"Wriotesley do you know that Miss Lumine looks like a princess when she wore the gown Neuvillette bought for her?" Furina boasted as they ate their dinner.

Wriotesley raised a brow and threw a glance at Neuvillette who focused his attention on cutting through his salmon. "Really? Neuvillette bought a gown for Miss Lumine? How generous of him."

Lumine is absent at present due to some discomfort caused by a monthly feminine ailment. Neuvillette had ordered the maids to bring a nutritious meal that would provide comfort for her pains while Wriotesley sent for some tea and medicine to be sent to her room. The warden generously gave her a bunch of chocolates which he thinks is a comfort food for women at this time of the month. They were quite worried about the governess but their requests to see her were politely declined.

Lumine did not want them to see her in a vulnerable state and so she opted for solitude. Neuvillette made sure to have maids constantly near her room in case she needed any assistance which the governess found somewhat excessive yet not entirely unwelcome.

"It's such a shame though. There are no balls for us to wear our new dresses." She turned to her caretaker. "Neuvillette, you have many friends. Don't you know anyone throwing a ball right now? I really want to wear my gown." Furina pleaded, making him smile.

"I'm sorry, Furina but no one has extended an invitation to us just yet. It is not yet the proper season for balls and most families are spending their time in their ancestral homes. Moreover, I heard it is currently the Lantern Rite Festival in Liyue and a lot of people left to join in their festivities." Neuvillette replied leaving Furina dejected.

"Is that so? I really wish to see Miss Lumine dancing on the dance floor."

"If you want, we can go to the opera at the Academy so you can show off your new dress."

"But a ball is different from an opera, Neuvillette! In an opera you watch people dance, in a ball, you do the dancing which is more fun. Plus there are a lot of free food in a ball."

"It seems like I have the perfect solution for your troubles, Furina." Wriotesley cuts in, a proud smile decorating his handsome face.

"Really?"

"You see I recently acquired a new house and finished its renovation. Initially, I had no plans to do anything special but now that you've given me motivation, I am planning to throw a ball for my new home."

"Really?!"

"And I want you and Miss Lumine to help me decorate."

"Even better!! I'll make sure that your ball will be the best in all of Fontaine. I'll have chocolate fountains, peacocks, and many beautiful things. Maybe the Steambird will even publish us on the front page!"

"You dream big dreams, little lady. I like it. Please inform Miss Lumine of my plans. I shall hold the ball in a few months. As for funds, money is of little consequence as long as you are happy. Tell Miss Lumine to speak with my accountant regarding the things that you might need once she feels better."

🌻

"I wonder how Lumine is doing." Aether sighed as he finally found reprieve on a cliff overlooking Liyue harbor. He and his fellow soldiers recently finished a series of grueling exercises that left him exhausted both mentally and physically. With nothing else to do, he decided to rest in a place where no one could bother him.

His mind instantly wandered to his sister. Lumine is the only family he has and for most of his life, she is the only person that was ever there for him. She would always cheer for him in all his endeavors, she would mourn with him for every loss. To be honest, Aether had forgotten the face of their mother so whenever he thinks about his mother he would only see Lumine's face smiling at him. Although they are very similar in appearance, Lumine reassembles their mother the most while Aether takes after their father.

Times like this when he is tired and lonely would he long the most for his sister's embrace. Lumine always had something nice to say to cheer him up. She knows the perfect words to comfort him whenever he is upset. This trait of hers is something that he envies, something that draws many people towards her.

Aether joined the military to be able to provide for his sister; a better life that she deserved. He worked so hard to get her to a decent boarding school and his efforts paid off when Lumine graduated the top of her class. He was so proud of her. She could have a better future than he could offer. She could provide for herself even if he suddenly disappeared, as is the nature of a soldier's life.

