The rain was lashing the streets of Fontaine like an angry beast breaking out of its cage. The streams of water turned the pavements into stormy rivers, and the buildings into blurred silhouettes. Neuvillette, Fontaine's Chief Justice, walked through the pouring rain, oblivious to the bad weather. His mind was clouded by anger and disappointment. The argument with Furina, his boss, still echoed in my thoughts. Harsh words, accusations, and complete misunderstanding weighed heavily on him. None of those present supported his point of view, no one sided with him. The feeling of loneliness, sharp and painful, pierced through him.

He walked along the road, letting the rain wash away the remnants of this unpleasant conversation. Suddenly, a hand was placed on his shoulder. He whirled around, ready for another attack, for a new wave of misunderstanding.

—Monsieur, take an umbrella," said a calm, even voice.

In front of me stood Wriothesley, the warden of Meropid Prison. Tall, with jet-black hair falling over his forehead, and piercing light blue eyes, he looked at me with a strange, unreadable expression. Wriothesley was the only one who didn't take part in our conflict with Furina. He was silent, like a bystander, expressing neither support nor condemnation.

His unexpected appearance and offer of help took him by surprise.