Rising Waters 2
The situation was definitely bizarre. It isn't really that unusual for coworkers to invite others to dinner, especially if its among opposite sexes.
But things are different if the said man and woman both have close ties to an Archon. A God.
People would expect them to be... a little more professional. And not enacting this in public.
...
Mori stared at her as he contemplated for a bit. Though it didn't really take too long, because only one answer will not lead to demerits.
'The Champion Duelist Clorinde Has A Secret Lover!' which might blow his 'amazing' cover.
'The Champion Duelist Clorinde Confronts A Criminal!' which will definitely blow his 'amazing' cover.
And of course, Clorinde's possible thoughts if he were to reject the offer... which might blow his 'Amazing!' cover.
"Is now a bad time? If it is then I can come back on a later date." Clorinde said to the contemplating man. Bringing him back from his thoughts.
"Not at all. Come inside." Mori reassured her, and hurriedly unlocked the door.
The Duelist responded with silence, simply following him inside.
...
"Cooking is not my forte so I plan on having room service. Anything you want?" Mori offered to the quiet woman, then took his seat.
They were currently sitting while facing each other, only your usual table separating them.
"... Lady Furina told me you were an excellent cook. I expected as much from her... 'Attendant'." Clorinde replied.
"Damn that Furina. Does she not understand the concept of secrecy?" The man complained.
"Or maybe she just trusts you enough to tell such unimportant informations?" Mori continued to talk to himself.
"... I believe it's not that complicated." She stated.
"Perhaps... Anyway, here is a list of what's available. Choose for yourself." He handed something to the silent Clorinde.
"I'm too lazy to cook... plus we have more important things to worry about." The Attendant smirked, slightly.
***
"Spill the beans. I'm not having you stay the night here." An irritated Mori demanded.
He tried many times to initiate a proper conversation during their quiet dinner, but she seemed occupied in her own thoughts to actually respond.
"...I'm having a problem." Clorinde stated.
"I can tell."
"I've been having a bad feeling lately. Making me quite paranoid." She added.
"You certainly don't look like it."
"...Can you stop?" The Duelist berated with a frown.
"...You've been somewhat stiff for a while now." Mori pointed out.
"I don't understand." Clorinde simply stared at him with her frown.
"Normally, the longer you know someone, the more open you will be. Yet you showed more expressions when we first met than these last few months." He clarified, maintaining his smirk.
"... This is merely how I am as an individual." She responded blankly.
"Will you listen or not?" Clorinde said in a dark tone.
"Sure." Mori gave up on trying to read her.
"Like I said. I feel like something... bad is gonna happen." She stated while taking a sip of her leftover tea.
"Your basis?"
"Intuition." Clorinde answered seriously.
"What a cheat." He sneered, also enjoying his tea as they talked.
"So? What do you want me to do for this intuition of yours?"
"Investigate something for me. It should be an easy job for you." She replied.
"I'll owe you a favor for this." She then added.
"Hmm... Fine. You'll probably pester me about it if I refused anyway." Mori complied with a wry smile.
"I won't do that." Clorinde firmly denied the accusation.
"Then I won't do it."
"... I really want you to accept it." She said, after some thought.
"See?" The Attendant mocked.
"Hmph!" The Duelist crossed her arms.
...
"Are we done for today then?" Mori asked after checking the details of the favor with her. Their tea was already nonexistent halfway through the discussion.
"...Not yet."
"What is it now?" The Attendant sighed.
"... Let's meet more often. Its much better talking to someone about this." Clorinde stated blankly.
"Is this another favor?"
"Just a personal request." She clarified.
"Why me of all people..." Mori lamented, thinking about how to fit all of this into his schedule.
"..." The Duelist remained silent.
"Don't mind. I'm merely talking to myself." He explained.
"...It will also allow me to check on your progress if we meet more frequently." Clorinde reasoned, after some thinking.
"Fair. But don't expect me to be available at every moment." Mori squinted his eyes.
"...Can't you just let your subordinate handle it?" She questioned in response.
"If you're talking about Furina's eyes, then there's currently no one available in Fontaine." He bluntly answered.
"I'm talking about 'your' subordinate. I remember seeing someone with you once before... unless I'm mistaken about your relationship." The Duelist elucidated, with her unchanging expression.
"You mean 'Banshee'? She's not really suited for this kind of missions." The Attendant responded after understanding who she meant.
"Banshee... A code name?" Clorinde inquired.
"Yes. Mostly because she talks like one. I seldom feel bad for her targets." Mori chuckled slightly.
"...I heard that you often had a female visitor. Is it this 'Banshee' person?"
"Yes, that's right. I repeatedly told her sneak in but she never listens." He sighed.
"You should be careful, else your cover will eventually be blown. Not that there's much in the first place." She mocked, although her expression still didn't change.
"Are we finally done? It's already this late and I need my sleep." Mori compained.
"...Yes. I'll be taking my leave." The Duelist stood up for the first time after an hour or so.
"About goddamn time." The Attendant also stood up to escort her out.
...
"Goodbye." Mori said after a yawn. They're currently in the doorway.
"...Once a week." Clorinde said faintly.
"What?"
"We'll meet once a week. Farewell." She left without giving him time to respond.
...
"I've known her for more than a year yet I still can't comprehend her. How troublesome." He stopped himself from thinking about it and simply went back inside for the night.
'I am already meeting Furina twice a week and now I have to deal with this... How I envy you, Neuvillette."