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A few weeks after the prophecy, Neuvillette finds himself always hearing a rather mysterious sound of the tides.
It seems to come from a distance, but also seems to come from his side, perhaps it is calling him out there, or perhaps it is responding to him. He is sure that he is not suffering from auditory hallucinations, and after checking Fontaine's water veins, he did not find any abnormality. He has so far only sketched out a pattern that this sound would always emerge during his trial and his conversations with others, but the reason for its appearance and its meaning remains a mystery.
Fontaine's rebuild has just come to a temporary end, and many things are still waiting for him to work on. He could only put this sound aside for now, and wait to find the answer behind when he gets more free time.
“Monsieur Neuvillette, here is the application for the use of the opera house from the traveler and the president of the Spina di Rosula, with their letter addressed specifically to you.”On a sunny morning, when he is working with the paperwork as usual, Sedene scampers into his office, leaving an application and a letter on his desk while generalizing them to him. “Good, thank you very much.” He says with a smile, thanking the dutiful Melusine, and naturally begins to think of those two people he had not seen for some time.
I hope everything is going well for them. He stops what he is doing and takes up the application to review as he wishes about their wellbeing, but just as this thought comes into his mind, he starts to hear that mysterious sound again. Is this another new circumstance for its appearance? He sums it up subconsciously, and his originally gentle look becomes severe because of this change of his mind.
“Did something bad happen to them, Monsieur Neuvillette?” Sedene, who has not yet left, apparently senses a change in his expression, worrying that Neuvillette had seen something bad from the application and letter. She asks with some concern, and Neuvillette blinks, realizing that it was the change in his expression that had caused her to misunderstand the situation, an apology appears on his face right away, and he shakes his head gently at her.
“No need to worry, they are all in a good state. Just something else had come to mind.” He quickly scans the papers and letters, after confirming that there is indeed no bad news but only the statement and invitation, he immediately explains to Sedene that the change in his expression was not because he had seen something unpleasant. Sedene breathes a sigh of relief, nods at him, then breaks into a beaming smile, and starts to speak with considerable happiness.
“Monsieur Neuvillette, is it true that traveler and Miss Navia have applied for the Opera Epiclese as a place for a ball?”
“Yes. They made it clear in their paperwork that now the rebuild has come to a temporary end, they came up with an idea to hold a ball in Fontaine's most symbolic and capacious building, the Opera Epiclese, aiming to cheer up people from the disaster. They even invited me directly in their letter to me, mentioning that they had also invited Furina, as if they already knew I would agree to grant them the place.”Neuvillette replies to Sedene with a smile, cherishing the enthusiasm and thoughtfulness of Navia and the traveler in his heart, then takes up his pen and signs his approval on the application. Sedene looks even happier after she hears what he said, but then she seems to think of something and asks him worriedly. “So, will you be there? You've been so busy these days. I think it would be a good opportunity for you to relax.”
“I suppose I'll go. This ball isn't a social occasion held by Fontaine’s higher class, it’s an event to comfort all the people of Fontaine. Since they've invited me, it would be rude of me to refuse.”Under Sedene's questioning gaze, Neuvillette hears that sound of the tide again, but he just nods and goes on explaining patiently to Sedene.“I just hope that my presence will not make people nervous, and maybe this is the thing I really need to spend more time with in the future.”
“That’s wonderful!" Sedene answers happily, not hiding her excitement at all. Just as she is about to say more about the ball, she suddenly realizes that it is still work time, she then says her goodbye to Neuvillette with a look of embarrassment, hurries out of the Chief Justice’s office, and quickly goes back to her work. Neuvillette smiles as he watches her go but drops it when she closes the office door, feeling that his attention is inevitably being occupied by that sound again.
During the short conversation he just had with Sedene, this sound that had shaken his heart had been always echoing in his ears, never stopping. “What will be the true meaning of you？” Neuvillette asks subconsciously, looking down at the application. But in the end, his attention is eventually drawn to his work, and during his state of concentration on his work, that mysterious sound of the tide finally quieted down peacefully.
After some time, with the help from the people of the Spina di Rosula, the traveler and Navia have spread the word through all the Fontaine that a very large ball will be held at the Opera Epiclese, and have already begun the preparations for the ball. Even on his way out of the opera house after a trial, Neuvillette could hear the people talking about their excitement for the event. He smiles at the words, and continues going on to the Marcotte Station to take the Aquabus, but when he is getting through the square where the Fountain of Lucine at, a familiar, dejected figure then naturally comes into his line of sight.
He goes over to see if there is anything he can do to help, and Gravier, who is sighing rather despondently, when he sees Neuvillette coming towards him, a look of shock immediately appears on his face. “Good afternoon, Mr. Gravier. Are you all right?” Neuvillette says unhurriedly, standing in front of the other man, looks at the slightly overreacting Gestionnaire, and asks him about his condition, “Good, good afternoon! Chief Justice!” Gravier, on the other hand, greets him in an overly high-pitched voice, eyes filled with nervousness and embarrassment.
“Everything is fine! I'm still trying to fit in at my work position! But I’m just... I'm just wondering whether I should go to the ball at the opera or not. I’m a little afraid of such a lively occasion, but at the same time I also really want to have a good time with everyone after the disaster, that’s why I’m struggling here now.”
