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92.59% Genshin: The Serenity System / Chapter 100: Until Then [1]

Capítulo 100: Until Then [1]

"...That should do it."

Looking at himself in the mirror, Isaac let out a sigh of relief. For the past half an hour or so, he had just been trying to prepare himself for the upcoming event.

And now, he couldn't help but admire the set of clothes that Chiori had picked for him— despite the headache he had given her.

He wore a well-tailored tuxedo in a deep, classic color of midnight blue— perfect for a formal evening. Beneath it was his usual crisp white dress shirt with a classic fold-down collar to contrast with the suit.

Of course, he wouldn't forget his signature waistcoat with the same color as his tux, just to add a bit more formal touch to it overall. Finishing it all were long pants, and a pair of polished black leather shoes.

As he observed himself, Isaac smiled wryly.

"Well, this is awkward..."

He had always worn formal clothes, or at least clothes that fit the occasion, as such, it didn't feel like he was attending a formal ball at all. If anything, he looked like he was just heading off somewhere, just as he had always done.

Shaking his head, he lingered for a bit and entertained his thoughts.

"Ah, Fontaine... The only nation where I could wear the same thing every day and people won't even assume that I'm just doing it for the heck of it..."

He then shook his head and brushed off those unnecessary thoughts. He now needed to attend the ball.

Taking out his pocket watch, he looked at the time and nodded. It was still early in the evening and he had time.

His gaze then went back to the mirror.

Looking at himself in silence, Isaac lingered a bit as if trying to observe a stranger behind that piece of glass. He looked at his eerie eyes and noticed that the irises were much darker than before.

Placing his fingers just beneath his eyes, he observed them in pure silence for a moment before a smile appeared.

"Stand proud, Isaac. You've made it this far... might as well enjoy it."

Those mellow comforting words, despite being uttered by none other than himself, boosted his ego. His self-esteem grew and he gained a new sense of confidence.

Turning around, his back faced the mirror. He lingered a bit longer before uttering a few words before departing.

"Just have fun tonight."

---

"Ah, Lyney!"

Freminet, who wore a formal suit, noticed a familiar figure amidst the crowds and immediately ran up to it. His small figure effortlessly weaved through the crowd, appearing near Lyney in no time.

The magician, Lyney, looked at his sibling and smiled. Similar to the young diver, the young magician, too, wore a formal set of clothes.

"Freminet! It's good that you made it! I was afraid that you'd decline our invitation here."

Beside him, Lynette, who wore an intricately elegant yet minimalistic dress, spoke.

"Indeed. It's not often that you go out in social gatherings like these without an excuse for a mission, Freminet."

Freminet, on the other hand, got flustered.

"W-well... I can't possibly miss my siblings' victory celebration, right? Moreover, I am on a mission... Father sent me to send her congratulatory regards to you."

Hearing this, Lynney's eyes widened. His voice tightened in disbelief.

"Wait, Father sent you here? And... And she sends her congratulations...? But, why? It's not like this film we made was anything significant for her to pay any interest to..."

Freminet tilted his head.

"From what I could tell, Father seemed to have watched it and noticed that you not only made connections with Lady Furina, but have also forwarded your Magic Pocket project."

Lyney hummed.

"Hmm, I see. Well, if you put it like that, then... Ah, geez, it's not often that you'd get a compliment from Father..."

Lynette looked at her brother.

"Lyney... You're not a kid anymore. Why are you acting like a student who just got a sticker for an achievement?"

"Because it's exactly like that, Lynette! I mean, this is Father that we're talking about, after all..."

It was true. It was not often that the children of the House of the Hearth get recognition from their Father, after all. Oftentimes, recognitions only happen after a highly dangerous mission.

As such, it was quite bizarre for them to get a compliment from their stern Father from such a... normal fashion.

Freminet's eyes then darted around and looked around the crowds of people, his gaze desperately trying to find someone.

Lyney noticed this and asked him.

"What is it, Freminet? Are you looking for someone?"

