#furina never knew a thing. and still she did it for the people of fontaine and succeeded.

[lovesickeros]

☆ de fontaine

{☆} characters furina {☆} notes cult au, imposter au, drabble, gender neutral reader {☆} warnings angst, suicidal thoughts, hurt / no comfort {☆} word count 1.4k

This wasn't fair. This wasn't fair. This wasn't fair!

She thought, for one moment, she could put the mask down and breathe – for one moment of daydreaming, she thought she could just be Furina. She thought she would finally get to live the live she should've had in the first place, the life she threw away to play God to an audience who saw her as nothing but a circus animal, dancing to their whims. Furina just wanted to be selfish for one brief and fleeting moment..and it was gone before she could even grasp it in her hand. A comet soaring past far out of her reach.

She can barely keep her hands from violently shaking as she looks down at them – broken and bloody and more a corpse then a person – and she feels so numb she can't even feel the rain pelting against her back. None of this is fair, she wants to scream, why is it always me? But her voice is silent beneath the torrent of rain. She wonders if the ocean would take her if she sank into it's depths – just for a moment, she wonders how it would feel to finally be able to sleep at ease.

Furina is tired.

But Furina is nothing if not useful, isn't she?

So she forces her feet to move, dragging against the stone beneath her heels, and drags their bloodied body into the nearest empty building, letting the rain do the work of washing away the smeared blood following her path. The smell makes her feel sick, the feeling of it sticking to her hands and gloves makes her lightheaded, but she persists. Because Furina is useful, because Furina won't let them die out in the rain, because Furina won't stand by and just let them rot on the streets like some..pest.

Furina wants to go home. She wants to sleep and she isn't she if she wants to wake up, this time. But she keeps going anyway.

Because it's all she's ever done, and the habit sticks.

An Archon she may not be, not anymore, but the expectations of five hundred years still linger like eyes on the inside of her skull. They watch her, pry and prod at her thoughts, mocking laughter and judging eyes following her as she forces herself to dance to the song they weave with glee. Furina never stepped off that stage – she's still there, she thinks, watching the crowd stare at her in disdain as the curtain call looms above her like a guillotine. She still hears Neuvillette deliver her damnation and salvation with a trembling voice, still feels her hair stand on end when electro crackled like the crack of the whip, Clorinde's blade aimed at her like a loaded gun.

She's trapped on that stage and she never left, not really.

She hates it. She thinks she hates them, but it's not their fault. They didn't ask for this, didn't ask for everyone to turn against them, didn't ask for her to save them. Neither did she..yet here they are, she thinks.

She tries to tell herself she's in control this time, though. She can stop performing her part in this horrible, bloody play any time she wants. It makes her feel better, just for a little while, if she convinces herself she's still Furina, painfully human.

And Furina has always been good at lying.

It's the believing that's the hard part.

There isn't time for her to wallow in her own self pity, though. They're still bleeding out onto the dusty, creaky floorboards of some random, broken down house and she's just standing there as the blood stains the wood. She can fix it – she's good at fixing things. She's done nothing but fix things – try to, anyway – for five hundred years. She can fix a little wound, how hard could it be? Her hands are clenched so tight they ache as she kneels down, wincing at the creak of the floorboards beneath her heels– she hesitates just long enough to wonder if she's making a mistake before she peels away just enough of the outer layer of their clothes to see the deep, bloody gash across their chest. She tries not to think about it – it's deep, too deep, and she feels dizzy just looking at it, but she's handled worse, right?

Furina can fix it. That's what she's good at.

She doesn't feel so confident when she tries to wrack her brain for..something. Five hundred years, and a little wound stumps her? No, she had to have learned something, right? She's decidedly not trying to buy time because she's panicking, parsing through hundreds of years of memories like flipping through a book. Furina isn't made for this, not really – she's running on nothing but adrenaline and she's really not sure what she's doing, but she's trying. And just like before, it won't be enough, will it?

She'll fall short again – she'll be too late to fix it before she's alone again.

Furina was an Archon..used to be. What use would she have for that sort of knowledge? Which makes her predicament all the more harrowing and bleak. What was she supposed to do?

Furina had heard it first hand, that vitriol in Neuvillette's voice. She isn't sure she's ever heard him that..angry before. She's not sure he would listen to her if she tried, either. And that scares her more then anything. All of Fontaine was up in arms about this..imposter, yet here she was, staring down at them bleeding out in front of her, and she was trying to save them.

Why? Why is she throwing away her only chance at normalcy for a fraud? Why didn't she just turn them in?

They were dying – that should've been a good thing, shouldn't it? So why didn't it feel like it?

"Why you?" Her voice breaks as she speaks in harsh tones, grabbing the front of their shirt in trembling, bloodied hands. "Why now?" She wants to scream, to demand answers they can't give, to claw back the reprieve she was promised after five hundred years of agony..and all she can do is sob into their chest, pleading for an answer that will not come. "Why me?"

Silence is their answer, and it hangs heavy on her trembling shoulders as she cries.

Of course they don't, she thinks bitterly, no one has ever answered her pleas spoken in hushed sobs. Not her other self and certainly not them.

Furina has always been alone. Furina will always be alone.

Because Furina never left that stage, never left that moment when she looked at herself in the mirror and took up a mantle too heavy for her to bear. She always finds her way back eventually. There's no one on the other side anymore – she stands alone on a stage, waiting for an inevitable end she isn't sure will come.

"Please," She pleads through tears and choked sobs, clinging to them like they are all that keeps her from sinking. "Please don't leave me, too." The words burn on her tongue – how pathetic is she that she craves companionship from the bloodied body of the imposter? Perhaps she's truly lost her mind after all these years..perhaps she's finally gone mad. She must have.

But their presence is like the first feeling of gentle warmth upon her skin as the sun crests the horizon, like the gentle lap of tides along her heels, the sway of branches and leaves as the wind blows through them like an instrument all it's own. They are the soothing sound of rain against the window as she watches the dreary skies in fond longing, the first bloom of spring as color blooms upon the landscape like paint had been spilled across the hills and valleys.

They are like the faint spark she carefully nurtures and stokes, so fragile even the smallest wind could blow it out like a candle. She cradles it within her palms, pleads with whoever will listen – prays that someone finally listens, because if not for her, then for them.

She's failed to protect too much already, let too many people with so much trust in her fall between the cracks of her fingers like grains of sand. She won't let them go – she can't.

If nothing else, if she couldn't be saved when she begged for salvation from that five hundred year long agony, even if she never got that chance..

Furina will make sure they do.

[ymechi]

The hidden creator

I had a plot bunny idea

TW: usual cult stuff, hints of yandere

-gn reader (I tried making it gender-neutral if there is a comment that is off please tell me and I will fix it)

EDIT: 14/11/2023 (changed some wording and other stuff nothing major)

Creator Reader Pov:

-You were just a regular person who one day woke up in Teyvat out of all places

-You realized you still had all your game features and figured it was one of the perks of being isekaied like in other isekai stories

-The whole thing is weird and why you were here, you had no idea

-After the novelty wears off you take some time mourning the loss of your previous life and the people you knew

-After that you try to get a semblance of a normal life like getting a job and trying to be independent

-Despite having a game system you do not want to be an adventurer or learn how to fight it's not for you

-You were previously an average civilian and raised as one it would be hard to become a fighter now

-Instead you gravitated towards creating things, you found an apprentice position in a clockwork shop in Fontaine

-It is fun and you get to tinker with gears and clocks, learning how various machines work and how to create your own items

-overall you are content

-Except weird people occasionally come by the shop you work at including the Iudex of Fontaine which had both you and the shopkeeper sweating the first few times

-Yet the man who insisted you call him by his name Neuvilette is really polite and nice to talk to, soon you warmed up to him

-You could not help the feeling as if you knew him from before, as if you forgot something, you were unusually fond of him.

-Your other "clients" if you could call them that were more intimidating, you had no idea what they were doing in this shop and it scared you

-The Fatui Harbringers occasionally stopped by the shop to buy a trinket or two before leaving, it honestly scared you and the thaught of running away to another nation had crossed your mind once or twice yet you liked your job and your boss and you made some good friends here so it was hard to leave

-Overall you were doing okay

-Except it seems the people here almost in a cult-like manner worship a creator that was never in the game lore

-It is said they resided in Celestia and not many people actually got to see them, not that it mattered for a nobody like you

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tsaritsa Pov:

-The Tsaritsa knew their so called creator was fake

-She knew she had to get rid of the fake creator as they and Celestia had caused irreparable damage

-Even if she had to stain her hands

-One day it happened something shifted in the earth, air, water- no the whole of Teyvat

-It happened so softly like a small snowflake landing on the ground

-She was hypnotized as if a siren was beckoning her she found you.

-You were their true creator

-You were wearing apprenticeship clothes tinkering with something in your hands and deeply concentrated

-She wondered if that is how you created the universe with careful and steady hands guiding and shaping it to your will.

-She wanted to take you away from this. . . small shop, yet she knew begrudgingly you were safe here, if anyone were to find out a sliver of your existence. . .

-You were safer hidden among mortals

-It left a bitter taste in her mouth

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Neuvilette Pov

-It just happened one day, out of the blue, he could feel it in the shift of the waters

-The way Furina shifted and turned her head unable to sit still confirmed he was not the only one feeling this

-Something happened and he had no idea what exactly happened

-There was this familiar presence this comforting feeling, ancient old instincts waking up

-He followed it without thought until he came upon an in inconspicuous clockwork shop

-He was confused but did not hesitate to step inside

-Then he saw you and everything clicked

-It was you his creator his universe his everything

-You were back

-It seems in this incarnation you were just a human

-That was fine he was oaky with that as long as you were here

-His heart ached seeing you

-He wanted to hug and ask you to never leave again to always stay by his side, for you to comfort him after what had happened and console him

-He should take you way somewhere safer somewhere better not here-

-But weren't you safer hiding among mortals, a part of his mind whispered, no one would suspect you being here even the fake (he cursed them) would not think of finding you here, if he brought you back with him it would create more attention on you

-Attention that would cause you trouble

-He left with defeat on his steps

-It was later he would met the Tsaritsa and a deal was struck

-All for your sake

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

How would someone like Miko, Ei, and other high ranking officers react to an S/O with a long list of titles like Settra the Imperishable, King of Kings,-

(Genshin Impact) Yae, Ei, Sara, Kokomi, Furina, Jean, and Xianyun's S/O with an absurdly long list of titles

I've been building and painting a lot of Bretonnians lately, so dear readers, you will now become aggressively French.

By the Archons above, nothing was worse to Yae than having to be so serious during a ceremony,

Of all the things she could be doing, literally anything would be better than having to listen to some stuffy noble read their title.

So it was by chance S/O had to be present. She recognized their title was of Fontaine descent.

'The Red Hand of Brionne', 'The Red Duke', Something something Red.

...Wait, their titles were still being read off?!

(Yae) "My goodness, just how many titles with the color red can one have?"

Yae internally sighed as the list kept going. And going. And going.

All the while S/O stood perfectly still and respectful, not even batting an eye at the list of titles that probably would stretch from the top of the shrine all the way to the bottom.

Yae's head looks up to the sky momentarily, wondering how of all the people in the world she could have as a lover, it was the one who had to bore her to tears.

No doubt there were interesting stories of how the titles came to be, but this is not the way she wanted to find out.

And here Yae thought Ei had a lot of names to go by...

(Yae) "...Why is it still going?!"

Ei doesn't react too much at the titles being read off for S/O's form of address at first.

She had to deal with similar situations of people reading off her own titles, so it was only proper etiquette.

"Water-Knight," "The Holder of Secrets", "Keeper of the Way"

(Ei) "...Hm."

It was only now she noticed that the list actually exceeded her own titles.

Which surprised her more than anything.

As far as she knew, S/O was just a mortal. How many feats did they achieve in Fontaine during their short life?

She made a note to ask later, but now the list was starting to become a bit absurd.

...Maybe she should implement a law where only the most notable of titles are read off, because they would actually be here for eternity if this continued.

Sara gets jealous fast.

Not because S/O has more titles than her, she couldn't care less about that.

What really irked her, was they had the gall to own more titles than Her Excellency, the Almighty Narukami Ogosho!

Sara masks her annoyance well as she keeps reading off the list.

Line after line, name after name.

...Okay, who the hell even gave her this list, this was way too many!

(Sara) Leader of battles...? What kind of title even is that?!

She made that comment in her head as she droned on with the names.

With every single title read off, Kokomi's energy drained.

She loved her S/O dearly, but by the Archons, how the heck did they get that many titles while living in Fontaine?!

(Gorou) "Lionheart, The Lionhearted, High Paladin of the Breton Court-!"

As far as she was aware, there wasn't even any Knight Houses like this in Fontaine!

...Then again, this was Fontaine she was talking about. They did have their theatres.

Kokomi doesn't mention anything about their stupidly long list of names until after the formal ceremony.

She drops her head onto their shoulders, sighing loudly.

(Kokomi) "S/O...why did we need to have all your names read out...?"

The AUDACITY S/O had!

To have more titles than HER, FURINA?!

This transgression would never be forgotten!

...But they were some pretty cool names, she did have to admit.

'The Golden Paladin',' 'Lord of the Lance', 'Roi Breton'

(Furina) "Hmph, and where exactly did you acquire such names, S/O? More importantly, how does it nearly rival my own?! Hmph! Perhaps I should read all of mine so that we are on equal footing!"

