บท 73: Chapter 71: Realm of Dreams

(Chapter 71 Realm of Dreams)

After four long days of trekking across the desert, Tempest's caravan was finally nearing Caravan Ribat. The journey had been arduous, but there was some relief, much to Tempest's dismay, the Warden-Class had completely deactivated, making its transportation far easier than he had anticipated. Along the way, the caravan spent a night in Aaru Village.

Along the way, they had spent a night in Aaru Village, where Tempest had met with the village head. As expected, most of the villagers once again mistook him for the incarnation of Al-Ahmar, a misconception that followed him everywhere in the desert. However, one encounter stood out to him, the young guardian of the village, Candace. Unlike the others, she had never believed the stories of his supposed divine connection. Candace, a proud descendant of King Deshret himself, was not swayed by myths or superstition. Her heterochromatic eyes, a vivid contrast of golden yellow and dark blue, reminded Tempest of someone else, someone whose gaze he wished to see again.

"Your Grace, look!"

Falric called out, riding beside Tempest. He pointed to the sky, where four imposing airships were visible. Their whale-like structures were carrying gondolas. Prominently displayed on each airship's side was the flag of House Vance, featuring a striking blue salmon.

"Is Uncle here? Brother?"

Penance asked who was riding the same horse as Tempest.

"No, he told me he's staying in Fontaine. However, his influence extends far beyond Fontaine. As one of the most significant trading companies in Teyvat, it's not surprising to see their presence here. They're most likely here to greet our arrival and ensure everything proceeds smoothly."

Tempest replied, his gaze fixed on the airships.

"Hey! I could build those if you want, chief!"

Hatsume called out enthusiastically from the hatch of her Siege Engine. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she glanced at the airships overhead.

"Just say the word, and I'll have a fleet of those flying beauties ready in no time!"

Hatsume added.

"Hm, perhaps. Let's get moving."

Tempest said, giving a signal for the caravan to continue its journey. As the caravan started to move forward toward Caravan Ribat, Tempest glanced back at the airships, considering the possibilities.

'I would prefer something quick and capable of providing support on the ground with a single shot of a signal flare,'

Tempest thought to himself.

Shortly, the caravan arrived at Caravan Ribat. The air was rich with the aroma of spices, mingling with the vibrant sounds of daily life. The locals bustled about their activities, glancing curiously as Tempest's caravan approached. Eremites were a familiar sight in the area, but Fontainians were rare. Some of Tempest's knights proudly bore the flag of Fontaine, drawing even more attention from the crowd.

"Halt!"

A guard stationed at the entrance raised his hand, signaling Tempest and his caravan to stop. He stood firmly, his gaze steady as he assessed the approaching convoy. The guard's authoritative tone and posture made it clear that no one would be allowed entry without proper authorization or inspection.

"What brings you to Caravan Ribat, and what is that enormous object being pulled by your machines?"

The guard inquired, his eyes narrowing with suspicion as he approached the caravan. He moved closer to the covered Warden-Class, which was obscured by a rubber sheet. The massive construct, bound and immobilized by intricate Electro-infused nets, loomed ominously under the cover, piquing the guard's curiosity and concern.

"I'll take it from here."

A voice interjected, as a man stepped forward and gently but firmly halted the guard's hand before it could reveal the Warden-Class.

"Sir Urgath?"

The guard asked, his voice tinged with surprise and respect as he quickly bowed his head in acknowledgment.

"I'll handle this, just forget you saw anything here, yeah?"

Urgath said, slipping a pouch of Mora into the guard's hand. The guard, momentarily stunned by the unexpected bribe, nodded in agreement.

"All clear!"

He announced, stepping aside to allow Tempest's caravan to pass.

"Did he just bribe the guard?"

Penance asked, eyes wide with surprise.

"I think he did..."

Tempest replied, dismounting his horse. Penance followed suit, and the two approached the man. He was dressed in a traditional Sumeru outfit, but what stood out most was the distinctive sunglasses he wore, giving him a unique and somewhat enigmatic appearance.

"Your Grace, Lady Penance, it's wonderful to see you both. I'm relieved to know that you've arrived safely and soundly. Welcome to Caravan Ribat."

Urgath said with a deep bow of respect.

"Do we know you?"

Tempest asked.

"Ah, forgive me for the late introductions, Your Grace. I am Urgath, the manager of House Vance's trading branch here in Sumeru. Sir Gardon assigned me to welcome you and assist with any challenges you might encounter at this checkpoint. I trust that you were successful in acquiring what you sought in the desert. Yes?"

