not tell his friend was that when he left her, he did not immediately ride back to Epicles hall but instead ordered his horse to return by itself while he watched the maiden from a distance. He knew the path was generally safe but upon his dignity as a gentleman and as a former soldier, he sought to keep watch of her until she approached the household.

He kept a respectful distance and monitored their environment meticulously. He listened to the sound of birds, they often tell when it is safe. He watched for the prints on the earth and distinguished if it was a mere fox or some other wild dog. Wild beasts like bears and wolves are quite rare these days but one can never be too sure. As a soldier, he knew how to keep out of sight and to closely monitor his target. But Lumine is not a target, she is a damsel. He watched her pause to admire the pastures, he watched her smile when she saw a meadow of flowers. Her actions were simple but for some reason, Wriothesley seems to be drawn in by her expressions and her grace. Her eyes were so alluring. Her smiles were so enticing. There is something about the way that she moves, the way that she looks, that feels so profound.

When they met for dinner, he was amazed by how beautiful she was underneath the grime and dirt of travel. Her clothes were simple but she seemed like a princess, a fairy from beyond the stars. She was graceful and polite and so he wanted to hear her speak. That's why he teased her. He wanted to know what kind of thoughts ran inside her mind. What sort of things does a damsel think about?

He liked to attend her classes. Furina is lucky. He never had a teacher who cared enough to be patient and answer his silly questions or dedicated enough to use creative methods to teach him. Watching Lumine teach Furina was like healing his own inner child. He liked how supportive she was when he asked her to teach him how to draw portraits. He loved it when she would hold his hand to teach him how to draw a swan like he was an incapable child.  He liked how they would talk after her classes and share some tea.

He knows he is not the only one spending time with the governess. She also plays music with Neuvillette almost every day. Sometimes he would watch them to get a glimpse of Lumine's face as she played. She always looked so serene.

Seeing them harmonize makes him feel... Conflicted.

Every smile she would dedicate to Neuvillette instead of him feels worse than the wounds he acquired in battle. Right then and there he wanted to steal her away from him. He wanted to lock her in his arms and never let her go so that no one else could have her but him. It was selfish. It was a foolish desire. But he wanted her and her alone. His recent confrontation with Neuvillette proved his worst fears. His best friend is in love with the same woman as him. The question is, when will he act on it?

🌻

"Miss Lumine, who do you love more: Neuvillette or Wriothesley?" Furina suddenly asked as Lumine poured her a cup of tea. The governess was so surprised she almost let go of the pot, thankfully she had a firm grip.

"Well, I do like them both. Monsieur Neuvillette is kind, respectful, and professional. Mister Wriotesley is strong, he is also kind, and uhmm... He seems quite large."

"Is that a compliment, Miss Lumine?" Furina tilted her head in confusion, making her governess sigh.

"In Mister Wriotesley's case, it seems to be."

"Then who do you want to marry between Neuvillette and Wriotesley?" This time the question hit her like a lightning bolt. Furina seems to be extra curious with peculiar questions these days.

"What?" exclaimed the governess in surprise.

"They're obviously both in love with you? Didn't you notice? Wriotesley always goes to class just to see you, and Neuvillette always asks you to play with him because he wants to spend more time with you. It's pretty obvious that they're head over heels for you. So who will you marry? Oh! Can you marry them both? This way you can have two loving husbands and I can have two dads and you can be my mom." Furina's excitement was immense and Lumine didn't know how to answer her. It seems children are really perceptive.

Lumine did notice the changes in their behavior around her. Monsieur Neuvillette frequently calls her to engage in conversation and know more about her life. Mister Wriotesley began to give her little gifts from time to time, saying he bought an excess of this and they delivered the wrong thing. They were quite transparent with their intentions and Lumine couldn't help but begin to harbor some feelings for both of them. It was wrong. It was blasphemous. How can she love two different men when there is only one of her? It felt wrong. It felt dirty and shallow, that's why she didn't want to act on it.

"So Miss Lumine, who are you going to marry Wriotesley or Neuvillette?" Furina asked again, her eyes bright and expectant.

"Good heavens, Furina! What sort of questions are you asking, Miss Lumine? That is improper and impolite. You must apologize immediately." Chlorinde interrupted as she entered the room.

"But why?" whined the little girl. "I just want to know who she likes best."

"That is enough young lady. You are making Lumine very uncomfortable." Chlorinde turned to the governess. "Miss Lumine, I apologize for her behavior." Furina puffed her cheeks in indignation.

"It is alright. Anyway, what brings you here, Miss Chlorinde?"

"Monsieur Neuvillette asked me to bring you your letters. They seem to be from your friends and brother." Chlorinde handed her the said items and Lumine accepted them thanking her. Neuvillette's secretary immediately left soon after but not without reprimanding Furina one more time about her actions.

"So about my question," Furina trailed.

Lumine smiled and thought of a reply to placate her curiosity. "I don't know. I guess whoever proposed first will get their reply." It was supposed to be a joke, but if only she knew what it entails.

🌻

The sun has long since retreated from Liyue. The hustle and bustle has long been silenced by the beckoning of the realm of slumber. Only those who revel in the shadows lie awake, where the night is the only witness to their crimes.

Red stains the carpet of the Northland Bank. Crimson pooling in the fabric adding another color that doesn't belong there. One drop, two drops, several owners all slain by one hand. They bloom a bright color in the darkness following the man who scattered them like petals.

Tartaglia paused in front of a painting. His eyes were dull and distant. His mind was elsewhere. The painting was of a woman with eyes of molten gold and the color of sunlight hung in front of him. She was supposed to be his, supposed to be beside him, supposed to welcome him home. How would she greet him after coming home?

He imagined her bright smile, he imagined her clean white dress like a bride... He imagined her with no clothes... and him on top of her, doing it like wild beasts whenever they feel the heat of passion igniting their bodies. He would satisfy her, yes. He would caress and kiss and take her in any way that she wanted. He would kneel before her and devour her if she so pleased. He has no dignity when it comes to her.

"Master Tartaglia, the letters Miss Lumine sent to her brother are all on your table," said his subordinate earlier.

He wiped his hands clean and removed the blood and gore on his face. It's time to find out where she is.