After calming down a little bit, Gravier describes his trouble with a fairly quick speaking speed and sighs again with great dismay. Neuvillette puts his right hand under his chin, and starts to ponder what advice he can give to the troubled man in front of him, but while he is thinking, Gravier, who had been sighing just now, seems to think of more things, decides to ask with a hesitant tone: “Chief Justice, will you go to the ball? ”
The young Gestionnaire looks at him with a kind of anticipation in his eyes. Neuvillette blinks in bewilderment but decides to reply truthfully.
“I have been invited, and do intend to go to the ball. If you are concerned about the safety of the venue that night, except me, the Gardes who will be out on duty as usual, and the security staff of the host, they should be able to reassure you.”
Neuvillette actively analyzing the security of the event, speaks in a clear and affirmative tone, but Graiver just gives him a puzzled look, as if he does not understand why Neuvillette had replied in this way. Before Neuvillette can continue to explain it to him, Graiver decides to speak up after his quick thinking, and in the middle of his talking, Neuvillette hears that sound of the tide again.
“Monsieur Neuvillette, I asked whether you will go, it’s not because I’m worried for the safety of the event, but simply because I just want to know whether you will appear or not. You rarely attend such events, but after all, this is the Ball that all the people of Fontaine are looking forward to these days, and people will want to see you that night, I think this kind of wish is indeed a very normal thinking…….？”
The young Gestionnaire still speaks with some nervousness in his tone, but his overall condition is indeed much better than the struggling mess he just was. “However, the safety of the venue that you mentioned truly is something that we need to pay attention to. Although the Palais Mermonia isn't the host of this event, and I'm not a member of the Gardes either, as a Gestionnaire, I too have a responsibility to help the people of Fontaine to have a good time that night! It seems that I must go to the ball in every way, I’ve made up my mind, thank you very much for your encouragement! Monsieur Neuvillette!”
Gravier goes on talking at his own pace, gives a rather beaming smile to Neuvillette, and thanks him sincerely at last. Neuvillette blinks again in confusion, wanting to ask him about something, but in the end, he just nods and says“You're welcome” to Gravier in a gentle tone, then watches Gravier leave the square.
The changes in human emotions truly are something that needs more time to study. Neuvillette considers quietly, feeling that sound of the tide is fading away with Gravier's departing, and continuing on his way to his original destination.
On the night of the ball, Neuvillette goes to the venue in his usual Chief Justice uniform, then he just receives resigned looks from Navia and Lumine, who are arranging orchestra positions in the foyer of the opera house, planning the facilities in the venue and the foods in the kitchen.
“Monsieur Neuvillette, although there is still sometime before the ball officially begins, theoretically you still have time to change your clothes like me, but since you don't have a single piece of luggage with you that can fit a set of clothing, then let me guess, you must be planning to wear the same outfit as you are wearing now to the ball, am I right?”The president of the Spina di Rosula asks Neuvillette in a too-placid voice, then takes a macaron from the passing dining car, while flashing some kind of pity in her gems-like eyes that Neuvillette doesn’t quite understand why.
“Is this choice inappropriate for this event?” Neuvillette asked her doubtfully, sensing the teasing in her voice. Two ladies exchange a glance at each other, then look back at him at the same time. “Of course not. There’s nothing inappropriate with your choice. Although this event is officially a ball, we don't require everyone to bring an invitation to the event and there's also no strict dress code, just so that all the people who are willing to come can enjoy the evening in their most relaxed and comfortable state.”She takes a bite of macaron in her hand, and then explains to him patiently, “But equally...... nor do we think that your usual uniform would be good for a ball, or I can say that we are expecting you to wear something you would wear outside of your work. We are a little curious, and also truly hope that you will forget about work and enjoy yourself with us tonight.”
“…… I'm sorry, I haven’t thought of that, and I'm sure I'll have a wonderful evening, thank you very much for inviting me to this ball.” Neuvillette hears that sound of the tide again, but he chooses to ignore it and just focus on Navia and Lumine. Although the situation is still a bit vaguely intelligible for him, Neuvillette still offers his sincere apology and gratitude, except that this statement gets a mutual sigh from two ladies.
“You don’t have to apologize. It is not your duty to satisfy our curiosity. If you could have a pleasant evening, as the host of the ball, I will also feel that my efforts have not been in vain.”Navia continues, her voice is firm and candid, even giving Neuvillette a feeling that she is trying to emphasize something to him.
But just as she is about to say something else, a rather excited “Monsieur Neuvillette!” Interrupts her intention and catches the attention of all three. “Monsieur Neuvillette, how are you? Are you too busy at work? Are you feeling well and staying healthy?”The Head Nurse of the Fortress of Meropide, accompanied by the Duke, enters the door of the opera house. Sigewinne quickened her steps as soon as she saw Neuvillette standing by the sofa, then ran rapidly to stand before him.
“All is well for me, Sigewinne. How is your life in the Fortress of Meropide?” Neuvillette replies with a gentle smile and looks at the Head Nurse with his head bowing slightly. Wriothesley, who was right behind Sigewinne, first greets the others, and then just sets his gaze on the Chief Justice who is talking to the Head Nurse.
