After hesitating outside the door for a while, Leo finally opened the bedroom door, carrying a tray of lunch in his hands.
The elegant décor, accented by light blue floor-to-ceiling windows, let in soft sunlight that bathed the room in a peaceful glow.
This was the first time Leo had ever stepped into Furina's boudoir, and curiosity swirled in his mind.
After a few careful steps, he noticed Furina lying on the bed with her arm draped across her eyes. He couldn't tell if she was sleeping or simply pretending.
Swallowing nervously, Leo set the lunch down on the table by the window.
"Lady Furina, I've placed your lunch here. Please remember to eat."
No answer. He guessed the Hydro Archon had dozed off again.
For some reason, Leo let out a quiet sigh of relief. But relaxation was dangerous—when one relaxed around Furina, something was bound to happen.
His eyes drifted back toward the bed. Though she was wrapped in a quilt, Furina's pale, delicate feet peeked out from beneath it. The sight struck him like an arrow.
White, slender, perfect—his throat tightened.
Leo quickly shut his eyes and forced himself to walk toward the door. If he lingered any longer, he was afraid he might lose his composure.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
The sudden voice made him jolt as though struck by lightning.
Snapping his eyes open, Leo slowly turned his head—only to meet Furina's wide, ocean-blue gaze.
When did she get up? The thought was his first and most honest reaction.
"Ah! I've already eaten. Lady Furina, you should eat now!"
He was about to bolt when Furina stopped him.
"Eat with me. I can't finish all this alone."
"That really isn't necessary, Lady Furina!"
"Hmm? Are you going to disobey the Water God's orders, Leo?"
The way she framed it left him no room to refuse. What else could he do?
Helplessly, Leo crept to the table and sat at the very corner of the chair, stiff as a statue.
Seeing him act so timidly, Furina couldn't help but laugh in irritation. What do you take me for? A beast ready to devour you?
She sat beside him, glancing at his unfocused eyes. Curious, she followed his gaze—only to notice her blouse. A button had come loose, the fabric gaping just slightly.
Furina raised her hand to fasten it, then looked up at Leo's flushed face with a teasing smile.
"Leo, does it look good?"
Leo was an honest man, especially in a situation like this.
"It looks good, but… a little—"
"A little what?"
"Flat…"
The silence that followed was deafening. Leo could even hear Furina's breathing. A dreadful premonition struck him—he might not leave this room alive.
Furina stood abruptly, her face dark, and strode out of the bedroom. Leo had no idea what she was planning.
A moment later, the sound of a blade being unsheathed echoed through the hall. Furina returned, her rapier gleaming in hand.
"Leo, don't be afraid. This will only take a moment. Try not to scream.
You may feel dizzy, numb, maybe even disoriented—but don't panic!"
As she spoke, the blade hovered before his chest, ready to thrust.
Pressed against the wall, Leo's entire life flashed through his mind. Finding little worth clinging to, he let out a long breath—but fear still gripped his heart.
Ridiculous… who could possibly face death calmly?
Seeing his face drain of color and his body tremble, Furina blinked. Should I stab? No… I can't.
Truthfully, she was only borrowing the blade's threat to scare him. Though furious, she couldn't bring herself to harm him.
Sheathing the weapon, Furina stepped close, placed a hand on his head, and patted him gently.
"Don't be afraid. I won't kill you."
"…Huh?"
Leo gasped, his breath ragged. Sweat beaded his brow and soaked his shirt.
"Lady Furina, could you please not joke like that again? Death is… truly terrifying." His voice trembled with every word.
Settling into her chair, Furina reached out and lightly brushed his cheek.
"Alright, I won't scare you anymore.
But tell me—do you really think death is so frightening?"
Leo hesitated at her question. After a pause, he murmured:
"Lady Furina, how could a god even die?"
Her lips curved as she stroked his face again. Looking at the innocent guard before her, she felt certain—keeping him close was the right choice.
What a pity…
"Let's eat."
As they shared lunch, Leo's unease only grew. Something about Furina seemed… off.
Where was the usual arrogant, flamboyant, and slightly childish Archon?
Casting her a wary glance, Leo finally spoke.
"By the way, Lady Furina. I'm beginning my vacation tomorrow."
Her fork froze mid-air. She turned, pointing a finger at him.
"Vacation? You promised me you wouldn't! How dare you? Who will look after me if you leave?"
Her tone flipped so quickly that Leo was stunned.
"Lady Furina, it's just for a few days. I'll be back soon, alright?"
"No! Not even a single day! You must stay with me!" Her voice grew shrill, her whole body tense as though ready to leap from her chair.
Leo blinked, sipping his milk in silence.
"Lady Furina… I'll only be away a few days. Duke Neuvillette wishes to see me."
At the Chief Justice's name, Furina's anger eased slightly.
"Neuvillette? What does he want with you? Tea?"
"Um… yes, it's been a while."
"Fine. I'll allow three days. No matter what, you must return within three. I can't be without you!"
Leo nearly choked. What does she mean, she can't be without me? Coming from the Hydro Archon herself, those words were devastating to a young man in his twenties.
Furina's cheeks reddened as she realized how her words sounded, but she raised her chin, refusing to back down.
"If that's not enough, then I'll just accompany you to Mérope's Fortress!"
"What? No, Lady Furina, you can't!"
"I don't care! If you leave, who will help me feed the cats, the dogs, the pigeons, the birds? Who will wake me in the morning, cook my meals, wash my clothes, play cards with me at night?"
Leo's face twisted in despair. Three days? What can I possibly do in three days?
"Lady Furina, could you allow me a little more time? A week at least? My leave is a whole month—you can't limit me to three days."
She turned away, hands on her hips, feigning indifference.
After a heavy silence, Leo asked carefully, "Would five days be acceptable?"
"Deal! If you don't return on the evening of the fifth day, don't bother coming back at all!"
"No, Lady Furina! I finally get time off!"
"Time off? Aren't you resting every day already? There's nothing more relaxing than caring for the Hydro Archon. Think about it—you cook, do laundry, play games with me, and care for the pets. Isn't that leisurely?" She lifted her hands dramatically, as though presenting a grand argument.
"Well… it is relaxed, but I still want some freedom."
"Leo! You're the Hydro Archon's man. How could you possibly refuse me?"
…
By the end of lunch, Leo was utterly defeated. Under Furina's mix of threats and playful trickery, he had no choice but to promise he'd return in five days. If he failed, he'd never be allowed back into the Palais Mermonia.
Still, there was some consolation—if he returned on time, Furina promised him a reward.
What that reward would be, she left unsaid.