Lu Li was surprised by Clorinde's invitation but quickly agreed. Usually, when she invited him, it was to join her and Navia's tea party for a game of "tabletop role-playing." But this time, as they left the Court of Fontaine, he realized they weren't heading to their usual spot.

————

"I never thought it would be for a real, urgent matter this time," he said as they rode the aquabus towards Marcotte Station. "So, are you going to tell me what we're doing?"

"It's a personal matter, but quite important. I managed to get a day off from guarding Lady Furina to take care of this," she said. "Lu Li, you remember what I told you about the mission of a Champion Duelist, right?"

"To pursue and hunt down all the dark shadows.' I remember. I also remember you said the profession has a rather dark past."

"Mm, it seems you do remember," she nodded. "But today's operation has nothing to do with the past. It's a matter of duty. And to resolve it quickly so I can get back to guarding Lady Furina, I need your help. So, Lu Li, will you help me? This matter is somewhat dangerous..."

"The answer is without a doubt, yes," he smiled. "Your training manual helped me immensely. And since it's a request from a friend, I have no reason to refuse."

"We're heading to Petrichor from Marcotte Station. It's a small island far from the mainland, with a very long history."

"Petrichor... that name sounds familiar. I think you've mentioned it..."

"Yes, I have," she said, her eyes flickering. "Petrichor is the fief of the de Petrichor family. The last head of the family, Renaud de Petrichor, was the mayor of the Beryl Region during the 'Siege of the White Spring' incident. He was executed as an innocent man by a Champion Duelist under the orders of the nobility."

"The only time in the history of the Champion Duelists that we shed human blood instead of fighting monsters. It has left a deep shadow on our profession. To carry on with pride, we must bear this pain and shame," she said softly. "My mission this time is related to Petrichor. Lu Li, do you know the history of Fontaine during the Archon War?"

"The Hydro Archon Egeria and her Oceanid Knights overthrew the tyranny of the god-king Remus, which led to the founding of the Nation of Hydro, Fontaine."

"Correct. The war was between the human army led by the Oceanid Knights and the golem army led by Remus. His people were indeed golems, different from humans," she said calmly. "Though Remus was eventually defeated and sealed, his remnants lingered. My duty as a Champion Duelist is to hunt down these intelligent, non-human monsters who refuse to accept defeat."

"The de Petrichor family, who were granted a fief for their meritorious service in the war, established their castle on an island. But the family line was completely cut off in the Siege of the White Spring. So, whether out of responsibility or compensation, the Champion Duelists have always protected that small island in their own way."

"As the last Champion Duelist, I will naturally continue this tradition. Not long ago, while apprehending a fugitive in the Fleuve Cendre, I happened to hear a rumor from Petrichor. It seems that organized groups of golems have been appearing at night, and people have started to go missing."

"So, Clorinde, you plan to investigate and solve this problem?"

"Correct. But I must see it with my own eyes to know if it's true. If it is, and the situation is truly dangerous, I'll need some insurance."

"I understand. I'll help you! Also, I might know something about this..." he said, rubbing his chin. "But I'll need to get to the island to confirm."

"Alright. Then, let's go," she said, pressing the button for the elevator. "I'll have your back."

"Mm!"

-------

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