“Ah, I see you two aren't going to change your clothes either.”Navia chews the rest of the macaron, states the fact in a teasing tone, and gets a non-committal smile from Wriothesley. The traveler looks at Navia, who has finished the macaron, and suddenly remembers the fact that Paimon had been absent from her from the beginning, then immediately she requests Navia to go with her to the kitchen to make sure that Paimon doesn’t eat the cake she prepared for Furina. Amused by her reason, Navia agrees to her request right away. After gesturing to the other three, the president of the Spina di Rosula and the traveler storm out of the foyer and run into the interior of the opera house.
When the two ladies had left, the brief conversation between Neuvillette and Sigewinne also came to an end. After watching Sigewinne advance to find her friend, the Chief Justice, aware that sound of the tide is fading in his ears, finally can say hello to the Duke who has been gazing at him for some time.
“I must say, I am a little surprised by Your Grace's decision to come to the ball. An event of this scale will surely involve members of the media who have always been curious about you. Wouldn't it be troublesome for you, Your Grace, given your usual demeanor towards the media? ” Neuvillette asks with a smile, expressing his surprise at Wriothesley's decision to come to such a big event, Wriothesley responds with a sly grin: “At first, I truly didn't want to come. After all, even if we don’t talk about other people, that dedicated reporter whose name is Charlotte？ She did make me feel a little overwhelmed before. But after knowing some information, I made a bet with Miss Clorinde, and if we want to find out which one of us would win the bet, we need to confirm what would be going on at this ball. While I have every confidence that Clorinde will not misrepresent the situation of the ball, and I also know The Steambird definitely will make a report on the ball after, I, for one, would like to see my bet come to fruition, so I come myself.”
“Oh? What did you two bet this time? And what thing will the loser give to the other?” Neuvillette blinks and asks curiously, Wriothesley’s smile grows wider, and he looks at the other with a deeper gaze, then starts taking his steps towards the interior of the opera house, signaling Neuvillette to follow.
“I knew from her that Miss Navia had invited you and wants you to be here, so I made a bet with her about whether you would actually be here or not. I bet you will come, she bet you won't, if I win she will give me tea as a present, if she wins I will be her sparring partner, and from the current situation, this bet is my win.”
“Then, in a sense, has Your Grace now lost your reason for staying at the ball? For those who want you to stay and dance with you, it seems I shouldn't be here so early.” Neuvillette follows Wriothesley to the interior, and as they are about to pass through the antechamber into the infield, he comments this sentence with some regret. But Wriothesley, who is in front of him, suddenly stops at this moment. To respond to this situation, Neuvillette steps forward and pushes the door open, then turns around and signals for Wriothesley to pass first, but when he sees Wriothesley’s expression again, he finds that the other man seems a little resigned, and a little bit at a loss for words.
“Neuvillette, what if I say I already saw the 'other reason' that I’m willing to stay for？” Wriothesley asks him in a restrained low voice, just standing there, gaze locking into the eyes of the Chief Justice. That sound of the tide startles Neuvillette immediately, but just as he is about to ask Wriothesley what that reason is, the Duke starts to go through the door, as if he doesn’t want to continue this conversation.
When the two enter the interior and walk to the top of the first-floor audience seats, they see that part of the seats and steps have been removed to expand the dance floor and add a dining area. Even though Neuvillette has already read the submission of the required recovery time in the application, at this point, he also just unconsciously begins to estimate how long it would actually take for the opera house to return to its original state after this event. Wriothesley, who seems to know what he is thinking， reaches out his right hand and pats him on his left shoulder, expressing his sympathy for any changes in Neuvillette’s work schedule that might follow. After this short pause, they walk quietly together from the top to the left side of the dance floor, a place that has been set up as a dining area. They find a small round table within and sit beside it, waiting for the ball to begin.
In the short time that follows, more and more people also arrive at the venue, constantly filling up the originally empty space. Security guards of Spina di Rosula shuttle between the different areas while people who have already arrived keep talking to each other, the scents of perfumes, and the sounds of people crowded into Neuvillette’s senses.
“To be honest, I’m already not very used to this kind of noise right now, and the ball hasn't even started yet.” Sitting to his left, Wriothesley already has a cup of tea in his hand, and chatting with Neuvillette as he drinks it. His eyes glancing with interest at the widened stage that served as the dance floor, by the right side of the dance floor, Lyney and Lynette are performing magic tricks for several people, as well as Freminet who is taking off his helmet for the children to play with. “I feel the same way.” Neuvillette says succinctly, expressing the fact that he is not used to this occasion either, and looking around to see what might happen, unconsciously reveals a little too serious face.
“At a time like this, maybe you could just relax a little more? The Gardes outside are on patrol, as usual, Miss Navia has arranged quite a number of people to secure the venue. I, Clorinde, ladies and gentlemen from Palais Mermonia who will be here tonight will also pay our attention to maintaining the order when it's necessary, not to mention that the traveler is here. I believe tonight you really could save at least a little bit of yourself from your sense of responsibility.” Seeing that he still seems to be coming here to work, Wriothesley waves his hand in front of Neuvillette’s eyes in a sort of wry way and whispers his comfort to him. Neuvillette turns to the Duke, after seeing the obvious teasing expression on his face, he takes up his glass and drinks some water in embarrassment, then begins to reflect quite seriously on the fact that he still seems to make others cautious with his presence.
