"Mr. Tartaglia, perhaps I need to emphasize this again."
Neuvillette waved a hand gently. Though the raindrops still leaped eagerly from the sky, his gesture had enclosed the spot where they stood within an invisible protective barrier.
The "shield" kept out the rain. Tartaglia reached a hand beyond his umbrella to test it, then lowered the umbrella and casually shook it off to the side before unhurriedly fastening its strap and holding it in his hand.
Neuvillette lowered his eyes. Aside from his usual calm, there was a trace of almost imperceptible resignation in his gaze as he looked at the young man.
"The Hydro Dragon does not cry. He merely tasted the tears and all the emotions gathered in the heart of the earth, and was moved by them."
After saying this, Neuvillette shifted his gaze slightly. Seeing Tartaglia's half-soaked body and the wet umbrella he clutched so "reluctantly" in his hand, he could not help acting on a thought.
"Ooh~~"
A shiver ran through Tartaglia, and a second later, he was completely dry.
Tartaglia showed little "hostility" toward Neuvillette, the Iudex of Fontaine who had once "fought dirty" and "cheap-shotted" him while he was "transforming."
"Thanks."
He waved the umbrella in his hand at Neuvillette and stamped his feet.
His shoes were dry inside too. Tartaglia, whose feet had been soaking for almost the entire journey, nodded inwardly in satisfaction. It seemed Fontaine's Iudex had a bit of warmth to him after all.
After checking his shoes, Tartaglia's heavy mood lifted just a little. Looking at Neuvillette, he asked, "So you've noticed the Traveler's unusual 'state' too, haven't you?"
Although it was a question, Tartaglia's certain tone showed that he already knew the answer.
Glancing at the dark sky and the downpour that showed no sign of stopping,