Chapter Text
Neuvillette was working alone in his office. It was around 2pm so the sun was still high, and rays of light touched almost every piece of furniture in the room.
Despite having to make his way through a never-ending pile of documents, signing his name like it was stamped to his fingertips, he felt rather at ease. It seemed like the worst had passed. Finally putting an end to a prophecy like that, made it feel as though whatever troubles lay over the horizon could be quelled with little effort. Especially thanks to the traveller.
Speaking of which, with the traveller back on the road, Navia and Clorinde off repairing their relationship, and little Furina helping the citizens get back on their feet... The court had never been this inactive. It seemed like everyone was trying to work together for once, which meant Neuvillette's life had become quiet.
That is not to say his life was ever loud. Though his days were usually busy, when trying to keep his private life from the public eye, he could retreat to the solitude of his own company, or that of the sea. Both put his mind at rest. The white noise of a silent office, and the gentle hum of the open waters were invigorating. They had a rich history after all.
A couple hours passed unnoticed and Neuvillette glanced up to check the clock.
Ah, it was about time for his guest to arrive. He had requested an architect working inside the Fortress of Meropide to provide an 'unofficial' update on the reconstruction of the forbidden zone. A well-paying, but lawful task that the architect happily agreed to. Though he could have requested the company of the Administrator himself, that man was likely sitting at a desk at the bottom of the sea, entombed by thick metal walls, irritable convicts, and paperwork. Though he often found himself thinking fondly of the man... he was also a little difficult to talk to sometimes.
A knock came at the door and Neuvillette cleared his documents away before telling the guest to come in.
"Monsieur, Neuvillette!"
"Sedene? I'm sorry, I was expecting a Sumerian Architect. Kshahrewar Darshan's student, Kaveh. Have you seen him?"
"My deepest apologies your honour I tried to stop him but-"
"...Stop who?"
The doors opened again, with more force than could ever be mustered by a Melusine or an architect. In strode the Administrator, Lord of the Fortress of Meropide, Duke Wriothesley. He casually proceeded towards the Chief of Justice.
"Neuvillette! It's a pleasure to see you again after these last few difficult weeks. I only wish you'd called for me sooner."
"...As a matter of fact, I provided strict instructions 'not' to alert your attention, under the impression that you weren't to be disturbed during such a time. Although, it seems I should have known that nothing goes unnoticed by you down there."
"Yes, you are quite right." He took a seat across from Neuvillette, leaned back, and crossed his arms as he continued. "It's true that I'm busy, I've just come back from a meeting about pipes. I swear it's like someone keeps climbing back inside and puncturing new holes. We might have to replace the entire pipeline network! It's ridiculous, and don't even get me started on those Fatui kids and the consequences of their pointless breach of prison security. The sheer amount of safety assessments I've had to partake in has me on the verge of losing my sanity. "
It was odd for him to say so much at once...
"I have a feeling you've used my prodding as an excuse to come up here and lament your sorrows."
"Perhaps, what if I just wanted to get a reaction out of you."
"...Would you at least give me some idea of the construction progress. You know as well as I that it concerns more than just the Meropide or the Opera Epiclese. The more we keep secret from the public, the more curious and desperate they will get, inviting trouble just like the 'Fatui Kids', no? Besides, I think I deserve to know... all things considered."
Wriothesley sighed and raised an eyebrow. "You would consider this a reward for your service? Will you be needing my praise too?" Neuvillette frowned at him.
"Well, my intentions were to tell you all along so it's no problem. Reconstruction of the forbidden zone is going well. Now that there is no use for the sluice gate, there's been several discussions debating the repurposing of the surrounding chambers, rather than leave them abandoned for centuries to come. Personally, talk of vaults, laboratories, and solitary confinement zones don't interest me at all. I figure there's a way for my prisoners to benefit, even in the Golden Fortuna's resting place."
At the Chief's brief look of surprise, he smiled. "It's like you said, Neuvillette. No more secrets. There's still so much I don't know about the place, about Egeria and the fall of Remuria. In return for coupons and bountiful knowledge, Fontaine could make great strides in historical research, and Meropide could establish itself as a legitimate place of study. Who knows, there might even be more worrisome prophecies that we have yet to discover."
"I'd rather avoid the idea, I've cultivated a fine peace of mind, body and soul that I intend on keeping for the foreseeable future."
"Ah I get it, hence the real reason I was not personally invited to the overworld."
Neuvillette went quiet for a moment before speaking up.
"How are you feeling Wriothesley?"
"Lonely and quite hungry actually. Would you accompany me to Hotel Debora for a quick meal?"
Neuvillette glanced at the time again, then some notes he'd written, before nodding. "Very well."
Perhaps he'd been feeling slightly lonely too.