“I'm sorry, I'll pay attention to it.” Neuvillette replies with a sincere apology in his voice. Wriothesley wants to say something more, but the angle of his gaze lets him immediately notice Furina’s appearance at the venue. “Miss Furina is here.” Wriothesley reminds with a smile, drawing Neuvillette to look in the direction of his sight, and Furina, seeing that Neuvillette had noticed her, waves to him as a hello.
Neuvillette nods in response and then notices that she seems to be circling at the venue, looking for someone.“She is looking for someone, I suppose it's the traveler.” Neuvillette naturally analyzes the situation, drawing Wriothesley's gaze on him, “I come to the same conclusion as you. You seem pretty concerned about it?” The Duke of Meropide asks calmly and then takes another sip from his teacup, Neuvillette confirms with a definite nod. “Yes. Furina is now perhaps still in a rather lonely situation, it's good that she has a close friend like the traveler she wants to meet and who can take care of her in time. I'm rest assured a lot by this new stage of her life.”
“That's true. But does Miss Furina know that you are having this kind of 'I am concerned about you’ attitude to her?” Wriothesley continues to ask, still in a very calm tone, but also with a faint smile, making Neuvillette feel that there is more meaning in this question.
“I did make that clear to her, I once said to her that I was glad to learn that she had found a role to play that she enjoys, be it on the stage or not. Why? Is something wrong or inappropriate?” The Chief Justice frowns, and turns his whole body to Wriothesley, with a little seriousness in his tone, seems to want to ask for a definite answer. But Wriothesley only smiles wider and shakes his head slightly, putting his line of sight on the white figure that is appearing at the passageway beside the stage.
“No, there is nothing inappropriate in it. And what I think might happen... It may be just my own feelings and speculation, but not the truth.” Wriothesley replies slowly, his eyes following the traveler and Navia, who are coming to him and Neuvillette right now. By the time the two ladies come up to him and Neuvillette, both men smile politely and approvingly at the ladies' attire. Traveler's dress remains the same, her iconic white, while Navia’s regular shorts are replaced with a full dress with hoops as if to make herself look more dignified as the president of the Spinda di Rosula.
“The ball is about to start. I wish all of you could have a good time.”Navia stands opposite Neuvillette's seat and speaks to the three people in front of her, then she turns and faces the stage, takes a deep breath, and starts to make her final preparations before going onstage. In the meantime, the traveler is looking left and right, as if she is also finding someone.
“Traveler, are you looking for Furina?” Neuvillette questions directly, and Lumine immediately shows a somewhat surprised expression, amazed by his insight. “Yes. We had an agreement that I would stay with her tonight. I'm her dancing companion. She's not where we said she'd be, and she's probably looking for me too. Have you seen her?” Lumine gives a positive answer, asking the Chief Justice, Neuvillette points out to her the approximate position of Furina with an obvious “That would be very nice” smile and indicates that she should perhaps go there quickly before the ball begins. The traveler, however, takes a strange glance at Neuvillette, and then at Wriothesley, who is just smiling at all of their conversation.
“Don't worry, I'll take good care of Furina. We definitely will have a good night together.” The traveler offers her assurance and receives a surprised look from Neuvillette, but Lumine doesn't explain anything more, just quickly walks to where Furina is. Baffled by the Traveler's sudden assurance, Neuvillette turns to Wriothesley, as if hoping that the Duke, who appears to have been watching a play, would at least give him a hint about where this strangeness is coming from. But just seconds later, the salute from Clorinde draws their attention at once, the Champion Duelist who is also dressing as usual sits to Neuvillette's right, picks up the teapot on the table, pours some black tea into the extra cup.
“I win the bet again, Clorinde.” Without the least regard for the fact that the person who has been their bet is now sitting between them, Wriothesley speaks to the Champion Duelist with a grin. “Well, I also thought he would come, but since you took your bet first, I just had to take the other option. Now you can just wait till I send you tea.” In contrast to Wriothesley’s smiling voice, Clorinde’s tone is very undisturbed, Neuvillette listens to their conversation quietly, but his mind is gradually attracted by that sound of the tide again. He lowers his gaze to the glass in his hand as if hoping to get an answer from it.
“My fellow friends, I’m going on the stage right now. I'll see you later.” When it is time for the opening speech by the host, Navia turns and smiles at the trio, then walks up the stairs to the stage while holding up her dress, and stands in front of the microphone. She first expresses her welcome to all the guests who had come, and then outlines the significance of holding this ball in a quite succinct way, then invites the Melusine choir to sing a requiem for all the loss that people endured, at last, declares the ball is now to begin.
With the cheers of the crowd, the orchestra begins to play the music, and then people start to pull their beloved relatives, friends, and lovers into the dance floor. The postures they are showing are very different from each other, but all of them seem beautiful in the same way.
