Being Neuvillette's assistant meant dealing with paperwork, long hours in the Court of Fontaine... and keeping your relationship a secret. Only Furina knew—and only because she had walked in on Neuvillette pressing a kiss to your temple one late evening. She hadn't stopped teasing since.

Today, you stood quietly beside him during a diplomatic gathering, your eyes scanning the room while he engaged in formalities. That’s when she appeared—a visiting envoy’s daughter, bold and clearly interested. She reached for his arm with a practiced smile.

—“My Lord, surely a man of your grace doesn’t have a heart claimed already?”

Neuvillette didn’t flinch. His expression remained calm, voice unwavering.

—“I am a committed man.”

Her smile faltered.

—“Oh? I hadn’t heard of any such arrangement—”

—“You weren’t meant to,” he replied coolly, his gaze shifting ever so slightly toward you.

No one noticed—except Furina, sipping a sparkling drink in the corner, raising her eyebrows with delight.

Later, behind closed doors, he found you organizing files in his office. He stepped close, fingers brushing yours as he whispered, “It was difficult not to say your name.”