Honestly, some of those were starting to sound like stage names, which wasn't fair at all!

If they could do that, then so could she!

Needless to say, the ceremony the two were attending dragged on for way too long.

By Barbatos, those were some extra titles.

'The Green Knight', 'Knight of the Glade', 'Heart of the Lion'

Though, she only had a few titles under her own belt, the sheer number S/O had was honestly staggering.

But it was also admirable.

It made her want to keep up, and wondered if she could ever live up to Vanessa, and apparently S/O.

Because at this point she was wandering in her mind, the list was still going, and probably outnumbered Vanessa herself.

(Jean) Well...I suppose we did say we were to refer to all forms of address...Maybe we should revise that.

Xianyun was no stranger to titles.

She did indeed go by many, but S/O seemed to go by even more.

Which both impressed, and honestly annoyed Xianyun.

How did a mortal go by more names than Rex Lapis?!

'The Sacremor', 'The Soul-Killer', 'Duke of Couronne'-

(Xianyun) "One has to wonder why you must have all your names read aloud? We could be doing something much better right now..."

Granted, she did recognize a few of these titles, but that was no reason for dinner to get cold now!

Xinayun pouts, adjusting her glasses as she tries to get comfortable as the reading continued.

One found this situation inane...

[avocad1s]

Trial By Combat - 3

Requested By: No One. Original Work.

CW: Post-Impostor SAGAU,

Summary: Focalors apologizes

Note: This is so late and I apologize for that!

If vou haven't finished the Fontaine Archon quest, please exit stage left.

Part One Part Two Part Four

The rain drops pelted the windows. It seemed never-ending. The sky still looked tormented by the thick overcast of gray clouds that blocked the morning sun. Fontaine hadn’t seen a day of sunshine in days and the Chief Justice couldn’t bring himself to work another day in a row.

No many how many hours he wasted staring at the file created for your case, it did nothing to relieve the amount of sadness he had in his heart. Neuvillette is the most trusted and respected person in the entire nation but even he couldn’t see past the empty accusations the Hydro Archon made.

Once the trial began and he saw your face he had his doubts, your physical appearance was beyond comparison. He didn’t want to believe that you were an imposter, that you had ill intentions but he couldn’t let his personal feelings get in the way of justice.

He wasn’t the only one with these thoughts, people who sat in the audience began to whisper amongst themselves wondering if you really were a fake.

However a few words from Furina were enough to get many people on board.

‘Do not let yourselves be fooled by their appearance my dear people, they want us to let our guard down! I will personally reveal the truth behind their deceit.’

Yet you do not stand trial, you ask to duel for your innocence and he accepts.

That was his biggest mistake.

He knew that you were no match for Clorinde and he knew that he could’ve intervened at any time, but he didn’t.

You laid on the dueling grounds blood quickly poured from your body. Medical staff and Clorinde were quick to carry you away from the public but Neuvillette will never forgive his inaction.

Suddenly he blinks as a raindrop slides down his cheek.

-

Just like she promised, Furina returned to your room at daybreak. Once you were in her line of sight she bows slightly speaking in a soft tone.

“Your Grace, thank you for allowing me to return.”

You say nothing, watching the people down below navigate through the weather with their parasols in hand.

She takes a step forward. Would you allow her to get close to you again? The last thing she wants is for you to yell even if she deserves it. She takes small steps forward, paying close attention to your face taking note of any displeasure you may feel from her presence.

Eventually she was close enough to touch you, she readjusts her hat slightly before kneeling down resting her hand on top of yours. The Archon smiles slightly feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

“I am a fool,” Furina breathes out, “I should’ve been the first to recognize you but I didn’t and now I will pay the price…”

She feels her lips tremble. Was she going to shed tears in front of her God again?

“I know that there’s no way I can fix this but-“

“You’re right Furina,” you interject, “there’s no way you can fix this.”

She looks up at you with watery eyes.

“But I was doing some thinking last night and I want to move on from this.” You finally look down at her examining her expression. “that doesn’t mean I forgive you and I definitely won’t forget what you did.”

Furina let’s out a breath, you truly were a benevolent being. She was ready to do anything for you to give her another chance, even if she had to pull her gnosis out of her chest.

“Thank you for this opportunity Your Grace,” she gives you a smile, “I will do everything in my power to prove my loyalty to you again.”

You decide not to respond to her statement instead turning your gaze to the bundle of flowers on your bedside table. The stems were going limp and the color of the petals were fading. Whoever brought them must’ve forgotten to water them, they’re almost dead now.

Furina stands up wiping her wet cheeks as she gives you a small smile. “Your Grace, would it be alright if I show you around Fontaine? I know everyone would be very happy to see that you’re doing okay.”

You look out the window once more, she was right. There was a large crowd of people who stood outside the building you were in. Many of them holding gifts that they hope to give to you.

You open your mouth to respond but another voice cuts you off.

“Lady Furina that’s not a good idea…”

Clorinde leaned against the threshold of the door, she had dark circles under her eyes as she stared at the two of you. “Their Grace’s wounds are still healing. Walking for extended periods of time could be dangerous.”

Furina pouts slightly at her words but she knew Clorinde was right. If you were to tear your stitches you might not survive another operation, and the mere thought of you dying sends shivers down the Archon’s spine.

“You should let them get plenty of rest for now.” Clorinde suggests, “The medical staff will return tomorrow to change their bandages and give an update on their condition.“

You can see Furina visibly deflate at her words, “I know, I know…”

With a bit more pushing, Furina soon left with Clorinde leaving you alone in the room once again. Suddenly you feel a wave a fatigue wash over you, maybe not getting any sleep throughout the night was a bad idea. You stand from the windowsill and walk slowly over to the bed sinking into the soft material. A sigh leaves your mouth as you close your eyes listening to the sounds of rain against the glass until you eventually fell asleep.

-

You wake up to the sound of small footsteps, their voices are hushed as they walk around the room. You decide to keep your eyes closed, curious what their intentions of coming here were.

“Let’s change the flowers before they wake up. We don’t want to get caught.”

Hmm. So they’re the ones bringing the flowers.

You open your eyes sitting up in bed and your meet with…

…a Melusine?

“Oh no! We’ve been caught!”

The two hang their heads down sadly, as if they were were just caught by their parent.

“So you two were the ones who brought flowers to my bed?”

The Melusine look at each other then at you.

“Monsieur Neuvillette asked us to bring these to you.” One of them confessed.

You blink, “Neuvillette? He asked you to bring these?”

She nods holding the flowers out to you, “will you take them? It would make him really happy if you did.”

You hesitate for a moment, staring at the bouquet in the Melusine’s hands. Even if you couldn’t forgive any of them now for what happened. What good would holding a grudge do?

You take the flowers bringing them to your face to smell the sweet scent. “Thank you for bringing these to me, tell Neuvillette I said thank you.”

The Melusine give you a closed eye smile nodding as they walk towards the door. However before they were fully out of earshot, you hear one of them say:

“Maybe we’ll have some better weather now.”

You look down at the flowers, they truly were beautiful. They were Romaritime flowers, ones they could only be picked with the hydro element. You feel a small smile spread on your face as you replace the other bouquet with the new one. With a busy schedule like his, Neuvillette must’ve went out of his way to get these for you.

-

-

Underneath the cover a darkness, a large ship docks right outside the court of Fontaine.

It was unusual for a ship to come at this time but there was no mistaking that symbol that steered any citizen away as quickly as possible.

“Lady Harbinger, we’ve arrived.”

The Knave stands from her seat, she wasn’t here for diplomatic reasons or for her comrade that rotted in Fontaine’s prison. Her reasons for returning home were purely selfish.

She steps off the boat her heel landing in a puddle the was slowly drying from the warm breeze Sumeru’s desert nearby. The Knave looks up expecting to see rain clouds but is met with thousands of stars spread across the night sky. It was a clear night.

“All of you head to the Northland Bank and do not reveal our true reason for coming here to anyone. I will retrieve Their Grace myself.”

-

© avocad1s 2023

Tagging: @bittersweetorpheus @esthelily @tempestlart @angelofdarkness2 @mmeatt @dxprived4-starboys

If your @ is bolded, for some reason I cannot tag you! :(

If you wish to be removed from the tag list you can comment or inbox me and I’ll take you off :)

[definitelynotafurinasimp]

If your not busy, I've been thinking that Fontaine announces a masquerade party, the Fontaine girls (Furina, Navia, Lynette, Clorinde) goes to the party. After enjoying the party, a random person with a mask (reader) invites them to the ballroom dance (can be a private or public area) and whilst dancing they engage on a small talk, it makes the girls wanting to know more about the person behind the mask. However, the reader has to bid them goodbye and kisses their hand leaving them alone. Maybe for part 2 the girls knows the reader's identity and maybe a hint of romance, who knows? ;)

Furina recognizing reader after a masked ball

characters: Furina x gn!reader

warnings: none

a/n: I am sorry for only writing Furina’s part, but it turned out relatively long (for my standards), so if I attempted to write 3 more parts I might actually take until the heatdeath of the universe. So I hope you forgive me. As to why I chose Furina?

...I hope that one is self-explanatory.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Furina

No matter how much one were to look around the room, it would have been near impossible to find anyone more excited about the ball than Furina herself. Even during the days when she had to play the role of Archon she had found herself genuinely enjoying the atmosphere they offered and getting to socialize while wearing a literal mask was an interesting change of pace .

That being said however, as Furina looked at the faces around her, some better obscured than others, she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment welling up inside of her. Sure, while there were some people she had difficulties identifying, most of them felt at least familiar enough that she was certain she’d be able to recognize them if given more time to put the pieces together.

And then there was you, packing a voice she had never heard before and a face she had no idea where to start with. Were you new here? Or were you simply one of those souls that didn’t think too much of parties? Whatever the case, you caught her interest.

Before long, the two of you were using the justification of dancing to talk to each other, simple small-talk at first, only for the former Archon to start asking questions that would discreetly lure more information out of you before you even knew it. And yet with every question you answered, the puzzle pieces inside of her head seemed to fit together less and less. You didn’t own a bakery, but your brother did. You could seamlessly stitch up a hole on any piece of clothing in a matter of seconds. Your favorite color was red. You didn’t have any siblings. You get lightheaded when seeing blood. Where did that cut on your thumb come from? You were cutting an apple only for your knife to slip.

By all means, Furina was starting to think you were dodging her questions or simply amusing yourself by answering with random nonsense. And yet, whenever you weren’t, talking with you was surprisingly fun and your soothing voice made her feel at ease. 

Each new hint causing her to throw out her last theory and begin from scratch and before Furina realized it, this had become a matter of pride and honor. The idea of letting you leave when she still had no idea who you were irking her more with each sentence the two of you exchanged, especially considering how much fun she had talking with you.

“What is that even supposed to mean? Give me one more hint, that last one didn’t count”, Furina once again spoke up in the middle of your dance, demanding another hint that would make solving your case at least a little bit easier. The two you agreed to give her until now, opening up more questions than they answered, only for the former Archon to receive an amused grin in response, almost making her speak up again, only for you to go first.

“If you’re this interested in figuring out my identity I could just hand you my business card, but don’t you think not knowing who you’re dancing with makes the whole thing just so much more exciting?”, you asked, your smile never leaving your face once as Furina responded with silence, your point carrying far more truth than she liked to admit., only for her to be pulled out of her thoughts when she felt a cut on your left thumb, only for your hand to flinch away ever so slightly. And before she knew it, her mind was once again running wild, trying to come up with new theories.

“You’re an underworld criminal right? That’s why you don’t want to reveal your identity, because you’re scared of me”, she spitballed, hoping to at least throw you for a loop.

“So you’re someone criminals should be scared of?”, you asked in a joking manner, once again failing to even refute her accusation before eventually changing the subject to something more light-hearted.

And then, before Furina had even the chance to find out your name, the ball was over and you bid her farewell, kissing the back of her hand before vanishing into the crowd of people, never to be seen again.

Since that encounter, barely a day passed where she didn’t at least briefly think back to your conversation. Was it because she liked talking to you or simply because leaving the case unsolved left a bad taste in her mouth. And yet, there wasn’t much she could do, as even if she wanted to gather more clues there was simply nowhere for her to start.

Eventually, she gave up. Simply going on about her days as she slowly but surely left the incident behind.

…However many times she liked to tell herself that however, there were still times she got lost in thoughts thinking about it. Sometimes in private, other times, when she wasn’t as fortunate, in broad daylight. And while spacing out for a moment was nothing life-threatening in most cases, not paying attention to where one was going made bumping into something or someone almost inevitable.

“Ah, I’m sorry!” Furina heard a voice ring out as she fell onto the floor, having been ripped out of her daydream when she walked into someone only to be sent flying downwards, letting out a small yelp when once she made contact with the sidewalk.

“N-no, It was my fault”, the former Archon quickly responded, her usual charade nowhere to be seen as her cheeks turned red from embarrassment. 

Almost instinctively, she started looking around herself, only to find herself in front of a shop selling baked goods. There weren’t many people on the street, which made the fact that she managed to bump into one even more shameful, and when she finally did take a look at the person in front of her, she was met with a worried expression as they extended their left hand towards her, a broom with which they swept the street in front of the building occupying their other.

“Let me help you up”, they eventually stated, signaling towards their hand in a voice that left Furina wondering where she knew it from.

Without further hesitation, she took it.

