The man approaching had long, silver-white hair tinged with streaks of deep blue along his temples, resembling the horns of a dragon.
His gaze was calm and steady, yet it carried an imposing weight that made it difficult for anyone to meet his eyes directly.
"Lord Neuvillette," Captain Es greeted respectfully, bowing low.
"Have you found any leads on the culprit?" Neuvillette asked in a measured tone. His gaze swept across the café, pausing briefly on the pile of clothes left by the vanished woman. The puddle of water had already drained into the sewer system.
"Leave this to me. Take your team and search the sewers thoroughly. Apprehend anyone suspicious on the spot," Neuvillette ordered.
"Yes, my lord!" Es saluted and led his patrol toward the nearest sewer entrance.
"Uh, Lord Neuvillette, so... can we leave now?"
Luo Qing raised a hand casually, putting on his best innocent expression.
"You..."
Neuvillette's eyes flicked over Luo Qing, scanning him briefly.
There was something unusual about this man—an amalgamation of elemental energies that were unfamiliar and hard to define. It piqued Neuvillette's curiosity.
"You are esteemed guests from Sumeru. The Akademiya has vouched for your identities," Neuvillette said, his voice devoid of warmth yet polite. "Please wait a moment while I finish handling the scene. Afterward, I would like to invite you to Palais Mermonia for a discussion."
"Lord Neuvillette knows about us?"
Luo Qing blinked in surprise. Is this the "special reception" Alhaitham mentioned? This guy's the one greeting us?
"The Akademiya informed the Palais Mermonia of your arrival ahead of time," Neuvillette explained. "I apologize for the unpleasant incident you encountered upon your arrival."
Though the words sounded apologetic, his tone was so devoid of emotion that it felt rehearsed, as if he were reading from a script.
"No worries, no worries," Luo Qing said with a wave of his hand. "As long as we're not disturbing your work, everything else can wait."
Truthfully, Luo Qing had planned to quietly observe this Chief Justice and the Hydro Archon, whose reputations were as mysterious as they were colorful.
He hadn't expected Neuvillette to recognize them immediately.
"Hmm..."
Neuvillette nodded slightly before turning his attention back to the crime scene, leaving Luo Qing and his team alone for the time being.
"My lord, so... should we still go to the opera house?" Natalia asked in a hushed tone, stepping closer to Luo Qing.
"Why bother? We've already met him."
Luo Qing waved her off. "And stop whispering. Who knows how good his hearing is? If he overhears something critical, we'll be in trouble."
From this brief encounter alone, Luo Qing could sense that Neuvillette's strength was immense—easily at a level surpassing most Archons.
"Interesting..." Luo Qing murmured to himself.
With Neuvillette and the Hydro Archon combined, Fontaine's top-tier combat strength was formidable. If things went south and a confrontation became inevitable, it wouldn't be an easy fight.
They waited for what felt like an eternity before Neuvillette finally finished overseeing the situation at the café.
"My apologies for the delay. Please, follow me to Palais Mermonia," Neuvillette said politely, though his voice remained as emotionally flat as ever.
Luo Qing couldn't shake the feeling that Neuvillette wasn't particularly enthusiastic about this task.
"It's fine, just a bit of coffee—didn't feel like too long," Luo Qing said with a casual smile, standing to follow Neuvillette.
---
Palais Mermonia
The grand reception hall of the palace was vast and imposing. Luo Qing and his entourage sat on one side, while Neuvillette occupied the other. Despite this being a diplomatic meeting, no aides or assistants accompanied Neuvillette.
"The Akademiya informed us that you wish to implement something called the Akasha System in Fontaine," Neuvillette said, glancing down at the documents before him. "Could you elaborate on this technology, Mr. Luo Qing?"
"Of course."
Luo Qing nodded. Promoting the Akasha System was, after all, one of his objectives.
He extended his hand, summoning a leaf-shaped Akasha terminal onto the table.
"This is the Akasha terminal," Luo Qing explained. "When worn, it connects the user to the Akasha network. Through this network, information exchange becomes instantaneous, and users can access a vast knowledge repository curated by our Lesser Lord Kusanali herself.
"With it, Fontaine's citizens could stay updated on the latest news and events across the nation without leaving their homes. Even court proceedings, such as your trials, could be livestreamed through the Akasha System—allowing those unable to purchase tickets to witness the justice process firsthand."
"..."
Neuvillette studied the terminal in his hand, his expression unreadable.
"From your explanation, this device seems highly beneficial to Fontaine," Neuvillette said after a moment. "However..."
He paused, his tone shifting slightly.
"Fairness is paramount in all matters. Could you tell me, Mr. Luo Qing, what does Sumeru gain from implementing this system here?"
"Of course."
Luo Qing leaned back in his chair, his answer ready.
"Our Lesser Lord Kusanali has only recently regained her freedom and is still regaining her strength. She needs faith from the people to fully recover. Additionally, the Akademiya has undergone significant restructuring and needs fresh talent to thrive.
"By implementing the Akasha System in Fontaine, we aim to foster goodwill and promote both the Akademiya and our Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Luo Qing's response was smooth and confident—so much so that his subordinates couldn't help but wonder if their lord had genuinely defected to Sumeru.
"Faith-based power, then..."
Neuvillette seemed thoughtful, but his expression betrayed no clear reaction.
"Matters of faith are not mine to decide. Such things require approval from the Hydro Archon herself."
After all, for the Archon of Fontaine, the adoration and praise of the people—and her own pride—were of utmost importance.
If another nation's god began encroaching on her worshippers, she would undoubtedly throw a fit.
"So, we'll need to seek the Hydro Archon's approval. If she agrees, we can proceed with the implementation of the Akasha System?" Luo Qing summarized.
"Correct."
Neuvillette nodded.
As an administrator, Neuvillette could see the practical advantages of the Akasha System for Fontaine and would likely have approved it himself.
Unfortunately, his hands were tied—he had a god's feelings to manage.
"Could we trouble you to arrange an audience with her, then? I've heard appointments to see the Hydro Archon are notoriously difficult to secure."
"That won't be necessary," Neuvillette replied, shaking his head slightly. "Most of those appointments are made by admirers and sycophants hoping to curry favor. They don't reflect her actual work schedule, which remains quite open."
"So... the Hydro Archon spends most of her time slacking off, not actually doing any work?"
"..."
"That's... not inaccurate."
---
T/N: FURINAAAAA MY LOVE