Lumine has always been independent. She had dreams far bigger than Mondstad could offer and so when he told her that she was going to Fontaine to be a governess in the Hall of Epiclese, he didn't dare stop her. He helped her pack up and even organized a going away party for her with all of their friends. It was a very emotional event. Lumine is a beloved member of the community because of her kindness and humility. She had accumulated a lot of friends and admirers who mourned her departure but supported her decision nonetheless.

"I've written so many letters and yet she hasn't replied to a single one. Is her employer treating her right? Are they taking her letters? Is she unwell? It's always raining in Fontaine, maybe she's sick." he mused to himself. Every day letters would arrive for his fellow soldiers. All of them would be so happy to receive news from their loved ones while he would patiently wait, only to find that there was none for him. His heart broke every time, worry and fear clawing at his chest that something bad must have happened to his sister.

He had asked and begged the postal services to double and triple-check letters sent from Fontaine but the clerks said there was nothing for him there. Did Lumine forget about him because she's now so busy with her current job? No, that's not the kind of person she is. He knows that she loves him deeply. She would never forget about him.

He threw a stone over the cliff, hoping that his frustrations would disappear with it.

"Brother! I finally found you." greeted a voice he'd become familiar with. His face fell into a frown, distaste clearly prevalent on his face. "I was just looking for you."

"What do you want, Tartaglia?" He stood from his seat and glared at the man approaching him. He strides with confidence and a casual demeanor like they are close friends. As if they didn't beat each other to a bloody pulp months ago because the ginger-haired bastard was harassing his sister.

"Now, now Brother Aether, that's not how you greet family." reprimanded Tartaglia with a smug cheerfulness that Aether abhors so much.

Aether never felt comfortable around him. Not just because of his occupation but because there is something in him that feels wrong and sinister. His deep blue eyes seemed empty and devoid of life. His behavior, his friendliness, felt like a calculated move to manipulate people to his desires. His presence was oppressive like a darkness, an abyss filled with enigmatic dangers. This man is a beast in human flesh. A monster who would devour everything he desires and destroy those who would oppose him. He would never let his sister be with such a man. Perhaps Lumine being in Fontaine is the best thing that ever happened so she'll be far away from this monster.

"I ask you again, what do you want Tartaglia?" he repeated.

"I heard you were experiencing some trouble and so I came to be of assistance. Letters and parcels disappear all the time especially when sent from far away so I pulled some strings and asked my people to help you out." Tartaglia pulled out a stack of letters from a bag he was holding and handed it to him.

"These are Lumine's letters! How did you get a hold of these? Were you stealing them to find out where my sister is?" accused Aether as he cradled the letters protectively to his chest.

"Good heavens, such a heavy accusation, brother. There is no need for that when my friends are everywhere, ready to whisper every secret there is to know. No, the reason why your letters were being held back was because they are always attached to Fontainian packages. Gifts from our beloved Lumine. There is a recent case of illegal substances being smuggled from Fontaine, so the Qixing is confiscating every package with that return address. You can verify my words with your boss and here are the gifts from Lumine." Tartaglia gave him the bag where he pulled the letters from. "Her current employment seems to be profitable if she can afford to send such expensive gifts from abroad. I'm envious of you."

Aether accepted the parcels but not without throwing him a look of pure suspicion. Despite the convincing tale he told, Aether finds it very difficult to believe any word coming from his mouth. He is perfectly capable of doing terrible things to get what he wants. His efforts to get his sister were proof enough of his obsession. Nevertheless, Lumine told him to always be grateful.

"Thank you, Tartaglia. I appreciate the gesture." The words felt wrong in his mouth, like telling a bald-faced lie. Whether he detected his distaste or not, Tartaglia didn't show it and flashed him a bright smile.

"Don't mention it. It's what friends are for. If you ever encounter any problem, please don't hesitate to come to me. I'm always willing to help a brother."

Tartaglia waved him goodbye and left soon after. Aether watched his fleeting form, wariness never leaving his chest. Once the ginger was completely out of sight, he began to read through the letters. He instantly recognized Lumine's neat handwriting. It was so feminine and easy on the eyes.

