Mr. & Mrs Meropide

Chapter Five: A Day of Reflection

As Clorinde ascended to the surface in the elevator, Wriothesley felt a sense of contentment. He trusted Clorinde implicitly, knowing she would handle everything with the same precision and dedication she always showed. He admired her strength and resilience, qualities he found mirrored in himself.

Once Clorinde reached Neuvillette's office, she handed over the necessary documents and debriefed him on her mission. Neuvillette listened intently, his expression serious.

"Your efforts are commendable, Clorinde," Neuvillette said, scanning through the paperwork. "It seems everything went smoothly."

Clorinde nodded, feeling reassured. "Yes, the mission was successful, and the criminal is securely detained. I noticed his followers were quite organized, but nothing we couldn't handle."

Neuvillette's eyes softened with understanding. "Given the new security measures we implemented for the relic, I believe we are well prepared. Additionally, a significant number of personnel has been transferred to the fortress to support the Duke and the guards."

Clorinde smiled, appreciating the reassurance. "The measures Wriothesley and I put in place should indeed help."

"Exactly," Neuvillette agreed. "There's no need to worry. We have everything under control."

Clorinde handed over the completed paperwork from the previous night. "When is the trial for the criminal I apprehended?" she asked.

Neuvillette looked over the documents. "It is scheduled for next week. We would appreciate your presence; it would help the people feel safer."

Clorinde nodded. "Of course, I'll be there."

With her official duties complete, Clorinde left Neuvillette's office and decided to take a stroll through the streets of Fontaine. The city was bustling with life, and she welcomed the opportunity to blend into the crowd, to lose herself in the normalcy of everyday activities.

As she walked, Clorinde reflected on the past few days. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the time spent with Wriothesley. There was a comfort in their companionship, a shared understanding that she rarely found with others. She smiled to herself, remembering their late-night conversations and the simple yet profound connection they had built.

The streets were lined with vibrant shops and cafes, the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee filling the air. Clorinde found herself drawn to a small park, where she sat on a bench, watching the world go by. Children played nearby, their laughter a soothing balm to her weary soul.

She realized how much she missed these simple moments of peace, away from the constant pressure of her duties. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to relax, to enjoy the serenity that the bustling city surprisingly offered.

As the afternoon sun began to set, Clorinde decided it was time to head back. She felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Walking through the streets of Fontaine, she felt a deep appreciation for the city she was sworn to protect.

Returning home, Clorinde thought about all the things that had happened lately—the fights, her time at the fortress, and of course, the Duke. Wriothesley was so kind. He always had something uplifting to say. Tomorrow, she would be hanging out with some other champion duelists.

As she prepared for the evening, Clorinde felt a sense of clarity. Her bond with Wriothesley was something special, built on mutual respect and shared experiences. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she could face them with renewed strength and determination.

The next day, Clorinde met with the other champion duelists for lunch in a private section of a popular restaurant. At first, the conversation was light and casual, but as the day progressed, the tone shifted. The other duelists began discussing their encounters with criminals and their jobs, speaking with a sense of pride and excitement.

One duelist recounted a particularly brutal fight, laughing as he described the fear in his opponent's eyes. Another boasted about the power they felt when subduing multiple criminals at once. Clorinde listened in silence, her expression growing more solemn with each passing story. The lack of honor in their words and the joy they took in their dominance disgusted her.

Unable to listen any longer, Clorinde excused herself early, before she even had a chance to order her food. "I'm sorry, but I need to go," she said, standing up abruptly. "I have other matters to attend to."

As she left the restaurant, Clorinde felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had always prided herself on her sense of honor and justice, and she couldn't associate herself with those who lacked those values. The day was bright and lively as she strolled through the streets, reaffirming her commitment to her principles and the bond she shared with Wriothesley. Unlike her colleagues, Wriothesley embodied the virtues of honor and integrity. In her mind, he would make a better champion duelist than they ever could. His approach to strength and power was balanced by a deep sense of responsibility and respect, qualities she deeply admired.

As Clorinde walked past various shops, she noticed a store with an array of fine teas displayed in the window. The sight of it made her think of Wriothesley and the comforting tea they had shared. She decided to buy a selection of the best-looking teas and send them to him as a gesture of appreciation.

After making her purchase, Clorinde decided to visit the Opéra Epiclese to unwind further. She secured a seat for a magic show and settled in, hoping to relax. The performance began with classical tricks, such as pulling a rabbit out of a hat and making cards seemingly materialize out of thin air.

The magician captivated the audience with his charming demeanor and effortless sleight of hand. The room was filled with gasps and applause as he performed one astonishing trick after another. A deck of cards seemed to come alive in his hands, fanning out in a perfect arc before disappearing in a puff of smoke. From seemingly empty hats, he produced an endless stream of colorful scarves, flowers, and even a white rabbit that wiggled its nose at the delighted spectators.

Clorinde found herself completely engrossed in the show. The magician's illusions were mesmerizing, each one more elaborate than the last. He performed the classic sawing-a-woman-in-half trick with such finesse that even the most skeptical members of the audience were left in awe. The sense of wonder and excitement was palpable, as children and adults alike sat on the edge of their seats, eyes wide with amazement.

One particularly enchanting moment was when the magician invited a young girl from the audience to assist him on stage. With a wave of his wand, he transformed a simple handkerchief she held into a fluttering dove, much to her and the crowd's delight. The pure joy on the child's face was contagious, spreading smiles throughout the theater.

For a while, Clorinde could forget about her duties and simply enjoy the show. The magic show was a perfect escape, a reminder of the simple joys and wonders that existed outside the realm of her responsibilities. As the final act concluded with a spectacular display of lights and confetti, Clorinde joined in the standing ovation, her spirits lifted by the enchanting performance.

Once she returned home, Clorinde carefully packaged the tea and included a small note: "After all the tea I drank, I thought I should help you restock your collection." She smiled, then added, "I also went to see one of Lyney and Lynette's magic shows today. It was quite the spectacle."

Before she realized it, Clorinde had written a full-sized letter instead of a small note. She sealed it and arranged for the package to be sent to the fortress. As she prepared for bed, she felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing that her connection with Wriothesley was something truly special. She wondered if he felt the same way or if there were more like-minded people in the fortress. At least she knew there was Sigewinne, who took great pride in her work and, as Clorinde knew, was a big fan of Neuvillette. She decided to send her something as well. Tea didn't seem right, so she opted for some small pastries that she hoped would be to Sigewinne's liking, including a thank-you note for the treatment.

The Duke received his package the very next day. He was quite excited; nobody ever wrote him anything outside of business or formality. This was quite the occasion for him.