Furina ate the cake in small bites. Liu Yuan had thoughtfully chilled it with the Hydro element, keeping it at just the temperature she liked.
While eating, Furina's mind was still tangled up with the story's ending. Even after finishing the piece in her hand — and after Liu Yuan pulled another slice from a water orb and placed it before her — she still had no inspiration.
The gloomy weather outside offered nothing but restlessness.
"What's wrong?"
Liu Yuan spoke at just the right moment.
"I can't figure out how to write the ending…"
Furina's voice was downcast, her antenna-like cowlick drooping.
Liu Yuan stayed quiet for a moment, then suggested softly:
"Why don't you go out for a walk?"
"Go out? No, no, I can't…"
Almost without thinking, Furina refused. For her, a day off was best spent inside her room. Going out meant bumping into people, being recognized, and inevitably dragged into work. Unless she disguised herself completely, she would be mobbed by responsibilities she wanted to avoid. Over time, staying in became her habit.
"Why not?"
Liu Yuan tilted her head, puzzled.
"I… I just don't want to go out today."
Furina stammered, unable to tell Liu Yuan the whole truth. Some things were still secrets she couldn't confide.
Liu Yuan frowned slightly, then looked out the window.
"Is it because of the weather?" she asked gently.
"No…"
Furina started to answer, but froze when she saw Liu Yuan walk up to the window.
Her deep blue eyes seemed even more unfathomable now, carrying an aura both calm and distant.
Furina fell silent, her gaze shifting outside.
The dark clouds above Fontaine suddenly began to scatter, as if brushed aside by an unseen hand. Sunlight broke through, flooding the city in warm golden light.
The sky had cleared.
Furina's eyes widened, her mouth opening in shock.
Meanwhile, Liu Yuan turned back casually, as though changing the weather were nothing worth mentioning.
"The weather has cleared. Do you want to go out for a stroll together?"
"Ah… huh? Wait— Liu Yuan, what did you just do?!"
Furina was dumbfounded. She already knew her companion's power was extraordinary, but this? Casually altering the skies themselves? What kind of terrifying strength was that?
"You didn't like the weather, so I changed it."
Liu Yuan's tone was flat, calm — so simple it left Furina speechless.
What to do? My spirit is too powerful, far more than me… Am I useless? What to do?! Waiting online — urgent!
"But… you… this…"
Furina fumbled over her words, completely flustered. Her earlier worries about the script's ending were now buried under pure shock.
"What's wrong?"
Liu Yuan blinked. From her point of view, Furina's emotions flickered constantly, like an LED light impossible to pin down.
"No… nothing. Just let me calm down. My mind's a mess right now."
After a moment, Furina reluctantly accepted the overwhelming strength of her companion. Then, scrambling for an excuse, she muttered:
"I don't go out because I'm too popular. I'm a big star in Fontaine, so if people see me, they'll surround me. It's… troublesome. So I've just gotten used to staying indoors."
Yes, perfect excuse! Furina praised herself silently. Of course, the truth wasn't too far — normally she'd have guards and a disguise if she went out. But work was still work, and she preferred avoiding it entirely.
"Because you're afraid of being recognized?"
Liu Yuan considered her words carefully. Furina quickly nodded.
"Yes. After all, I'm Fontaine's biggest star— it'd be a hassle."
"I see. I understand."
Liu Yuan nodded and stepped closer.
Furina froze, not knowing what she intended. In that moment of distraction, Liu Yuan leaned down, closing the distance between them.
If Furina just went on her tiptoes… if she leaned forward just a little…
Ugh! What am I thinking?!
Her cheeks burned, but instinctively, Furina shut her eyes, bracing herself for — something.
Instead, she felt a cool sensation spread across her cheek, quickly enveloping her whole face.
"Bear with it a moment. Don't breathe."
Liu Yuan's calm voice steadied her. Furina held her breath obediently until she finally heard:
"All right. Open your eyes."
When she did, Liu Yuan had already stepped back. A faint, disappointed pang hit Furina's chest — but then her cheeks flared hot again.
What was I expecting just now?!
She touched her face and felt something strange — a smooth, water-like film.
"What is this…?"
"A mask," Liu Yuan explained, conjuring a water mirror before her. "It's layered with mental suggestion. To others, you'll look like a stranger. You can even adjust it to change your appearance. No one will see through it."
Furina stared at her reflection — her face now covered in a shimmering blue veil that shifted under Liu Yuan's control.
"That's… that's amazing!"
She poked at her cheek, marveling at the flawless disguise. Tentatively, she focused her thoughts — and the mask rippled, reshaping itself into Liu Yuan's own face.
Furina's eyes lit up, sparkling with excitement.
Fun!
.
.
.
_