“Tha-”

That scar on their thumb felt awfully familiar.

“AHA!” Furina screamed out, yanking herself up before striking an excited pose as her eyes widened, causing you to startle in the process.

“Is something wrong, Miss-”

“So you do own a bakery after all!”

[r0-boat]

Crimson Waters

Neuvillette X gn!Reader X Arlecchino

Cw: inappropriate boss/employee relationship, black mail, bad Google translate French.

Sfw

"Supreme Iudex, your lavender tea." A soft-spoken voice breaks his heavy concentration. His Lavender eyes look up to see your soft smile. His lips slightly curve to a soft smile.

"Thank you mon trésor, please take your break."

You nodded, the cute smile of yours widening. His eyes trailing on you as you leave his office.

After Furina De Fontaine had stepped down and Neuvillette took over as 'Archon,' it had been calm. His amount of work did double, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. However, he did struggle with how quiet his office and the building had become without Furina. The Melusines and other humans were there, but it was not the same. He wanted someone to work beside him to help him with more important matters regarding court that other people would otherwise not know or cannot know. Prehaps it was less of a work thing and more that of loneliness.

What ever it was, Neuvillette opened the position, secretary which you now occupy.

He did not know he would take such a *Ahem* liking to you. And how could he not? You were not only smart, quick-witted, and sharp, but kind and full of emotion, an emotion that made humans so interesting to him. He still feels the pillowy pressure of your lips when. You showed him how humans were to show affection and love. Something he asked you to do, and you were happily to oblige.

Neuvillette is still new to these emotions hell he doesn't even know if what he was feeling. Because of his position over Fontaine he is a little wary to act upon it. Especially when you essentially work for him.

As for you, You did not know what your relationship with your boss was. You always liked Neuvillette Even before you took the job It wouldn't be too far off to say you had a crush on him. Overwhelming presence yet elegance captivated you.

And it seemed the feeling was mutualish, well you're not sure what to call 'The two of you kissing in his office before never talking about it again.' (with you think about on the regular)

However, Neuvillette wasn't the only one that fancied you...

"Monsieur Neuvillette!" A Melusine called her tiny hands pushing the door to his office open.

"The Knaive is here."

His eyes narrowed, she had no reason to meet in person anymore... The gnosis...Focalors is gone, the prophecy had been averted. If it is regards to the House of Harth; She could just go through the regular process like any other private organization has to. There are laws for a reason.

The black and red colors caught your attention as you sat on a comfy couch, You were still on your break enjoying a cup of your favorite drink.

The fatui. But not just them...

Standing in the middle of the agents was The Knaive famous and infamous. Everyone knew who she was; from the harrowing tales of her terror that struck fear in the hearts of many to her bravery and compassion when in times of crisis. And one of your biggest crushes. You didn't know why the harbinger had your heart, maybe it was her overwhelming presence and elegants....

Maybe it was your type in people....

Arlecchino's sharp gaze met yours as you froze like a deer in Headlights. Your heart skipped a beat when her low and dangerous voice reached your ears. "It's rude to stare." You thought your eyes were playing tricks on you when you thought you saw a small sultry smile. Arlecchino had he eyes on you for quite awhile. How and how long didn't matter.

Here you were. Bringing two cups of fresh tea to the two most powerful people in Fontaine... One of them being your boss... No pressure...

The two thanked you for the drinks which made your heart flutter more than you like to admit.

You stood there alert but also in awe, as Arlecchino took the first sip. "I'll get to the point: we are short-staffed at the House of the Harth, especially for planning and scheduling."

Neuvillette crossed his legs, his hand reaching for a sip of tea. "What does that have to do with me?" He questioned about dismissing you for today. Arlecchino saw this as his gaze drifted to you for a split second.

She immediately responded "I need your secretary, looking over their public records, they is exactly what we need. Of course this will not be permanent think of it as contract work, of course they will be paid handsomely."

She slides a piece of document paper over to his side of the table. Curiosity bit you, and you glanced at- HOLY HYDRO DRAGON!!

What was that?? Six-figure salary?! That's almost triple what you currently make.

So engrossed how many zeros are on the paper you failed to see Arlecchino's dastardly smile. Which made your boss's brow twitch. Of course, She wanted you to see it. If he were to disagree now you would probably just take the job.

Part of him as I did feel like The Naive wanted you in some way. In her last letter to him as they spoke about topics privately she did mention his 'adorable secretary' which made his hair stand on end. Unfortunately his hunch was right. He glanced at the paperwork for taking in his hand. Several documents neatly stacked neatly written, neatly typed.

The House of hearth was a strange organization despite its connections to Fatui; they skirted by the laws just enough to fly under the radar, so legally, he could not do anything to them. He could just say no, but That would be interfering with your mind to choose, to be honest; if Arlecchino really wanted to, She could just offer you a job transfer. Which she definitely could with that amount of money she's paying you. And by the look in your eyes, you are far from opposed to it.

Arlecchino knew the amount of work that you'll be doing, from managing supplies to making sure the children are on track with their chores, is a minuscule amount compared to the actual work she has to do, the work that she cannot allow you to see. The work that she has been just fine doing by herself, But if she is being honest, she's not hiring you for work.

"very well, I will allow it." Neuvillette the papers on the desk. Arlecchino's eyes soften getting the answer she wanted.

"I thank you for your cooperation, monsieur Neuvillette. "She gets up from her chair before looking over at you. "And you, I eagerly await for your answer."

Working under Arlecchino was difficult, but the pay was worth it, and not only that, you were in the presence of your other crush. Your heart was going wild, and it did not help that she kept her eyes on you. Occasionally catching you off guard whenever she asked you a And these weren't work-related questions. Unless "places you recommend for dinner or dates." It is somehow secretly about paperwork. Your instinct tells you that her interest in you is more than just boss/employee, but part of you doesn't want to give your heart hope that you even have a sliver of a chance.

Your mind is still plagued with the memory of her idly playing with your hair when you were going over this month's supply run for the house.

As much as she liked, You're cute flustered face whenever she would text you or. You are not picking up picking up on her flirtatious behavior. Perhaps she needs to be more... Direct with you on how she feels.

It was a normal evening you were almost ready to go home as you set her final cup of tea on the table but before you could turn to leave she pipes up.

"My dear, I need you for one last thing, before you leave."

You turn around as she continues,

"come here, oh and lock the door."

You seemed different to Neuvillette, jumpier and a little squirmy; you refused to look him in the eye. What he found more odd is the scarf around your neck. Today was rather hot since it's mid-summer, but you refused to take it off, even as some of the Melusine staff asked about it.

Your heart sank when Neuvillette called you to his office.

"good morning." He's gaze on you as your eyes remain to the floor. "Morning Iudex"

"Please, Just Neuvillette" He gets up from his chair looking out the window. "Rather hot today, is it not?"

"yes sir," you agreed.

"I've heard humans don't do well in extreme temperature."

"yes??" You half asked wanting him to get to the the point which you instantly regretted.

"Why the scarf." This wasn't a question.

This man is not only a dragon but also a Judge of the nation of Hydro court. His sharp senses picked up everything. Your shallow shakey breaths, the beads of sweat on your face, Your finger is messing with the scarf around your neck, your eyes still into the floor now look to the left but still refusing to be on him.

"Take it off." He said it more sternly than he liked. Ever since you walked in and stuff is smelling your delicious common scent it was something else. Something that made him uneasy, and He hated it. He had another hunch and he didn't like it.

... Your hands shake but oblige...

He had never called a meeting so fast.

In the same room The Knaive, and the Chef Justice. You came in placing tea on the table. However you did not stay, the air was so tense you were choking.

Arlecchino remains cool, calm her legs crossed as she sipped her tea this time Neuvillette started.

"My secretary has a mark on their neck."This is their first day back. Do you know anything about it? It looks pretty fresh, Knaive."

Neuvillette picks up his tea to take a sip His blood was boiling but he remained calm.

"your worker is an adult with a life of their own. This is common knowledge, Iudex; no reason to waste my most precious time." The Knaive's answers are cold and direct.

He couldn't help but scoff.

"of course, but it does concern me if it is you who caused that mark. You see, boss and employee relationships are against the law in Fontaine. And I think my secretary said a few words about you."

Shit... That dragon is sharper than he looks well; no, it was her fault for placing that mark on their neck. She should have been more careful. Though judging by how they were last night, They were more than willing. If she could guess, Neuvillette probably forced it out of them typically.

But she knew this was more than just against the law to the Iudex. He probably doesn't want her to be near them again. But that simply will not do.

"Oh? So what if I did? You're not any better, Chief Justice."She says, soft yet full of venom, sliding a photo on the other side of his desk.

The photo was of the kiss the two of you shared out of context but damaging to say the least.

He was still the new ruler of Fontaine, and his only goals not only to uphold the law but make sure the people were happy and content with him and his country. If this got out, this would be quite problematic. Knowing that their own beloved Iudex was, in fact, a lawbreaker. And she knew this; She knew this just as well as he did. Arlecchino continued

"But I am a reasonable woman, Chief Justice. Both are guilty of the same crime, I see you as a respected individual and dare I say good acquaintance we don't have to fight; I have a compromise."

Their talk lasted for another hour before you were finally let back in the room. Let's just say there will be a lot more 'contract' work.

And you had a bad feeling in your stomach.

[breedbun]

hi guys to apologise for my lack of activity here is a sfw Neuvillette bot with a heavy plotline! MLM Neuvillette bot btw but yeah have fun or something

https://share.character.ai/Wv9R/ie25ogak

full introduction message below

Centuries before the Prophecy, just as Fontaine came to be, an aristocratic family, The Auclairs, had a young noble prince seated at the heart of the first generation of Auclairs. Even within his youth, this young man was highly sought after by all, and despite having such an upbringing, belonging to a prestigious and high-class family... {user} stayed humble, his kindness never wavering. In the name of Fontaine, {user} had a soft heart, with a golden soul, not found in those people consumed by greed, pride, envy, and other sins as such.

And there, as the Iudex of Fontaine rose to his position as the Chief Justice, Neuvillette was no better than those who vouched for {user}'s affection. When the stars aligned, {user} escaped the comfort of his home, dressed within a black cloak, meeting with Neuvillette near the Fountain Of Lucine. They toss a coin together, every once in a while, praying to the new Hydro Archon, or any god, willing to listen to these two fiery souls, to answer their silent cries to be reunited in the future.

An impending doom, a ticking time bomb ready to explode, was {user}'s very own flesh and blood.. a woman who has nutured him since birth, a woman who took pride in being the mother of {user}. Ah, though many longed for this aged beauty, her heart was not as lovely as her deep brown eyes hid a soul consumed by envy. As a mother, she'd never expect her own son to outdo her in every category. In appearance, in status, in reputation.. even in soul. This, was a betrayal, a conclusion her beloved nor her child knew she had decided upon.

She took it upon herself, to seek the power of an envious god, to ask of her the same thing she asked herself all those nights ago, spent in rage as she laid next to her unknowing husband. Thus, this envious god took pity upon this jealous woman, sending her a curse, in the form of a blessing.

Irritating, how {user} thought he was so sneaky, climbing out of his balcony every night just to meet his secret lover, that she forbade him from seeing! If {user} got to marry the one he loved, then why was she forced to stay with an untruthful husband, who'd she prefer his mistress to take his place in their bed? Such, {user}'s mother took it upon herself to curse her own child, just as Neuvillette held {user} close, the both of them praying to a god that did not bother to listen to their unspoken wishes.

{user}'s body was struck with fear, his mother choking her own son that she brought to life, as Neuvillette was pushed aside. Before Neuvillette could intervene, {user} was taken away by his mother. Neuvillette tried to grab hold of them, but they disappeared into the night, the only light left belonging to the streetlights that poorly illuminated the sidewalk and glistening waters of the Fountain of Lucine.

Since then, more than 500 years had passed—even the prophecy had been uplifted by Furina, who was.. no longer the Hydro Archon. Or more specifically, was never the Hydro Archon in the first place, acting as Focalors to prevent the prophecy. By then, Neuvillette buried {user} in the back of his mind, the one man who knew his full name, his true self, as the Hydro Sovereign.

Now with his powers returned, the throne of the Hydro Archon destroyed, he did not expect to find the one he loved dearly all those years ago, the same, one and only man he'd let into his heart... Laying at the bottom of the newly shining lake of Fontaine, his body nearly hidden by the water's surface reflection of the starry sky above. As Neuvillette dove in, carrying {user} out of the water..

He was still breathing.

＼⁠(⁠◎⁠o⁠◎⁠)⁠／

[genshin-obsessed]

May I request Monsieur Neuvilette with an s/o who's also a dragon, but more specifically, a feathered serpent?

Ooh! Interesting idea! I hope you enjoy 💖💖 half of this fic got blasted lol so it may sound a little odd half way down, it broke my creativity there and I had to rewrite it.

Word count: 611

One of My Own

Neuvillette was a solitary man, who often kept to himself. He tended to keep formalities with everyone, even going so far as to asking to have his surname used. The impersonal nature of the Iudex of Fontaine was always a mystery to the residents of his city.

His true nature was only known to a few, mainly the Archon of Justice, the traveler, along with her companion, and a select couple here and there.

Yet even with all these people around, that sense of loneliness never died out. In fact, it was stronger than ever, often showing it’s face when Neuvillette was surrounded by people.

