arcaico | A violent snow dances in the swirling wind

A violent snow dances in the swirling wind

[Zhongli had never been particularly fond of Mondstadt's weather. It was a stark contrast to the ever-temperate climate of Liyue. The relentless chill in the air, the gusty winds that cut through his layers of clothing, it all felt foreign to him. He pulls his coat tighter, seeking refuge in the warmth it provides. He couldn't help but wonder how the people of Mondstadt managed to cope with this daily.

As he gazes up at the snowy hills of Dragonspine that loom over the lodging, he recalls the stories the Traveler had shared, tales of a thrumming heart buried within the tallest mountain. It's an idea that has been etched into his mind ever since, a concept that captivates his very being. He can't help but think of it as if it resonates with the depths of his soul.

With a sigh, Zhongli begins to unpack his sparse belongings, silently marvelling at the novelty of it all. Travelling with a small suitcase was an unusual experience for him, a reminder of the human existence he had chosen to embrace after retiring from his position as the Geo Archon.

The snow outside makes him shiver involuntarily, a spine-tingling idea of the biting cold outside. But as frigid as the air must be, it's not as chilling as the presence of his new roommate, Neuvillette.

Zhongli has observed Neuvillette from a distance, graceful and enigmatic. Familiar, in a way, and yet entirely foreign. He had not expected the Chief Justice of Fontaine to look fondly upon him—in fact, he had no expectations at all except how great and fair the Iudex is. However, he can't help but note how much of a contrast to his own essence he may be, one that exudes the warmth of earth and stone. As he unpacks his belongings, he can't help but feel a certain unease in the room, a tension that seems to emanate from the silent figure across from him.

Why Venti had suddenly decided to room them both together is beyond him. Venti had merely narrowed his eyes in mirth, tittering as he mentioned something about sturdiness, keeping his tangential and vague whenever he wishes to escape from between Zhongli's fingers.

The blizzard outside begins to intensify, the relentless howling of the wind making itself known, A sudden reminder that perhaps, isolation is frequent in this place. Zhongli glances at the window, his eyes narrowing as he senses something beneath the turmoil of the blizzard, a heartbeat, a pulse of something ancient and powerful. In the midst of the storm, he wonders if he's the only one who can feel it, the hidden heart of Dragonspine, echoing through the very foundations of their temporary shelter.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ So something like Elynas then, possibly, if the bard wasn't making up a drunken tale. Maybe something that came to Mondstadt during the Cataclysm and eventually perished on this mountain, its remains eventually becoming part of this hostile landscape as its heart continues to reverberate like a distant crashing of waves upon barren shores. Is that why this area feels almost unnatural in its coldness? Or perhaps something happened long before the Cataclysm wrought destruction upon the land.

The snowflakes that had caught on his hair and eyelashes before they made it into the safety of the cabin have begun to melt, changing from Cryo into Hydro—and with this transition, he senses some residual emotions from a distant past within the droplets that makes him pause in the middle of taking neatly-folded clothes out of his leather trunk. The fear of imminent death, though he cannot surmise anything more specific than that.

(A civilization that flourished on a once verdant mountain, destroyed by a nail cast down by the divine. Someone was caught in its blast radius and now their final emotion is frozen in time within the eternal snow.)

Spacing out for second, it takes him a short but noticeable moment for him to realize that he's been asked a question. ]

...Not particularly. [ Neuvillette can recite a few famous poems he's heard in his centuries of life and spent a few evenings doing research on different types of poetry and the way they are structured to prepare himself for the gala so he won't be a complete embarrassment in front of the audience tomorrow, but that hardly makes him well-versed on the topic. He possesses a smattering of knowledge and nothing more than that, if you ask him. ]

To be frank, I would rather be in my office drafting tax legislation, but Lady Furina insisted that I come with her.

[Zhongli listens to Neuvillette's response, and there's a hint of empathy in his amber eyes as he takes in the slight weariness in the other man's voice. Not particularly well-versed in poetry, he says, and Zhongli can't help but wonder how taxing this venture must be for him. The thought of Neuvillette preferring his office and the drafting of tax legislation over the arts is intriguing.]