The soft-spoken young man nodded.

"Yes... Is Mister Isaac here?"

This was another reason for Freminet's presence here tonight. Upon learning that his mentor and siblings would be attending, he only needed his Father's approval for him to follow— which he quickly received.

The young diver was quite worried about Isaac. Yesterday, he closed his cafe and only told Freminet through a letter that he was sick. As such, the moment he gained the opportunity, he immediately went to check on him.

Lyney tilted his head.

"Mister Isaac, huh? Well, he should be arriving any time soon. I doubt he'd skip this event since Lady Furina herself kept reminding everyone in the crew to attend."

Lynette followed after him.

"That's right. Also, from what I've observed, this type of event fits Mister Isaac perfectly with his choice in clothing. One might say that it's his natural habitat..."

Just then, a new voice joined the siblings, subtly mingling with them fluidly and stealthily.

"I know, right? Seriously, that guy surely has no real fashion sense other than some sharp suits, right?"

Lyney smiled wryly.

"Well, I wouldn't call it like that, but— wait, huh?"

His then widened as he realized who was speaking. Sharply turning his head, he looked at the person that just spoke.

"Mister Isaac?"

All three of them looked at the man that just appeared, and, indeed, it was none other than Isaac. Just like always, he wore a sharp suit that complimented his looks verily. It's just that, this time, he looks more exceptional than ever.

Especially with that thick wooden cane that had a silver tip he was holding.

It was his favorite cane.

"Yo, everyone..."

Isaac greeted the siblings with his usual warm tone, but couldn't help but notice each of their attires. His eyes narrowed as he gave a nod of approval.

"Looks like all of you dressed to impress tonight— gotta say, the three of you look great. Not bad at all."

Lyney spoke candidly.

"Why, of course! It's not often that you'd get to attend a social gathering with your nation's Archon. As such, we had to make our best look our best."

Isaac proudly nodded.

"Indeed, indeed! This is the nation of Hydro, after all— it's only natural for us to want to look our best every time!"

For a moment, the magician and barista seemed to have formed an invisible connection with one another. As they say, great minds think alike— and the two of them just happen to share the exact same brain cell at this moment.

Isaac then looked at them.

"By the way... Has Furina arrived yet?"

Lynette was the one to reply succinctly.

"No, not yet."

Upon hearing this, a dejected expression appeared on his face for a split second before assuming a mellow one. He lingered before speaking.

"Yeah? Then I'll just have to wait for our dear guest of honor to arrive..."

"Well, you three have fun tonight. And, if possible, don't drink too much."

Isaac didn't know if the three of them drank alcohol, but he still gave them advice as any responsible adult should.

Actually, with the way they live, and with Arlecchino's presence, Isaac was certain that they were never the type of drink heavily.

Well, even if they did, they surely wouldn't drink so much to the point that they'd make a mess. As trained professionals, they knew how to handle themselves.

Lynette nodded lightly.

"Don't worry, Mister Isaac. Lyney is weak to alcohol and Freminet doesn't like its taste, and as for me, tea is all I need— so there's no need to worry."

He smiled.

"That's reassuring, thank you. Well, see you all later! I'm heading off to the food table."

With a wave of his hand, Isaac mingled with the flowing crowd and entered the venue for the ball, seamlessly weaving his way through, unperturbed.

The three of them watched as the barista disappeared with an amused expression present on their faces.

Lyney turned to his siblings.

"Well, shall we head in? I'm afraid that if we arrive too late, Mister Isaac would have already devoured all the food inside."

"I doubt he'd do that... But yes, let's go."

"I-I'll just follow along with you two."

With that said, the trio lingered for a bit before entering the venue along with other people.

---

'Ah... typical.'

Holding a wine glass that held a pristine maroon red liquid inside, Isaac sighed. He then took a sip while looking down from his seat.

Below, the organizer of the event, as well as all the representatives of all the relevant partnerships that made the film festival possible, were giving a speech to the masses.

