iustitians

[iustitians]

The boy's good intentions are met with quite the blunt refusal, and Neuvillette cannot stop the pitiful smile that forces its way onto his lips as he watches the scene unfolding before him. Based on his previous human interactions, some would consider it funny, cute, or perhaps both; he recognizes the fleeting shadows of these emotions attempting to form within his heart, but they fade just as quickly as they appeared, without ever giving him a chance to grasp them.

Resigned, he abandons that train of thought, and instead swims downwards, towards the two.

"Hey now, it's rude to respond like that," he speaks to the otter, his voice gentle yet firm, akin to a parent directing a misbehaving child, but with no intention to berate or punish. "He was just trying to help."

The baby otter looks at him with a tilt of its head, before letting out a somewhat sad-sounding squeak and giving Misha a soft bump of its head against the boy's own, as if as a means of a playful apology.

Only then does the Iudex return to the question posed by Misha earlier, as he recovers the shell the otter had rejected. The gentle shifting hues of color are pleasing to the eyes, and bring to him something almost akin to a feeling of home; if the little critter does not want it, perhaps either he or Misha may hold on to it instead.

"The criteria by which the otters pick out their favored shells are known only to them, I'm afraid. Not even they know at first exactly what they seek, when they set out on this journey - only when the perfect shell is in their hands do they realize it."

Will this premise of a road with no known end discourage the young companion? He does not know, but it would not befit him to be dishonest.

With their charge continuing the search, Neuvillette follows suit, gesturing for the boy to swim along as well. The sea of kelp soon comes to an end; green and gold soon give way to nothing but varying shades of blue, and just like that, it almost feels as though the water has grown a hint colder, even if, in reality, it has not changed temperature at all.

"Let's continue to the northeast for now," he suggests. "If we do not find it here, we may visit Loch Urania and the Weeping Willow - many otters find their shells in those waters."

bliss in blue

��︎ [ misha & neuvillette ] ⏱︎

[iustitians]

Neuvillette did not, indeed, catch it, and until Wriothesley spelled out the word jokes for him, he stared at the Duke with a - stifled and subdued as his emotions ever were, but noticeable nonetheless - mixture of confusion, horror, guilt and maybe a hint of embarrassment in his eyes. Only afterwards, as the realization dawned on him, the expression faded, replaced on the spot with a look of exasperation. And yet, also relief at the same time.

Understanding that His Grace was not, in fact, actually that upset with him and this situation that Neuvillette dragged him into he was helping Neuvillette with, his body let go of tension and relaxed on the spot, his eyes closed halfway and his lips pressed ever so slightly closer together, as he gave Wriothesley his third unspoken Seriously? of the day, which had to be some sort of record.

Leave it to the Duke to make jokes even in a situation like this. And yet, somehow... somewhere deep beyond his comprehension, he felt the breath of an emotion that proved too difficult for him to name on the spot. He knew only that it was refreshing.

It was only in situations like this that he truly got to feel firsthand just how unaccustomed he was to being offered help out of more than what he believed to be pure obligation. Was it still so? If not, when did it cease to be? He did not know, for it escaped his notice, possibly quite a long time ago.

You're no longer that outsider you were before, Wriothesley told him directly that one day, but Neuvillette was still in the process of contemplating these words - and, perhaps, too afraid to comprehend and face their true meaning.

This was something for him to dwell more on later. As the Duke posed his observation and question, the Iudex remained silent for a moment longer, his brow furrowed in thought.

"With regards to their goals, all I have heard was the spread of destruction and annihilation of life. Usually I'm inclined to think there is more to forces and factions presented a nothing more than pure, destructive evil, but... I have nothing to go on here." A case with no more evidence to present - forcing him to reach a verdict based solely on what little he had available, and simply accept the possibility that it might be inaccurate.

Whatever the case was, however, their hostility was without question, and had to be stopped at any cost. He paused for a moment as he rubbed his shoulder one more time - the wound was now completely healed, the damage to his clothes was something for him to deal with later. There was no point in wasting energy with optical illusions in front of Wriothesley; there came a point where one could no longer pretend nothing had happened.

