Akira, Murata Himeko, and little Klee appeared in the bustling streets of Inazuma City.
As they walked toward Uyuu Restaurant, by pure coincidence, they spotted Jean and Lisa sitting outside, waiting for their meal.
"Akira!" Jean, who had been happily chatting with Lisa, immediately stood up with a radiant smile upon seeing Akira approach, completely forgetting about Lisa for the moment.
Although Jean was normally a serious, capable, and disciplined Acting Grand Master, she was still an eighteen-year-old girl deep down, yearning for love and affection.
Ever since confirming her relationship with Akira , she constantly thought of him, though they didn't get to meet very often.
Recently, Jean found herself frequently distracted, her mind filled only with thoughts of Akira.
And now, with the time quickly approaching for her to return to Mondstadt, she felt even more reluctant and uneasy.
"Jean, what a nice coincidence," Akira greeted her warmly. He gently set Klee down and wrapped an arm around Jean's slender waist, softly kissing the corner of her lips.
"Mmm... Klee's watching..." Jean blushed deeply, her face bright red. Though she adored Akira's warmth and embrace, as Klee's guardian, she felt incredibly shy about displaying affection in front of the little girl.
"Klee isn't watching!" Klee giggled innocently, covering her eyes with her tiny hands-though the gaps between her fingers were wide enough to betray her curiosity.
In reality, Klee was secretly delighted! If Jean became busy dating Akira, would she have less time to keep an eye on her? Then she'd finally be free to play with her bombs again!
"Oh my~ As soon as Lord Akira arrives, my dear Jean's soul just gets whisked away," Lisa teased playfully from behind Jean, smirking mischievously.
"Lisa!" Jean shyly glanced at Akira before seriously correcting her, "I'm not yours-I'm Akira's!"
"Alright, alright~" Lisa pouted slightly, eyeing Akira with a hint of envy.
"Lisa, are you jealous of Jean, or jealous of me?" Akira asked with a teasing smile. Jean had already secretly informed him of Lisa's hidden feelings.
"Hmph~" Lisa turned her head away, feigning indifference. "Lord Akira, aren't you a bit too confident? I'm clearly jealous of Jean."
"Oh, really?" Encouraged by Jean's gentle gaze, Akira suddenly reached out, pulling the beautiful Rose Witch firmly into his embrace.
"Eep!" Lisa gasped in surprise, staring blankly at Akira, momentarily stunned.
Akira savored the feeling of Lisa's voluptuous, soft body pressed against him, the faint scent of roses from her hair intoxicating his senses.
"Lord Akira! You... you're such a villain," Lisa whispered shyly, her cheeks flushed scarlet.
"Lisa, I've always had complete confidence in my charm," Akira gently lifted her delicate chin, gazing deeply into her amethyst eyes. "Could it be that the noble Purple Rose doesn't like me?"
"Hmph~ You wicked man! You're just teasing me," Lisa pouted playfully, her eyes softening as she gazed into Akira's handsome face.
Her slender fingers gently caressed his cheek as she murmured softly, "Lord Akira, you're truly a villain... effortlessly stealing even a witch's heart."
"Then I'm overjoyed," Akira laughed softly. "I've been longing for a taste of the Rose Witch for quite a while now."
"Hmph~" Lisa smiled seductively, leaning closer to him. "The taste of a witch? Only Lord Akira can experience it firsthand."
"But... Lisa does have one question. Could Lord Akira please enlighten me?" Lisa asked softly, her eyes earnest.
"Ask away," Akira nodded gently.
"All things in the world come with a price-even the power of the gods. So... what about the love of a god? Lisa greedily desires a god's love, but what price must I pay?" Lisa whispered, her eyes filled with sincerity and longing.
"Of course there's a price," Akira gently stroked Lisa's smooth, delicate cheek. "The price is that you must remain forever by the god's side, unwaveringly following him and offering him everything."
"So that's how it is... You're quite a greedy god, aren't you?" Lisa smiled softly, standing on tiptoe to kiss Akira tenderly.
"In that case, Lisa believes she can pay this price..."
Akira enjoyed the sweet, intoxicating taste of the Rose Witch, a sensation truly indescribable to outsiders, yet utterly captivating and delightful.
After their meal, Lisa and Jean took Klee back to their accommodations.
Lisa playfully shooed Akira away, jokingly warning him not to push his luck.
Akira left only after teasing Jean and Lisa until they were flushed bright red, their eyes watery and affectionate.
"What a bad man..." Lisa pouted softly, watching Akira and Himeko's retreating figures.
"You're the one who provoked him!" Jean sighed helplessly at Lisa. Why did she have to drag her into this embarrassing situation as well?
"Hehe~ We're comrades on the same team now, Jean. We should share both blessings and misfortunes," Lisa laughed cheerfully, hugging Jean affectionately.
Strolling leisurely through the streets of Inazuma City with Himeko, Akira soon spotted Clorinde walking toward them. Her eyes looked slightly red, and she carried a box of cake, clearly distressed and upset.
Noticing her troubled mood, Akira called out gently, "Clorinde!"
Hearing his voice, Clorinde quickly turned toward him, hurrying to approach.
"Lord Akira!" she greeted him respectfully, her voice soft and troubled.
"Why have you been crying?" Akira frowned in concern. "Did someone dare to bully you here?"
"N-no... it's not that," Clorinde shook her head quietly, hesitating briefly before finally speaking. "Lord Akira, I want to ask you to save Lady Furina..."
"Furina? What's wrong with her?" Akira's eyes widened in surprise and confusion.
Clorinde recounted the conversation she'd had earlier with Furina. Akira listened carefully, his expression growing serious. After a moment's silence, he nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry, Clorinde. Both you and Furina are my precious treasures. I won't allow anything bad to happen to either of you," Akira assured her firmly.
"That girl Furina! Does she really not trust her husband?" Akira muttered irritably. "A mere prophecy? Even if it's the so-called Primordial Sea, or that Whale that swallowed the heavens itself, I'd sweep them away with a single wave of my hand!"
"Why does she keep everything bottled up? Doesn't she understand she can share her troubles with me? Or does she not believe I have the strength to help her?" Akira sighed, turning back to Clorinde. "And you too! You can always rely on me. You're no longer alone-understand?"
"I understand now..." Clorinde lowered her head, nodding softly.
"Where's Furina now? That foolish girl! What's she doing, spouting all that tragic nonsense about her 'final curtain'? I won't allow it!" Akira asked angrily, looking sharply at Clorinde.
"Where is she?"
"Um... She's back at Tenshukaku," Clorinde answered quietly, inwardly feeling that Furina was about to face Akira's wrath.