Genshin Impact: The Admiral of Fontaine

(Chapter 20 Poisson)

"That's what we do with a drunken sailor~ That's what we do with a drunken sailor~ That's what we do with a drunken sailor~ Early in the morning~"

"Constantine... Please shut up... Please shut the hell up..."

Tempest covered his eyes with his hand and gritted his teeth in frustration. It had been twenty minutes since they left the harbor on Melus's speedboat, and for the entire duration, Tempest had been subjected to Constantine's horrendous singing. The gentle rocking of the boat and the cool night air did little to alleviate his growing irritation as Constantine's off-key notes echoed endlessly over the water.

"Come now, Young Master, can't this old man enjoy the night with some good old sailor songs?"

Constantine said with a smirk on his face as he stopped his singing. Tempest sighed in response.

"Tsk... You're clearly enjoying tormenting me, don't you?"

"Maybe?"

Constantine replied and turned his head away from Tempest.

"Enough singing, tell me about Callas Caspar."

Tempest took a quick glance at Melus, who was busy driving the speedboat, and then his eyes darted back to Constantine.

"Callas? Well, to start, he's an old friend of mine. Callas is the president of the Spina di Rosula, a group dedicated to helping others and uncovering the truth when the local authorities cannot. He has a twelve-year-old daughter named Navia, but his wife, Clementine, tragically died from complications following her birth."

Constantine's gaze turned to the sea, his eyes tinted with sadness and regret.

"I regretted not being in Fontaine to comfort a mourning friend in need, as I was traveling in other nations. He and I are not so different... Both of our lovers are..."

Constantine hesitated to continue the sentence.

"That's enough Teacher."

Tempest stopped him from continuing, not wanting his Teacher to remember painful memories.

"Thank you, Young Master."

Constantine turned his head to Tempest with a smile.

"Anything I should take note of? His personality perhaps or anything?"

Tempest asked his Teacher. Constantine placed his hand on his chin in a thoughtful gesture.

"He's a very respected man in Fontaine. He sponsored the construction project of the aquabuses. Even High Judge Neuvillette speaks highly of him. Though he holds the title of Baron, he does not like being called one because he considers it hollow."

Constantine took out his kiseru and lit it up before continuing.

"He has a very professional personality when it comes to work, but he is a kind man, and the people of Poisson look up to him. He always puts others before himself and is deeply committed to his community. I think you both will get along well, Young Master."

Constantine said, he took a drag from his kiseru and blew away the smoke.

"And I think you might get along with his daughter as well, Young Master. Hmm, now that I think about it, you might be his long-lost brother! Haha."

Constantine chuckled, while Tempest raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you say that? Is her brother...?"

"No, she does not, she's an only child, Young Master. You'll see very soon why I think you might be siblings."

Constantine immediately replied as Tempest thought Navia had a dead brother...

"Curious... I'm going to close my eyes for a bit, wake me up when we arrive."

Constantine nodded in response and he started humming again...

"Don't you dare..."

Tempest shot his Teacher with a glare.

"I won't."

Constantine said with a wide smile on his face, Tempest sighed in response as he closed his eyes.

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*2 hours later...*

"Young Master, wake up."

Constantine gently shook Tempest.

"Mm, I'm awake... Have we arrived?"

Tempest said as he opened his eyes.

"Mhm, let's get moving."

Constantine said to him, and Tempest got up from his seat to follow Constantine as they disembarked from the speedboat.

"I'll lead you both to your room, follow me."

Melus said to them both, gesturing for them to follow him. Without hesitation, they complied, following silently and without questions.

"Beautiful..."

Tempest muttered to himself as he stopped in his tracks, gazing at the distant city of the Court of Fontaine. Its beauty was even more mesmerizing under the veil of night, the lights casting a soft glow against the darkened sky. He couldn't help but pause, taking in the serene and majestic sight.

"Young Master? Something wrong?"

Both Melus and Constantine stopped walking when they noticed Tempest had stopped following them.

"Nothing, let's get moving."

The three then descended on the pathway that led to Poisson. Tempest couldn't help but be fascinated by the village, built entirely inside a cavern. In the center stood a large ship, converted into a building, which captivated his attention. The village itself seemed like a hidden gem, its architecture blending seamlessly with the natural rock formations and waterfalls, creating a unique and picturesque setting.

"This is my first time here, but I've read about this place in books. It's described as a beautiful village, and seeing it up close with my own eyes makes me realize I've never truly seen Fontaine's beauty. As I've been caged in that mansion my entire life."

Tempest said only he and Constantine could hear.

"You can travel the whole world as you wish once we get rid of your Father, Young Master. See that building over there?"

Constantine pointed to the ship in the center of the village.

"What about it?"

"That's the Spina di Rosula's headquarters, and that's the place where will be staring at the night."

"Hm?"

"My apologies."

A random passerby bumped into Tempest's shoulder without even looking at him, quickly apologizing as they continued in the opposite direction.

"Rude"

Constantine said as he noticed the action of the random passerby.

"Forget it."

Tempest said to Constantine, after a while of walking Melus approached and swung open the door of the ship, revealing the interior bathed in warm lamplight. He gestured for them to follow, leading them through narrow corridors lined with artifacts and relics of maritime history until they reached their designated room.

"This is your room. I hope you both find it to your liking. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to approach me."

Melus said, bowing his head courteously before departing. Tempest and Constantine entered the room, which was pleasantly appointed with two beds and tasteful furnishings. Soft lamplight illuminated the cozy space, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden floors and embroidered tapestries adorning the walls. As they settled in, the gentle sound of distant waterfalls outside echoed faintly through the cavern, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of their accommodations.

"This is nice isn't it, Young Master?"

"Mhm."

Tempest removed his pitch-black cloak and boots putting them aside, before collapsing onto the bed.

"Wake me up when needed..."

Tempest said to Constantine as he slowly closed his eyes.

"Of course, I'll be outside enjoying a drink with Melus and some old friends of mine. I'll see you in the morning, Young Master."

"Mm."

Tempest muttered as heard the sound of the door opening as Constantine left the room.

"I feel like I'm being watched... Again..."

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On the same night, in the Hotel Bouffes d'ete, a room was dimly lit by moonlight reflected in the window, occupied by two individuals. Sitting at her desk was the Knave, Crucabena, with her most 'beloved' child, Peruere, standing beside her with arms crossed on his back.

"Hm? The Young Lord is in Poisson?"

Crucabena said as she opened the letter attached to the messenger hawk's talon.

"Good bird."

Crucabena gently patted the hawk beneath its beak before returning it to its cage... Like every child in the House of the Hearth.

"Peruere, my dear, go find Tempest Proudmoore in Poisson and tell him to come see me. If he refuses, tell him I will report him to his Father, I do not expect failure this time."

"Yes, Mother."

Peruere said, bowing her head, before making her way to the exit.

"And Peruere."

Peruere stopped in her tracks just before grasping the doorknob, not even turning her head to face her Mother.

"I look forward to your duel with my daughter, Clervie, next month. It's either her or you who will become king."

Crucabena said with a wicked smile.

"Right."