Your dedication to your work is admirable, Monsieur Neuvillette, [Zhongli remarks, genuine respect for the man's commitment to his responsibilities evident in his voice. It's a trait he can appreciate, having spent countless years in his own role as the Geo Archon and the God of Contracts.]

Lady Furina is quite persuasive, [Zhongli remarks with a faint smile.] But perhaps, Monsieur Neuvillette, she recognized the need for a change of scenery. A moment to breathe and appreciate the beauty of art and nature.

[Well, he does glance at the window, small frostflakes forming against the panes.] I will admit, however, that I do not care much for this weather.

She does have a habit of telling me that I should get out of the office more often. [ To which he always responds by reminding her that he cannot be derelict in his duties as the Chief Justice; crime does not have the day off and therefore he must work around the clock as well, to ensure that the law is upheld throughout the country and that everything runs like the gears in well-greased clockwork meka. His responsibilities come before any personal considerations and wants.

If a breather is necessary, all he needs is a trip to Merusea to spend some time in the company of the Melusines, watching Mamere paint or listening to Cosanzeana talk about her latest gardening attempt. He doesn't need to come all the way to Liyue when the things he appreciates are close to his office. ]

Perhaps I would appreciate the scenery more if I could see any of it. [ Unfortunately, the snowstorm completely obscures what could have been a beautiful vista of Bishui Plain. ]

Or if I were warm-blooded. My kind regulates body heat through external sources, so these temperatures aren't good for me.

[ Pausing in his unpacking, Neuvillette straightens and heads over to the stone fireplace to see if it's in good working condition and if the firewood in the iron holder next to it has gone rotten. There isn't a lot of it though; it'll probably last a few hours if he can get a fire going, but definitely not through the night. ]

[Zhongli's curiosity is piqued as Neuvillette mentions his kind and their unique method of regulating body heat through external sources. The notion is fascinating to him, for it hints at something deep and primal, something ancient and powerful, such as the power of the mountain. The mysteries that surround Neuvillette only deepen with each passing moment.]

I'm afraid I don't follow. [Zhongli begins, his voice carrying a sense of genuine curiosity. Then, remembers himself, as he's not supposed to be much if not perhaps somewhat adeptal to the eyes of most ('you've seen the lawyer in town? He's the same' he had heard). There's something in Neuvillette's manner, the way he speaks of his kind, that stirs a faint memory deep within Zhongli. It's a familiarity tinged with foreignness, an enigma he can't quite decipher. He offers him a wry smile.] I don't wish to press further, mind. I was just curious.

[As Neuvillette busies himself with inspecting the fireplace and the available firewood, Zhongli takes a moment to survey their lodgings. The cabin exudes an old-world charm, the wooden beams and rustic furnishings adding a touch of nostalgia to the place. The closet in the corner catches his attention, and he decides to investigate. As he opens the door, it squeaks softly, protesting against its infrequent use.

Inside, among the dust-covered shelves, he discovers a heavy, soft blanket, its quilt clearly of Mondstadtian make. It's a comforting sight amidst the rustic simplicity of the cabin, and he can't help but think it might offer some solace in the face of the blizzard outside.

Returning to Neuvillette's side, Zhongli holds up the blanket, a silent offer of warmth.] Would this help, Monsieur?

[ Looking around, Neuvillette finds an old newspaper lying in a corner, yellowed almost to the point it's brown; thirty years old, according to the date printed on the front page. He tears out several pages and crumples them into loose balls before chucking them into the fireplace. Next is the kindling, which he arranges in a criss-cross structure over the newspaper. Finally, he checks if the logs are dry before placing them on top of the kindling. Now he just needs to light a fire; luckily, there's an old matchbox sitting on the fireplace mantel.

Taking a match out, the Iudex strikes it against the side of the box—but it does not ignite. He tries again. Nothing. A third time with a different match, and this time it alights for a brief second before flickering and blowing out before he has the chance to throw it into the kindling.

