Wriolette

Wriolette is the slash ship between Neuvillette and Wriothesley from the Genshin Impact fandom.

Canon
The first time Neuvillette and Wriothesley meet is in court where Wriothesley was tried for murder. The trial was very short since Wriothesley confessed immediately, so it had most likely lasted less than an hour. Years later, Neuvillette and Wriothesley meet again and Neuvillette helps Wriothesley earn the title of "Duke of Fortress of Meropide", and fight for his reputation. The first time that Wriothesley publicly wears his vision the first to comment on it is Neuvillette who, according to Wriothesley, seemed almost happier than him.

Chapter IV: Act III
In Act 3 of the Fontaine Archon quest ("To the Stars Shining in the Depths"), Neuvillette describes Wriothesley as "shrewd". He tells Paimon and the Traveler that he is the highest ranking manager of the underwater prison, and suggests that they avoid any confrontation with him.

When the Traveler and Paimon meet Wriothesley, he says he personally welcomes them only because they are acquaintances of Neuvillette. Wriothesley and Neuvillette have "personal dealings", according to Neuvillette, and a relationship of mutual respect and trust. Wriothesley also states during the lunch with him, Sigewinne, Traveler, and Paimon...that Neuvillette is easy to talk to and Wriothesley can talk about anything freely with him effortlessly. Wriothesley then says he's quite willing to talk and accommodate Neuvillette whenever. Also, Wriothesley said the only reason he was treating Traveler and Paimon to dinner was because of Neuvillette.

Chapter IV: Act IV
In Act 4, in Wriothesley and Clorinde's interaction...Wriothesley states nobody never seems to think he has good intentions, to which Clorinde says it would probably work on Neuvillette, implying Neuvillette would definitely think Wriothesley has good intentions. Later, as Wriothesley and Clorinde stop the primordial water for the time being, Wriothesley tells the Traveler to find Neuvillette. After some time, Neuvillette shows up and tells Wriothesley and Clorinde that he can take it from here. Clorinde asks if he's sure he doesn't need help, where Neuvillette replys, "Quite sure." Wriothesley then close his eyes, looks at the ground, smiles and looks at Neuvillette and says, "Wow...so...what's your secret huh? Let me guess...ahh, who knows, maybe it's just your sense of responsibility." Neuvillette sighs. Wriothesley then turns and walks away smirking. After Neuvillette prevents the crisis and Wriothesley and Clorinde return, they comment that they made a bet between themselves as to the size of Neuvillette's entourage. Neuvillette even joins in the light-hearted conversation, asking if the prize for the winner would be tea (Wriothesley had won the bet). At the end of the quest, Wriothesley seems disappointed that Neuvillette didn't stay to have tea with him.

Diluvies Chapter
During Neuvillette's story quest, there's a file on his desk the player can look into, which is titled "About Wriothesley". According to the file, Wriothesley was sent to trial for his crime (later learned he killed his foster parents) and was tried by Neuvillette who, after Wriothesley's quick confession, remained silent for a long period of time.

Also, in Neuvillette's story quest, there's a canon interaction between Neuvillette and Wriothesley. Neuvillette confronted Domenico about the whole melusine situation. Trying to get him to confess, Domenico asked Neuvillettte if he's accusing and framing him for this crime even though they know it was him. Neuvillette appears very impatient and is getting frustrated, Wriothesley notices this and fills in talking for him so Neuvillette doesn't lose his temper. After, Neuvillette is having doubts and is quite upset. Wriothesley sees this and walks right up to him from his office desk and gives him praise, compliments, and reassurance. Saying Neuvillette transformed Fontaine and is the reason Fontaine is the way it is now, that he's always made the right judgements, that he's not the outsider he was before, how the people feel about the melusines is how they feel about Neuvillette. Considering how Wriothesley likes the melusines and cares and protects them especially Sigewinne immensely (you can tell from both Wriothesley and Neuvillette's voicelines), this is reflective of how he feels for Neuvillette, and how he has done his job excellently with impartiality as Chief Justice for all these years. Also, Wriothesely cleared up and reassured him that Vautrin perhaps never hated Neuvillette but put up an act to make him look better as Chief Justice. Neuvillette was very touched by Wriothesley's words and he states it should be Wriothesley and Fontaine's people that deserve his respect and expressed his gratitude to him. Wriothesley then went on to say Neuvillette was being modest. As Neuvillette said he was gonna leave, Wriothesley then said, "And so soon too? Why not stay for a cup of tea?" As the Traveler and Neuvillette left, Wriothesley said, "Please, take care." At the end, while Neuvillette was walking and thinking about Fontaine's history, Wriothesley and Sigewinne are included in the scenes of his past shown, implying they are an important part of his history, too.

Character Voicelines
"Wriothesley is a trustworthy man. I fought hard for the title and reputation he now has. I expect you to think that I've simply been duped by his flattery and appearance of loyalty... But to that, I would quote the Inazuman proverb: "The words unspoken are the flower." Which means, some things are best left unsaid."

