The trial began.
The proceedings unfolded in a way that was somewhat beyond Leo's expectations. Carles, without hesitation, chose to duel Clorinde from the very beginning.
A duel with Clorinde?
Leo was stunned. To challenge the Champion Duelist of Fontaine—recognized as the most formidable combatant in the nation—was nothing short of madness. Clorinde's strength surpassed even the most advanced clockwork meka. With the Electro Vision at her side, her combat ability was absolute.
The duel commenced.
Leo observed Carles's stance and immediately realized something was wrong.
He's asking for death!
Just as Leo was about to raise his hand to signal, Clorinde's rapier flashed. Her blade pierced straight into Carles's throat, and he collapsed lifelessly on the dueling stage.
Too late…
Furina, unable to bear the bloody sight, hid behind Leo, covering her eyes.
The Opera Epiclese was filled with silence, then an uproar. No one could understand why such a scene had unfolded.
The trial was over. Carles had perished on the dueling stage, slain in a single strike by Clorinde.
***
Outside the courtroom, Leo and Clorinde exchanged a glance, wordless yet knowing. It seemed Carles had once spoken the same things to both of them.
But for Leo, that no longer mattered. With Clorinde protecting him, who would dare rebel?
Still, there was another problem pressing on his mind.
I also need to buy a cake for Lady Furina… what a miserable life. If she sees me return empty-handed, I'll be dead for sure.
The mere thought of Furina's expression made a chill run down his spine.
I'll buy the cake later… surely Lady Furina won't really kill me, right?
But the further he walked, the more dangerous that thought became, lingering endlessly in his mind.
No! My life hasn't even begun, I can't end up in Merope's Fortress already! But then again… it might not be the worst fate. At least we once embraced, and even kissed—if only for a fleeting moment. Still, it was… romantic.
This dangerous thought coiled in Leo's heart. His imagination spun, as though he were trapped in the pages of a romance novel.
😵💫
When he finally arrived at the dessert shop, the clerk handed him the limited cake he had reserved. Leo was about to thank him when he caught sight of all the other pastries on display.
"Shopkeeper! Give me one of each of those—freshly made!"
The shopkeeper froze, staring at him oddly.
So many? But… doesn't Lady Furina usually care about her figure?
Still, business was business. "If you don't make Mora, you're a fool," he muttered under his breath as he packed the order.
Moments later, the clerk handed Leo an enormous box—containing the entire day's selection of desserts and breads.
Holding back the pain in his heart, Leo pulled out Mora and paid the staggering bill.
Carrying the heavy box, he muttered bitterly on his way back to the Palais Mermonia:
"Such a shady shop! I lost half a month's salary on this… If I fail to appease Lady Furina with these, I'll lose both my wealth and my life."
***
When he finally stood before her chambers, Leo hesitated. How was he supposed to face her?
He knocked once. No response.
He knocked again. Still silence.
After several attempts, frustration overcame him. "Lady Furina, if you don't open the door, the cake will melt!"
The door flew open instantly—so fast that Leo nearly jumped in shock.
But Furina's expression was not relief. She looked furious, radiating wrath.
Then her gaze fell upon the massive boxes in Leo's hands, and confusion replaced her anger.
"Why… so many?"
"The shop was having a big sale, so I bought some extra."
That feeble excuse nearly made Furina burst into laughter.
'A sale? That shop hasn't had a single sale in centuries! You really think you can fool me with that? How hilarious! Afraid I'll lock you in Merope's Fortress, hm?'
Though her heart laughed, she kept her composure. After all, she was Furina, Hydro Archon of Fontaine—Focalors, the God of Justice. To be deceived by a mere twenty-year-old brat… it was already merciful of her not to cast him into the fortress immediately.
"Come in."
Leo exhaled in relief and entered, carrying the desserts.
After setting them down, he obediently began washing clothes, sweeping the floor, mopping, polishing windows—without needing to be told.
Watching him bustle about while she ate her cake, Furina's mood became complicated.
'Send him to Merope's Fortress? But if I did, who would handle all these chores? No… I can't. Still, I can't believe I've been taken advantage of. Who has dared such a thing in all my years?'
Without realizing it, she had eaten every last dessert, leaving nothing for Leo.
His heart bled at the sight. All that Mora… gone. My salary… gone.
When the chores were done, Leo stood silently. Furina leaned back on the sofa, maintaining her stern facade.
The two locked eyes.
Until—
"Leo! What are you staring at me for? Fontaine's laws state that gazing at a deity for more than one minute is a crime!"
It's over. I'm done for!
Leo immediately bowed low, voice trembling with sincerity.
"Respected Lady Furina, I regret my mistakes. Please forgive me! I… I don't want to be sent to Merope's Fortress!"
Furina licked her lips, stood, and walked over to him. Her long legs stopped right beside him, making his eyes widen.
"What mistake did you commit?"
Leo panicked. Which one?!
"I… I shouldn't have stared at you. That was my fault."
"Hmm? Anything else?"
Anything else?
"I… shouldn't have lowered my head when placing the documents this morning. By lowering my head, I… inadvertently offended your lips."
Having confessed, Leo shut his eyes tight, bracing himself for death.
"Continue."
His mind reeled. There's more?!
"Last night… last night, I shouldn't have leaned so close to you, which led to…"
His words faltered. Accepting his fate, Leo resigned himself.
It's over. Truly over. Merope's Fortress, here I come. Brother Lyney's tea may be awful, but I'll have no choice but to drink it now!
But instead of condemning him, Furina clutched her stomach and burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha! I can't take this—your expression, your words! I'm dying of laughter. Fine! Your apology was sincere enough. I forgive your mistakes."
Leo snapped upright, relief flooding him.
As expected—the Hydro Archon is merciful after all! She couldn't truly cast me into Merope's Fortress.
"But!" Furina's expression darkened again. "I'm still very angry!"
...
And so, instead of finishing his work, Leo was dragged along to accompany Furina as she fed the stray cats, dogs, and pigeons around the city.
But at least, compared to being imprisoned in Merope's Fortress and drinking terrible tea with Lyney, it was a far better fate.