The echo of Neuvillette's footsteps as he walked alongside Alfred moved across the grand corridors of the Palais Mermonia. Each step they took was deliberate, and as they walked, various Fatui Agents bowed and acknowledged their presence.
The respect in the eyes of every Fatui member was immense as they spotted Neuvillette, he was their leader, and every single one of them had been brought into the Fatui and given their roles by him.
He was more than just their leader, he was a figure they looked up to, someone they were inspired to be every time they went out to work, and even after 20 years of not seeing him, they still held immense respect for their leader.
However, as the duo of Neuvillette and Alfred walked, Alfred couldn't help but cut the relative silence with a statement, his usually composed demeanor tinged with concern and gravity of the situation, "My lord, much has changed in your absence," he began, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable undercurrent of tension.
"The Court of Fatui has struggled to maintain the same level of authority without your presence. The Noble Laws… they have been disregarded by many who once feared and respected your judgment." Alfred explained with worry, looking at Neuvillette's reaction, or lack thereof.
Neuvillette's golden eyes remained focused ahead as they walked towards their destination, his face an impassive mask. "Elaborate," he said, his voice calm yet commanding, carrying an undertone of disappointment yet not surprise.
He was the foundation of the Court of the Fatui, the worlds symbol of balance & justice, so it was natural that with his disappearance, people would lose their fear of breaking the laws over time, especially with a new generation. This was not a surprise.
However, he was still a bit shocked at how quickly the status quo changed. It had only been 20 years, just the blink of an eye in the eyes of the Supernatural, and yet people had already gone this far.
Did they not fear his inevitable return? His thoughts swirled as he thought this.
Alfred at his side just sighed, a rare break in his typically unshakable composure, "Without your guidance, my lord, our influence has waned significantly, particularly among the more… ambitious factions. Noble Demons, Fallen Angels, and even the children of Gods, they have taken advantage of your absence."
Alfred explained, "For years, they've flouted the Noble Laws, acting with impunity. While we still have powerful enforcers, they lack the gravitas you bring to our cause. The mere threat of your judgment once kept them in line. Without it, chaos has crept into the cracks."
"Continue," Neuvillette urged, his voice still as calm as the surface of a still lake, though Alfred knew better than to mistake his calm for indifference.
He knew his master well enough to know that Neuvillette was already planning on how to bring all of those who had willfully broken laws to trial at the Court. His master was a man of few words, but who spoke through his decisive actions.
Alfred hesitated for only a moment before speaking again. "One of the most troubling incidents occurred recently, involving the Nekomata. It's… better if I show you what remains. The consequences of that event have shaken many of our allies and emboldened our enemies."
Neuvillette's eyes flickered with a brief spark of curiosity, though he remained silent. Soon, the duo arrived at the Palais Mermonia's Medical Wing, which was in stark contrast to the rest of the building.
It exuded a more subdued atmosphere, with white and gold decor lending to an air of serenity and care. As they stepped through the double doors, the soft hum of magical healing wards and the faint scent of medicinal herbs greeted them.
Rows of beds lined the room, each one draped in pristine linens, though most were currently unoccupied. It was at the far end of the room that Alfred led Neuvillette, where a single bed was surrounded by glowing sigils of protection and recovery.
Lying on the bed was a Fatui Enforcer, his once-imposing figure now frail and battered. His uniform was in tatters, the navy and silver fabric scorched and torn, and his pale skin was marred with deep gashes and bruises. A steady rhythm of faint golden light pulsed from the sigils, working tirelessly to mend his wounds.
Neuvillette stepped closer, his presence casting a subtle but palpable aura of calm authority over the room. The Enforcer stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open as he sensed the Chief Ludex's approach.
Despite his injuries, he attempted to sit up, his movements slow and pained.
"My lord," the Enforcer rasped, his voice weak but filled with reverence. "You've… returned."
Neuvillette raised a gloved hand, motioning for the man to remain still "Rest," he said softly, his voice carrying a soothing quality that belied the intensity of his golden gaze. "You have done enough. Now tell me: how did this happen?"
The Enforcer's gaze wavered for a moment before he spoke. "I was sent to the Demon Realm to deliver a summons, my lord. It was regarding the Nekomata incident. But… I was ambushed. Noble Demons, several of them. They… they mocked the summons, called it meaningless without your authority to enforce it. Then they attacked."
A faint flicker of emotion crossed Neuvillette's features, so brief that it was almost imperceptible. "The Enforcers are protected by the accords," he said, his tone even but laced with a quiet, simmering disapproval, "Diplomatic immunity should have prevented such an assault. Were the accords not upheld?"
The Enforcer shook his head weakly, "They care nothing for the accords anymore. Not without you, my lord. They… they believe the Fatui has no teeth without you at its helm, even with our Harbingers. Most of them are held back by the Gods in a stalemate."
Neuvillette stood silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the injured man. The room seemed to grow heavier, as though the very air responded to the weight of his presence. At last, he spoke, his voice firm and resolute, "Recover well. Your dedication will not go unanswered."
The Enforcer nodded weakly, his expression one of gratitude despite his pain. Neuvillette turned to Alfred, his cape flowing softly as he moved, "Tell me about the Nekomata incident," he said, his tone carrying an unspoken command.
Alfred's expression darkened as he began to explain, "Not long ago, nearly the entire population of the Nekomata was slaughtered. Reports suggest it was the work of Noble Demons, though they deny any involvement. Despite the overwhelming evidence, they refuse to answer the summons and have shown no willingness to cooperate. Worse, many factions are using the incident as a pretext to settle old grudges, further destabilizing the balance."
Neuvillette's gaze hardened, the faint glow of his golden eyes intensifying. "They believe themselves untouchable," he said quietly, more to himself than to Alfred. After a moment, he continued, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. "It seems the world has forgotten my name. That will not do."
As if on cue, the doors to the Medical Wing opened, and a young Fatui office worker stepped inside, bowing deeply as he approached, "Alfred, his voice formal and steady as he looked up, spotting Neuvillette and bowing once more from shock and respect, "and Chief Ludex,"
Neuvillette just nodded, he knew his surprise return would shock many, so he wasn't bothered by the actions of his subordinate.
"Yasaka and Nurarihyon have arrived. They are waiting in the Council Chamber for the meeting with Alfred, " Neuvillette's gaze shifted to Alfred, who gave a small nod of acknowledgment of the meeting.
"I had scheduled one to discuss our plans after the Nekomata incident. Although in truth, I was planning on telling them we couldn't do anything, the Demons are simply too arrogant." Alfred said.
"Very well," Neuvillette said, his voice calm and measured, "Let us not keep them waiting. I'll attend in your place Alfred, you gather all the information of any unpunished cases, events over the past 20 years and send them to my office."
Alfred just nodded, and hurried off to complete his assignment, while Neuvillette turned and made his way toward the Council Chamber, ready for his discussion with Yasaka & Nurarihyon.
As he walked, Neuvillette's mind turned to the task ahead. The Nekomata incident was but a symptom of a larger disease, a growing disregard for the laws and balance he had sworn to uphold.
But if the world had forgotten his name, he would remind them. Not with threats or force, but with the unwavering judgment that had once made the Court of Fatui the ultimate arbiter of justice.
And as the doors to the Council Chamber loomed before him, Neuvillette knew that his return marked the beginning of a new era, one where justice would once again reign supreme.