𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

4. A conversation too dire for tea

"Ah! You're Grace!" Sigewinne exclaimed before she even turned around, I followed her lead and was met with the welcomed sight of Wriothesley.

He had barely changed since the last time I saw him, his hair that same dark grey color with those small peaks Akin to a wolfs ears, quite complimentary to his title down here. He was absentmindedly swinging his hand cuffs around his right index finger before letting them fall into his palm, and moving his eyes, that reminded me of the waters of Fontaine, onto myself.

"Monsieur Neuvillette, as always the pleasure is mine." He gave his usual smirk and held out his hand, reatatching his hand cuffs to his jacket. I reached out and took his hand with a light grip, greeting him in return.

"Your Grace, my apologies for the unannounced arrival, I had hoped to let you know through someone first before actually seeing you myself, but it appears that didn't go to plan." I informed him whilst letting go of this hand.

"Please, no need for the apology, it's always a surprise to lay eyes on you Monsieur, it's quite difficult nowadays. I'm more than for the idea of you taking some time off, but to Meropide of all places?" He gives a light chuckle at the idea.

I smiled at his comment, "Ah, yes, it's been quite busy recently. Although I'm not here on official business, I was wondering if you and I could talk in your office?" I proposed.

"Of course, if you would please meet me in there that would be great, I have an inmate to take care of, it won't take long, just stole something. Please, make yourself at home as much as you're able to here." Wriothesley smiled before walking away, nodding to Sigewinne and I.

"Monsieur Neuvillette, you know where the Duke's office is, right?" Sigewinne questioned.

"Yes, I do Sigewinne, I'm assuming you have patients to attend to soon?" I guessed.

"Yep! I'll come visit you once I'm done!" She beamed.

"Alright, I shall see you later Sigewinne." I replied.

I petted her on the head lightly as a last goodbye and left her to her own devices as I made my say to Wriothesley's office. It was quite numerous when one of the Guards tried to stop me, before looking up and recognizing me. Of course he profusely apologized afterward and I couldn't help but feel slightly bad for the poor man.

Once I climbed the stairs I marveled at the contrast between both of our offices, perhaps I should offer some sort of decoration around to.. how does Furina say it.. Brighten the place up a bit? Of course I don't care much for decor, but I hear humans find it quite pleasing.

I sat down on the couch opposite the stairs and waited patiently, thinking my words through very carefully, what if he refuses to help? I would understand, he's clearly very occupied with the fortresses matters, maybe I should simply wait until Clorinde returns.

No, I can't. Within that time the culprit could cover their tracks near perfectly, my instincts are telling me that it has to be started now. And so it shall be.

My thinking gets interrupted by footsteps coming up the stairs, and the very same man I saw a few moment ago appeared, smiling at me as he took a seat behind his desk.

"Sorry for the delay, Monsieur, I hope it wasn't too big of an inconvenience." He apologized, pouring himself a cup of tea from a pre-boiled kettle, gesturing if I wanted some, to which I shook my head politely.

"It didn't inconvenience anything, do not worry." I hesitated, I hadn't finished thinking about how I was going to deliver this news. It's not often I ask for help.

"Monsieur? Has something happened? You're hesitating, usually you're quite blunt with news." Wriothesley grinned.

"A.. A close friend of mine has recently passed." I murdered, but I kept it loud enough for him to hear.

His smile faded within an instant, and the teacup he was bringing to his lips was gently set down on a coaster.

"I'm.. I'm sorry for your loss Monsieur.." He said, in almost a sort of disbelief.

I shook my head, dismissing his apology. "Please, don't grieve over it. I need your help, your Grace."

"Help? What can I help with?" He questioned, unsure.

"Him and his wife were murdered. I'm asking you to help me find who is responsible for their deaths. The person who has innocent blood staining their hands." I told him, staring directly into his eyes.

This was it.

Would he help me?

Perhaps it's too much to handle, too much information at once.

Too daunting, perhaps?

Maybe after-

"What can I start with." He asked me, more stating than asking it. Returning that gaze that I can assure im giving him.

"You're not going to say no..?" I questioned, just to be sure I wasn't misunderstanding. Furina says I do it a lot.

"No, Monsieur, I won't. You need my help, so I will gladly give it. I know the hurt of losing someone you hold close to you, the pure agony of it, and if catching this bastard will ease that pain even slightly for you, I'm willing." Wriothesley stated with something that I can't call arrogance, nor confidance. Whatever emotion he was feeling right now was unknown to me, too complicated for me to comprehend.

However in that moment, I couldn't care. He would help me. He would go out of his own way to assist me in something that could even risk his life. My eyes met his and for the first time in however many years, I saw a glimmer of hope within the sparks of those eyes.

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I'm back ♡ - E