By the time Zhongli returns, Neuvillette has gone through most of the matchbox but the fireplace remains unlit. ]

Ah... thank you. Yes, I'm sure it will help. [ Taking the offered blanket, Neuvillette wraps it around his shoulders and pulls it tight around his body to trap as much heat as possible. ]

The matches I found appear to be too degraded to be usable. [ He pauses briefly, remembering the Geo Vision he'd seen hanging from the small of Zhongli's back earlier. ] Could you perhaps create some flint to start a fire with?

[Zhongli observes Neuvillette's valiant attempts to start a fire, an appreciative nod acknowledging the effort.]

Of course, [Zhongli says. But before he does move, he falters.] Ah, before I go. May I? [Zhongli asks politely, showing his hands, and with a faint, almost self-conscious smile, he adjusts the blanket around Neuvillette's shoulders, taking a moment to carefully brush his long hair back behind his shoulders and over the blanket instead of underneath. He has long hair as well, after all.] There. Now excuse me for a moment.

[He moves towards the door, sparing a thought for the snowstorm outside, and then opens it just a crack, enough to let in a slight draft without inviting the full force of the blizzard.

With his hand extended beyond the threshold, Zhongli reaches out into the cold, his fingers briefly exposed to the biting winds. It's a calculated risk, a reminder that even in his more human form, he still retains some degree of power. When he withdraws his hand and closes the door, he reveals a small shard of flint held within his palm.]

Here you go, Monsieur Neuvillette, [he offers the flint with a gentle smile.] I hope this will do the trick. Let's see if we can bring some warmth to this place.

[ Neuvillette nods in affirmation to go ahead, his shoulders relaxing somewhat as he feels the other man adjust his hair so it's over the blanket instead; now this is much better. The blanket doesn't completely ward off the cold, but it does keep the worst of it from biting through his clothes and makes him feel like it's no longer about to take up permanent residence in his bones and push his body into a state of hibernation. ]

All right. [ While Zhongli heads toward the door, Neuvillette steps into the kitchenette to see if there's a suitable knife that can be used to strike against the flint until sparks fly into the tinder; after pulling out nearly all of the drawers, he finds a small pocket knife. He gives it a quick examination for any visible signs of damage or wear and aside from some discolouration as an early sign of rust, it seems to be in good condition.

He returns to the fireplace and once Zhongli does the same, he takes the offered flint with a glint of appreciation in his eyes. ]

Again, thank you. This should do nicely. [ Now comes the difficult part, because he isn't used to lighting fires in this manner. Or lighting fires in general. Crouching, he holds the flint above the tinder with the sharpest edge toward the knife in his opposite hand. With a quick downward motion, he strikes the knife repeatedly—for a solid minute or so, nothing happens. But he keeps trying until he finally generates a viable spark that flies into the tinder and begins to eat the wood hungrily. ]

[Zhongli watches with quiet curiosity as Neuvillette takes the flint and attempts to coax a spark into the waiting tinder. The small, persistent motions of the knife against the flint catch his attention, and he finds himself drawn to the process. How many times has he spent watching the blacksmiths work and all the sparks they release when working with fire? He's lost count by now, and this is equally mesmerizing.

Even if the minute of struggle feels longer in the peaceful cabin, the tension building until finally, a spark ignites the tinder. Zhongli can't help but feel a surge of appreciation for Neuvillette's persistence, release a sigh of relief. The flickering flames gradually grow, casting a warm glow across the room.]

Very well done, Monsieur Neuvillette, [Zhongli commends, the smile on his face warm and genuine.] Your efforts have brought us a much-needed source of warmth. You have my thanks.

[As he speaks, Zhongli spots two slightly worn pillows on the rickety couch in the room. He retrieves the pillows, dusts them off, and places them beside Neuvillette, on the floor.]

There we go, [Zhongli settles onto one of the makeshift cushions.] Given our limited wood, it might be best to conserve it until later in the day. Perhaps before we retire for the night, to keep the cabin as warm as possible.

