Chapter Text
In which Lumine trespasses on private property.
It happened suddenly. From one moment to the next, her body slid through a barely noticeable barrier and promptly plummeted down on soft sand.
For a few shocking moments, Lumine gasped for air. She shouldn’t have been able to, given that she’d been suspended in water mere seconds ago. But here she was, indeed breathing.
This was all the more astounding when she looked above and saw the glittering sea.
Yet, something wasn't quite right. She frowned, peering into suspended water. To her surprise, there were no jellyfish displaying their delicate lace, no little mackerels making pirouettes in the refracted light. She couldn’t see a single crab spinning around in the waters. It is almost as if all sea life had collectively agreed that staying here was a bad idea. Like this place had the plague. No, not quite like that. Rather, it’s as if they were afraid that a swarm of hungry sharks would suddenly jump out and swallow them whole.
Except Lumine was fairly certain that Fontaine’s sea had no sharks. At least the adventurer’s guide had never mentioned such a thing, and she had reason enough to trust that book with her life. This observation worried her, but not enough to make her scramble and flee. After all, she was no feeble mackerel, and certainly not a scaredy crab.
Lumine hissed, stretching out her arms. From how much her back hurt, she reckoned that she fell down at least ten to twenty meters.
It was enough to end a mortal’s life. How lucky that I’m not quite one. On that positive note, she sat up, brushing the gritty sand off her hands. “Just what sort of moron thought it a good idea to install a barrier below the sea?” She let out a discontented grunt, stretching her legs. Granted, this was a fairly secluded part of the sea — fairly deep and thus barely reachable by those who possessed no vision — but that didn't justify the potential danger. “Oh, the Research Institute will hear all about this when I’m back on land…”
Shaking her head, Lumine bent down to retrieve the scattered beryl conches that had fallen out of her bag. Her treasure hunt hadn't been very successful, which was all the more reason not to lose what little she’d found. With the meager treasures tucked in safely, she heaved a sigh, then looked around.
The sand where she stood was soft and dry. It was dotted with pretty shells and bathed in gentle blue hues. Considering the depth, this place was surprisingly well-illuminated. Could be an illusion, she mused, or some old technology. To her right was a formation of rocks, amidst which a small crab was watching her carefully, wiggling its little eyes. When her head turned, the crab jumped, and quickly disappeared in a crevice.
For a few moments, Lumine regarded the rocks with a confused expression. She was no expert on marine life forms, but she remembered clearly that crabs tended to stay in groups.
The crab didn’t return, so she simply shrugged. Perhaps this one was special. Besides, it wasn’t the only thing that stuck out like a sore thumb.
A few steps behind the rocks began a cobblestone path. It led her gaze further ahead, along some more rocks overgrown with conches and up to a big field of flowering seaweed. There, standing proudly amidst this idyllic maritime landscape, was a mansion.
Lumine blinked, before hastily rubbing her eyes.
The mansion was still there.
“I don't suppose it's an illusion made to lure in unsuspecting treasure hunters,” she muttered.
From where she stood, it looked harmless enough. Rather, the mansion distinctly reminded her of the miniature souvenirs that were sold at touristy spots in Fontaine: it had pretty arches, bright stained glass windows, and elegant paintwork on the walls. It wouldn’t have looked out of place if it stood in the finer districts of the Court of Fontaine.
This optimistic exterior granted just enough hope that this wasn’t the home of some evil sea witch. Or a recluse oceanid, which, given her current location, was more likely the case.
Lumine swallowed, gripping her bag. The beryl conches gritted against each other, reminding her that she'd barely found enough to make the trip worth her while.
She bit her lip, tightening the strap of her bag. Last time she stepped onto an oceanid’s private property, she’d almost drowned. Then again, there was an equal, if not higher chance that this was just another project that the Research Institute had messed up.
On that positive note, Lumine forged ahead.
Her feet produced awkward tapping sounds against the cobblestone path. Rather soon, the bravery that had brought her onto this path began to fade, replaced by a nagging worry and a myriad of what-ifs that buzzed in her head. She clutched her bag, suddenly aware that the only thing she was wearing was her underwear, which was presently clinging tightly onto her wet, shivering skin.
