Maybe, maybe not. [ Neuvillette schools his expression into that of careful neutrality as the other man mentions the vishaps. It's not the first time someone has suggested a relation between their Iudex the Hydro vishaps that live deep in the woods of Erinnyes, away from the prying eyes of humans. They're elusive to the point that confirmed sightings in the last century can be counted on one hand, and the only one Neuvillette interacts with on a semi-regular basis usually takes the form of a Melusine. The notion that their dear Iudex is one of them has long been dismissed as a conspiracy theory on par with suggesting that Teyvat is round and not flat as a disc.

Of course, the truth is often stranger than fiction. Not all vishaps are dragons, but all dragons are vishaps. ]

I prefer not to disclose what species I am—all I will tell you that despite the rumors, I am not the sole male Melusine.

[ Normally he would simply not say anything at all and let him theorize freely, but there's about Zhongli that makes him decide to steer the conversation away from this particular topic. The man seems to possess a great wealth of knowledge and may even know a thing or two about Teyvat's ancient past, despite the Usurper-King's attempt to sweep it under the rug after establishing the present world order.

Then Zhongli poses him a question and he brings his hand up to his chin, watching the flicker of flames dancing in the fireplace as he considers his answer. ]

Reconciliation is an ongoing process, I believe. I... find myself at a loss with human behavior at times, because it's difficult to understand and don't come naturally to an outsider such as myself. Nevertheless, I strive to be impartial in all aspects of my conduct as the Iudex. Impartiality is the foundation of all judicial proceedings.