𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄, neuvillette.

Chapter 06: It Does Not Behave Rudely.

“Love is supposed to have good manners. It's not inherently selfish, for the simple reason that love is concerned for the other person’s well-being. Perhaps Kaveh understood that more than me, he always does—the idealist that he is—because when I told him to leave, he did so to respect me.”

—

In the past centuries serving as the Iudex of Fontaine, Neuvillette had judged many individuals—be it in the matters of the law or something a little petty like how Furina prefers sweets over spring water despite her being the 'Hydro Archon', as he was foolishly led to believe. 

And likewise, he himself was aware how much he was judged just as the same. Someone from a hundred years ago claimed he has a peculiar temperament, Furina said he's too stiff and serious, the people whisper he's aloof and cold, to the Melusines, he is friendly and their 'ideal' father—however that meant. 

Neuvillette accepts all their judgement with grace befitting his image of the impartial judge, knowing that they based their opinion of him from what they see with their own eyes—which is entirely not incorrect, per se. 

And that can be said with other people, other humans who hold a significant position in the society where they have to maintain a certain image to not tarnish the dignity of the duty they uphold.

Indeed, Sumeru's General Mahamatra and the Akademiya's Scribe are exactly what he expected them to be; dignified, graceful, respectful. In the first moments of their official meeting, the dragon sovereign wonders, if you truly know the two on a personal level just as he imagined, what similarities do you share with them? Did you all get along well regardless of your differences? Do your varying personalities and ideals often clash? How do you resolve them, if so?

Neuvillette was observing them fairly well, if he said so himself, as they calmly discussed the Dendro Archon's proposition to him. The General Mahamatra, for an instance, is a peculiar man. There was something rather unsettling about him that he cannot put a finger to. This Cyno is a human, there is no doubt about it, but Neuvillette can sense a pulse of something close to divinity in him. And he's not talking about the Electro Vision he had glimpsed on his back, no. 

On the other hand, the Scribe is discerning and reserved, and Neuvillette can tell he is extremely intelligent, even if he does not say anything beyond what he deems necessary. While Cyno has an obvious temperament of a veteran warrior, Alhaitham undeniably possessed the eyes of an observant beast. 

The Iudex had the chance of meeting individuals like him before, and while most of them keeps to themselves and wouldn't pounce as long as you did not disturb them—similar to Wriothesley, and Clorinde, in a way—some are the most cunning and sly he had a displeasure of meeting—comparable to The Knave, in fact. Neuvillette distantly wonders which one of the two would describe Alhaitham, though he assumes only time will tell.

"—Our Archon sends her deepest apologies for not having time to directly meet you in person to discuss important diplomacy, Sir." The General Mahamatra said, his voice serious and flat that leaves no room for him to judge. "But she sends her regards, and hopes that you would accept her proposal."

Neuvillette have countless reservation, unsaid doubts, unpaid misgivings, rightful mistrust and untold skepticisms to all usurpers, however— 

"Not to worry, I do understand why Lesser Lord Kusanali cannot leave her post for she likely experienced the same workload as I do nowadays." He calmly stated, expression not giving any of his feelings away as he crossed his leg over the other, folding his hands on his knees. 

"Thank you for understanding, Sir." He nodded gratefully, his spine rigid straight from where he sat on the couch. "So, could you tell us what you think?"