《R18+》Cigno Fanciulla | Scaramouche

□ Act III | Chapter I

Cigno Fanciulla Act III: Armonia Entropica
《Chapter I - Ghostly Appearances》

How would one fare if they come across a dead man in the broad daylight? Would it be a mere jest, a fuel to the flames of burnt-out scares? Or would it bring about as much hope as it would with despair?

"We have arrived! Please make sure you do not leave your valuables behind!" With the Captain's announcement, the people on board had gone off one-by-one.

With their luggage in tow, and their companions by their side, they filled the docks with lively chatter which changed the dreary atmosphere to that of something a bit lighter to breathe in.

Grabbing my valuables, I spare one last glance at my partner who tipped his hat to the right angle - the bells chime out a lovely tune as it was carried on by the sea breeze passing by.

He catches my stare, setting my cheeks to flare.

"How unfair. You seem to be stealing a lot more glances, you sneaky thief." He jests, the corner of his lips rising to a smug grin.

"Excuse you, sir. I'm not stealing, I am simply marvelling on what is mine." I retort, following it by a comeback, "Or are you implying that I do not have such liberty to do so?"

His eyes widen upon registering the meaning behind my words, leading him to think of another way to win me over, "You and your smart mouth. I suppose I should silence you." He suggests, dangerously closing the gap between us like predator and prey.

However, I will not allow to be trampled on by his usual advances.

I held out my hand, palm flat right in front of his face, "Halt. We have matters to attend to. We must go now or we'll face consequences, Eiji." I warned in all seriousness.

"Fine. I'll let you have it your way for now, Yukiko." He sighs, his shoulders slumping down before shrugging it off with his thoughts.

Once he's calmed down, he looked at me with a gaze filled with seriousness. "I trust that you will be successful, and unharmed."

"I will." I replied.

Seeming pleased with my response, he left soft pats on my head approvingly, "Well then, you know how to contact me. I'll await good news on your end." He grins, pulling his hand away from my head.

As he turns his back, and sets out first as planned, I softly held a hand to my chest - whispering well wishes: "May fate smile upon both of us on our endeavors."

With a safe distance built up between us, I made sure to see myself out of the ship, and out to the City of Inazuma.

Unlike Liyue, the docks weren't filled with fishermen, nor was it bustling with merchants and travelers alike. Inazuma was peaceful, and a bit more orderly than the Land of Contracts.

There was something in the way the winds greet you when you've passed the relentless tempest, and the tumultuous storms of the perilous journey to the Land of Eternity.

Compared to such conditions, the air within the nation's heart was as comforting as if it were wrapping your body in gentle breeze - caressing your worries and stress away, letting it to dissipate into the wind in a fleeting motion.

Unlike the roaring waves, the tides were at ease within the nation's vicinity. It was calm, transparent, and tranquil as if storms never once trespassed nor ventured into its territory.