[ Neuvillette doesn't sit down right away, instead picking up the metal poker beside the fireplace and jostles the logs around a bit to help it burn more evenly. He then settles next to the other man and feels the chill begin to leave his limbs, making him relax in the glow of warmth emanating from the fire lapping at the firewood, the crackling sounds forming an almost soothing melody. ]

Yes, that would be the wisest course to take. [ He pauses for a moment, thinking. ] ...We could also break some of the furniture into firewood, perhaps.

[ Though he can't say he particularly likes this particular line of thought given that the cabin was rented out from the Adventurers' Guild (if he had to guess, it was the cheapest lodging that bard could find) and it'll reflect poorly on Fontaine if their venerable Iudex were to start chopping up somebody else's property... but on the other hand, he would rather issue an apology and reimburse the Guild for replacement furniture than suffer through the cold. ]

You have my thanks, [Zhongli repeats, his amber eyes reflecting genuine appreciation as he settles comfortably on the makeshift cushion. The worn pillows may lack the opulence of his former abode, but in this humble setting, they offer a welcome touch of comfort.

As Neuvillette tends to the fire, rearranging the logs with the metal poker, Zhongli allows his gaze to wander around the cabin. The idea of breaking furniture for firewood does cross his mind, but he understands the delicate balance between warmth and propriety. Fontaine's reputation must be upheld, even in the face of the biting cold.]

Oh? I appreciate the thought, Monsieur, [Zhongli's tone is thoughtful, cautious. This may err on the side of a breach of contract, despite this lodging being given by that Bard. Still, desperate times lean towards desperate measures.] I believe it would be best to refrain from dismantling the furniture. We might find a more suitable solution when the need arises.

I do admit I find the idea rather tempting, but you're right. We should only consider doing so as a last resort after we've exhausted all other conceivable options.

[ He will simply have to endure in the name of propriety... it's not like cold temperatures can possibly kill a Sovereign, anyway—though prolonged exposure does come with the risk of putting him in a state of torpor which could possibly last weeks or even months. Given his responsibilities as the Iudex, he would very much prefer to avoid being out of commission for that long.

Tugging the blanket even tighter around himself, the Chief Justice pulls his legs to his chest to preserve as much of the heat as possible. Falling silent for a few seconds, he thinks on what else they can do in this this situation they've found themselves in. ]

Was this the only blanket you could find?

[ If burning the furniture isn't an option for the time being, then they should focus their efforts on minimizing heat loss; perhaps by bundling up in as many blankets as possible. ]

[Zhongli glances around the cabin, his eyes falling on the bed in the corner. A realization dawns on him; there is only one extra blanket visible. The thought brings a furrow to his brow, considering the snowy location of Dragonspine.]

It appears so, [he replies, a faint note of puzzlement in his voice.] Odd, isn't it? One would think that in such a snowy place, the owners might have left more provisions for warmth. Perhaps they did not anticipate the cabin being rented so promptly.

[Or a certain Bard had other plans in mind. Who knows what goes on in his head at this point.

A subtle creaking sound interrupts their conversation. Zhongli's gaze shifts upward, noting the ageing wooden beams overhead. The weight of the accumulating snow is evident in the subtle groans and creaks of the cabin roof.]

It seems the snow is thickening above us, [Zhongli remarks, a touch of concern in his voice.] If it continues, we may need to remain in place for quite a while until the snow relents. We should consider all possibilities to ensure our comfort and safety during this unexpected stay.

[And then, a slight sigh.] I'm not sure where the others are resting, but I hope they're in a better predicament than ours.

[ Neuvillette likewise steers his gaze upwards, concern rising in his stomach when his ears register the creaking sound, faint but loud enough to set him somewhat on edge. The cabin must have been built to last harsh weather, surely, but what if today will be the day the wood begins to splinter under the weight of ice and snow? Few buildings can truly stand the test of time and he does not know how old this particular cabin is. ]

I don't know about the others, but Lady Furina mentioned that she would be lodging in Qingce Village. She's probably satisfying her sweet tooth with local delicacies at this very moment.

