Akio, Murata Himeko, and little Klee appeared in the bustling streets of Inazuma City.
As they walked toward Uyuu Restaurant, by pure coincidence, they spotted Jean and Lisa sitting outside, waiting for their meal.
"Akio!" Jean, who had been happily chatting with Lisa, immediately stood up with a radiant smile upon seeing Akio approach, completely forgetting about Lisa for the moment.
Although Jean was normally a serious, capable, and disciplined Acting Grand Master, she was still an eighteen-year-old girl deep down, yearning for love and affection.
Ever since confirming her relationship with Akio, she constantly thought of him, though they didn't get to meet very often.
Recently, Jean found herself frequently distracted, her mind filled only with thoughts of Akio.
And now, with the time quickly approaching for her to return to Mondstadt, she felt even more reluctant and uneasy.
"Jean, what a nice coincidence," Akio greeted her warmly. He gently set Klee down and wrapped an arm around Jean's slender waist, softly kissing the corner of her lips.
"Mmm... Klee's watching..." Jean blushed deeply, her face bright red. Though she adored Akio's warmth and embrace, as Klee's guardian, she felt incredibly shy about displaying affection in front of the little girl.
"Klee isn't watching!" Klee giggled innocently, covering her eyes with her tiny hands—though the gaps between her fingers were wide enough to betray her curiosity.
In reality, Klee was secretly delighted! If Jean became busy dating Akio, would she have less time to keep an eye on her? Then she'd finally be free to play with her bombs again!
"Oh my~ As soon as Lord Akio arrives, my dear Jean's soul just gets whisked away," Lisa teased playfully from behind Jean, smirking mischievously.
"Lisa!" Jean shyly glanced at Akio before seriously correcting her, "I'm not yours—I'm Akio's!"
"Alright, alright~" Lisa pouted slightly, eyeing Akio with a hint of envy.
"Lisa, are you jealous of Jean, or jealous of me?" Akio asked with a teasing smile. Jean had already secretly informed him of Lisa's hidden feelings.
"Hmph~" Lisa turned her head away, feigning indifference. "Lord Akio, aren't you a bit too confident? I'm clearly jealous of Jean."
"Oh, really?" Encouraged by Jean's gentle gaze, Akio suddenly reached out, pulling the beautiful Rose Witch firmly into his embrace.
"Eep!" Lisa gasped in surprise, staring blankly at Akio, momentarily stunned.
Akio savored the feeling of Lisa's voluptuous, soft body pressed against him, the faint scent of roses from her hair intoxicating his senses.
"Lord Akio! You... you're such a villain," Lisa whispered shyly, her cheeks flushed scarlet.
"Lisa, I've always had complete confidence in my charm," Akio gently lifted her delicate chin, gazing deeply into her amethyst eyes. "Could it be that the noble Purple Rose doesn't like me?"
"Hmph~ You wicked man! You're just teasing me," Lisa pouted playfully, her eyes softening as she gazed into Akio's handsome face.
Her slender fingers gently caressed his cheek as she murmured softly, "Lord Akio, you're truly a villain... effortlessly stealing even a witch's heart."
"Then I'm overjoyed," Akio laughed softly. "I've been longing for a taste of the Rose Witch for quite a while now."
"Hmph~" Lisa smiled seductively, leaning closer to him. "The taste of a witch? Only Lord Akio can experience it firsthand."
"But... Lisa does have one question. Could Lord Akio please enlighten me?" Lisa asked softly, her eyes earnest.
"Ask away," Akio nodded gently.
"All things in the world come with a price—even the power of the gods. So... what about the love of a god? Lisa greedily desires a god's love, but what price must I pay?" Lisa whispered, her eyes filled with sincerity and longing.
"Of course there's a price," Akio gently stroked Lisa's smooth, delicate cheek. "The price is that you must remain forever by the god's side, unwaveringly following him and offering him everything."
"So that's how it is... You're quite a greedy god, aren't you?" Lisa smiled softly, standing on tiptoe to kiss Akio tenderly.
"In that case, Lisa believes she can pay this price..."
Akio enjoyed the sweet, intoxicating taste of the Rose Witch, a sensation truly indescribable to outsiders, yet utterly captivating and delightful.
...
After their meal, Lisa and Jean took Klee back to their accommodations.
Lisa playfully shooed Akio away, jokingly warning him not to push his luck.
Akio left only after teasing Jean and Lisa until they were flushed bright red, their eyes watery and affectionate.
"What a bad man..." Lisa pouted softly, watching Akio and Himeko's retreating figures.
"You're the one who provoked him!" Jean sighed helplessly at Lisa. Why did she have to drag her into this embarrassing situation as well?
"Hehe~ We're comrades on the same team now, Jean. We should share both blessings and misfortunes," Lisa laughed cheerfully, hugging Jean affectionately.
...
Strolling leisurely through the streets of Inazuma City with Himeko, Akio soon spotted Clorinde walking toward them. Her eyes looked slightly red, and she carried a box of cake, clearly distressed and upset.
Noticing her troubled mood, Akio called out gently, "Clorinde!"
Hearing his voice, Clorinde quickly turned toward him, hurrying to approach.
"Lord Akio!" she greeted him respectfully, her voice soft and troubled.
"Why have you been crying?" Akio frowned in concern. "Did someone dare to bully you here?"
"N-no... it's not that," Clorinde shook her head quietly, hesitating briefly before finally speaking. "Lord Akio, I want to ask you to save Lady Furina..."
"Furina? What's wrong with her?" Akio's eyes widened in surprise and confusion.
Clorinde recounted the conversation she'd had earlier with Furina. Akio listened carefully, his expression growing serious. After a moment's silence, he nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry, Clorinde. Both you and Furina are my precious treasures. I won't allow anything bad to happen to either of you," Akio assured her firmly.
"That girl Furina! Does she really not trust her husband?" Akio muttered irritably. "A mere prophecy? Even if it's the so-called Primordial Sea, or that Whale that swallowed the heavens itself, I'd sweep them away with a single wave of my hand!"
"Why does she keep everything bottled up? Doesn't she understand she can share her troubles with me? Or does she not believe I have the strength to help her?" Akio sighed, turning back to Clorinde. "And you too! You can always rely on me. You're no longer alone—understand?"
"I understand now..." Clorinde lowered her head, nodding softly.
"Where's Furina now? That foolish girl! What's she doing, spouting all that tragic nonsense about her 'final curtain'? I won't allow it!" Akio asked angrily, looking sharply at Clorinde.
"Where is she?"
"Um... She's back at Tenshukaku," Clorinde answered quietly, inwardly feeling that Furina was about to face Akio's wrath.