- Neuvillette's voiceline about Wriothesley "I was once summoned by Neuvillette to discuss some matters with him in his office. When I approached the Palais Mermonia, I saw him standing by the road, completely drenched in the rain. I held out an umbrella for him, and while he thanked me politely, his expression was a little... distressed, I guess. I can only assume that I had disturbed him in the middle of something."

- Wriothesley's voiceline about Neuvillette

Quest Dialogue
"I mentioned that I have had personal dealings with the administrator of the Fortress, Wriothesley... He's a very... shrewd fellow. He is the highest ranking manager of the underwater prison. Even though you are going there to investigate at my behest, it would behoove you to avoid any confrontation with him or any of his subordinates. The Duke rarely ever leaves the Fortress of Meropide, but that does not mean he is not privy to all that's happening inside and outside the fortress. He is "quiet," but not "unaware," so please bear that in mind."

- Neuvillette on Wriothesley [Archon Quest Chapter IV Act III: To The Stars Shining In The Depths] "Monsieur Neuvillette's character is unimpeachable. No matter the question, you can discuss it openly and freely with him. Talking with him feels quite effortless. In light of that, I am quite willing to go out of my way to show respect and accommodate him. In fact, right now I'm treating you two as guests invited by Monsieur Neuvillette, but unfortunately, I can only do so until the end of this meal. After this, you two will just be inmates here."

- Wriothesley on Neuvillette [Archon Quest Chapter IV Act III: To The Stars Shining In The Depths]

Neuvillette: There's no need to worry. Clorinde is protecting [Kiara] as we speak.

Sigewinne: Oh, that's great. But if the criminal's still... Is there anything you can do about this?

Wriothesley: Ah, Head Nurse, do you require me to personally deal with the criminal?

Neuvillette: [sternly] Wriothesley.

Wriothesley: Okay, I get it. I'll bring Domenico to you — that's your only demand, correct?

Neuvillette: Think of it as more of a humble request. I am here on my own accord, not to formally transfer a criminal for trial. I urge you to set aside any concerns. Thanks for the trouble. Consider me in your debt.

Paimon: Whoa... If Paimon were you, Your Grace, Paimon would take this chance to ask for something really important!

Wriothesley: Well, were I still a criminal, I'd probably ask for a lighter sentence — but I'm sure Monsieur Neuvillette would reject that. But enough jokes. I'll look for Domenico and bring him to you.

--Dilluvies Chapter, Act I: The Remains of the Past Day""

Fanon
The ship began when Neuvillette and Wriothesley were leaked as the only two tall males in the Fontaine lineup. Although not much was known about them during that time, people thought they gave off enemies to lovers or old married couple vibes. The two also have contrasting designs, Wriothesley is messy, asymmetrical, and red, while Neuvillette is clean, symmetrical, and blue. Many fans also think they resembled Gepard and Sampo, a popular Honkai Star Rail ship. All of this made quite a few people ship them. Shippers also liked to joke about the two of them getting married in the Fontaine story. This led to fans creating fanart, fanfiction, and memes even though the two characters hadn’t been released yet.

Once the Overture Teaser was released, along with the JP voice actors, the ship gained even more popularity. Especially since fans noticed Wriothesley’s JP voice actor is Daisuke Ono, while Neuvillette’s is Hiroshi Kamiya. Ono and Kamiya are close friends and are known for voicing popular slash pairings. A few examples are Erwin and Levi, and Shizuo Heiwajima and Izaya Orihara respectively.

In the teaser, Wriothesley was seen with Sigewinne, making lots of people headcanon them having a father and daughter relationship. Shippers have also added Neuvillette to the headcanon, making Sigewinne their child. This headcanon is further supported with Neuvillette's voiceline about Sigewinne.

A lot of fanworks depict Wriothesley asking out/flirting with Neuvillette. Recently, there has also been a lot of fanart showing Wriothesley being protective of Neuvillette because of this tweet. In fanworks, their personalities are mostly portrayed as opposites, with Wriothesley being the teasing and playful one while Neuvillette is the serious and responsible one. This is mostly because of past leaks, which show Neuvillette with a serious expression and Wriothesley with a smug smile. Although the leaks were inevitable to change and now we can see in their marketing, both Wriothesley and Neuvillette have a serious expression. This made some people portray them that way instead.

The ship has become extremely popular in the fandom due to Wriothesley's perceived flirtations with Neuvillette and their strong bond, regarding each other as one of the few important people in their lives and also the bond that formed between them years after the Wriothesley trial.

Wriothesley's voiceline about Neuvillette says Neuvillette called Wriothesley to talk. It was raining (we know why, as when Neuvillette is sad it rains in Fontaine). Wriothesley saw Neuvillette outside alone and getting soaked, he held an umbrella for him. Neuvillette then kindly thanked him even though he would have preferred the rain to hit him, it's still Wriothesley's very kind gesture that is in a lot of romance anime/k-dramas. It is considered a very common romantic troupe between two love interests.