His icy blue eyes would gaze around at the different faces, finding it difficult to connect to either of them. Of his over 400 years, the line between himself and the people of Fontaine began to blur but some things would never change.

One of those things happen to be love. Neuvillette often wondered what love meant and what it felt like. He had witnessed a type of love when during the trail with Vacher- one of corrupted love. Then he saw the love between Lumine and Paimon- platonic and pure. Paimon and Lumine truly cared about one another and it was impossible to deny that fact.

But what about pure love? Innocent but unending? Was there even such a thing in this world and would Neuvillette ever experience it?

For a long while, he didn’t think so. Neuvillette couldn’t possibly fall in love with a human… could he? He had such a hard time understanding them, even now almost 400 years later. So, how long would it be before he could truly love one? Wouldn’t he need to understand what love was?

Then he met you…

Neuvillette was visibly shaken when he first met you. Of course he would recognize his own kind. You were so kind and gentle, the personification of true perfection. Neuvillette didn’t know what it was to love but there was an undeniable attraction he felt towards you. He wanted to be by your side, he was always distracted when he was apart from you, when you spoke to him it would make his heart pound in his chest, your compliments made him blush, and your smile was enough to chase away any sorrows.

So, Neuvillette told Furina who began to laugh. Not to mock him but out of pure joy. He had finally found someone to call his own… hopefully. She recommended he be honest with his feelings and that’s exactly what he did, showing his pure and honest nature.

You were overjoyed to hear his words, telling him you felt similarly. Just like Neuvillette, you resided in Teyvat alone and in search of one of your own kind. Though Neuvillette was fully human, he was still a dragon. Your form was different and you were still able to transform into it. You were a long serpent with feathers adorning your entire body. Neuvillette was in complete awe when he first saw it.

“I don’t know what love is and I don’t know what it even means to love someone… but I would like to stay by your side until I do figure it out.” That’s what Neuvillette had expressed to you.

You were the same in that case. You didn’t know what love meant either but you wanted to find out with him. Even a decade later, you two stood beside one another. Neither of you knew what your long lives would bring but you were sure that for the rest of your eternity, you would be together.

-

“You really did find someone to call your own, Neuvillette…”

[odyssean-flower]

The Winding Path of Fate Chapter 9 - The Honeymoon (Part 1)

Masterpost

Pairing: Neuvillette x Female Reader Summary: You and Neuvillette finally go on your honeymoon/first date (clickbait kinda sorta) Warnings: None except for the fact that this story is 50% written based on vibes Note: I update this story on AO3 first so please subscribe to the fic there if you’d like to read it faster Note 2: If you want to be on the taglist for this fic, please make a reply to this post, send a message or send a private ask

Have a pic of double neuvillette

Previous | Next

As it turned out, you and Neuvillette didn’t go on your honeymoon tomorrow. Apparently, there was some sort of sudden judicial matter that desperately needed his attention. You lost count of how many times he apologized to you.

Which was just as well, since going on a trip—even if it was only for a day���on such short notice was absurd and unrealistic. Perhaps it was a testament to just how unsettled Neuvillette was by whatever he talked about with Furina that he suggested it in the first place.

Your initial excitement had cooled down slightly, replaced with calm rationality.

To be honest, you were unsure why he cared so much. From what you could garner (Neuvillette still refused to tell you exactly what his argument with Furina was about), it wasn’t as though she had explicitly ordered him to go on a honeymoon. Besides, having a honeymoon wasn't a requirement for marriage. You knew plenty of couples back home who didn’t have one. Even your own parents simply went back to your father’s house and started living together after they got married.

You told Neuvillette about those things in an effort to take the pressure off him, but it backfired. He seemed even more determined to make this “honeymoon”-slash-“date” happen than before.

“But you looked so excited when I brought the subject up. You’ve rarely traveled before, have you?” he had said, and you couldn’t really argue with that.

It was times like these that made you wonder. From the time you got married—no, all the way back to when you first met—you had always assumed that he acted the way he did towards you out of a sense of gentlemanly conduct. It was something you admired. How many self-proclaimed gentlemen have you met until now? They should all model themselves after Neuvillette.

But it was all the things he did, like buying you the painting set even though you had never asked him for it or hanging up your painting in his office, that made you wonder something that was perhaps a little impertinent: was Neuvillette secretly very sentimental?

That makes sense, you thought, nodding to yourself as you inspected the sunflower plants. They had now reached the middle of your calf, and there were small, tender leaves growing from the stalks.

Neuvillette seemed like the type of person who enjoyed doting on something. No, you were sure he was. You had seen how he acted with the Melusines—he was like a proud father. But on the other hand, Melusines weren’t like pets you could take care of and leave at home. They were full-fledged citizens of Fontaine with their own lives.

But with humans, he was cordial but distant due to his strict personal morals. You sensed that, however, that it didn’t mean he actively disliked interacting with them. It didn’t help that his position and demeanor intimidated people and made them stay at a respectful distance. So, basically, it was a relationship where both parties mutually stayed away from each other, even though the desire was there to get closer.

“He should get a pet or something…” you muttered to yourself.

“Who should get a pet?” a voice asked from behind you. It was Neuvillette.

“I was just thinking that you should get a pet,” you stood up and turned around. “I think you would make a good pet owner.”

 Neuvillette raised an eyebrow. “What brought this on?”

“Oh, I was just thinking,” you said innocently. “Have you ever had a pet before? Or considered getting one?”

“No to both questions, I’m afraid,” Neuvillette said. “My job keeps me too busy to spend much time with them, and truthfully, I prefer observing animals in their natural habitats rather thuan transplanting them to an environment that might not suit them.”

“I see,” you nodded. It was just the answer you would expect from him. “But, I still think that you would be a great owner. You’re so caring and considerate, after all. I’m sure any pet of yours would be lucky to be yours.”

Neuvillette was silent for a moment, like he was thinking over your words. “Then, what would you suggest I should get as a pet, in the hypothetical scenario that I decide to get one?” he suddenly asked, turning to you.

You considered it for a moment. Your first thought was some kind of aquatic creature, like a fish, but you quickly eliminated that choice. Neuvillette wouldn’t like to have a pet that was trapped in confined spaces, and besides…you glanced at his hands, remembering all the times you saw him pat the Melusines’ heads. He would like something he could pet and cuddle. The mental image of Neuvillette cuddling with a fluffy creature made you smile. Yes, definitely something fluffy. A dog would be too high maintenance for him, perhaps a cat? Or a hamster, or a rabbit…

You told Neuvillette about your thoughts. “Think about how relaxing it would be to run your fingers through your cat’s soft fur after a long day at work,” you ended. “Wouldn’t that be nice?”

“It does sound pleasant,” Neuvillette said as he gazed at the sunflower shoots, then looked at you for a few moments as though considering something. “But I think I’ve already experienced something similar to that.”

“What are you implying, hm?” you glared up at him. Lately, Neuvillette seemed to have taken a liking to teasing you. Normally, you didn’t really tolerate being poked fun at by people outside your immediate friends and family (although, come to think of it, Neuvillette was technically your family now), but from him, you didn’t mind all that much. Maybe it was the novelty of it.

“Nothing, Madame. Nothing at all.”

For a few minutes, you two were silent. But it was the warm kind of silence where the people involved simply indulged in each other’s presence.

“So…” you cleared your throat. “Has the date for our honeymoon been set yet? You can at least tell me that, and where we’re going, can’t you?”

You gave him a meaningful look. His argument with Furina had been on your mind for the past few days. Now that you knew that you were involved, you had to know what it was about. You initially bugged him about it, but eventually stopped when he kept repeating, “It is better for you not to know.”

Of course, you had no intention to drop it completely. You simply had to wait for the right moment to bring it up again.

From where you were standing, Neuvillette’s bangs hid his face, but you could have sworn that you saw a small smile on his lips. “I’ll tell you after dinner.”

The two of you would be going on your one-day honeymoon this weekend. To be precise, it wasn’t even a whole day. You two would be returning home by evening.

The day’s itinerary consisted of two places. The first was the Erinnyes Forest region in the east, where you would spend the morning and early afternoon sightseeing and strolling. In the afternoon, you would be visiting Merusea Village, as Neuvillette wanted to introduce you to the Melusines living there.

Right now, the two of you were sitting in the parlor.

“What do you think?” Neuvillette looked at you beseechingly. You could hear the self-consciousness in his voice. “I am aware that they may not be the most exciting of locales, and that married couples tend to travel more exotic destinations and stay there for a longer period of time, but, considering our personal circumstances…”

He trailed off. He really is taking this too seriously, you thought. Like everything else.

But that was what you liked about him.

“Hmm,” you said. “I don’t think Lady Furina would be too impressed by this. You might get scolded again when she hears of this.”

“You do not like it?” Neuvillette said, looking crestfallen. “Yes, of course you wouldn’t. A lady like you should be taken on a pleasure cruise or a beachside resort. It is not too late to make the necessary arrangements—”

“I said Lady Furina wouldn’t be too impressed by this,” you interrupted him, leaning forward to look him in the eye. “I didn’t say I didn’t like it.”

Neuvillette opened his mouth like he was about to say something, but then closed it. “I see,” was all he said.

You leaned back against the back of the couch. To be honest, you were not much of a romantic, so when you heard the words “honeymoon trip,” your first thought was if it was possible for the two of you to spend a weekend in Petrichor to explore the ruins there.

Still, you had diligently done your research on just where and what did people do on their honeymoons, if only for reference’s sake. You pored over society papers and magazines. The wealthy tended to travel abroad to countries like Liyue and Mondstadt, or head to the resorts or their mountain villas for weeklong getaways. Obviously, the two of you couldn’t do that. Not that you wanted to, of course.

As for exactly what people did on honeymoons—needless to say, you two carefully skirted around that topic.

Really, when you thought about it, this was more like a date than a honeymoon.

Date… For some reason, your heart beat faster at that word than it had ever done for “honeymoon.” Maybe because it felt closer to the truth of what this was.

“I’m looking forward to it,” you said, genuinely meaning it. “You know I’ve never travelled further than the opera house. And…we’ve never gone anywhere together before, have we? I think it’ll be fun.”

“Fun…?” Neuvillette repeated, like the concept was unfamiliar to him. “Do you truly think so? I am…aware…that it is not a quality often associated with me.”

For some reason (well, you could make a guess as to why), Neuvillette had become fixated on this point of being “boring.” The less kind side of you wondered why this only occurred to him now, but mostly you were just surprised it concerned him so much. Being boring or dull wasn’t a crime, no matter what the Archon would say.

It’s probably because I’m a new, unfamiliar addition to his life, you thought. That’s why he’s always so hesitant and unsure of himself when it comes to me.

You thought you somewhat understood him. Neuvillette was the type of person who placed more pressure on himself than on others. That was why he always apologized or asked for your approval. You didn’t know how he acted with others, so it was just a theory, though.

It made you sad to think that Neuvillette was stressed and doubting himself because of you. It was like watching mud contaminate a pristine pool of water. You felt guilty for being able to feel relaxed nowadays when it wasn’t the same with him.

Perhaps you should bug the license office more frequently. In any case, you weren’t staying here forever. Hopefully, Neuvillette would return to his usual self soon after you were gone.

Until then, you had to do your best to maintain an agreeable, pleasant atmosphere between you and him.

“I can’t speak for others, but I never feel bored with you,” you said firmly, as though, as though to shake off that melancholic feeling. “I assure you, if I ever get bored, I will tell you directly, and then we can figure out something else to do together.” To be honest, I’m more worried about me boring him.

Neuvillette looked unconvinced, so you added. “If you like, I could give you feedback at the end. So you could improve for, er, next time.”

The words made you cringe inwardly. It made this honeymoon sound like some sort of work evaluation. Then again, considering how Lady Furina pushed for it, I suppose that’s not so far off the mark. Also, why did I say next time? It’s not like I’m expecting anything after this…or am I?

As you were buried in your thoughts, you felt an intense gaze upon your face and looked up to find Neuvillette staring at you. He didn’t look away. You found that you couldn’t either.

“You always know what to say, don’t you?” he murmured. “The weekend cannot come soon enough.”

He then bid you goodnight and left the room, leaving you staring at the table.

The day had arrived.

Neuvillette had told you yesterday that you would have an early start today, so you tried to get in bed early, but ended up being too excited and nervous to sleep. More than the fact that you would be going to places you had never been before, you would be going to them with Neuvillette. It hadn’t set in before, but this was the first time you and him would be alone for such an extended period of time.

You had butterflies in your stomach just thinking about it. Luckily, your room was away from everyone else, or else you would have woken them up with your tossing and turning.

You had to remind yourself to stay calm. This is just an outing between two friends. Even if it’s called a “honeymoon” or “date,” if there’s no romantic feelings from either party, then in essence, it is not a date, right? Wait, why am I thinking about this so hard?

You didn’t know when you fell asleep, but it felt like you had only rested your eyes briefly before a gentle knock on your door woke you up.

“…Huh?”

You opened your eyes blearily and looked at the bedside clock. It was early in the morning, so much so that it was still dark outside.

You managed to drag yourself out of bed and walked over to the door.

“Who is it…?” you asked, stifling a yawn.

“It’s me.”

“Oh…” you opened the door without thinking. There, in front of your door, stood Neuvillette, fully dressed and perfectly coiffed. “Um, wait…” You pictured how you looked to him: messy hair, wearing an old and rumpled nightgown, squinty-eyed.

