The archival records showed:
Project Number: ******
Primary Research Focus: Analysis of Primordial Sea water properties and stabilization applications (later suspected to have deviated into illegal domains)
Principal Investigator: Armand
Assistant/Spouse: Sophie
Notes: The couple had one young son, recorded under the name Freminet. Following the incident, all three were listed as missing and presumed dead.
This file confirmed Jacques' claims.
What particularly caught Fidelle's attention was the "Interests and Specialties" section, which revealed that Armand was not only a scientist but also a fervent enthusiast of Clockwork Mekas. He had even submitted a daring proposal to combine Elemental Energy with precision clockwork mechanisms, but the Academy formally rejected it due to funding constraints and perceived risks.
"Clockwork Mekas..."
Since she intended to investigate Freminet's connection to her, she naturally needed to examine every aspect of his life, including his habits and interests.
Fidelle recalled that Freminet seemed remarkably skilled at repairing and tinkering with machinery, especially his inseparable Clockwork Penguin, "Pers."
Was this a mere coincidence, or... a family legacy?
Fidelle needed more evidence.
She recalled her limited interactions with Freminet, during which he seemed to cherish his clockwork penguin, Pers, with unusual fervor.
A thought flashed through her mind.
-
Fidelle found Freminet by the sea, adjusting his diving equipment.
"Sis... did you find any clues? Or do you need my help?"
Fidelle: "You have that adorable clockwork penguin, right? Could I take a look?"
Freminet carefully handed Pers over, saying softly, "It... it means a lot to me."
Fidelle took Pers and examined it closely.
The penguin's craftsmanship far surpassed that of ordinary toys, its internal mechanisms undoubtedly far more complex.
Fidelle: "Did you make this?"
Freminet nodded. "It's my good friend. I've made many clockwork penguins like it and sell them on consignment at the Leshaut Clockwork Workshop."
Fidelle: "I see. You sell clockwork penguins because you're short on money?"
Freminet immediately waved his hand. "No, no, that's not it. I just... I just thought there might be other children like me, who might also need a toy companion. So I made them to sell. But the sales haven't been great, and most of the buyers are adults..."
Freminet usually wasn't one for long conversations, but with Fidelle, though still a bit shy, he found himself talking more than usual.
Could Freminet have this ability because of his biological father...?
"Are you going diving?"
"Mm-hmm. I accepted a quest to help retrieve cargo underwater. But... but it's not urgent. If you have something to say, I have time right now!"
Sensing Freminet's eagerness, Fidelle gestured for him to sit on the nearby steps. He obediently complied.
"How old are you now?"
"Fifteen..."
Fidelle pulled out the information she had gathered. "According to my investigation, both your parents were renowned researchers at the Fontaine Research Institute. Your father's name was Armand, and your mother's name was Sophie."
"About fifteen years ago, during an experiment involving Primordial Sea water, they were interrupted by outsiders, causing a small-scale leak of the Primordial Sea water. Both your parents were dissolved in that accident. You, still an infant, were rescued, but the person who saved you died within days from contamination by the Primordial Sea water."
"The original murderer has already received their due punishment, and the mastermind, Vacher, died recently as well."
"Due to the clothing left at the scene at the time, you were presumed to have been dissolved along with your parents, which is why you later became an orphan."
Freminet lowered his head, his fingers nervously twisting together. His heart pounded with both excitement and apprehension.
Fidelle continued, "Before you, Armand and Sophie had a daughter named Fiona. Fiona died at the age of two, and you were born later."
Freminet suddenly looked up at Fidelle.
"I... my sister... she... she died young?"
A sharp pain suddenly pierced Freminet's mind. So, Fidelle isn't my sister after all. But this sense of familiarity...
This revelation was beyond anything Freminet had anticipated. As his mind reeled in confusion, Fidelle placed a hand on his head.
"I haven't finished yet. Fiona did pass away young, but to be precise, she never truly died."
Freminet: "???"
Fidelle: "After Fiona was declared stillborn, her parents buried her. However, due to the unique nature of her soul, she was exhumed by a certain being. After undergoing modifications, she reappeared in Teyvat under a new name—Fidelle."
An unprecedented light ignited in Freminet's eyes. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to speak but couldn't find the words. His pupils darted wildly within their sockets.
"Then... then you really are, truly are, my... my sister?"
Fidelle nodded with a gentle smile. "These are the research materials I've compiled and organized. Take them back and review them."
Freminet fumbled to accept the documents Fidelle handed him. "Th-thank you!"
Fidelle laughed aloud. "Now that you know my identity, why are you still addressing me so formally?"
Freminet blushed. "Si-Sister?"
He had never seen this side of Fidelle before. He realized that the seemingly cold and aloof Fi... Sister, had such a beautiful smile.
Fidelle gently ruffled Freminet's long golden hair, feeling deeply moved.
So, I really do have a younger brother in this world, she thought, gazing at the shy young man before her. This feeling... it's truly wonderful, truly wonderful!
While Freminet was reviewing Fidelle's investigation notes, she said:
"Now that the truth has been uncovered, I must do what a sister should. Two days from now, at dusk on the beach outside Poisson, I'll be throwing a party for us as siblings. I hope you and your brothers and sisters can come."
Freminet paused, looking solemnly at Fidelle.
"I-I'll definitely be there!"
Freminet struggled for a moment before asking, "Sister, Sister, can my Father come too?"
Father... "The Knave" Arlecchino?
Fidelle pondered this briefly before nodding in agreement.
Lady Furina had indeed been afraid of The Knave before, but ever since The Knave came to apologize in person, Lady Furina seemed less terrified.
Fidelle recalled the time she and Lady Furina had opened the gift from The Knave together. To their surprise, it was a miniature dancing doll of Furina and Focalors.
Furina and Focalors had both loved it, placing it in the most prominent spot in the living room.