The Iudex's day off

Side Story 13 - A guy with a bow

Valentine's Day special!

Happy Valentine's Day guys!

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 Wriothesley's POV

 "Hey, Neuv. Are you very busy today?" I asked somewhat hopefully.

 The fact that today was Valentine's Day had completely slipped my mind. I only realized when I overheard some inmates talking about it.

 I've been up all night trying to think about how I can get Neuvillette out of his office at least a bit earlier.

 But as it turns out-

 "Unfortunately I'm swamped with work. I was just about to apologize because I might have to miss dinner again." Neuvillette said sadly.

 Ugh...

 "Don't apologize, love. It's not your fault that the people of Fontaine have collectively decided to cause trouble for you." I sighed.

 Surprisingly enough he let out a small chuckle in return and-

 "Ne-Neuvillette?"

 I couldn't help but stutter as I found myself embraced from behind, Neuvillette's head resting on my shoulder.

 "If you want me to take a day off just say so, my love. I too would love to spend time with you It's just a bit hard to break a 500-year-old habit on my own. On the other hand, if my precious mate were to ask for my time..."

 He didn't finish the sentence but the implication was there.

 And thus I found a bit of hope.

 "So today-"

 "Just not today, my dear. I truly have too much I cannot drop at a moment's notice today."

 Now.

 After something like that reasoning, the reasonable thing would have been to say that it's okay and we'll go out sometime soon.

 But I...

 Why would I be reasonable?

 As such I decided to use my secret weapon.

 I turned my head slightly and...

 "Come now, my lovely Wrio. Don't pout. Even if you act all cute and pitiful I can't simply put off 6 trials."

 That many?

 Seriously?

 Iudex or not, that's a bit too much for a day, isn't it?

 Neuvillette's hand brushed through my hair apologetically and I leaned into the touch.

 There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.

 "But... If you wished to, you could accompany me through the day. Would that be something you enjoyed?"

 Huh?

 HUH?!

 "Really?!" I turned around excitedly.

 Neuvillette doesn't usually let me tag along with him all day even if I have nothing to do.

 No need for me to hear a bunch of nonsense, he says.

 I've told him countless times that I'm not that sensitive and I know better than to interrupt a trial, but he remained firm.

 And now...

 Now he is extending an invitation?!

 "I take it you want to come along then." He chuckled.