Lumine forced an awkward chuckle, shrugging her shoulders to ease the tension. “Well, who’ll see me here? The fish? I think they’ll be fine even if they witness me walking around naked.” As she spoke those words, she passed the open gate, arriving in a quaint inner courtyard.
“That’s certainly not a ruin,” Lumine commented as she craned her neck.
Up close, the mansion seemed even more majestic: the walls appeared as if they’d been painted only yesterday; and the glass windows were free of the greenish patina that could be found on any house in the city. With eyes brimming with awe, Lumine approached the bottom of a double staircase that led to an elevated veranda. Her hand brushed against the railing, feeling smooth bumps below. She gasped, only then noticing that the railing was encrusted with pearls and gems.
“Well, that's certainly opulent, even by the capital’s standards. Then again, perhaps they aren’t real…” With a light frown, Lumine eyeballed the biggest jewel, before stretching out a single finger to give it an experimental poke.
She was about to touch it when, suddenly, a deep voice tore through the ghastly silence of the courtyard.
“There is no use in removing these, young lady, for they will turn to water once they are taken on land.”
She jumped, retracting her finger faster than a crab hiding in its shell. Her head twisted upwards to face the previously empty veranda. What she saw there was the tall figure of a man. Not unlike a divine statue, he towered over her imperiously, his strikingly sharp eyes gluing her ruthlessly to the spot.
One glance sufficed to let her know that she was in trouble.
“I... I wasn’t trying to!” she exhaled defensively. “I was merely curious because it seemed… odd.”
Ordering her heartbeat to slow, she let her eyes to jump down for some split a second — just long enough to register the elaborate robes that seemed fitting for the presumed owner of such a lavish mansion — before looking back up to his haughty visage. In turn, the stranger’s eyes stared her down, though whether he was silently accusing her or simply contemplating her presence, she couldn’t tell.
Yet it was all the more reason to remind herself that she was not guilty. There was no denying that she was on a treasure hunt, but by the Archons, she was no thief.
Though the real question is whether or not this man would trust the words of a strange woman that has suddenly appeared on his doorstep, Lumine mused, resisting the urge to swat away the nervous drop of sweat that had formed at her temple. It felt like the man had fixed in on that single spot on her face, boring into it as if it could make her confess.
First a failed treasure hunt, now the wrong accusation. She almost wanted to sigh at her bad luck.
When she shook her head subtly, the sweat drop slid down, before evaporating on her hot skin.
Despite her worst fears, the man spoke up again.
“Then I commend you for having a good eye for details.” He nodded curtly, his voice ever calm. “And if you are truly innocent, then I ask that you be at ease.” Pressing his lips together, he regarded her quietly, as if daring her to disagree.
Eager to prove her innocence, she took a calming breath, before tentatively placing one hand back on the railing. She felt the glittering bumps below her sweaty fingers, but deliberately ignored them.
The man blinked slowly, indicating that he acknowledged her good will. She released a breath, relief flooding her chest.
“I see that you are still curious,” the man commented after a moment of silence.
Lumine didn’t know how to answer, and instead only tilted her head. She certainly didn’t expect what he said next.
“Would you like to come inside?” he said, holding her gaze. “After all, would you not agree that the veranda is hardly the right place to hold a conversation with a rare guest?”
A guest?
Lumine bit her lips, her thoughts racing. She stared at the gloved hand that he’d stretched out in her direction. From the tone of his voice, she caught the distinct impression that she’d been given permission to accept or decline.
Still, she hesitated. It was not that she still felt like a petty thief. Rather, was it not odd that he had so easily referred to her as a guest?
With that thought, Lumine looked back up, measuring his calm gaze. Then, making good use of the liberty that he had silently granted, she regarded the lustrous robes and precious ornaments that adorned his figure. Everything about him, from the silvery hair and the sparse tasteful embellishments over to the haughty expression, painted the picture of a prideful nobleman from the Court of Fontaine.
And if Lumine had learned anything during her stay in Fontaine, then it was the fact that one didn’t simply reject a nobleman’s invitation. Even if said nobleman lived under the sea and was likely not human.
She wiggled on the spot, rather aware of her lack of attire . Yet, from the straight look he was giving her, it was as if he didn't even notice.
And if it didn’t bother this strange man, then who was she to complain?
