Chapter Text
A grunt was heard from the bottom part of the area as the woman with blonde hair placed the last scrap of metal inside a crate that her subordinates had brought. She wiped the sweat off her temples and looked around to see if the place still needed more cleaning, only to find that everything had been accounted for by Poisson’s residents and Spinda di Rosula’s members.
It has been a few weeks ever since the infamous prophecy of old has come to pass, and although the people of Poisson suffered most of the losses in all of Fontaine, in the end, they were just glad that others did not fall to the same fate as they did and only went so much as getting submerged in water, but not long enough to drown them.
Even though they were still grieving, it didn’t stop them from rebuilding their homes in the comfortable confines of Poisson, as led by Spina di Rosula’s passionate president, leader, commander-in-chief, executive director, and boss. She, too, lost two of her trustworthy attendants during the unprecedented flood of Primordial Seawater in the area, but to grieve them in sadness does not honor their heroic deed in saving the residents as much as they can, so she immediately acted along with her fellow members.
They were provided goods and supplies for both the town’s reconstruction and disaster relief by not only the Champion Duelist Clorinde but also by the Fatui as instructed by the Knave. Their helping hand was greatly appreciated as these resources were used at once to renovate destroyed homes and vendor stands. With the unity of the residents and the organization’s members, the place was slowly beginning to look like what it was back then, albeit with less people than usual.
They had just wrapped up their extensive general cleanup of the village today, and now it was way more pleasant in the eyes than the aftermath of the flooding. It took them a day and a half to clean both the grounds and the waters, but now that they were done, they can finally begin to rest easy and return to their normal lives—well, most of it, because no matter how much they will try, even the Hydro Dragon can’t bring back the dissolved.
Navia pointed at the top where their supposed port is, instructing the others to dispose of the ruined and non-recyclable materials while the scrap metals remain for safe-keeping in case of emergencies in the future. They did as they were told and carried them away, while the residents turned to one another with contented smiles on their faces, relieved that their houses were finally starting to look like home once more.
As they walked back to their respective abodes, Navia nodded her head to the few members who helped her, thanking them for sparing the time to carry the materials to finish their progress. She then began walking back up the ramp and decided to inspect how the residents were faring after everything had been settled. Each home was already double-checked while they were cleaning, but Navia wanted to make sure that the people themselves were doing okay.
She passed by a parent and her child who were moving in the things that they managed to retrieve after the incident, and as Navia was about to ask about their well-being, they smiled at her and did an ‘ok’ sign with their hands as a response to an unsaid question. The gesture made the boss chuckle to herself as she waved her hand goodbye and moved on to the next group of people.
It was already apparent in their faces that they were doing well, yet Navia still asked so that she could address any concerns or problems that they might have. Still, the residents’ answers were positive, stating that they were truly grateful for the quick thinking and speedy services of the Spina di Rosula. Their feedback warmed her heart and seeing them satisfied and happy has quenched her worry.
After she had confirmed that she managed to ask everyone, she made her way back to her own house, which is a previously abandoned but dashing old ship. She remembered one particular meeting that occurred on that same ship not so long ago when she and the rest of Fontaine’s well-known figures were secretly plotting how they would put the Hydro Archon to trial.
Navia’s pace slowed as she pondered about those people’s whereabouts, wondering what they had been up to after the nationwide flood receded. Just two weeks ago, she saw the esteemed Traveler and their companion Paimon in the very grounds of Poisson itself, who was accompanying Furina with some members of a troupe to see Pauleau. The two former are still doing well as usual, quick on their feet as ever, though the latter seems to be reflecting on the various matters that she was unable to attend to, while also finding her way in life now that she lost her position and title as an Archon.
On the other hand, she saw Clorinde once in a while when she delivered supplies for them during the reconstruction period. Strong and capable as she is, Navia doesn’t have to worry about her much since she knows that she is doing well. The latest shipment of goods from the Fatui were also sent by the magician twins Lyney and Lynette and their brother Freminet, who checked in to see how Navia have been, considering her position as president and boss (among many other titles). Though the prophecy is over, they still handed out Magic Pockets to them, if ever dire outcomes were to arise in the future. From the looks of it, they were far from ill and even they put her worries to rest by saying they were all right.
She abruptly came to a halt, her eyes wide when she realized there was only one person that she hadn’t been able to keep in touch with after what happened at the Opera Epiclese. After everything that they did during the trial and what has transpired in all of Fontaine, one could only wonder how difficult it must have been for the Iudex to conform to the major recent changes in the nation.