All of them wore formal outfits— tuxes and dresses— for this fine evening. Some even wore accessories like masks for an air of mystery.

Isaac would have loved to also bring his own mask, but he's afraid that by doing so, he'd just be exposing himself.

As such, he had to only be satisfied with showing his face.

Cradling his wine, Isaac closed his eyes for a moment.

'So boring... This is why I didn't want to attend in the first place.'

Isaac knew that their formalities were all required for a social gathering such as this— and that's exactly why he doesn't like it. Everyone might seem like they're praising each other, but beneath their masks lays an encroaching envy that they hold behind a thin fragile layer of lies.

In fact, many people even approached Isaac— offering him their congratulations and trying to butter him up. He did his best to reciprocate, but all of it ultimately left a bitter taste on his tongue.

While Isaac's gaze was wandering around, he suddenly noticed someone not far away.

'Hm? Isn't that...'

Recognizing who it was, and seeing that the person was coming his way, Isaac raised his hand and called the person out.

"Hey! Chevreuse!"

Indeed, it was the captain of the special security. However, contrary to her usual self that wore a uniform, she was wearing a well-tailored black suit that had a white dress shirt underneath. Along with it were a pair of white gloves.

Chevreuse, upon hearing her name, looked at Isaac for a moment before speaking.

"Oh, Mister Isaac, it's you. Are you enjoying your evening?"

He shrugged.

"It's great. The shrimp tempura below didn't sit well with me though, so I'm taking a break here."

"How about you? From what I could see... You're still on the job?"

She nodded.

"That's right. Although I did promise that I'd send a few of my division's members here, I didn't expect that the Palais Mermonia would place me here for extra measures."

"As such... Here I am— in a suit and all."

'Must be Neuvillette's doing.' Isaac quickly surmised before replying to her.

"If that's the case, have you tried the food below yet? You might be on duty right now, but you're still an attendee— I'm sure you can get some for yourself."

She shook her head.

"No, not right now. Although those deep-fried onion rings, shrimp tempura, potato fries, and fried meat are all alluring, I must refrain myself and remain vigil. Trouble occurs when you least expect it, after all."

Isaac, realizing this, nodded.

"I see, I see. In that case, I better not take too much of your time. Still— make sure to at least enjoy yourself here tonight."

She smiled.

"I'll try to. Thank you, Mister Isaac."

With that said, Chevreuse walked past him and resumed her patrol, ready to take down anything suspicious and protect the people.

As for Isaac, he slumped down back to his seat before taking a sip of his wine. Bored, he started looking at the crimson liquid in his glass.

"Hah... It's just not the same without her... When will—"

As if his words were answered by fate itself, the one currently on stage announced loudly in front of everybody.

"Now—! give a round of applause to none other than Fontaine's biggest celebrity!"

"One of the Seven Archons of Teyvat,"

"The Regina of all Waters, Kindreds, People and Laws—"

"Furina de Fontaine!"

Hearing this, Isaac's gaze instantly shifted and focused on the stage below, his deep amber eyes carefully analyzing each movement trying to find a certain someone.

Then, he found her.

There, stepping on the stage, the spotlights focused on her enthralling form.

Her grayish-silver hair was highlighted by the lights, while her alluring floor-length silver gown showcased her beauty, instantly bewitching all those who saw her. Her gown was exquisite in design, fashioned to fit her divine figure and compliment all of her features.

If one were to look closer, one would even find intricately elegant embroidery present in her gown that exactly matched the embroidery in Isaac's tuxedo.

"..."

As Isaac gazed at her, he couldn't help but cover his face with his hand. He could feel his face starting to heat up.

She was like a dazzling gem that no one could ever reach, but only admired from a distance.

And seeing her like that...

"...beautiful."

As he uttered that word, Furina, who was down below and was just about to make her speech, noticed it and looked up.

Then, she smiled at him.

At that moment, Isaac felt like she had just sent him some kind of mental attack. He could feel his heart bearing faster and he couldn't get his eyes off her.