“Miss Navia, do you have someone you want to dance with them tonight?” When Navia returns from the stage to the trio, Wriothesley asks the question naturally, glancing at Clorinde who is gazing at Navia. And as if she knows what he is truly talking about, Navia gives him a slightly mischievous smile. “Of course. Does Your Grace wish to reserve someone as your companion tonight? Then you should have come to me before the ball began.” The president of the Spina di Rosula’s answer may sound quite personal to others, but in the end, her attention is not on Wriothesley whom others might think she is targeting at the moment. After replying to Wriothesley, she looks at Clorinde and makes eye contact with the Champion Duelist, then she extends her right hand to the Chief Justice who is just drinking his water at the moment, showing her intention clearly.
“Monsieur Neuvillette, though you are not my partner tonight, may I have the honor of asking you to dance with me for my first dance of this ball?” Navia's smile changes from a mischievous one to a sincere one that only belongs to the president of the Spina di Rosula, and both men are surprised by the invitation that had come out of her. Wriothesley suddenly understands what she truly meant when she said “Does your Grace wish to reserve someone as your companion tonight?” to him, then he looks away and coughs inexplicably immediately. Neuvillette on the other hand, is stunned for two seconds before he realizes his rudeness and says “I'm sorry”, then stands up and walks over to Navia.
“I’m very honored, Miss Navia. According to the traditional courtesy, please allow me to perform the duty of inviting.” Neuvillette speaks with great sincerity, expressing his acceptance of the dance, and then bows slightly, extending his left hand to Navia. His use of the word “Duty” to refer to the male’s part in the Pas de deux makes Navia could not disguise her amusement, but it doesn’t stop the President of the Spina di Rosula from taking his hand and walking with him to the dance floor.
As she watches the two figures step onto the dance floor under the low exclamation of some people, the look on Clorinde's face softens. “What were you making eye contact with Miss Navia about, Clorinde? And I thought you are her companion tonight.” Wriothesley now has recovered his composure, takes another sip of tea, and asks his friend with a grin, as he watches the two figures who are dancing on the dance floor. “Her partner tonight is indeed me, but she has something she wants to say to Neuvillette in person, so she decided to create a relatively private occasion for it, and I encouraged her during our eye contact.” The champion duelist explains calmly, drawing a sound of realization out of the Duke. Wriothesley then takes another sip of tea, his gaze never leaving the two figures on the dance floor, and Clorinde blinks at his iconic mild exclamation but says nothing in the end.
“It should have been said then, but now it's not too late. Monsieur Neuvillette, I must thank you for appearing in that ruin and saving me at that desperate time. If it weren't for the traveler, Melus, Silver, and you, I'd be an oceanid by now.” Outside the conversation between Wriothesley and Clorinde, Neuvillette, who is dancing to the music, does hear exactly what Navia wants to say to him. The president of the Spina di Rosula looks up into the eyes of the Chief Justice, expressing her gratitude in a very gracious and sincere voice. “You're welcome. That's what I should do at that time.” The Chief Justice responds straightforwardly, Navia then gives a wider smile at his words. After the dance steps which are not suitable for conversation at the moment, she speaks to Neuvillette again in a tone that has some sadness within.
“No, I'm not just thanking you for saving me, I'm also thanking you for what you meant to me at that moment.” Navia speaks quietly and naturally begins to recall the people who had passed away, especially that two people who were still trying to help her even when they had already become oceanids.“In the dream that represented the dissolution of my consciousness, except for acknowledging the townspeople, the first thing I did when I arrived at the scene of that crazy trial was to look for you at the position of the judge.”
“Fontaine has more than one judge, and you are not the only one who is creating and maintaining the justice this country deserves. But at that time, I was almost immediately and specifically looking for your presence. Monsieur Neuvillette, do you know what this means? It means that from the bottom of my heart, I feel you are the one who can comfort me in that dark and crazy world, that the court with you must be the court with fair.” Navia’s smile fades, but the sadness in her voice also fades a little and changes into a special kind of firmness. “I just want you to know that after resolving our past conflicts, I am grateful that you have become this person in my heart. That's all.”
“I am the Chief Justice of Fontaine, it is my honor and my duty to give this impression to any citizen. You don’t have to——sorry.”Neuvillette replies politely and solemnly, but after Navia sighs again, he stops talking immediately, subconsciously apologizing for what he seems to have done to make Navia feel unpleasant.
“Please don’t feel sorry for it, Monsieur Neuvillette. It's more of a feeling I have, you haven't done anything wrong.”Navia smiles again, her tone is both serious and gentle, and then during the rest of their dance, she and Neuvillette just remain silent.
Under the gazes of Wriothesley and Clorinde, they return to their table together after their dance. While distracted by the reappearance of that sound of the tide, Neuvillette decides to praise Navia’s graceful dance, but before his words come out of his mouth, Navia herself speaks before him.
“Monsieur Neuvillette, I must say, sometimes you really would make people don’t know how to treat you.”Navia says these words straightforwardly, with Wriothesley and Clorinde nodding in agreement, leaving only Neuvillette himself confused by them. Neuvillette looks doubtfully at the three people who are all gazing at him in a rather resigned way, silently waiting for their further explanation, but these three people all reject him tacitly, just picking up their drinks or snacks to consume.