He then continued.

"From my experience with them, if we could take out their leader - the one in silver armor - the minions are thrown into disarray and easier to round up. Its presence also boosts their power."

A light breeze passed by them, carrying with it tiny water particles, giving the impression that the air flickered or sparkled lightly, and it reminded him of something else that, at this point, he was probably fine admitting to the Duke.

"... Up until now, I've been mostly overpowering and drowning them. Something else I've found out is that none of them can swim, and after prolonged exposure to pure elements, they die and disintegrate."

He was not sure whether this was anything that Wriothesley could use to work out an idea, but it was the best he had.

When Dark Meets Light

Wriothesley & Neuvillette - Crystallize | Antimatter Legion

[iustitians]

The questions she poses are laced with fear, which of course he expected. Cannot claim to truly understand or empathize with, but he knows by now the natural reaction of humans about to face the unknown, especially in a situations like hers - dangerous yet necessary, life-saving and potentially life-changing as well.

In the face of her circumstances, he tries to aim for a mixture of honestly and at least some subtlety, albeit prioritizing the former.

"The energy and malice that plague you will be annihilated and cease to exist. The Sea's corrosion power may also be referred to with kinder-sounding words such as purification, although few purifying powers in the world are as ruthless in their effectiveness," he elaborates, a light sigh passing through his words as he speaks. The serenity and silence of Loch Urania listen along, the softest of breezes passing by them, as though trying to offer Kokomi a reassuring embrace as it runs its invisible hands along her shoulders. The air around them continues to glimmer gently, filled with the tiny particles of Sourcewater.

"If it has been... accompanying you for some time, speaking to you and influencing your thought and spirit, you will probably experience a sense of emptiness at first. If any of your memories were infected... they may also be lost, or become incomplete. But you reached to me not long after this incident occurred, so I am hoping that this hasn't happened." A few of the sparkling droplets begin to slowly congregate around him as he finishes.

"... Other than that, there should not be any negative side effects. The wound left behind will be able to heal. As for this empty feeling I mentioned... It will pass naturally over time, especially if you can surround yourself with a supportive environment and return to as normal a life as possible."

He looks at her more attentively afterwards; he will not begin until she declares herself ready, for now continuing to focus only on relieving her pain to what extent he can. She will need it, he feels, as he finally has no choice but to speak of his main concern.

"The purification itself should not be overly painful to you - what will corrode is the contamination, not you. My concern is that, if this malice tries to fight back, you will be the one bearing the brunt of that. Take as much time as you need to rest - you may need your strength for this ordeal."

Gaze of the Ancients

[iustitians]

The main hall is mostly cleaned up and dealt with by the time they return; last couple attendees present their documents and testimonies to the Gardes as they take notes, a few Special Patrol officers here and there look through papers and quietly discuss their observations; one of them is speaking with a member of Nahida's guard, as well. Some random participant seems to wish to speak to Neuvillette, but one look from him can silence the entire court room, let alone a single curious youth.

It does, however, prove not quite enough against Mr. Auguste, if the stream of accusations from the struggling man is anything to go by. Neuvillette stands still, hands behind his back as he listens; another might perhaps laugh or sneer in his place while hearing such pointless drivel, but the Iudex' facial expression is still, unmoved, giving the impression that the guy may as well be snarling at a wall.

Before he can answer, however, Nahida steps in front of him, and only then does the Chief Justice stir in mild surprise. For a moment, as she snaps and unloads her anger, a series of vague, blurry images pass through his mind in quick succession. Darkness, barriers, seals, more darkness, chains, darkness - it is unclear, and if he had not the context and knowledge for the Dendro Archon's past predicaments, it would have been completely confusing -

but he does, and in that brief moment, he comes one step closer to understanding her feelings on what this man did.

