The next morning, Leo, who kept to a strict and healthy routine, rose from bed and prepared for a new day of work.
Glancing in the mirror at his reflection, he gave himself a small nod. Another energetic day awaited him.
He dressed neatly, fastened his Cryo Vision at his side, brewed a cup of coffee, and sat on the sofa to enjoy breakfast.
When he flipped open his pocket watch, the very first thing he saw was Furina's self-portrait—tucked inside by her own hand. The confident pose, her brilliant eyes, and that playful charm… it was enough to make him pause every time.
7:30.
After tidying his belongings, Leo stepped out of his room and knocked precisely on Furina's door.
"Lady Furina, it's 7:55. Time to rise."
For three whole minutes, he knocked gently. Finally, an impatient voice drifted from within.
"I know, I know! Just let me sleep five more minutes."
"Lady Furina, you said the exact same thing yesterday morning. But you slept until ten o'clock."
A silence followed. Then, her voice rang out again—this time flustered.
"I know, I know! I'm not in the living room yet. Go prepare breakfast first!"
With a sigh, Leo produced the spare key Furina had given him.
Why did he have her key? The reason was simple: Furina had entrusted it to him so that he could prepare breakfast directly without needing her to drag herself from bed to unlock the door.
The Palais Mermonia's halls weren't long—just a few meters of walking. But in those precious seconds, Furina preferred to continue dreaming beneath the covers.
Leo entered the residence. First, he collected clothes that had been hung to dry on the balcony, then drew back the curtains and opened the windows to let in sunlight and fresh air.
Everything he did was for Furina. If she was pleased, he might even hope to leave work on time later.
After folding the laundry neatly onto the sofa, Leo entered the kitchen and began to prepare her breakfast with care.
He consulted the day's meal plan, then removed milk from the icebox and set it in a pot to warm.
Why not serve fresh milk instead? The reason was simple—Furina disliked the taste of plain milk in the morning.
So Leo added a touch of chocolate, enriching the flavor until it was mellow and sweet.
Next, he sliced bread, fried an egg, and spread ketchup lightly across the toast. Furina disliked heavy flavors, so smoked meats and stronger foods were absent from her menu—even though smoked delicacies were considered refined cuisine in Fontaine. It was curious: the divine Hydro Archon herself held no fondness for them.
From the pantry, Leo selected the finest beef cubes, seared them in butter, and finished with a sprinkle of rosemary. The aroma filled the air, rich and enticing.
Once the sandwiches were plated, the chocolate milk reached its perfect warmth.
At this moment, Leo looked less like a knight and more like a devoted housekeeper. He cooked, he laundered, he tended to her comfort in all things.
He set the meal at the table just as Furina emerged from her chambers, freshly washed.
Her attire was the same as usual—formal yet stylish. But her expression was softened by sleep, her eyes a little hazy. That haze vanished the instant the aroma of breakfast reached her. Brightening, she sat at the table eagerly.
Leo sipped his coffee quietly, his mind betraying a flash of last night's accident. Furina had tripped—and he had caught her in his arms. He was grateful she had not mentioned it again.
Furina glanced sidelong at him as she ate, recalling the same incident. Seeing Leo's calm expression, she let out a silent sigh of relief. Thankfully, there was no awkward confrontation. She loathed awkwardness above all things.
As she ate, Leo gathered the morning's documents from outside the door and began to read them aloud.
"Today, there are three trials scheduled at the Opera Epiclese. For one of them, Chief Justice Neuvillette has specifically requested your presence in person. The afternoon is free of official duties."
"In person?" Furina nearly dropped her fork. "What kind of trial could possibly require me to go?"
Leo skimmed through the parchment, then continued:
"The defendant is… Carles, President of the Thorn Rose Society."
"Carles?" Furina repeated, blinking.
Leo muttered the name to himself as well. He had crossed paths with Carles before. To think the influential leader of the Thorn Rose Society would appear in court as a criminal…
"What crime could he have committed?"
Leo turned another page—and froze.
