He would honestly not be surprised, if the Steambird went that far ... Those reporters are always following him around during those balls. Asking invasive questions about his private life and criticising his marital status because he's always single.

It's quite frustrating ...

His gaze flicked between the crab and the Warden. Pausing to allow the question to register.

" Well, yes. But ——— How will it fit in the Palais' kitchens ? "

Neuvillette ignored the shocked gasps from the crowd, upon seeing the giant grab being hauled out of the water by a single man. He noted a few feminine giggles and words of admiration towards " the handsome mystery man ".

Well, that was to be expected ... +

Wriothesley is very kind. Neuvillette will surely feel more at ease, if the Duke is present at the ball.

He'd be surprised at how many people would notice, but they can still take a break and make up an excuse about their brief absence.

" Xian ... zhou ? Is that your homeland ? " he asked curiously, hoping he hadn't butchered the pronunciation too much. " What were you wanted for, if I may ask ? "

" None that I'm aware of. "

Surely, Sigewinne will be thrilled to find out his Grace is taking the Iudex to the ball. There's no way she won't volunteer to help.

Well, Neuvillette still feels like an outsider. Mostly because he isn't human ... But it's something he's actively working on. And having Wriothesley there with him will help immensely.

He's not a fan of Lady Furina's balls. Too much noise, too many people. He prefers the quiet of his office. +

Neuvillette isn't a fan of the attention his position brings. He still thinks himself as a simple outsider. Not worthy of the people's adoration.

He would like to see his Grace in a suit though ...

" That is correct. " he nodded.

That's ... not a lie. Neuvillette usually receives a lot of invitations when such an event is coming up. And he usually shows up alone. But he will take Wriothesley up on his offer. Having a friend with him means the ball will be somewhat pleasant, at least.

And it was quite obvious, actually ...

" Indeed. Such is the job of the Chief Justice. "

" Indeed. I come here as often as my work allows. " he stated, gazing at said waves.

Iudex. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, before finally speaking.

" ... What is the meaning of this ? " 💧

He purposely didn't use Wriothesley's name or title in front of such a crowd.

Alarm bells went off in Neuvillette's head, as soon as he recognised Wriothesley. He stood there for a moment longer, watching the scene unfold alongside everyone else. Then his feet led him closer to the man and the giant crab, causing whispers throughout the crowd, once he was recognised as the +

Neuvillette sat there, stiffly. He wasn't used to having another dragon around. " Good afternoon. " he greeted in his usual, very professional manner.

He's just ... going to sit in the sand, next to @oflunartides.bsky.social. His own tail visible and swishing nervously. He hasn't let anyone see it in five centuries.

Hm ? 💧

What's so funny ? 💧

Does he really look like an otter ... ? 💧

Is this hid Grace's way of saying he wants to escort Neuvillette ?

That's good, at least ... 💧

That's hardly an excuse. 💧

How is that going to help ? 💧

He does not, actually.

Probably. 💧

Another one of Lady Furina's balls is coming up. He gets a headache just thinking about it.

He is very much worried about it ... 💧

... 💧

Neuvillette will leave him to it, then. It's a good thing he's a judge, not a military man. He would've been too embarrassed to do any of this.

Does it ... ? 💧