For that reason, he makes no effort to stop her; he needs not, anyway, for - just as she has always done - she regains control of her emotion on her own.

Only then does he move, offering her a small nod, before turning back to Mr. Auguste, his eyes just as cold and unfeeling as most of Fontaine believes him to be.

"We will speak of it at the court. I certainly hope you will prepare better defenses than just your social standing. Given the amount of evidence found in a matter of minutes, to which I was direct witness, you will need them. And if you can't..." He half-closes his eyes and lets the threat hang in the air unspoken for a moment, before he finally finishes, the words echoing akin to a prophecy.

"Down there, in the Fortress, to each comes what he deserves."

He gestures with his head towards Nahida to follow him, before heading towards the exit, indicating that the conversation has ended.

Shadows in the Court

[iustitians]

Promise to cover for them, huh. It would seem, then, that Lyney had some sort of plan or scheme in mind, that Neuvillette promptly thwarted with what one would call an unfortunately timed arrival; a conclusion strengthened further by the observation of the young man's not entirely enthusiastic reaction.

His first instinct in such a situation would normally be to offer an apology and remove himself from the area he had disturbed, but... To do that here, leave those Fatui to their devices, and have Lyney handle the situation alone? Much as the Iudex would never doubt the magician's abilities, it nevertheless does not sit well with him.

Many a time - too many - he has to sit silently in the background and allow a situation to take its course naturally, dealing only with the aftermath. Cold, unfeeling, uncaring - just like the letter of the law itself. In the face of personal tragedy, no one wants to hear his explanation of his inability to react; no one cares for claims of bound hands when they cannot see the chains. And so, he says nothing, withdrawing back to his office and merely picking up papers for the next case, ignoring the raindrops trickling down the decorative window.

Many a time, he is not permitted to do anything - so when a situation comes along that allows him to take action, it feels... unusual, almost unnatural, to the point where his first thought is in fact to just run. And yet, it feels even more wrong to leave it behind, when he knows exactly how the regret afterwards is going to feel.

With that in mind, after a brief deliberation, he nods. His options here must be weighed carefully.

"I'm willing to play along with that. I wish to get into the bottom of this situation and help protect the people of Inazuma, but of course, not at the cost of putting you in danger. Remain hidden if you need - and if worse comes to worst, you are welcome to claim to them that I forced your hand. I'll handle the situation from there."

(After all, the "role" of the antagonist is one he is well accustomed to playing.)

He pauses there abruptly, frowning lightly as an unpleasant feeling tugs at his senses; the tips of his horn begin to emit a faint cyan glow, and just then -

the deafening roar of thunder shakes the island anew as it strikes nearby, tearing the sky in twain. The air fills momentarily with the crying of birds and the flutter of wings as startled flocks flee the area. A strong gust of anxious, irregular wind follows right after; ruffling his hair, kidnapping the tails of his coat for a momentary yet wild dance, and nearly blowing Lyney's hat off his head.

The silence that follows this spectacle is suffocating.

"The flow of energy is being disturbed again," Neuvillette informs after a brief pause, though he is certain the young man could figure that one out on his own. "The distortion's source came from... there," he continues, pointing with his cane in the same direction where the Fatui earlier dispatched by Lyney had departed.

"I believe that would be our first clue."

　🌢　judgement calls.

crystallize , tatarigami.　⸻　neuvillette & lyney

[iustitians]

It is an admission made in a moment of weakness she exposes of herself, perhaps not entirely willingly - but Neuvillette lets go of it as soon as he catches it. "I know," is his only response, and the only explanation she most likely needs.

The sins of her people made against her were of no mystery to him, after all.

"That would be appreciated. I can help accelerate communication," he says, before a realization dawns on him, and he crosses his arms with a quiet huff. "I'll arrange for one of the more experienced judges to handle this case. After all... I will be the one prosecuting this time around, it seems."

When was the last time he did? A hundred years ago? Two? He finds it hard to remember for sure. The fabric of time is all too slippery in the hands of one who pays it as little attention as he.

