Neuvifuri one-shot compilation

Why the Hydro Dragon doesn't drink alcohol

❝ In celebration of their 100th anniversary since they met, Furina and Neuvillette attend a masquerade incognito. However, the evening ends in a very different way to how it began.❞

( WRITTEN BEFORE 4.2 )

ʚ ʚ ʚ

Neuvillette was still in the process of human observation. It had been long since the Hydro Dragon had reincarnated in a humanoid body. The same years he had known Focalors.

It was she who insisted on opening his perspective to them. If he spent time with humans, it was for Focalors. In fact, his Archon was his only reason to exist in those moments.

As elemental and sovereign beings, it was inevitable relying on each other. While Neuvillette sheltered her and helped with official matters, she took him out of his comfort zone. He learned most of all from her; she made him try to understand the purpose of his new life.

Like in those noisy moments.

He had never attended a masquerade before. On the few occasions he attended official events, he didn't stay too long. Still, since it was the "hundredth anniversary" since they had met, as Focalors pointed out, he had to make an exception.

There were people everywhere he looked. The elongated ballroom was large and ostentatious enough to accommodate virtually all of Fontaine's upper class.

Numerous crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Scenographies were drawn on the curved ceiling, joining the wall columns and arches. They told stories and legends of Fontaine. It amazed him how mere humans were able to create such detailed art out of brushes and paint.

For once, Neuvillette had not stayed in a secluded place. He and his Archon danced alongside other couples. They both wore matching clothing, as usual. Even their silver masks matched – Ones that concealed their true identities.

Classical music could be distinguished from ambient noise. Ignoring the latter, Neuvillette continued to move to Furina's rhythm, letting her lead the dance as she wished.

That they had not been recognized at this point only proved the reliability of the added camouflage - Advantages of being able to manipulate the water at will. They were even capable of sinking their appearances into a different one in the eyes of the rest. It would be a scandal and a nuisance if they were seen dancing in the middle of the dance floor.

It was not unusual for the Hydro Dragon to have eyes only for his Goddess. His heart pounded with embarrassing force every time Focalors tried to close the distance even further with excuses of not listening to him enough. He could still discern the sweet scent of her perfume, tempting to be tasted.

"You've vastly improved since the first time we waltzed together," Furina remarked, smiling. "Remember how you used to step on my feet?"

"And I still regret it as deeply as I did then." He sighed lightly. "I wasn't used to standing on two legs. So long, moreover... I might say, if I may, that you have helped me walk in numerous respects."

His heart pounded at that confession. Whether it had been straightforward haunted his mind as his Archon stared at him so intently - Only for her to blurt out... "I didn't understand a bloody thing! Come closer..."

That distance was the prudent one. If Neuvillette came any closer, he might draw attention.

Feelings were out of his reach most of the time. They were one unknown after another. Sometimes, he thought his body reacted before his mind, like when it came to Furina.