With some time before the performance began, Lumine, following the instructions on her ticket, unhurriedly walked to the first row. After several checks, she sat down in her assigned seat.
However, once they were seated, both of them noticed Mr. Neuvillette, who had already taken his seat and was resting with his eyes closed.
Seemingly aware of the two newcomers, Mr. Neuvillette slowly opened his eyes at this moment and began to consider which human social etiquette to use for communication.
Paimon looked at Mr. Neuvillette sitting beside them, then at Lumine next to her, and was momentarily speechless.
"Hmm…"
The two of them were constantly exchanging glances, both signaling for the other to strike up a conversation with the man sitting beside them, who exuded the solemn aura exclusive to a superior.
"Hey, Lumine… shouldn't we try to talk to the person next to us? It's so empty here, it's awkward to be sitting so close…"
Lumine blinked slightly and whispered, "But that's usually your job, Paimon."
"You…! I knew you would…"
Before Paimon could finish, Mr. Neuvillette first turned his head and said, "Excuse me, I didn't realize the atmospheric issue just now. I was negligent."
"If necessary, we can just chat directly, it's fine."
Paimon scratched her little head at this moment and then said, "Ah… did, did you hear all that? Your ears are amazing, I kept my voice so low…"
"Paimon!"
Seeing that Paimon was about to say something astonishing again, just like she did with Yuto, Lumine quickly stopped her.
Hearing Lumine's low call, Paimon instantly realized her mistake. She scratched her head and then said,
"Oh, no, no! I was being impolite, whispering these things… We, we, let's just chat! But… uh… what should we talk about?"
Yuto, sitting in the VIP box, naturally noticed the voices from below. After a slight sigh, he slowly rose and walked down the aisle from the side of the stage.
"Ms. Lumine, and Paimon, are you here to watch the performance too?"
Yuto smiled as he walked over, nodding to Mr. Neuvillette, and then spoke.
Seeing a familiar face, Paimon instantly patted her chest as if granted special amnesty, seemingly relieved, and said,
"Yuto! Phew… finally someone I can talk to."
Hearing this, Yuto blinked slightly, then smiled and said, "Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Neuvillette, the Chief Justice of Fontaine."
As Yuto spoke, he pointed to the position above the Oratrice Mecanique D'analyse Cardinale in the center of the Opera House and continued,
"See, that's where he usually sits. It's no exaggeration to say… he is the symbol of 'Justice' in Fontaine~"
Hearing this, Paimon's brain momentarily crashed, and then she waved her little hands somewhat frantically, saying,
"Oh wow! My apologies, my apologies, we were a bit too rash just now. So, sir, you are such an important figure…"
Mr. Neuvillette gently shook his head when he heard this and said,
"There's no need to be so concerned. 'Chief Justice' is just a job, just as everyone has their own 'position.' I am nothing special."
"That's right~ For me… 'Regent' is also just a position that belongs to me, a job that suits me, just like 'Traveler and Guide' is your position, you two~"
Yuto added with a light chuckle.
"Mr. Neuvillette? And… Mr. Yuto? You two have actually graced my performance with your presence? What an honor!"
Linney's vibrant voice came from behind the two. He gently took off his Magic Top Hat, bowed to the two officials in front of him, and then quietly stood to the side.
—This was the respect a performer should show to esteemed audience members.
Yuto glanced out of the corner of his eye at Ms. Furina, who was still posing, and shrugged helplessly. Then he leaned closer and said in as low a voice as possible,
"Ahem, I must remind you two, Ms. Furina has been holding that pose in the VIP box for a very long time…"
"Although it sounds a bit strange, it's truly so that when you first see her, she can present what she believes to be her coolest appearance."
"Uh… please pay a little attention to her, otherwise… Ms. Furina will be sad."
After hearing Yuto's words, Paimon and Lumine blinked in unison, then turned their gaze to Furina, who was sitting in the VIP box with her legs crossed.
Furina naturally noticed their gazes. After an "meaningful" smile, she made no other movements.
Although Lumine was a bit speechless, she found it difficult to say anything and instead turned her gaze to Yuto beside her.
Looking at his somewhat helpless expression, Lumine suddenly felt that Yuto and Furina were like… Zhongli and Hu Tao?
"Hmm… if there's an opportunity, I should let the four of them meet. I feel like they'd get along very well…"
Lumine nodded gently, then looked at Paimon beside her.
Unlike Lumine's mental state of "chatting with friends," Paimon was busy complaining about Furina's state.
"Uh… Water God Furina, her expression seems a bit… smug? It looks like she has no idea you exposed her, huh…"
Hearing this, Yuto smiled helplessly, then turned his gaze to Linney.
"Mr. Linney, is the performance about to begin?"
Linney, who was called out, blinked and immediately said, "That's right! Please wait a moment longer, everyone. My preparations are almost complete. Once the audience is seated, the performance will begin!"
"Yay! It's a magic show! Chang—! Eh? Where's Yuto?"
Paimon clapped her little hands, seemingly very excited. When she turned her head, she found that Yuto had disappeared.
She scratched her little head, seemingly a bit confused.
Mr. Neuvillette, seeing this, softly said, "As Regent, Mr. Yuto usually sits beside Furina."
As he spoke, he turned to look at the VIP box; that beautiful long blue hair was simply too conspicuous.
Seemingly noticing their gazes, Yuto smiled and nodded, then turned his attention to the "Fairy Tale Book" in his hand.
After Yuto realized he seemed to have the ability to change story routes, he had a new idea.
"Narcissenkreuz… I hope I succeed…"