But that is his problem to solve, not hers. Kusanali's request is met with another nod, aimed at both her and the concerned guard standing by her side.

"Of course. Let's go back up - the rest of your guard is likely worried by now, too. If you'd like to rest outside of the city noise, I can recommend some pleasant spots for you to visit at your leisure."

Shadows in the Court

[iustitians]

Neuvillette listens to her explanation carefully, taking in and analyzing each word. He does indeed know about the recent Tatarigami outbreak, what with the news brought through multiple diplomatic channels. A few engineers and experienced workers, such as Mr. Xavier, were dispatched to Inazuma in the fallout, to help reconstruct some damaged wards.

However, it would seem that it was Lady Sangonomiya who actually dealt with the root problem, at a cost to herself.

"Few would withstand the malice of a fallen god for more than a handful of minutes," he mutters quietly; whether to her or himself, it is a little hard to say.

He shelves, for now, the question on how she first found him and realized his identity so quickly; it was an inquiry for a better time, and one he could probably figure out the answer to himself if he wanted. Here and now, the important matter is figuring out how he can relieve and alleviate her suffering.

The answer comes quick and feels fairly obvious. The Primordial Seawater, which purges all filth of this world.

It would, likely, be why she sought out him and no one else, even if reaching out to them would not require a journey across all of Teyvat.

He closes his eyes; the tips of his horns and coat begin to emit a light blue glow as he summons his power to him. The azure leaves of the Weeping Willow and the other trees around them respond in kind, and a soft hue illuminates the area. The air grows in moisture as it fills with particles of the Sourcewater, hardly visible to a naked eye as anything more than particles glittering in the sun. A first step, for now merely aimed at hopefully giving her some relief.

She is not Fontainian - she is not of the Sea; but she is, nonetheless, a daughter of the waters, and should be able to find peace and escape in their embrace, even amidst the agony.

"I will try to use the Primordial Seawater to purify the god remains from you. If this works, you should be left with a normal wound that will heal naturally over time," he explains to her. "However, I cannot promise that the process won't be... somewhat unpleasant - the Sourcewater cleanses through corrosion and dissolution of the filth it comes across. Try to rest and gather strength for a moment first."

Gaze of the Ancients

[iustitians]

Kusanali gets to the prisoners and their cages, while Neuvillette takes his time to look around, his eyes - cold and calculating, just how most people of Fontaine know him - analyze the structures around him. What used to be a simple basement and storage of Hotel Debord had been transformed into a prison for those who had heard too much of the dirty secrets of the nobles organizing their lavish parties to celebrate their "grand achievements," seemingly right under the owners' noses.

Assuming, of course, that it was done without their knowledge.

The Dendro Archon's men soon arrive, accompanied by his own. As the leader of the unit reports to him, Neuvillette points to the disabled Gardemeks. "Shut them down for good. We will have to confiscate them and find out how a private person was able to gain access to them. What of the situation up there?"

"The gala has been shut down. Mr. Auguste and his lackeys were arrested. We've already found incriminating papers in his office and illegally acquired firearms in his men's possession. Other participants have been identified and are waiting for developments."

... Well, that is a few interesting individuals he will be, presumably, sending to Wriothesley in the near future.

"Understood. Well done. Get to work here now."

A few Gardes set out to do just that; the others begin to tend to the hostages. Luckily, someone happened to have water and emergency rations with them, which now come in handy. Neuvillette remains in the back now, aptly aware where his place is in these situations; before long, he is addressed by Nahida, and turns his attention to her.

"We will have them examined at the Court of Fontaine hospital first. Their health must be the first priority." He speaks loud enough for the Special Patrol to know that they are meant to hear this as well, for his answer to her doubles as their next orders. "We must also see about locating their relatives. After they have sufficiently recovered, we will take their testimonies... before the interrogation." He crosses his arms, his expression serious - the kind that intimidates even the most rebellious criminals into their proper place.

