Before How Tubby Stopped the Second Archon War:
Furina had second thoughts when she finally reached Neuvillette's office. It had been months since she moved out of the Palace Mermonia. Would he still have time for her? When she told him the reason behind her visit, he'd probably just laugh her off or think her childish.
Before she could leave though, the office door swung open and the chief justice stood before her. Caught off guard, she stammered. He simply smiled.
"It is good to see you, Lady Furina. Please, come in."
No choice now. She entered the office and took a seat on the couch.
"I hope you've been settling into your new home," he said while pouring them both water.
"It's been wonderful," she said. "Thanks for the support."
"Hmm," his eyebrows furrowed. "I sense this is not merely a cordial visit."
And there he was. Perceptive as ever. Furina wrung about her hands, wondering where she ought to begin.
"Lady Furina, please feel free to speak your mind. I promise I will not take offense. Should you be upset…"
"Wha-? Why would I be?"
"Oh, I assumed you had a grievance to air. Am I wrong?"
"No, no, I'm fine—well, mostly. It's just… something's happened and … I could use some advice."
Neuvillette handed her a cup and sat at his desk. His warm expression soothed her mind. Despite everything, it made her happy to see he was still on her side.
Furina took a breath. "As you know, I've been spending time with Aether. He's always so kind, thoughtful, and gentle. And we have a lot of fun together. But lately…" she paused, searching for the right words. "Lately, I've come to regard him as something more than a friend. I…I think I … might possibly…have a crush?"
To her surprise, Neuvillette actually beamed. He looked happier in this moment than she'd ever seen him look in all their time together. It may have been her imagination but it looked like he was on the verge of crying happy tears.
"That's wonderful, Lady Furina. I'm truly happy for you."
"You…are?"
"Indeed. Your happiness is my own."
Furina smiled despite herself. He sipped his water and grinned.
"I take it you wish for advice regarding these newfound feelings?"
She nodded.
"I regret to say I have little personal experience in the subject. Would you still like my advice?"
She nodded again. He took a deep breath, summoning that refined spirit he brought to every trial.
"Our lives have been long," he said, "in all our time observing the mortals, I've noticed many people. One thing holds true throughout the centuries: Finding love—true, sincere love—that's not an experience everyone will have sadly. If you have even the slightest interest in him, pursue it. Whether that leads to a relationship I cannot say, but there is a reason why people say, 'better to have loved and lost than to never have known love at all.' Every person who has love—even if only momentarily—never regrets it. I only wish that you will no longer let regret paralyze you."
"Neuvillette…"
Her hand brushed atop her Hydro Vision. Its warm hum pulsed like a heartbeat, ever alive, ever marching forward. It served as a reminder—no more regrets, no more excuses; now she must live.
Of course, just telling him seemed like an impossible goal. She shuffled on the couch.
"I was wondering if… should I even tell him?" She said. "I mean, he's friends with actual gods and rulers. Do I have any right to…?"
"You've every right," he said with a fierceness that surprised her. "You are no less worthy of his affection than any other woman in Teyvat."
"But I can't fight like them. I…"
"Furina." He dropped the term of respect. Now, he regarded her not as a colleague but as her dear friend. "Stop making excuses. If you have feelings for him, don't pretend like you don't. You've done so much for Fontaine. It's high time you pursued your own happiness."
The clock struck four times, a signal of the impending court trial. Neuvillette took her hand and wished her luck.
She left the office. Furina took out her Realm Dispatch. The other ladies might be there. If they fought for him, she'd most certainly lose.
To hell with it. She'd rather fight and lose than not try at all. Furina summoned all her courage and ventured out to confront her rivals.
An hour later:
Neuvillette returned from the Opera Epiclese. When he entered his office, someone was already waiting for him: that blue finch who served Aether, Rain Calmer. Although, she preferred Tubby these days. The Adeptus smiled, but it seemed rather forced.
"Ah, Miss Tubby," he said, "it's unusual for you to leave the Teapot."
"Sit down, Neuvillette. We need to talk."
Straight to the point. As he took his seat, Tubby reached into her sleeve and unveiled a document which she then planted before him. It had simply been titled "The Constitution of the United Harem of Aether."
He put on his reading glasses—a thing he found himself doing frequently nowadays—and took a closer look. He got to Article 4 which detailed the order in which women would date Aether. Furina claimed place number 4, which he saw to his satisfaction.
"Very interesting, Miss Tubby," he said. "But I must detest this provision of Article 2 that deems me the ultimate judicial authority. I already have responsibilities as the Iudex."
Tubby laughed mirthlessly.
"Neuvillette, tell me. How many gods have you killed?"
He blinked.
"Because let me tell you," she said, "the ladies on this list have killed plenty. Now, how many wars have you survived? These girls have fought wars beyond your imagination. How rich are you? One of these ladies is the Celestia-damned Tianqian."
Tubby floated over to him, hovering above him so she leered down.
"These ladies were about to go to war, just to decide who would have Aether. Through some miracle, I convinced them to compromise. If you refuse, you'll undo all my work. The Second Archon War will begin, all because of you. How will Lady Furina fare in such a war?"
CRASH! Thunderclouds suddenly cloaked Fontaine's once clear skies.
He took a moment to collect his emotions. The storm abated. It had been some time since he let his bloodlust out like that. Most people would whimper before such a display. Tubby, however, looked completely uninterested. This Adeptus had nerves of steel.
"Tubby," he said through clenched teeth. "You dare to threaten Lady Furina?"
"No, no, I would never threaten her. I'm warning you. If you don't do this, there will be a war that will make the Archon Wars seem trivial. That is not a war she can win. If you truly want to ensure her happiness, then you're obligated to do this. Capiche?"
Silence.
"Think about it like this," she said, "if you take the role, you can help Furina. Whenever a case involving her comes up, you can have some influence over the outcome."
Neuvillette pursed his lips.
"Fine," he said at last. "I will assume this duty until my term expires."
"Excellent. Familiarize yourself with the Constitution. I have a feeling we're both in this for the long haul."