In Furina's eyes, the fact that her advisor had zoned out twice in five minutes meant one thing—He was truly exhausted, to the point of drifting off even with his divine superior standing right in front of him.
But Furina couldn't bring herself to reprimand a subordinate who worked so diligently for her. The only thing she could do was firmly insist he join her for afternoon tea.
While an afternoon tea wasn't a proper rest in the truest sense, it was at least better than having no break at all.
Hearing Furina's voice, Daelan Ciro snapped back to reality. He instinctively looked at the slightly puffed-up girl before him, a wry smile spreading across his face.
"Alright, alright… I understand. I'll come by for afternoon tea…"
Furina glanced at Daelan, who clearly knew he was in the wrong, let out a light huff, and left his office.
Watching the girl's retreating figure, Daelan shook his head gently and sighed.
"Sigh… what even is this situation…"
Over four hundred years of companionship had blurred the boundaries between Daelan and Furina's relationship.
Even if Daelan didn't know Furina was playing the role of Focalors… their dynamic would've evolved into this over time.
With that thought, Daelan sighed again.
"I wonder if this is a good thing or a bad thing…"
…
Furina had come to Daelan's office in the late afternoon. After tying up the remaining tasks at hand, Daelan left his office.
The moment he stepped out the door, a light screen popped up before his eyes.
[Sudden Task: Furina and the Advisor's Moment of Leisure]
[Reward: Deferred Popularity x?]
[Due to the current state, the exact amount of Deferred Popularity cannot be predicted. Specific amount will be calculated once this EP is publicly released.]
Daelan stopped in his tracks, staring at the sudden light screen.
"What's… this? EP?"
Daelan felt a wave of long-buried memories resurfacing.
As the first hourly chime for young people, miHoYo often released a pure music video before a character's debut.
These videos were named with "EP" as a prefix.
For example, Lyney and Lynette's EP, The Night of Soft Shadows, or Neuvillette's EP, The Breath that Washes All Things.
"This afternoon tea scene with Furina is probably the main content of an EP released before her banner, right…?"
Daelan roughly imagined what might happen next, nodding to himself.
"The scene should be pretty aesthetic…"
With that thought, Daelan nodded lightly, seeming to look forward to how the EP would turn out once released.
"As for my relationship with Furina… I'll deal with that later."
"After all, there's too much to think about right now. Once the main storyline ends… I'll see what choice this girl, playing the role of a god, makes."
"Whatever… I'll head to the appointment for now…"
But just as Daelan was about to head to Furina's room, a purple figure emerged from the corridor's corner.
"Hm? Mr. Daelan? At this hour…?"
Clorinde looked at Daelan, not far from her, with a puzzled expression, suddenly struck by an absurd feeling.
She knew Daelan was often busy in the kitchen every evening, but…
Shouldn't he be working in his office at this time?
Or had something happened in Fontaine?
With that thought, Clorinde's expression shifted slightly. She quickly approached Daelan and asked, "Mr. Daelan, has… something happened?"
Daelan was momentarily stunned by Clorinde's sudden appearance and her cryptic words.
What? Who's in trouble? Me or the Court of Fontaine?
I'd know if either of us was in trouble, right?
After a brief silence, seeing Clorinde's serious expression, Daelan sighed softly and said, "It's nothing, Clorinde. It's just that the recent 'prophecy' matters have made my paperwork a mess, so I'm stepping out for some air."
Daelan was telling the truth, but not the whole truth.
Not that it mattered… these things could be traced if needed.
His four-hundred-year career as an advisor had taught Daelan how to control his emotions and facial expressions.
Of course, that was a necessary skill for the Palais Mermonia's spokesperson.
Seeing Daelan's somewhat weary demeanor, Clorinde nodded in understanding and said, "Take care of yourself. I'll head off now."
With that, she descended the Palais Mermonia's stairs.
Once her figure vanished from Daelan's sight, he leisurely made his way to Furina's room.
Daelan raised his hand and gently knocked on Furina's door.
Knock, knock—
"Furina, may I come in?"
Almost as soon as Daelan spoke, Furina's door was opened by what seemed to be a seahorse made of Hydro energy.
"Oh~ Is it Lady Hevima? Is today a special afternoon tea session for the Salon Solitaire?"
Daelan teased the elegant seahorse softly with a smile.
But before the seahorse could respond, it dissolved into a puddle of Hydro energy and vanished before Daelan's eyes.
"No, it's… an afternoon tea prepared especially for you."
"All these years… you've worked so hard. Even in musicals or plays, your role has been too demanding!"
"So, as your god and your superior, I'm rewarding you with a moment of afternoon tea with me. How about it? Are you overwhelmed with gratitude?"
Furina had appeared behind the door at some point, beaming at Daelan with a radiant smile.
Daelan froze for a moment, inwardly groaning, "That… was a dangerous line…"
After all, when Focalors told Neuvillette, "I hope you enjoyed your role these past five hundred years," she…
He didn't want that flag raised behind Furina.
With that thought, Daelan shivered slightly, then said with a smile, "Of course, my esteemed divine lady. After all… your schedule is packed every day. To be granted an audience during your rest time is truly an honor…"
Before Daelan could finish, Furina reached out and covered his mouth.
"Enough, enough! Stop saying those embarrassing things!"
Furina stomped her little boots symbolically, a faint blush still lingering on her fair face. Without hesitation, she stepped out of the room and pushed Daelan inside.