"Investigating nobles is always a particular pain, what with their connections - but we have our methods as well. I guarantee you that justice will be served, and the hostages cared for and compensated for what they had gone through." A pause, followed by a sigh, as he looks around again. "We will also have to investigate the Hotel itself. This place should not exist, not in this shape. We will have to find out what happened here."

He stops here again, before turning his full attention to Nahida.

"I should offer you an apology, Lesser Lord Kusanali. I do not imagine that this is how you imagined this evening to go. I am grateful for your assistance today."

It comes out a bit more stiff and formal than his previous words - but, nonetheless, sincere still.

Shadows in the Court

[iustitians]

Unsure just how much time on his schedule he should allocate to the matter that the Divine Priestess had raised to him, Neuvillette has, luckily, been able to ensure a whole free evening, night, early morning and even, should it prove necessary, time slots in the next days. When one was uncertain on the resources necessary, it was generally better to be overprepared than underprepared, as he has found.

From his last trial of the day, he takes a walk through Erinnyes to reach the agreed upon location. Many a tourist have been, in the past, lured into this place by the picturesque landscape stretching out into the north and west of the Statue of Seven - only to be forced to turn back by the dangers of the wild nature guarding carefully its secrets. Just as even the most placid of lakes can produce tumultuous waves when given enough reason, so too can the most beautiful of Fontaine's gems conceal an aggressive side that it reveals if provoked.

Loch Urania, in the end, welcomes only those accepted by him and his brethren.

Today, the Divine Priestess finds herself among those invited guests. As Neuvillette approaches, he soon spots the two figures waiting for him. The Melusine, upon spotting him, waves towards him eagerly, a smile brighter than the sun on her face - one he returns, even if he is not capable of equal radiance.

"Thank you for your help, Evie," the Iudex nods, patting her head lightly. "You're free to leave, now."

Evie nods in return with a giggle, waving goodbye to both him and Kokomi before she hops away. With that, Neuvillette turns his full attention to his guest.

To say she looks much worse than she did last time they met would be a major understatement. And it does not take him long to sense the potential reason, frowning as he does.

"... Infection of god remains," he mutters. "Is this the matter you came to me with? Please tell me what happened."

Gaze of the Ancients

[iustitians]

Though this is far from his first time seeing such a scene in person, what presents itself before them is a harsh reminder to Neuvillette that there is a considerable difference between hearing of the cruelties of those he sentences, and witnessing them firsthand. Nahida pauses abruptly as well, the moment of shock, horror and hesitation that prompts all her thoughts to briefly halt hitting the Hydro Dragon with a strange sensation, akin to a tide going backwards on itself.

He wonders if, perhaps, this scene reminds her of something.

Still, she regains her bearings once again, and Neuvillette nods in confirmation to her reassurance. In the cages, he notes that one of the caged hostages has realized their arrival; the Iudex moves sharply, finger quickly placed on mouth to command the man to remain quiet, no matter how desperate he may be.

With this matter settled, his focus turns to the Gardemeks patrolling the area, and a frown creases his brow as he focuses. The Pneumousia powering each of them is hardly a challenge to determine, between the golden hue of one type of power and the indigo glow of the other. For every machine, he silently shapes a blade of the opposite alignment - invisible outside of his mind -

at least, until it strikes.

White and gold sparks fly from each Gardemek as they abruptly cease any and all coordinated movements, replaced only by hopeless twitching, before they all crumple to the ground akin to puppets with snapped strings. The noise of metallic steps that filled the air before just a moment ago is replaced with complete and eerie silence.

Neuvillette gestures once again for the hostages - who, of course, have now all noticed the two of them - to remain silent, before nodding to Nahida.

"This is only temporary, but it will disable them for long enough for us to just shut down before they get back up." Just as he finishes sending this message, it hits him - an abrupt, strongly negative, shift of emotional waves above them.

"The Special Patrol has arrived and taken control," he informs her. "If you can, guide your men here - and have them bring some of the Gardes with them."

