Julien's golden eyes glittered with amusement in the darkness. The confession could have been a lie, if not for the fact that Mei appeared so swept up in her emotions. And she'd been so composed at the start of the evening. [break][break]

"Then we both benefit, for I enjoy spending time with you, too," he said, careful not to betray his own thoughts or feelings with his tone of voice. "Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, hmm?" [break][break]

He tucked her hand around his arm again and slowly led the way back through the restaurant. They exited through the front door to a chorus of "thank you" and "goodnight" from the staff. Julien ignored them, separating briefly from Mei to hail a Corviknight taxi. [break][break]

"Get home safely, Miss Liu," he said, holding the door open for her. Then, before closing it, he slipped an unmarked envelope into her hands. "Have a good night."

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien remained where he sat, his hands in his lap. He had no reason to rush Mari, for he'd cleared his schedule that day for their outing. So he sat, patient, ready to listen to whatever she shared. And if she decided to sit in silence while she recovered, that was fine, too. [break][break]

When she slumped against his shoulder, he remained still, resisting the urge to wrap his arm around her. She might find that too forward and become spooked. [break][break]

"There's no need to apologize," he assured her. Then he paused, sorting through the events of the day and piecing them together with her vague statements. [break][break]

"What happened when you were nineteen?" he began, his voice low and gentle.

TAGS – marilee beaufort[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

As Mei melted in his arms, Julien held her fast against his body, savoring the feel of her beneath his hands. He took his time kissing her, tasting the flavors of their shared meal on her tongue. When she uttered his name in a breathy moan, he could not help the pleased smile that broke across his face. [break][break]

He had compromised her thoroughly. What a boost to his ego, that he had successfully seduced the seductress. [break][break]

For a brief moment, he considered extending their night together and taking her to a hotel there in Slateport City. But no—he had an early morning back at the embassy. It was better to send her home with her payment and return to his residence in Ever Grande. [break][break]

Still, he could not stop himself from teasing her. "Yes, Mei? What is it?" he asked.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

The way Mei brushed her abdomen with her hand was not lost on Julien. His gaze flickered to the fingers resting lightly on the area below her stomach. Briefly, he wondered if she wanted to raise a family. [break][break]

The image of her running after a happy toddler manifested in his mind's eye. He examined it with the detached coldness of an outsider, neither happy nor repulsed. [break][break]

Mei's confession drew Julien from his thoughts. Her answer should not have surprised him, considering the conversation they once had in a snowed-in hotel room. For some reason, he had expected a more ambitious, selfish wish. Only when she revealed her history as an orphan in Kanto did he understand her true desire. [break][break]

Not to have children, but to protect them. To ensure they did not grow up like she had. [break][break]

Julien's gaze shifted back to her face. "You continue to impress me," he said, his tone a mix of amusement and genuine appreciation. "Witty, astute, compassionate, charming… You certainly are a package deal, aren't you, Mei?" [break][break]

He took care not to mention her physical attributes. Any man could call an escort beautiful, but he doubted few ever thought to compliment her mind and character. [break][break]

Easing his arm from her grip, Julien wrapped it around her to pull her closer to him. His voice dropped lower, taking on an intimate note. "I'm fortunate to have had your company tonight. Remind me to invite you out more often." [break][break]

And then, because he was the selfish one, he pressed his mouth against hers in a fervent kiss.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Duncan's suggestion of dinner was more than acceptable, so Julien inclined his head graciously. The visit would not only allow him to meet this unknown woman and judge her for himself, but improve his relationship with the young duke. [break][break]

"A woman at my level is a rare specimen," Julien said as they ate their soups. "Very rarely did I meet one at that caliber back in Kalos. Perhaps it is different here in Hoenn, but I doubt it." [break][break]

The region didn't even have an aristrocracy. [break][break]

Time to pivot the conversation again. Julien had enough of discussion about his personal life and preferences. [break][break]

"I imagine you'll have an enjoyable time here, though. There's quite a lot to see and do in terms of entertainment. I can't imagine you'd spend all day and night in the company of your family and fiancée."

TAGS – Duncan Calcifet[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Though Mei and Julien donned their coats for the walk in the garden, she pressed close to him, her hand tucked around his arm. He did not mind, finding himself pleased with the weight of her against his side. [break][break]

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," he said, meaning it. [break][break]

They took their time strolling between the frost-laden bushes. Perhaps the walk would have been more appealing in another season, but the well-manicured garden reminded him of his mother's roses on the Demassieux estate. [break][break]

Still, lamps arranged carefully around the garden lent a warm, intimate glow to the area. A person might have called the scene romantic if they didn't know any better. [break][break]

In front of a single white rose, Julien contemplated his answer to Mei's question. After a moment, he exhaled, his breath clouding on the frigid air. "I suppose I have always wanted to be the best at what I do, no matter what it is." [break][break]

He met her gaze, pale gold locking with bright aquamarine. [break][break]

"I'm a second son. My brother Guillaume has everything: the title of Duke of Snowbelle, the land, our family's company. He has a beautiful wife and a darling daughter—the picturesque family." [break][break]

"As the second son, I've had to carve out my own space from the world around me and rise to the top through discipline and hard work." He lifted his chin, proud. [break][break]

"It was good for me and my character, but it's an existence that doesn't allow me to rest. I have moments of reprieve, yes, but I'd be a fool to think I can rest on my laurels so soon." The corner of his mouth curled into a smirk. "I don't say that to complain, mind you. I enjoy the challenge." [break][break]

Julien paused then, his eyes flickering over Mei's face as if to memorize her features. Surrounded by the soft glow of golden light and the gleam of frost, her beauty was so breathtaking that he did not wish to look away. [break][break]

"And what about you, Mei? What do you want, more than anything in this whole, wide world?"

