On a beach just outside the Court of Fontaine.
Situated above the waters, Fontaine's scenery was pleasant. The lifestyle of the upper-class citizens was one of spacious living and petty-bourgeois comfort. On a weekday like this, most people were busy with work and had no time for leisure. The idle noblewomen, however, would gather in groups to shop or hold tea parties, discussing ladylike topics: desserts, fashion, and lovers.
The social climate in Fontaine was very open, and the large gap between the rich and poor had bred a certain grimy underbelly in the upper districts. Some ladies remained chaste until marriage, while others had already had relations with many people while still in school. It all came down to personal preference.
However, among the few friends Lu Li knew, the girls mostly belonged to the former category, either due to their special family backgrounds or busy work schedules.
At this moment, Lu Li watched as Chiori, a short distance away, bent down with a gentle expression, tenderly rubbing the round belly of a Bubbly Seahorse. These creatures were a type of native Fontemer Aberrant, with an appearance as endearing and cute as the seals of his past life, if not more so.
Because she was bent over, Lu Li, standing behind her, had a very clear view—
Beneath her orange, Inazuman-style dress, the exquisitely designed black stockings with their intricate patterns formed a tantalizingly subtle and sexy region between them and the hem of her skirt.
Lu Li had wanted to say it more than once: Chiori's fashion style, while not revealing any skin, was inexplicably alluring. The black stockings paired with open-toed geta sandals perfectly showcased her slender legs and beautiful feet, drawing one's eyes to them almost immediately. From his vantage point behind her, the effect was even more potent.
Lu Li took a deep breath and forced himself to look away from his friend's perfectly round and shapely rear, though it was probably too late. After all, he was a normal man.
Having thoroughly petted the wild Bubbly Seahorse's belly, Chiori felt her mood lighten considerably. She let out a soft sigh. As expected, when she was in a bad mood, finding a Bubbly Seahorse to pet was truly therapeutic.
She stood up and turned to call out to Lu Li, only to find him staring fixedly in another direction, his face flushed. As a brilliant designer with a keen eye, Chiori immediately noticed the awkward bulge in Lu Li's trousers. Her brow furrowed slightly. She followed his gaze, and seeing nothing there, she froze.
In that instant, she remembered her previous posture and immediately understood.
Her gaze towards Lu Li became a little more complicated. But even she didn't realize that a faint smile had graced her lips, perhaps because she was being admired by someone she cared about.
"Let's go. I'm done petting the seahorse. There's a place to rest up ahead. Shall we go there for a break?" Chiori said gently.
Lu Li snapped back to reality and nodded, his face impassive as if nothing had happened. "Okay."
After a short walk led by Chiori, Lu Li was surprised to see a simple camp set up near a reef. He paused, then remembered. This was the "tea party" spot established by their friend group. Navia and Clorinde were regulars, and occasionally Lynette and Chiori would join. And so, they had set up this little spot in the wild.
He hadn't even realized they had come here. How nostalgic.
Lynette was busy with her brother Lyney's magic tour today. Clorinde was on duty protecting Lady Furina. And Navia was likely in the Beryl Region, learning how to be a boss under her father's tutelage.
Therefore, at this tea party campsite, it was only Lu Li and Chiori. The location was relatively remote with an excellent field of view, allowing them to spot anyone approaching immediately.
After leading Lu Li to the camp, Chiori retrieved a tea set and baking tools from a safe inside a tent. These were all provided by the ever-generous Navia, making it convenient to whip up some snacks and afternoon tea.
Though an outstanding fashion designer, Chiori was also quite skilled at making pastries. Lu Li had spent all this time walking and chatting with her; he was a bit tired, and Chiori was more than happy to make him something delicious as a reward.
Before long, Chiori emerged from the tent with a tray of cookies and black tea. She sat down opposite Lu Li and joined him. Her appetite was small, so after a few handmade cookies, she simply watched him enjoy the snacks as they talked.
After a while, Lu Li wiped his mouth with a napkin and said warmly, "Thank you, that was delicious."
"I know. You're welcome." Chiori nodded. She was about to take the plates back to wash them when the beautiful, cool-headed woman suddenly froze, then sat back down, a complicated look in her eyes.
Puzzled by her strange behavior of standing up and sitting down again, Lu Li glanced at her feet and asked softly, "What's wrong? Did you twist your ankle?"
"No, but I don't know why, it's suddenly a bit sore. I'm going to sit for a little longer. Shall we keep chatting?" Chiori shook her head and replied softly.
Lu Li fell into thought. A strange idea suddenly popped into his head.
Didn't that great, mysterious entity add another condition to his golden finger...? If he tried it now, would it work?
After a moment's silence, Lu Li said softly, "You know... my background is a bit special, so I received some training when I was younger. If your feet are just sore from walking, maybe I can help?"
Chiori's beautiful eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Lu Li.
"Of course, if you feel it's too much..." Lu Li felt awkward asking and waved his hand dismissively.
"No. If you don't mind, then I certainly won't find it troublesome," Chiori interrupted him softly.
Then, she unfastened the strap of her geta sandal, slipped her foot out, and placed one black-stockinged foot onto Lu Li's knee.
"Then... I'll be in your care." Chiori's wine-red eyes reflected Lu Li's blushing face as she spoke.
(The remaining chapters will be provided in the next response due to length constraints.)
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