Was the alcohol getting to him? No, that can't be.

Trying to calm himself down, Isaac scowled. His reddened face betrayed his expression...

'Dangerous... She really is dangerous...'


Capítulo 101: Until Then [2]

Furina looked up and saw the dumbfounded expression of Isaac. Noticing him staggering in disbelief as he gazed at her, an amused smile crept up her face.

Seeing him falter in sight of her made her want to see more of that kind of reaction. It was such a stark contrast to his usual confidence and collected demeanor that she might get addicted to seeing it— she craved to see more.

Having thought of this, a devious thought blossomed in her head.

'Right... I should do that right now...'

Having thought of this, she then took a moment to place a strand of silver hair behind her ear before looking at him...

And winking in his direction.

At that moment, although they were separated by a floor, Furina clearly saw Isaac's face turn red before choking from his wine— she might be imagining things, but she was sure that a gust of steam rose above his head.

The wine he was drinking spilled out before he swiftly covered his mouth with his hand. He then placed down his wine glass on a table and stood up straight, his hand still covering his lower face.

His deep amber eyes then looked back at her.

He gently lowered his hand, and, after causing that little mischief, Furina saw his reaction.

"...!"

He was flustered.

"That" Isaac that always seemed to have control over his emotions... was blushing like a fool.

Seeing his flabbergasted face that was beet-red, Furina's eyes wavered. She has expected some kind of reaction from that little act of hers, but she didn't expect it to have that much impact. Seeing that usual Isaac get stunned by her...

'Cute!'

She tried her best to mask her expression, but a mischievous smile still managed to escape her defences. She then turned her gaze away, trying her best to not look at his piercing gaze.

As she looked back to the crowd welcoming her with a roaring applause, her smile quivered and her breathing became slightly turbulent as she thought of something.

'I might... get addicted to that...'

It was not everyday that she could see such a... raw... reaction from Isaac, as such, she wanted to see more. There was just something about dismantling that confident façade he has and exposing his true emotions that just makes her want to...

...eat him up like a predator to a prey.

Her eyes lit up then narrowed as she hid her thoughts, formulating some sort of devious idea in her mind.

'After this... maybe...'

She smiled before dispersing those thoughts. She just had to wait until the end of the ball to see it come into fruition, after all.

It was only a matter of time.

Hiding those thoughts at the back of her head, she looked at the crowd in front of her and prepared to give her speech. She still had to fulfil her role as an Archon, after all.

Standing on the center stage, the golden glow of the chandeliers casted a soft light on Furina. Her silver gown flowed elegantly as she raised her head, looking out at the sea of faces before her.

The room buzzed with the excitement of the evening, the guests dressed in their finest suits and gowns, their anticipation growing.

With a smile that radiated confidence, she stepped up and spoke. Her voice, rich and charismatic, filled the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to stand before you tonight— on this wonderful occasion, as we celebrate the incredible artistry and dedication shown during this year's Fontinalia Film Festival."

- Woo!

A ripple of applause filled the room, but she held up her hand graciously, waiting for silence. Afterwards, she continued.

"Each of you, in your own unique way, contributed to the magic of films we've had the pleasure of experiencing these past two weeks. Your passion, your creativity, your tireless work—tonight, we celebrate all of you."

The crowd erupted in applause once more, but this time it lingered, an acknowledgment of their collective achievements.

Furina let them soak in the praise, her smile widening as she looked over them, her heterochromatic eyes sparkling with pride.

She then gazed at a certain someone above, another mischievous smile forming on her face.

She then continued.

"And, of course, tonight is not just a celebration of the festival itself, but of the extraordinary talent that has emerged from it."

Her eyes then narrowed on a particular man above, her smile softening as she fixed her attention on him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I want to take a moment to congratulate the winner of this year's Best Actor award…"

"With his incredible acting that perfectly captured a burdened Hunter's remorse, he made it possible for their film to come out on top!"

"Everybody, a round of applause to Mr. Isaac Alder!"