With that, he jumps down, light and agile in spite of his appearance, in order to examine the situation more closely.

Shadows in the Court

[iustitians]

"Art is the best seasoning for good food has been the philosophy of Hotel Debord's owners for decades," Neuvillette nods, gesturing lightly for Mr. Reca to follow him to the foyer. "And it is a philosophy that many Fontainians, particularly those from the higher spheres, seem to follow as well. They wish for a life comparable to a fairytale, where all is perfect and beautiful, free of the concerns of daily routines. And indeed, what is more idyllic than partaking in fine dining while watching a magic show, or listening to a talented musician."

It is all quite beautiful when one thinks about it that way, but as he speaks of the whimsies of Fontainians, the Iudex's tone remains rather flat - a further indication that he has no personal attachment to the ideas he speaks of, and frankly, it could hardly be said that he has much in terms of understanding for them. And indeed...

"Humans just love to lie even to themselves," he mutters quietly, under his nose. "Once the fun is done, they turn back and only then do they realize their troubles only ever grow bigger when neglected or forgotten, not smaller."

The foyer is quiet and serene at this point, with most of the audience having long since left, in pursuit of their next adventure. The lights remain on, however, inviting anyone who wishes to linger in the Opera to enjoy their time. Tea and water, too, are still available for those wishing to partake, and the former is kept hot in special heated containers. Neuvillette avails himself to a glass of water before taking a seat, waiting for Mr. Reca to join him once he was ready. He takes a moment to speak again, before letting out a quiet sigh.

"I've served as Iudex for five hundred years, and thinking now, I can certainly agree with your note on the entertainment that the people seek. Escaping from the mundanity of daily life, they indulge in all sorts of performances, and if need be, create their means of excitement themselves." He huffs. "Whether it's trials, humoring rumors, watching Gardes chase and arrest criminals far too closely for safety, or spinning ridiculous theories about my identity and daily life," he finishes wryly, with a faint smile - a smirk even, perhaps - although it fades rather quickly.

"Their alleged high opinion of and trust towards me are reassuring - otherwise Fontaine would not be able to achieve stability. I do sometimes wonder, however, whether I'm any closer to understanding them than I was five centuries ago," he admits. "This escapism, for example. I kind of know why they do it - and at the same time, I don't."

He wonders just what Mr. Reca truly thinks about the way he speaks of these matters. Just how non-human is his approach to them?

The Grandest of Shows That Is Life || Neuvillette & Mr. Reca

All the world's a stage || @memoriauteur || Commission Season: Harmony

[iustitians]

Little Neuvillette and Cacucu doodles from the quest! 🤍

(I was so scared he actually got stabbed, I’m so glad the Pookie is okay 😔🤌🏻)

•

[iustitians]

Information is shared from both sides now, and Neuvillette meets it with a nod in both acknowledgement and appreciation. Mr. Lyney remains truthful, then; of course, the Iudex did not expect malicious intent from the young man, he simply had a doubt that had to be cleared up, and now that it has, they may move on.

He is well aware that many judge any they know to be associated with the Fatui based solely on that. For his part, he never did - and he is glad that the magician seems to continue to believe he would approach him with an open mind.

(So it was, that when complaints were submitted regarding the twins still having permission to perform in the Opera Epiclese, Neuvillette's response was to attend their show himself. He wondered whether or not Lyney knew about the true reason behind his attendance, but he paid it no mind, for it mattered not.)

To the young man's observations, he pauses briefly, in thought.

"I know that during Inazuma's civil war, the Fatui did meddle with both armies for their own interests. Incidentally, the Traveler and Paimon were also involved in these matters, and as I imagine you know, their approach to the organization remains rather negative, even after meeting and befriending you," he informs Lyney; or reminds, perhaps. He knows not of the extent to which the magician is aware of Fatui matters disconnected from the House of the Hearth. "In any case, the situation eventually escalated and resulted in the Eighth of the Fatui Harbingers, La Signora, meeting her end by the Traveler and the Shogun's hands."