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien caught the flash of Duncan's eyes, a split-second of wrath darkening the duke's face before it vanished behind another smile. [break][break]

Ah, thought Julien. So the young duke at least admires his fiancée, even if he doesn't love her. Judging by the way Duncan rattled off Estelle's accomplishments and endearing qualities, it was only a matter of time before he actually fell in love with the woman. [break][break]

He did not respond at first, instead thanking the waitress for bringing their lobster bisques. Julien spread his napkin over his lap and scooped a small spoonful of soup. [break][break]

"You shall have to introduce me to Miss Valentine. I'm eager to see the quality of her for myself, if she has captivated you so thoroughly," he suggested, the corner of his mouth curling his smile into a smirk. [break][break]

Then he raised the spoon to his lips and blew gently to cool the soup before tasting it. The consistency was thick and warm, the flavor rich. An excellent appetizer, all told. [break][break]

Duncan's question about Julien's own personal life prompted a raised eyebrow. "I suppose I should," the Kalosian admitted, "but I'm not interested in the dullness of domesticity. No woman has proven herself interesting enough to spend that kind of time with." [break][break]

For some strange reason, he thought of Mei Liu, seated across from him in identical armchairs as snow fell outside their hotel window. He dismissed the memory at once. She was an escort and nothing more.

TAGS – Duncan Calcifet[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien's smile grew tight. As amicable as Duncan was, the two men were barely more than acquaintances. Julien knew right away that he would never actually be a groomsman, nor did he want such an honor. [break][break]

"I appreciate the thought, Your Grace," he replied, putting social distance between them, "but I must decline the offer to be part of your wedding party. I believe I would serve you best as a regular guest." [break][break]

His thoughts turned to Duncan's future bride. The duke's description of her suggested that Estelle was employed as a member of the royal guard, but he failed to mention an affiliation with any family. Julien arrived at the most logical conclusion as a result. [break][break]

"Your fiancée is a commoner, then?" he probed, sipping more water. [break][break]

Not that such a relationship was inconceivable. Plenty of noble children married for love, and married commoners, too. But if that was the case, why had Duncan's marriage to Estelle been arranged?

TAGS – Duncan Calcifet[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien sipped his water, taking in the information and mentally noting it for future reference. Kalos had their eyes and ears in Galar, of course, so he had no imperative to report back about the Galarian queen's decisions. [break][break]

"Of course," he said mildly. Time to shift the topic. "I did not know you were engaged. Congratulations. When and where is the wedding taking place?" [break][break]

Judging by Duncan's delivery of the news, this Estelle Valentine woman was, at best, an acquaintance. Julien himself did not recognize her name. He waited to see how much information his companion was willing to divulge. [break][break]

The nature and quality of details shared would be an indicator of how much Duncan truly cared about his fiancée and their upcoming nuptials.

TAGS – Duncan Calcifet[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien nodded slowly as he took in his companion's suggestions. "How insightful. It is a perspective I had not considered," he admitted. The smile on his lips widened. "I appreciate your opinion, Mei. It's refreshing." [break][break]

Waiters came to remove their empty plates. The final course of dessert had finished, and they were free to leave whenever they desired. A casual turn of his wrist allowed Julien to check the time. [break][break]

"It's still early," he said to Mei, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "Shall we get some fresh air? There's a small rose garden behind the restaurant." [break][break]

Without waiting for her answer, he stood, buttoned closed his suit jacket, and extended a hand to her.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Mauville City. A shop called Temptation. Mei's roommate had fine taste, but it was extremely gauche to compliment a woman when a different one sat in front of you. So Julien simply said, "Temptation. I'll remember that." [break][break]

Dinner that night was a normal affair for Julien. He had enjoyed tasting menus all his life, though he hardly indulged in them. They were an occasional treat while the majority of his meals were simpler events. [break][break]

Still, the food that night was divine. Proper Kalosian food, he decided. Though he was less vocal about his pleasure, he could not help the smile that curled his lips through each course. Mei's obvious appreciation for the food only boosted his ego, and he watched her with interest from across the table. [break][break]

"No, I did not have the opportunity to witness that curiosity myself, unfortunately. I did hear the rumors," Julien replied, dabbing at the corner of his mouth with his napkin. "I've been occupied with the messy business of politics." [break][break]

He took a sip of wine, savoring the subtle, complex flavor. As he'd been pacing himself throughout the meal, he did not feel the slightest bit influenced by the alcohol. [break][break]

"Let me pose a question for you, Mei," he said, pivoting the topic slightly. "There's a charity event I'll be attending to represent the goodwill of Kalos, but it's all posturing." [break][break]

A flicker of disdain entered his face before vanishing just as quickly. [break][break]

"I'll give a speech about the strong friendship between Hoenn and Kalos, but the Hoenn government continues to refuse any actual aid. If you were me, what would you say to these Hoennians to encourage their cooperation?" [break][break]

The woman had a sharp, astute mind. Perhaps she could provide interesting insight.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien had finished removing Mari's skates when she finally spoke up. The fragility in her voice gave him pause, and he reached up to give her knee a reassuring squeeze. [break][break]

Perhaps it was not the most appropriate place to touch a vulnerable young woman, but he kept his hand there, warm against the fabric of her leggings. [break][break]

"You don't need to apologize," he said quietly, offering a rueful smile. "None of this was your fault. Now allow me to buy you a hot chocolate and take you home so you can rest." [break][break]

Then Julien set her boots next to her on the ground so she could put them on herself; she wasn't a child, after all. He took a seat on the bench beside her and swapped his skates for his own shoes. [break][break]

"Can you walk, or do you need a minute?"

TAGS – marilee beaufort[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]