The Iudex's day off

Chapter 83 - Making plans

 I can't leave him like this!

 "I guess I could stay for a bit longer."

 "That would be wonderful." He smiled brightly.

 Ugh!

 My poor heart!

 You would think that I would get used to that.

 Yeah...

 There is no way I'm ever getting used to that smile.

 I'm doomed for eternity.

 ~

Neuvillette's POV

 I still don't understand this...

 After Wriothesley left, practically running away, instead of work, I couldn't help but reach for the stack of books in my desk drawer.

 After I first heard it when Furina and Wrio were arguing last time, I did some research, but...

 I don't understand the reason behind this... tradition.

 I looked at the steadily growing stack of books which now included:

 Romance for newbies

 100 ways to propose (Guaranteed Yes)

 Is marriage a blessing or a curse?

 The origin of proposals

 I don't see it.

 Why is this so important?

 Why-

 Knock. Knock. Knock.

 With a soft click, the door opened and Sedene peeked in.

 "Monsieur Neuvillette. Miss Navia and Miss Clorinde wish to know if you're available. What should I tell them?"

 Those two?

 I thought they had escaped as far away as possible as soon as Furina let them leave.

 Thye still dare to be around when their archon is so grumpy?

 "Let them come in."

 She nodded and moments later the two women entered.

 "Please sit." I motioned towards the couch.

 They did, but I quickly noticed Navia shifting around nervously in her seat.

 "Is everything alright, Miss Navia?"

 "Y-Yes, I'm alright! I... I was just..."

 "Navia has been wondering if it would be too rude of her to ask for access to your archives once again, Monsieur." Clorinde said straightforwardly.

 "Clorinde!"

 "I did tell her that I have a key and unrestricted access and I could let her in but-"

 "Clo-rinde!"

 "I'll shut up now."

 "Hmph!"

 This situation...

 I can't help but find it just the tiniest bit amusing to look at.

 "You are free to enter the archives as you wish as long as you are within Clorinde's presence, Miss Navia."

 They aren't exactly top secret or that strictly guarded.

 "Really?!"

 Her whole face lit up so suddenly.