He crosses his arms, his eyes wandering off of Mr. Lyney and back to the damaged ward. "I can't claim to know the ins and outs of the Fatui, but what I have heard is that each of the Harbingers commands the unwavering loyalty of their men. Perhaps Lady Signora's subordinates continue to seek revenge for her demise to this day."

This would be in line with his intelligence reports, but he leaves that thought unsaid. Dismissing it, he turns his full attention back to the young man.

"If you are here to investigate, I would like to accompany you. I arrived at Yashiori Island in hopes of protecting the civilians as well. The Shogunate has dispatched other search parties, but I believe it best if we find out what's going on before they do, lest they run into trouble with the Fatui."

　🌢　judgement calls.

crystallize , tatarigami.　⸻　neuvillette & lyney

[iustitians]

The sight of Miss Robin is met by Neuvillette with a light smile, considerably more friendly than the usual obligatory courtesy he offers to most others; her words, in turn, come as quite the surprise - most unexpected, the message she announces - and though outwardly, his expression does not change, in his mind he begins to wonder how to formulate a polite way of explanation that his lifestyle is most likely too busy and sedentary to warrant pets.

But maybe he can give those to the Melusines, comes an idea. His daughters would no doubt enjoy new curious companions. Some of them have been turning to him, asking about the human customs of keeping pets, and he has not been able to provide them with satisfactory answers. Perhaps that could be the way...

... But before he can think more about that, there is a new, ahem, urgent matter that needs solving, namely that of his window. Neuvillette looks at the broken stained glass for a moment, as though processing what just happened.

"Hm. It is a good thing my office is on the first floor, otherwise they might have really hurt themselves be jumping out like this," comes the first observation. When he looks to Robin next, the light smile on his face is still present - a sign for her, hopefully, that he is not angry or troubled by this situation.

"Oh, it's quite alright. Though..." He trails off in hesitation, thinking for a moment, before he sighs - as, within his mind, the obligation and duty kept stalwart for centuries wins once again against the temptation of offering preferential treatment to someone he would like to call a friend, just like it always has and always will. His expression turns a hint apologetic.

"... The window is no issue, but standard procedure does dictate that I will have to fine you for it. I'm sorry about that."

The paperwork necessary for that can wait until later, however. To Miss Robin's request, he nods, getting up from his seat.

"Of course." Luckily, he has nothing urgent on his schedule for the time being. "I'll ask the Gardes to keep an eye out for them and see if they can catch them." Hopefully, based on the initial impression, they will cause some ruckus that should make them relatively easy to find... Although, on the other hand, that may not necessarily be a good thing.

Well. The day has certainly stopped being ordinary quite quickly.

Does It Know How to Pay Taxes || Neuvillette & Robin

Catcakes in Fontaine || @hopetune || Commission Season: Harmony

[iustitians]

Nahida's arrival is met with a nod of approval from Neuvillette, as is the precaution she takes to keep communication unspoken outside of their minds. While on a daily basis he would be significantly less appreciative of someone intruding on his mental privacy for a chat he did not invite, there are times when he acknowledges the need for such means; here and now, is one of those times.

When she makes her inquiry as to how to proceed, the Iudex does not respond right away. Focusing, he catches all, even smallest, droplets of water in the air around them, and commands them to rely to him any and all intel that they have gathered. Though this process tends to be less than pleasant, what with the flood of memories and emotions that inevitably follows, it is nevertheless a tool at his disposal at times of need.

Luckily, ever since he regained his Authority, the process is more controlled, and easier to withstand - and the information necessary easier to filter out. Before long, he has what he had sought.

"I sense no malice or hostility ahead of us, only fear," he informs Nahida. "I believe the hostages may have been locked up, but are otherwise unguarded, at least not by humans. There may be Gardemeks, but I can handle those with ease."

After all, control over Pneumousia had more uses than providing Fontaine with power. It also meant that machines run on this system could not be turned against him, lest they face the fate that humans would compare to death.