Peeling her feet off the floor, Lumine crossed the remaining stairs that separated them. For a few moments, she regarded his gloved hand like it was the sharp-toothed mouth of a shark. A feverish thought flashed through her mind. Perhaps, he is the reason why there's no sea life around here. He must've eaten the mackerels for dinner, enjoying jellyfish pudding for dessert.
She scoffed.
Don't be a fool. Who'd eat the jellyfish if there's plenty of tidalga around?
Thus accompanied by her musings, Lumine held her breath, then raised her own hand and, like a dainty feather, rested it upon his.
A heartbeat passed.
Contrary to her fears, his hand didn’t clasp around hers like the mouth of a shark. Rather, it curled ever so slightly, accommodating to fit hers.
Emboldened, Lumine glanced at the man that towered above her, and saw — for the briefest of moments — a subtle trace of curiosity reflected in a pair of jewel-like eyes. It was at that moment that she finally noticed the odd shape of his pupils. But, hopelessly distracted by the courteous manner in which she was escorted inside, she didn't give this aspect of his looks much thought.
The insides of the mysterious mansion, it seemed, were the exact reflection of their master. Each room they passed radiated an atmosphere of elegance and culture. Twisting her head, Lumine did her best not to appear like she was shamelessly ogling the richly painted ceilings, and not at all admiring the chandeliers that only offered as much light as was needed without appearing too bright.
They passed one big arch and entered a spacious room.
The man turned around, meeting her gaze.
“This is… Yes, I believe this is what humans call a ‘drawing room’.”
It didn’t escape her that he phrased it like he didn’t count himself as such.
“Oh, sure. Thank you—”
“It’s Neuvillette,” he said, resting one hand upon his chest. “My apologies for the late introduction. You must forgive me, for I rarely entertain guests.”
She took in his gesture, feeling at a loss as to how to act. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said after a moment, copying his act. “I’m Lumine.” Eyeing the starched cravat and the lustrous robes that fell down his sides, she contemplated in all seriousness if she ought to add a curtsy. When in Fontaine, one couldn’t be too careful.
To her relief, Neuvillette simply nodded. “Lumine… I shall remember that.”
To smooth over the awkward silence that followed, Lumine busied her attention by taking in the sights.
Rather than a drawing room, it was more fair to refer to this room as a treasury. The majority of it consisted of display cabinets. Not a single speck of wallpaper could be seen behind the tall shelves that carried all manner of seemingly random trinkets. Among many other objects, she spotted some loose parts of clockwork-meka, a number of porcelain cups — neither of which was the same as the other — and pretty white-faced little figurines with clothes that resembled the fashion of Inazuma.
After making a full round, her gaze returned to the proud owner of this museum-worthy collection, who in turn eyed her expectantly with his remarkably penetrant eyes.
Very, very pretty eyes, Lumine added quietly. She swallowed again, before shifting on her toes. Her legs throbbed after all that swimming, requesting rest. She glanced about, quickly spotting a pair of armchairs that stood next to a stained glass window to their right. Her gaze traced over the velvet cushions, before eyeing skeptically her wet excuse for clothes.
Yeah… no. She’s had enough embarrassment for a whole week, and she didn’t feel like leaving wet marks in the shape of her bum.
Whether for better or worse, her inner conflict didn't escape Neuvillette’s attention. “May I?” he asked, gesturing towards her.
At her confused nod, he made another gesture. She only saw a single finger tilt upwards subtly, and in a heartbeat, her wet skin suddenly turned warm. Looking down, she saw the once embarrassingly opaque fabric turn into a crispy dry white.
To think that I used to laugh when Aether complained of walking around butt naked in his dreams. But never mind that. Pretend that all is as it should be.
Lumine straightened her head, before clearing her throat. “I… thank you.” It would have been better if he’d also been able to conjure up a dress, but one couldn’t have everything, she supposed.
To her relief, Nevillette didn’t appear the least bit put off by her nakedness standing there on his pretty carpets. Rather, he didn’t even move a single one of his long eyelashes. It was either that he truly didn’t care, or that he hid it remarkably well.
Her insides twisted painfully as she wondered which one it was.
Best to think of other things. Sweeping the remnants of her embarrassment somewhere deep under the carpet, she decided to brush over the awkwardness by asking a pressing question.
“Neuvillette, are you an oceanid?”
Thankfully, he didn’t appear the least bit offended with her direct approach. If anything, the light twitch of his straight lips indicated that he was amused.
