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...'