“Come on Clorinde, let’s dance!”A few minutes later, when Navia has finished her cake, she returns to her former lively and excited state, takes Clorinde's hand, and leaves her seat again with the Champion Duelist. Wriothesley, however, seems to have no interest in dancing or socializing at all, just staying by the side of a meditating Neuvillette and watching the people who are enjoying the evening. And then, after the tea in the teapot had officially run out, Wriothesley excuses himself to Neuvillette and says that he is going to be gone for a little while.
“Of course. Please enjoy your night.” Neuvillette says immediately, watching Wriothesley leave the table they are sitting at, then continues to be in his deep thought. He seems to be watching the people on the dance floor, but also seems to be looking further away. Even within the crowd, the Chief Justice of Fontaine has a lingering sense of solitude. Some people want to talk to him and even ask him to dance, but in the end, they all put an end to their ideas in the face of this kind of atmosphere.
But for Neuvillette himself, this kind of solitude doesn’t cause him much trouble, his mind is now completely occupied by his thoughts on that sound of the tide, and he feels as if he is on the verge of an answer. Tonight this sound appears more often than usual, and its timing seems to keep hinting at him of its true meaning, but just when the Chief Justice feels he is about to sum up something, a rather awkward “Neuvillette”, pulls him from his meditation back to reality.
“Good evening, Miss Furina. I hope you truly are having a pleasant evening. What can I do for You?”Neuvillette stands up and greets the lady in front of him, while Furina, who has come to look for him, frowns as if she is dissatisfied with what he has said. “Although one of the reasons for me to come to you now indeed is I have some questions that I want to ask you. But if there is nothing I need you to do for me, can't I just come and chat with you... ?”The girl who has unshackled herself from playing the role of another, says somewhat strangely to the person she has known for 500 years. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean that. You sure can come and talk to me anytime.” Neuvillette apologizes immediately and explains to her seriously.
“... Anyway, the traveler just told me that she promised you that she would take care of me tonight. Is that true?” Furina continues to ask, her eyes searching, her voice still contains that kind of strange feeling. “Yes, it's true. Although I don't understand why she offered such a promise to me, I do feel relieved knowing that you will have a pleasant evening with her.” Neuvillette nods, confirms Furina's question, and naturally expresses his concern. But to his surprise, after hearing his reply, Furina shows an “as expected” expression and puts her right hand on her forehead.
“…..You are always like this.” She whispers these words with her head bowed, and then, as if with some resolution, raises her head and looks directly at Neuvillette. “Besides that, I’m here to tell you that whether you get it by dancing with everyone or just sitting here watching everyone, I, too, wish you could have a pleasant evening.”After she finally says these words, she turns and walks towards the dessert area, leaving Neuvillette to watch in great confusion as she starts to sweep the dessert with her plate and has no time to say “thank you” to her.
He can feel that Furina seems to be kind of upset with him, but he doesn't understand what the problem is, and that mysterious sound of the tide just has to appear at this “perfect timing”, adding more confusion to his already troubled heart.
Are you calling for me, or are you answering me? Tonight you always appear during my communication and even conflict with others, what exactly do you mean?
Neuvillette asks himself subconsciously, suddenly feeling that he does not want to wait any longer, he now needs a quieter environment than a ball to think about this problem. After this thought appears in his head, he takes his step to start walking out of the opera house, disregarding the confused and regretful glances from many people along the way.
The Gardes patrols are more concentrated in more peripheral areas, but the plaza where the Fountain of Lucine is located is now tranquil and empty. After coming out of the door of the opera house, Neuvillette walks unhurriedly to the side of the fountain and starts staring at it with his head bowing slightly. At this moment, the only thing that accompanies him is the moon hanging high in the sky, after a few minutes, feeling his emotions calmer than before, Neuvillette places his cane in front of him, subconsciously sighing at his confusion.
“You seem to be in deep trouble, Chief Justice. And I’m wondering is there anything I can do to help ease your mind?” Wriothesley's voice rings behind him, making Neuvillette look back to find out that the Duke has also left the ball and is now walking towards him under the moonlight.“Good to see you again, Your Grace. Are you leaving the ball already?” The Chief Justice avoids Wriothesley's question and greets him in a tone that is as calm as he can right now, the corners of Wriothesley's mouth twitch for this greeting, and he just stands directly beside Neuvillette.
“What if I tell you I just want to come out to enjoy the view? Would you believe me, your Honour?” The Duke's tone is relaxed as if he indeed has come out to enjoy the view, but the way he looks at Neuvillette makes it clear to him that the view enjoying is a joke, that Wriothesley is out here for finding Neuvillette.
“……I apologize for leaving without telling you. I just…… suddenly feel I need a quieter place to think about something.” Neuvillette sighs again and makes another apology to Wriothesley, who seems noncommittal and just looks at him gently.“You do know that we didn’t have any promise or agreement that says we must stay beside each other tonight, right? You don't have to apologize for your departure to me.” The Duke answers him slowly, with a faint resignation in his tone, “When I left our table I excused myself to you, and now I left the ball to look for you, I did them just because I want to.”
“…… Thank you for your concern. Perhaps there are at least some things I should be asking for you for help.” Neuvillette listens to that sound of the tide coming in again and recalls what Wriothesley had helped him during the event of Kiara, feeling that something is echoing in his heart right now, and it’s getting stronger. “In your absence just now, Miss Furina came to me and asked me if the traveler had assured me that she would be taken good care of by her tonight. I told her the truth and my confusion for wondering why the traveler had given me such assurances, but I also expressed the genuine feeling that I did feel more at ease because of this assurance.”
