Lost in thought, Lucien Valois soon arrived at the cake shop.
A long line had already formed outside. Among those waiting stood Sedene, the Melusine steward of Lady Furina.
Her small face was full of worry, and she kept rising on her tiptoes to peer ahead, clearly anxious about failing to secure Furina's favorite little cakes.
Lucien Valois stepped forward and greeted Sedene briefly before heading straight to the shop window.
The moment the shop owner saw him, a wide smile spread across his face. With practiced eagerness, he retrieved a beautifully packaged cake from beneath the counter—one that had clearly been prepared in advance—and handed it directly to Lucien Valois.
The sight immediately stirred dissatisfaction among the customers in line. Complaints rose one after another.
Aside from offering a perfunctory apology, the shop owner gave no further explanation.
He might lose a few customers this way—but offending Lucien Valois would be far worse.
For a storefront like his, maintaining a good relationship with the Gardes was paramount. Otherwise, they could easily cite a "safety hazard" and shut the place down for rectification.
After taking the cake, Lucien Valois did not head straight to the Palais Mermonia. Instead, he strolled to a nearby open-air café and chose a seat with an excellent view.
He sipped his coffee leisurely, occasionally glancing toward the cake shop.
After quite some time, he finally saw Sedene leave the shop, shoulders slumped in disappointment.
Only then did Lucien Valois rise unhurriedly, cake in hand, and make his way toward the Palais Mermonia.
About half an hour later, he stepped inside.
The moment he entered, he noticed the staff in the grand hall casting strange looks in his direction.
There was no need to guess—the incident in the meeting room that morning had already spread throughout the Palais.
Lucien Valois ignored the stares and walked straight to the elevator, riding it up to the top floor.
When the doors opened, two guards with haughty expressions stood outside.
"Deputy Captain Lin, here to deliver cake to Lady Furina again?"
One of the guards stepped forward, a faintly mocking smile on his face.
Lucien Valois returned an equally insincere smile. "Indeed. Lady Furina is the greatest deity in existence. When I was lost in life, she bestowed immense guidance upon me.
Now that I've become Deputy Captain of the Gardes, it's only natural that I show my gratitude and repay her kindness."
The guard waved a hand dismissively. "Then hurry in. Steward Sedene failed to buy the cake today."
Lucien Valois gave a slight nod and turned toward Furina's private suite.
The moment he disappeared around the corner, the other guard spat in disdain. "Hmph. What a shameless bootlicker. If not for sheer luck and gaining Lady Furina's favor, he wouldn't even qualify to enter the Gardes."
The first guard shook his head. "For a destitute foreigner to become Deputy Captain? It's not as simple as you think.
Countless people try to curry favor with Lady Furina. But the only one capable of doing it without any bottom line at all… is him."
By then, Lucien Valois had reached the suite and gently pressed the doorbell.
After a short while, the door slowly opened.
A delicate-looking girl stood lightly before him.
She wore an exquisitely tailored and ornate dress that exuded nobility and elegance.
Only the slight flatness at her chest was, perhaps, a minor regret.
My wife.
Lucien Valois bowed slightly and began in an exaggerated tone of reverence:
"Lady Furina, you are the greatest deity in existence. Your radiance illuminates all of Teyvat, warming the world and dispelling the darkness and chill of endless nights.
My admiration for you flows like an unending river, surging like a great flood that cannot be contained."
At his words, Furina's face blossomed into a radiant smile. The playful tuft of hair atop her head sprang up excitedly.
With her hands on her hips and her skirt swaying lightly, she replied in an even more dramatic tone:
"As you can plainly see, this goddess is indeed unparalleled in greatness!
Your loyalty does not go unnoticed.
Speak, my devoted subordinate—what is it you seek today?"
Lucien Valois nodded at the perfect moment, his expression filled with awe. "Your wisdom rivals even that of the omniscient God of Wisdom. I do have one small request."
Hearing that, Furina's smile stiffened slightly, her expression turning a touch unnatural.
"M-My divine power has been greatly expended of late. I may not be able to fulfill your wish."
A well-timed smile curved on Lucien Valois's lips as he lifted the elegantly packaged cake. "Please accept this cake. That alone is my humble request."
Furina's gaze fell upon the cake, and an indescribable ripple stirred within her heart.
Countless words surged to her lips, yet none found their way out. In the end, she managed only a slightly stiff, "Thank you."
Lucien Valois stepped inside, gently placing the cake on the table and unwrapping it.
"This goddess is in excellent spirits today! I shall personally brew a cup of coffee for you! Rejoice! Celebrate! Such grace is granted but once in a thousand years!"
Furina declared proudly, confidence practically glowing around her.
Lucien Valois immediately slipped into character, replying with utmost reverence, "To receive your blessing is the highest honor of my life!"
Satisfied, Furina nodded and turned with light, quick steps toward the kitchen.
Before long, she returned with a cup of richly aromatic coffee.
"Try it! You'll be utterly enchanted!"
She looked at him expectantly.
Lucien Valois accepted the cup and took a sip.
Under her tense gaze, his face bloomed with exaggerated delight and intoxication. "Lady Furina, this is the finest coffee I have ever tasted in my life!"
Furina's lovely face broke into a flower-like smile. "From now on, whenever you come, I shall brew a cup for you."
The corner of Lucien Valois's mouth twitched ever so slightly, inwardly groaning.
In truth, he didn't like her coffee at all. It was cloyingly sweet—just one sip felt like swallowing a mouthful of pure sugar.
At that moment, he found himself deeply missing the clear tea Chiori brewed for him.
Even so, his face remained full of sincere gratitude. "Lady Furina, thank you so very much!"
With that, he lifted the cup again and took a large gulp.
Seeing this, Furina's eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled brilliantly.