The Opera Epiclese was quiet as the forth trial of the day was concluding. Tensions were relatively high as per usual, and Neuvillette remained seated at the head of the Court House, his imposing figure framed by the cascading columns of water that formed a shimmering backdrop behind him.
His expression was calm and impenetrable, as it always was when presiding over matters of justice.
For this trial, the person accused was a rogue Magician by the name of Valcrid, who now knelt in chains at the center of the courtroom, his face drained of color as his once pristine mage robes were now tattered,
Valcrid was charged with numerous heinous acts: the unlawful harvesting of magical life forces and the destruction of several villages on the outskirts of Japan in order to fuel his power.
Neuvillette's voice resonated through the chamber, steady and unyielding, as he delivered his verdict, "Valcrid, your actions have caused irreparable harm to the land and its people. You stand guilty of crimes against nature, humanity, and the very balance of the world."
The accused lifted his head, his eyes wild with desperation, "I did what I had to! The power, "
"Silence," Neuvillette interrupted, his tone cutting through the man's protests like a blade. The courtroom fell into a heavy stillness, "Your hunger for power has blinded you to the destruction you've wrought. The lives you have taken, the homes you have destroyed—there is no justification for your actions."
He paused, his pale gaze sweeping over the courtroom, ensuring that every person present understood the gravity of the situation, "The sentence is as follows: You will be confined to the Aquatic Bastille for no less than one hundred years."
The room erupted into a mixture of gasps and murmurs, but no one dared to openly question the decision. Neuvillette's judgments were final, and his reputation for fairness was known far and wide.
Valcrid slumped forward, his defiance extinguished. The magical restraints around his wrists tightened, glowing faintly as the bailiffs prepared to escort him from the chamber.
Neuvillette stood, his presence towering even without effort. He gave a slight nod to the bailiffs, "Take him away."
As the Magician was dragged from the room, Neuvillette turned and exited through a side passage, the whispers of the audience fading behind him.
Back in his private chambers, Neuvillette allowed himself a brief moment to exhale. He poured himself a glass of water just to relax, taking a sip as he picked up a pile of documents with information of his future cases.
Just as he was about to sit and review the next set of cases, a subtle chime echoed through the room. It was the distinctive tone of the communication crystal embedded in his desk, a direct line reserved for his most trusted advisors.
Neuvillette tapped the crystal, and Alfred's image appeared in the air before him. The older man's face was lined with experience, his silver hair neatly combed as always. He bowed slightly in greeting.
"Neuvillette," Alfred began, his tone formal but tinged with urgency, "I've just received reports from our field agents stationed in the Far East. There has been a confirmed sighting of fallen angels operating in Kuoh Town."
Neuvillette's brow furrowed slightly,"Fallen angels? Their activities are not uncommon. What makes this particular sighting worth mentioning?"
Alfred adjusted his glasses, his expression growing graver, "It's the location, my lord. Kuoh Town is home to the Gremory and Sitri heiresses. Their presence elevates the town's significance within the supernatural world. If the fallen angels are active there, it could lead to... complications."
Neuvillette leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he considered the information, "Complications," he repeated, his voice measured. "You're suggesting that their activities might provoke a conflict among the factions."
"Precisely," Alfred confirmed, "The balance between the three factions—angels, devils, and fallen angels has been tenuous since the Great War. Any significant disturbance in a place as politically sensitive as Kuoh Town could reignite hostilities. And with the Gremory heiress being a direct relative of the current Lucifer..."
Neuvillette's gaze hardened, "I see your point. Have our agents observed any direct threats to the heiresses or their territory?"
"Not yet," Alfred replied, "But the fallen angels have been targeting stray devils and lesser supernatural beings in the area. Their movements suggest that they are preparing for something. We've also detected faint traces of sacred gear activity, though it's unclear if it's connected."
For a moment, Neuvillette was silent, his mind piecing together the fragments of information. Finally, he spoke, his tone decisive. "Monitor the situation closely, but do not intervene unless the balance is directly threatened."
He took a pause for a moment and then continued, "If the Gremory and Sitri heiresses are as capable as their reputations suggest, they should be able to manage the situation. However, if the fallen angels overstep their bounds..."
He trailed off, his meaning clear.
"Understood," Alfred said with a nod, "I will ensure that our agents remain vigilant."
"Good." Neuvillette's voice softened slightly. "And Alfred, ensure that our presence in the region remains discreet. I do not wish to draw unnecessary attention to our involvement."
"Of course, my lord."
As the communication crystal dimmed, Neuvillette leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of paperwork and briefings. Neuvillette had returned into the headquarters and plunged himself into work, remaining in his office as he methodically addressed each matter that required his attention.
As night fell, the quiet hum of the Palais Mermonia was interrupted by the sound of gentle rain against the windows. Neuvillette stood by the glass, his hands clasped behind his back as he watched the water cascade down in intricate patterns.
Gabriel's words from earlier echoed in his mind, "Do you think things will ever go back to the way they were?"
He sighed softly. The past was a weight he had long learned to carry, but some days it felt heavier than others.
Turning away from the window, he resumed his work, the rain providing a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. The world was ever-changing, and his role as arbiter demanded that he adapt with it.
But in moments like these, he allowed himself a brief moment to wonder: Would there ever truly be peace?
And if there was, would he recognize it when it came?
As the night deepened, Neuvillette's thoughts drifted once more to Kuoh Town. He made a silent promise to himself: If the situation escalated, he would not hesitate to act.
***
Meanwhile, across the country in Kuoh Town, a high school student with spiky brown hair and light brown eyes leaned against a railing as he thought.
"Ughh, being a teenager's the worst. At this rate jerking off to porn is the closest I'll ever get to doing it before going off to college, which means I'll be a virgin forever ughh."
The boy frustratingly pressed his face against the railing before hearing the steps of someone nearby, looking up and finding a beautiful girl staring at him.
Her soft, feminine voice echoed in his ears as she spoke, "Excuse me, you're Issei Hyoudou from Kuoh Academy right? Or am I wrong?"
Issei looked up, immediately staring at her and admiring her beauty.
"Hey, if there's anything I can help you with." He said, a bit nervous that a real girl was actually talking to him.
"Sort of...I just wanted to ask you a quick question. Are you seeing anyone right now?" The girl asks.
"Now? No." Issei responded confused.
"That's wonderful." The girl responds.
"In that case, since you're single, do you think you'd like to go out with me? My name is Yuuma, Yuuma Amano!"