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While Furina and Yoshika explored Fontaine, another meeting unfolded in the grand halls of the Palais Mermonia. Neuvillette, Chief Justice of Fontaine, stood at the head of a long table, his composed expression betraying little of his thoughts. Across from him sat Arlecchino, her sharp gaze unwavering as she leaned back in her chair, the faint flicker of tension between them unspoken but palpable.

"I trust your journey was uneventful," Neuvillette began, his calm voice cutting through the silence.

"It was," Arlecchino replied, her tone measured. "But let's not waste time on pleasantries. You requested this meeting. Speak."

Neuvillette folded his hands, his long white hair gleaming under the chandelier's light. "There have been troubling reports. Disappearances in the borderlands between Fontaine and Snezhnaya. Merchants, travelers-vanishing without a trace."

Arlecchino raised an eyebrow. "And you suspect Snezhnaya's involvement?"

"I suspect foul play, and given the proximity, Snezhnaya cannot be ruled out," Neuvillette said firmly. "If the Tsaritsa values peace, we must address this swiftly."

Arlecchino's lips curved into a faint smirk. "The Tsaritsa values balance, Chief Justice. She has no reason to disrupt it."

"Then perhaps you'll assist in uncovering the truth," Neuvillette said, his gaze sharp. "A cooperative effort could prevent unnecessary conflict."

Arlecchino leaned forward, her black eyes with red X pupils narrowing. "I don't take orders, Neuvillette. But I'll investigate. For Snezhnaya's sake, not yours."

Their exchange was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Yoshika entered the chamber, her presence as commanding as the frost she hailed from.

"Yoshika," Arlecchino said, her tone softening slightly. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see this so-called Chief Justice for myself," Yoshika replied coolly, her dark pink eyes locking with Neuvillette's. "You carry yourself like a man with secrets."

Neuvillette remained unfazed. "And you speak like one accustomed to intrigue. You must be Yoshika, the Tsaritsa's ward."

Yoshika inclined her head, her posture regal. "I've heard much about you. Tell me, how does Fontaine plan to protect its people if it can't even protect its borders?"

Neuvillette's gaze hardened, though his voice remained steady. "We protect our people by seeking the truth, not by pointing fingers without evidence."

Arlecchino stood, her scythe gleaming as it rested against the table. "Enough. We'll investigate the borderlands together. If there's a threat, we'll find it."

Yoshika nodded, her expression unreadable. "Agreed. But understand this, Neuvillette-Snezhnaya will not tolerate false accusations."

Neuvillette rose, his towering form casting a long shadow. "Nor will Fontaine tolerate injustice. Let us proceed carefully, for the sake of both our nations."

As they left the hall, Yoshika glanced at Arlecchino. "What do you make of him?"

"A man of principle, but principles can be broken," Arlecchino replied. "Stay vigilant."

Yoshika's gaze lingered on the grand halls of Fontaine. The undercurrents of danger had become clearer, and the dance of diplomacy was only beginning.

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𝖠/𝖭 𝖭𝖮𝖳𝖤: 𝖸𝖺𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗂 𝗐𝗋𝗈𝗍𝖾 𝗅𝗈𝗅 𝗂'𝗅𝗅 𝗎𝗉𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗈𝗆𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗈𝗐!!