[ Neuvillette really wishes he was in Qingce right now, by her side where he belongs. He has only seen illustrations of the terraced fields of flowers there, but he imagines that mere drawings do not accurately convey their beauty and would like to see them with his own eyes. Qingce also has the best water in all of Liyue... though, to be fair, the bar isn't exactly high when most water from south of Bishui Plain has an unpleasant aftertaste of metals and sulfuric acid caused by all the mining in the region. The closer to the Chasm, the worse the water tastes. Another thing to judge Morax for, in the highly unlikely event of his full power returning to him.

Once they get out of here, he will be giving that bard some stern words about his poor choice of lodging. If Wangshu Inn was fully booked, why not arrange lodgings for all of them in Qingce instead of separating them? The village is a retirement spot for the elderly, surely there's plenty of room for a group. But he'll think about what he's going to say to Venti later; he has more important things to deal with right now. ]

...If the idea does not make you uncomfortable, we should share the bed. Two bodies will conserve heat more than one.

[Zhongli's thoughts momentarily drift to Qingce Village at Neuvillette's mention of Lady Furina's lodging choice. His eyes soften with a fondness for the picturesque village, a place he has visited often and admires for its tranquillity and prosperity.]

Qingce Village truly is a remarkable place. [His voice takes on a nostalgic tone as he begins to explain the village's charms.] Lady Furina is in a much better place than we are. I hope she enjoys the golden hues of the setting sun, there. I find it quite a unique sight, especially with the chatter of villagers when they begin to settle in for the night.

[He catches himself, realizing that he might be veering into unnecessary detail.] Apologies, [Zhongli says with a faint smile, acknowledging his tendency to get carried away.] I tend to ramble when it comes to the beauty of places I hold dear.

[And the ones he does have a soft spot for. He often visits Qingce to see old friends and their progeny. Ah—Neuvillette's proposal to share the bed draws Zhongli's attention back to the present, and for a moment, he is surprised by the suggestion. However, considering the biting cold and the limited provisions, he soon considers the practicality of the idea. After a thoughtful pause, Zhongli nods.]

That is a pragmatic solution. If it's agreeable to you, then it is to me. Though, [he pauses, a slight slant to his eyebrows giving way to a frown.] I hope it won't make you uncomfortable. I understand the value of personal space.

I'll manage. [ The Iudex replies, watching as the flickering of the flames casts long shadows throughout the room. ] I do prefer to maintain my personal space, but in present circumstances I don't mind a little discomfort if it means conserving heat more effectively.

[ It's not ideal at all, but it's not like he has much choice in the matter. They're trapped in a cabin with a howling blizzard outside and a limited quantity of food and firewood inside. Pragmatism is the only way ahead, especially if it takes a long time before the weather relents and slows to a mild scatter of flecks. But if things take a turn for the worse, Zhongli's wellbeing should take priority, even at the expense of his own—although Neuvillette can't quite tell what manner of creature he is other than not a human or a true dragon, it's not unreasonable to assume that he is a being more fragile than himself. ]

Your words paint quite the picture of Qingce Village and take my attention away from the cold, somewhat. [ So he can't say he minds his rambling; he'll gladly take anything that helps him think about other things. The timbre of his voice is rather pleasant to listen to, as well. ]

I hope I get the chance to visit the village before it's time to return to Fontaine.

[Zhongli finds himself offering a sincere sentiment.] I hope you do get the chance to visit. It truly is a place of tranquillity and natural beauty. It is a haven for those seeking respite.

Oh? [He can't help but be slightly encouraged.] I happen to have a good memory for stories, and I've had plenty of opportunities to travel. If you wish me to continue, I would be happy to.

[There's something on a wall, a carving in the wood from perhaps an adventurer who had been previously lodged here. Perhaps two, if the heart shape around the two initials says anything. Zhongli observes the shifting flames in the fireplace, casting dancing shadows across the groves. Neuvillette's pragmatism recognises the necessity of the situation. However, he can't shake a lingering concern for his companion's comfort.] If at any point you find the arrangement uncomfortable, please don't hesitate to let me know. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and we can explore alternative solutions, [Zhongli offers, his amber eyes reflecting genuine concern.] Our circumstances are not ideal, but we can make the best of it. Let us bask in the warmth for a while longer and then settle on the bed. It will be evening quite soon, I believe.

