Chapter Text
O, Hydro Dragon Sovereign,
Iudex Neuvillette, in whose hands rested the fate of all Fontainians,
Wake up,
O, Ordainer of Judgement, do open your eyes,
Lady Furina has been reborn.
“How many clients are we seeing today? Have you prepared the offer?”
“The land dispute case from yesterday will proceed to trial next week.”
“The authorities just discovered new evidence; I’m leaving for the police.”
There wasn’t a single unoccupied individual in the ten-story building,
Neuvillette, one of the few senior advocates with a number of cases completed reaching hundreds, was no exception. In comparison to the younger, less experienced lawyers, there was no hint of stress on his countenance, despite the fact that the amount of summary pages he had to study was greater than what the juniors had to deal with. The gentleman who had the appearance of a person in his mid-thirties strolled towards the elevator without letting a single line of narration escape his observant eyes. He only shifted his attention from the file when a faint ‘ding’ rang out from the elevator in front of him. His black loafer-wrapped feet stepped into the tempered glass box that took him to the ground floor, where his silver convertible was parked. Neuvillette briefly adjusted his tie and glasses before the device had completely stopped, exiting the platform, and greeting any of his colleagues who happened to pass him by.
His long yet unhurried stride came to a halt when he spotted the secretary of his co-worker – arguably his superior, if referring to the company’s organizational structure – crossing in front of him.
“Ah, Miss Ganyu,” he addressed before the light blue-haired woman slipped past him altogether.
“Ah, Monsieur Neuvillette,” she replied cordially, “how may I help you? Today Rex La—”
The lady named Ganyu interrupted herself.
She also noticed a slight change of expression on her interlocutor’s face. They were alarmed that this conversation, which was limited to their inner circle, could be overheard by other employees.
“I mean, Master Zhongli isn’t available at this moment,” she corrected herself. “However, if you need some files to be signed, I can help you putting them on his desk and notify him that it’s an emergency."
Neuvillette shook his head, “I just need you to remind him that a major mining company from his home country is requesting that their contract be finalized as soon as possible,” he referred to Zhongli’s authority and expertise as a public notary rather than a company owner, the former ruler of Liyue. “Today I shall meet a client at one of the restaurants in Vasari, and I probably won’t return to the office.”
“Very well, I’ll let him know,” Ganyu nodded approvingly. “Speaking of which, will you be attending the evening banquet? A sponsor invited you to celebrate the big case your team won in court the other day.”
“Thank you, but I have another appointment. Do kindly send them my warmest regards,” the jurist smiled courteously in lieu of a ‘no’ before making his way to the exit of the lobby.
Ganyu watched his footsteps in silence before noticing that someone from the administrative department was standing next to her. The young woman with thick-framed glasses whispered through the folder in her hand to hide her curious lips,
“He refused again?” asked Baishi, the lady with black hair in a high ponytail.
“Mm-mm,” Ganyu responded, “as usual.”
“It seems challenging to invite him to such casual events, a stark contrast compared to Master Zhongli,” Baishi commented, tapping her cheek. “What a secretive and mysterious person he is.”
The secretary didn’t dispute this fact, “Unlike Master Zhongli, Monsieur Neuvillette appears to prefer doing things alone. There once was a secretary assigned to work with him, but he resigned right away, claiming that he had nothing to do and felt useless,” she shuddered, couldn’t imagine how he was able to memorize all the case files, which were either organized in his personal library or in the form of digital files.
“He even drives himself to client appointments. I mean... for someone of his position and income, I’m sure not hiring a driver due to financial issues isn’t the problem here,” Baishi pointed out before shrugging. “Besides, is there anything more fun than accepting a client’s invitation? Where is he going anyway?”
“Perhaps… to the beach?” Ganyu guessed.
Baishi frowned, “…the beach?”
“He told me the other day that he always goes to the beach when he’s feeling restless,” it wasn’t too surprising for Ganyu, who more or less knew the ‘secret’ behind the real identities of the two influential figures who ran this company. Still, there was a tinge of empathy when she noted, “Monsieur Neuvillette said he enjoyed the sight of water – and the beach was one of the few places that could calm him.”
Sixteen years had passed since the sound had first awakened the dragon from his long, deep slumber,
His reappearance on the land of the mortals was heralded by the froth on the surface of the seawater, and by his prudence, the unnecessary surge of the great waves was absent from the coastline. Neuvillette, for the twenty-first time, returned to his human form, standing on two legs, stripped of his scales and talons. He mingled with humans and adapted to the current civilization he belonged to. Sometimes, he was a lonely wanderer. At other times, he took up an important position in the government. This time, amidst the advancement of technology and education, he happened to be an advocate with a prestigious career.