Navia had seen him a lot in the past month and it did feel strange that she hadn’t seen a silhouette of him while she was occupied with Poisson. Now that the Hydro Archon is no more, she assumed that it is very likely that Neuvillette himself is now the one ruling over Fontaine. She doesn’t know if such a daring gesture of this man overlooking a nation is acceptable in the eyes of the heavens, but she admits that there is no other person suitable for the position than him.
What he is currently going through must have been twice the burden that Navia carried, because now that he’s at the topmost pedestal, it’s not just about the losses in Poisson, but also about the wreckage in areas all across Fontaine due to the flood, the shift of authority, and the changes in how trials are executed for the Oratrice has ceased to function. Hopefully, he hasn’t overseen trials yet since the dust is still settling, but with the Fontainian’s hunger for drama, she doubts it.
She was thinking of going to the Palais Mermonia herself to see how he was doing, but considering how busy it must be there, she thought she would just be rudely imposing on their work. She thought for a while on how she could ascertain his welfare without being imprudent, and as if a light bulb popped over her head, she exclaimed, “I got it!”
She concluded that she would make macarons for the Iudex and send them over to him accompanied with a letter. Not only will she receive a reply from Neuvillette without physically disturbing him and the Gestionnaires, but he will also be able to taste her delicious macarons.
And with that in mind, she rushed towards her home, asking for some assistance and much-needed ingredients from two reliable Spina di Rosula members. Finding the portable baking stove more convenient, she brought it out as the two others gave her the eggs, sugar, and almonds. With a thanks, she placed them inside the oven, the aroma of the baking macarons making her reminisce of Melus and Silver whom she shared these with many times before. A small sentimental smile appeared on her lips as she remembered those moments.
Soon enough, the device made a noise to indicate that the macarons were ready. She carefully pulled the snacks from the oven and asked for a small box to put them in. Once one of the members placed it on the table in front of her, Navia put them inside in an orderly manner and ensured that they wouldn’t get disarrayed when it was time to be delivered. She then closed it with the cover and wrapped the box with a blue ribbon so it would match with the receiver.
Navia strode to her study to bring out a paper and pen and began writing her letter to Neuvillette. When she moved it away from her to take a good look at what she had written, she realized that the letter was quite lengthy than what she had in mind. Perhaps she wrote too much of her lingering thoughts along with her checking in on him, but it will have to do.
She returned to the kitchen while folding the letter in half, then slid it in between the ribbons tied around the box. After doing so, she carried it and went down to where Vincenzo was stationed. Thankfully, he looks like he has some free time before their meeting later. “Good afternoon, Vincenzo. If you don’t mind, I’d like for you to deliver these macarons to the Palais Mermonia. For Iudex Neuvillette from Navia.”
With a smile and a nod, he took the box from Navia’s grasp. “No problem, Boss! I’ll make sure to give it to the Palais before the meeting starts.” He began to jog upwards to get his job done as Navia shouted a “Thank you so much!” to his disappearing figure. Here is to hoping her warm greetings would reach his not-so-cold heart.
-
A knock was heard from outside the Iudex’s quiet workroom in the Palais Mermonia. The Chief Justice raised his head from among the piles of paper surrounding his desk, although the act didn’t do much for him as his perspective was blocked by the plenty of documents he had both reviewed and not. Despite that hindrance, he asked aloud, “What is it?”
“Miss Navia of Spina di Rosula sent you something, Monsieur.” He could faintly hear Sedene’s voice from the other side of the door. He unintentionally raised a brow, curious as to what it might be. Indeed, he hadn’t seen her lately for he was sure she was immensely tending to the needs of Poisson and its people, and he was ashamed that the main government system of Fontaine itself failed to extend their help in time.
Upon hearing her name, he thought, How is she? Is she all right? I know she takes precedence of her people above others, but I hope it doesn’t come at the price of her neglecting herself. He shallowly shook his head to shake off that negative part, for the last thing he wanted to happen was for a person like her to be unwell.
“Do come in.” He replied, continuing to sign the current paper laid in front of him as Sedene went inside and strutted towards Neuvillette’s desk. She popped up beside him, her small hands lifting the neatly wrapped box of snacks to show and give it to him. “From what I can tell from the smell, they might be macarons.” The blue-green Melusine commented.
Neuvillette thanked her and took the box, immediately noticing the letter purposely stuck in the ribbons. He tugged at it and placed it on the table as he began to unwrap it from its confines. He lifted the lid and though he hadn’t even taken a bite yet, the appearance of the snacks was extremely appetizing. One can get hypothetically filled just by looking at its design.
