Archive of Our Own

It was some time after the flood when Mondstadt's god, no other than the Anemo Archon Barbatos himself, had officially reached out to him and Furina, inviting them over for a visit to Mondstadt. Though Furina was no longer the Hydro Archon, Neuvillette was glad to hear that the usurpers respected her as one.

"Lord Barbatos is actually inviting us to Mondstadt..?!" Furina paced around her living room with the letter in hand, scanning its contents repeatedly.

Neuvillette took a sip from his water as he sat across her. "Yes, he is quite curious to meet you after hearing how you saved Fontaine and that you're a patron of the arts yourself."

"But what about the trials? And who's going to look after Fontaine?"

"I will be postponing them until after we return from Mondstadt," he assured her, setting down his glass on her coffee table. "As for your second question, I will notify Clorinde and Wriothesley of our trip so they can handle things from here, should any problem arise."

She stopped pacing and plopped down onto her couch with a relieved sigh.

"An overseas trip..." she murmured in awe. "I can't believe I'm actually leaving Fontaine for the first time."

Neuvillette glanced at her, realizing Furina really had never taken a step outside Fontaine. Not even he had stayed this long cooped up in the same nation, he did roam around Teyvat back then in pursuit of his hobbies—water, for that particular matter—before he was appointed as the Iudex.

The sight of her so excited for the trip put a small smile on his lips. He could never get enough of the faces she makes, especially now that she no longer had to put on an act.

"I take it you're looking forward to this trip?" he asks her.

She nodded her head enthusiastically like a delighted child. "Of course I am! It's my first time to travel out of Fontaine—to the land of an archon nonetheless!" She sat back up and crossed her legs together. "So when do we leave?"

"Tomorrow."

"W-What?!" Furina stood up abruptly, nearly knocking her knee into the hard wooden edge of the table. "Are you serious? I don't even have the time to pack!"

"That won't be necessary," Neuvillette told her. "Mondstadt will be providing our lodging and any other necessities we'll be needing during our stay."

"Well that's a relief," she replied, sinking back down onto the teal cushions. "They'll definitely have their hands full with the number of our staff accompanying us."

"Actually, Lady Furina...it will only be the two of us traveling."

"W-WHAT?!"

A trip alone with Neuvillette? He wasn't even going to bring any of the Melusines with them? Although she wasn't opposed to the idea, in fact, a part of her was screaming for joy knowing she and Neuvillette would have a chance to bond during the trip.

The thought of it was enough to send her heart into overdrive and her cheeks into the flames of Natlan.

I'm going to stay in Mondstadt for three days with Neuvillette.

Alone.

With Neuvillette of all people.

Oh archons—

She chased away her thoughts by downing the glass of water from her coffee table, to which Neuvillette stared at her with his eyebrows furrowed.

Her eyebrows crinkled in confusion. Why was he looking at her like that? "What is it?"

He parted his mouth to say something, but decided against it. However, she already saw his ears turning red like hers. Only then did she realize why.

She just drank from his glass.

"Focalors, kill me now too."

Despite her cheeks feeling like they were submerged in Pyro at the realization, Furina forced herself to laugh off the situation. "Hahaha! Oh goodness, I didn't realize I grabbed the wrong glass! Pardon me, my dear Iudex, I got too excited—I-I mean, no! I was...um..."

She wanted to dissolve into the primordial sea right then and there.

Luckily for her, Neuvillette simply chuckled at her failed explanation. "If you're worried about your safety, rest assured that I'll do my best to protect you. I figured it would be too bothersome and unnecessary to bring the Gardes along with us, as Mondstadt might view it as some diplomatic threat."

"I-If you put it that way...I guess it does make sense," Furina mumbled. Technically, Neuvillette had his full powers and she had a Vision of her own too, thanks to him. Security was not an issue. Another thing was. "I have one more question though..."

"Yes?"

She gulped. "W-Will we be staying in the same room together?"

To her surprise, Neuvillette grabbed the glass she drank from earlier and brought it to his lips.

"..! Did he just..?!"

Furina didn't know what shocked her more: their indirect kiss, or the answer that left his still-damp lips after he set down the glass in front of her.

"Yes."

---

The arrival at Mondstadt was pleasant, to say the least. Furina couldn't sleep well the night before so she mostly slept on the ship.

She swore she slept on her fist by the window side on her right, but for some reason, she woke up with her head rested on Neuvillette's shoulder, who sat on her left.

She didn't question him how that happened, but he sure seemed to be in a good mood when they got off the ship.

Barbatos, who apparently went by Venti, welcomed them with open arms. He was surprisingly less intimidating than Furina expected. In fact, they immediately got along because of their shared love for music and theatre.