“Let me guess, Miss Furina's reaction was beyond your expectation, wasn't it?”
“You're right about that. She said ‘You are always like this’, wished me a good night too, and then went to get a bunch of desserts, as if she was some kind of upset with me. Associate to the ‘Sometimes you really would make people don’t know how to treat you’ that you and Clorinde both agreed on, now I am wondering if I had truly done something wrong, or said something wrong.” The Chief Justice who has always been solid and affirmative, recounts what had just happened with some hesitation in his voice and an honest expression of doubt on his face. And this sight of him seems to strike a nerve in Wriothesley's heart, so much so he has to fake cough to cover up the chuckle he couldn't resist at this moment.
“As far as I'm concerned, neither Miss Navia nor Miss Furina is angry with you, nor blaming you for anything you have done. What Miss Navia said...... I will explain later, as for Miss Furina's reaction, I think she was just a little discouraged by the fact that you still take her for granted as someone you feel you need to take care of, so she needs her favorite cakes to ease her frustration.” Wriothesley looks at him and says what he thinks naturally, but the content from him still puzzles Neuvillette. “Oh?” Chief Justice blinks, expressing the reality that he is still wondering how Wriothesley had come to this conclusion, successfully making the Duke show a face of resignation again. Wriothesley recalls the scene before when he had to explain to the Neuvillette that he had just been joking, and sighs inwardly at the iconic dullness of the Chief Justice.
“This is not an analytical judgment based on the logic of the physical evidence, but rather a mutual feeling that is directly shared between people. This nature of it is also the reason why I said to you earlier that 'It may be just my own feelings and speculation, but not the truth.' ”Wriothesley continues to explain in a serene tone, still gazing at Neuvillette, as if he’s just trying to state a fact to the Chief Justice who is both wise and ignorant at the same time. “You may not be aware of it yourself, but from my feelings and observations, when people see someone that is too pure for them to understand, they indeed will have a kind of mutual feeling towards them. Miss Navia chose to speak her mind more directly, and Miss Furina’s expression of this feeling was closer to a more pronounced discouragement, others may not show the same phenomenon as her, but just because this phenomenon is different, it doesn't mean that they don't have this same feeling. And when they see that phenomenon, they will naturally see through its essence because of this mutual understanding.”
“……Does this mean that you also have this mutual feeling? And that someone you said it’s too pure for people to understand is……me?” Neuvillette's eyes widen in surprise as he continues to question the Duke. Although the Hydor Dragon is kind of insensitive to complex emotions, it does not mean that he cannot understand the clearer referential relationship in other's words. But at this moment, he does not dare to be sure that he truly understands the meaning of the man in front of him, so he has to ask further, waiting for the Wriothesley’s confirmation.
“Yes, I am one of them. And your understanding is also right, that pure being I speak of is indeed you, Neuvillette.” Wriothesley confirms his inquiry and gives his answer straightforwardly, “You take it for granted that you taking care of others, with mighty power and also with a great sense of responsibility, have never abused your power. And in Clorinde's words, you have a knack for picking out who had good intentions even when the outcomes were all terrible. All of this just makes people subconsciously want to rely on you, but when they rely on you, they will also feel a kind of speechless towards you. This feeling of speechlessness is not blaming for something you have done or they are disgusted with you, it is actually a greater admiration that shows people want you to be like this all the time, but also a little hard to believe that you indeed are always like this.”
“After all, there are many beings in this world. Too many of them may have more power than others, but they just use their powers to suppress and manipulate others for their selfish desires, to get the distorted pleasure of being superior to others. But you are the extreme opposite of them, your mighty power is only a tool for you to uphold justice and take care of others, and selfish desires seem to have nothing to do with you. People rarely see a person like you.”
Wriothesley’s voice is steady and firm, as if trying to inscribe some emotion upon the soul of Neuvillette by his words. The Chief Justice forgets to respond at this moment, just stands and looks at him in astonishment, trying to digest what he said.
“In my understanding, I’m just someone like you, who is trying to use my power to do the right thing. That's the way things are supposed to be for me.” After a few quiet seconds of staring, Neuvillette gathers his thoughts and decides to break the silence, while his inhuman purple eyes are reflecting a breathtaking radiance under the moonlight. “If power itself has a meaning, then its meaning is the well-being of all beings. And those so-called mighty ones who are simply abusing their power over others, should always be humble before us.”
Neuvillette declares in the end, with a calm and determined look, like the rain that always falls fairly upon all. Wriothesley's heart skips a beat for this sight, then gives Neuvillette a knowing smile. Encouraged by a certain mood and atmosphere, he reaches out his right hand, to stroke that feathery, scaly ornament in Neuvillette's hair.
He gazes at Neuvillette with deep concentration, his movement is extremely gentle. If a third person has seen him at the scene, perhaps they would say that the Duke of Meropide is caressing a beam of moonlight that he wants to hold in his embrace, but also could not bear to take it as his own.
