It was a new morning.
As the lights and curtains were opened, the darkness dissipated, and sunlight streamed through the window, perfectly illuminating the bed.
Feeling the warm sunlight, Furina frowned slightly, pulled the quilt over her head, and then snuggled into Liu Yuan's arms, attempting to go back to sleep.
"No… I'm sleepy…"
The girl had discovered the perfect way to handle Liu Yuan: simply snuggling into her arms with a spoiled tone could easily secure an extra half hour of sleep.
This made Liu Yuan slightly helpless, but today, she couldn't let Furina keep sleeping…
"Today is a day off, Furina."
Liu Yuan gently patted the girl's back, wanting her to wake up, but Furina simply opened her eyes a little and murmured:
"No… I still want to sleep…"
"Then we won't go out today? Just stay in the room?"
"Mm-hmm… I just want to sleep… Wait."
Furina suddenly opened her eyes wide, like she remembered something important. She forced herself up, rubbed her sleepy eyes, then looked at Liu Yuan — expectation shining in her heterochromatic eyes.
"Today is a day off?"
"Mm."
Liu Yuan silently averted her gaze.
…Furina's sleepwear was getting lighter and looser, and just now, when she sat up and rubbed her eyes with one hand, the other hand supported her on the bed, and her shoulder strap slid down naturally, revealing a large stretch of fair skin.
"!!!!"
Noticing Liu Yuan's averted gaze, Furina instantly realized something was wrong. She looked down — then saw her traitorous pajamas.
Her sleepiness vanished.
Her face turned crimson.
"Y-you big pervert!"
Furina grabbed the nearest pillow, closed her eyes, and angrily threw it at Liu Yuan, then quickly pulled the quilt up to cover herself.
Liu Yuan caught the pillow calmly and sighed helplessly.
It's not like she hasn't seen it before… why the dramatic reaction every single time?
The girl was always extremely shy. Her shy appearance was adorable — Liu Yuan liked it very much, but the intensity always puzzled her a little.
"Mm-hmm… I'm a big pervert," Liu Yuan said softly, completely unfazed.
"Now, are we going out today?"
Just yesterday, when Furina learned that today was a day off and there were no trials, she immediately decided she would have a good, proper break.
After all, she couldn't keep doing trials and rehearsals nonstop — she would collapse from exhaustion.
So for her most anticipated day off, Furina planned to have fun.
Especially thinking of the mask Liu Yuan gave her last time, which allowed her to enjoy a whole afternoon without being the "Hydro Archon." A feeling she had never truly experienced before.
But last time wasn't enough. This time, she wanted the whole day.
Hearing Liu Yuan's gentle coaxing, Furina turned her head away slightly, a tiny smile curling at her lips.
Hehehe…
Although her "plan" almost derailed, the results weren't bad at all…
Yes — Furina did choose the pajamas on purpose. The strap slipping was an accident… but the result was close enough!
Liu Yuan gets shy!
Feeling proud, Furina replied without hesitation:
"Yes!"
"Then… change clothes?"
"Carry me…"
Furina quickly turned her face away, releasing the quilt.
She had already fixed the shoulder strap — she wouldn't let Liu Yuan take too much of an advantage.
This Liu Yuan… learning more and more things…
Even without the "books" people normally learn from, Liu Yuan seemed to be self-taught, becoming surprisingly skilled.
Meanwhile, Furina — at the slightest touch, became soft.
No! Furina, pull yourself together! You cannot let yourself be controlled by mere Liu Yuan!! You must reclaim the upper hand!
…But the next moment, Liu Yuan bent down, slipped an arm behind her waist, another under her legs, and lifted her effortlessly.
Furina instantly wrapped around Liu Yuan like an octopus, her slender thighs clamping her waist, arms around her neck, and her head burying into Liu Yuan's neck — the position so practiced it seemed entirely natural.
Never mind.
Just for today… She'd let mere Liu Yuan be arrogant again.
…Until later.
---
Half an hour later, a blushing Furina was carried out of the changing room by Liu Yuan, completely stripped of her usual arrogance.
Of course, Liu Yuan hadn't done anything bad — just their usual morning kiss.
After all… what bad things would Liu Yuan ever do?
Setting Furina down gently, Liu Yuan stood aside.
Furina lowered her head, cheeks burning, her mind still in chaos.
Damn Liu Yuan… She definitely figured something out!
Recalling what happened in the changing room, Furina felt her face redden even more.
Where did Liu Yuan learn all that?!
Ugh… the images… they're coming back…
She covered her face with both hands, trying to shoo away the memory — but the more she resisted, the clearer the images became.
Meanwhile, Liu Yuan quietly stood to the side, reading her book… with the faintest smile on her lips.
---
After a while, Furina finally calmed down. She cast an angry glare at Liu Yuan, then went to the cabinet and took out the box containing the mask.
Opening it, she retrieved the water-blue mask.
Standing before the full-length mirror, she put it on.
The water-blue mask fit perfectly, and after fully adhering to her face, the color faded, showing Furina's normal appearance.
Then, the mask began changing according to her will — her features blurring, adjusting, reshaping like reflections in water — until it transformed into the face of an ordinary girl.
Stepping back, Furina examined her appearance carefully. Then she looked at her plain everyday clothes.
Satisfied, she nodded.
Even if it was only for a day— this feeling of not being the Hydro Archon was truly wonderful.
"I'm ready!"
Furina turned to Liu Yuan, who nodded gently and extended her hand.
Without hesitation, Furina took it.
The next moment, their figures vanished.
A thin hydro barrier appeared around the room, covering everything.
Because last time, someone entered after they left— this time, Liu Yuan sealed the room.
Meanwhile, in Palais Mermonia, in his private office, sensing the sudden, pure surge of hydro-elemental power, Neuvillette sighed softly.
Indeed... again.
.
.
.
_