Furina narrowed her eyes, picked up a piece of cake in front of her, and slowly put it into her mouth.
Fu Ning stood beside her, watching expectantly.
It was obvious her eyes lit up.
But it wasn't because the cake was that delicious.
"Well! Not bad, Fu Ning! It seems you have some talent after all—you managed to make something edible this time." Furina closed her eyes and showed a content expression.
"Although it's still far from satisfying me, this is at least an improvement."
Fu Ning let out a sigh of relief and wiped the imaginary cold sweat from his forehead.
Only he knew how much effort had gone into making that cake.
It had been about two years since he began learning how to make pastries.
And only after two years had he barely managed to bake a cake Furina could eat without frowning.
Whether it was because Fu Ning lacked talent or Furina was simply too picky, no one could say.
But in any case, Fu Ning felt he did have talent.
Probably. Maybe?
Furina pointed to the seat beside her and said, "Well then, in honor of my loyal servant and bodyguard, I shall allow you to join me for this most exquisite afternoon tea with the glorious Hydro Archon herself."
"But—only this once."
"If you want another opportunity, you'll have to bake something that truly satisfies me!"
With a dramatic flair, Furina tossed her hair and struck a pose she clearly thought looked stylish.
Fu Ning smiled faintly. "Thank you very much, Lady Furina."
Furina was particularly fond of this attendant of hers.
He was pleasant to look at, spoke well, and always managed to amuse her—or at the very least, ease her stress.
Today, she'd finally found a reason to reward him for his efforts.
She placed her slender fingertips on a glass of drink and slowly slid it toward him.
"Here. Sparkling water. Don't be misled by the name—it may be water, but the taste is superb. Try it."
"Drinks approved by your Hydro Archon are rare indeed."
"And unlike that bore Neuvillette, who drinks nothing but water all day, I actually have a sense of taste."
At the mention of Neuvillette, Furina's eyes momentarily betrayed her contempt.
Fu Ning lowered his gaze to the sparkling water.
"Sparkling water… is it supposed to be foamy?"
"Of course it is. Why?" Furina replied.
But when she looked more closely, she fell silent.
Because she'd left the drink sitting too long, the bubbles on top had all faded.
Furina rested her chin on one hand, thinking.
"Hmm… what to do…"
"Why? Fu Ning, do you want to drink it with bubbles?"
Suddenly, Furina raised an eyebrow mischievously. A wicked idea crept into her mind.
Fu Ning nodded. "I wouldn't say it's necessary, but I do want to try it.
After all, I've never had it before."
Furina smirked. "Alright then… wait a moment."
She picked up the glass and gave it a gentle shake.
As she swirled it, bubbles gradually began to form again.
Fu Ning's eyes followed the movement of her hand with rapt attention.
And then—suddenly—Furina brought the glass to her lips and downed the sparkling water in one go, cheeks puffed out slightly, looking unexpectedly adorable.
Her cheeks swelled like a jellyfish as she let the water swirl around inside her mouth over and over again.
Fu Ning was stunned.
Furina's lips curled as a drop of sparkling water slipped from the corner of her mouth.
Turning her back to Fu Ning, she leaned over the cup and spit all the water back out—now thoroughly mixed with foam.
Her expression triumphant, she placed the foamy drink in front of Fu Ning, leaned back on the sofa, and closed her eyes, clearly pleased with her successful prank.
Licking her lips, she said, "There. It's full of bubbles now, Fu Ning.
Your turn to drink it."
"You must finish every drop. Don't waste it—it's a gift from the Hydro Archon herself."
Furina, caught up in her own internal drama, was already imagining the outcome:
Ha! Fu Ning will grimace in disgust, but he'll force himself to drink it anyway because it's an order from the Archon. The expression on his face—priceless! This is true theater!
But then—Fu Ning's eyes widened.
!!!
He looked ecstatic. A spark of joy flashed in his gaze.
So this… this was the real reward from Lady Furina?!
She really understands me!
This reward—straight from her lips—touched the deepest part of my heart!
Just moments ago, Fu Ning had thought that while enjoying afternoon tea with the Hydro Archon was already a tremendous honor, there must be something more in store.
And sure enough—there it was!
"Thank you, Lady Furina! I'm truly overjoyed!" Fu Ning exclaimed, eyes shining.
Sensing that something was… off, Furina opened one eye—and was instantly shocked speechless.
Fu Ning lifted the glass of sparkling water like it was a priceless treasure, brought it to his lips, and began to drink—an intoxicated look spreading across his face.
"Wha… ah… you…" Furina pointed at him, flustered, her face reddening fast.
Fu Ning drank the entire glass slowly, savoring every drop, then licked his lips with satisfaction.
"Is there more, Lady Furina? That was delicious. I really love it."
His eyes drifted toward the drop of water still clinging to the corner of her mouth, visibly eager.
I want to lick it.
But he held himself back—any more and she'd definitely think he was a pervert.
"Ah… um… Fu Ning… that drink… had my saliva in it…" Furina stammered.
"I liked it even more because of that," Fu Ning replied.
"…Fu Ning. Are you a pervert?" Furina asked, dark shadows forming under her eyes.
"?"
"What pervert? I'm not a pervert!"
Seeing his utterly innocent expression, Furina was beyond furious.
She grabbed him by the ear, blushing furiously, and scolded him harshly.
Fu Ning sighed, clearly enjoying it.
"And don't drink other people's saliva ever again!" Furina added hastily. "That's just… that's not the same as indirect kissing…"
Fu Ning nodded solemnly—like he'd just had a revelation.
Other people.
"Yes, Lady Furina. I'll never drink other people's saliva again."
"Only yours, Lady Furina."
…
Well, at this point, there was no point in arguing anymore.
***
💀