Hearing Leo's words, Furina smiled and skipped back toward the Palais Mermonia, not forgetting to glance back and say goodbye to him.
After waving his hand, Leo turned and headed toward his residence in the city.
It had been a long time since he'd last gone home. He wondered if everything inside had grown moldy by now.
Before long, Leo arrived at a rather pleasant-looking house, opened the door, and stepped inside.
He took a cautious sniff. Fortunately, there was no musty odor. On the contrary, the air felt unexpectedly fresh.
Switching on the light, his gaze fell upon three or four of Furina's dresses hanging from the balcony.
These were garments he had taken back to wash before bringing them to the Palais Mermonia—but then he had forgotten to return them.
He touched the fabric, tested the scent, and found no trace of unpleasantness.
After gathering up the clothes, Leo folded them neatly and placed them in a bag, intending to bring them back to the Palais Mermonia when he returned.
Heading into the bathroom, Leo prepared to take a shower and wash off the grime of the day.
He removed his Vision, his shirt, and his trousers—until only the bracelet on his right wrist remained.
Pausing for a moment, he ultimately chose not to take it off.
After all, it was not a Vision. Unlike that, this bracelet was different. It could be removed, yes, but something in him resisted.
Meanwhile, back in the Palais Mermonia—
Furina sat upon the balcony, gazing at the starry sky. Every so often, her eyes drifted toward a small villa within the city.
That was where her loyal little guard resided.
The thought of not seeing Leo for ten whole days irritated her. It was vexing not to have him at her side, tending to her needs.
After a moment of brooding, Furina set her resolve. She walked to her desk, picked up a quill, and began writing a letter.
The next morning, Leo packed his things and made his way to the entrance of Merope's Fortress, situated behind the Opera Epiclese.
He was one of the few granted unrestricted passage in and out. The guards and administrators rarely questioned him.
After all, Leo was no ordinary man.
As he stepped into the elevator, a strange feeling prickled at him. It was as if someone were following him—though he had no proof.
The sensation persisted even as the elevator descended.
He brushed it off as exhaustion. Perhaps it was nothing more than weariness from work.
When they reached the lower levels, Leo followed Melusines who guided the way and boarded the vessel without trouble.
Soon, the boat docked at the entrance, and after a brief detour, Leo entered deep into Merope's Fortress.
He had scarcely taken two steps before hearing a chorus of attendants stammering out greetings of "Duke," their voices fawning yet hollow.
And sure enough, the next moment, Leo spotted Wriothesley standing at the corner, as imposing as ever.
It was almost ridiculous how childlike he felt in front of the Duke.
"Leo, my good friend, at last we meet again."
Rolling his eyes, Leo tossed over the package he carried.
The Duke's face lit up as he caught it effortlessly. He opened it at once, inhaling deeply.
The rich fragrance of tea—subtle yet extraordinary—seemed to make Wriothesley's very spirit soar.
"Excellent tea!"
"Of course it is. A gift from friends in Liyue, sent a few months ago. It only comes in limited amounts each year, wrapped carefully in paper. I'll bring you half a pound each time—is that sufficient?"
"More than sufficient. Splendid, in fact. Come, let's go to my office and taste it properly." Wriothesley's smile revealed his delight.
As the two walked along, Leo's unease persisted.
That feeling of being followed—far from fading, it only grew stronger.
But this was Merope's Fortress. Who would dare follow him here?
And even if someone had, surely the Duke would have sensed it. Yet Wriothesley appeared utterly at ease.
"Wriothesley… do you ever feel like someone's tailing you?" Leo finally asked.
The Duke glanced around but saw nothing suspicious.
This was his domain. Who would be reckless enough to shadow the Duke of the Fortress of Meropide? It was practically a death wish.
"You're imagining things. You must not have rested properly. Exhausted, no doubt, from tending to Lady Furina all the time." Wriothesley smirked.
The notion amused him greatly. The brilliant young Leo, so capable in both wit and combat, reduced to Furina's ever-attentive caretaker.
Laundry, cooking, consoling her moods, fetching limited cakes and sweets… The image was so absurd it nearly made him laugh aloud.
Patting his forehead, Leo conceded—perhaps he truly was tired.
