Time had ticked by quickly after Neuvillette's event. Thunderstorms that previously raged all across Japan had come to an end, clearing up the skies with a more warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Fatui Headquarters stood as a solemn monolith against the night sky, its intricate architecture a testament to both power and order. The ever-present aura of quiet authority within its halls seemed heavier tonight, mirroring the weight of Neuvillette's recent actions.
In his private office, Neuvillette stood by the expansive window, his gaze fixed on the cityscape below, his thoughts blurred by what he had done the night before.
As he was lost in his thoughts, a soft knock at the door broke the silence and brought him back to reality,
"Enter," his calm voice commanded.
The door opened to reveal Yasaka, the leader of the Kyoto Youkai Faction, her golden hair cascading down her back like sunlight.
Despite her graceful demeanor, her eyes held a deep gratitude towards Neuvillette as she entered the room, coupled with lingering sadness.
"Chief Ludex," she said, bowing slightly, "I heard what you did in the Underworld. You branded them for their crimes. For the Nekomata." Her voice trembled slightly as she remembered all of those who had been killed, "For my people."
Neuvillette turned, his expression as impassive as ever as he responded, "It was Justice, Lady Yasaka. Nothing more."
She stepped closer, folding her hands in front of her. "You did more than anyone else could have. Your actions have given us hope that their suffering will not go unanswered." She lowered her head. "Thank you."
Neuvillette gave a single, slow nod, "You have endured much, Yasaka. But gratitude is not necessary. Justice serves all, regardless of thanks."
For a moment, the room was filled with silence, heavy with unspoken emotions. Then, Neuvillette spoke again, his voice quiet but firm. "Walk with me."
Yasaka looked up, slightly surprised at his request, but nodded quickly. After all Neuvillette did for her and her people, the least she could do was fulfill this simple request.
Together, they left the office, their footsteps echoing softly as they made their way through the grand halls of the Headquarters. As the duo walked, various Fatui Agents spotted them, respectfully nodding as they walked past.
As the duo walked more and more, their destination became more and more obvious. They arrived at a Grandiose Building to the North of the Fatui Headquarter's Main Building, the 'House of the Hearth'
Yasaka's expression softened as she realized where they had gone. She had certainly heard of this place, it was the Fatui Orphanage, a place where they took in persons from any and all races and gave them a home.
Most of these orphaned children would eventually work for the Fatui once they grew up in one way or another, willingly paying pack the people who raised them.
When they entered, the warmth of the orphanage enveloped them immediately. Children, some human and others of various supernatural races, played and chattered in the common room.
At the sight of Neuvillette, the room grew quiet. The children, though curious, seemed slightly intimidated by his imposing presence. T
hey had never met him before, and only heard rumors, whispers of who and how Neuvillette was, which made him a mythical existence in their childish minds.
One brave child, a small boy with sharp fangs and pale skin, clutched a stuffed toy and approached cautiously. "A-are you the Chief Ludex?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Neuvillette knelt, his towering frame lowering gracefully to meet the child's eye level. His usually stern expression softened just enough to be welcoming. "I am. And you must be Ren."
The boy's eyes widened in surprise, "How did you know my name?"
"I make it a point to know the names of those under my care," Neuvillette replied. His tone was calm, almost soothing, and the nervous tension in the room began to dissipate.
After waking up, one of the first things he did was learn the list of names and the characteristics of all the new persons who had been brought under his care during the time he was inactive.
Slowly, more children gathered around him, their curiosity overcoming their initial hesitation. Neuvillette was such a mythical figure that they quickly swarmed him with curiosity, asking various questions.
After a short while of responding to various questions and indulging in their curiosity, Neuvillette raised his hand, and with a flick of his fingers, streams of shimmering light began to dance in the air.
The lights formed intricate shapes, animals, stars, and even small, glowing replicas of the children themselves. Laughter filled the room as the children reached out to touch the magical displays.
As the children played, Neuvillette turned his attention back to Yasaka, who watched the scene with a soft smile, "Tell me," he said quietly, "how would you wish for the perpetrators to be punished?"
Yasaka's smile faded, replaced by a contemplative expression. She folded her arms, her golden eyes narrowing slightly as she stared at the children, remembering the various Nekomata children she had come to know and love over the years that had perished.
"They deserve to face the same pain they inflicted. But... more than that, I want them to live knowing they can never escape what they've done. I want their power stripped, their influence shattered, and their names forever associated with their crimes."
Neuvillette nodded slowly, as if weighing her words. With his expansive knowledge of the laws, there was a million ways he could find to give the perpetrators a punishment worse than death.
"A fitting punishment. They will face Justice, both in this life and the next." He responded.
Yasaka sighed, a mixture of relief and lingering sorrow. "For so long, we thought no one would hear us about various issues. But your return... you've reminded the world that justice cannot be silenced."
Neuvillette's gaze softened slightly as he watched the children playing, their laughter a stark contrast to the heavy conversation as they enjoyed themselves.
"Justice serves not only the living but also the memory of the fallen," he said. "And it ensures that the next generation will not inherit the sins of those who came before."
For a while, they stood in silence, watching the children. In their innocence and joy, Yasaka saw the future they had to protect. And in Neuvillette, she saw the unwavering force that would ensure that protection.
As the evening deepened, Neuvillette finally rose, his towering form casting a long shadow over the room. "Rest assured, Yasaka," he said, his voice carrying a quiet resolve. "The hour of judgment draws near. And no one will escape its reach."