A GUIDE TO ASSASSINATING THE CHIEF JUSTICE
โคท taglist - @lemeowade @sako-mii @moonlybxbe @oni-girx
STEP 1 : GATHERING INFORMATION AND PRE-BALL PREPARATIONS
Discussions about the annual ball were raging in the Fontainian streets this time of the year just like the year before it and all the other years before it. It was no surprise since The yearly โOpulent Dreamsโ masquerade ball was an event to be celebrated in Fontaine.
Once, every year lavish preparations were made in Fontaine, the meticulous planning would start months in advance as the finest event coordinators from all over Teyvat worked tirelessly to create this dazzling event that was talked about throughout the nation.ย
Elaborate decorations were carefully chosen, adorning every corner of the venue with cascading floral arrangements, crystal chandeliers, and extravagant draperies. The ballroom itself was transformed into a fairy tale setting, with an enchanting ambiance which transported guests to a realm of unmatched beauty. Intricate table settings were meticulously crafted, showcasing the finest porcelain, silverware, and crystal glassware. Every citizen of Fontaine was to be invited so invitation wasnโt a problem.ย
However, the most important part of the plan was to get close to the Iudex. Any person who was close to you would simply just assume that the reason you were so obsessed with the Chief Justice was because you were one of his many admirers but they couldnโt be more far away from the truth.
Yes, you mightโve been a bit obsessed but it wasnโt because you were oh so hopelessly in love with him, oh no no. You wanted revenge. Cold, Ruthless, and Bitter Revenge. And you were going to get it, on the night of the ball. After all, it was a perfect opportunity. You spent a complete year researching and analyzing every little bit of information about the Chief Justice so when the time came you couldโve struck without a flaw and made sure he wouldnโt live to see the light of the next day.
You made sure to remember his every day routine, the day he stayed in his office working, how long he stayed in and all the days he had his court duties to handle. You even knew when he would go to meet the Melusines and about his favorite things and things he hated.
Honestly speaking, You werenโt the type of person who knew anything about killing someone - of course you werenโt, you could barely hurt a fly without getting sad over the life you took but last year things changedโฆThings changed drastically for you when your own brother was put on a fake trial and falsely accused for treason, the biggest crime that can be committed by someone. Accusations were made that he sold important information to the Fatui since he worked in the Maison Gestion. Hence, his only suitable punishment according to the Oratrice Mecanique D'analyse Cardinale was a death penalty.
You tried to do everything to prove his innocence, to prove that your brother was just another working class citizen who loved his nation more than anything but alas, the people who were actually behind the leaking of information staged him being guilty too well to the point that no matter what you did, what evidence you could presented, it was no use. At last, your brother was executed publicly, as to provide a spectacle of what could happen to those who dare betray their nation - forever tarnishing his own reputation and your family name.ย
You were well aware that the final decision was made by the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, and it heavily relied on the evidence provided. However, you were also aware that Neuvillette couldโve stopped the execution if he wanted to. You knew that he was aware that your brother was not the real criminal behind this, yet he didnโt utter a word. On the day of his execution, he didnโt even bother showing up. Was this how little someoneโs life was worth to him? Was this how insignificant it was to him? It seemed that way and thisโฆ.this enraged you.
Sure, there were many other things that were even worse than this. You had no family left, no proper house to live in and people hated you and your dead family. They refused to even sell you food or give you jobs. Simply put, your life was a huge mess, and yes, things were terrible. But the one and only person responsible for this was the reputable Chief Justice of Fontaine, Neuvillette. And sure, if, letโs say, you did get caught (chances of which were higher than you would have liked them to be) then your life would be over. It wouldn't be a big deal though right? Considering how it was already down in the depths of hell. So despite every last bit of your better judgment that was telling you not to do this, you did what you had to. You started getting ready for the ball.ย
STEP 2 : SUCCESSFULLY ENTER THE BALL AND BLEND IN
You were finally at the venue as you saw the entire venue filled with a kaleidoscope of colors, chandeliers cascaded their radiant light across the big hall. The setting was nothing short of magical. People were coming in and the air was filled with an electrifying excitement as guests clad in exquisite gowns, dashing suits and their elegant and glamorous masks were making their way through the hallway, down the stairs to the enchanting ballroom.