[ What Neuvillette wants is to shake his head and say that Zhongli's wellbeing is of greater importance than his own, but the words remain unspoken on his tongue; it's been a long day and he doesn't particularly want to risk sparking a debate on who matters more between the two of them. If something makes him uncomfortable, perhaps he will simply say nothing so they won't have to explore these alternative solutions to accommodate him. So he simply nods as he responds. ]

I agree. This situation is far from ideal, but we ought to make the best of the situation we've been handed. A negative outlook will not improve our circumstances. [ It's spoken as he observes the way the dancing flames cast jittery shadows across the planes of Zhongli's face and make the amber of his eyes glint like a spark struck from flint. They don't catch one's attention the way Lady Furina does with her heterochromatic eyes with pupils like teardrops, but they are striking nonetheless. ]

Please, do continue; I am greatly interested in hearing more. In return, perhaps you would like to hear about some of Fontaine's unusual laws?

[He shifts on the makeshift cushion, settling into a more comfortable position. The fire fills the cabit with crackling warmth, making it cozier. Zhongli starts to feel the higher planes of his cheeks being touched by the glow of the embers. He is genuinely surprised by Neuvillette's request, and delight spreads across his features. Sharing stories and exchanging glimpses into each other's worlds, whether inner or outer, is one of his favorite past times, after all. He smiles openly, a glint of curiosity gleaming in his eyes.] Why, of course. I'd be delighted to share stories with you.

Fontaine's unusual laws, you say? Consider me intrigued. [Zhongli's tone holds a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity. Not so much because of Fontaine's rigid red tape system, which is infamous all across Teyvat, but the feelings of the one person who is said to be the axis of the whole system regarding it.] Does the Chief Justice of Fontaine find certain laws within his jurisdiction peculiar?

[ Neuvillette adjusts the blanket around his shoulders a little as he considers Fontaine's numerous laws and regulations that are as plentiful as blades of grass in a field. Which would a foreigner be likely to find strange and unusual? The one about how no domestic pets can be named after Furina, perhaps? On second thought, maybe not. Liyue probably has similar laws about naming pets after Rex Lapis. After a brief moment of silence, one law comes to mind. ]

Two months ago, a law banning restaurants from serving pineapple on pizza was implemented. I personally found it pointless, but Lady Furina insisted on going forward with it; her reasoning for it is that the juices damage the structural integrity of the slice and create an unpleasant contrast between sweet and savory.

[Zhongli's eyebrows arch in surprise at the specificity of the law Neuvillette shares. How peculiar and highly detailed, even for Fontaine's extensive legal system. As he contemplates the reasoning behind it, Zhongli can't help but find it amusing and, in some ways, the specificity of it all suits him.]

Pineapple on pizza, [Zhongli muses, a thoughtful expression on his face as he curls a finger in front of his chin.] How interesting of a choice for regulation. It appears Lady Furina has a very discerning palate. From what I know, the challenge lies not just in creating a dish that satisfies the taste buds but also in managing the practical aspects of the ingredients. The chef would need to be quite experienced and precise—allowing the juices to flow from the pineapple but not enough to soggy the dough and ruin the texture of the fruit. Hmm, they would be fighting the very same recipe, to an extent. Perhaps a very low heat, for around 4 hours, would do the trick.

[He tilts his head, considering the intricacies involved.] Perhaps that particular law is not merely about restriction but also about encouraging excellence and skill. Do you enjoy pineapple on pizza, Monsieur?

I've never had any kind of pizza, Monsieur.

[ Compared to Lady Furina, Neuvillette is far less adventurous with food and he has never even been known to have given any sincere praise to the most renowned dishes made by the finest chefs in the land. On most days, he dines with Furina and eats whatever her personal chef has prepared for them that day, but when he isn't doing that he mostly eats soup (one of the few things he knows how to cook), or raw fish he keeps in a bucket in his fridge; as a creature of the sea, he does not have the palate of a human and vastly prefers fish, cephalopods, and other marine invertebrates over the majority of dishes humans typically consume. Pizza does not look appealing to him. ]

Personally, I don't see how this ban is of benefit to anyone. It would make more sense to ban alcohol, tobacco, or Fonta—a beverage known to cause kidney problems.