“If I may ask, how did you come to this conclusion?”
She tilted her head, wondering if he didn't want to reply, or simply couldn't. To begin with, what did he expect her to say? That is, aside from mentioning the obvious fact that he lived under the sea? And not to forget the remarkable mastery of the elements despite clearly bearing no vision.
She narrowed her eyes, wondering if he was merely jesting. But the look he was giving her was as serious as ever, forcing her to contemplate her answer.
Certainly, one had to be born blind to miss that Neuvillette hardly looked like your average citizen. No, he was far too… refined and elegant, even when compared to the crème de la crème of Fontaine’s high society. There was no way he was some simple human.
Yes, now that she thought about it, he was too—
“Because you are beautiful,” Lumine blurted out the seemingly best result that came to mind.
What followed was a long pause, during which she tried her best not to shrivel up from embarrassment.
Even Neuvillette, with his seemingly permanent straight face, looked taken aback at her answer. “I… suppose I ought to thank you. Though I must confess, this may be the first time that I get complimented on this form. Oh, but you must be parched. Why don’t you sit over there while I fetch us a drink?”
Dropping her bangs to hide her blush, Lumine tip-toed over the armchair and plumped down, wishing for it to swallow her whole. But her embarrassment was soon forgotten because the cushions were soft, for which her aching back thanked her. Not to mention, she had been promised a drink. Perking up at the prospect of hospitality, Lumine lifted her eyes and watched, curiously, as Neuvillette walked over to a cabinet and began to search it.
She was so immersed in this act that she almost jumped when he suddenly spoke up again.
“Perhaps you would be so kind as to share your story? You see” — he gave her a brief side-ways glance, before fetching a matching set of glasses and setting them on a serving tablet — “it is not often that I get visitors down here. I do not believe that you are an oceanid… But you are not a melusine either. At least, you do not look the part. And yet you are capable of diving deeper than any mortal could.” After this, he changed his attention to another cabinet that was full of bottles.
“I’m merely a traveler,” Lumine murmured absently, with the entirety of her attention trained on his fingers that tapped thoughtfully against a bottle. What could it possibly be inside? Wine? Or juice? No doubt something really good , since it was taking him long to choose.
“A traveler,” Neuvillette echoed as he took it out, before turning to meet her gaze. “Very well, then I shall refer to you as such.” And having said that, he walked over and presented her with a glass.
Filled with suspense, Lumine tipped the glass carefully against her lips, before taking a sip. Her eyes widened. Confused, she glanced over to Neuvillette, who had earlier joined her on the opposite armchair. What she saw puzzled her even further: With his eyes closed, Neuvillette was swirling his glass like it contained a precious, vintage wine instead of mere water.
She took another sip, falling deep into thoughts. Suddenly, she felt very sorry for this poor gentleman that was forced to live on water alone.
Despite a lack of tea and cake that she'd been spoiled with in the Court of Fontaine, Lumine had thoroughly enjoyed the discussion that followed. Neuvillette had questioned her on a plethora of subjects, all of which were quite as odd as the collection of human-made trinkets that surrounded them. What was the current fashion at the court? And what about the newest opera? Was it anywhere near as good as the original book?
Lumine had long since lost track of time, and couldn’t even tell if it was still day or night when Neuvillette rested his glass on the table and fixed her with a sobering look.
“It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he said as he raised himself from the armchair, “but the currents are growing restless, and I believe that you still have a long road ahead.”
Lumine blinked, having completely forgotten that she was being hosted in a mansion below the sea. She glanced through the tinted glass. It seemed darker than before, though she wasn’t sure if the window wasn’t somehow enchanted.
Feeling a tinge of disappointment, she took the hand he offered. “Right. Then I shall excuse myself.”
She had expected him to simply help her stand, but instead felt something smooth in between his gloved hand and her palm.
Confused, she stared at their joined hands.
“You were looking for these, no?”
She twisted her hand, so that whatever it was didn’t fall when she opened her palm. When she uncurled her fingers, she saw a multitude of pearls filling the entirety of her palm — each one at least double the size of the ones she’d seen displayed in the boutiques’ windows.
Speechless, her eyes flitted back to meet his — just in time to witness a bemused rainbow play around a pair of narrow slits.