The two of you stared at each other for a moment. Your emotions were dulled, probably because you were still half-asleep. What a strangely familiar situation…at least I’m properly dressed this time, sort of.

Neuvillette cleared his throat and turned away. Maybe it was just the bad lighting, but his cheeks seemed to be tinged with red. But surely that couldn’t be the case. “My apologies, Madame. I wasn’t aware that you haven’t gotten ready yet.”

“No, no, I should have gotten dressed beforehand,” you said, slowly closing the door. “Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.”

Now you were fully awake. You hurriedly went to the bathroom to freshen up, washing your face and swiping a comb through your hair. Then, you got dressed. It had been embarrassingly difficult to put together an outfit appropriate for the occasion. All your clothes were of the plain and functional variety. You desperately wished you had brought more clothes from back home.

Clearly, too many things had gone contrary to your expectations.

In the end, you had settled for a blouse, skirt, and a cardigan. Since you were going to be mostly outdoors today anyways, you should dress more practically. However, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction as you stared at yourself in the mirror. You knew that Neuvillette would never say anything, but personally, you wished that you looked a little cuter. More like a girl going on a date. Even though this wasn’t a date.

Relax. Don’t overthink things. You thought to yourself in the mirror. For makeup, you decided to just put on lipstick.

Then, you took in a deep breath, put on your gloves, grabbed your purse and hat, and opened the door.

Neuvillette was still standing in the same position he was before, like a statue. It was kind of funny. In his long life, he had probably seen a lot more than a mere woman in a nightgown (or towel). He really was the perfect gentleman.

“Sorry for the wait,” you told him. “I really did mean to get ready earlier, but I was…too excited to sleep.”

“How coincidental,” Neuvillette said, smiling slightly. “So was I.”

Was he saying that he had also been tossing and turning like you, imagining what the day would be like and worrying over what to say and do? It was hard to imagine, but the idea of it lightened your heart.

The two of you went downstairs to the kitchen to get the picnic basket. Since your trip to Erinnyes was in the morning, it was decided that you would be having lunch there. You had helped Marie with the preparations. Speaking of Marie, she was even more excited than you when she heard that you and Neuvillette were going out for the day. “A honeymoon!” she exclaimed. “Oh, Madame, how wonderful!”

“It’s not really a honeymoon,” you corrected. It was so much more embarrassing to hear someone else saying that word. “It’s just an outing.”

“A date, then?”

“Um…sure.” Friends went on dates too, didn’t they? Yeah, they do!

“Whatever you call it, I’m so happy to see Monsieur Neuvillette finally taking some time for himself, even if it only a day. In all my years of working for him, I can only count on one hand the number of times he took a full day off.”

“How long have you been working for him?”

“Oh…” Marie looked up at the ceiling. “About ten years now?”

By the time you and Neuvillette left the house, the sun was already peeking over the horizon. The air was cool and crisp. You glanced over at the sunflowers. They looked like they had grown even taller overnight, and the buds had grown bigger as well.

“What will today’s weather be like, I wonder?” you said aloud, not looking at Neuvillette.

“Hm…” Neuvillette made a show of considering your question. “I dare say that it will be perfectly pleasant.”

“Pleasant by my standards, or by yours?”

“If you are asking if it will rain today, then I don’t believe it will. Of course, the weather can be unpredictable, so do not take my word for certain.”

“Don’t worry,” you said, patting your purse. “I brought an umbrella, just in case.”

You walked down the slope towards the city. The streets were still quiet, but you could see some shopkeepers preparing to open, and there were already Mekas patrolling the streets. Or were they never turned off? You had never seen the city in early morning before. It was a fascinating sight.

“Are we truly going to take the aquabus to Erinnyes?” you asked as you walked down the familiar path to the central station. There weren’t much people around right now, so you didn’t need to worry about anyone seeing you two together. “I assumed that we would be taking your personal craft, or…” Teleporting there, you said in your head.

“It has been a while since I’ve rode the aquabus, and I found myself missing the view. …Are you displeased with that idea?”

“No, not at all,” you shook your head. “I like riding it too.” Although now you understood why Neuvillette wanted you to wake up early.

Just as you approached the station, a woman with long dark hair called out to Neuvillette. “Good morning, Monsieur Neuvillette.”

“Ah, Clorinde,” Neuvillette greeted the woman. “I didn’t expect to see you here so early.”

“I’m just about to start my morning jog,” Clorinde said. The name sounded familiar to you, although you couldn’t place where you heard it before. She looked at you. “And who is this?”

“Ah, let me introduce you,” Neuvillette said. “This is Miss [Name], a friend of mine. Miss [Name], this is Clorinde, my subordinate.”

“Always a pleasure to meet a friend of Monsieur Neuvillette,” she said and extended her hand, which you shook. “Where are you two headed so early?”

“We’re going on an outing to Erinnyes Forest,” you said.

“I see,” Clorinde’s piercing violet eyes scanned the two of you and landed on the picnic basket carried by Neuvillette. “A fine way to spend a day off. I’m a bit jealous.”

“Jealous?” Neuvillette looked genuinely alarmed. “Do you not receive enough breaks? Perhaps I should—” Then he glanced at you and cleared his throat. “No, what I mean is—"

“Oh no, that wasn’t what I was referring to,” Clorinde shook her head. You thought you saw her smiling a bit. “Well, I won’t keep you two any longer. Enjoy your outing.”

She then jogged away. You and proceeded to enter the empty station building.

“Clorinde…” you muttered to yourself in the elevator, and then it came to you. “Oh, Clorinde! She’s the strongest Champion Duelist, right?”

You heard about her, but you had never watched her duels.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Wouldn’t it have been problematic for her to see us together?” Luckily, you had decided to wear gloves today, just in case. As far as you knew, nothing had come out of that impromptu run-in from last month, but one could never be too careful.

“I wouldn’t worry too much. Clorinde is a trustworthy person and not the type to spread gossip. I think the two of you would make good friends, actually.”

“Hmm…if you say so.” What would you even talk about with a Champion Duelist?

As the elevator ascended to the Navia Line platform, you couldn’t help but think back to spring, when you had similarly got into an elevator with Neuvillette. At that time, you two were near strangers. But now, you were friends. And married. And going on an Archon-mandated date/honeymoon.

Fate was truly a strange thing.

The elevator reached the second floor. The aquabus was already there, which you guessed was arranged by Neuvillette. The Melusine in charge of the Navia Line, Elphane, waved when she saw you two.

“Good morning, Monsieur and Madame Neuvillette!” she said. Her voice sounded unusually chipper. You had met Elphane a few times, and you found her to be the prickly type. But you supposed that like her sisters, she softened up considerably in Neuvillette’s presence.

“Good morning, Elphane,” Neuvillette said as he helped you onto the aquabus. “My apologies for asking you to get up so early.”

“Anything for you, Monsieur Neuvillette,” Elphane said, even as she let out a yawn. “Shall we be off, then?”

The two of you nodded, and the aquabus set off. The bird’s eye view of the city soon spread out before your eyes. You could see more people in the streets now. The sky was now a light blue. The wind blowing through your hair felt nice.

Perhaps it was the steady speed of the aquabus travelling along the rail or the quiet chatter between Elphane and Neuvillette, but you suddenly felt a wave of drowsiness sweep over you. Try as you might to keep your eyes open, they seemed determined to close.

I’ll just rest my eyes a little bit, you thought. I hope I don’t fall overboard.

Previous | Next

@just-simping-over-genshin, @xalphafox, @jqnehr, @favficdump, @thetwinkims, @cielclassy, @the-mxs-of-many, @mxyarylla, @lynettezz

[smilingangel582]

BOO! Hahaha got youuu!! Anyway I'm here to request a fic of ler!furina and lee!lyney, I think she would 100% tickle the info out of him during the trial hehehe-

Ahhhhh! Whew, it's you... hehe, wow, I never tried this before... OK, I'll write one. Just need some time to study Furina's character. Hehe~ alright your heads up is enough...

Enjoy~

Oh, spoilers for Lyney's story quest and the archon quest

The law has no secrets

Fontaine is all about laws where you break a rule you get judgement. This time for Lyney, the magician, things seemed too out of nature for Lady Furina to call out the Gards to restrain him from the prison cells.

He sighed, already assuring a worried Lynette and a shocked Freminet to eat dinner without him.

At least they had the decency to give him something to eat. Still, the exaggeration is when he was afterwards chained completely. With the manacles attached to his wrists, the line of metal was rooted from the ceiling to hold him up, but he was on his knees.

Is the trial room a cell? He must be either lucky or unlucky...?

Well, Lyney wouldn't say he's not anxious to the current setting, but he'd rather have talked things through since the disappearance case is solved by the traveller.

The echoing sound of the metal door squeaked open. Lyney looked up now, hearing the jangling of his own chains. They were Furina's light tapping footsteps. Next to her is Neuvillette.

Wait?! He's on this farce too??

"Lyney, I must apologise for this rough display, but... might I have a word with you?" Furina's dainty tone purred mischievously, making Lyney shudder as he tried to avoid sounding outrageous."Why, if you wanted to talk, we could've done that by settling an appointment? This is too hurtful"

Neuvillette sounded exhausted. "Lady Furina, this is the same question I was asking you, Mr. Lyney is not guilty..."

Furina folded her arms with a smile "Oh this has nothing to do with the disappearances case. This is regarding the trivial incident of the phantom weasel..."

Dear archons, he should've know -oh, wait, she is the archon.

Lyney noticed that even Neuvillette was seeing her ways of thinking for once. Unfortunately for Lyney, though, he did strike the nail.

"You make a point, Jemma's admittance to being the troublemaker is strange since it's relevant to Mr. Lyney's magic show... even the steambird couldn't get an interview out of him"

They eyed Lyney now, suspicious looming over his instantly, well he did try his best to hide it..."

"What are you hiding Lyney?" Furina teased now, as she has finally got a lead in something since the traveler's entrance "I know the case is solved but... we need to know your part in this play"

"I must concede I was responsible for her sudden confession, but..." he bit his lip, trying to sound convincing "The trick Ceaser tried must have opened her heart, so she must have...".

"We know all that... the question is..." she leaned forward, close to his face "Why use the particular trick Ceaser use on the lady? Your not the heartless type to use that trick on her to hurt her more... but you knew it would hurt her, cuz you knew she's the weasel!"

Neuvillette leaned on his hand as he pondered "It's almost strange how you were involved with Lorenzo, the gards told us your good deed"

"W-wait... I swear, it's all just coincidence... I made a mistake remember, I thought Lorenzo was the culprit-!"

Furina laughed now, interrupting him "Aha, so cute when your trying hard to defend when you have used up all your cards, Lyney,"

She pointed our "I know you have a close relationship with Ceaser... so what's your connection to it"

He could tell, but he didn't want to show most of his past to her if all people. The traveler is one thing but the chief of justice is present too.

"Lady Furina," he sighed, suddenly a reasonable part of him was seen "I understand your suspicions but the case is solved, thanks to Mr. Lyney"

He sighed in relief, but Furina hummed. "Is it? I was about to ask who th3 copycat was before..."

He widened his eyes. Right... the notes. He should've known those could be triggering most of suspicions.

"Wait, I'm not the copycat"

She suddenly glanced triumphantly. "I didn't say you were, dear Lyney, now I see a crack in those defences... hahaha better tell us why you'd help to solve a case of ten years ago"

Neuvillette pursed his lips "Lady Furina, could it also be you want revenge on Mr. Lyney?"

She swallowed, flustered "O-of course that's... um not m-my only reason"

Lyney implored, "I swear... It's all a big councidence" he didn't even want to think of her ulterior motives but his mind knew it before he ever did thar she was still vengeful of the traveler's incident when he saved Aether.

Neuvillette rubbed his temple in irritation. "Rememeber interrogation is not to be used as a frivolous method, I'd rather not see you hurt Mr Lyney for your frivolous actions."

"Why," she sounded confident as she slipped behind him. "I'm not here to use that torture method! Please, there are more ways that can break even the most strongest opponenets"

Before anyone could question her she grabbed his sides, startling him by the new sensation "Let the trial commence"

"AhaAHhA! Wait whahat?" He suddenly jolted at the electrifying touch, and even Furina giggled."Well, I guess my intuition is right as water, Mr. Lyney would enjoy this torture"

"Lady, that's the abuse of power" the chief of Justice pointed out sharply but he had no way of stopping her.

"Alright, let's hear it. How were you involved in the phantom weasels case?" Furina snickered as she got a good reaction from his ribs, making him pull at the chains that exposed him most terrifyingly.

"Whyhyhy? Whyhyhy thihihis Lahahady Fuhuhurina???"

"Why? Well because I don't want to hurt you and the other is... I wanna see a great magician such as yourself be a bit more vulnerable"

That's why??? He was torn with exasperation and concern if he was safe in Fontaine.

"This is for pulling that trick on me with the traveler" she teased by tickling his bare armpits. He lost it there and lowered his head with sudden cackles "HOHOLD OHOHON... IHIHI WAHAHAS TRYING TOHO PROHOTEHECT THE TRAHAVELER! HEHE'S UHUHUNAWARE OF OUR RUHUHULES!!

"Protect is a very strong word, Lyney" she smirked, stopping for a moment "ok new questions what's your relationship with the traveler?"

Not that question! He'd rather expose himself than answer thar!

His silence made her circle his sides teasingly, he giggles "Cuhut ihihit out hehe's ahaha nihihice guy!

