All the way to Baisong Town, the headquarters of the Spina di Rosula.
From a distance, Leo saw a crowd gathered, voices rising in dispute.
Clorinde stood outside, unaffected, arms crossed as if the matter didn't concern her.
When she noticed Leo approaching, she lifted a hand in greeting.
"You're slow," she said flatly.
Walking up to her, Leo waved off her complaint. "Something delayed me. What's going on here?"
Clorinde tilted her head toward the crowd.
"Them? After the incident with Carole, the Spina di Rosula's reputation took a hit. Most of these people once worked with the organization and are now looking to profit from its weakness.
The one in the center is Navia, Carole's daughter. To her left is the butler, Myles, and to her right is the squire Silver—both sworn protectors, much like you. The difference, of course, is whom they serve."
Leo blinked. "You came here because of this? Then why are you just standing here?"
"What else would you have me do—cut them down? This is Navia's fight to settle. How she handles it will determine whether she can lead Spina di Rosula."
Leo considered her words and realized she was right. He and Clorinde excelled at combat, but disputes over wealth and influence were not theirs to solve.
Clorinde's sharp eyes flicked to Leo's hand. She noticed the ring gleaming on his right middle finger, paired with the bracelet on his wrist. Both exquisite, both unmistakably of a woman's design.
"Are you in love?" she asked bluntly.
"I saw Lyney boasting about it a few days ago. Thought he was exaggerating. But it seems he was telling the truth."
At her question, Leo's mind immediately conjured Furina's image, and he couldn't help but smile faintly.
"Not yet," he admitted.
"Then what's with the jewelry?"
"She gave them to me as gifts. Nothing more—for now."
Clorinde studied his cheerful expression, then smirked, amused.
"If I hadn't already won someone's heart, I wouldn't be giving out bracelets and rings. Do you want to tell me about this girl of yours?"
Leo scratched his head, flustered at the thought of Furina's radiant face. How could he explain?
Seeing his hesitation, Clorinde folded her arms. "If you don't want to talk, forget it. Just bring her here when you've made it official. If you call me 'sister,' she'll be my sister-in-law."
After a pause, Leo grinned. "All right. Deal."
But when would that happen?
The quarrel ahead only grew louder, but Leo and Clorinde remained where they were, occasionally chatting about work. Their duties were simple: Clorinde served as Champion Duelist of the Opera Epiclese, called to action when trials demanded combat, while Leo worked as Furina's bodyguard, tending not only to her safety but also her mercurial emotions.
Suddenly, Clorinde sensed movement behind them. Her hand flew to her blade, drawing it in a flash as she pointed toward a tree.
"Come out! You've been eavesdropping long enough."
Blinking nervously, Leo whispered, "Sister… behind the tree… could it be…"
He froze. "…It can't be Lady Furina!"
And yet, as if summoned by name, Furina strode out with righteous confidence, casting both Leo and Clorinde a sharp, meaningful glance before walking straight into the crowd—undoubtedly to assert justice.
Clorinde slowly sheathed her sword and turned to Leo, baffled.
"You came here with Lady Furina?"
"No! She followed secretly on her own—I didn't bring her!" Leo protested, his honesty clear on his face.
Clorinde blinked, then pivoted sharply. "Come on. One bodyguard, one Champion Duelist. It's our job to protect Lady Furina."
The two of them fell in step, flanking Furina on either side with ready vigilance.
In the center, Navia, Myles, and Silver were still arguing against a mob of opportunistic merchants who cared only for profit.
"Ahem! Everyone, step back!"
A familiar voice rang out, silencing the square.
All eyes turned to see Furina standing atop a stack of wooden crates, one hand on her hip, the other dramatically outstretched.
To her left stood Clorinde, cool and indifferent. To her right stood Leo, calm and resolute.
This was a rare sight outside the Opera Epiclese itself: the Hydro Archon, her Champion Duelist, and her personal guard united in stance. Only Neuvillette was missing to complete the tableau.
Seeing the crowd's gaze fixed on her, Furina raised her chin high.
"All of you, disperse! Today, the Spina di Rosula is under my authority! I, Furina, Hydro Archon of Fontaine, have claimed this place in its entirety!
Leo, clear the area!"
Obediently, Leo leapt down from the crate, stepping forward with an inviting gesture.
"Everyone, Lady Furina requests privacy with Miss Navia. Please put aside your disputes for today."
When no one moved, his expression hardened.
"…Or would you prefer I ask again?"
The implication in his voice left no room for argument. One by one, the merchants withdrew, muttering but powerless against the authority of the Hydro Archon.
With the square emptied, Myles approached Furina and bowed. "Thank you, Lady Furina, for your intervention."
"Hahaha! You're welcome, you're welcome. As the Hydro Archon, it is only natural I act in the people's interest."
Clorinde and Leo exchanged subtle smiles at her theatrics—especially Leo, who knew the vast difference between Furina's public grandeur and her private vulnerability.
Navia stepped forward, graceful yet trembling. "Thank you, Lady Furina. What service can I offer you in return?"
Descending the makeshift platform, Furina gestured toward Leo and Clorinde.
"They are the ones seeking you, not I. As the Hydro Archon, I merely came to… inspect the people and bask in their love."
At the names, Myles stiffened. These were the last two individuals Carole had spoken with before his death.
"This is not the place to discuss such things," Myles said politely. "Lady Furina, please, come inside."
"Very well," Furina replied with a nod. "Lead the way."
Inside the ship's cabin, they sat at a long table while Silver departed to prepare refreshments. Everyone in Fontaine knew of Furina's love for desserts—Silver wasted no time baking.
At last, Navia turned to Leo and Clorinde. Her voice trembled with pain.
"What did my father say to you before he died? Why? Why wasn't I the last person he spoke to?"
Leo, remembering Furina's tearful vulnerability days ago, hesitated.
Clorinde stepped in. "Navia, Carole came to us before his death and entrusted us with something. He asked that it not be revealed to you yet."
Leo blinked. Didn't Carole tell me not to reveal it at all? But when he saw Clorinde's gaze, he nodded in agreement.
"Yes. He said he would tell you when you were older."
"Older? I'm already grown!" Navia nearly shouted, her composure cracking.
"Miss!" Myles rushed to her side, pulling her back, afraid she might lash out.
The outburst startled Furina mid-bite, and she quickly shifted her chair closer to Leo.
"My apologies," Myles said, bowing deeply. "The young lady has been unstable since the master's passing. I do not know your purpose here—please, tell us plainly."
Leo glanced at Clorinde. Their eyes met, a silent exchange passing between them.
From the side, Furina noticed their unspoken communication and pouted, feeling a spark of jealousy.
"Mr. Myles," she declared suddenly, "excuse me a moment."
***
Late Update…ive been busy with work today 🤧