In Palais Mermonia, inside Neuvillette's office.
Clorinde watched Arlecchino's retreating figure, then looked at Neuvillette and quietly asked, "Do you really trust her?"
Neuvillette shook his head.
"Not at all. It's just… for now, my goal and her goal are the same. We both want to know what kind of existence the Hydro Archon's consort is. So, we've temporarily reached an agreement."
Clorinde said nothing, falling into a brief silence.
Just now, the Knave and Neuvillette formally reached an agreement, the content of which was to jointly investigate what kind of existence the consort truly was.
Neuvillette agreed, and after his agreement, the Knave shared a portion of the information she had gathered.
For example: sometimes Furina would talk to herself, not knowing what she was saying; sometimes she would gaze at a spot beside her where there was nothing but air; when speaking, she would occasionally stumble, as if thinking, but more like listening to something.
In short, it was more information about Furina's strange behavior.
"Temporarily reached an agreement… I hope so."
With that, Clorinde put down the document in her hand, then turned and walked towards the door. However, just as she lifted her foot, the office door opened, and a voice familiar to both of them came from the doorway.
"Neuvillette!"
The light blue young woman subconsciously called Neuvillette's name with her usual tone, but this time, because she had little strength, her voice was much softer.
Upon seeing Clorinde in the room, Furina seemed to realize something and cautiously asked, "Are you discussing something? Should I leave first?"
Clorinde looked at Furina, then at Neuvillette, then back at Furina, shaking her head gently. "We just finished talking; it's fine now."
After speaking, she nodded slightly to Neuvillette, then bowed slightly to Furina, and left the office.
The office door was closed by Clorinde. At this moment, only Neuvillette, Furina, and Liu Yuan, who was currently browsing books in Neuvillette's office, remained.
Neuvillette's gaze gave a slight indication, and Furina understood, then sat directly in the chair in front of Neuvillette's desk.
"Miss Furina, is there something you need from me?"
"Oh! I do have something that might trouble you." Furina hesitated, then asked, "Are you… busy lately?"
Neuvillette paused for a moment, seemingly in thought, then honestly replied, "It's manageable. The affairs of Palais Mermonia are within an acceptable range, and I still have some free time."
"Then… would you consider performing in an opera together?"
The cat was out of the bag, indeed, this was Furina's goal. She wanted Neuvillette to play the role of the 'Minister,' because in all of Fontaine, when it came to dignity, the first person everyone thought of was Neuvillette!
It could be said that Neuvillette almost perfectly fit the character setting of the 'Minister.' Neuvillette wouldn't need to act; he would only need to play himself and remember his lines, which would be incredibly simple.
However, as the Chief Justice, Neuvillette likely had many responsibilities and perhaps not much free time, and he might even reject her invitation. This was why Furina hesitated about inviting him.
But now that she was here, she naturally had to try inviting him! What if it succeeded?
"Opera?"
Neuvillette was slightly taken aback, then suddenly thought of something and asked, "Are you talking about the one you've been rehearsing with the Lake Light Troupe recently?"
"Mm, yes, that's the one! I found a role that's perfect for you. Do you want to make a guest appearance? Don't worry, you only need to say your lines, and there aren't many scenes!"
Furina quickly said, but Neuvillette nodded gently and replied, "Okay."
Furina froze, blinking. "Huh?"
"I said, I accept your invitation to participate in the opera." Neuvillette said calmly.
"Huh? You just agreed?!"
Furina looked at Neuvillette in disbelief, somewhat not trusting her ears. She still had a whole list of reasons she hadn't even said yet!
"Mm, I agreed, but…"
I knew there'd be a 'but'!
Furina immediately nodded. "I agree, I agree! As long as you participate!"
Furina quickly agreed, afraid that Neuvillette would change his mind. Her decisive manner made Neuvillette fall silent again.
"Okay, I will participate."
"Mm-hmm, that's fine, that's fine."
Furina nodded in satisfaction. She had originally thought she would need to spend more time persuading him, but it turned out to be so simple. This way, the character problem was solved.
Hmm… once I recover in a few days, it'll be time for a full rehearsal from beginning to end! Oh right… the ending needs to be decided quickly too…
Furina fell into thought. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she looked at Neuvillette. "Oh right, what were you about to say just now?"
"I'd like to meet Miss Yuan."
"Oh, that… huh?"
Furina was slightly stunned, somewhat at a loss.
"What did you say?"
"I'd like to meet your Consort."
Neuvillette's voice was calm, as always, yet it left Furina completely unsure how to respond.
Her mind instantly connected it to what she had read in the newspaper yesterday!
Damn it! Neuvillette wouldn't be asking about that, would he? He wouldn't be trying to ask what the relationship between me and Liu Yuan is, would he?
How should I answer? Should I tell the truth, but if I tell the truth, will something go wrong?
Oh no, what should I do?!
Furina stood frozen, not knowing how to answer. However, the next moment, a familiar figure stood in front of her.
"Liu Yuan?"
Furina subconsciously spoke, but then instantly realized and immediately reached out to cover her mouth.
She had just subconsciously called out Liu Yuan's name!!!
"Liu Yuan?"
Neuvillette softly uttered the name, looking at the figure before him, which was not composed of hydro elements, but was incredibly real, then softly said, "Hello… Miss Yuan?"
Liu Yuan didn't speak, but calmly glanced at Neuvillette, then turned to look at Furina, reaching out to gently pinch the still-dazed Furina's cheek.
This intimate gesture instantly brought Furina back to reality. She didn't remove the hand pinching her cheek but wanted to say something.
However, just as she was about to speak, the hand pinching her cheek gently released, and then an index finger was placed vertically on her lips, stopping the words she wanted to say.
The young woman with deep blue eyes smiled as she spoke to the young woman.
"Don't worry, leave it to me."
~•— ❦ —•~
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