Neuvillette and Wriothesley's JP voice actors acted in a bl audio play before as the two love interests. The play's title is the literal translation of Neuvillette's about Wriothesley voiceline -- the Inazuman (japanese) proverb "The words unspoken are the flowers." Hoyo just thought let's choose this one out of the million other possible choices.

Neuvillette represents law, Wriothesley represents order. Both law and order are needed together.

In one of Wriothesley voicelines, it goes, "I've managed to get myself to a pretty comfortable place in life, but there's still some things I want that are outside my reach, like a peaceful and happy childhood, or the ability to trust other people." Obviously meaning Wriothesley has quite a hard time trusting people. Well, we know in-game that Neuvillette is one of the very few people Wriothesley trusts, respects, and cares for. That just shows in the canon interactions and voicelines they have about each other.

In Neuvillette's voiceline about Wriothesley, "Wriothesley is a trustworthy man. I fought hard for the title and reputation he now has. I expect you to think that I've simply been duped by his flattery and appearance of loyalty... But to that, I would quote the Inazuman proverb: "The words unspoken are the flower." Which means, some things are best left unsaid." Flattery is the act of giving excessive compliments, generally for the purpose of ingratiating oneself with the subject. It is also used in pick-up lines when attempting to initiate romantic courtship. Now knowing who Wriothesley's true character is, we can say he is sincere about it when he flatters Neuvillette.

Wriothesley and Neuvillette are in quite a few official art together, they have a banner run featuring them both, drip marketed together as well.

Neuvillette fought and granted Wriothesley his title of "Duke." The highest rank and title Neuvillette can give to an individual.

Neuvillette's story quest, Wriothesley seems more expressive talking to Neuvillette than any other person. He smiles more, and always seems to be looking at him whenever Neuvillette is thinking or seems bothered, especially in their sweet moment when Wriothesley is reassuring, complimenting, and clearing Neuvillette's doubts. Also, in the archon quest...Wriothesley has more expression as well (like he closes his eyes and smiles) when he looks and teases Neuvillette when he shows up to take over holding back the primordial water. Finally, the Traveler and Paimon asked Wriothesley if everything at the fortress was alright now, he says that Neuvillette took care of the worst of it (as he is saying this he has a big smile on his face.)

When Wriothesley and Neuvillette finish their NA combos, they both adjust their tie/neck accessories which is a nice little detail.

Wriothesley and Neuvillette are both father figures to Sigewinne. They take care of her and worry for her together. Both their voicelines about Sigewinne imply at this. Also, considering Neuvillette is the caretaker of the melusines and brought them to Fontaine, plus Wriothesley asking Sigewinne if she wants him to "personally" deal with the criminal that's targeting the melusines including Sigewinne in Neuvillette's story quest.

During Neuvillette's web event before his release, Wriothesley was in it and one of the options at one part while a melusine was presiding over the fortress, Wriothesley brought over a resignation letter to send to Neuvillette. In Wriothesley's web event, same as before one of Wriothesley's options was sending Neuvillette a resignation letter. Another way Wriothesley jokes and teases with Neuvillette, which also indicates that they are close enough where Wriothesley can joke around with Neuvillette casually.

Currently, Wriolette is the most popular Fontaine ship on AO3. On the website, they have 800+ fanfics.

Fandom

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Trivia

 * In the 4.1 preview page, Wriothesley and Neuvillette have an animation together where they are in an office together at night, they seem to be dodging each other's gaze.
 * Neuvillette's least favorite dish is BBQ meat without sauce, Wriothesley's special dish is BBQ meat with a special sauce.
 * During the 4.1 cutscene, Wriothesley and Clorinde try to contain the primordial water in a tense scene but as soon as Neuvillette arrives Wriothesley seems to calm down immediately.
 * Despite the Fortress of Meropide being quite detached from the outside world, we know that Wriothesley and Neuvillette see each other quite often in Neuvillette's office.
 * In a scene, when Neuvillette says he's pretty sure he doesn't need help, Wriothesley responds with a "Wooow~" which according to fans in all versions of the game seems like flirting.
 * Immediately after, he also looks at Neuvillette from top to bottom which makes it seem like he's "checking out" Neuvillette.
 * Neuvillette says he avoids having personal relationships, despite this, he very often says he has a personal relationship with Wriothesley.
 * So far, we know that Wriothesley is the only human with whom Neuvillette shares an intimate bond.
 * In Fontaine, there are two types of geese (but they definitely look like swans because geese don't have such long necks), both of them representing Wriothesley and Neuvillette both in looks and description. Swans are one of the gayest animals in the animal kingdom. 80% of gay swan couples raise their young. Not only that, in Fontaine...in one part of the map, 3 of the Wriothesley geese (Darkwing Goose) are chasing a Neuvillette goose (Snow-Winged Swan), and another place, there's a single Darkwing Goose and Snow-Winged Goose on a cliff overlooking the area together. There was another area as well of two of them sitting together. Not only that, but swans' necks also form a heart when they look face-to-face. I thought of this a subliminal hint as the developers purposely spawned those two together on a cliff looking at the area. Isn't the first time they implied or put in small hints here and there and I can't think it was a coincidence.