After steadying himself on the surface of the sea, Neuvillette rose slowly from the water. Even though he had tried to compose his expression, he still couldn't help letting out a cold, disgruntled snort the moment he looked at Idris.
Idris, of course, didn't mind in the slightest. His expression remained calm, as if they hadn't just traded blows capable of splitting the sky.
He simply said,
"So—you understand what I meant now, don't you?"
Neuvillette huffed. "...I understand."
His tone was unpleasant, but he knew very well he had lost. There was nothing more to argue.
Even without invoking the full authority of the primordial water dragon, Neuvillette was already terrifying. But Idris still hadn't used many of his own trump cards—his Black-White Doppelgangers, his divine barrier, and more.
If Idris had gone all out, then even a fully empowered water dragon king wouldn't necessarily gain the upper hand.
Neuvillette exhaled and declared solemnly:
"As for the judgment of the Oratrice, and my duties as an elemental dragon—
I will treat both matters as though they never happened.
Will this satisfy you?"
Idris stretched lazily. "More or less."
Then he turned toward Furina.
"Lady Furina, my apologies.
I admit I caused Fontaine a considerable amount of trouble… but I have my temper."
"If you'd like to sit down somewhere quieter later and discuss a proper solution to Fontaine's current situation, then I'll trouble you to choose the venue."
What could Furina possibly say to that?
Since Neuvillette had already conceded, she could only follow along. Even though her heart was pounding with panic, she still kept up appearances:
"Ahem… no problem! Fontaine's finest hotel will prepare rooms for you. We can discuss diplomatic matters properly once everyone's calmed down."
"As for today… please don't take it to heart, Lord Idris."
Idris nodded, then gently pulled Nahida along by the hand as he turned away.
There was no point in continuing the negotiations today. After all—he had just sent Fontaine's highest authority crashing into the ocean. Expecting smooth diplomacy afterward would be absurd.
Furina and the officers of the Gardes didn't even consider stopping Idris. They could only watch him leave.
Once he was out of sight, Furina turned toward Neuvillette and whispered:
"Neuvillette… since you lost, let's disregard the judgment for now."
"We… can't catch him anyway."
That last line was the true core of the issue.
In the original timeline, even Tartaglia had refused his judgment—but he couldn't win in a fight, so Neuvillette dragged him off to prison anyway.
Reality is the harshest judge.
Neuvillette sighed deeply.
"Fine. Prepare for negotiations. I only hope that the esteemed Lord Idris won't make unreasonable demands."
For in truth—this man was even more dangerous than some of the Fatui Harbingers.
He was a villain… and one with the power and audacity to match.
Meanwhile, Idris' mood was excellent.
Not because he had defeated Neuvillette—but because the system had issued a reward.
[System Notice:
You have personally defeated Neuvillette and forcefully intervened in Fontaine's national story arc before the Traveler's arrival.
Fontaine's doomsday anxiety has now begun ahead of schedule.
The national plotline has been completely altered.
Reward issued—"Realm Within the Pot: Enhanced Serenitea Pot."]
[This pot functions similarly to the Traveler's Serenitea Pot, but its internal space is larger, sturdier, and far more customizable.
You may construct a personal domain within, perfect for traveling abroad with comfort and privacy.]
Idris raised a brow.
A better Serenitea Pot than the protagonist's?
Now that was a reward worth celebrating.
Just in time, too—he was traveling in Fontaine.
If he wanted a private, undisturbed place to rest with Nahida, this was perfect.
Nahida noticed the rare smile on his lips.
"Idris… you look very happy."
"I am. After all, I made Neuvillette back down where it matters. Even if I grow old someday, he won't be a problem."
Idris' gaze drifted briefly.
The matter of Sumeru's own Dendro Dragon King was still waiting for him.
He'd solve it when he returned.
He wasn't planning to subdue the dragon—better to let that arrogant creature stay asleep forever, safe and harmless.
Nahida's cheeks flushed lightly.
She understood very well that part of Idris' reason for fighting Neuvillette today… had been for her sake.
He had even said that kind of embarrassing line—"my princess."
The nerve of this man!
One day she really ought to drag him back to Vanarana and teach him what it meant to pay the price for teasing a god.
…Though just imagining it made her blush harder.
Before her thoughts could run further off track, the sound of slow, deliberate applause echoed across the plaza.
"Splendid. Truly splendid."
The Harbinger Arlecchino—The Knave—rose from her seat, clapping leisurely.
"After killing Scaramouche and humiliating the Doctor… I expected much from you, and you still exceeded my expectations."
"I dare say—if you joined the Fatui, your rank would be above mine."
Lynette and Lyney stiffened beside her.
Recalling the battle they had just witnessed, their palms were still sweaty.
Idris glanced over casually.
"Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers—Arlecchino.
Are you here to avenge Scaramouche?
Or to complete the Doctor's unfinished task?"
Arlecchino chuckled softly.
"Neither."
"Scaramouche and the Doctor have nothing to do with me.
In fact, I'm not particularly fond of them."
"I'm not Tartaglia—I don't throw myself at every strong opponent I see."
She crossed her legs and tilted her head with a smile that held a blade beneath it.
"In truth, I'm here to say: well done."
Her expression darkened slightly—amusement mixed with cold satisfaction.
As the leader of the House of the Hearth, Arlecchino had very personal reasons to hate the Doctor. Seeing him suffer setbacks was delightful.
Idris answered calmly:
"We used each other. He tricked Sumeru countless times, so I simply returned the favor."
"Even from a selfish standpoint—why would I let him have an easy time?"
Arlecchino's eyes gleamed with appreciation.
"Beautifully said. Others may call you a tyrant, but I find you… very agreeable."
"To be respected, one must dirty their hands when necessary. In that sense, you and I are alike."
Idris asked mildly, "If that's all, are we done?"
"One last thing."
Her eyes shifted toward Nahida.
"The God of Wisdom's Gnosis is with your little princess.
While I personally won't touch her…
you'd better prepare yourself."
"The others won't stop coming.
And after today, they'll come even more carefully."
Idris shrugged. "Thanks for the warning."
Arlecchino bowed lightly. "Farewell, then. No need to be wary—I've no interest in harming your little goddess."
With that, she turned and walked away.
Idris watched her leave, thinking quietly.
It was strange.
He had sabotaged the Fatui's original plan to take Fontaine's Gnosis—
Yet Arlecchino seemed less bothered by it than expected.
Very strange indeed.
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