The ballroom, with its high arched ceilings and intricately carved marble pillars, was a sight to behold. Golden accents adorned every corner, exuding an aura of royalty and grandeur. A magnificent crystal chandelier, dazzling with countless glass prisms, took center stage, casting shimmering reflections on the marble floors below.ย
It was easy to lose yourself in the midst of this dazzling party yet you knewโฆyou knew how all this worked better than anyone else, you knew how all these people and their beliefs in this hollow system of justice were like. You knew what you had to do tonight, you were aware what was at stake and maybe if you canโt do it tonight then you wonโt get a chance like this anyways.ย
So you made a grand entrance, donning a breathtaking dress that perfectly matched the appeal of your captivating mask. Your mask, The central focus of your overall appearance was silver in color, with delicate filigree patterns that cascade along the edges and pearls adorned the surface making it even prettier. You made sure that your face wasnโt recognizable with the mask, an important detail that shouldnโt be overlooked. As soon as you tried to blend in with other masked figures, you began the next step of your plan.
STEP 3 : LOCATE THE CHIEF JUSTICE
You moved across the ballroom swiftly with only one motive in your mind. So what if everyone was wearing masks, makeup or completely different outfits - surely it canโt be that difficult to find him right?....right??? Wrong. You spent about an hour looking like a lost child going through the swaying bodies just to find him but somehow, it seemed like luck just wasnโt on your side tonight. Surely how hard would it be to find the most notable man in the entire nation in an important event such as this one? You knew the answer now, very hard. Yet another half an hour passedย and your luck was just as terrible as it was before. It felt as if you were in a maze of people - each turn making you feel as if you were back at the same masks.
Just as you admitted defeat, finally taking a seat near the bar lowering your head in defeat - you smelled a strong scent of fresh rain mixed withโฆ.lumidouce bells??? You canโt help but look up as you look at the snow-white hair with ocean blue highlights passing by you. It felt as if you couldnโt breathe anymore, your vision going dizzy, the room was closing in on you - there was no mistaking it. It was him. The man who single-handedly destroyed your entire life.
STEP 4 : KอออฏอฉอจองออฬฏฬฬฬออIฬซอฬฟฬฬฏออคฬงอฃฬฎอฆLฬฬญฬฒLฬฬอออฬฝฬชอฬ ฬออ อฏฬฬฬอฃฬฬกอฬฆอฬอฬ ฬฬฬปฬฬพฬอฬถฬบอคฬถฬทอ HอขฬฬIอฬฅฬฬพอฅฬฃอขMฬอซฬฬฆองฬนอ ฬฬฬขอกฬฒอฬออฏอฬฒฬญฬอคอฬดอฎฬขออขอฬญออ
ฬฐอจอฬฒอฬธฬฬอฎฬฬอจฬฬอฬฒอย APPROACH HIM calmlyโฆ
You took deep breaths and calmed yourself down, it wasnโt the time to lose yourself like this. You were just about to go and stop the man but he somehow came and stood beside you, asking the bartender for water. Huhโฆ It had been a year, a year since you saw him like this. You couldnโt help but notice his mask that seemed to fit his face way too perfectly - The soft blue frame of the mask highlighted his mysterious eyes, and its intricate design added an elegant touch to his presence. Silver accents caught the light, while delicate crystals and sequins glistened, mirroring the sparkle in his eyes.ย
โApologies but you seemed to be staring at me. Is something the matter?โ His voice caught you completely off guard. It seemed softer than the harsh and cold voice youโve heard him use and it startled you for sure. Your mouth dried up and the words seemed to just die down in your throat, not coming out. Seeing him this close to you made you want to reach out for your dagger and-
You looked up to him, his eyes scanning your demeanor. Shit, you let yourself slip-ย
โIโm sorry, I couldnโt help but notice your mask. It looks quite exquisite and the design and colors compliment you very well Monsieur Neuvillette.โ You put on your best facade, your sincerest smile and talked to him.
โAh, it seems this mask isnโt doing a very good job at concealing my identity.โ
โIt seems not.โ You give him a small smile. He turned to walk away after the small talk. But you HAD TO STOP HIM, YOU COULDNโT AFFORD LOSING A GOLDEN CHANCE LIKE THIS.
