In the evening, Leo prepared dinner and knocked on Furina's door cautiously.
He dared not knock too loudly, afraid that even the smallest irritation might earn her displeasure again. After all, Furina had ignored him completely throughout the afternoon following their quarrel at noon.
"Lady Furina, it's time for dinner."
There was no response. Left with no choice, Leo knocked again—softer this time, and even more careful.
"I heard you. I'll come out later."
Relieved, Leo returned to the dining table. He wiped the table and chairs meticulously, then glanced at his pocket watch.
"Dinner is over… and then vacation begins," he muttered under his breath. The thought made the food taste a little sweeter already.
But just as Furina walked out of her chamber, she happened to hear Leo's little whisper—and caught sight of his happy face.
Vacation, vacation! Is that all he can think about? Does he find it such a burden to take care of me?
Gritting her teeth, Furina crept up behind him, intent on giving him a scare. But before she could pounce, a white pigeon fluttered toward the window—clearly a messenger pigeon.
In that brief distraction, Leo sensed her presence behind him. Turning around, he saw Furina bared her teeth with a mock-ferocious expression. On her, though, it only looked… cute.
"Lady Furina, I'm going to check on the carrier pigeon. It's probably from Duke Wriothesley."
"Oh… go ahead, I'm fine." Caught in the act, Furina quickly dropped her attempt and feigned composure.
Leo retrieved the letter from the pigeon and opened it. But the more he read, the more his face twisted in exasperation.
Unbelievable. How could someone be like this?
It turned out Wriothesley had used such an important channel as a messenger pigeon… to ask him to bring tea.
"My friend, it's been some time. I miss you. By my calculations, your vacation begins tomorrow—come to Merope's Fortress for a visit. By the way, could you bring tea?"
Leo's face twitched. By his calculations? He always took his vacation at this time every year!
Furina, noticing his sulking expression, walked over with a fork in hand. She speared a cube of beef from the plate and—without hesitation—pressed it against Leo's lips.
"What could possibly be happening at Merope's Fortress that requires you, of all people, to escort? Hm?"
Before Leo could react, she pushed the fork forward, sliding the beef cube into his mouth.
The rich aroma filled his tongue, but Leo froze in shock.
Lady Furina… you fed me with your own fork?
His face flushed scarlet, especially as the beef still trembled slightly on the fork.
Furina glanced at the letter, then back at him. Messenger pigeon? Vacation? Tea? Their exchanges were so curt and trivial that it almost seemed absurd.
But then her eyes fell on Leo's reddened face—on the very fork she had just used herself. A realization struck her like lightning.
Did I really just feed him so casually…?
"Lady Furina," Leo mumbled awkwardly around the mouthful of beef, "could you… take your fork out now? If you keep fiddling with it, my mouth might rot."
Furina quickly withdrew the fork, flustered. To cover her embarrassment, she tossed it onto the balcony and picked up a new one.
"Was it tasty?" she asked with forced nonchalance.
I cooked it myself—of course it's tasty, Leo thought. But he didn't dare test her mood.
"It's delicious, Lady Furina. Anything you feed me tastes good."
Satisfied, Furina turned away. She hurled the used fork into the fountain and pretended to busy herself with a new one.
Yet, as she sat down, her face still burned. She stared at the beef on her plate, her thoughts racing.
The flavor is good, exactly what I like… but why did I feed it to him so naturally, like it was nothing? My fork, still damp with my saliva—he ate it without hesitation. Isn't that like a… kiss?
Her heart pounded, especially when her mind replayed all the embarrassing moments they had shared before.
This boy—Leo—was growing handsomer with every passing day. His foolish honesty, his gentle temperament… She found herself liking him more and more.
No… no, I have to put distance between us. I can't let this continue.
"Leo, I'll extend your leave. Take ten full days off. After that, return to the Palais Mermonia."
"Huh?" Leo's eyes widened. Ten days?
"Lady Furina, who will take care of you while I'm gone for ten days?"
"The members of the Maison Gardiennage will still be around. Do you think I'd be neglected?" she shot back confidently.
"Well… I suppose that's true. Thank you, Lady Furina. I'll enjoy my vacation a bit longer then."
But as soon as the words left his mouth, Furina regretted her decision.
Since two years ago, she had seen Leo almost every single day. If he were gone for ten, she'd surely go mad with loneliness!
And who would buy her limited-edition desserts? Who would bring her Vielight?
Wait… I already said it. I can't take it back now. That would break my dignity as the Hydro Archon.
She muttered softly, "Nnn… south…"
"Lady Furina?" Leo turned toward her. "What did you say?"
"It's nothing! Nothing at all. Just… take your vacation!"
At night, after feeding the cats, dogs, and pigeons in the courtyard, Leo accompanied Furina back toward the grand steps of the Palais Mermonia.
But as she ascended the stairs, Furina noticed Leo hadn't followed. She turned back.
Under the silver moonlight, he stood still, gazing up at her.
"Aren't you coming inside?"
"I need to stop by my home and bring some things. My better tea leaves aren't here."
She was silent for a moment, then narrowed her eyes at the pocket watch in his hand.
"Don't leave yet. I have something for you."
Before he could respond, she trotted back into the palace. Though puzzled, Leo waited patiently at the foot of the stairs.
Soon, Furina emerged, clutching something small in her hands—a bracelet.
"Lady Furina, this bracelet…?"
Without hesitation, she seized Leo's wrist and slipped it on him.
"As my bodyguard, you must carry yourself properly outside. This bracelet will mark you as mine. Make sure it's always visible. If you lose it or let it break… then don't you dare show your face before me again!"
Her hands went to her hips, her expression smug and proud.
Leo lowered his eyes to the bracelet. It was exquisitely crafted, blue-gold in design, with glowing azure gemstones set around it—like droplets of condensed Hydro. It matched the gemstones Furina wore on her own anklets.
It was elegant, delicate… feminine. And on his wrist, it stood out strikingly.
Furina suddenly panicked. What if he tries to return it? It's obviously a girl's gift. Anyone who sees it will think he has a lover. For a young man like him, that could be… unbearable. And jewelry of this caliber could only come from nobles or the wealthy…
Leo's appearance, his station in the Palais, his loyal service—he already attracted enough admirers.
"Thank you, Lady Furina," he said at last, his voice steady. "I'll wear it."