After Leo finished speaking, Furina rolled her eyes several times, feeling as though she really couldn't swallow such nonsense.
Glancing at the untouched breakfast on the table, a mischievous little idea sparked in her mind.
Soon after, the two left the residence. Leo followed behind as Furina began her short workday.
Do your job properly, not like a nanny, he reminded himself.
Arriving at the Opera Epiclese, today's trial was still as absurd as usual—though, admittedly, not quite as bad as the previous ones.
Watching the litigants brawl, Leo could see that even Neuvillette was exasperated. After all, cases like this were endless, and they were all packed into the Opera Epiclese for judgment.
Noticing Clorinde sitting nearby, visibly drowsy, Leo realized he hadn't sparred with her in some time. He wondered whether his own martial skills might be growing rusty.
Moving to her side, he whispered, "Sister Clorinde, let's find a chance to spar. I want to test my strength against yours again."
Clorinde turned her head, eyes narrowing as if to refuse, but she held her tongue.
"A spar? What's the reward?"
"There is one."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"How about fine tea from Liyue?"
Her eyes lit faintly. "Deal."
After the brief exchange, Leo returned to Furina's side and found her sprawled lazily over the railing, watching the scuffle on stage.
Eventually, the trial came to its conclusion—full of twists and turns, as usual.
The verdict led to yet another sentencing in Merope's Fortress, Fontaine's underwater prison.
Once outside the Opera Epiclese, Leo reviewed the day's remaining schedule for her:
"Lady Furina, the fan meeting is next. After that, I will accompany Lord Neuvillette to the diplomatic conference. The opposing delegation comes from Sumeru—the representative is none other than the acting Grand Sage of the Akademiya, Alhaitham."
Furina, walking ahead, had no intention of attending the fan meeting. Her mind was instead busy devising ways to trick Leo into treating her to a lavish meal.
You must attend the fan meeting—it's your duty to greet your fans, Leo thought grimly.
As for the diplomatic conference, Furina wasn't worried at all. With Neuvillette present, everything would be handled flawlessly.
But how to trick Leo? That question plagued her.
Be unreasonable? No, absolutely not. I am Furina, the Hydro Archon of Fontaine—the demon god Focalors! How could I behave unreasonably? I must find a cleverer way.
Though not the God of Wisdom, she reassured herself—she still had wisdom of her own.
The fan meeting itself proceeded smoothly. Furina was a beloved figure in Fontaine, adored as both Archon and idol.
Still, there were always the more outrageous admirers—like the young girl who, instead of asking Furina for an autograph, turned to Leo with shining eyes.
Leo reached for the pen, ready to sign, when Furina snatched it away and scribbled her own name instead.
"Hmph! Leo is my bodyguard, not a celebrity!"
The poor girl had no choice but to retreat quietly, though she continued staring at Leo with infatuated eyes.
The intensity of her gaze unsettled him—it was far too revealing. He shifted uncomfortably, feeling his body tense.
Once the final fan departed, Furina turned to see Leo looking smug, clearly pleased by the attention. That was her cue to act.
She slowed her steps, tiptoeing toward him while he was lost in thought.
Then—she deliberately tripped, left foot crossing over right, pitching herself forward.
For an instant, she regretted it.
Am I stupid? I could've just asked him directly. With Leo's personality, he wouldn't have refused me. But no, I had to stage a dramatic scene, embarrass myself, and fall like an idiot—straight into his arms.
Leo, caught off guard mid-thought, reacted instinctively. In a flash, he caught her before she could hit the ground.
Her soft body pressed into his chest, her delicate fragrance filling his senses.
Oh no.
In his arms, Furina's face flushed crimson. She didn't want to get up. After all, she had orchestrated this herself, and somehow it felt like Leo had profited from it instead.
"Lady Furina, are you all right?" Leo asked, baffled by her silence.
She didn't answer. Instead, she steeled herself, preparing to pressure him further.
But just then—the sound of a door creaking open echoed through the hall.
Leo looked up, curious to see who would dare enter unannounced.
It was Neuvillette.
He stood in the doorway with his usual composure, holding a stack of documents. Though his expression was neutral, it was clear he had walked in on something.
From his perspective, Leo was half-seated on the ground, with Furina nestled against his chest in a rather compromising posture.
Though the Chief Justice was famously unsympathetic, he was not naïve. He'd received plenty of love letters himself, and once even sought Furina's advice on how to respond—only to be mocked relentlessly for it.
Now, at last, everything seemed to click into place.
No wonder Leo has remained Furina's guard for over two years. No wonder she never replaces him, even when furious. Clearly… these two are lovers in disguise.
Naturally, Furina also heard the door. Raising her face slightly, she froze when she saw who it was.
Neuvillette! It's over. Everything is over!
"It seems I came at a poor time," Neuvillette said calmly. "If the Lady Archon does not wish to attend the diplomatic meeting, I shall go in her place."
With that, he offered a gentle, knowing smile, cast Leo a brief glance, then closed the door behind him as quietly as he'd entered.
His expression had clearly implied: Carry on.
Sitting there on the floor, Furina's heart nearly burst. Her plan had backfired spectacularly.
"Lady Furina?" Leo asked softly. He still held her arm and didn't quite know what to do. His fingers twitched with the urge to squeeze, though he restrained himself.
To Furina, though, everything was suddenly his fault.
If he hadn't said this morning that he only cared about salary, I wouldn't have plotted against him. I wouldn't have thrown myself at him. Neuvillette wouldn't have seen us. Everything is Leo's fault!
"Leo! How dare you hug me!" she shouted.
Leo blinked, dumbfounded. Lady Furina, you fell first. I was just stopping you from hitting the ground…
"Lady Furina, you were about to fall, so I—"
"What nonsense are you spouting?! Don't speak!"
The words left her mouth before she thought better of it. Wait—how am I supposed to trick him into treating me if I silence him?
Remembering she'd been held in his arms all this time, Furina felt wronged, though it had been entirely her own scheme.
They remained like that for an awkwardly long while.
Finally, Furina huffed, "If I forbid you from speaking, you really won't speak?"
"…Eh?"
Leo blinked again, bewildered. Wasn't it you who told me not to?
Her indignation boiled over into laughter.
This fool… he's hopelessly earnest. Good thing he's skilled at combat—otherwise, anyone could take advantage of him.
Seeing her suddenly laugh, Leo tensed. If she wasn't smiling, at least he could read her mood. But when she smiled, it was always dangerous.
"Lady Furina, please don't be angry. You've ignored me for three days already. If you keep this up, it'll be a full week…"
He said it simply, with no theatrics.
Furina pinched his chin, studying his silly expression. Then, unable to resist, she reached out to pinch his cheek roughly.
"Don't worry, I'm in a good mood today. But since you claim to earn such a high salary… how about treating me to a proper meal?"
Leo's face reddened under her touch. He nodded quickly, unable to escape her delicate grip.
"Of course, Lady Furina. I'll make sure you're full."