After finishing their meal and drinks, the first trial of the day at the Opera Epiclese was about to begin. As expected, Neuvillette took his seat as Chief Justice.
After tidying up, Leo and Clorinde stood outside the courtroom fence, one on the left and one on the right. Clorinde's position was precisely that of a dueliste, ready to act as a legal agent.
Throughout the trial, countless absurd and laughable moments unfolded. Even someone as composed as Clorinde occasionally thought that reality itself was more ridiculous than fiction.
But there was one exception—an exception only Leo noticed.
He was startled to realize that Lady Furina had not laughed even once during the proceedings. On the contrary, her gaze kept drifting toward him. Each time her eyes locked on, they felt as sharp as blades.
Leo thought bitterly: If looks could kill, I'd be dead a thousand times over already.
When a trial concluded, there was always a recess before the next one, giving time for the participants and audience to disperse.
During this break, Leo and his two companions gathered again, chatting idly about work and daily matters.
Meanwhile, Furina sat apart, sipping plain water. It tasted dull compared to her beloved milk tea.
I really want dessert… milk tea… and to ruffle Leo's hair.
The three naturally sensed something was wrong with her, but none could pinpoint exactly what.
"I'll go and check on her," Neuvillette finally said. In situations like this, the Lonely Heart Salon trio would not intervene.
Yet when Neuvillette reached the fence, Uther—the stout octopus bailiff—stepped forward respectfully.
"Mr. Neuvillette, Lady Furina has instructed that you may not enter either."
Neuvillette's eyes narrowed slightly. Looking past the octopus toward Furina, who sat with arms folded and eyes closed, he asked in a tone that carried quiet authority, "Are you certain?"
The weight behind his voice was so commanding that Uther froze where he stood.
At the sound, Furina turned her head. She met Neuvillette's questioning gaze, then glanced at Leo, who was quietly sipping tea.
Little guard… come here. You're finished today!
Helpless, Neuvillette had no choice but to retreat and return to his tea.
"Leo, Lady Furina is still angry with you. You'll have to find your own way to mend things."
With that, Neuvillette rose and resumed his post at the judgment seat.
Clorinde smiled knowingly, then walked off in another direction. She had a pretty good guess about the situation.
Only Leo remained bewildered, completely failing to understand.
The half-day trial session ended, with the final trial scheduled for the evening. In the meantime, Furina was obliged to meet and greet her many devoted fans.
As Leo followed the briskly moving Hydro Archon, he almost laughed at her antics—but he forced himself to hold it in. If I laugh now, I'll make everything worse.
At the reception room, he finally saw a smile flicker across Furina's face.
Standing discreetly behind the sofa while Furina conversed with her admirers, Leo occasionally interjected with a witty remark. This was a privilege Furina herself had granted him, allowing him to liven the atmosphere during these stiff receptions.
When the fan meeting ended, Furina cast Leo a sidelong glance, curled her lips slightly, and retreated into her adjoining office—locking the door behind her.
Leo was left standing outside, staring at the firmly closed door.
Is my work finished?
He pulled out his pocket watch. It was the perfect time for limited-edition desserts.
"Lady Furina, I'm going out to buy some sweets. Please stay safe."
He waited a full minute. Hearing no reply, he finally left.
As he strolled down the lively streets of Fontaine, Leo puzzled over Furina's coldness.
Is she napping? No, if she wanted to rest she would've gone to have tea with Neuvillette. So why…?
Then, as he reached the dessert shop and saw rows of treats and milk teas, realization struck.
It must be because I shared dessert with someone else! That has to be it!
Resolute, Leo bought every dessert available—including the limited editions.
What he didn't know was that Furina had not been angry at first. She had only wanted time alone to think carefully about her relationship with Leo.
The prophecy always weighed heavily on her heart. She didn't know how many more years it would last. Perhaps another five hundred… Until it was resolved, she could never truly be at peace.
After securing a massive box of desserts, Leo stopped by a furniture store. The busy shopkeeper looked up.
"Boss, is the bed ready?"
Upon seeing Leo, the owner brightened. "Yes, yes, Mr. Leo. I've already dispatched delivery to the Palais Mermonia. Everything was built exactly to your specifications—finest wood, best craftsmen. About the payment…"
"Charge it to the Palais Mermonia. I don't carry that much on me—collect it from Neuvillette later."
Leaving those words behind, Leo departed with the dessert box, while the bewildered shopkeeper muttered anxiously about whether it was wise to send such an account to Neuvillette.
Back outside Furina's office, Leo knocked softly.
"Lady Furina, I've bought dessert."
After a brief silence, the door opened. Furina stood there with a serious expression. Just as Leo was about to step inside, she noticed the enormous box in his arms.
Hmph! Now you know how to make it up to me. Where was this effort before?
"Come in."
Following her command, Leo entered and set the box on the coffee table. Turning, he noticed Furina still standing by the doorway without closing it.
"Lady Furina… are you planning to throw me out again?"
She folded her arms across her chest, tacitly affirming his words.
But Leo felt certain now—she would not dismiss him this time.
He slumped onto the sofa, feigning misery. "Lady Furina, please don't drive me away! Woo woo woo~"
It is said that when a man is seventy percent drunk, he begins to act until he cries. But Leo hadn't drunk a drop—he was simply acting pitiful, even forcing out tears, as though deeply wronged.
Furina froze. She had never seen Leo like this before.
After a moment's thought, she quietly closed and locked the door.
Leo's heart skipped a beat. Why lock it…?
Furina walked toward him with a mock-pout, matching his theatrics.
"Leo! You scoundrel! You actually gave away the dessert I bought for me—to someone else—and did it right in front of me! Woo woo woo~"
Her tears, at first staged, soon became real. As she spoke, a surge of genuine grievance overwhelmed her.
That was three desserts! I didn't even get a single bite!
And so, she cried for real.
Leo was left utterly dumbfounded.
Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?
He hurried to open the dessert box, fumbling to comfort her.
At first, Furina had been playing a part. But the longer she went on, the more she truly felt her heartbreak.