His face didn’t appear on television, but his name was well-considered throughout Fontaine, especially among professionals who sought legal advice. The cases that come across his desk were all resolved with minimal disagreement and his portfolio makes Neuvillette’s position quite respectable, though not the highest. He strived to appear and become ‘average’, finding being in the spotlight tiresome, and wanted to live a relatively tranquil life compared to his previous escapades. Evidently, he now had a solid team and capable subordinates, as well as a superior – the respectable Rex Lapis, God of Contract himself – to report to. Sixteen years of establishing a career in this modern-day Court of Fontaine rendered the legitimacy of his identity unquestionable. And that sort of indisputable background was exactly what he needed in order to reappear in the life of someone who had been reincarnated many times.
Rebirth means eradicating all ties between oneself and their respective past lives. Humans, creatures with all flaws and shortcomings, without exception were subjected to this virtuous cycle. Including Furina, after the execution of the Hydro Archon liberated her from the curse of immortality. Just like in her previous lives, Neuvillette was present, though not in direct contact with the former vessel of the goddess herself. He kept a self-determined distance; from afar and being close only if needed, though he never proclaimed who he was, what his name might be. He planned to do the exact same thing in this current life – thus, for the past sixteen years, he had been in touch with the greatest source of water on the surface of the earth to find out about Furina’s well-being. The ocean, for all water, would eventually empty into this place.
‘She’s alive, she’s healthy, and she’s doing fine,’ was the statement from the water that he interpreted from his feet stepping on the sand, leaving faint footprints as they were washed away by the gentle waves.
Just like that, for Neuvillette, was sufficient. There was no reason for him to invade Furina’s new livelihood for he believed that his presence would only bring agony and misfortune. While all that was entrusted to him was Furina who smiled, Furina who genuinely enjoyed her life, Furina who was blissfully happy.
Neuvillette exhaled,
After more than two millennia had flown by, he still savored the soothing sensation of mother nature on the soles of his bare feet. He wondered from whom he had adapted such a habit, (and smiled serenely when the figure of a blue-hued maiden flashed back into his memory.)
A little over two weeks after his last coastal visit, Neuvillette was blessed with a surprise masquerading as a pamphlet on his desk,
There was nothing particularly extraordinary about a brochure advertising a ballet performance at the Opera Epiclese. The venue, which Neuvillette remembered as a sacred edifice where he had delivered his judgment under the guidance of the Oratrcie two thousand years ago, had been renovated and restored to a more contemporary design. He still found it amazing that such an ancient structure continued to be preserved and passed down from generation to generation. It frequently hosted a variety of cultural events: from painting exhibitions and chamber orchestras to more modern entertainment such as the magic show and stage plays. Ballet was among the most respected in this nation, renowned for its artistic expression and difficulty level. What brought a smile of pride to Neuvillette’s face, however, was that the performer possessed physical features and names that he was familiar with. Furina de Fontaine, as she was promoted, was a prodigy ballerina who mastered the 32-fouetté sequences at the age of eleven.
At the age of sixteen, the teen heartthrob embarked on her solo debut, showcasing classical pieces that brought a hefty price tag to the special program. Neuvillette wasn’t concerned about the price, obviously. The highlight was drawn to the photograph of Furina herself, gracefully dressed in a white leotard, tutu, and diadem, striking an arabesque pose with a merry expression. The attire accentuated the impression of lightness and flexibility, allowing Furina’s slender figure to look extraordinarily flattering to one’s eye.
That was all that mattered; Furina shining the brightest, on the stage she wholeheartedly devoted herself to.
He had just considered saving himself a ticket, even bringing his so-called employer along to watch the show, knowing his fondness and excessive appreciation for classical works. However, he abandoned the idea after a closer examination of the leaflet; noticing that there was a ticket already attached to it, along with a short message in a handwriting he recognized belonging to Ganyu.
‘A person claiming to be the custodian of Ms. Furina has requested our firm to be her legal advisor. Please refer to me as soon as you receive this flyer.’
Neuvillette snorted his laughter, slightly incredulous.
He had desperately refrained himself from crossing paths with the once eccentric girl, yet the universe ordained this absurd way of destiny, to bring them together in this manner.
