A polite smile was returned.

"You seem parched...and given the weather, I did not wish for one in my vicinity to succumb to the heat."

--
"My name is Neuvillette. Thank you for your time in guiding me through your collection."

--
The human woman before him held more than just a simple call as a librarian...there was a part of him, now having connected with his powers to its completion, that felt as though she was more connected to the current human world than others were.

--

--
From those engagements...

Perhaps, he would enjoy the stories that are present to educate the youths and tickle the minds of adults.

He smiled.

"Yes...I would be grateful to read a classic as you recommend."

--

A classic Mondstadt fairytale...

He had not indulged much into the culture of the human establishment of Mondstadt...
He had only heard rumours...and small tales from the few that journey to Fontaine for diplomatic relations.

--

--
The Dragon Sovereign offered a hand to the other.

"What is your name?"

Someone important...

He supposed he would be considered important in Fontaine...it was not something he would call himself though it was objectively true.

Odd, that.

"You can say that," he responded, smiling politely. "I am the Chief Justice of Fontaine, Neuvillette."

--

--
“You needn’t apologize.” His expression contained gentle concern. “I should not have queried further…” Neuvillette reached into his breast pocket to remove a handkerchief and handed it to him. “Please…tender your heart.”

--
The Dragon Sovereign unfolded a hand for the architect to grab onto if he so needed it. His other hovered over a seemingly lonely back, a gentle, thoughtful placement made shortly after - somewhat uncertain in touch as Neuvillette was not one to often comfort others.

--

--
A mirror image of the one before him, many years younger, reflected in his memory. The tears that rolled from his amber eyes and down into a more rounded jawline were clear…and certainly held a similar sorrow….though, far more raw.

--

--
The reasoning for said murder was tossed aside for happenstance…its victims simply fitted a pattern.

And for that…their life was shortened.

The victims left behind…contained perhaps the most difficult testimonies to hear.

--

-- The convoluted reasoning behind those motivations were often passion or fear-driven. Insecurities and anger held to a depth that he, as a non-human, would possibly never come to understand in his lifetime.

In this particular case…however…it was perhaps more tragic.
--

“Mister Kaveh…”

The Perlot trial was as clear as day for the Dragon Sovereign.

He had been witness to the various testimonies that contained emotional intensities that were quite…typical of these types of cases. Murders were never…easy to observe. --

|| Oh, thank you so much! That is very kind of you.
I hope you'll have a most wonderful weekend. ^^

|| Busy weekend ahead. I'll try to get responses in when I can.
Cheers everyone! (:

-- "However, if there are any you would recommend, I would be happy to hear about them."

A book?

Ah....yes. He'd found himself in a library of sorts.

Mondstadt had many notable buildings, and perhaps he'd wandered too far from his meeting place with the Acting Grandmaster.

"No, I am not..." He answered, raising a hand to gesture otherwise. His smile was polite and apologetic. --

That tuft of hair...

Was it the Duke?

The Dragon Sovereign approached, curiosity aflight.

@nastydogg.bsky.social

A glass of water for the thirsty?

@etherealdoll.bsky.social

Ahh....perhaps he overstepped.

The other seemed rather defensive...

"Fontaine," he said, bringing a hand to his chest in greeting. "I am visiting Sumeru for a business trip."

-- If you wish to talk about it, I would be happy to listen. Though, you are very much welcomed to forgo it as well.”

--
“I would be happy to receive your guidance around Sumeru,” said Neuvillette, offering a kind look. “It seemed as if I cannot fully recall the details of the trial you speak of…however, it seems to be something that was very important to you. --

--
Considering the situation, perhaps it was the most appropriate course of action…but Neuvillette was not one to shy away from more serious conversations…especially one of such deep sadness.

Still, he proceeded gently.

--

-- and Fontaine’s circumstances. The comments seemed quite chipper, though, there was a tone of sadness underneath them. It seemed like an attempt to change the topic to something brighter….and the Sovereign wondered if it was healthy for the blonde to do such a thing…

--

--
Did he wish to talk about it more…? Or did he wish to move on from the conversation…?

He always found himself in that spot when confronted with emotion.

Before he could reply, the architect had already moved onto addressing his earlier comments about Buer --

--
He was…not good with human emotions…and so he placed extra importance in his observations of actions and words…

In this case, it seemed as if…Kaveh felt safe enough to share his story with him.

--

--
“I am sorry for your loss…” Those were the words that left his mouth, though, he knew from his many experiences with those who grieved…they were often not enough. However, sometimes, it was all what they allowed someone else to say - so as not to have anymore prying occur.

--

At the shift in tone and gravity of the conversation, Neuvillette began to attend to the architect’s facial features more. His body language. It all seemed to close alongside the sharing of his story, drawing a familiar pang of ‘sadness’ to his chest.

--

|| It's a slightly tougher day for me today. ^^ Will attempt to get back to Neuvi when my mind is more settled.

Have a beautiful day everyone.

-- returning to the man who had prepared it.

"Thank you. I apologize for the inconvenience of my request...I am sure I would have enjoyed the tea as well."

He met the gaze of the other, smile calm.

"You may call me Neuvillette. What is your name, sir?"