In the warden's office, Leosli's expression shifted as he looked at Leo.
"No, my good friend, do you truly believe everything Lady Furina says? What does this have to do with the Fatui?"
"There are spies from the Fatui in Merope's Fortress," Leosli continued, "but no matter how powerful they are, they wouldn't dare break into this office without permission!"
"That's exactly why," Leo replied calmly. "It's up to you to deal with them—Leosli and his spies."
As he spoke, Leo took out a pouch of tea from his pocket and offered it symbolically.
Looking at the tea leaves, Leosli's heart leapt with excitement.
Good boy, still hiding such treasures. But really—bribing me in front of the Hydro Archon herself?
Still, money talks… and good tea speaks even louder.
Leosli snatched the tea with a grin. "Deal! I'll go sort this out right away."
With that, he quickly left the office, already having a certain Fatui spy in mind to "catch."
Inside the office, Furina smiled slyly at Leo. "Leo, I didn't expect you to be so clever."
"What's wrong, Lady Furina?" Leo asked, genuinely confused by her sudden praise.
Walking up to him, Furina pinched the flesh of his waist and teased, "You bribed an important official right in front of the Hydro Archon. Tell me, should I accuse you?"
Leo blinked rapidly, his face twitching. He quickly turned and replied, "Lady Furina, this isn't a bribe—it's a gift between friends! Besides, I did it for your safety. Surely you're not really going to accuse me?"
Seeing the earnestness in his expression, Furina's smile widened. She reached up, pinching both sides of Leo's face and kneading them playfully.
It feels nice.
Though Leo wasn't used to bending over and having his face pinched, he couldn't deny it felt… strangely good. Lady Furina's soft, delicate hands carried an indescribable sensation—and a faint, sweet fragrance.
The more she played with him, the redder his face became, his features softening until he looked almost delicate.
Noticing this, Furina's playful side only grew bolder. She began to pinch, pat, and tug at him, even pulling his hair now and then to make him lower his head for more teasing.
Pulling with uneven strength, Furina suddenly yanked Leo too hard, dragging him right over her.
Leo didn't resist. Why would he? It was Lady Furina touching him. He let his guard down completely—falling forward and pinning her to the ground.
Their eyes locked. Their lips brushed. Their breaths mingled, hearts racing uncontrollably.
And just then—
The office door slammed open. A prisoner was thrown inside.
"Lady Furina, I've brought the prison—"
Leosli froze mid-sentence. His words trailed off, replaced with a bemused chuckle.
From his angle, it looked like Leo had forced the Hydro Archon to the ground, his hands shielding her head and back protectively.
As expected of my good friend. Not only does he dare blaspheme the Hydro Archon, but he does so without shame.
Hearing Leosli's voice, Furina quickly pushed Leo away, spun into her chair, and crossed her legs with practiced grace—all within two seconds. Even the flush on her cheeks vanished instantly.
Leo, on the other hand, was left squatting on the floor in a daze.
What a shameful sight for a young man in love.
"Ahem! Leo!" Furina coughed lightly, snapping him back to reality.
Noticing Leosli's knowing smirk, Leo stood stiffly and summoned a faint chill of Cryo energy to hide his embarrassment.
Leosli barely contained his laughter, utterly delighted. He lived for these "live performances of love"—especially when they involved the Hydro Archon and her naive, earnest little guard.
He moved to a shelf, retrieved a stack of documents, and handed them to Leo.
"Jeanette, an agent of the Fatui's House of the Hearth, entered Merope's Fortress last year to gather intelligence. Why were you following Lady Furina today?"
His sharp gaze landed on Jeanette, who lay bound on the ground. If she spoke a single wrong word, she'd never leave the office alive.
Jeanette was dazed. What had she even done today?
After being thrown out of the underground boxing ring by Leo, she had simply eaten lunch and gone home for a nap—only to be abducted by Leosli and accused of espionage.
"Sir, I'm innocent!" she cried.
Sitting elegantly in her chair, Furina's gaze turned vague. She herself had been the one peeking earlier, but from Leosli's look, he must have guessed it was Jeanette. Still…
Drawing his black longsword, Leo strode toward Jeanette and leveled the blade at her throat.
"Confess! Were you planning to assassinate the Hydro Archon? Speak now—or be executed!"
Cryo energy burst from him, ice crystals forming thickly around the spy.
"Sir, I really—" Jeanette's voice quivered.
Seeing her stubbornness, Leo raised his blade, ready to deliver a single, merciless strike.
Furina covered her eyes, unwilling to watch the scene unfold.
"Hold!" Leosli caught Leo's arm hurriedly. "Don't be reckless. We'll investigate and give Lady Furina the truth she deserves."
Exhaling sharply, Leo lowered his weapon. "Forgive me. I was too rash, striking without confirming. But she dared to tail Lady Furina—that cannot go unpunished!"
Leosli nodded with understanding. The boy's still young, not yet hardened to the evils of human nature. That's fine.
Jeanette trembled, barely alive. "Thank you, sir, thank you for sparing me!"
Hearing her voice, Furina cautiously uncovered her eyes. The first thing she saw was Leo's smiling face—so unchanged, so steady.
But that kiss just now…
We'll need to settle that account later.
Normally, even accidental contact with Leo would send her into days of flustered seclusion. Yet this time, she wanted to confront it directly.
Once Jeanette was dragged away, Leosli glanced back at Leo—currently being tousled and rubbed by Furina.
Why does this look so much like petting a dog?
"Lady Furina, the matter is resolved," Leosli reported.
"Good. Well done. I'll ask Neuvillette to allocate additional funds to you upon my return." Furina replied, absentmindedly ruffling Leo's hair.
Stepping aside, Leosli secretly pulled out his camera and snapped a flurry of photos. Wonderful! Absolutely priceless! I must share these with my friends. Such rare treasures!
Meanwhile, Leo's heart raced.
Lady Furina is touching me… Can I touch her back?