The advocate pondered for a moment; was it wise for him to accept the offer, would he be able to pretend to be a stranger forever, could he suppress his fatherly instincts in the face of Furina, whom he used to protect with all his might? Neuvillette took a deep breath before pressing the button on his telephone. After a single dial tone, Ganyu’s voice crackled from the speaker and addressed him,
“Monsieur Neuvillette, I assume you have received the flyer and the note I left?”
“Yes,” his throat felt dry, and he choked as he answered. “When is she scheduled to be here?”
“She agreed to come today at two in the afternoon, or next week on Monday at the same time if you’re unable to,” came the reply, accompanied by the soft noise of rustling papers. “I must remind you, however, that Master Zhongli is expecting your presence today for the weekly session to evaluate the cases you and your team have solved over the past three months.”
“Could you please reschedule?” Neuvillette asked, his tone a bit hesitant.
“Sure,” this time Ganyu’s response was accompanied by the sound of fingers typing on the keyboard, “I’ll tell Miss Furina to show up next week—”
“I mean my meeting with Deus Auri,” Neuvillette interrupted. Really, he had no idea what had come over him to make such a split-second decision. He even went so far as to call Zhongli by names that only he and a few others had been around long enough to recognize. “Could you tell him to postpone it?”
There was five seconds of silence from the other side,
“Miss Ganyu?”
“My apologies, it’s uncommon for you to ask for a reassignment of a meeting with Rex Lapis, it caught me off guard,” Neuvillette imagined that if Ganyu had been in front of him, the purple-eyed lady would’ve been glaring at him.
The long-haired one snickered lightly, “You could just tell him that this is a ‘dragon business’ and he shall understand.”
After all, there were more crucial things than a ‘contract’, although the former sovereign had no intention in the slightest of disrespecting his partnership with the once Geo Archon. (Oh, to recall their past physical confrontation a millennia ago.)
“Well, then, I’ll inform Rex – uh, I mean Master Zhongli as you wish. I’ll also arrange a meeting between you and Miss Furina,” Ganyu concluded.
“Thank you, Miss Ganyu. And one more thing,” Neuvillette flicked his thumb over the paper in his possession, once again confirming the date and location of the event. “Will Lady – I mean, Miss Furina – be coming with her parents or the equivalent? I’m aware that she’s still a minor.”
“Indeed, Miss Furina is still under the age of consent, so she will be accompanied by a custodian,” because if not, their company also provided guardianship services. However, on reflection, for a person with such a stellar record at a young age, it seemed a little impossible if she wasn’t accompanied by someone just as tenacious. “There, I’ve fixed it. About ten minutes prior, I’ll escort the prospective client to your office.”
“Thank you for your assistance, Miss Ganyu.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Neuvillette hung up the line and slumped back into the chair with the pamphlet in his grasp. A part of him was excited, but the other was equally tense, for today was the first time in hundreds of years that he’d meet the remnant of the Hydro Archon again. The figure he’d shielded from the shadows for twenty-one different lifetimes, the one who had made him believe that mankind was something truly magnificent and worth paying attention to.
At that time, Neuvillette didn’t think much about who the girl’s custodian was.
The firm, ‘Zhongli & Partners’, was an associate they formed together sixteen years ago, focused on providing legal-based services to both individuals and corporations.
(Funnily enough, the firm was founded in Fontaine, and Neuvillette refused to have his name engraved on the certificate of establishment, suggesting that ‘another nation’s name’ would be more eye-catching.)
They hired lots of law graduates and young souls interested in pursuing legal studies; a bit of a cheat given that both gentlemen had at least, well, thousands of years of experience. Therefore, Neuvillette briefly considered whether he should pass Furina’s request to a junior lawyer who needed more portfolio, since he was personally fulfilled by watching the girl’s current state. The refined man was in the middle of re-organizing the printouts of the proposal and negotiation statement when a knock came from the door of his office. Neuvillette inhaled heavily, glancing at the mirror to fix the folds of his collar and cuff sleeves.
“Please come in,” his baritone was still as stern as ever, and the swing of the door brought him all the way back to at least two thousand years ago.
The image of Furina he recalled reincarnated into a teenage schoolgirl who now entered his workspace,
They were still the same height, with a bell-shaped bob haircut that fell to her shoulders, and a pair of heterochromatic eyes with marine-colored shades. However, the flamboyant and haughty attitude was no more, replaced by a proud but still slightly childish bearing. Furina seemed somewhat nervous when she locked eyes with Neuvillette. Her hands were clenched behind her spine as she reluctantly took two steps inside. She turned her head towards the door where the voices of two women exchanging conversation slightly resounded. Before Neuvillette was done marveling at how well Furina had grown, he was left wondering why the voice apart from Ganyu’s sounded familiar but felt extremely, frighteningly distant.