โWait!โ You called out to him amidst your internal conflict, still not sure what to do. โHm?โ He turned back to look at you. You had to think of something quick, you had to make him stay, you had to- โDo you have a partner?โ You blabbered outโฆwithout thinking.ย
โPardon?โ He tilted his head in confusion, not sure what you meant exactly.
โI mean as in, someone to dance with at the midnight ball. I donโt see a partner by your side-โ You said peeking over his shoulder now, to look for his imaginary partner. He seemed to take a moment to look at you again and replied โI do not.โย
โSeems like a coincidence really, I donโt have a partner as well.โ You sighed dramatically.ย
โIs that so?โ He enquired.
โYes, indeed. And I was wondering if you wouldnโt mind obviously, would you like to be my partner for the night?โ As soon as those words left your mouth, you saw the look on his face trying to register what you just said. Part of you knew what you asked was stupid, there was no way whatsoever that he would agree to this whole ordeal.
He didnโt have any friends or any people close to him, you knew that by now and he seemed to avoid forming such relations and connections with people at all times so if you really had to make him stay with you till after midnight to find the perfect chance you had no other option but to convince him.
โI appreciate your kind offer but I donโt think I need a partner.โ Just as you expected.
โAw but monsieur neuvillette, donโt you think itโll be quite awkward and out of place for someone as important as you to not partake in such a significant event for all of fontaine? Look, even the hydro archon has a partner.โ You point towards the raised seating in the ballroom where the hydro archon was sitting and talking enthusiastically with some blonde traveler.ย
You watch as Neuvillette's expressions seem to change a bit as he takes time to scan across the ballroom, seeing almost everyone in pairs. โIโll have to apologize in advance however for my rusty dance expertise, itโs been quite long since Iโve had the chance to do this.โ He gave you a soft and sweet smile as he extended his hand for you to take. Without realizing your mouth unconsciously twitched up into a small smile as you took up his hand. You couldnโt help but smile even widely realizing you were only hours away from seeing his lifeless body.ย
STEP 5 : SอฬนฬคฬฃTฬฬฐฬดฬฬฒอฬฬฬอฬฝAฬฅฬฒฬตฬกฬพฬคฬชอฬอขฬอฬอBฬบฬจฬฬอฉฬฬ
ฬออฅฬอฬฎอคอฬ Hฬฬฃอฬกฬอจอออฬฅอฏอฬ
ฬอชอฬฆฬจฬฬฬพฬฬฑอฬอฆฬIฬองฬฃอฆฬฝฬฬอออออขอฬอฬงฬตอ
ฬอฃออจอฬอฬฬจฬผฬจฬฬญอฎฬอฬฃฬฎฬอMฬออกฬฐฬนฬพฬฉฬอฬ
ฬย MAKE HIM TRUST YOU
It felt as if the more and more time you spent beside him only fueled the growth of a festering node of hatred within you. It seemed to take root deep inside you, which only made you think of how good it would feel when youโll finally be done with it.ย
โExcuse me???โ his voice seemed to break you out of your little psychopath circle. โYou seemed to be in deep thought.โย
โIโm sorry I was just a little distracted.โ You flashed him your very best smile. It was now time to get the final plan in motionโฆit was going to be hard, to make him trust you. After all he wasnโt the type of person to even engage in small talk as to what you observed so you had to take a different route. โMonsieur Neuvillette, I think we should get something to drink first. I was feeling parched already.โ You sighed, making him reconsider.ย
โYouโre right. I forgot you were sitting at the bar. It was hasty of me to take you away like that.โ He spoke leading you back to the bar. Such an exhibitionist.
As you reached the bar, you looked at him waiting for you to order whatever beverage you were going to. This was the first make or break.
โGood evening, Can I get some fresh spring water?โ You inquired with the bartender who looked at you like you just asked him for something so baffling, he had to take a moment to take it in. โYou are aware this is a bar right?โ
โThe Lady simply asked for some spring water.โ He came and stood beside you, looking directly at the bartender. โI-Iudex..โ It was as if the words got stuck in the bartenderโs throat. โYes? Is there a problem?โย
โAbsolutely not, Spring water coming right up.โ
โVery well and make it two.โ
โRight away sir.โ the bartender said as he shuffled back nervously through the backdoor.ย
Neuvillette turned to look at you, his eyes now carrying this new kind of glimmer in them. โYouโฆenjoy spring water?โ
โI do! But obviously, Itโs a shame I canโt have Mondstatโs water right now.โ
โMondstatโs water?โ You knew it now, it felt as clear as day. He was testing the grounds with you. Merely trying his luck as to if what he thought about you was actually true or just a wrong hunch.
