𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄, neuvillette.

Chapter 08: It is Not Easily Angered.

“More than anything, [Name] deserves to heal her heart first. The anger she felt for herself is not something that I can dissolve into waters. And I do not wish to risk drowning her with something that even I couldn't properly comprehend just yet. I gave her my word that we'll make love happen, and while I intend to see it through, I don't mind waiting for her either.”

—

Logically speaking, this is supposed to be none of his business.

Personal disputes are his—not to the point of dislike, but—least favourite to handle in court, much less if the topic of said dispute is not something that could be properly comprehend by presenting logical facts and physical evidence.

These past few days, Neuvillette found himself breaking his normalcy, however. Aside from his usual paperworks in administration of Fontaine, numerous court trials that needed to be handled by the Chief Justice, there is one more thing that was added in his otherwise normal workload.

Facilitating your very own 'trial'.

Neuvillette can see the shock in your face the first time you step foot inside the near-empty Opera Eplicles, your hand firmly held by Furina as the former Archon dragged you inside—empty aside from a select few individuals occupying seats. 

Then, your shock morphed into unease and confusion when you spotted your Sumeru friends sitting in the front rows with Kaveh stiffly standing on the left podium with a frown, the mechanical suitcase he carries around beeping loudly beside him.

"Furina, what's going on? You said we're here to watch an opera?"

"Yes, my dear. This is for your own good."

Neuvillette sat in his usual place, overlooking the entirety of the Opera Epicles with a calm expression. If not for the tight grip on his cane, anyone would've believed that he's untouchable and unperturbed as ever. 

He sharply observed every present with discerning eyes.

Despite your protests and confusion about the situation, Furina stubbornly dragged you on the right podium, opposite of Kaveh. She whispered something in your ears, gripping your hand tightly. The frown in your expression lessened, seemingly comforted a bit, before the former Archon patted your shoulders, walking away from you to sit beside the empty seat next to Tighnari.

Your brother-in-arms looks a lot more relaxed and calm, similar to Alhaitham and Cyno. Neuvillette had already informed them of this trial that he and Furina meticulously orchestrated, humbly asking for their opinions and consent a few days ago, so none of them looked remotely alarmed nor guarded. They knew the content of this trial as they privately discussed earlier that week, and they were aware of the necessity as well. 

Kaveh, on the other hand, appears to be quite nervous and jittery, a frown on his face. Similar to your predicament and confusion, he is also none the wiser in Neuvillette and Furina's plans. 

Once again, the Chief Justice was aware that this is supposed to be none of his business. However…

He knew to himself that he cannot let this go on. For your sake, for everyone involved, and for his own peace of mind.

Neuvillette was willing to break out of his normalcy. Just this once—he logically justified. 

(His position as the Iudex is, and would always be, a symbol of Fontaine's impartiality. And he knew personal relationships could incite bias in one's fair judgement, which is why he's always reluctant and therefore avoids forming non-professional connections so carelessly. But he had already decided to do this, and he was not one to break his promises—whether to you, or to Miss Furina, or to himself. He had to thread this trial as carefully and wisely as he could.)