"Murder. And…" His voice lowered, unsettled. "Involvement in the serial disappearance of young girls."
Furina, now standing beside him, leaned closer. She wasn't concerned with the details. She saw only the words murderer and serial disappearances.
As long as Neuvillette was involved, the precise matters would be handled. Still, her fidgeting betrayed her restlessness.
Leo lowered the papers so that she could read along.
And then, it happened.
Furina leaned in at the exact moment Leo lowered his head to follow the lines. Their faces aligned. Their cheeks brushed—and their lips met lightly.
(Bruh…what 💀)
Silence froze the air.
Then—
"Ah! Leo, I must accuse you today!"
Snatching the document, Furina hurled it at him and fled into her room.
Leo sat stunned, face burning, his hand unconsciously rising to his lips.
Soft. Sweet. And faintly flavored with milk.
It's over!
Inside her chamber, Furina stared into her mirror, hands pressed to her flushed face.
We kissed. How could this happen?
Last night's embrace had been an accident. But this morning—this was no accident.
I'll have to silence him…
Stepping out again, she caught sight of Leo—who, to her horror, was licking his lips absentmindedly.
Her eyes blazed.
Leo, realizing what he was doing, froze.
It's over! Truly over this time.
Just as tension mounted, a knock came at the door.
"Lady Furina. Master Leo. The trial is about to begin."
After a long pause, Furina shot Leo one last vicious glare, then stormed off.
On the surface, she was fierce as always. But inside, her heart was in chaos.
Leo trailed behind her at a respectful distance. At home, he might resemble a nanny—but in public, he must play the role of her solemn guardian.
Even if today's "guardian" had been far too reckless.
She won't kill me, will she? he thought in despair. There goes my wonderful life…
On the streets of Fontaine, no one seemed surprised. Citizens whispered knowingly:
"Tsk…Lady Furina must have been woken too early again by that poor guard of hers."
***
By the time they reached the Opera Epiclese, Leo spotted Carles standing at the defendant's bench.
Carles, calm despite his position, raised his hand toward Neuvillette.
"Your Honor, I request a private word with Leo."
The Chief Justice's gaze sharpened.
"Mr. Carles, you are a prisoner. Do not overstep."
"In Fontaine, even prisoners retain rights. The law guarantees it."
For a moment, Neuvillette was silent. Carles had already spoken privately with Clorinde earlier. Now he wanted to speak with Leo as well.
The coincidence gnawed at Neuvillette. Why the two strongest protectors of Furina? Still—he did not doubt their loyalty.
"…One minute. And this will be your last." Neuvillette's tone was firm. "Are you certain you will not use it to speak with your daughter instead?"
"No need," Carles answered coldly.
Neuvillette's gaze shifted toward Leo. "What say you?"
Leo hesitated, glancing between him and Furina. Her face was stern, but her eyes were expectant.
It was obvious what she wanted—gossip. She wanted him to go, listen, and bring the news back to her.
"As you command," Leo replied.
He descended the steps. On the side stood Clorinde—expression as unreadable as ever. A glance between them was enough to confirm: Carles had spoken to her already.
The guards led Leo and Carles to the back.
"Master Leo," one guard saluted. "We'll leave him to you."
"It's fine," Leo said, his tone cold. "He won't run."
When the others departed, Leo faced Carles.
"What do you want?"
Carles only sighed. "When a wall collapses, everyone pushes."
Leo's expression didn't change. He waited.
"We are old acquaintances, Leo. I won't excuse myself. But… I hope you'll look after the Thorn Rose Society. And… my daughter, Navia."
Leo's reply was firm. "I am Lady Furina's guard. I have no time for anything else. And this is Fontaine—no one would dare move against her."
Carles's eyes darkened. "In this case, the next target… was to be my daughter."
Without another word, he turned and walked back to the stand.
Leo remained still, frowning in thought.
When he returned to Furina's side, she was burning with curiosity. Yet every time her eyes fell on him, the memory of their kiss made her want to explode.
She clenched her fists. She had to ask him what Carles said…
But not now. Not while her face was still hot.