"Yes!" It was your time to shine now, to show off all the knowledge you could've gathered. "You see, water from different places has completely flavors to the discerning palate. Mondstadt's water is crisp and pure, while water from Liyue has an enduring aftertaste. In Inazuma, the water possesses a depth of flavor unlike any other. Sumeru's water, meanwhile, has a rich and complex flavor profile, but it must be savored patiently to fully appreciate it."
You saw the look in his face after you were done talking. It seemed similar to a child's face when first stepped into a candy shop. Full of wonder and amusement, not exactly sure of its next move.
"You're aware of water's flavors..."
"Why, of course." You give him a knowing smile "Water is important to life, one can survive without food but never without water. There's nothing as pure and refreshing as water." You were proud of yourself to say the least, you were pretty sure you had his interest in completely now and there was absolutely nothing that could sto-
You looked at him in the middle of mentally applauding yourself only to see him carefully examining you. The astonishment and wonder were long gone, leaving a third emotion which you were having a hard time figuring out. What's wrong? Did I say something wrong? What's with his face...
"I see.." was all he managed to say. What was with that dry response? I thought I gave a perfect answer to that.
You couldn't help but be intimidated by the way he looked at you. It felt as if his whole 'Chief Justice' demeanor was back and he was no longer the sweet Neuvillette you were talking to just a few moments ago.
As you were in the middle of retracing back everything you said to him, the life in his eyes seemed to return. He went from having a serious and stoic face to a look of amusement once again, but...there was definitely something completely different and something completely wrong.
"What I meant to say was, It's truly remarkable how you can distinguish between the different flavors of water like that based on their place of origin. I don't think I come across individuals such as yourself this easily." Weird. "If I may inquire, how exactly can you differentiate those flavors like that?"
You were done. You prepared everything yet you didn't know what or how to reply to this. You had no response that could make you sound sane enough because let's be honest, which sane person can tell apart different flavors of water? IT'S WATER. But it's okay, you just had to come up with something. Maybe you could've just told him 'Oh, you know. I stalked you RELIGIOUSLY for the past year. Nothing out of the ordinary.' Just a plain and honest reply. After all, what could've gone wro-
"Y/N?" his voice was heavy like anchors tied to your feet, dragging you down to the depths of hell where you belonged for all this deranged behavior. "I-"
"Hear ye, Hear ye. My beloved citizens." The Hydro Archon's voice rang through the entire ballroom as everything came to halt and everyone quieted down. Thank the archons.
"It is now time to begin The Midnight Masquerade Waltz." She threw her hands open in a way to invite everyone to participate as the entire ballroom burst into a fit of loud cheer and applaud. The lights dimmed down to match the atmosphere as the music started playing indicating the official beginning of the dance.
For now, you were thankful to have avoided the conversation. You figured your answer was too specific and too close to what Neuvillette himself has said in the past and there really was no explaining how you managed to say the exact words as he did.
Your attention was shifted from the people around you to Neuvillette as he held out his hand in front of you while bowing a bit and keeping his other hand on his chest as a gesture of courtesy.
You really shouldn't be surprised after all you have awaited this moment for weeks without end, perfecting your waltzing skills for when the time comes yet when here is the moment in front of you - The Chief Justice of Fontaine BOWING in front of YOU. Somehow it was more nerve wrecking than anything you've ever done.
You couldn't really tell if it was because of the shift in his demeanor after possibly suspecting you of stalking him or was it the weird thing in the atmosphere or was it because of something else but you suddenly felt dizzy, and now that you were here steps away from executing your plan your nervous system wasn't really helping you.
Not taking another moment of his, you gently placed your hand in his as the notes of a coherent ballroom music started playing and both of you got instinctively close to each.
As you exchanged a glance, your left hand reached out to his shoulder while his right hand slid down gently to your back. You wouldn't say you don't have the experience of such close proximity but something about being so close to him, something about his scent that reminded you of the sea on a moonlit night, it was distracting you. But this was a plan and you needed to stay focused. Either way, let the waltzing commence.