The letters don't seem to be tampered with, although it was scrunched up in a few places. The parcels were open though, probably because of the inspection Tartaglia mentioned (which he still doesn't believe.)

Aether found several sweet treats which thankfully weren't expired yet. He ate a couple of bonbons and found them incredibly delicious. Lumine also sent scarves and clothes of high quality and all sorts of accessories that he liked. He read through her letters after setting them in chronological order and smiled as she narrated about her newfound home and the friends she made.

Aether was so happy that his sister was doing well for herself and based on her more recent letters, she seems to be in a love triangle with her employer and his friend. It was a very curious situation. But Neuvillette and Wriotesley don't seem to be bad people so he doesn't feel opposed to her relationship with any of them. Still, the feeling of being replaced as the primary man in her heart felt... Peculiar.

Is this what fathers feel like when their daughters are being courted?

Anyway, he collected all of his new gifts and left for the inn. A wide grin stretched across his face now that he knows that his sister is safe and sound. He should tell the news to all his friends and share the snacks that Lumine sent. They would be relieved once they know how she's doing, after all most of them are also her friends.

But first, he should reply to his sister. He has a lot of letters to write.

🌻

"It shall be a glamorous masquerade." Furina declared as she and Lumine stepped inside Wriotesley's new mansion. Unlike Neuvillette's remote ancestral home, Wriotesley's property is halfway between the Fortress and the city of Fontaine placing it among the lavish mansions scattered around the city. They have a lot of distinguished neighbors with good backgrounds and outstanding status placing the warden among powerful families.

Lumine could only gawk at how magnificent his residence is, she will surely write about this to her brother.

Wriotesley gave them a tour of the facilities and gave them an idea of what he wanted to see in the ball. Professional organizers were also invited to assist them and get an initial idea for the setup of the ball. Neuvillette didn't accompany them. He is currently busy with his duties now that their vacation is over but he said that he would drop by at a later time.

They will be staying with Wriotesley for the entire day to make the planning more convenient and Neuvillette gave his permission. Meanwhile, the Chief Justice decided to stay in an apartment that he owns in the city of Fontaine. He said that they can visit him anytime (preferably outside office hours) and even gave Lumine a spare key to his apartment.

"Miss Lumine, may I speak to you for a moment?" Wriotesley asked as they lagged behind the party while Furina made demands to the organizers.

"Of course."

They excused themselves from their companions and Wriotesley guided Lumine to his office. Once they were sat and conformable, Wriotesley began to speak.

"Lumine, I am not a man of many words so I shall make this straightforward: I think I might be falling in love with you and if you would permit me, I would like to ask for your permission to court you."

Well, she certainly did not expect that. She was flabbergasted, surprised, elated? Maybe even bewildered and excited! A thousand different emotions are coursing through her body. She wanted to stand from her seat and hug him. She wanted to kiss his lips and bury herself in his embrace. She likes him and he likes her too! She's been courted before but none of them ever felt like this. Well, none of them are as handsome and charming as Wriotesley.

"I know I am filled with ugly scars and I'm not really the best at expressing my emotions but if you would allow me to court you, I would love to show you how well I could treat you. How much I could make you happy."

Wriotesley waited for her reply with bated breath. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were expectant. With that face of his and a body made by God, did he really think that he would ever be rejected?

"It would be my greatest honor to be courted by you."

Once the words left her mouth, Wriotesley couldn't contain himself and stood from his seat to embrace her. He encased her smaller body in his hold and buried his face in her hair, inhaling her feminine scent. He began to kiss her forehead and caress her arms lovingly. His behavior reminded her of a dog excited to see its master. Although Lumine found it sudden, it didn't exactly deliver discomfort so she sunk into his embrace.