"Nice guy?" She hummed, then making his squeal by grabbing his hips "Dare you lie to you archon! That's punishment for you!"

Neuvillette wondered if he should do something. Sure he would be lying if he'd say he didn't enjoy this side of Lyney and the mischief in Furina. This is not even work related so he'd rather leave them be.

"Nohohoho don't leheheheave meheheeee!"

"Ah, you're boring," she huffed now but then ignored him completely by trying to attack the new sensitive spot on his hips. "Lyney~... I got a lot of questions, so... try to answer at least one of them..." she continued."What's your relationship with the traveller? Then how did you know it was Jemma the real phantom weasel? Then why did you hide most of the details of the phantom weasels case...?"

Unanswerable! He can't tell any of that. No matter how bad of a pickle he's in.

"Man, your no fun..." she grabbed his thighs now making him gasp "hmmm~ what's that?"

He blushed with the sudden suffocation of holding his laughter but it left him when she knew his thighs are bad, "G-guh! Wait!".

"Jackpot... so tell me?"

"AHAHAHAHA WAHAHAHAIT IHIHIHIHI IHIHIHIHI" He gotta say one thing! He should! He can't expose the secrets of his family but rather...

"IHIHIHI LOHOVE AETHER! OHOHOK JUHUHUST STAHAHAHAP IHIHIT!"

She backed off, feeling more victorious to hear him defeated "Ah~ that's your secret? I thought it was something else but that's the truth I can tell... took you a lot of guts to say all that"

He blushed now, panting "Ahare wehe done?"

She grinned brightly and snapped her fingers "Yes!" The the chains dropped in him. He sighed, feeling tired for his own good. At least he can ge those before bedtime.

Of course the guards escorted him out and even Neuvillette apologised for the sudden trial run, he did show no offence to him. Knowing he's powerless over the archon but he did doubt if he's actually guilty.

"Lyney! Are you OK?" Aether's voice, he blinked when he noticed Freminet, Lynette and Paimon with him as well. He watched the concerned look on those lovely golden eyes, he looked away with a blush "Y-yeah, I was just under suspicion"

"Did they do anything to you?" He grabbed his face now trying to scrutinze any injuries, he blushed heavily "I-I am fine... p-please let's have some tea together"

"You're blushing? Are you sick?"

Lynettw sighed. "Brother, you can't fool me, so what did they do?"

He pleaded now forcing himself into the house as they followed "Please don't make me talk about it... its embarrassing"

"For some reason, Paimon wants to know," she chuckled, and even Aether gave a smile. Sure, he did tell he was tickled at trial but editted end where he admitted his feelings. Instead, he said she got bored and left.

Nobody knew that except Lynette who knew he must've told the relationship of him and Aether...

Hope this is alright... and not too long ...I'm really sluggish today but I had the perfect idea to write and I remembered your idea beign trial so I kinda mixed things... hopes it ok

[razorblade180]

Clearing the Air

[Context- Post Lantern Rite final act]

Navia and Clorinde: *walking*

Furina:….

Clorinde:Is something the matter?

Furina:Huh? Oh, no. Just enjoying the mountain air on the way back.

Clorinde:Really? You’ve seemed a little lost in thought.

Navia:I know why~ Perhaps someone was hoping for a personal escort home by my partner ?

Furina:*red* That would be ridiculous! I didn’t even plan on seeing him today!

Clorinde:That doesn’t mean you can’t have wishful thinking. If you wanted him to escort you rather than us you could’ve just said so.

Furina:Don’t word it like that. I’m actually really happy to be traveling with the both of you. It’s not something that happens often. Honestly…it’s a little surreal.

Clorinde:…I hope you know I consider you a friend.

Furina:….What?

Clorinde:I can tell you’ve kept your distance from me and by extension, everyone else that was heavily involved with your old life. I can’t say I know for certain what goes through your mind, but I hope you know you are closer to us than you think.

Navia:She’s right. Starting over doesn’t mean you have to leave everything behind. I know things between us might feel a little awkward for their own reasons, but I don’t hate you at all. If you ever need help or simply want to hang out, I’m more than happy to. And if there’s anything we need to clear the air for, it’s best to do it openly. Clorinde and I learned that the hard w-

Furina:I was hurt.

The two young women turned around to see Furina standing still, her face red and tears stinging her eyes as she tried not to cry.

Furina:This feels so petty to bring up; especially considering how happy I am to free, but… *trembling*

Clorinde: The trial?

Navia:…Oh.

Perhaps Navia didn’t want to think of it, or maybe it was because too much happened that day to properly ponder it? Whatever the case, it was the forefront of her mind now that she witnessed Furina furiously wiping her tears away. Navia remembered Furina crying back then too. Everyone did what they believed to be best for the situation; that was little consolation for how feelings fanned the day. Navia knew all too well that emotions don’t settle even in the presence of valid reasoning.

Clorinde took the first step, walking up to Furina and pulling her into a hug. In truth, she could think of many reasons why the girl kept her distance. For years she stood as a sword for Furina, but near the end…

Clorinde:I must’ve really hurt you when I drew my sword against you, didn’t it? Regardless of the reason or the outcome, I’m sorry.

Furina:I never thought it’d be you. I understand why it happened; I really do! I do even hate you! Gods, I could never hate you, so why does it hurt to think about all the time!? Why can’t I just let it go!?

Navia:Because no one could. In the face of a crisis, everyone you thought you could depend on, the people who were said to support for your efforts, they all didn’t just turn against you. They- We left you no way out; alone on that stage with no help.

Rancid memories of Navia crying out for the sake of her father’s defense came rushing back. She begged only for the law, her people, and her very own friend to ignore her pleas. She had held that resentment for ages. Even towards her own father. Of course Furina was still upset deep inside. Saddened by this realization, Navia began tearing up herself and ran over to hug Furina tightly.

Navia:I am so sorry. We should’ve talked about this sooner. I always kept looking from the perspective of the flooding incident and how you feared what I might think, instead of…I’m sorry!

Furina was speechless. All three of them ran out of them ran out of words and just stood on the trail, hugging as if they’ve been reunited after a long journey.

xxxxxx

It took a little longer than expected, but the trio finally made it back to Fontaine. The trip definitely took a turn for the quieter, but it was comfortable silence; one could even say healing. As they entered the city, they were surprised to see Aether approaching them. The boy was about to wave happily until he noticed redness under all of their eyes.

Aether:Ummm

Clorinde:We’re okay. It was a longer trek than expected. Although for you it appears to be rather simple. Back and leaving as we just arrived.

Paimon:We’re pros at that. But…maybe we should’ve journeyed together? Did something scary you all in liyue!? Oh, or did you eat something deceptively hot?

Navia:Hehe, never change Paimon.

Paimon:Okay?

Furina:As nice as this moment is, I’m way too exhausted to keep it up.

Navia…Partner, could we trouble you to walk Furina home? I have one more errand to run.

Furina:Wha-

Clorinde:And though I’m off duty, I have to report in that I’m back in the city.

Aether:That’s fine. I’ll happily escort you. Paimon-

Paimon:Yeah, yeah. Paimon knows. Just don’t be long! Let’s go Navia. Many hands make light work.

Navia:Thank you Paimon.

Aether held his hand out as the group waved before going off. Furina, too tired to question things, took Aether’s hand and began walking away with him; going as far as to lean on him.

Furina:Please excuse my manners.

Aether:I don’t mind. You feel lighter than before. Finally dropped some more emotional baggage?

Furina:Maybe a case or two. *gets closer* I know it’s late, but can you please make me dinner? I have plenty of macaroni in the cabinet.

Aether:How about I use my ingredients and make you a full blown satisfying meal?

Furina:Yes~

xxxxxx

Navia:Way to read the room.

Paimon:This song and dance happens every other week with someone. At this rate, we’ll probably stay the night in Fontaine. Is our room still available? Although it’s probably just going to be Paimon’s room tonight.

Navia:Absolutely. I’ll even make the two of us dinner.

Paimon:Yes~

[iustitians]

ooc; headcanons - on Neuvillette's age and early life, part 2: Electric Boogaloo

aka the post I've been chewing on ever since Genshin gave us Remuria, but my brain needed to put a few more things together and at one point I also found something that made me kind of lose it.

So uh, some of you may remember that way back in my first headcanon post where I tried to tackle the problem of Neuvillette's age, I said I believed him to have been born around the Cataclysm, putting him at roughly 500 years old. If you now look at Neuvillette's dossier page, you may see his age is now listed there as ~2,000.

Let me explain why I quadrupled the age of this way too mysterious and problematic dragon. And also talk about a few other kind of interesting things. I apologize for how ungodly long this got.

When I wrote that first headcanon post, we had no information at all on Neuvillette's age, nothing even vague. All we knew was how long he had been serving as Iudex, but zero mention of his life before that. For that reason and some other theories and assumptions, I estimated that he had been born not long before taking the position, and simply had innate knowledge that allowed him to do his job.

And then we got Lantern Rite, and Furina hit us with the

Furina: (If I remember correctly, he's already several thousands of years old…)

And you have no idea how much that one simple thought she had messed with my head. This was the first ever bit of information we got on how old he may be, and it immediately threw most of my theorizing for a complete loop. And later on it would do it again, but I'll come back to that in a bit.

So, this line proceeded to haunt me and kill my braincells for a while, until we finally got Remuria. And while Neuvillette never showed up himself during the quest and was only mentioned like three times, it was still something, and in the end it became enough for me to put a couple more pieces in place.

Most notably, Cassiodor talked about Scylla and confirmed that Scylla indeed was never the Hydro Dragon (which some people did believe), and then added something extra:

Monsieur Os: Well, "fell dragon" was the name they gave, but it was no more than a vishap that was a teensy bit stronger than normal. After all, no new Hydro Dragon could be born so long as the Mistress of Many Waters hibernated in the deep seas.

The reason why this is helpful is because we know (well, more or less) when Egeria left the deep seas - aka the Primordial Sea, where she had been imprisoned fooooor we don't really know how long, for the sin of creating incomplete humans out of Oceanids - and that was when Remuria fell and all of Fontaine descended into chaos. She was tasked with regaining control over the situation, and that was when she received the Gnosis and became an Archon.

This already moves Neuvillette's potential rebirth point from the Cataclysm more to the fall of Remuria. Now we don't know exactly when that happened, since there isn't a very clear timeline for a lot of the events of the Archon War, but we do know that Remus' construction of civilization in Fontaine was predated not just by the rise, but also the fall of Gurabad over in Sumeru. As such I personally place Fontaine's parts later in the period.

So that's cool, but it still bothered me, because Neuvillette's new approximate age of 2,000-ish did not fit with Furina's statement of him being several thousands of years old. And look, yes I know, I could have just written it off as her not knowing for sure or simply being wrong, and to an extent I legit tried just to cope, but listen: firstly she's known the guy for five hundred years and is implied to know... a certain amount of things about him, and secondly, the writers make characters say things for a reason.

And it wasn't until quite a bit later that I learned the very simple and very infuriating reason why this was so confusing.

The line is mistranslated, plain and simple. Where Furina says "several thousands years old" in English, what she says in Chinese instead is "at least a thousand years old."

Yeah thanks, that's not a big difference at all, especially when I'm trying to think in relation to events that took place about 2,000 years ago, ahem, ANYWAY,

So finding that out finally cleared things up for me and allowed me to place his approximate age at a more concrete point. Of course, approximate it still remains. He might be a few hundred years older still, I'd say up to 2,500. I doubt about younger though, because we know the Archon War ended about 2,000 years ago with all Archon seats claimed, and my current understanding is that Neuvillette will have been reborn pretty shortly after Egeria left the Primordial Sea.

The reason why I think that is because it is implied that she was the one stopping his rebirth from happening, as also said by Cassiodor in the quote above. When we speak of Neuvillette in his presence, Cassiodor asks in surprise, "A new Hydro Dragon has already been born?", further suggesting it happened rather quickly.

We could also add the bit from Neuvillette's Character Story A Fontainian Nursery Rhyme, where it's said that Egeria was created "to suppress the original vital force of this planet." Now this is originally easy to write off as talking about the Primordial Sea, and it might indeed be doing so at least to some extent - but combining this line, Cassiodor's quote, the information from Neuvillette's lore and the Fontainian Wind Glider about the Hydro Dragon being the original "God of Life", and the fact that Egeria didn't actually have that much control over the Primordial Sea, makes it sound more like it was more about the Hydro Dragon not coming back. Which, well, makes complete sense from Celestia's standpoint.

Now we don't really know why exactly Egeria leaving the Sea and becoming the Archon kind of... removed the plug on the Hydro Dragon's rebirth, because I don't think she dwelt there all the time before the Original Sin? But I might be wrong, and that's information we simply don't have and perhaps never will, so for now I'm going to push that aside.

I was also thinking a bit about where Neuvillette would have been reborn. The most obvious idea is the Primordial Sea, although it would then make it a bit strange that, before the restoration of his authority, he didn't remember his connection to it in spite of being aware from the start that he was a Sovereign. Perhaps it is still possible that he was reborn there and wasn't particularly surprised by it, since as an elemental dragon he is part of the planet's native life, so in that way it makes sense for him to be born there, but it still feels awkward. Maybe it's just a matter of kinda weird writing though. Still, it is also possible that he was born in some other ocean depths. Perhaps around the same area as the previous Hydro Dragon's remains, if anything remained of them at all.