Urgath said, as he removed his sunglasses and clipped them onto his collar.

"Yes, the one covered here, is the one the Fontaine Research Institute, wanted."

"Tempest said, gesturing toward the Warden wrapped in rubber sheets.

"Excellent. In that case, let's not delay any further. Please, follow me, Your Grace, Lady Penance."

Urgath replied. With a nod of agreement from Tempest, he signaled to his caravan to proceed forward.

Urgath guided Tempest and Penance through the bustling streets of Caravan Ribat. The area was alive with traders calling out their wares and Eremites moving about their business. As they walked, Penance eagerly snapped photos with her kamera, capturing the vibrant scene around them.

"Something smells good..."

Penance remarked, her nose twitching as she followed the enticing aroma wafting through the air.

"Are you both hungry?"

Urgath said.

"No."

"Yes!"

Tempest and Penance exchanged a glance as the two voices argued. Tempest sighed, realizing what was happening.

"She's hungry."

He said, shaking his head with a hint of a smile.

"I know a great place, that sells great food around here!"

Urgath said, leading Tempest and Penance to a bustling stall. Tempest's gaze was drawn to a peculiar machine where a massive chunk of meat slowly rotated near a heat source, its sizzling aroma wafting through the air.

"Hey, boss! Three kebabs, make sure to keep them less spicy for the lady."

Urgath called out. The stall owner gave a nod of acknowledgment. Moments later, the food was ready. The kebabs were served wrapped in warm bread, generously filled with fresh vegetables, and exuding a delightful blend of sweet and savory spices.

"Chief! Buy me one, Also!"

Hatsume called out as she hurried over to Tempest's group. Tempest, not feeling particularly hungry at the moment and more interested in resting, handed the kebabs over to Hatsume. His priority was to find a place to lay his head and unwind rather than satisfy his appetite.

"Mmm! This is delicious! Brother, you have to try a bite!"

Penance said, holding the kebab closer to Tempest's mouth.

"Hm, not bad."

Tempest took a bit and found the taste wonderful.

"AHHH! WATER! WATER! WATER!"

Hatsume shouted, her face flushed and eyes wide as she struggled with the intense heat of the kebab. She waved her hands frantically, desperately searching for something to cool down her mouth.

Tempest sat on a stool near a table in his room at the Gilded Journey hotel, where he had rented out the entire place to ensure his men could rest comfortably. Tomorrow, the caravan would split into two groups: one would head straight to Port Ormos to transport the Warden to the Dreadnought upon its arrival, while Tempest's group would travel to Sumeru City. Urgath had kindly agreed to provide transport via his airships to expedite their journey.

At the moment, Tempest was studying a wanted poster that Rohan had handed him. The poster featured his Teacher, Constantine. It was no wonder Constantine had been reluctant to join Tempest on this expedition.

"Wanted for the massacre of an Eremite tribe…"

Tempest muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the wanted poster. The reward for Constantine's capture was a staggering 300,000 Mora.

"Not surprising."

Tempest continued his tone a blend of resignation and understanding. He set the wanted poster aside and walked towards the bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle in. As he lay down, his eyes grew heavy, and he soon drifted into sleep. In his fatigue, he forgot to turn off his Akasha Terminal...

"Hm, Hmm, Hmm,"

Tempest stirred to the sound of a familiar humming. As he opened his eyes, he realized he was no longer on his bed but lying on soft grass. Above him, enormous manta rays glided gracefully through the sky, and flowers floated gently around him. The surroundings were surreal, with a dreamlike quality that made it hard to distinguish reality from illusion. The beauty and tranquility of the scene left Tempest feeling as though he had been transported to another world.

"Ah, did I wake you up, Tempest? I hope my sudden appearance didn't startle you too much."

Nahida appeared beside Tempest, a playful smile on her face as she sat cross-legged on the grass. She was carefully crafting a delicate flower crown, which she was preparing to place on his head. The gentle hum of her voice and the soft rustling of flowers created a serene atmosphere.

"Young Pasha? Where am I?"

Tempest asked, sitting up to better survey his surroundings.

"Do not fret, Tempest. Your body is still resting, and what you're experiencing right now is merely a dream. I have connected with your mind, allowing us to have this conversation even while you sleep."