What she didn't expect however, was his even more insane love for drinking.

"Come join me for a drink, Furina!" Venti passes her a bottle of Mondstadt's famous dandelion wine, which Neuvillette blocks before it could glide across the counter and reach Furina's fingertips.

"I'm afraid Lady Furina is incapable of holding her alcohol well. I request that you do not force her into drinking excessively," he says firmly.

"H-Hey! I can handle myself just fine!" Furina protests before she lowers her voice so only Neuvillette could hear her. "Just how do you know that?"

"Clorinde told me you started climbing on tables after drinking two cups."

"EHH?! She told you that?!" She clapped a hand over her mouth upon realizing that her reaction started to garner some unwanted stares from the nearby patrons.

Venti noticed the exchange between the two and shot them a knowing smirk. "Forgive me for asking, but based on your interactions, I take it that you two are a couple?"

"Well—"

"Lady Furina and I are merely good friends. I intend to respect that for as long as she wishes," Neuvillette clarified with an unreadable expression, causing Furina's smile to disappear from her face. The corners of her lips turned down in disappointment and it did not go unnoticed by Mondstadt's archon.

"Yes...good friends, yep," Furina parroted in a less cheerful tone.

Only then did Neuvillette realize he must've said something to upset her, but before he could ask her, she grabbed the bottle of wine from his hand and chugged it down fiercely.

"Lady Furina—"

She slammed the half-empty bottle back onto the table, only to end up coughing and feeling a little bit nauseous afterwards. The bitter burn of the drink zipped down her throat, making her face scrunch up in disgust. She had never drank that much wine before, let alone that fast. Venti couldn't hold in his laughter while Neuvillette's expression was a mix of concern and disbelief.

"I'll go fetch you some water," he offered as she nodded mutely, feeling too sick to answer him.

Once Neuvillette was by the bar, Venti took the chance to tell Furina, "You sure took that real bad."

She snorted at his comment. "I'm afraid I lack the expertise in drinking."

"Oh, I wasn't talking about how you downed that drink, Furina," Venti elaborated in amusement. "I was describing how you reacted to Monsieur Neuvillette's statement of your...friendship."

A grimace was etched onto her features at the sound of those words. Venti chuckled nervously and added, "From the way you look right now, you seem to really hate the idea of you two remaining as just friends."

"How could I not be..?!" she babbled. The wine was starting to seep through her system. "In the four hundred—no, FIVE hundred years he and I have known each other, he never once made a move on me! I-Is it because of my dramatic persona? Or because I'm now a mere mortal? That I'm no longer someone he could pursue because of my mortality?"

"Given the way Monsieur Neuvillette acted earlier, does that not prove his affections?"

"That's the point! Ever since I left the Palais, he...he suddenly became nice to me, doing all these things that don't make sense!" she hiccuped. "Yet in the same breath, he declares that he and I are nothing more than 'good friends.' Ugh!"

Venti tried his hardest not to laugh as he took a swig of his drink. His eyes landed on the empty space in front of the bar, where a brilliant idea dawned on him.

"Well, Miss Furina, I believe I have the perfect solution for your current predicament." He beckoned her closer so he could whisper, "You know how dragons can be very possessive of their treasure, right?"

"Yes..?"

He pointed to the area he was eyeing just a few moments ago.

"What do you say to performing with me? A duet joined by the two archons of music! Wouldn't that be the most beautiful harmony?"

---

Neuvillette spent the past few minutes trying to identify which water would best help Furina sober up, only for him to hear a commotion behind him. He looked around and found Barbatos standing by the doorway, calling everyone's attention as he held Furina's hand—

The glass full of Mondstadt's spring water in Neuvillette's hand shook, almost close enough to shattering completely.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Venti hollered. At the snap of his fingers, a spotlight shone upon them. "As you all know, I'm joined today by Fontaine's most dazzling star—Lady Furina de Fontaine!"

Many of the tavern's patrons cheered for her, clapping their hands together to show their support. Some were even curious and impressed by her aura.

"Isn't that the Hydro Archon?"

"Yeah! She looks even prettier up close!"

"Ooh, a performance from Lord Barbatos and Lady Furina! How exciting!"

For the past five hundred years, Neuvillette was somehow used to the praise everyone gives Furina. In fact, it only went to show how truly praiseworthy she was.

But seeing one of the usurper's hands holding hers was an entirely different matter. The sight of the bard's filthy fingers intertwined with Furina's delicate and slender digits was enough to make him burn silently with rage.

"Well then, let the performance begin!"

As the two of them took their positions, a romantic upbeat tune started playing. Furina was leaning against the doorway opposite Venti with a cheerful smile on her face. "Okay, can I just...say something crazy?"

"I love crazy," was Venti's reply.

And then Furina started to sing as she moved around the floor with a series of dramatic poses. "All my life has been a series of doors in my face!" Then she turns to Venti. "And then suddenly I bump into you."

He straightened up and joined her. "I was thinking the same thing because...I've been searching my whole life to find my own place..." He walked closer to her to hold her by the chin, which made Furina giggle. "And maybe it's the party talking, or the chocolate fondue."

"But with youuu~"

"But with you I've found my place!" "I see your face!"

"And it's nothing like I've ever known before! Love is an open door!" they sang together.

Neuvillette nearly jumped from his seat to drag the bard away from her. He didn't miss the way Venti glanced at his direction for a second with a sly smile before turning his attention back to their performance. That little—

The song continued on with the audience laughing and cheering them on. Even Neuvillette mellowed down after hearing Furina's angelic voice serenading the tavern with equally quirky yet graceful movements.

"I mean it's crazy—"

"What?"

"We finish each other's—"

"Sandwiches!"

"That's what I was gonna say!"

The both of them sang simultaneously after that. "I've never met someone who thinks so much like me!"

Neuvillette couldn't help but wonder if Furina was genuinely having fun. He was happy for her if that was the case, but something in him felt...incomplete. Maybe nostalgic even, his mind wouldn't stop replaying the memories of him and Furina together. She was always that one person close to him, and he to her. But now maybe she wanted a change, perhaps?

He was too distracted by his own thoughts that he almost didn't process what happened next.

Venti was kneeling down in front of Furina, clasping both of her hands together. "Can I say something crazy, Miss Furina?"

Her eyes widened at the sudden question but considering the music was still playing, she decided to go along with it and nodded.

Then Venti summoned a ring made out of pure Anemo energy and presented it to her, earning gasps and squeals from everyone around them.

Everyone except Neuvillette.

"Will you marry me?"

Did he hear him correctly? Why did he look so serious? Surely this was all part of the performance, right?

Neuvillette glanced at Furina's reaction, and she seemed just as surprise as well. She stared at the ring for a few seconds, as if she was listening to something, before she replied, "Can I say something even crazier?"

No...there was no way...

The hydro dragon decided to step in, almost close enough to pull Furina away from Venti. "Furina, you are clearly intoxicated, you cannot possibly accept a marriage proposal from someone who's not even courting—"

"YES! Yes, of course I'll marry you!" Furina replied enthusiastically, ignoring Neuvillette's protests as she jumped into Venti's arms, who slid the ring onto her finger.

Everyone inside the tavern raised their glasses and cheered, accompanied by rounds of applauses.

A loud rumble of thunder was heard from outside the tavern, followed by a downpour of rain. Neuvillette could only watch in silence as the newly-engaged couple turned their backs on him and started planning their impending nuptial.

Unbeknownst to him, however, was the amused and satisfied smirks on the two archons' faces upon glancing at his reaction.

---

The rest of the evening went by quickly, with people congratulating the two archons on their engagement. Neuvillette was more than bothered and was close enough to leaving the tavern that was starting to reek even more of alcohol.

But seeing Furina barely being able to stand on her own two feet after downing a couple more bottles of dandelion wine made him think twice. Avoiding the drunken patrons, he discreetly led a very tipsy Furina to the back exit, with Venti showing them the way back to the inn.

"Huhhhh?! Why is it so dark?" Furina hiccuped as Neuvillette opened the door to their room.

"You clearly drank too much tonight," he grumbled, watching her lean against the stone wall for support.

Venti chuckled at the two of them and decided to poke fun at the situation. "Well, considering Furina's now my fiancée, isn't it only right for her to stay with me?"

Two draconic slits glared sharply at him, with dark orbs glowing in faint purple embers. There weren't any raindrops to be heard, but there was definitely a loud strike of thunder that nearly made Furina squeak in surprise.

Neuvillette blocked the doorway with his tall stature as he glowered at the anemo archon. "I don't know what you're planning with your sudden proposal to Furina, but as long as she lets me, I won't be leaving her side."

Not wanting to see the bard's face, he slammed the door shut. He was probably hearing things, but he simply brushed off the muffled laugh he thought he heard from the other side of the door.

Instead, he shifted his focus to Furina, who was already sitting on the floor with her back against the wall. Her head was bowed down but the faint snores exposed her little nap. Neuvillette sighed and picked her up, surprised at how light she felt.

"You'll hurt your back sleeping like that." He scolded her, only to receive a sleepy hum in response.

Barely a few feet away from the bed, Furina suddenly snuggled up to his chest, running her fingers down the fabric covering it with a drunken giggle. He tensed at her touch, unused to such contact, especially from her.

The feeling alone left him breathless. He was still trying to process what just happened that he didn't have time to react when Furina's lips touched his neck.

She nuzzled into his skin, humming in contentment. "Mmm…you're so cute, Neuvillette…" she mumbled sleepily.

He shivered, unable to think clearly. Her warm breath tickled his sensitive neck, urging the dragon inside him to purr.

But this was wrong. She was far from sober, and not to mention, engaged to a usurper.

It took him all of his self-control and restraint to lay her gently on the lone bed in front of him before he covered her with a soft blanket. The bed was big enough for both of them, but the thought of sleeping next to Furina was like being tempted by a sweet forbidden fruit.

Furina noticed him standing by the side of the bed like a frozen statue and tilted her head to the side. "Why are you just standing there with your mouth gaping? Come join me, Neuvillette~" A lazy smile was directed towards him, her words slurred together.

He shook his head, stepping away from her so he could probably book a different room to stay in while Furina was in this state. "That would be highly inappropriate, Miss Furina." His voice didn't fail to sound bitter when he added, "Especially now that you're newly engaged."

"Neuvi..."

Before he could leave, she grabbed his arm and dragged him towards her until he toppled onto the bed, nearly crushing her underneath him. His hips were practically pressed against her stomach with little to no distance.

He had never been this close to her before. He was so close to her that he could practically see the flush of redness in her face down to her neck, where the collar of her blouse fell a little loosely.

Neuvillette's throat was starting to feel a little parched as his gaze wandered lower and lower, until he noticed the skin peeking out from underneath the unbuttoned folds that held her top together right below her chest. Had it been unbuttoned any further, he would've seen her—

"I-I have to go. Good night, Furina," he said immediately as he got off her and made a beeline for the bathroom.

As he shut the door behind him, his breaths were heavy, as was the feeling underneath his pants. He reached for the sink and splashed some water on his face to cool off.

Why was he feeling this way? Why was he beyond outraged at the idea of Furina getting married to someone else? Whatever he was feeling, it was clearly not easy enough to wash it away with any amount of water. The gnawing feeling at his chest had not left since he saw her together with that bard this afternoon.

He sighed as he leaned against the door. Perhaps it's better for him to deal with all of this tomorrow when Furina's sober.

---

The next morning, Furina felt her hand resting on something white and fluffy. She didn't want to wake up just yet, not when she felt one hell of a headache ready to attack her any moment now. Mondstadt's alcohol industry certainly lived up to its reputation.

Suddenly, whatever was underneath her hand started moving. This made her eyes fly open and the first thing she saw was Neuvillette sleeping at the foot of their bed, with the rest of his body crouched down on the floor.

"N-Neuvillette?! Why are you sleeping like that?!" she shrieked involuntarily, causing him to stir and open his eyes tiredly as well.

"My apologies, I couldn't sleep well last night," he admitted lowly.

"You could've just slept beside me and not hurt your back like an otter on a rock!"

"You..." He looked away from her as he stood up and smoothened his clothes "That would be inappropriate, Miss Furina."

"Huh? Why would that be?"

"Because you're already engaged."

"Engaged?! Engaged whe—" Furina stopped talking as she tried to recall last night's events. Oh right, she and Venti were only pretending to be engaged so that Neuvillette could finally confess his love for her. Though it was a silly and outrageous idea, a part of her was still curious to see just how far Neuvillette's jealousy can go. "Oh me, oh my! How could I forget? Of course I just got engaged last night to Lord Barbatos!"

The sour expression on Neuvillette's face made her feel guilty yet satisfied at the same time. "Are you serious about marrying him?" he questioned her.

"Why wouldn't I be?" she continued her act. "I've finally regained my freedom after five hundred years, I think settling down would be really nice."

"With a man you just met?" he asked dubiously.

"Well my former self has met him before and I can see that he's truly a good person," she said. "Is there something wrong, Neuvillette?"

"Furina, you were intoxicated. You weren't thinking straight when you accepted his proposal."

Furina continued to feign innocence. "I still remember his proposal clearly and I'm still looking forward to marrying him, I don't see the problem with that."

"But this arrangement, it's..." Neuvillette was getting more and more agitated by the second. "I cannot allow it."

"W-What? Why not?"

"Because he is not the right man for you!" he told her. "He's a usurper, Furina, he could be an ally of the Heavenly Principles!"

"Believe me, he's not," she replied. "And what's that got to do with marrying him? If you think he's not the right man for me, then who is?"

Before she knew it, Neuvillette was already towering over her frame, with both of his hands on the wall as she sat in between his arms. His sharp violet eyes almost looked like they were glowing with jealousy. She could feel his heavy breaths against her lips, which were only a few centimeters away from his.

Oh Focalors, if this was how it's like to be pinned by a dragon sovereign, I would've wanted him to do more than just kiss me on this bed right now.

A knock on their room caught them both by surprise that they had to pull away reluctantly. Furina internally cursed whoever decided to interrupt her moment with Neuvillette. She had to climb out of the bed and open the door to greet their visitor.

To her surprise, it was Venti. He was wearing a cream-colored variant of his outfit that made him look quite more regal. "Hello there my dearest fiancée~ Or shall I say, my bride for today?"

"V-Venti! What a pleasant surprise!" she greeted him. "What brings you here?"

"Well I came to tell you that I've arranged our wedding, of course! It will be held at the Cathedral this afternoon!" he announced before he lowered his voice into a whisper. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

Furina answered back, "You kind of did."

"You're getting married today?" Neuvillette grumbled as he walked up to them. "Your motives are becoming more and more questionable, Barbatos. May I remind you that if you dare do anything outrageous to Lady Furina, I will not hesitate to strike you down myself—"

"N-Neuvillette!" Furina intervened, trying to calm him down before another storm hits them.

Venti didn't seem to mind the dragon's threat and brushed it off with a grin. "It's alright, Furina. I can tell your friend here cares very much about you."

She saw the way Neuvillette's fists clenched but he didn't dare say a word, as if he himself was guilty of something. Although Venti's remark was a good way to get back at Neuvillette for labeling their relationship as just friends, Furina couldn't help but feel bad for the dragon, knowing that he probably didn't want them to remain as just friends either.

"Well I'll see you both at the wedding later! Till we meet again, my friends!" Venti said as he closed the door and left.

Furina turned to Neuvillette, who was still staring blankly at the door and standing as stiff as a board.

She tried to capture his thoughts by speaking. "Can you believe it, Neuvillette? I'm getting married today!"

He couldn't believe it himself either.

Not only had he tried convincing Furina that marrying someone she had just met was wrong—she had also been incessantly rubbing her engagement in his face since last night. He found it strange that Furina herself would agree to such a speedy marriage when in the past, she wanted to barf at the idea of marrying someone she just met.

"I have much higher standards than marrying a man who does not even know who I truly am! What kind of fool marries herself off without knowing the man first?!" she once ranted to him.

But now she seemed a little too thrilled to get married. Her face showed the excited yet nervous smile on her lips.

Out of all the possible candidates for Furina's hand, Neuvillette couldn't imagine anyone suited for that role. Especially the Anemo Archon himself. Sure, the bard had a comforting and carefree personality that made him a suitable companion for Furina, but for something as serious as marriage? A commitment of love? It wasn't something to be decided upon a whim.

The hydro dragon was also suspicious of Barbatos' motives, since the latter was the one who proposed to Furina with a ring in the first place. Was the whole thing planned? Is he using her as hostage for something to use against him? But for what?

"Neuvillette?" Furina crossed her arms and pouted at him. "Are you seriously still mad at me for finding the love of my life?"

"'The love of your life?'" Neuvillette scoffed incredulously, which was highly unlike him. "Are you hearing yourself right now? You barely even know him, Furina."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes I do! He's Barbatos, the God of Wind and Freedom! And he's a talented bard too with an impeccable taste in music!"

"Then what does he know about you?" Neuvillette stood up and started walking towards her. "Does he know that your favorite dessert is Fontinalia Mousse? That your favorite flowers are Lakelight Lilies?"

"No..."

"Does he know that you love lumitoiles? Or that you love reading novels at night because they help you sleep better?"

"Not really..." Furina kept retreating backwards until her back hit the wall behind them. She glanced up to see Neuvillette towering over her with a pained look on his face, as if his heart had been crushed into dust.

"Does he know..." His breathing grew heavier the more his voice softened. "...that you used to love the rain until you started having nightmares of Fontaine being flooded? That you prefer being around people when it rains just so you'll be assured that they're alive?"

"I..."

There was so much more he wanted to tell her, so much memories of them together that he wanted to remind her of. How they exchanged letters from the moment they met, how she always asked him to accompany her in almost every event—whether it was a meeting with foreign representatives or simply riding home together, he was with her through everything.

But did a part of her still resent him for the trial? Was that why she couldn't choose him now?

From inside their room, Furina could hear the rain pouring outside of the inn's cream painted walls. Her eyes bore into his, noticing the flash of pain in his deep violet pupils.

"Neuvi, I..." She looked like she wanted to confess something, but she kept her mouth shut. Instead, her eyes were pleading him to tell her his true feelings. To tell her—to steal her away—from the usurper that dared to claim her in just a matter of hours.

But what if Venti truly was the one who could make her happy? What if he's the one Furina wanted all along?

With his fists still trembling beneath him, he pulled himself away from her and turned his back on her. She chose the anemo archon for a reason, and if Neuvillette was simply getting in the way of her happiness, he knew that he had no right to beg her to choose him instead.

"My apologies, I wish you the best on your wedding today." He tried to keep his tone as unaffected as possible. "I'll see you back in Fontaine if you ever wish to return."

"W-What..? You're leaving?"

His hands rested on the doorknob, which was waiting to be turned. If he stayed and watched the wedding, he couldn't bear to see her in her lovely white dress, walking down the aisle to get married to someone who couldn't ever match the amount of love he held for her.

He couldn't bear to watch her spend the rest of her life with someone else and living his own full of regrets.

"Farewell, Furina."

The door opened, and without looking back to see her face, he mustered the strength to step outside until he left the inn.

Unbeknownst to him, Furina stormed out of the room and searched for him in the corridor. "Neuvillette! Wait!"

She was seconds away from reaching the door to the inn's exit when Venti, who suddenly appeared behind her, rushed towards her. "Miss Furina, what happened?"

Panic filled her voice as she explained, "N-Neuvillette's going back to Fontaine. What are we going to do? Should we just call off the plan..?!"

"There's no need for that, I'm sure he'll make an appearance at our little show later," Venti reassured her.

Furina exhaled, unsure on how to feel about the entire situation. Not wanting to dwell on her anxious thoughts, she decided to change the topic. "I thought you left earlier."

"Oh no, I was staying at the room next to yours."

"W-What?!" Furina glanced at the room behind him. She was sure that there was another guest staying there. A tall fellow with brown hair and clothes. Surely Venti was mistaken—

Just then, the door of that room opened, revealing the man her mind remembered to describe. Except this time he came out with his robe slightly crooked and his hair had a few stray strands. Venti followed the sound and grinned proudly.

"Miss Furina, may I introduce you to Mr. Zhongli. He's a..." He cleared his throat awkwardly, the first time she'd ever seen him do so. "...a very dear friend of mine."

Furina noticed the way Venti reused her words from a few nights ago and began to piece things together.

"It's an honor to meet you, Miss Furina." Zhongli bowed courteously before meeting her gaze. "Or do you prefer being called as Focalors? Barbatos here, on one hand, prefers being called kitte—"

"Just Furina is fine, thank you!" She turned to the direction where Neuvillette just left. Her heart was pounding heavily in her chest. What if he really did leave? "I really think I should go after Neuvillette though—"

"I can convince him to stay, at least, until after your performance ends." Furina's eyes widened at Zhongli's words, silently wondering how he found out about their plan. As if he read her mind, he added, "Barbatos told me of your plan to discover how Monsieur Neuvillette truly feels about you. I personally think it's a troublesome plan but nonetheless an entertaining one."

Venti raised an eyebrow at the mysterious man. "You're the one to talk after faking your own death in front of your own people, Morax."

"Wait...Morax? As in Rex Lapis? The Geo Archon..?!" Furina covered her mouth with her hands. "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't seem to recognize you sooner!"

"It's quite alright, Miss Furina. Your sacrifices for Fontaine have reached every nation in Teyvat. If anything, every member of the Seven holds you in nothing but high regard," he told her. "As for the Hydro Sovereign, I will do my best to discourage him from leaving."

"Thank you but...Neuvillette can be rather hostile with the other archons," Furina said. "Are you sure you wish to do this?"

"Don't worry about it, Furina," Venti answered for her. "If he wanted to put us on trial, he would've done so with me the moment he stepped into Mondstadt. And with you involved, I doubt he would do anything untoward to Zhongli here."

"Precisely. I suggest the both of you make your way to the cathedral and prepare for your performance while I talk to Monsieur Neuvillette," Zhongli told them before his gaze dropped to his clothes. "But first I must make myself look presentable."

---

This trip had been nothing but torture for Neuvillette to say the least. In one night, the love of his life was engaged to another usurper. And today, she was getting married.

He was walking by the stone bridge that connected Mondstadt's capital to Starfell Valley. His chest hurt at the thought of leaving Furina here in Mondstadt, but either way, she wouldn't be alone anymore. She has someone else to take care of her now after all.

It was like half of him had been lost to the ocean, the same emptiness he felt before he had recovered his full powers. But this time, there was a hollow pain that came with his loss.

Because to him, Furina was his everything.

The sound of footsteps behind him made him stop in his tracks. His instincts told him that the aura following him was not one of an ordinary human, but of an archon.

"I know you're following me," Neuvillette growled without turning around. "I do not wish to be pestered anymore by your kind, Deus Auri."

"You have my word as the God of Contracts that I do not have any ill intent, nor do I wish to bring forth any conflict," the man behind him spoke. "And right now, I am nothing more than an ordinary citizen under the name of Zhongli."

"If that was the case, then why are you even here speaking to me?"

"You're someone very dear to Miss Furina," he pointed out. "And yet you are not present on the day of her wedding."

A low rumble of thunder echoed in the distance while Neuvillette remained in his spot. "It does not matter."

"That is what you make yourself believe, but the skies above tell the opposite," Zhongli remarked just as the bell from the cathedral rang twice. "Ah, the ceremony must be starting already. Why don't you come join me?"

"I am to leave for Fontaine at once," Neuvillette snapped, finally turning around to meet the geo archon with intimidating yet sorrowful eyes. "I will leave Furina in your associate's care."

Zhongli sighed as he watched the Iudex turn around once more to walk away.

"If there's anything loss has taught me, it is to speak what's in your heart before you suffer a life full of regrets," the former stated, making Neuvillette stop again. "If you do not tell Miss Furina about your feelings for her now, you may never get the chance ever again."

"She's happier without me—"

"Did she tell you that herself? Or did you merely assume such a thing?" Zhongli countered. "If she truly was happier without you, would she have tried to reconcile with you after the cruel trial you've put her on?"

Neuvillette wanted to retort and defend himself but deep inside, he knew that Zhongli was right. Furina forgave him, but he never seemed to have forgiven himself. And maybe, just maybe, if he told her how he felt...

"Your time may be running out, Monsieur Neuvillette," Zhongli informed him, gesturing cathedral that sits on top of Mondstadt's capital, a gentle smile gracing his features. "Do not underestimate the heart's power to reciprocate centuries worth of companionship."

The Geo Archon was right, if he wanted to be with Furina, he should act quickly. But what if she resents him? What if she truly was happy with Barbatos, a fellow archon who shared the same interests as her?

He shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts. He would never know until he tried.

With that, he made his way to Mondstadt's Cathedral, with Zhongli following closely behind him.

As expected, the ceremony was already ongoing. Behind the large doors were muffled voices, but the one that stood out amongst them all belonged to the cardinal presiding over the wedding.

"If anyone is in objection of this union, speak now or forever hold your peace—"

"I object!"

The doors slammed open just as everyone turned to the sound of the voice that echoed across the cathedral, and it belonged to no one else but the Iudex himself. Gasps and murmurs filled the hall shortly after as Neuvillette walked to the center of the aisle, his violet eyes centered solely on Furina. For a moment, his heart was stunned by the sight of her in a beautiful wedding dress that resembled one of the purest water lilies.

When her eyes met his, she could only gape at him in shock. Venti, on the other hand, merely chuckled to himself as Cardinal Calvin gulped in horror.

"I-Iudex Neuvillette! Please state why you object to this union," he announced.

With unwavering determination, Neuvillette spoke, "I believe from a legal perspective, this union cannot continue due to both parties being intoxicated when they consented to their engagement."

Furina's face fell upon hearing his statement, like a director disappointed in a newbie actor's performance. This wasn't good. She looked really upset, like she was expecting a different answer. She seemed to have whispered something to Venti, because then the Anemo Archon cleared his throat and spoke up.

"You are indeed correct, Monsieur Neuvillette. We were under the influence of alcohol when we got engaged," he stated, earning a few chuckles from the audience, as if they expected their archon's alcoholic behavior. "However, Furina and I have continued to agree to this wedding even after we've returned to our...sound minds. Therefore, I'm afraid our union cannot be halted due to that objection."

Neuvillette clenched his fists tightly, ignoring the stares he was receiving. He couldn't stop there, he would lose Furina for good if he couldn't stop the wedding.

To his surprise, Venti gave him a sympathetic smile and added, "But as the God of Freedom, I shall give you a chance. In Mondstadt, we greatly value our freedom as well as our freedom of speech, so...

"Please give us the true reason why you wish to object to this union."

Everyone's eyes were on Neuvillette, but his gaze had never once left Furina's. She watched him, waiting for his response like everyone else, and they did not entirely expect his answer.

"I object to this marriage," he began, his voice softening slightly, "because Lady Furina is the woman I love. And I will not stand idly by without at least letting her know, that in these four hundred years...

"My love for her has always been sincere."

As if on cue, another round of scandalized gasps came from the audience. Everyone was more or less familiar with the partnership of the former Hydro Archon and the Hydro Dragon Sovereign, but never in their wildest dreams did they think that the suspected romance between them was true. All eyes were trained on Furina, anxiously awaiting her reaction.

She looked absolutely flabbergasted, her mouth opening and closing repeatedly without making a sound. On the bright side, her prior disappointment was soon replaced by a shy grin on her face.

"Is that so?" she breathed. Her cheeks turned a shade redder. "Do you really mean that, Neuvillette?"

He nodded. "Yes, I do. More than anything in Teyvat, I wanted you to know that I love you, Furina."

"And you're telling me now because..?"

"Because I've realized that I don't deserve you at all."

She looked confused by his choice of words, but he continued his explanation. "I don't deserve someone as wonderful as you, nor the right to stand by your side forever. But I will always choose whatever makes you happy, because you deserve all the happiness in the world."

His eyes landed on Venti, then back to her. "If being with him makes you happy, then so be it. But I wanted to at least let you know through my own words that my heart won't stop yearning nor would it cease breaking for you, Furina."

Her blue eyes widened. For a few seconds, she didn't utter a single word—not until tears started to run down her cheeks, tainting her soft smile. Then suddenly, she threw herself into Neuvillette's arms, laughing happily when she embraced him. She cried as if she'd been holding back her feelings for all these years.

"You silly dragon, I've been waiting for you to tell me that all this time!" she giggled in between her sniffles. "I love you too."

"You do..?"

"Do my tears ever lie, Neuvillette? Ah wait...my makeup's becoming a mess." She tried to wipe them off on her own by sliding her hands inside her veil, but thanks to Neuvillette's powers, the little teardrops evaporated with a snap of his finger.

He hugged her back, placing a chaste kiss on the top of her head. His chest felt incredibly light yet so full now that Furina reciprocated his affections. "You're still the most beautiful being in all of Teyvat for me."

"Sweet talker."

Venti grinned widely at the white-haired duo. "Well who am I to deny the true love between the leaders of Hydro? I, Barbatos, shall dissolve this union myself in the name of true love!"

With that, the anemo band on Furina's finger disappeared and he returned himself to his usual green outfit.

Calvin looked between them in confusion and cleared his throat. "I-In that case, if Lord Barbatos himself declares this ceremony to be voided, I second the motion!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, as many people began shouting about how good together Neuvillette and Furina were, while some yelled praises for Venti.

He bowed playfully in front of his subjects before he turned to Furina and gave her a knowing wink. She caught this and mouthed, "Thank you!"

Furina made a mental note to herself to tell Neuvillette about the prank later. For now, she was too happy relishing in the warmth of her Hydro Dragon's embrace.

After a while, Furina pulled away with a renewed smile on her face. "If I had known going to Mondstadt would make you confess your love to me, I would've done so sooner in our first few years together."

"And have you accept a proposal from another man? Especially one from an usurper?" Neuvillette's face soured at the thought. "Although I guess I'm at fault for not confessing to you sooner."

She laughed at his expression from underneath her veil. "Well, what matters now is that I'm no longer 'just a good friend' to you?"

"That depends on whether you'll allow me to be more than that."

"Hmm...I believe calling you my husband has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" she teased, not expecting Neuvillette to cough into his fist as his cheeks turned red.

"Yes, I'd like to think it does." He was clearly trying to fight off the smile creeping up on his face.

Pleased with his reaction, Furina tiptoed and whispered into his ear, "How about we give the audience the grand finale they deserve, my dear Iudex?"

Catching on what she meant, his lips quirked upwards as well. "Right now?"

"Would you rather wait until I've been stolen by another man again?"

He chuckled, pulling her closer to him as he whispered, "Never."

Venti, who has overheard their exchange, cleared his throat and said, "Allow me to help with that. As the god of this nation, it's only right that I officiate your wedding, am I right?"

Neuvillette turned to Furina, who smiled at Venti and said, "We'd be honored to, Lord Barbatos."

"In that case, do you, Iudex Neuvillette, Chief Justice of Fontaine and Elemental Dragon Sovereign of Water, take Furina de Fontaine, former Hydro Archon and God of Justice, to be your lawfully-wedded wife?"

Neuvillette clasped both of Furina's hands in his with a smile. "I do."

"And do you, Furina de Fontaine, former Hydro Archon and God of Justice, take Iudex Neuvillette to be your lawfully-wedded husband?"

Furina giggled as she faced Neuvillette. "I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, Barbatos, the God of Anemo and Freedom, I hereby pronounce you, husband and wife!" Venti chuckled as he added, "You may now uh—you know what to do."

Neuvillette didn't waste any more time to pull the veil over Furina's delicate face as he leaned down and kissed her, earning cheers and applause from the people of Mondstadt who have just bore witness to the union of two lovers, whose love will forever stand the test of time and justice.