Judicial Temptations :: WRIOLLETTE

5 :: Sentences and Strolls

The morning sun gleamed off the courthouse steps as Wriothesley and Chlorinde made their way inside, their steps echoing in the grand marble hallways. Wriothesley's expression was set in his usual half-smirk, half-scowl, while Chlorinde walked beside him, focused and professional.

They were escorting a man who had earned his way into the judicial system with the worst kind of crime—cold-blooded murder. Today was the sentencing, and Neuvillette would be delivering the verdict. Wriothesley didn't need to see the inside of a courtroom to know that justice would be served. Neuvillette was nothing if not thorough.

As they approached the courtroom doors, Wriothesley glanced at Chlorinde out of the corner of his eye, a mischievous glint flashing in his blue-gray irises.

"So, how's your little girlfriend, Navia?" he teased, lowering his voice just enough that only she could hear.

Chlorinde's usually composed face flushed a deep shade of red. She shot him a quick glare, then punched him lightly on the arm. "Shut up, Wriothesley. We're not dating... yet."

Her emphasis on the "yet" only made Wriothesley grin wider. "Ah, so there's still hope for romance, huh? Didn't know you had that side to you, Chlorinde."

"Keep talking, and I'll make sure your suspension lasts a lot longer," she warned, though the embarrassed smile tugging at her lips betrayed her tough words.

Wriothesley chuckled, satisfied with his teasing as they entered the courtroom. The atmosphere inside was tense as always. The defendant—a man who had brutally murdered two innocent people—sat shackled, his gaze cold and defiant. Wriothesley positioned himself directly behind him, arms folded behind his back in a casual stance, though his eyes remained sharp and watchful. He didn't trust criminals, especially the dangerous ones.

Neuvillette was already seated at the judge's bench, his presence commanding yet serene. His silver hair framed his face like moonlight, and his expression was unreadable as he surveyed the courtroom. Wriothesley found himself, once again, admiring the way Neuvillette seemed so at ease in his role. His composure never wavered, no matter how heavy the burden of justice.

The proceedings were swift—Neuvillette had all the evidence before him, and the outcome was clear. After the formalities, the judge's voice rang through the courtroom, authoritative and measured.

"After reviewing the evidence, it is the court's decision that the defendant be sentenced to 25 years in the Fortress of Meropide. This punishment reflects the severity of the crime and the need for rehabilitation."

Wriothesley silently agreed with the decision, though part of him felt that 25 years wasn't nearly enough. There were some crimes where redemption seemed impossible, and this was one of them. But Neuvillette, in his infinite wisdom, always sought balance, even where Wriothesley might have wanted harsher consequences.

The defendant scowled but said nothing as the sentence was handed down. Wriothesley kept a close eye on him as they prepared to escort him to the fortress. Chlorinde joined him, and together they began the process of transferring the prisoner.

As they were about to leave the courthouse, Neuvillette's voice called out to them, calm and composed.

"Wriothesley, Chlorinde. I will accompany you to the fortress."

Wriothesley raised an eyebrow, turning to face the iudex. "You sure about that, Your Honor? This isn't exactly your usual scene."

Neuvillette smiled softly, unperturbed by Wriothesley's doubt. "I believe it's always wise to ensure the safe transfer of a prisoner, especially one of this nature. It's my duty to see that justice is fully carried out."

Chlorinde nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Neuvillette. Your presence is appreciated."

Wriothesley, however, couldn't help but chuckle under his breath. "No offense, but I can't really picture you in a fight. You look too... pristine. Ever even thrown a punch, Judge?"

Neuvillette's expression didn't change, but there was a glimmer of something in his eyes—amusement, perhaps, or even challenge. "I assure you, Wriothesley, there are many ways to maintain order without resorting to physical violence."

Wriothesley smirked, clearly unconvinced, but he didn't press the issue further. They left the courthouse together, the criminal between them, and made their way toward the waiting transport.

As they walked through the streets of the city, the tension between Wriothesley and Neuvillette hung in the air, unspoken but palpable. Chlorinde kept her focus on the task at hand, but Wriothesley couldn't help but glance at Neuvillette every so often. There was something almost ethereal about the man—his pristine robes, his unruffled composure, the way he seemed to glide through the world untouched by its harsh realities.

Yet, despite all of that, Wriothesley found himself oddly drawn to Neuvillette. Maybe it was the contrast between them—Neuvillette's elegance and his own rough edges. Or maybe it was something deeper, something he couldn't quite put into words.

When they finally reached the fortress, Wriothesley handed the criminal over to the guards, his eyes lingering on Neuvillette for just a moment longer than necessary.

"Thanks for the escort, Judge," Wriothesley said, his tone light but genuine.

Neuvillette nodded, his gaze meeting Wriothesley's. "It was my duty. But more than that, it was my privilege."

Wriothesley raised an eyebrow at that, but Neuvillette didn't offer any further explanation. Instead, he turned to leave, his robes flowing gracefully around him as he made his way back toward the city.

Chlorinde glanced at Wriothesley, noticing the way he watched Neuvillette walk away. "Something on your mind?"

Wriothesley shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just thinking... Maybe the judge has a little more fight in him than I gave him credit for."

Chlorinde smirked. "You never know with people like him. They surprise you when you least expect it."

Wriothesley nodded in agreement, his thoughts still lingering on Neuvillette as they returned to their duties. Something told him that this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed, and that thought left him with a strange sense of anticipation.

As they returned to their respective responsibilities, Wriothesley couldn't help but feel that something was shifting—something in his life, in his world, that he couldn't quite place. But whatever it was, he knew it had something to do with Neuvillette, and he wasn't sure whether that was a good thing or not. Only time would tell.