Nahida's voice was soft and reassuring, offering Tempest a sense of calm. She rose gracefully and walked over to him. As she approached, she placed a delicate flower crown atop his head.

Tempest examined her more closely, his surprise deepening as he took in the full extent of her appearance. The childlike voice that had been resonating in his mind now stood before him. What struck Tempest most was her small stature, she appeared almost childlike, a stark contrast to the mature and powerful presence he had anticipated.

"Here we are, finally, meeting face to face, Tempest Proudmoore. It is a true pleasure to see you in person."

Nahida's voice is gentle and filled with a hint of warmth. She looks upon Tempest with a soft smile.

"Indeed we have, Young Pasha."

Tempest said with a smile.

"I am aware that you yearn for your homeland, Tempest. In this dream, you are free to wish for anything your heart desires. Therefore, I too would find it a genuine pleasure to witness the wonders of Fontaine."

Nahida's voice is gentle and understanding, recognizing the homesickness that Tempest harbored.

"Really? Then... I want to see the Court of Fontaine."

Tempest said with a touch of curiosity, and in an instant, the scene around him shifted dramatically. He found himself standing amidst the bustling streets of the Court of Fontaine. The grand architecture, elegant façades, and the vibrant hum of the city enveloped him, contrasting sharply with the serene, dreamlike landscape he had been in moments before.

"Ah, so this is your homeland. Its beauty is unparalleled. Imagine, the way the sunlight dances upon the waters, the elegance of the towering structures, and the artistic flair of the streets. This place, indeed, is a spectacle to behold."

Nahida's eyes widen with wonder and admiration as she takes in the sight before her. Her voice is filled with awe. She then turned to Tempest.

"Up."

Nahida said to Tempest, extending both of her small arms toward him with an inviting gesture. Her expression was a blend of playful determination and gentle encouragement, signaling for Tempest to lift her.

"..."

Tempest let out a soft sigh, shaking his head slightly with a hint of amusement. Without much hesitation, he gently lifted Nahida as one might carry a small child, balancing her easily in the crook of his arm. She was light, and her small frame felt almost weightless, allowing him to carry her with a single arm as they moved through the dreamlike streets of Fontaine.

Tempest and Nahida wandered through the enchanting streets of Fontaine, passing through the grand Vasari Passage, and gliding along the waterways in an aquabus. They even indulged in dreamlike foods from the bustling market stalls, though, to Tempest's dismay, none of it had any taste, mere illusions in this ethereal realm. Despite the surreal beauty around them, Tempest's thoughts were elsewhere, his curiosity gnawing at him. He needed to see her. Now, he stood before the doors of Palais Mermonia.

"Tempest..."

"I'm sorry, but I have to..."

Tempest replied.

"There's no one here, other than us in this dream Tempest..."

Nahida' said, but her words didn't sway him. Determined, Tempest pushed open the grand doors and stepped inside the vast, empty Palais Mermonia. The usual buzz of activity was absent, replaced by a deep, unsettling silence. He made his way to the elevator without hesitation. As it ascended, Tempest stood quietly, his thoughts fixated on Furina. The stillness around him was only broken by the soft hum of the elevator, pulling him closer to his destination, her office.

Tempest took a deep breath, steadying himself as the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. He stepped forward. But to his disappointment, the grand room was completely empty—no sign of life, no familiar presence, and she was not here.

"Tempest, As I had mentioned earlier. Within this dream, we are the only ones present. I'm sorry to inform you, but the person you might have been expecting is not here. I hope you can understand."

Nahida's voice is filled with a mix of understanding and apology. Her eyes show a hint of remorse.

Tempest sighed in quiet disappointment, his shoulders heavy with the weight of unspoken thoughts. Just as he was about to turn back and leave the room, something caught his eye, a door slightly opened at the far end of the office. It led to Furina's room. Curiosity gnawed at him, compelling him to take a few cautious steps forward.

With a gentle push, the door creaked open, revealing a cluttered space, unlike the regal order of the main office. Books were strewn across the floor, some open, others stacked haphazardly. The soft glow of a single candle flickered on the desk. And there, slumped over the table, her head resting on her folded arms, was Furina. Her usually vibrant presence was now subdued, her expression peaceful but marked with exhaustion. She looked utterly drained, as though the weight of her responsibilities had finally caught up with her.

Tempest's eyes widened in surprise, the sight of his Archon in such a vulnerable state catching him off guard. She seemed so tired. So... Human.

"Mmm... Mm? Tempest?"