STEP 6 : DISTRACT HIM not the other way around
Despite your outfit, you could feel the warmth of his hands seeping in through your clothes and directly to the sensitive skin of your back. It almost made you jolt, but you couldn't afford any distractions. Of course not.
You saw the look in his eyes and you weren't sure if it was the lightning but it got a shade darker, was this even humanly possible? All of this was ridiculous, the way he kept his hands on you and his fingers intertwined with yours. All of this was sending little electric sparks straight to your spine and to be honest, you. hated. every. second. of. it.
How dare this man you hated so passionately make you feel something other than hatred? How absolutely dare he guide YOU so easily across the ballroom floor. You didn't even notice but while you were busy justifying your hatred for this man, your feet glided across the floor and both of your bodies were so perfectly synchronized with each other that a lot of people around you stopped to look at you two.
'Monsieur Neuvillette has a partner?'
'Are you looking at both of them dancing together? Of course he had a partner, that's why he ignored everyone else.'
'Who's that person he's dancing with?'
'You can tell by the way they danced together that there is something between them'
'They look so in love with each other. It feels so refreshing seeing him like this.'
What the hell was wrong with everyone and their baseless assumptions. Your eyes darted to every person who commented, glaring at them.
"Y/N" his voice went low as he whispered in your ear. "You need to focus on the dance dear." His voice so low and sultry sent shivers to your entire body, what even....There's no way HE gets to tell you what to do, there's no way you'll listen to what this man tells you and there's absolutely no way he gets away with calling you that...vile and disgusting thing he just said.
You will make him pay, killing him wasn't enough anymore you wanted him to-
"What did I say about focusing?" his hands from your back dropped to your waist. You were trying to maintain a safe distance from him, sure you were planning to get close to him as a way for your revenge but this-
"Y/N." His voice ringed bringing your attention back to him as His hands slid around from your waist, his fingers digging deeper in your skin pulling you closer to him. It was as if being this close, your senses stopped working. His scent was overwhelming you to the point where it made you sick. Was it that bad? No, definitely not because it was bad it was just because it was just soโฆ.
NO! Nowโs not the time or place to think about this. You slapped yourself mentally, if you had to carry out your plan you had to stop behaving like this teenager who hadnโt been flirted with before and step up your game. So what if he was the all knowing and scary chief justice? You took your sweet time preparing for this exact moment and youโre gonna let yourself be swayed by him.ย
โIudex.โ It was said in the same tone as he said your name in. A sweet smile adorned your face, concealing the strategic thoughts within. This was your moment to make him regret.
As the sound progressed through the ballroom, you looked around to see the ballroom filling up - almost everyone dancing. Great, no prying eyes and a perfect cover for you to carry forward.
His smirk was replaced with a rather amusing expression seeing your actions, as if deciphering your moves.
As both of your feet glided gracefully across the ballroom floor, you finally looked at him - your eyes meeting his gaze, fixated solely on you, delivering a self-assured grin. โWhat a show-offโ you huffed internally.ย
While locking eyes with him, both of your feet moving on their own as if acquiring a mind of their own - The surroundings blurring into insignificance, leaving only his eyes and his presence. The tension became so thick, it felt as if you might just choke on it. Your breaths became deeper and deeper unintentionally as you felt his gaze traced an intimate path from your eyes to your lips, then leisurely down to your neck and collarbone, before sensually returning to your eyes.
