𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 | Neuvillette

𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭

PROLOGUE

THE CHIEF JUSTICE of Fontaine. The revered ludex. The Marechausse Phantom. Neuvillette stands as a pillar of justice, his presence commanding respect, and his duty a sacred one. With unwavering reverence, he upholds the rules of the court, ensuring that the scales of justice remain balanced.

While Neuvillette's role demands the utmost seriousness and impartiality, he is a man of enigmatic complexity. Beneath his formal exterior lies a deep aloofness when it comes to human emotions. Thus, he often keeps himself at a distance from the public eye, his thoughts a well-guarded fortress.

However, one particular day would steer this, when the city's bustling streets had led him to the very heart of Fontaine—the Opera Epiclese. There, a commotion had erupted at the fountain, drawing his attention like a lodestar. A crowd had gathered, their voices raised in awe and admiration, and their eyes were fixed on something extraordinary.

As he approached, he witnessed a scene unlike any he had encountered before. Amidst the swirling crowd, someone stood—a vision of grace and elegance, her every move a testament to the artistry of dance. In her arms was a partner, and together, they painted a tapestry of fluid motion and emotion.

It was a dance that seemed to transcend the boundaries of mere mortals, a display of skill and passion that held the onlookers spellbound. They watched, enraptured by the beauty unfolding before them, as she wove a story with each step and gesture.

What struck him most about her was not just her exceptional talent but also the way she dressed, which spoke volumes. Her attire, with its vibrant colors and fabrics, told Neuvillette that she wasn't from Fontaine. It was a tapestry of garments that hinted at a world far beyond the city's borders. Her clothing was a testament to her origins, a visual declaration that she belonged to someplace distant and alluring.

He stood at the outskirts of the crowd, his own senses momentarily forgotten as he too became captivated by the performance. It was as if time itself had paused to witness the magic that this stranger in the city had brought to life.

In that moment, he beheld not just a kindred spirit, but a soul who understood the language of artistry and expression—an individual who could convey the deepest of emotions through movement alone.

The dance continued, and as the music swelled, he found himself entranced by the elegance of every gesture, the emotion in the dancer's eyes, and the connection she shared with her partner. It was a connection that transcended words, speaking volumes in its silent eloquence.

Neuvillette remained where he stood, his gaze locked onto the mesmerizing display unfolding before him. The performance seemed to weave a narrative of its own, each step and gesture a brushstroke on the canvas of the city's bustling heart. As the music swelled and the crowd hushed in reverence, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the enchanting duo.

The dance soon concluded with a breathtaking flourish, and the applause that followed was thunderous, a symphony of appreciation for the artistry they had witnessed. Neuvillette watched as the woman and her partner took a gracious bow, their smiles radiating gratitude for the rapturous response.

As the crowd began to disperse, Neuvillette maintained his distance, his curiosity piqued. He observed her with keen interest as she adjusted her attire with the grace of a true performer. She exuded an air of elegance even in her moments of reprieve.

When he finally mustered the courage to leave, he couldn't help but carry the memory of that ethereal dance with him. The image of the enigmatic dancer lingered in his thoughts as he resumed his daily duties.

The next day, as he followed the same path to the courtroom, Neuvillette's steps involuntarily slowed when he spotted her once more. This time, she was with a different dance partner, patiently guiding them through the intricate steps of her art. It became evident that she was not merely a performer for her own glory; she was a teacher, sharing her passion and skill with others from the crowd.