(It is kiiiiiinda implied that those remains may have been used to create Oceanids?? Because "The lizard's bones dissolved into mud, from which swans emerged" and they have similar bone-y armor as Consecrated Beasts, aka animals that ate god flesh?? And maybe that's why Neuvillette is stuck in human form?? Or whatever?? So who knows. Wack theory but fun to think about.)

I did want to talk a bit about Neuvillette's early life as well, since we got just a tiny bit more info on that recently. In Sigewinne's story quest, there is an optional dialogue between Neuvillette and Wriothesley, and it's, well, funny.

Wriothesley: Well, while we're on the topic... What did you do before getting this job, anyway? Spend all day swimming in the sea, from east to west, then south to north? Neuvillette: Yes, and uh... from the surface to the ocean floor, on occasion. Wriothesley: Wow. Impressive. Neuvillette: ...Apologies, that was merely an attempt at humor. You can disregard what I said. Wriothesley: Hah, that's impossible, I'm afraid. My imagination's already running wild.

Of course, with the way this is worded, it's hard to say how seriously it should be taken, but hey, it's what we have. Plus, not only is it implied that Neuvillette is more or less okay with Wriothesley having a guess as to who he is, but also, as we know, this guy is bad at both joking and lying. This would, at least to some extent, align with what I thought about his early life in my first headcanon post: he vibed. Just for a bit (millennium and a half to two millennia lol no big deal) longer than I originally thought.

Given his declaration from Masquerade of the Guilty regarding his initial lack of interest in humans as well as how he never met Egeria in person, I presume that he stayed well away from human settlements, mostly sticking to the depths and, if he did visit the surface, uninhabited areas like Loch Urania.

As centuries passed and both the resolution of the prophecy and the Cataclysm drew closer, more and more of Fontaine sank under the rising water level, essentially adding to Neuvillette's domain and giving him more places he could visit. This may have been how he finally made his contact with the human nation and its legacy, and ignited the first spark of curiosity in him, or at the very least, gave him the idea that he might find the answers he sought among them. Still, I don't think he approached humans at all, and also I believe personally that he was not involved in the Cataclysm in any capacity, staying well away from what he considered humanity and Celestia's mess. At that point he still didn't care. Not his monkey, not his circus.

How much he knows about what happened, Khaenri'ah etc is unclear, as there is zero information. He is generally speaking implied to know a lot, including many truths of the world that Celestia doesn't want said out loud, but we'd probably need him to meet Dainsleif or the Sibling or whomever to learn more.

Well anyway, I think I've rambled on for long enough and if you somehow read all this then I salute you.

[iwantescapism13]

Neuvillette had walked the halls and examined the place in its entirety. Palais Mermonia was quiet… save for his footsteps. The sound of his heeled boots echoed in the halls. He looked straight ahead, not even bothering to move his eyes around to search for any sort of presence. It was to be expected, he thought. After everything that had occurred, the human staff of Palais Mermonia must be creating a ruckus outside to celebrate their overcoming of the long-destined prophecy. The Melusines, on the other hand, must be out there helping any survivors. It was a massive victory for the people of Fontaine. But…

…that wasn’t until she had to take her life.

He found it as the most unjust punishment. Unfair. And certainly absurd. For the sins of Egeria, the successor had to be the one to make the ultimate sacrifice - to come up with a solution to protect her own people.

Was it just?

Neuvillette was not one whom anyone would call “fully attuned to one’s own emotions”, but he knew that he didn’t have to be to understand the unnamed sorrow that he felt once the Indemnitium-filled sword crashed down onto Foçalors. His hand reached for her, wanting to save her from a sentence he never agreed to and felt was unnecessary.

But it had to be done.

‘Did it?’ he questioned himself. ‘One sacrifice to save hundreds, thousands, millions. One sacrifice to deceive the Heavenly Principles. And Foçalors wasn’t even the one who committed the sin. Was it… worth it? And what about--’

His monologue was cut short by a sound of a thud - like someone had tripped and fell to the floor - and a voice cursing under their breath. It was then followed by a soft whimper. It seemed like whoever it was had hurt themselves on some type of wooden furniture. He only knew one such person that would react exactly that.

“Furina…?” he slowly made his presence known. His head went downwards as he saw the said girl kneeling down and massaging her knee.

“N-N-Neuvillette?!” Although in a little bit of discomfort from whatever injury she sustained, Furina stood up, dusted herself, and cleared her throat. “W-What are you still doing here? Shouldn’t you be rejoicing out there with the others now that the prophecy had come and gone?”

The mock trial that served to only get answers from her due to everyone’s desperation had definitely did a number on her. And yet, this child… this poor child… had not changed even a little. Her high-and-mighty posture and mannerism did not subside even after everything that she had gone through. He wondered whether he should be relieved.

“I could say the same thing to you.” he replied in respect to answering her questions.

“Well, I am… tired.” The tone at the beginning was not different from when she replied to him the first time. But the tone of the last word was something else. She looked downwards with a small smile on her face. “But I’m very glad to see that everyone in Fontaine is safe. Despite the prophecy being fulfilled, I mean. I guess… the trial that all of you had set up… was the very trial that I had been waiting for… all these years.”

He didn’t miss all of her words, even if the last sentence was muttered yet again. “‘Waiting for’?”

Furina smiled wistfully. Then proceeded to sigh heavily. “Forget it. It’s fine. Don’t mind me, I’m just exhausted.”

He had heard those words out of jest, out of childish whining, out of escaping certain duties. But not this time. He could feel the genuine exhaustion emanating from her sentence.

“Furina… you--”

“I’m sorry to cut this conversation short but I seriously couldn’t stress enough how tired I am right now. I’d like to rest, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. But before that, I’d like to ask you one thing…” He eyed the bunch of clothes that were scattered all around her bed, making a huge mess that he was sure would take about two Melusines to settle.

She seemed to understand the unworded question as she followed where his eyes were darting to. “Ah. It seems you’ve caught me. I’m… leaving Palais Mermonia.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Everyone’s perception of me has definitely changed. I do not wish to ruin it any further by continuing to pretend I’m special. I’m no one now. I don’t belong here.”

Neuvillette found it beyond absurd. “You belong here as much as every staff member, every Melusine; even as much as I, if not more. Nothing has truly changed. It is not necessary for you to vacate the premises just because you no longer bear the title of Archon.”

She laughed weakly. “You’re amusing, Monsieur Neuvillette. I’m very grateful for the offer to remain here but I can’t. I just… can’t.”

Emotions were not his strongest suit. He only knew how to present facts and evidence. And there was only one way he could try and explain.

“At the very least, allow me to tell you what had happened in the middle of the trial - before the All-Devouring Narwhal had appeared out of the Abyss.”

Furina’s facial expression slowly changed to that of interest. “More things happened before Mr. Tartaglia attacked the big whale thing?”

Neuvillette nodded once. “That is correct. I enlisted the help of Aether and Paimon to execute the gigantic beast.”

“Oh… I see.”

“But that is not what I want to tell you.”

“Well then, spit it out! You don’t need me to ask one by one--”

“It’s about Foçalors.”

Furina whipped her head around to look at him, her eyes went wide at the mention of the name. “W-What did you just say?!”

“I met her, Furina. Your divine self. After the sentencing was declared.”

“‘Mirror-me’...?” he heard her mutter under her breath.

“She had told me about your mission; that for 500 years, you must act like a god in order to fool the Heavenly Principles and save the people of Fontaine from the destined prophecy. And… for her to be able to sentence death upon herself.”

“W-What?! That… That can’t be! H-How could… how could mirror-me just…”

“I believe it was her entire plan all along. For you to keep up the act long enough to create a weapon to destroy the Hydro Throne… and… to bring back… what’s supposedly… rightfully mine.”

“‘Yours’? What are you talking about?”

“I am sure you are aware of my identity.”

Furina seemed to have caught on. “The Hydro Dragon Sovereign… of course…”

“But you are no longer bound by any duty. You are free now.”

“And the first thing I want to do is get out of here.”

“You still insist on leaving?”

“Neuvillette… I never really get to say this - and don’t you dare put this back to me in the future! - but I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done.”

Neuvillette was taken aback by her words.

“No. I…” He bowed in high respect, with his body bent 90-degrees. “I’m incredibly sorry… and… thank you very much.”

Furina was flustered and tried to pull him up. “S-Stop that! I… I don’t deserve to be praised for deceiving my people.”

Neuvillette didn’t budge, despite the desperate pulls from Furina to get him to stand up straight. “It was for the benefit of everyone. If no one is going to be grateful for your actions, then I will be on everyone’s behalf.”

“P-Please… stop that.” Slowly, Furina’s strength diminished. She held the side of her arm. “I… don’t want it.”

“Furina…?”

“In any case! I’ll be leaving Palais Mermonia and that’s that!” She turned to the pile of clothes on the floor and then to the bed, compiling a certain number on her arms and putting them in a luggage stowed at the side of the room. She zipped it shut. “I’m just gonna take these few clothes with me. As for the rest… you can give them away to whoever needs or wants them. If a Melusine can fit them, I don’t see why they shouldn’t flaunt it.”

“Furina--”

“Please don’t follow me. I… just want to be alone for now.”

[immobiliter]

@apocryphis sent a meme: so you lied to me. (from neuvillette to furina)

       Thank you, Furina. From this moment on, please live happily as a human. Just as I wished we could.

       The water had... gone. Just like that. As she'd stepped outside of the Opera Epiclese, having expecting the encroaching flood to burst its way in through the windows and doors, submerging her gilded throne as the prophecy had always foretold, Furina had been surprised to see those same waters recede without a trace. More surprising still was the sight of the people of Fontaine still living, breathing — as bewildered as she at the turn of events, but not dissolved. Alive. There, by the Fountain of Lucine, were a couple helping each other up. There was somebody else emerging from beyond the hill, soaked through, but walking.

       She did not understand what had just happened, whether the prophecy was wrong, whether the true divinity of Focalors had intervened somehow... or whether she hadn't failed after all. But the shock soon turned to terror as she glanced behind her, back through the doors of the Opera Epiclese, where her once-beloved courtroom and the Oratrice still remained. Everyone now knew that she was not the true Archon. She could not stay here.

       And so that was how Furina found herself back in the Palais Mermonia. Amidst the chaos and combined rescue efforts of the Maison Gardennage, the Spina and the Fortress of Meropide, it had been easy for Furina to return there unnoticed. Or so she thought. Her one prevailing impulse, one that had served her well throughout her endless charade and she found herself leaning on once more, was to run. She had to pack her things and leave. She did not know where she would go, but if the trial had proven anything, it was that she would no longer be welcome here. The people of Fontaine would never accept her again.

       Unfortunately for her, Furina was caught half-way through packing her belongings by a painfully familiar voice. She whirled around on the spot, feeling as guilty as ever under the weight of that steady, discerning gaze.

       “ No! I didn't, I — ” Oh, but she did. She'd lied to him and everyone else, for hundreds of years, though hearing the words spoken by Neuvillette held far more of a sting than they would have from anyone else. She'd had no friends, after all, only subordinates — and the Chief Iudex had been the most constant of them all.

       Lying, pretending, acting... it had become as natural to her as breathing, and even now, she could not force a truthful admission to her lips. She simply stared helplessly at Neuvillette, words deserting her in favour of an anguished cry, forcing her to turn away. Surely she'd already cried enough tears, and yet here they were again, pricking at the edges of her vision. Furina reached up to rub her eyes, steeling herself. Strength, Furina, one last time. Then you can leave the Palais Mermonia and never come back.

       “ Something happened in the courtroom. What was it? ” It was with a much smaller voice that she spoke now. Furina could recall little of what had happened after the Oratrice's verdict was read out, but she was sure that there was more to it than even that. Why had she heard Focalors', Mirror-Me's voice again, after all? Why had it felt like a goodbye? “ The prophecy... it didn't come to pass? ”

[godoflazziness]

We’ll Meet Again

the intergalactic superstar often needed a break from partying himself and so he went up to be closer to the stars- up where the dreamweavers weave the dream together and come up with so many different dreams to explore. venti would give his insights when asked by the dreamweavers but usually kept to himself, finding a good spot to look up at the stars wondering to himself if his beloved warriors were still out there travelling among the stars once again or if they had ever truly reunited. he hoped that they did or rather hoped that you did. this is for you, traveler or well- trailblazer.

a cool breeze coming up around him as soon he was able to hear what was going on down below in the golden hour. robin and sunday encountering a new guest who had fallen from the sky and crash landed into the town square so to speak. there was something familiar about the trailblazer. venti’s eyes could see right through the vessel and into the soul that laid within. to the stellaron that lingered. should he make his introduction to the trailblazer? no. perhaps not now. this was an entirely new game and there was no venti in it. there was no way that they would remember him anyhow. they didn’t the last time. walking his way through and back down to the main dream. he found himself having entered into the mall, looking around and browsing. was there anything he wanted? his thoughts would be interrupted upon hearing a high-pitched voice on the wind, “ oh my gosh!! is that the venti?!” the voice excitedly exclaimed causing the small man to look over to see it wasn’t the tiny pipsqueak that he thought it was but instead a whole teenage girl with pink hair.

she didn’t seem to care about who had heard her squeal of joy or perhaps she did and was rather gifted with hiding it. she couldn’t contain her excitement however which reminded venti of quite the few people he used to know. smiling and shaking his head before turning on heel and pointing right at the teenage girl with other hand on his cheek, “ oh my gosh! is that the march 7th!?” he exclaimed in reply causing the girl with pink hair to put hands over her mouth in surprise and quickly look around to see if anyone else saw that before both the excited and full of energy individuals ran over and reached each other in the middle of the large space. it was almost like they had been best friends forever when in reality the two had literally just met yet they both knew of each other via the power of intergalactic social media.

