Considering Wriothesley only came to the surface a few times in the year, Neuvillette thought that sending him something from the surface would be a perfect gift for this holiday season; something that the depths would very rarely ever so much as catch a glimpse of. Thus, when the chance arose, he had a slice of the limited edition, 16 slice cake sent his way along with a couple special blended teas that were said to go well with deserts.
Forgive me for not being able to see you, but I do hope these gifts make up for that. Thank you for your hardwork as usual throughout the year, and thank you for the gift that you left for me. I managed to get a slice of this cake before the final piece was taken, so please enjoy it to the fullest.
Christmas was usually seen as a time to spend in the company of family, friends and loved ones, filled with the joyous holiday atmosphere and lively music in hopes of keeping their Christmas spirits high. Those who roamed the surface had often decorated their homes with festive decorations, the buildings throughout Fontaine never ceasing to generate such a lively ambience throughout the city as a result of the various, ongoing celebrations. Memories were a cherished possession amongst the people, and Christmas was always one of the best times to make them.
Of course, not really being one to make stops at the surface too often meant that one often missed out on the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with others, though the duke would never dare to voice such things out loud. While not commemorating such occasions wasn’t a bother to him, perhaps it could feel a bit dull to be working so that others may do so without worry instead. The thought is dismissed as swiftly and as easily as it comes, however. He could always celebrate a day or two late, after all, and he was sure Sigewinne would be relieved at the thought of the duke taking a break.
The thud of his door shutting behind him echoes deeply throughout his office after another day of routine check-ups around the fortress, a long breath escaping him just moments later. Wriothesley was a social man, but the silence his quarters provided was also just as treasured. His coat slips off easily as footsteps pull his frame up the flight of stairs to the office that awaited his arrival, boots hitting the stairs in a careful yet casual manner. While he’s sure that he’d left knowing his private office was empty at the time of his departure to the factory levels, the items sitting meticulously placed on his desk don’t fail to catch his eyes, a sudden curiosity gleaming in them as the note is the first to be picked up.
Just when he’d thought he’d managed to gain the upper hand after last time, too.
Neuvillette’s handwriting is as distinct and elegant as the rest of him, the words the letter delicately-chosen and full of sincerity that suited only the Iudex the way that they did. Both the gifts and the letter bring a smile to his face, his mind wondering if the other had meant to surprise him once more for his own subtle teasing at the duke dropping off his own gift or if this truly was a matter of poor timing. Whatever the case, the letter is placed down in a spot that both allows it to be on display and where it will not be so easily crumpled or stained, gaze soon landing on the cake and the box of tea. Perhaps it was mostly his ramblings and their shared, private moments of tea-sharing, but the Iudex always seemed to know what the duke liked most, and suddenly he feels a bit of shame in the idea of having to toss out the tea’s container when it finally emptied. Maybe he’d hang onto that, too… But for now, in the tranquility the empty room provided, Wriothesley would indulge himself in the gifts the other left for him, his heart subconsciously warming a little upon knowing just how appreciated his work really was.
❝ Merry Christmas, Next time, why don’t we spend it together? ❞