-

The sun had barely begun to rise over Fontaine when the quiet city started to stir once more. While the streets remained peaceful, those who had fought in the battle knew this calm was only temporary. The war with Celestia was far from over, and the next attack could come at any moment.

Inside the Palais Mermonia, a meeting had gathered in one of the grand chambers. The tension in the room was thick, but those present knew they couldn't afford hesitation.

Neuvillette stood at the head of the table, his long white hair draped over his shoulders, his sharp gaze scanning over the individuals assembled before him. Furina sat to his right, arms crossed, a feigned look of boredom masking her restlessness. Across from her, Yoshika leaned back in her chair, silent but attentive.

Arlecchino stood near the window, arms folded, her expression unreadable as always. Clorinde sat across from her, her gloved fingers tapping lightly on the hilt of her sword, her usual composure betraying the slightest hint of tension.

Lyney and Lynette were seated near the end of the table. While Lynette remained quiet as always, Lyney had a more serious look than usual, knowing this wasn't a conversation for theatrics.

Neuvillette spoke first. "We have little time to waste. Celestia's forces will not remain idle, and their return will be even more devastating than before. We need to prepare."

Furina sighed dramatically. "Yes, yes, we all know the stakes. But let's not act as if Fontaine will simply fall without a fight."

Arlecchino gave her a sharp glance. "Confidence alone won't be enough."

Furina opened her mouth for a snarky retort but stopped when Yoshika placed a hand on her arm. It was a subtle gesture, but it grounded her. She let out a short breath before waving her hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. Then tell us, oh serious ones, what's the plan?"

Clorinde adjusted her gloves. "We need to gather intelligence first. Celestia's forces are powerful, but there must be weaknesses we can exploit."

Lyney leaned forward. "And who exactly do we turn to for that kind of information?"

Silence fell over the table for a moment. Then, Yoshika spoke for the first time. "I may know someone."

All eyes turned to her. She met their gazes calmly before continuing. "Someone in Snezhnaya who deals with... information. If anyone knows Celestia's next move, it's them."

Arlecchino's expression darkened slightly. "You know what you're asking, don't you?"

Yoshika nodded. "I do."

Furina narrowed her eyes, a mix of curiosity and concern flickering across her face. "And who, pray tell, is this mysterious informant?"

Yoshika didn't answer right away. Instead, she stood, her voice steady. "If we want to win, we need every advantage we can get. And this might be the only way to stay ahead of Celestia."

Neuvillette studied her for a long moment before finally nodding. "Then it's settled. Yoshika, you will make contact with your source. In the meantime, the rest of us will begin fortifying Fontaine's defenses."

The decision was made. The meeting ended shortly after, each person departing to fulfill their role. But as Yoshika moved to leave, Furina grabbed her wrist gently.

"Are you sure about this?" Furina asked, her voice quieter than before.

Yoshika looked at her, and for once, there was something almost vulnerable in her eyes. "I have to be."

Furina frowned but didn't push further. Instead, she tightened her grip for just a second before letting go.

"Just come back," she muttered.

Yoshika gave her a small nod before turning away.

As she left the chamber, Furina watched her go, the uneasy feeling in her chest refusing to fade.

-
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖱𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗈𝗆 𝖺𝗁𝗁 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋🙏