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The cacophony of the Opera Epiclese during trials is something that Neuvillette thinks he would take some time getting used to. The shouting, the arguments, the discord and the tension—none of these exists in his old abode in the bottom of tranquil waters.
After his first day as Iudex, Neuvillette finds himself drawn towards the shores nearby, towards the waveless sea underneath the dark blue sky on which the full moon hangs together with the countless stars.
He breathes in the cool night air then exhales. His shoulder relaxes and his mind is as serene as his current surroundings. Neuvillette looks up contemplatively to the sky, wondering why on Teyvat did he ever agree to be in the situation.
"Monsieur Neuvillette!" a melodious voice speaks but does not shatter the tranquality of the scene.
He hears the gentle footfalls of her shoes against the grass then sand. Neuvillette smiles for a second before he turns around to face her—the reason for his being here.
"Lady Furina," he says softly, and he wonders why his heart never hardens, why his voice never hisses, or why his eyes never glare at this woman, this usurper he is meant to despise, to detest.
Sbe closes the distance between them and moonlight shines on her beautiful face. The smile she flashes at him stirs an unfamiliar yet warm feeling in his chest.
"Did today exhaust you?" she asks him, her smile soft, radiating with genuine concern. The way she talks to him now is unlike how she speaks in public—flamboyant, proud, an air of unfettered bravado. He thinks that these are all parts of a mask she wears. Either that or she's just prone to hysterics.
Before he could utter an answer, he flinches slightly at the sudden warmth that touches his cheek. Then Furina removes her hand and he catches a glimpse of the small regret in her eyes. He wants to tell her that it's alright, that he didn't mind her touch, but she reverts to her usual self.
"My dear Iudex," she says in her usual voice; "it's getting late. Shall we retire to the palais?" She turns away from him, hiding her flushed face. "We have a big day ahead of us—"
She stops when a group of clouds conceal the moon and world turns darker without its light.
From the trees and bushes nearby, a cluster of fireflies emerge and illuminate the surroundings with their gentle golden glow.
Furina watches them move before turning to Neuvillette, his usually cold eyes now wide with amazement and curiosity. She could not help but smile in amusement at his awe.
He reaches out his hand as if trying to catch a firefly but he turns his palm over and a couple of fireflies fly over his hand and in front of his face, unafraid.
"What… are these things?" he asks thoughtlessly.
Neuvillette hears a small chuckle from his archon but he is not annoyed by it. He learns that no matter what she does or say, Furina could never annoy him. And once again he finds himself wondering why he finds her… endearing.
"These, my dear Iudex," she answers his inquiry with a soft smile; "are called fireflies." She holds out her hand and the fireflies flock over to her like moths drawn to a flame.
His eyes fall on her, he figure bathed in the warm glow of the fireflies. And for a second, Neuvillette thinks she looks resplendent.
"Beautiful," he murmurs unwittingly with a smile which she does not see in the dimness.
"What was that, Neuvillette?" she asks him and the fireflies disperse as the moon reappears.
He begins to walk towards the pathway. "Nothing, Lady Furina. You're right, though, it is getting late. Let's go home."
She smiles at that and catches up with him. And they walk side by side in comfortable silence until they arrive at the Palais Mermonia—their home.