Arriving at the residence that Leosli had arranged for Furina, Leo knocked on the door.
"Lady Furina? Are you there?"
No answer.
After knocking again, Leo added, "Lady Furina, I can hear your breathing."
Inside the room, Furina was pressed against the far wall, staring at the door in disbelief.
Leo is chasing after me? He wants to silence me?!
I raised you for two years in vain, and now you're coming to kill me!
The more she thought about it, the more furious she became—so furious that tears welled in her eyes.
Outside, Leo was still knocking gently. "Lady Furina, are you all right? Say something, or I'll come in."
Inside, Furina gripped her rapier, aiming its tip at the door.
If he comes in, I'll stab him right through…
My loyal little guard—my concern for you was all for nothing!
Yet when she pictured blood splattering, her courage faltered. Her hands trembled.
Before she could decide, the door swung open. Leo stepped inside—just as Furina's sword slipped from her hand and clattered to the ground.
He blinked in confusion. Furina was crouched on the floor, clutching her head, trembling as she stammered:
"Don't kill me. Don't kill me…"
Startled, Leo drew his blade and glanced around the room, but saw nothing amiss. Sliding the sword into the floor, he knelt beside her, desperate to find a way to comfort her.
He reached out his hand—then pulled it back. Reached again—then withdrew once more.
Compared to Leo's awkward fumbling, Furina's heart was spiraling into chaos.
So this is it… he's going to torment me slowly. Could it be that his innocence and cuteness were all an act, hiding a beast underneath?
Her imagination spiraled further. Are we going to die in Merope's Fortress before we even have our proper time together? Or will I end up crying in the arms of my most trusted guard, betrayed?
Just as she was drowning in her own grief, Leo's voice came, soft but slightly exaggerated, as if he was trying to lighten the mood:
"Lady Furina, please… look up at me."
Suspicious, she raised her eyes—and froze.
Leo stood there with a bright red clown nose perched on his face, his hair tousled, bouncing around in a ridiculous jig.
"…What?"
"Lady Furina, don't be afraid!" he said with a grin, still hopping. "I've already chased the bad guys away. Happy! Happy!"
Confused, Furina tilted her head.
Bad guy? Aren't you the bad guy?
But the sight was so absurd, she couldn't help herself. Her fear dissolved into laughter. Holding her stomach, she giggled uncontrollably.
He really does look… funny. And cute.
Relieved by her laughter, Leo doubled down on the act, striking silly poses.
"Hahaha, Leo, you're ridiculous," Furina managed between tears of laughter.
Eventually, when he was too tired to continue, she waved for him to stop. Wiping her tears, she steadied herself and asked softly, "How did you know I was in this room?"
Leo answered without hesitation. "Leosli and I were chasing an intruder. He was so fast we couldn't catch him—I suspected he might be a Fatui spy. When I left the office, I heard you running, Lady Furina, so I hurried after you. I was worried a Fatui agent might try to harm you. Were they following you, my lady?"
Fatui…? Furina blinked. Suddenly, she realized she had misunderstood Leo completely.
Of course! If he truly meant to harm me, he could have done so countless times already back in the Palais Mermonia. And besides—he's my personal guard. Why would he hurt me?
Yes, let's blame it on the Fatui. That works perfectly.
"Yes," she said, feigning pitiful distress. "Someone was indeed following me. I was so frightened, I rushed back here. When I heard the knocking at my door, I thought it was them and didn't dare answer."
Leo nodded, buying her words completely. Turning toward the door, he said, "I should go speak with the Duke about this."
But just as he was about to leave, Furina grabbed his arm.
"Don't go."
The warmth of her hand against his skin made Leo's heart leap. He stiffly turned his head, eyes falling on her delicate fingers clasping his arm—her bracelet gleaming in the light.
His face flushed crimson. "Wh-what is it, Lady Furina?"
Realizing her own boldness, Furina's cheeks reddened too. But she was the Hydro Archon—how could she back down now?
I've already embarrassed myself this much. What's a little more? Besides, he won't run away. I know him too well.
"Don't go," she repeated softly. "I'm still scared. Stay with me."
Her words struck Leo like a blade to the chest. His whole face went scarlet, as if blood might drip from it.
The weight of those words was more than any sword strike.
But Furina suddenly realized just how direct she sounded. Wait—no! If I keep this up, how will I ever maintain my dignity in front of him later?
Spinning around, she crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin, her voice shifting back to one of command:
"Leo! As the Hydro Archon of Fontaine, I order you: from this moment until we leave Merope's Fortress, you are not to leave my sight. You will accompany me in all dealings—even with the Fatui!"
Behind her, Leo touched the hand that had just slipped from his arm. His face still burned.
Am I dreaming? How can her expression change so quickly?
"What? No answer?" Furina snapped, cheeks faintly flushed. "It is your honor to protect the God of Justice. Or… do you mean to resign, Leo?"