Carefully, he took one macaron from the corner and handed it to Sedene’s direction. “Do you want one?” He asked. Neuvillette noticed that ever since she came in, the Palais’ receptionist had been hungrily eyeing the box even as she gave it to him. Surely it wouldn’t hurt for her to have one.
“Oh..!” Sedene appeared surprised by his question, a hand flying over to cover her open mouth. “But it’s for you, Monsieur. I can’t possibly take the first bite.” She argued though the look she has been giving it the entire time contradicts her words. He chuckled lightly as he reached out for her other hand and placed it on her palm. “I’m sure it’s fine. You can have it.”
The Chief Justice swore the Melusine’s eyes sparkled. “Why, thank you. Ah, I’m sorry for holding you up with your work. I’ll get back to my post.” She bowed at him to thank him for his gesture and hopped outside Neuvillette’s office. A smile continued to linger on his mouth as he placed the box on his lap and took the letter that came with it, unfolding the paper to reveal the contents its sender wrote.
Greetings, Monsieur Neuvillette,
I apologize that I have just reached out to you today. As you already know, I was preoccupied with rebuilding Poisson and also had matters to focus on within Spina di Rosula. Please don’t worry as the reconstruction has just finished and the residents are now safe and sound, including me, of course.
Earlier today, I was just thinking of how everyone was doing—from those who planned the Hydro Archon’s trial. I noticed you were the only one whom I hadn’t seen ever since we went our separate ways after you and the Traveler went to defeat the All-Devouring Narwhal. I initially planned to go myself but with everything that has happened in the past few weeks, I’m sure you’re very busy. I don’t wish to impose on your work as well as the Gestionnaires’, so I sent you this box of macarons I baked myself. I promise you they would be much to your liking.
You’re not obligated to write me a letter to confirm that you’re all right, but it would surely ease my mind. Lastly, please don’t overwork yourself, Monsieur. There are a lot of things to be done, yes, but it doesn’t mean that you forget to take care of your health. Do help yourself to some break times so that you may rest. I know both you and I have been through a lot even before the prophecy.
Please enjoy these macarons, and I hope to see you soon around the Court of Fontaine.
Sincerely,
Navia
The smile he wore because of Sedene’s reaction to receiving a piece of the snack only widened a little as he finished reading Navia’s letter. Other than speaking with the Gestionnaires outside his office and some members under his direct administration, he hadn’t been able to converse with others outside the Palais Mermonia. Truthfully, even on normal days, he rarely talked to anyone during his break, but he kept track of how many times he went outside for a rest, and it only ever happened twice a week.
There was more work than usual for sure, and he didn’t pay a lot of attention to how he was doing as long as he managed to check every paper sent to his desk, sign important documents, and file them in his archives—which is to say the many shelves on the walls or send them back to the rightful official working under him that needed his signed confirmation. The Melusines in the city did drop by his office once in a while to check on him, and it comforted him that they were concerned about him, but this was the first time a person Neuvillette actually knows did such a gesture for him, which he greatly appreciated.
He put aside the letter once more and diverted his gaze to the snacks inside the box as a hand reached out to take a two-colored macaron; the other half yellow and the other half blue. He brought it to his mouth and took a small bite. The taste that exploded on his tongue made his eyes slightly widen. Such a distinct taste, he thought. It was not too sweet and the texture of the shells was simply divine. The flavor of the filling perfectly blends with it, too. This delicacy could easily rival those in famous restaurants and cafés in the Court of Fontaine.
She didn’t lie when she said that he would like them. It’s hard not to enjoy such a delicious snack. Somehow, Neuvillette felt the sweetness of the macarons wash away the fatigue he didn’t know he accumulated. As he took another bite, this time bigger than before, he commended Navia’s impressive skill in baking, thinking that her macarons were wonderful. He was not partial to any desserts, but he thoroughly found himself about to have these as a favorite.
As one macaron went down his stomach, he reached out for a piece of paper, grabbed his quill pen from its inkwell, and began writing his brief yet pleased reply, a stray crumb on the side of his mouth unbeknownst to him.
Dear, Miss Navia
I have received your box of macarons and letter. Thank you for taking the time to send these to me and asking for my well-being. I’m very much glad to hear from you after what occurred. I am writing a reply to you to let you know that I’m doing all right. As you have mentioned, I should take a break, so I shall while I enjoy these snacks you baked. They are truly delectable. I hope you don’t mind if they were to become my favorites.
Sincerely,
Neuvillette