First things first, I'm somewhat bouncing off of the theory @crows-of-buckets posted about Neuvillette, mainly because they portray the imagery of the new Fontaine trailer so well and also, I feel like it's only right to mention them since it's their post that made me decide that I wanted to post my own theory. I should also note, their theory touches on Khaenria and Celestia. I will not as I'm not too familiar and this will just be focused and what I think the role he'll occupy will be, story-wise, and perhaps Fontaine's overall archon quest theme.
I'm going to recap some points made by crows-of-buckets first and then explain my view of the details given.
They mention that in the newest Fontaine trailer, Neuvillette during the scene where Neuvillette and Clorinde is walking down the hallway, he steps out of the shadows and the light reflecting onto him resembles prison bars.
There is also the scene of Furina/Focalors wanting to see a real twist while holding the burning remains of a photo's borders in a way that frames Neuvillette.
crows-of-buckets believe that Neuvillette will be imprisoned somehow. And I agree, but for different reasons.
I'm gonna take a step back before I continue. In every region we've visited so far in Teyvat, each archon had a right-hand in someway. What I mean by this, is there is a character who shares an element with the archon of their region, and helps the archon achieve their goals in one way or another. They also most likely have a high-ranking position of some kind.
So far there has been:
Venti - Jean
Zhongli - Ningguang
Ei - Yae Miko
Nahida - Alhaitham
Jean is of high status in the Knights of Favonius as the Acting Grand Master, and helped Venti calm Devalin.
Ningguang is the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, and assisted in protecting Liyue so Zhongli could fulfill his final contract. (Assuming she knows his real identity, which I believe she does).
Yae Miko is the Head Priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine, and used every trick up her sleeve to help Ei and end the Vision Hunt Decree.
Alhaitham is the Scribe of the Akedemiya, and was once Acting Grand Sage, and assisted in rescuing Nahida from the previous Grand Sage.
They all also assisted the traveler in their journey, one way or another.
To bring this full circle, Neuvillette is the Chief Justice of Fontaine, he most likely has a hydro vision (look at him) and he very clearly values what Focalors stands for.
With him (most likely) checking off all the boxes, this makes him Focalors's right hand.
We know in every region the traveler becomes a criminal or wanted individual somehow, so he most likely will be here as well, so why would Neuvillette assist the traveler as each right-hand before him has done?
He doesn't agree with Fontaine's legal system.
All of this is just personal speculation at this point, but I believe the story of the archon quest will have to do with what is considered justice in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of moral individuality, if that makes sense.
An example to explain my point would be:
"A woman stole an item from the store."
Justice in the eyes of the law would see her as guilty, because she broke the law, thus she is a sinner/criminal. But that's only on the surface.
See that woman was actually a single mother, she just barely makes enough to keep her home and maybe buy groceries. She can't produce enough milk for her infant child, so out of desperation she steals baby formula.
In the eyes of an individual, her actions make her just. Is she committing a crime? Yes, but it's to provide for someone who cannot provide for themselves, thus it is a commendable action.
A lot of the time, the ones who commit a crime are the only desperate individuals trying to survive the shitty hand they've been dealt. Trying to survive poverty, illness, unsafe homes, abuse, etc.
That's why I think Neuvillette will help the traveler, because he saw how the legal system is fatally flawed. That it works in only black and white and not in the shades of grey it actually is. That the legal system is unjustly persecuting the poor, ill, weak, etc.
Focalors is the God of Justice, but if Fontaine is unjust, then the right-hand will need to make it just.
I think at some point Neuvillette may become an antagonist to Focalors like how Yae Miko was to Ei. I also think, to make it interesting, that at first he was oblivious in some way but had his world view shattered. That's why he steps out of darkness and into prison bars, he goes from being free but being part of the problem, to risking imprisonment -potentially even being actually imprisoned- while trying to fix his mistakes. That's why I think he'll help the traveler, and that's what I think his role in the story will be.
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Hey there! 🦊👺
If you've been a yaesara enjoyer on Twitter, you may know of the yaesaraweek account (also hosted by me). We already did one week way back last year, and then we're having the second week right about now, 7-14 July
Since Twitter seems to be... Unreliable at best, I've decided I'll be cross-hosting this event to Tumblr too, from next instance of this event onward. The reason I won't be hosting it on Tumblr this time in particular is because the week starts in like three days and ik Tumblr artists won't have any time to prepare. If you still want to participate, head over on Twitter to see the prompts, @ yaesaraweek (same as here), and if you do end up posting to Tumblr while tagging me, I'll reblog your work! :)
(also, please reblog to spread the word if you can!)
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