" I shouldn't really be surprised that you're still hanging around for the charmony festival," stated march after the two took a few selfies together and the younger took one photo of venti by himself. venti looked at the photo and couldn't help but think to himself how good they were, it reminded him of that one cryo allogene that lived in fontaine.

he didn't know her personally but he did see some of the things that charlotte wrote. if only she would post something about how she managed to survive the destruction of teyvat but no such luck so far. there was someone from fontaine still kicking around though- the ex-hydro archon who has been completely shattered after what happened. venti couldn't blame her.

humans could do only so much and venti hoped that his dear friend furina would be able to realize that and stop blaming herself. the only person at fault for what went down was venti- the divine who chose to act as a human and abandon his duties of an archon. venti was never proud to be one as it only meant he was just a puppet on strings with celestia as the puppeter but with celestia gone, venti could finally be free. the cost to get here was heavy and if venti could, he would undo it all.

venti would rather be chained down and locked up in a cage than live in a time where his children didn't have freedom. he misses them a lot and everything just reminds him of days gone by. nothing venti actually could do now as he gave up a smile to march as she looked down at the shorter with a smile of her own. " huh. you're shorter in real life. I could pick you up and carry you around like a purse dog. uhh.. actually, nevermind. I don't have the upper body strength for that." she noted before placing on her forehead when she realized she likely really couldn't carry the man around even if she wanted to.

it was quite amusing to watch as venti allowed her to continue on with her rambling and just stood there waiting to see if she would ask him something else or what have you. venti didn't mind waiting for somebody to get to their point even when there wasn't a point at all to made or they end up forgetting what that point was but march seemed to just be making some small talk or rather taking in her observations of venti.

venti understood the intergalactic common language to where he could listen to others but found it difficult to speak it himself. he learned many languages over the many years and he gets confused sometimes. forgetting words in any language is quite an easy thing to do. " soo.. march." he started up when he noticed that the girl looked to be lost in train of though, " do you.. no. did you want to ask me something? fine if no. we can just talk! ehe!"

" whoa. your common really is that bad, huh.." noted march before quickly realizing how rude that sounded and apologized to which venti only giggled in reply and the girl let out a sigh, " anyway - yeah! there's so many things I want to ask you. I heard that you and robin actually knew each other. is that true? are you gonna do a colab together? everyone's been saying that you should!"

venti placed a hand on his chin as he thought over the questions. once upon a time, answering questions would have been easier but with the common language he wasn't too familiar with yet and his brain naturally wanting to speak the common language of his home planet, it was hard to form the words and sentences to properly portray what he wanted to say.

" won't deny. I've known both robin and her brother since they were still nestlings." venti started to answer the girl's question as march listened to eagerly yet he could tell she was slowly running out of patience, " colab though.. hmm. good idea! I will ask robin about it."

" whoa! you're.. older than I thought too! I was thinking you were sixteen or something. " march gave a nod in reply to acknowledge that she had heard what he said and understood it some degree, " and good idea? hmhm! of course it is!" she placed hands on hips and gave a confident smirk.

" no. I.. uhh.. I am over two thousand and six hundred years old." venti informed, having to really think on how long he has lived thus far and penacony's eternal golden hour often made it hard to know what day it actually was and people didn't use days out here as most people out in the cosmos measure by system hours.

" two thousand!? you're older than even general jing yuan." remarked march in surprise as she herself was a short life speices. most likely around twenty years of age or younger, " you look pretty good for two thousand though! the perks of being a long life speices I bet." and as this conversation continued on, the two of them would walk around the shopping mall together.

march checking out some shoes or other clothes along the way, checking the price and seeing if there were any discounts while venti tagged along. eventually the two would enter one of the clothing stores to try out some clothes and do something of a fashion show. taking photos and selfies while wearing the outfits they came up with.

and eventually when they left the store, venti would spot the bellhop out of the corner his eyes before looking back to march who had just gotten a text message. " oh shot- I have to go! see you around, venti!" and off the teenage girl went leaving venti behind.

after seeing her leave the mall, venti would then head off in the direction of where he thought he saw someone. was it furina or was it misha? he didn't really know until he actually found the boy. " oh, hey there, sweetie! what are you reading?" he asked watching as misha was flipping through the pages of some kind of magazine before the younger heard him and looked up with clockie accompanying him as usual.

" oh, uh.. it's just a teen magazine. I remember it had a quiz in it on.. how to know if you have a crush on somebody." answered misha and that would catch venti's interest causing him to smile and let out an 'oooh!~'. the boy was twelve years old. how long the boy had been twelve was hard to say but it seems like he was reaching that time of his life where he started to notice other people in a new way.

" and do you?" venti asked the boy causing misha to double check his results in the magazine's are you down bad? quiz. his cheeks soon turning a shade of pink before he nodded in reply. the wind energy lifeform would take a seat across from the boy ever curious about this new development, " oh, my! and who exactly is this mystery person you're crushing on?"

misha would hold clockie close to him, feeling rather embarrassed or shy about the reveal of having a crush on somebody and venti having taken an interest in who that somebody was. " oh.. just a guest I met. we hung out together on the astral express." the boy eventually answered while clockie was quick to point out that the person in question was more than 'just a guest' but a lieutenant of the cloud knights causing misha to let out a sigh as he closed up the magazine.

" and according to the quiz.. I am super down bad." misha added on while using clockie as a emotional support teddy bear or blankie, " it doesn't say what I should do about it though. I've been looking through the magazine for as many tips as I could find too. maybe I need to find a book on romance or at least one about the xianzhou luofu."

" it seems I have arrived just on time then!" mused venti in reply with a catlike smirk as he was willing to give the boy any guidance or advice he would need, " back on my home world, I lived in a nation of freedom that was well-known for poetry and romance. I've seen my fair share of teenagers in love. what you need to find out right now is if this yanqing kid likes you back."

misha listened rather intently to what venti was saying to him, taking it in and really thinking about it. it seems misha didn't know if his crush liked him back yet as he held clockie closer to his chest, " and how do I know if he does? should I ask?"

" a straight and direct approach could work but how you go about finding out really just depends on the other person. a lot of people aren't so willing to tell you how they feel. some would even lie straight to your face and deny their true feelings." venti explained to the boy and without knowing anything about yanqing.. it was hard to give any specific advice. venti then looking to clockie to see if he could shed some light on the situation and fortunately clockie had interacted with the subject of misha's crushing.

" yanqing is typically a straightforward and direct boy but it seems he had gotten some advice from that gambler known as aventurine. who knows what aventurine could have told yanqing." clockie gave his two cents to which venti nodded in acknowledgement before looking back to misha himself.

" right. simple and direct communication seems to be just right for this one then though those in the xianzhou alliance aren't really much for words. I would say to communicate how you feel through your actions instead as that may be easier for him." venti explained while misha had taken out a notepad at one point to write all this down and nodded to show he was listening before getting up with clockie still in arms, " thank you, mr venti sir! your advice was really helpful." he thanked the older before heading out and eventually venti would take his own leave out of the mall.

walking through the golden hour, venti would eventually stop in front of one of the televisions located within display window of one of the buildings. looking up and seeing that trailblazer on screen. another exciting adventure for them it would seem. " ehe~ hope to see you soon, my beloved warrior! oh, oops, sorry- galactic baseballer, is it now?" he whispered under breath with eyes on the trailblazer as if talking directly to them and as if they would be able to hear him, " you are sure to have quite the interesting stories to share. I wonder if you'll remember me this time."

[grislyintentions]

| 4.2 AQ- Commentary |

Note: Spoilers referencing 4.2 AQ as well as voicelines from Neuvillette regarding the other archons

Traveler's actions, doubt and uncertainty regarding Furina: Given our perspective as an external audience, the traveler's reactions and actions taken against Furina can be seen as harsh/cruel etc. However, I don't think it was out of character for them to follow through with it all despite their inherent kindness/reluctance to cause her pain.

Furina's whole purpose was to deceive everyone. And given the fact that she believed she must never have her charade found out, or it spells doom for all of Fontaine, she took every precaution possible to hold onto her facade.

The traveler, whose interactions with Furina were kept deliberately limited, would not be in a position to fully get to know what she's like as a person. They saw only what she wants them to see. It's only natural that they would be led to uncertainty regarding how she really is or how to reach out to her. As referenced in the end, when they got to see what she was about to say, they were still surprised at her actions.

It's important to remember that the Traveler is not all-powerful or all-knowing. And that this entire arc exists as a lesson that what one sees may not always be the truth. Seeking it out requires courage, the conviction to see it through, and an open mind towards other possibilities.

What they all did with their plan was cruel but doing the right thing, doing what one believes is necessary, is not always the easiest choice to make.

Parallels of Furina and Fontainians with Raiden Shogun and Inazumans:

Both Furina and Ei are people who inherited their predecessor's duties and pain. Both of them are people who sought to isolate their inner feelings and turmoil from others. They were both thrust into a position of power regardless of whether they were ready or not. Nobody knew that Ei is not the original electro archon, except for those who perished in the cataclysm and the spirits/youkai of old, and none of her subjects can ever know. Nobody knew that the Furina is trapped in an eternal opera except for her "mirror-me", and none of her subjects can ever know.

So we see interesting parallels between Fontainians turning on Furina and vision holders forming rebellion forces to challenge the Shogun. We cannot blame Neuvillette and the others for forcing Furina to endure a trial when they are doing the exact same thing the rebellion forces in Inazuma were trying to accomplish: To get through to their archon, to MAKE them understand the situation that's hurting the public, to MAKE them hear their voices? When they believed there was no other options left?

In the end, getting through to Ei required forcefully breaking into her plane of Euthymia multiple times in a show of resolve/determination, as well as compassion. In the end, getting through to Furina required forcefully subjecting her to a trial and stripping her of her pretenses but also a willingness to understand her. Parallels between Neuvillette and Ei in the aftermath of disaster:

Neuvillette is left to watch over all of Fontaine's proceedings in the wake of devastation. Similarly, Ei was the one who had to watch over Inazuma after a cataclysmic disaster. Neither of them own the luxury of time to grieve or examine their own feelings in the overwhelming events that came to pass. Life must go on and order must be reinstated. Neither of them really knew how to navigate things with the people they leave behind with an emotional distance (for neuvillette: furina, for ei: yae miko) even if they care for them. How does one bridge that gap?

While the Fontainians do hold Neuvillette in high regard, would they still be able to blindly carry faith in any potential reforms or structure he intends to introduce? Would they, if known, still be able to trust him if they come to find out his efforts to ensure Furina lives comfortably? Will they be able to fully adjust to his approach to things, given their love for theatrics and romanticism of justice? What unrest would emerge from the hidden corners now that Fontaine is newly recovering from things?

Ei was someone who had to deal with rebuilding her nation after all the tragedy. If someone could relate to all that sorrow and the uncertainties, if there is someone who is living proof that a state of normalcy and renewed faith can happen (before the decrees), it is her.

Neuvillette's disposition towards other archons:

With reference to his voicelines about them, I personally think that should there come a time to pass judgement, his decision would be a fair one. That is why he feels it a necessity to meet with them and mentions that it is not a given that his judgment would lead to physical confrontation.

I believe he does not hold contempt for them as individuals. It is their association with Celestia and their allegiance to them that warrants them as deserving of being placed on trial. His desire to meet them, may very well include trying to understand their position and disposition before forming his own decisions. The mere fact that he is more than willing to wait 400 years of more, after learning about Ei's seclusion and Venti's tendencies, his ability to extend compassion to Nahida's plight all emphasise his nature.

Celestia's inactivity/arrogance:

The Heavenly Principles are a set of rules passed down by Celestia to install order in all of Teyvat. Why would they be inactive despite the fact that the "Hydro Throne" is now no more and that power has been restored to Neuvillette?

Presuming that Celestia is an all powerful arbiter of the heavens, all of Teyvat must look like ants to them. Why would any portion of ruin on there be seen as anything else than insignificant and tiny? Why would it matter to an entity that usurped the powers of the dragon sovereigns? That even the archons have to answer to? Why would they pay attention? It is this that makes Focalors' plan so incredibly smart, how they were able to trick them until the very end.

I have been wondering why there are specifically seven gnosis' and seven elements (as of the moment). And why all of the archons are named after demons in demonology. Given the recent information about skirk referring to a gnosis as the remains of descenders: could they have descended from Celestia themselves? Thereby making them not of Teyvat? Do the seven gnosis' function as "seven pillars of God's wisdom" that uphold the will of God (celestia)? Would it take destroying them simultaneously to finally get Celestia's attention and 'bring them down to their level'? Why were gods and goddesses so compelled to participate in the archon wars? What incited it all? There is also the factor that all of the archons we have seen so far do not particularly seem proud or covetous of their own gnosis.

Much is unknown about the Heavenly Principles at this point. But there are some established facts that we do know: - Archons are unable to reveal information about it and there are still certain things they have to ask for permission from Celestia before they can proceed (ie: they are not to step above their station/challenge Celestia's authority) - Messing with the 'natural order' (manipulating life and death via magic or alchemy etc) goes against the principles