The Iudex's day off

Chapter 17 - Burdens and Responsibilities

Neuvillette's POV

 Oh, dear Teyvat...

 What am I to do now?

 I slid down against the wall, sitting on the floor, burying my face in my hands.

 What should I do?

 Just what...

 I was still in the house. Still able to hear them running around frantically. Still capable of hearing Sigewinne scolding Wriothesely loudly, just for the man to retort with a similar high volume.

 I was in the only part of the house neither of them knew about. The part of the house only Furina knew about.

 She was the one who made this place.

 The basement.

 However, it was more like one large pool decorated with thousands of shining blue crystals.

 It was because she was the one who made it that I knew...

 "Oh, wow! Well, well, well. Isn't this the first time you come down here, Neuvi- Huh? Neuvillette, are you alright?"

 No. No, I'm not.

 But what am I supposed to tell her?

 "Sigewinne called me her father." I eventually managed to mutter.

 Her reaction, however...

 "Took her long enough. Hell, I'm surprised the little ones held out this long with that stubborn plan of theirs. So, what did you do? You did at least hug her, right?"

 No. No, I-

 "I cannot do this, Furina. I can't- I shouldn't- It won't end well."

 "What nonsense are you spouting? What do you mean you can't?" She frowned.

 I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

 "You seem to severely underestimate a dragon's parental instincts, Furina."

 Even though I warned her once before.

 "Didn't you already tell me about it? Something about how a dragon would get really pissed if someone so much as touched their child the wrong way. You really worry too much. Even I can handle a storm or two."

 I chuckled once again.

 Sometimes, this childlike innocence of hers truly can make one smile.

 But...

 "Really pissed would be an understatement and it isn't just a storm or two I'm talking about."

 "Yeah, yeah. Even if it's three or four-"

 "I could drown Fontaine."

 There would be no need to wait for the Primordial Sea to surge forth. A thing as simple as a small papercut could cause me to lose control and-

 "That's why I cannot do this."

 I can't.

 No matter what.

 I can't.

 "Neuvillette-"

 "I'm the Iudex of Fontaine. I'm supposed to be entirely impartial, but how would I be able to do that if in my heart there would be some far above the law?"

 I cannot.

 I have to restrain my instincts even if it hurts so much as if my heart is being ripped to pieces.