After all, much had transpired at the Palais Mermonia in recent days.
That indirect kiss. The sudden embrace. That unexpected kiss. All of it still felt like a dream.
Not to mention the photo in his pocket watch—and the bracelet upon his right wrist.
"You truly are worn out," Wriothesley said lightly. "Why not rest here for a few days? Take a stroll along the seabed, relax, and only afterward return to duty."
"Didn't Neuvillette grant you a month's leave? Why not stay longer?"
Stretching, Leo sighed. "Neuvillette may have, but Lady Furina did not. She only permitted me ten days. If I return a single minute late, I won't be allowed back into the Palais."
At that, Wriothesley burst into laughter.
Furina was just as he remembered her—mercurial, dramatic, and impossible to manage. That Leo could endure her was a marvel. Anyone else would have been driven to madness long ago.
At the same time, in Neuvillette's office at the Palais Mermonia—
Several officials fretted aloud: "Chief Justice, Lady Furina is missing! What should we do? How can you remain so calm?"
Neuvillette merely raised his gaze, sipped his tea, and replied evenly, "There is no need for alarm. Lady Furina has simply gone out for a few days. That is all."
His composure left them stunned.
Gone out to play? The Hydro Archon?
And yet, somehow… it made perfect sense.
Neuvillette glanced down at the letter in his hand, a faint smile forming.
Well then, Neuvillette, Leo and I are going away for a few days. I'll leave Fontaine's affairs in your hands. As always, you'll manage. You, too, should venture out more often and experience the world as I do.
Back in the Duke's office, Leo sipped the tea Wriothesley brewed.
It was exquisite.
"Your brewing truly brings out every note of the fragrance," Leo admitted with a sigh.
"Of course," Wriothesley replied, smug. "I have mastered the art of tea."
"Strange, though… How is it you seem more at leisure than Clorinde or me? You preside over this massive prison, yet you're freer than either of us. Did you… buy your title as Duke?"
Wriothesley chuckled, drained his cup, and retrieved a document from his drawer, handing it to Leo.
"See for yourself. This is my certificate of Dukedom, signed by Neuvillette himself. Still don't believe me?"
Leo examined the parchment, the handwriting, the seal, and finally Furina's signature.
It was genuine. Yet the Duke lived such a laid-back life—it was unbelievable.
As Wriothesley poured another cup, his eyes flickered toward Leo's wrist.
The bracelet gleamed blue and gold, studded with fine gemstones. Its craftsmanship bore the unmistakable mark of Fontaine's finest jewelers.
It was unmistakably of women's design—meant for a noble, elegant lady.
And yet, here it rested on Leo's arm.
Surely not… a lover's token?
"Leo," Wriothesley asked slyly, "are you in love?"
"…No."
"Then what about that bracelet? Don't tell me you spent millions of Mora on a woman's piece."
It was only then that Leo realized what wearing it must look like.
No wonder no girls had approached him all morning.
"Ah… this was a gift. From Lady Furina."
"Oh?" Wriothesley's brows lifted, intrigued. "Did I hear you correctly?"
"Yes. Lady Furina. What's wrong with that?"
The Duke's grin widened. "Impressive. My good friend—you've quite the nerve."
Leo, suddenly drowsy, glanced at his pocket watch to check the time.
It was already noon.
Wriothesley's gaze drifted toward the watch as well, and he caught sight of the miniature portrait inside.
Furina's image, painted in striking detail.
A knowing smile tugged at his lips. "You never cease to impress me, Leo. Truly remarkable. Come, let's eat. Today, I'll even allow you the best dishes the cafeteria has to offer."
"That won't be necessary. I've plenty of ration coupons."
"Don't spoil the moment. You wouldn't prefer the head nurse's cooking, would you?"
"…Point taken."
When they arrived at the cafeteria, Leo froze.
There, at a table just outside, sat Furina herself—chatting cheerfully with Sigewinne over lunch.
Leo turned to Wriothesley, who looked equally bewildered.
The Hydro Archon, here, in Merope's Fortress? Without word or herald? That was unthinkable.
Noticing their stares, Furina turned her head.
Her eyes lit up as she waved.
"Leo, long time no see!"