Mr. & Mrs Meropide

Chapter Fifteen: A Turn of Events

The day following their eventful trip to Elynas, both Clorinde and Wriothesley found themselves back in their respective roles, facing an important court case that had been quietly discussed within the inner circles of Fontaine's law enforcement. The criminal, a man named Marcellus Vire, was not a household name, but he had been a thorn in the side of Fontaine's legal system for some time. Known for his expertise in blackmail and extortion, Marcellus had targeted numerous individuals in positions of power, using the secrets he uncovered to manipulate and control them.

His capture had been a significant victory for law enforcement, though it was deliberately kept out of the public eye to avoid drawing attention to the extent of his influence. For the general populace, this was just another case, but for those involved in the legal and security systems, it was a critical moment. The trial of Marcellus Vire was expected to be straightforward, but those who knew him understood that he was a man not to be underestimated.

Clorinde arrived at the courthouse early, her usual composed self, though a slight sniffle betrayed the cold she had caught. Her duties today were vital—ensuring the safety and security of the courtroom as the trial unfolded. It was expected that Marcellus would eventually be sentenced to serve time in the Fortress of Meropide, which added an extra layer of responsibility to the proceedings.

Wriothesley, meanwhile, was back at the fortress, overseeing operations and preparing for the likely arrival of Marcellus. His head throbbed slightly—a reminder of the previous day's rain-soaked adventures and the chill that had settled in afterward. But he pushed the discomfort aside, knowing that the fortress needed his full attention today.

As the trial progressed, Clorinde remained focused, but the events of the previous day had taken their toll. She could feel the effects of the rain and wind from Elynas—a subtle but growing ache in her muscles and a slight fogginess in her head that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Back at the fortress, Wriothesley was experiencing similar symptoms. The scratch in his throat had turned into a persistent irritation, and his head felt heavier than usual. Despite this, he continued to oversee the preparations for the incoming inmate, determined not to let a simple cold get in the way of his responsibilities.

By midday, the trial was reaching its peak. The evidence was overwhelming, and it became clear that the verdict was inevitable. Clorinde, stationed at her post, kept a watchful eye on the proceedings, though she couldn't help but notice the dull ache in her joints worsening as the hours dragged on.

At the fortress, Wriothesley ensured that his staff was ready for the transfer. He couldn't afford any mistakes, especially not with such a high-profile inmate. But even as he went through the motions, his thoughts were interrupted by the occasional bout of lightheadedness, a clear sign that the cold was starting to take hold.

As the court session drew to a close and the verdict was delivered—guilty on all counts—Clorinde received a summons to meet with Neuvillette, the Chief Justice of Fontaine. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she could sense the importance of the meeting. The summons came a bit later, even though they were in the same courtroom, as it needed to be discreet.

Neuvillette greeted her with his usual calm demeanor but got straight to the point. "Clorinde, I believe Marcellus Vire was captured on purpose. He has been trading information with individuals outside the fortress, and there is a strong possibility that he intends to make contact with someone inside the fortress who has sensitive knowledge."

Clorinde listened intently, the weight of the situation settling in. "You want me to be stationed at the fortress to monitor him?"

"Yes," Neuvillette confirmed. "Temporarily, at least. You'll be stationed with the regular security personnel, sharing a room with some of the other women on the team. Your goal is to blend in as much as possible. We cannot afford for Marcellus to know you're there specifically to watch him."