Thisโฆcanโt be happening. You were sure you were imaging this and letโs say even if you were, you had to take advantage of this. If he wanted to get a piece of you, you had the perfect idea.ย
All logic abandoned you as your focus narrowed to the singular goal of captivating him and guiding him toward the balcony. If he wanted you then you shall simply get what he desired.ย
Your tongue slid gently over your bottom lip, still maintaining eye contact with Neuvillette as you saw his eyes flicker down to your lips once again and seizing the opportunity, you bit it with your bottom teeth, a slow, deliberate gulp accentuating the act. Moving your hand on from his shoulder you dragged your finger gently and sensually to his neck, placing your hands on the exposed skin of his neck. As you looked back at his eyes, you could see the slight amusement in his eyes following your bold actions.ย
Just as you felt like you finally gave him a taste of his own medicine, his fingers which were intertwined with yours let it go to hold your wrists - his index finger delicately slid across the soft skin of your inner wrist, gently drawing little circles that made you almost lose your balance.ย
It was clear that in this ballroom where everyone was celebrating amongst each other in one corner, in the other corner the dance of conflicting emotions was unfolding between both of you. Your eyes were flashing with a mixture of disdain and frustration, reluctantly following along to the dance as Neuvillette led you on.ย
As the melody of the waltz further enveloped the room, Neuvillette led you into an intricate sequence. With a commanding yet graceful movement, he sent you spinning away. In that moment, as you rolled back toward him, the distance closing to a mere inch, a fusion of breaths made it seem as if you shared a single heartbeat. Your eyes locking in once again in a silent battle.
Hatred sparking beneath the surface of your sweet facade, but the undeniable tension crackled in the charged air. The dance became not only a regular waltz but a dance of contradictionsโof push and pull, of disdain and desire. Every step and turn spoke volumes about this complicated connection between the two of you, as the music seemed to amplify the intensity of the moment.ย ย
Sensing the undeniable and unbelievably thick tension, Neuvillette took one last deep breath, his eyes closing momentarily as if coming up with a decision. When he reopened them, a determined glint shimmered in the depths of his eyes.ย
Without a word, he extended his hand towards you, a silent invitation that spoke volumes. You hesitated for a moment but as your fingers met his in a gentle but firm clasp, an unspoken agreement passed between you two.ย
Neuvillette, still holding your hand, led you through the ballroom. The swirl of the dance floor gradually faded as you both navigated through the crowd, his touch kindly leading you out and away from the eyes of anyone.
The doors to the balcony awaited, a gateway to a private moment away from the watchful eyes of the ballroom. As you stepped onto the balcony, the beauty of Fontaine's seas unfolded before you, the moonlight casting a silver glow on the waves.
The air outside was a mix of salty sea breeze and the lingering tension that had accompanied you from the dance floor. Neuvillette's gaze, now looking at the vast expanse of water, seemed to carry the weight of numerous unspoken thoughts. The balcony, overlooking Fontaine's majestic waters, became a stage for a different kind of dance โ a dance guided by the rhythmic movement of the sea under the moonlit night.
STEP 7 - KILL HIM...or not
โMonsieur Neuvillette-โย
โI apologize for being hasty like this. This isn't something I usually do but..โ His eyes shifted from the sea to meet your eyes. The moonlit night charging the air with something unexplainable.ย
In that pause, a soft breeze swept across the balcony, ruffling both of your hair.ย Neuvillette seemed captivated by the subtle change in the atmosphere, and before either of you could fully comprehend, you found yourselves in a collision course.
A playful glint danced in Neuvillette's eyes as he grinned at you subtly. In a surprising twist, he spun you around, you figures moving in a dance that defied the orchestrated rhythm of the ballroom. The balcony, which was now a stage for your impromptu performance, witnessed a moment filled with conflicting emotions and uninhibited impulsiveness.
Being in the flow of the dance, Neuvillette subtly guided you towards the balcony railing. The sea breeze whispered conspiracies, and in an unexpected turn, he gently trapped you between his frame and the sturdy brick railing.
ย A charged silence hung in the air as your heart almost beat out of your chest when he leaned down towards you, using his one hand to tilt your face - he gently placed a kiss on your neck, shortly trailing a sensual path along it.
For a moment, you had the luxury of forgetting about everything - your brother, your family, the pain, the suffering, the revenge. For that moment, all you could think of was the velvety sensation of his lips on you, delicately tracing and savoring the skin of your neck, then moving down to your collarbone. His hand on your cheek, relishing in it's softness.ย
But how could fate ever be that kind to you? How could you ever have the pleasure of savoring something like this before the weight of the situation would finally crash down on you like a ton of bricks? Fate was cruel. And you had no choice but to obey.
With complicated emotions swirling inside you and your hands shaky, you took out the concealed dagger and positioned it - hovering over his back.ย
You closed your eyes for a second and took a shaky breath, building up the courage to do what you had to.ย What if you just spare his life? What if none of which you had planned has to happen? What if you could just stay here, enjoying this and see where it leads?