"You make me the happiest man alive. I should tell you, I also sent a letter to you brother about this. I am yet to receive a reply but I thought it would only be proper since he is your family. Regardless of his response, your opinion is enough to put my heart at ease." Wriotesley's hold had loosened but he did not let go. His large hands had settled on her waist and their bodies were pressed so close Lumine could feel the muscles underneath his clothes. How badly she wanted to run her fingers over them. There was a lovestruck look in his eyes as he brushed the strands of hair away from her face.

"I appreciate the gesture. I'm not entirely sure how Aether would react but I think he would support whatever I want."

"And what do you want, my dear governess?" Wriotesley's voice dropped into a deeper, velvety tone. His voice was more seductive with a hint of a sensual suggestion which Lumine did not fail to detect.

"You, Mister Wriotesley." she answered, flashing him a charming smile.

"What a coincidence, I want you as well. My heart burns every time that I think of you. Miss Lumine you have invaded my mind and made a permanent residence there. I should detain you and shackle you. For you are a ruthless criminal who stole my heart leaving me desperate for your affection. You are a cruel temptress. How you seduce me just by being you." His voice had become softer, his hand was on her face, and slowly but surely he brought their faces together closer and closer until their lips touched. This is an act polite society would probably frown upon but they couldn't care any less. They are alone in his study with no one to see what they are doing.

Lumine could feel her heart beating rapidly. Her limbs grew weak, she had to hold on to Wriotesley to support her up. His kiss, his affection took her breath away. The passion which he so clearly expressed with his lips destroyed her and rebuilt her. His kiss was wild and untamed like a beast that sought to devour. It was exciting, titillating, yet gentle at the same time. It seems that despite his desires, Wriotesley remains cautious not to hurt or overwhelm her.

Lumine ran her hand on his hair, eliciting a pleasured moan from his lips. There was a growl coming from his throat which made his chest vibrate. Lumine found the sensation quite pleasant. He seemed to like the action so much that he kissed her deeper.

Wriotesley tasted like chamomile tea and faintly of alcohol. He probably took some time to rehearse what he was going to say and drank a little to make sure that he followed through with it. The idea sounded just like him. The thought made him even more endearing and the kiss even more beautiful.

Their kiss finally ended with Wriotesley slowly pulling away to take a look at how he left her dazed and unraveled. Lumine clung to him, the euphoria making her dizzy. Wriotesley made sure to support her and caress her body to provide comfort. How small she is compared to him. So dainty and vulnerable. He wanted to protect her from the cruel world. He wanted her all for himself and to be the pillar that gives her refuge.

Wriotesley kissed the crown of her hair and Lumine buried her face in his chest taking in his masculine yet alluring scent. His fragrance reminded her of ice and snow, a chilly frost that made her want to snuggle and curl up.

Wriotesley smirked, victory at the palm of his hands. Now she can be his and Neuvillette can't do anything about it.

Or so he thought...

🌻

"It seems that I have some serious competition," Tartaglia mused, a letter burning in his hand. The flame slowly devoured the paper, gradually growing in size, while the heat began to lap at his fingertips. The little hungry devil sought to devour the flesh that held it in his palm. It's greed insatiable until there is nothing left but ashes.

The fire reflected in his azure eyes was an inferno, a window to the very depths of hell no mortal mind could ever fathom. Perhaps he is not a mere mortal but a devil who once sat in the thrones of hell. Bored of his fiery kingdom, he rose from his burning seat and sought adventure among mortal trials. Such imaginings might be a fool's thought but take heed, dear reader, men can be as dangerous as demons. Sometimes even more so...

"Perhaps I should pay Arlecchino a visit."

Dear reader, you may have come across the familiar phrase "the calm before the storm" but do you know that there is also another kind of calm that accompanies the storm? You know it as well as I do: it is the eye of the storm where you will find it most tame. Whether it is a trap to lure unfortunate sailors to a false sense of security or a true safe haven we mortals will never know. But to a beast, to a man whose heart is of ice and darkness and obsessive desires, perhaps he has an idea of what a calm in the eye of a storm means.