[ He is not exaggerating about the kidney problems. ]

[The mention of having never tried any pizza intrigues him at first. Still, he understands that individual tastes can be quite specific, and vary according to everyone's upbringing and context.]

Ah, I see. [ Considering Neuvillette's dietary preferences, he smiles slightly.] Pizza is indeed a diverse and versatile dish. There's no universal agreement on what makes a perfect pizza. Perhaps you'll find one kind that's more to your taste if you're ever curious.

[The chief justice's practical and health-oriented perspective makes sense, and Zhongli appreciates it. It's thoughtful, and he understands wishing for people to be in their best of health.] You raise a valid point. Banning substances known for their adverse health effects might indeed have a more significant impact on the well-being of the populace. However, culinary preferences and dietary choices often have cultural and personal significance, and laws related to them can be subjective.

[He considers the matter further, leaning back and uncrossing and crossing his legs leisurely in front of the fire, enjoying the fire and adjusting his position on the cushion underneath him.] Do the laws undergo revisions often in Fontaine? Or not at all?

We do our best to review and amend existing laws to keep pace with the changing needs of our society. Sometimes they're simply reworked for clarity because amendments over decades often make the statutes cumbersome to understand, sometimes it's to close loopholes, and so on. Some laws are repealed when they have served their purpose—or in some cases, to remove inconsistencies.

[ Neuvillette knows that ideally, he should keep his knees pressed up against his chest to keep the heat loss to a minimum, but this position isn't a particularly comfortable one in to be in for more than a few minutes at a time—so when the man next to him crosses his legs, he finds himself stretching his own out, his calves tingling a little as circulation returns to them. He definitely isn't used to sitting on anything other than a cushy desk chair or the judge's seat in the Opera Epiclese.

Once Zhongli finishes adjusting his position on the cushion, the Iudex continues. ]

But given sheer size and complexity of Fontaine's legal system and its myriad rules, it can take years or decades for a law to be updated; some archaic laws are still on the books even though they should have been scrapped centuries ago.

[Zhongli listens attentively as Neuvillette provides insight into Fontaine's legal system. Revising and amending laws to adapt to the changing needs of society reflects a certain degree of pragmatism in governance, a trait he appreciates.]

Ah, you have a rather intricate job in your hands, Monsieur, [he can't help but sigh at it, even if he remarks with a thoughtful smile.] It is a delicate balancing act of tradition and evolution. Even gods seem to have trouble with it, with what we know of them. Such endeavors must demand a careful examination of the societal fabric and an understanding of the changing of times. I must say, I do not envy your position but admire it nonetheless.

[He tilts his head, his amber eyes gleaming in the firelight.] I'm sure you have any memorable moments in your work. Perhaps for their uniqueness or perhaps their historical significance?

The law is a complicated thing that touches all aspects of our lives, be it in a discreet indirect manner or a direct controlling fashion. My work is difficult, but I take pride in what I do and what I have achieved.

[ Crossing one outstretched leg over the other, Neuvillette considers the question posed to him. He's handled tens of thousands of cases over these past centuries, with many of them standing out in one way or another. When it comes to historically significant cases, Vautrin standing trial for murder comes to mind—it was through his actions and Carole's self-sacrifice that the Melusines began to solidify their place in Fontainian society.

Ah, but perhaps that might be a little too dark to tell in front of a fireplace like this. He'll have to think of something less significant but still memorable in some fashion... ]

Sixty years ago, a man was charged with shooting another man in the stomach during a bar fight. His defense attorney, Beaussant, posited that victim had actually shot himself trying to withdraw his pistol while rising to stand. To prove his theory, Beaussant decided to give the court a visual demonstration of what he believed had happened. Selecting a pistol he believed to be unloaded, he then accidentally fired it into his abdomen as he pulled it out of his pocket.

Edited (belatedly spots a typo) 2024-01-31 08:13 (UTC)

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why is he so long-winded

because he's the pizza archon

his true origins, revealed

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