With some time left before the performance began, Lumine, holding her ticket, strolled unhurriedly to the front row.
After double-checking, she settled into her seat.
However, once she and Paimon sat down, they noticed Neuvillette, already seated and resting with his eyes closed.
As if sensing the arrival of the two, Neuvillette slowly opened his eyes, contemplating which human social protocol to follow for conversation.
Paimon glanced at Neuvillette beside them, then at Lumine, momentarily at a loss for words.
"Ugh…"
The two exchanged glances, each urging the other to strike up a conversation with the man exuding the stern aura of authority sitting next to them.
"Hey, Lumine… shouldn't we, like, talk to the guy next to us? It's super awkward sitting so close in this empty space…"
Lumine blinked slightly, whispering, "But that's usually your job, Paimon."
"You…! I knew you'd pull that card!"
Before Paimon could finish, Neuvillette turned his head and spoke first, "My apologies, I didn't realize the atmosphere was an issue. That was my oversight."
"We can simply chat if needed. It's no trouble."
Paimon scratched her little head, then said, "Ah… you heard all that? Your ears are amazing! I kept my voice so low…"
"Paimon!"
Seeing Paimon about to blurt something outrageous, as she had with Daelan, Lumine quickly cut her off.
Hearing Lumine's hushed call, Paimon realized her mistake, scratched her head, and said, "Ah, no, no! That was rude of me, whispering like that… L-let's, uh, let's chat! But… er… about what?"
From the VIP box, Daelan naturally noticed the commotion below, sighed softly, and rose.
He walked down the side passage from the stage, approaching them.
"Miss Lumine, and Paimon, you're here for the show too?"
Daelan said with a smile, nodding to Neuvillette as he walked over.
Seeing a familiar face, Paimon clapped her chest as if granted amnesty, letting out a relieved breath, "Daelan! Phew… finally, someone we can talk to!"
Hearing this, Daelan blinked, then smiled and said, "Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Neuvillette, Fontaine's Chief Justice."
As he spoke, Daelan gestured toward the central "Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale" in the opera house, continuing, "See that spot up there? That's where he usually sits. No exaggeration—he's the very symbol of Fontaine's 'justice'~"
Paimon's brain short-circuited for a moment, then she frantically waved her little hands, "W-Woah! Our apologies, we were too forward! So you're that important…"
Neuvillette shook his head lightly and said, "No need to dwell on it. 'Chief Justice' is merely a job, just as everyone has their own 'place.' I'm not special."
"Exactly~ To me, 'Advisor' is just my place, a job that suits me, just like 'Traveler and Guide' is your place~"
Daelan added with a light chuckle.
"Mr. Neuvillette? And… Mr. Daelan? You both came to see my performance? What an honor!"
Lyney's vibrant voice rang out from behind them. He gently doffed his magician's hat, bowing to the two officials before standing quietly to the side.
—This was the respect a performer owed to esteemed guests.
Daelan glanced at Furina, still striking poses in the VIP box, shrugged helplessly, then leaned in, lowering his voice as much as possible, "Ahem, I should warn you both—Lady Furina's been posing up there for quite a while…"
"It might sound odd, but she's doing it to look her coolest when you first see her."
"So, uh, please pay her some attention, or… Lady Furina might get sulky."
Hearing Daelan's words, Paimon and Lumine blinked in unison, then turned their gazes to Furina, lounging in the VIP box with her legs crossed.
Noticing their stares, Furina gave a "meaningful" smile but made no further moves.
Lumine, though a bit exasperated, didn't comment, instead shifting her gaze to Daelan.
Seeing his somewhat resigned expression, Lumine suddenly thought Daelan and Furina were like… Zhongli and Hu Tao?
"Hm… if there's a chance, I should get those four together. They'd probably hit it off…"
Lumine nodded lightly, then glanced at Paimon beside her.
Unlike Lumine's thoughts of "chatting with friends," Paimon was grumbling about Furina's state.
"Uh… Hydro Archon Furina's expression looks kinda… smug? Guess she has no idea you ratted her out…"
Hearing this, Daelan gave a wry smile, then turned his gaze to Lyney.
"Mr. Lyney, the show's about to start, right?"
Lyney, called out, blinked and quickly said, "Yes, just a little longer, please. My preparations are nearly done. Once the audience is seated, the performance will begin!"
"Woohoo! A magic show! Dael…! Huh? Where's Daelan?"
Paimon clapped her little hands excitedly, but when she turned, Daelan was gone.
She scratched her head, a bit puzzled.
Neuvillette spoke softly, "As the Advisor, Mr. Daelan usually sits by Lady Furina's side."
He glanced at the VIP box, where Daelan's striking blue hair stood out unmistakably.
Noticing the trio's gazes, Daelan smiled and nodded, then returned his attention to the "fairy-tale book" in his hands.
After realizing he might have the power to alter the story's course, Daelan had a new idea.
"Narzissenkreuz, huh… I hope I can pull this off…"