"It will soon be time to drop the pretenses, even if it means crashing the party. You can still contact your guards, yes? Just outside the hotel, they will find members of the Special Patrol doing their rounds. Have your guard inform them of what's going on," he instructs. "They may evoke my name - the Gardes will investigate without question. As for us..."

Walking forward towards a door, he places his hand on the door handle and, slowly and quietly, presses down. Against his expectations, it follows the movement of his arm to swing open.

"Looks like we can proceed a bit further, for now. I would prefer to avoid breaking in, but if we make contact with the hostage, it will be more than justified to do so. Let us see if we can find them before the Special Patrol arrives."

Shadows in the Court

[iustitians]

The proposition of opening new trade of minerals between Fontaine and Watatsumi Island that arrives somewhat abruptly that day is by no means unwelcome, but it is certainly unexpected. He had thought that the island had returned to the rule of the Shogunate, and as such, this kind of correspondence would have been more expected from their officials.

... Perhaps those peace talks he once heard about have made less progress than he had anticipated. The Narukami's grip must still be deemed unsatisfactory for those she and her followers have gravely failed in the past.

However, he lets these thoughts go quickly as he realizes the likely real reason behind the letter's sender being who they are - the moment the paper's texture meets his fingers, he feels his Hydro senses resonate with something that had been applied onto it. And indeed, gentle use of the element reveals the true message concealed beneath.

Silently, he calmly reads it, analyzing the message hidden within.

---

In spite of the distance, the reply, expedited through special means, arrives at the Sangonomiya Shrine after just one day. On the surface, an agreement to the trade and collaboration; concealed using the same method as Kokomi's missive, Neuvillette's reply.

To the Divine Priestess,

I have heard in passing of the Tatarigami outbreak, and as such understand the potential gravity of the situation. While I am uncertain just how much advice or expertise I can offer, if you believe that I can be of assistance, I will be both happy and honored to meet with you. Please let me know whether you are able to come to Fontaine, or would prefer for me to arrive in Inazuma - or if you believe that we should meet on neutral grounds, for which I would propose Liyue's Chenyu Vale.

Should you wish to meet on my territory, I will welcome you at the Weeping Willow of the Lake, in Loch Urania. I will arrange one of my daughters to serve as your guide upon your arrival.

With best regards,

Neuvillette

Gaze of the Ancients

[iustitians]

Though the illness of the world's depths began to wear down on him, he was nevertheless more resistant to it than an average human - enough, at the very least, to hold his own against a group of enemies. As the largest of the foes crumbled into dust, Neuvillette strained his senses, casting them around the area akin to a net, in search of the same power signature as before.

It was not long before the result presented himself. This time, he was in luck - the signal did not come from atop the tree, but rather right next to him in the nearby bush. Perhaps the perpetrator simply did not have the time to position it in a less accessible spot. Having located the troublesome item, he disposed of it with a single blast of Hydro, the blade formed from Sourcewater cleaving it clean in two. And just like that - the last Rifthound Whelps disintegrated on the spot, and the sickly red and olive covering the trees gave way to healthier and more vibrant shades of green as the Withering Zone quickly dissipated.

Dismissing his cane, Neuvillette inhaled and exhaled slowly, before finally giving in and letting out a few coughs as his body worked to purify the toxins he had absorbed. He felt better soon after, just in time for his sensitive ears to hear the shrill echo of distant pleading.

"NOOOOOO!! P-PLEASE SPARE MEEE...!!"

... It would seem that the Wanderer had caught the perpetrator.

Having mostly recovered, Neuvillette gathered the remains of the device and set out on his way. A few warps in between quick steps soon saw him approaching the two - the man that had been attempting to run now cowering in front of the hat guy.

"Impressive speed," he complimented. "Though I doubt a regular human could ever outrun you. Now then," facing the cowering scholar, he frowned. "I believe we deserve an explanation."

Who Let the Akademiya Cook || Neuvillette & Wanderer