Lumine's Lovestory (🍋)

Chapter 6: Problems and a solution

Xiao/Tartaglia

Lumine stood confidently on the green meadow just outside the walls of Fontaine and brushed her dress straight. The material of her dress was now too heavy and warm for the increasingly hot summer, maybe she should buy something airier? But of course she didn't have Mora for that. She rolled her eyes.
A touch of her hair ensured that the flower was still in her softly brushed hair. Satisfied, she breathed in the scent of summer and the sweet smell of her new perfume.
Ready to meet Xiao, ready to get to the Fatui. She put her hands to her mouth and shouted.

"Xiaoo! Xi-aoo!"
She listened intently to the sound of the leaves in the gentle wind, but no Yaksha appeared.
"Xiao?"
Again nothing.
"hmm.." She walked up and down the meadow with slow steps. He probably just didn't have the time.

She was just making a wreath out of picked flowers when particles materialized next to her and Xiao appeared next to her. As always, he looked around briefly before leaving turned to her.

"Xiao! You came!"

"Of course, sorry for being late, I was held up."

"No no, everything's fine. I didn't have to wait that long. What was going on?"

The Adeptus's gaze darkened.
"A familiar-sounding machine has been spotted on the borders of Liyue and is causing unrest. I investigated the matter immediately and it is indeed the same type of robot we are looking for."

"I see.."
"Yes..", his voice became a little softer.
"I will stay in Liyue today, it needs my protection right now."
Lumine knew this. Liyue was his first priority.

"We will look at the machine activity in Fontaine tomorrow and soon find a solution and put an end to all of this." The girl nodded. It was obviously the best decision for Xiao to protect his city and its inhabitants today instead of going on an adventure with her..

"Be careful.." she murmured and waved to him as the Yaksha was already teleporting back to Liyue.

The girl sullenly kicked a stone in front of her as she walked back to town. She hated doing nothing. Even if it was dangerous, she wanted to do something and not just wait for the day to come.

She was just walking past the gate when a voice called out from behind her.
"...young lady. Miss! Wait!"
She spun around and saw a guard walking towards her. It was a still fit older gentleman with a moustache and a mark indicated that he was under direct command of Wriothesley.

He looked down at her seriously.
"I come with orders to accompany you to Wriothesley."

"What? Why?" she asked confused.
"This will be explained to you on site. I am only serving to find you immediately and bring you to Wriothesley."

Lumine frowned. What was so important that he wanted to meet her in person? She had no choice but to obey the guard and allow herself to be taken to the most secure prison in Fontaine.

☆☆☆

The elevator squeaked, it smelled of rust and metal, the sound of mechanical engineering and work echoed through the huge building. She had been relieved to escape this place, now she was here again. The cool air made goosebumps appear on her arm, but she didn't let the guard's presence intimidate her. If she wasn't sure she hadn't committed a crime, she wouldn't be so calm. This place can be unforgiving.

When the elevator stopped, the guard led her to the large golden door to Wriothesley's office. After two loud knocks, he opened the door and let her go in before closing the door again with a bang and leaving her alone. Lumine internally shook her head at the harsh nature of the guard and the lack of instructions and information they hadn't given her.