Night fell, and the sky was adorned with countless stars.
In Luo Qing's ho, the dining room was lively, the sound of cheerful conversations filling the air.
At the farthest corner of the table, however, Furina sat quietly, distant from the vibrant atmosphere. It was as if she didn't belong.
Though Makoto, seated beside Luo Qing at the other end of the table, kept trying to engage her in conversation, Furina found it hard to blend in.
After all, to her, she was just a guest here.
But everyone else?
They were family.
It was only now that Furina truly understood why, earlier, the won had been so alard when she almost took the main seat at the table.
Luo Qing was the center of this household—the calm eye of the storm. Every woman here wanted to be close to him during dinner.
And any change in his seat would shift the balance of proximity, a subtle equilibrium that allowed each woman to sit where they were most comfortable.
For instance, Makoto and Bu'er, two strong contenders for the role of the "official wife," were seated on either side of Luo Qing, signifying their determination to claim that position.
anwhile, poor Theresa, who was simply happy to be acknowledged as part of the family, didn't care where she sat as long as she was at the table. That landed her directly across from Furina.
"Furina, dear, you seem a bit troubled."
Makoto spoke warmly, her tone filled with genuine concern. "Is sothing bothering you? Perhaps we can help?"
"N-no, it's nothing. Thank you for your kindness, Miss Makoto."
Furina shook her head and returned to eating silently.
Back when none of these won were around, she could visit Luo Qing's ho without even announcing her arrival. But now...
So there's this barrier between us after all...
A strange emotion stirred in Furina's chest, a mix of frustration and longing.
For a fleeting mont, the thought crossed her mind:
Maybe I should accept Makoto's invitation, join them, and beco part of this family... Then I could take Makoto's place myself.
But as quickly as the idea ca, she shook her head to dispel it.
Fontaine's crisis is far from over. I can't let petty rivalry distract now! If I ever take charge, it'll be after the crisis is resolved.
"By the way..."
Furina remained silent, but Makoto wasn't one to give up easily.
"Speaking of which, Furina, have you given any thought to what we talked about last ti?"
The mont those words left her mouth, the other won fell silent, their attention shifting to Furina.
This wasn't just small talk—Makoto's question held implications. If Furina agreed, it might an one more person to share Luo Qing's ti, and with the household already stretched thin, adding another woman could lead to even less ti with him.
Still, Makoto had frad it as sothing tied to Luo Qing's fate, leaving the others no choice but to begrudgingly accept the possibility.
"U-ugh...!"
Caught off guard by the question, Furina choked on her food and coughed several tis. Her gaze darted between Luo Qing and Makoto, only to realize that every woman at the table was watching her. Embarrassnt washed over her as she awkwardly curled her toes inside her shoes.
"I... I haven't decided yet."
Suddenly standing, she offered a quick bow to the group.
"I'm full now. Thank you all for the al. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave. Goodnight!"
With that, she bolted out of the room like a startled deer.
"..."
The remaining won exchanged silent glances.
She's as timid as Theresa... Isn't she supposed to be a god?
"What did you say to her?" Luo Qing turned to Makoto, raising an eyebrow. "What's this secret between you two?"
"Hehe~"
Makoto's lips curved into a playful smile as she glanced toward Bu'er, giving her a sly, almost challenging wink.
Then she leaned close to Luo Qing, whispering softly in his ear, "Co to my room tonight, and I'll tell you~"
"..."
---
At the Palais rmonia, Neuvillette stood outside Furina's private chambers, his expression as composed as ever. Occasionally, he glanced outside, waiting.
Finally, Furina's figure appeared, walking toward the corridor with her head down and her shoulders slumped, clearly troubled by sothing.
"Where have you been?"
Neuvillette's tone was calm, though he struggled to make his concern evident.
"Nowhere special..." Furina waved dismissively as she passed by him. "I just had dinner at Luo Qing's house."
"..."
Dinner at Luo Qing's house right after his return?
At least she didn't stay overnight.
"Did you need sothing?"
Furina yawned, clearly exhausted. "I'm worn out from eting with the servant earlier. If it's not urgent, I'm going to bed."
"I wanted to discuss sothing about Luo Qing with you."
Neuvillette's voice remained asured.
His intuition told him there was sothing Furina and Luo Qing were hiding from him. After witnessing Luo Qing's strange behavior in ropide, Neuvillette felt it was necessary to share his suspicions.
"What about him?"
Furina paused, her curiosity piqued. "If it's just another warning to be careful around him, you don't need to bother. I already know why he approached ."
"Just so old tales—re speculations."
Neuvillette shook his head. "If you're not interested, I'll leave it at that."
"Alright then..."
Furina's eyes were distant, her mind replaying the image of Luo Qing at dinner, surrounded by all the won.
"Let's talk another ti. I'm too tired. Goodnight."
She waved him off and trudged past, disappearing into her chambers.
"..."
Neuvillette watched her retreating figure in silence.
His gaze shifted toward the direction of Luo Qing's ho, lingering there for a mont before he shook his head and quietly left the palace.
---
Back at Luo Qing's house, in the bedroom...
Luo Qing lay half-reclined on the bed, while Makoto straddled him, gazing down at him like a queen surveying her domain, her eyes brimming with affection.
Luo Qing's arms encircled her slender waist as he spoke softly, "Now, can you finally tell what you said to Furina?"
"It's nothing serious~"
Makoto smiled, her fingers lightly tracing patterns across his chest.
"I just gave her a little hint about the future and presented her with a few choices, that's all~"
"Choices..." Luo Qing frowned. "What kind of choices?"
"Hehe~"
Makoto's playful smile returned as she tilted her head, her expression teasing.
"Give a kiss, and I'll tell you~"
"..."
With a resigned sigh, Luo Qing leaned in and gave her a light peck on the cheek.
"Happy now?"
"Of course~"
Makoto's smile grew sweeter as she snuggled into his embrace, her voice soft and mischievous.
"I simply invited her to join us. That's all~"
"To join us..."
Reviews
All reviews (0)