The spotlight then shifted to Isaac, who was sitting above and cleaning his face with a handkerchief. Noticing that the crowd's attention shifted to him, he quickly fixed himself.

As the crowd's applause surged around him, his face flushed slightly, caught off-guard by the attention. He then gave a humble, slightly awkward smile, raising his hand in a subtle wave.

"Thank you for the praise, Lady Furina. But I believe that it was with everyone's efforts that made the film impeccable. I just... became the centerpiece, that's all."

"Moreover, I believe that the one who made this film great is none other than you, our beloved director."

He then turned to the crowd and raised his wine glass.

"Everyone, to Lady Furina! For being a great director and Archon!"

The crowd cheered as Isaac redirected the credit back to Furina, appearing to be humble. Well, it's not like he was faking it— he believed that the film truly became great because of Furina's meticulous writing and directing.

Seeing him turn the crowd back against her, Furina quickly retorted.

"He's a modest one, isn't he?"

Furina teased, earning a chuckle from the audience. She continued while looking at him proudly.

"Stand proud, Isaac. Do not sell yourself short."

"Your performance this year was nothing short of breathtaking. Your depth, your commitment, and your sheer talent have left us all in awe. We are fortunate to have witnessed such mastery."

She paused and lingered for a bit before forming a dazzling smile— one so pure and genuine that it outclassed everyone in the grand hall.

And that smile was directed to none other than him.

"Congratulations, Isaac."

Isaac, still appearing humble, nodded appreciatively. Matching her incomparable smile, he too showed one that reflected his gratitude. Then with a more composed demeanor, he spoke.

"Thank you... My lady."

For a moment, the crowd saw an inspirational scene worthy of a painting. In that split of a second, all of them witnessed the undeniable compatibility between the two.

The radiant, and charismatic Furina, along with the elusive yet debonair Isaac created a perfect scene of a human and a god sharing the same quality—

Glamour.

Both of them appeared romantically glamorous. And... everyone, in their minds, unanimously agreed to such a thought.

Oblivious to the thoughts of the crowd, Furina nodded before shifting her gaze back to them, her tone now wrapping her speech in a sense of finality.

"And so, as I bring my speech to a close, let us not forget that tonight is a celebration not just of winners, but of all the stories, the moments, and the artistry we've shared."

She lifted a glass of wine from a nearby table and raised it high. Remembering a certain phrase uttered by Isaac, she hesitated before smiling.

"To absolute cinema, to creativity, and to all of you. May we continue to inspire and be inspired!"

The room followed her lead, lifting their glasses in a unified toast. Their voices echoed in the grand hall.

"To absolute cinema!"

She smiled one last time before taking a sip of her wine. The evening's festivities are now truly in full swing.

---

After Furina's speech, the grand hall quickly became a stage where every participant socialized and danced. Of course, the majority of those dances are people making connections.

As for Isaac, he had long left the hall in search of somewhere far quieter, eventually finding himself in one of the balconies.

The dark night sky filled with stars contrasted sharply with the brisk ball currently happening behind him, giving him more reason to stay.

Gazing up at the night sky, he felt the crisp chilly air brush off his face— a sign that winter was finally here, and soon, snows would find themselves in the streets of Fontaine.

While Isaac was immersing himself in the quiet contemplation, a voice suddenly spoke to him.

"You don't really hate social gatherings that much, do you? There's a lively dance currently occurring in there... Yet here you are all on your own."

Hearing this, he lingered for a bit before smirking. He then turned towards the person who spoke.

"That is true... But what is a dance if it's not with someone who I want to dance with?"

He paused before continuing.

"Good evening, Furina."

Standing right in front of him was none other than the guest of honor tonight. The charismatic and adored celebrity of Fontaine, as well as the Goddess of Justice.

Usually, Furina held an air of class that always filtered her away from the common people. It wasn't divine air, but rather, the boundary between a celebrity and the normal person.

However, tonight, that air was gone. That flamboyant character she played... is no longer veiling her true self.