Allowing yourself to dwell in these thoughts, the faces of you brother and your parents loomed all around you reminding you of the direness of your actions.
It's okay, this would be over in a second. Just a second. So you swing the blade down in full force when-ย
It stops mid air. Opening your eyes, you no longer feel his touch on you as he's simply standing towering in front of you.ย
It was as if with a swift and almost uncanny awareness, he halts your motion, catching you completely off guard.ย
Neuvillette, turning to face you with an intensity in his gaze, conveys a silent message that he's not as oblivious as you thought of him to be.ย Of course, he wasn't. You were simply too distracted to notice this the entire night.
You were frozen in place, overcome with a sense of being caught in the act, feeling like a deer who has run right in front of its predator - your heart was pounding in terror. His eyes pierce through the mask of your intentions, leaving you feeling exposed and vulnerable which you despised.
โWell, well. What do we have here?" His eyes held a glint of mockery as he continued. "Were you attempting to add a touch of drama to our little soirรฉe? Trying to stab me in the back? I thought we were saving the drama for the masquerade. Or is this your unique way of expressing affection for me?โ His voice was filled with a mocking tone that danced on the edge of amusement.
His gaze lingered on you, the glint in his eyes both challenging and taunting. "Color me intrigued," he added, his voice now a low murmur of amusement. It was as if he found the entire affair not only unexpected but also oddly entertaining.
In the heartbeat following your failed attempt and Neuvilletteโs words of mockery, adrenaline surged through your veins, a pulsating rhythm of fear and determination.ย
Seizing the unexpected surge of strength, you swiftly maneuvered Neuvillette, turning him around until his back was pressed against the balcony railing.ย
With a quick motion, you grabbed the knife tightly in position again, the blade glinting ominously in the dim light.ย
Rage filling your veins once again, you swung the blade full force at him - landing a slash on his arm. Neuvillette, momentarily stunned by you, registered your attack, his eyes narrowing in a mixture of surprise and realization.
Before he could react, driven by a surge of desperate resolve, you exerted force against him - propelling him over the balcony railing.ย
His eyes widened in sudden realization as events unfolded. In a final, desperate attempt to steady himself, his hand shot out towards you, aiming for support. However, all it managed to catch was your mask, causing it to slip away from your face.
The raging waters below awaited him, a fitting abyss for the chief justice who harbored no sympathy whatsoever for any human.ย
You witnessed a final glance in his eyes, a moment of recognition as he looked at the person behind the mask and a sense of peace washing over him, accepting his inevitable fate.
The night swallowed his form as he descended into the water, leaving you alone on the balcony, the sound of the turbulent sea below, you stood in the haunting aftermath of your desperate act.ย
As the adrenaline subsided, the weight of what you had just done began to settle on your shoulders like a heavy cloak. The reality of your actions bore down on you, and a profound sense of guilt crept into the corners of your conscience as you stared into the raging sea beneath where the last traces of the Chief Justice was gone as well.
The moon, a silent witness to your choices, cast an eerie glow on the scene. The sea, once a backdrop to your vendetta, now mirrored theย turmoil of emotions within you. Your trembling hands, once fueled by determination, now betrayed the uncertainty that gripped you.
The weight of guilt anchored you to the balcony, and as the waves crashed against the rocks below, each echo seemed to amplify the consequences of your irreversible decision.
ย The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant sounds of the sea, a haunting reminder of the depths into which you had cast the chief justice.
Despite accomplishing the culmination of your year-long vendetta, ending his life, there was no comfort to be found. Instead of the anticipated relief, a heavy burden settled deep within you, intensifying the weight of remorse. Far from feeling better, you found yourself engulfed in a sense of emptiness, as if the act had only added to the darkness that now resided within. The hollowness of your victory became painfully apparent, leaving you with an indescribable ache that overshadowed any satisfaction you had hoped to gain.
You couldn't help but entertain a wistful wish. Perhaps, in a different time and under alternate circumstances, your paths might have crossed with a different script. Under different stars and in a gentler dance of fate, the unexplainable thing between you two might have unfolded in a way that didn't demand such drastic choices.
A reality where you didn't have the blood of the Chief Justice on your hands.
Maybe you would've liked him then.
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