No, even the definition of ‘distant’ wasn’t exactly what was listed in the dictionary.
“I shall leave then,” Ganyu’s words resonated, followed by the fading sound of tapping shoes.
And as the figure caught up behind Furina, Neuvillette thought he was being tossed into a dreamscape.
It can’t be; this is impossible—
—Focalors?
“Good afternoon,” she greeted, “Monsieur Neuvillette? Please excuse the abruptness of our visit. We’re in desperate need of legal assistance as soon as possible – that is, due to my younger sister’s first show.”
They looked identical when standing side by side, but if one paid close attention, there were differences that set them apart. Furina sported short hair, while Focalors’ fell to her waistline, albeit sharing the same light color. The peculiarities in their eyes were also alike, though their right and left positions were reversed. Their postures were both lean, with heights that were relatively below the average of Fontaine’s modern society, with Focalors being two inches taller due to the heels she wore. The biggest contrast was certainly their taste in fashion; Furina and her intricately detailed dress, while Focalors’ was more regal yet modest, highlighting the ‘older sister’ status she had just implied.
Of course, it wasn’t all about appearances, but about how Focalors, who had essentially been disintegrated to the very core of her consciousness, could be in presence before Neuvillette.
The advocate himself was flabbergasted to the point that there was a noticeable void for a few seconds. The eerie silence was coupled with a hardened, disbelieving expression and a sharp glint in his eyes that was more than enough to make Furina retreat behind her older sister.
“Furina?” Focalors’ mezzo chided softly, “Why are you hiding like that?”
“I don’t know myself, but it seems...” Furina’s voice had a higher timbre than her sister’s, adding to the list of contrasting differences between the two. “It feels like I’m going to get scolded.”
Focalors’ amused laughter rose. The kind of giggle that transported Neuvillette back to the God of Justice’s realm before the death penalty descended upon her head. “Oh, come on, why would he? There’s no reason for you to be scolded, of course,” she patted her shoulder gently before turning her attention to Neuvillette. “I apologize, my sister doesn’t usually get this uptight. Perhaps because she’s more accustomed to stages rather than a formal situation like this,” she flashed the advocate a polite smile.
“No – I mean, no worries,” Neuvillette managed to contain himself. Was this another trial from beyond the skies? For as far as he could reckon, the entities that once ruled the globe had been overthrown and their authority, as well as that of the Archons and the dragons, were now relics and history. “And you are?”
“Focalors,” the woman stretched out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Furina’s older sibling, and since she can’t be considered a full-fledged adult yet, I’ll be the one to speak on her behalf in the discussion process.”
“Neuvillette,” the introduction was short, but the bearer of the name somehow felt time distort when their palms made contact. (In the past, when Focalors asked the hydro dragon not to cry, he was desperate to embrace the outstretched hand.) “Apologies in advance, but your age—”
“Twenty-six,” Focalors clarified, “we’re ten years apart. Even though I may appear as such, I really can’t be regarded as a teenager. Or do you need to see my ID? I also bring along a family certificate if necessary.”
“No need; I apologize if I seemed to be doubting you,” indeed, he didn’t want to let go of that delicate hand, but Neuvillette also didn’t wish to be accused for this sudden… unreasonable impulse of his. He drew a proper distance after returning his hand to his side, then gestured to the couch and coffee table where the files were already set up. “We can go straight to the discussion, please take a seat.”
“Before that,” the faint grin on Focalors’ lips was followed by a raised forefinger, before turning to her sister. “Furina, this is going to be pretty lengthy and tedious. Would you like to go to the cafe instead? You can wait for me while indulging yourself in some refreshments down there.”
“May I?” Furina asked though the gleam in her eyes told her that she wanted to leave as soon as possible.
Focalors nodded, “Although I shall admit that it’s quite odd to have a café that specifically sells tea and nibbles in a law firm; is that the unique preference of the owner of this company?”
Neuvillette lowered his head slightly with a chuckle,
Furina favored teatime and savoring sweet treats stacked in tiers. When there was an excess budget and a plot of ground to develop, Neuvillette impulsively asked the (former) Geo Archon to expand a tea shop.
