𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

3. A fortress trip.

It's been three days.

It's been three days and I haven't been able to do so much as leave my office due to the sheer amount of paperwork and files I have to fill out, let alone start figuring out a classified murder case.

This is the first time in three days that I've managed to catch a break,

I got to a point earlier where I was in such a bad mood, that I believe Sedene said something to Lady Furina, who in turn lectured me about scaring the employees of the Palais Mermonia (which wasn't even my intention), who then decided to let me have the rest of the day and tomorrow off.

Usually, I would be fine with this amount of work, I'm no stranger to it at all.

However, with everything that's happened in the past 96 hours, with no pause to breathe, I suppose I've found myself in quite a stressful position.

Furina probably noticed as well and had no other choice than to give me a small break.

Which on one hand, I thank her for, but on the other...

What do I do now!?

It's not often I have nothing to do in Fontaine, for the 500 years I've been Iudex there has always been something or other to attend to. Feeling so... unburdened, is odd.

Ah, I believe I have a pen in my pocket, perhaps I could write down a list of things I could do.

I reached in my pocket and instead of finding a pen, I found a familiar feeling envelope.

Ah, Sigewinnes letter.

Hm.. Now that I think about it, now could be the perfect opportunity to go and visit her as a surprise, I simply hope that the Duke won't mind me entering unannounced.

I walked behind the Opera Epiclese and in no time was descending in the elevator that led to the front desk, where Monglane was there to greet me.

"Monsieur Neuvillette, what brings you down here?" She said in her usual unbothered tone.

"I'm here to pay a visit to Sigewinne, would that be alright?" I asked her.

"Of course Sir, would you like me to let her know in advance? She should be in the infirmary as per usual." Monglane informed me.

"No need, I'll get there quickly, thank you for your help."

"Of course, Monsieur."

After exchanging a few extra pleasantries, I made the rest of the trip to the deeper part of the fortress, it took slightly longer than I remember it.

Regardless, with a slight push of waves from the waters I made it there in good time, and managed to sneak into the infirmary without much attention, luckily for me it didn't appear that there were any patients at that time.

Sigewinne was sat on one of the beds drinking something and reading a book, usually she would have sensed me by now, but I suppose it's too engrossing for her to realize.

I tapped her left shoulder and gently spoke,

"Hello Sigewinne."

She immediately closed her book and put her drink down, swivelling around with speed. I don't believe I'd seen anyone's eyes light up so quickly.

"Monsieur Neuvillette!!" She jumped up and hugged me, and I gladly returned it.

"How are you Sigewinne? I hope none of the inmates have been causing you too much trouble recently." I said, placing her down cautiously on the floor.

"If anyone it's the Duke that's been causing me trouble." She rolled her eyes.

"The Duke? Whatever has he done?" I questioned.

"It's what he hasn't done! That question would have a shorter list! He can't sit still for one second!! One minute he's in the pankration ring, another in the infirmary, straight back into the ring again, in his office. I'm fed up!" She vented out her frustration by grabbing a bunch of mismatch ingredients and throwing them into a blender.

"And then he so much as complains when I give him this milkshake for his health! Tsk."

I held back a small laugh discreetly.

"There there, it's alright, I'm sure he thinks of you sometimes before doing something reckless." I consoled her.

"I don't even want to mention so much as his name any more, so therefore I digress. When did you get down here??" Her bright smile returned as she beamed up at me.

"Only a few moments ago, I've been meaning to visit for quite some time but had never found any free space in my schedule. I just so happened to have some today and tomorrow, and the letter I received from you the other day reminded me." I elaborated, returning a small smile.

"I'm so glad!! It's been quite busy down here as I mentioned, when was the last time you came down to the fortress?" She asked.

"Hm, it's definitely been quite awhile. Perhaps even before His Grace took charge of here.." I pondered aloud.

"Well, lots has changed! But I'll fill you in later or when we come across it. Does his Grace know you're here?"

"No, he does not, I feared that I would disturb him. That and I wasn't sure where he would be.." I admitted slightly sheepishly.

"Let's go find him! The infirmary is usually peaceful this time of day so it'll be alright if I'm not here, and if there's anything serious I'll hear about it." Sigewinne explained before taking my hand and dragging me out of the room.

"Sigewinne, it's dangerous to run about here you realize." I reminded her, gently pulling her back as her pace slowed to a walk.

In fact, she completely came to a halt, looking as if she was thinking about something.

"Now.. Where could he actually be.." She muttered.

"Where could who be, may I ask?" A teasing voice sounded from behind us.