Looking at Isaac, she lingered for a bit before smiling softly.

"Good evening, Isaac."

He nodded.

"You don't seem to be in good spirits as well— you even found yourself here. Is it not because of the ball?"

She lingered before shaking her head. Afterwards, she walked past him and leaned on the balcony.

"Although the appropriate answer is saying no... to be frank, it is."

He raised an eyebrow at this peculiar answer.

"What does that mean?"

Her gaze then looked up, staring at the sea of stars laid out in front of her like a mesmerizing painting.

She then spoke while looking up.

"You should have also seen it... That grand hall is filled with nothing but blank masks of people hiding behind a façade."

"You and I know much about the masks people wear... We know it's natural and not something unusual. Still..."

Her voice then trailed off as she tried to find an appropriate analogy to back her words.

Isaac walked beside her before also leaning on the balcony. He then finished her words for her.

"It feels nothing like dancing with people... but more like with puppets, yes?"

She smiled.

"Indeed. As for us, we are only miserable fools who can see through their masquerade— be it a blessing or a curse, I don't know..."

"The masquerade of the guilty, eh?" Isaac mumbled under his breath as a slight smirk formed on his face.

He turned silent for a moment before turning to her, his deep amber eyes gazing at her, enamored by her beauty that transcended anyone else in his eyes.

Then, he slowly bent his body lightly while placing his hand on his chest and the other stretching out to her.

Furina noticed what he was doing and watched, already aware of what he would do.

He then spoke.

"If that's the case..."

"Lady Furina... would you honor me with a dance?"

Looking at his hands reaching out to her, Furina lingered for a moment before smiling softly.

She reached out her hand which was covered with white gloves and held his hand. Feeling the heat of his hand be shared with her, her face flushed.

"I do."

Hearing her accept, Isaac released a sigh of relief. Then, he stood up straight and held both of her hands while still looking at her with a soft expression.

"If I would be so bold... May we dance somewhere else?"

Furina tilted her head.

"Why? Do you not want to dance in the grand hall? And where do you want to go?"

Instead of answering her, Isaac merely smiled before leaning closer and... hugging her.

"...?"

Suddenly enveloped by him, Furina became addled for a moment. He had completely enveloped her, his towering figure leaving no room for her petite body to escape.

Yet in that entrapped state... she felt a strangely comforting warmth. She felt safe in that embrace as if his body was both an impenetrable shield and a source of warmth.

She... liked it.

Then, while in a stunned confusion, Furina suddenly heard Isaac speak.

"Hold on for a moment and... don't let go."

'What do you...'

She was just about to say something when she suddenly felt like the whole world became much darker. She even noticed that the lively noise of the ball gradually vanished.

She wanted to look around, but Isaac suddenly held her head and pressed her to him, preventing her from seeing further.

Stuck in that embraced position, she originally wanted to part away, but the feeling of him seemingly protecting her made her reluctantly stay. Also...

'...why does he smell nice...?'

For a barista, he doesn't smell like burnt beans at all. Rather, he smelled more like...

Vanilla?

...she liked that too.

After a few moments, Isaac finally let her go, separating her from that comfortable warmth that gave her a sense of safety.

A moment later, she heard something.

"You can open your eyes now."

Following his words, Furina sluggishly tried to open her eyes, still addled by Isaac's confusing and sudden actions.

"Seriously, Isaac... What was..."

However, when she opened her eyes, her words suddenly left her mouth. It took her a moment before uttering only two words.

"This is...?"

Isaac smiled.

"The perfect backdrop for the most spectacular dance..."

In front of Furina laid a vast grassy plain, with a single tree behind them serving as a shade.

And, as if Celestia themselves wanted them to see it, the night sky's astonishing darkness flickered with a stunning vast sea of stars, illuminating the world with a brilliant prospect.

Then, outstretching his hand once more, Isaac smiled at her.

"Shall we? Tonight... the stars themselves shall serve as witnesses..."

"To this dance."


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