What Do You Mean There Are Three Harbingers in One Country?
The atmosphere in the meeting room finally returned to normal.
Two portable communicators were placed on the table. Xingsu explained the energy principle and signal frequency modulation architecture of the Wisdom Network Communication System in an orderly manner, while demonstrating a call on site.
Sandrone listened intently, occasionally posing technical questions about power consumption optimization, signal stability, and mass production feasibility. Xingsu answered each question, and the two had a pleasant conversation about the technical aspects. Sandrone increasingly realized the immeasurable value of this communication technology.
After the discussion concluded, Sandrone looked up and extended an invitation with a serious expression.
"Mr. Xingsu, it's a real pity that your talent is being wasted here. If you're willing to go to Snezhnaya, I believe the Tsaritsa can provide you with top-notch research workshops, a constant supply of rare materials, and all experimental resources at your disposal. You can devote yourself entirely to the iterative improvement of this portable communicator."
The air fell silent for a brief moment.
Arlecchino stood aside, not interfering, but quietly looking at Xingsu, waiting for his reply.
Columbina stood quietly to the side, watching Xingsu with curiosity.
Xingsu gently shook her head, her tone calm yet her attitude firm:
"Thank you very much for your consideration and invitation, Miss Sandrone, but I'm afraid I cannot travel to Snezhnaya to conduct long-term research."
Sandrone frowned slightly. "Could you explain the reason? As long as you state your needs, we will try our best to meet Snezhnaya."
"I'm currently an instructor in Fontaine, and I need to take care of the children." Xingsu glanced slightly at Arlecchino, his tone softening. "Besides, the person I care about is also here. Traveling back and forth is manageable, but settling down permanently in Snezhnaya is not realistic. At least we'll have to wait until the Fatui ' plans in Fontaine are finished before I return to Snezhnaya with her."
Sandrone followed his gaze and instantly understood the deeper meaning, letting out a silent sigh.
"I understand." Sandrone suppressed his slight disappointment and softened his tone. "Leaving aside long-term settlement for now, could we perhaps cooperate? Snezhnaya will provide the experimental resources, and you will continue to refine this communication technology. The research results will be shared by both of us."
Xingsu pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded:
"That's a good proposal, but I need to state beforehand that this research is a personal one and is not affiliated with Snezhnaya. My relationship with Snezhnaya is merely a collaboration."
A faint smile appeared on Arlecchino's lips.
After a moment's consideration, Sandrone slowly nodded. "That makes sense. We can gradually draft the details of the cooperation later."
In fact, Xingsu's reluctance to travel to Snezhnaya stemmed from two considerations.
Firstly, there was the most straightforward longing in his heart. The Fontainebleau Mansion housed the children of the House of Hearths, and more importantly, Arecino; it was a home he never wanted to leave.
He did not reveal the second reason publicly.
Snezhnaya's attitude toward him remained ambiguous. Even though the Tsaritsa appreciated the value of the portable communicator, as an outsider with such technology, he ultimately could not fully gain her trust.
Xingsu secretly weighed all the possibilities.
The best-case scenario would be being placed in the Snezhnaya's Research Institute, where one would have ample resources to delve into the Wisdom Network Communication System. The price, however, would be that because one possesses the technology, one would be trapped within Snezhnaya's territory for life, losing one's freedom and being subject to the Fatui for the rest of one's life.
If you're unlucky enough to be targeted by "The Doctor"... his madness knows no bounds, and anything is possible.
In any case, he dared not gamble his personal safety on the Tsaritsa's goodwill.
The lengthy and detailed negotiations slowly came to an end.
After checking the written terms one last time to ensure there were no omissions or hidden problems, the two picked up the final cooperation proposal on the table and nodded to each other.
"The three Harbinger are meeting simultaneously within Fontaine's territory?" Neuvillette put down the intelligence report in her hand and nodded to Melusine had delivered the message. "I am aware of this. Thank you for the timely intelligence."
"It's alright, Lady Neuvillette, you should take a rest!" Melusine had come to deliver the intelligence, waved to Neuvillette and skipped away from the office.
He lightly rested his chin on one hand, mentally reviewing all the recent unusual developments and silently pondering this sudden gathering of multiple Harbinger.
In the past, it was extremely rare for the Fatui' Harbinger to conduct cross-border operations in large numbers. However, this time, with Arlecchino stationed in Fontaine first, followed by the arrival of two high-ranking Harbinger, Sandrone and Columbina, the simultaneous gathering of three Harbinger in Fontaine was no ordinary visit.
This isn't some lawless region like Nod-Krai, but a sovereign state like Fontaine.
The fact that Fatui' Harbinger gathered in one country at the same time is itself an extremely unusual signal, and such a phenomenon has rarely occurred in the past.
They didn't publicly announce their intentions, and no one knew what this group was planning. Were they trying to disrupt Fontaine's judicial order? Coveting the country's resources? Or secretly plotting some other conspiracy? Countless guesses surfaced in his mind, but there were no clues to confirm them.
Neuvillette's gaze darkened slightly, his usual composure fading. He couldn't lower his guard based solely on superficial peaceful negotiations; as the highest judge of Fontaine, safeguarding the nation's stability and anticipating potential crises was his innate duty.
After much deliberation, Neuvillette decided to prepare for both possibilities.
First, we need to ascertain the true intelligence.
Instructing Detective Melusine of the Maison Gardiennage to use routine patrols as a cover to discreetly investigate the true intentions and hidden purposes of the three Harbinger ' visit.
Secondly, it is essential to plan ahead.
Immediately issue secret orders to the Maison Gardiennage and the Marechaussee Phantom to secretly strengthen security patrols throughout Fontaine, with a focus on monitoring any unusual personnel movements around the Hotel Bouffes d'ete, the Fontaine Research Institute, and the core area of Palais Mermonia.
Neuvillette gazed out the window at the bustling Court of Fontaine.
On the surface, Fontaine continued to operate as usual, but many invisible precautions had already been quietly laid out... Before they were fully in place, Palais Mermonia, the scouts from Melusine sent back intelligence on time, and the news made Neuvillette was deep in thought, pause slightly.
Sandrone and Columbina have already set sail from Fontaine to return to Snezhnaya.
Neuvillette: "..."
He had been on high alert. With the three Fatui' Harbinger Fontaine, he had considered countless possibilities: a long-term plan, a covert scheme, or stirring up trouble in Fontaine.
But things took an unexpected turn.
In just a few days, Sandrone and Columbina left in haste, leaving Arlecchino to remain at the Hotel Bouffes d'ete.
If this were truly a plot to influence Fontaine, such a brief stay would be far too hasty. But if it were merely a routine visit, why send two Harbinger across the ocean together?
Many doubts lingered in my mind.
What exactly did they achieve on this trip? Did they accomplish their pre-planned objectives by turning back after such a brief meeting?
"Continue gathering information," Neuvillette continued, "Find out the contents of all the meetings Sandrone and Columbina held during their stay in Fontaine."