“Miss Furina, I shall try not to take up your sister’s time too much,” he declared.
“Then, if you’ll excuse me,” Furina stepped toward the elevator after paying her respects with a curtsy.
Only two adults remained; one of them displayed a casual attitude as she sat on the side of the couch against the wall, while the other man was overly cautious in his behavior and speech. Neuvillette felt the need to regulate his breathing, or even his heartbeat, so as not to be overheard by his prospective client.
“Shall we start with the price and service quotation?” Neuvillette offered matter-of-factly. He had to keep it this way; professional. Or else, he could only wonder where this talk might lead.
Focalors bobbed her head affirmatively, “Please proceed.”
A brief moment later, Neuvillette returned to his usual self, smoothly delivering a detailed explanation of the scope of work and the fees that might have to be charged. Focalors didn’t ask many questions, as if she already understood the intricacies of the legal world and the various juridical terms.
“I need someone who can represent us in court, just in case,” she pointed to one of the clauses in the offering letter. "At first, I thought it would be enough to have a person who could review the contract; Furina received many offers after her first ballet program was advertised. But now that I think about it, I need someone who’s always ready if a dispute leads to a conflict that must be resolved legally.”
“Then I’ll refer you to a personal advocate rather than lawyer,” Neuvillette advised, scribbling on a file with a pencil. “I’ll review your requirements and send you a final quotation. Of course, we can still negotiate.”
Focalors shook her head, “I’m not too concerned about the price. From the moment I decided to use your firm’s expertise, I knew I’d have to dig a little deeper into my pockets.” She exuded tremendous positive energy, along with a great deal of confidence. “I shall wait for the name you designate, then, Monsieur.”
At that point, he was dying to volunteer, fill in his name on the consent form and sign it as a seal of approval. Neuvillette realized, however, that there was a procedure he had to follow, and all he could say was simply, “Your cooperation and knowledge make it easier for me to explain, Miss Focalors.”
“Really? I’m a complete novice, so I’m leaving the best decisions to you,” Focalors responded modestly.
“That’s simply not the case,” Neuvillette countered. “Explaining all aspects is part of my job. Still, I must say that the discussion with you in particular was effortless. I find you to be quite insightful and well-versed in legal issues.”
“Probably because we unfortunately lost our parents too prematurely and I have to set an example for my sister,” the answer came across as lighthearted, although there was a hint of bitterness in it. “Furina can be too naive sometimes; she loves dancing but is still too young to comprehend how harsh the professional world can be. At least until she becomes an adult, I think it’s only fair that I shall be more watchful about her next steps.”
“You’re very perceptive,” Neuvillette complimented. “Better to leave it to the experts than to regret it later.”
Focalors concurred, “I look forward to hearing from you, and I shall take my leave as well.”
They rose, and Neuvillette strode swiftly in front of the figure he yearned for, holding the door open for her, “Miss Focalors, I will arrange our next meeting immediately.”
“Is it just me, or am I not mistaken in thinking that you’re too eager for our upcoming session?” Focalors, with her witty yet lovable expression that had never changed since forever, snickered, “Or is that still part of your professional approach?”
Neuvillette lowered his head again, realizing that he had been too hasty, “I apologize if I seemed impatient and made you uncomfortable.”
“Not really. In fact, I’m very grateful that you seem enthusiastic about reuniting with me,” the lady tilted her head, the curve on her lips was still that of a pleasant one, but this time veiled in a clandestine charm.
The advocate felt his jaw tighten as he clenched his teeth.
He swallowed sourly, “I seem to have misread,” no, please do not raise my expectations, do not give me false hope, as you have offered me, only to have left me all alone. Neuvillette clasped his hands behind his back, “But, I don’t think we’ve met before.”
“Of course, this is our first encounter in this timeline,” Focalors smiled, his eyes narrowing into a pair of crescents. “I sincerely hope that the remembrance of me hasn’t brought you to tears way too often over the past two millennia, Iudex Neuvillette.”
Neuvillette faltered, as if a simple touch could tear him to pieces.
No one had ever referred to him by that particular title after the downfall of the divine, and it had been completely eclipsed by a history of man’s own making.
“Focalors,” he stammered out the name, “you...”
“Neuvillette,” the last utterance of the name was followed by the word ‘farewell,’ and it caused the Iudex to tighten his grip on his own wrist. “We’ll start things over slowly, together, shall we? You and I, we have nothing to fear this time. We have no reason to be afraid.”
For this time, we aren’t racing against the tide of time.