Neuvillette doesn’t stop him, just allows him to play with the ornament in his hair with a stunned face. At this moment, he hears that sound of the tide for the umpteenth time, but the impact it brings to his heart at this time, is way more special and stronger than before. He looks into Wriothesley's eyes, and though he cannot fully discern the emotions they are holding, he does feel that there is something deeper in them and feels it is the same thing that is now echoing in his own heart.
In combination with Wriothesley's explanation, he finally realizes that the sound that he has heard so often tonight is not calling to him or responding to him, but guiding him. As a spirit of nature who has been reborn in human form, he has a natural dullness to complex emotions, but after he regained his full dragonhood, this sound of the tide that keeps reminding him to perceive a specific kind of emotion is his final gift from his real mother, the nature of Teyvat.
You are loving everyone and being loved by everyone. This is the enlightenment that this sound wants to tell him.
“So, my dear Iudex who takes everything for granted, did you get the answer you want from my clarification? Did I do well to help you with your troubled mind?” Wriothesley finally puts down his hand and ends this beautiful, brief moment by asking these questions. His eyes, his lips, and his tone of voice are all carrying a distinctly gentle smile, adding a soft kind of charm to his already handsome image. “I am all gratitude. Your clarification made me understand many things. I indeed learned a lot from you, just like last time.” Neuvillette also smiles when he comes to his senses, then thanks Wriothesley sincerely while cherishing the throbbing of his heart.
After all the words have been spoken, they stand side by side next to the spring, just quietly staring at the fountain in front of them. Night breeze caressing their cheeks, the sound of water and wind interweaving into a natural symphony, the fountain of the opera house rise and fall, stirring their thoughts. And just as Wriothesley is about to invite the Iudex to walk with him in a more tranquil place, Neuvillette, who begins to miss the bosom of a certain water after knowing the meaning of that sound, decides to bid him farewell.
“Thank you again for clearing my mind. As for now…… I have a place I want to go. I’m sorry that I can't continue to enjoy the view with you, but the ball isn't over yet, please enjoy the rest of your evening, Your Grace.” Neuvillette is still smiling while expressing his gratitude again. After receiving Wriothesley’s silent nod, the Chief Justice of Fontaine enters the night of the Erinnyes along the road that leads from the square to the wilderness, like a spirit that only appears at night.
Wriothesley gazes him leave until Neuvillette has disappeared completely from his sight, and then he returns to the door of the opera house but does not enter at once, just leans on the pillar at the right front of the door with his arms crossed on his chest. Neuvillette's subconscious acquiescence to his movements made him almost unable to resist the urge to stop the other person from leaving, but he eventually chose to restrain this unspoken emotion, only indulging it when he is in his solitude as now.
After a while, realizing that both the Chief Justice and the Duke are gone, the Champion Duelist comes out of the opera house to look for them. “Where did he go?” Clorinde asks the duke directly but in a very calm tone, as if she doesn’t really care about the answer. Wriothesley smiles but doesn’t reply immediately, just continuing to gaze silently at the night that had engulfed Neuvillette, with a complicated look that Clorinde could not read at once.
Curious, respectful, restrained, and hard to let go, Clorinde discriminates the emotions quietly in Wriothesley's gaze while sighing in her heart. She could see that Wriothesley has his own feelings towards the Chief Justice, who is well known to Fontaine’s people but also inexplicably estranged, so much so the always calm and shrewd Wriothesley had almost expressed his speculation about Neuvillette in front of the Chief Justice himself. And this gaze he has at this moment is just another proof of it. “Who knows?” Wriothesley finally answers her question with a question. With a smile on his face, he turns and goes back inside the door of the opera house, Clorinde raises an eyebrow at his question-like answer but speaks nothing more, just follows him back to the ball.
At the other end of the night, Fontaine’s Chief Justice, who has reached the Weeping Willow of the Lake by crossing the Foggy Forest Path, takes off his coat at the shore then leaps into the lake, diving down, and goes to his true destination along with the way of water. When Neuvillette arrives at the waters named “Roots of Erinnyes”, Pahsiv is playing with other Vishaps, after expressing his tribute to these creatures who have become quite happy with his arrival, Neuvillette allows himself to float in the center of this water and closes his eyes, feeling silently at the water’s surging around him.
In this extremely quiet water, he hears the requiem from mankind, and also hears the chant of eternal laws from nature. The tide that connected the past, present, and future is echoing in his heart, telling him enlightenments that only he could truly hear. Perhaps the status quo of his reborn in human form is the result of a conspiracy by the usurper to manipulate the native laws of life and deprive the being of its natural form, or perhaps it is the nature of Teyvat is hoping that he could understand and unite all the innocent creatures that already exist on this planet, but whatever the truth is, he could always feel from these enlightenments that his destiny would be defined only by what is echoing in his heart.
Doesn’t look like a dragon, nor is he human, the true guardian deity of Fontaine, the one and only him, has already chosen his true destiny. He will use the fires of judgment to burn down the puppet strings that the usurper is using to manipulate the world, correct the twisted law, break the eggshell with all the creatures on this planet, and confront that upcoming black void with every being.
The water’s surface may seem placid as a pristine gem, but it may yet be lying in wait for an opportune moment to gush forth. At this moment, the divinity of Hydro in human form, finally gets his peace from that neverending echoes of the tides within his heart.